Bill Nuernberg
42nd Constabulary Squadron
1946 - 1947
Bill Nuernberg is the band's sponsor from
the American Legion, Giles B. Cook Post #53, of Front Royal, Va.
Thanks to him the Community Band never has to worry about funding. If it
weren't for Bill Nuernberg, it's doubtful that Front Royal would have a
community band. Not only does he arrange for all funding for the
band through the American Legion, it was his idea and planning that formed
the band in 1986. One day in the summer of 1986 Bill and his brother-in-law
were helping a neighbor {who happened to be John Russell, the band director
at the high school} when Bill casually asked John if he would be
interested in forming a community band. John replied, "I was just
waiting to be asked." Bill arranged for the funding from the American
Legion and the rest is history.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Bill operated
a poultry farm and hatchery with his brother after graduating high school.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1945 and served in the occupation forces
in Germany in Friesing, Bavaria with the 42nd Constabulary Squadron
in 1946 and 1947. After his service, he returned to Pennsylvania
where he married Grace Kuffner and began working in the construction industry.
Working at various construction projects in Alabama, Virginia, Pennsylvania,
and Maryland, Bill first came to Front Royal in 1949 as part
of a project for American Viscose {later FMC, and then Avtex}. In
1953 he and his wife settled in Front Royal where they raised three daughters,
Sally, Gretchen, and Kate. Bill retired 1985, and lost his beloved
wife right before Christmas in 1992.
Bill joined the Giles B. Cook, Post #53
of the American Legion in 1974. He has held numerous positions, including
First Vice Commander in 1984 and Commander in 1985. He served subsequently
as First and Second Vice Commander, as well as four terms as Finance Officer.
He has spent many years on the Executive Board and was named American Legion
State Legionnaire of Virginia in 1987. He is currently the
First Vice Commander, Chairman of the Membership Committee, the Americanism
Committee, and the Children and Youth Committee. The flags that adorn
Front Royal for holidays are placed by his committee.
Since his retirement, Bill has been busy
with many volunteer activities. He has volunteered with the AARP
Tax Aide Program for the last 17 years where he prepares income tax returns
for senior citizens and low to medium income taxpayers at no cost.
He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars an is Treasurer of the Cedarville
Heights Property Owners Association. He is a lover of classical music,
bowling and golf. He also grows blueberries on a small scale.
According to Bill, the American Legion is proud to sponsor the Community
Band and we, the band members, are proud to have Bill and the Giles
B. Cook, Post #53.
American Legion Community Band
Front Royal/Waren County, Va.
Thank you George Thompson for sending in this article.