At left: Robert Bonter (left), commander of the American Legion post in Mackinaw City, and Ed Johnson, post chaplain, pose for a photograph with Shelba Johnson, whose son's family was selected military family of the year. All three enjoyed a meal at the American Legion's Veterans Day potluck dinner Wednesday, November 11. Veterans, American Legion members, and residents of Mackinaw City ate and danced during the American Legion potluck at Mackinaw City Wednesday, November 11. While laughing at jokes and sharing the most recent events in their lives, smiles crossed the faces of everyone in the packed American Legion post on North Huron Avenue.

Shelba Johnson beamed with pride as she mingled during the dinner. The family of her son, Sergeant Dennis Leanes, was selected Marine Corps Family of the Year as well as Military Family of the Year by the National Military Family Association. Families of the year are selected for seven branches of the military, and of those seven, one is chosen as the overall military family of the year.

"I'm just so proud of them," she said.

Sgt. Leanes and his wife, Kristy, have five daughters, Syvannah, Bethany, Marissa, Emily, and Kerianne, and a son, Jordan. The family is active in their Ishpeming community, Mrs. Johnson said, with the children baking cookies for other families whose members are deployed in service. Bethany babysits for mothers whose husbands have been deployed, while Kristy makes clothing for her children, Mrs. Johnson said.

Sgt. Leanes hails from a military background, his father serving in the Air Force and his uncle working with the Marines. Mrs. Johnson said Sgt, Leanes always looked up to his uncle, which may be why he chose to serve with the Marines. Having been deployed in Korea and Iraq twice in his career, he will return home to Ishpeming Saturday, November 14, for a family reunion.

Ed Thompson sat near Mrs. Johnson, enjoying the array of potluck food. Mr. Thompson, who served in the Air Force after high school, had high praise for the American Legion, saying the members are excellent people and offer "camaraderie beyond compare."

Fred Hollister, vice commander of the American Legion 10th District, relaxed alongside Jon Fennych, VA benefits director of the Cedarbrook Village Senior Living establishment in Mackinaw City. Both Mr. Hollister and Mr. Fennych have family who serve in the military.

Mr. Hollister has two nephews, John and Jim Toker, who are in their second tour in Iraq.

Mr. Fennych's son and daughter, Monty and Sonji, have retired from the military, while his other daughter, Carrie, serves in a joint task force. Mr. Fennych's granddaughter, Heidi, recently returned from Iraq.

Mr. Fennych, who retired from the army as a First Sergeant, takes great pride in the work he performs for Cedarbrook.

"I fight for veterans' benefits," he said.

Mr. Hollister, who served for 13 years in the Air Force, covers 30 American Legion posts in 12 counties as commander.

Boisterous banjo music echoed throughout the room as Banjo Ray and Friends played and the celebration of veterans new and old continued throughout the evening.

The Banjo Ray and Friends band belts out tunes while visitors enjoy a potluck dinner at the American Legion post in Mackinaw City. The post was packed with veterans, legion members, and residents of Mackinaw City as they celebrated Veterans Day.