Commander’s Comments - June 2026

Post Commander - Dave Craigen

Commander's Comments

Last month I was privileged to witness the naming of the VA clinic in Auburn in honor of [the late] Louis A. Conter. Though it was a wet and rather cold day there remained a standing room only crowd for this Grass Valley Navy Hero of WWII ...

Congressman Kiley did a wonderful speech revealing Lou as a man and Navy commander of 30 years service. For those who do not know; Lou became the last survivor of the bombing of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, also he went on to fly hundreds of combat missions and rescue missions saving literally hundreds of lives as a black cat pilot. Members of our Post 130 Honor Guard presented the colors during the ceremony.

Another standard Lou created, which by the way, is still used by all branches is S. E. R. E – Survival Evasion Resistance Escape training. Lou had created this training himself, which by the way was used by our own Viet Nam Prisoners. In fact, Senator John McCain personally thanked Lou for this training which he stated saved his life.  So, Lou's legacy lives on and serves us all well as a guiding post in acknowledging our country and our values.

From all of us vets – our deepest gratitude .... Thank you Lou.

– Post Commander - Dave Craigen