Susitna Valley Post 35 News

October, 2011

Meet Your Legion Family – September 2001

Every Month I hope to bring you a Biography of one of our Legion Family members.
I intend to start with the Charter Members and work my way down the list in alphabetical order after that. So be prepared, your day is coming…this Month our Commander is leading by example and starting things off…

Dallas Massie: Biography

Born: June 29 1947 in Toledo, Ohio

Raised in the small village of Swanton, Ohio population approx. 3,500. Father was a World War II veteran serving in the Army Air Corps in a B-29 unit stationed on Guam in the Pacific theater.
My maternal grandfather earned his U.S. citizenship by serving in France as a World War I veteran. I grew up in the American Legion in my home town as a child. I graduated from high school in 1965 and joined the United States Air Force in March 1966. I was trained as an aircraft mechanic stationed at Lockbourne AFB assigned to the 301 Air Refueling Squadron (Strategic Air Command) working on KC-135 aircraft.

I married my high school girlfriend, Alice Shaffer, April 27 1968. Alice’s father was a World War II veteran serving in the Army Air Corps as a B-29 tail gunner. Alice’s paternal grandfather was a World War I veteran serving on the front lines of France and Germany.  I was transferred to Elmendorf AFB in 1968 assigned to the 17 Tactical Airlift Squadron as a C-130 crew chief. Honorable discharged in 1970 and decided to remain in Alaska. I worked for Greater Anchorage Area Borough and various construction and truck driving jobs before moving to the Valley in 1974. Alice and I raised four
sons and one daughter here in the Valley. In 1981 I joined the Alaska State Troopers and served approximately 25 years retiring in 2006. During my law enforcement career I served the communities Mat-Su Valley, Kotzebue, and Talkeetna.

I had joined the American Legion, Jack Henry Post #1, in 1968 while I was still on active duty. After moving to the Valley I let my Legion membership expire. In the late 70′s I was approached by Ted Cremer regarding the efforts by Lou McManus, himself, and others to start a local American Legion Post.
I joined in that effort and eventually became a charter member of the newly established Susitna Valley Post #35. I was working for Wasilla Aggregate as a truck driver when we poured the original slab for our post. Once again I let my membership lapse for a short time. I renewed my membership and currently serve as your commander.