Evansville Bend History

A Unit of the United States Power Squadron
District 24

The squadron was organized through the efforts of the Kentucky Lake Squadron and District 24. Originally, in 1974 the 11 men in the Evansville, Indiana group who joined USPS were enrolled in the Kentucky Lake Squadron.

The formation of the Evansville Bend Division took place on July 14, 1975. Acting Formation Commander was Herbert Colman, S. Appointed were other Acting Formation Officers: Enoch K. Carlson, Jr., S: Executive Officer; Ronald L. Riecken, S: Administrative Officer; E. J. Cox, S: Secretary-Treasurer; Richard Geier, S: Educational Officer.

On August 14, 1975, approval of Division status was received. Those who had been appointed Acting Formation Officers were elected as Formation Officers. The first Public Boating Course conducted by EVANSVILLE BEND DIVISION was presented in September, followed by the Seamanship Course for members. By the end of the year, the Division had 27 members, of which 25 had the Seamanship rating.

In October, 1976, the Division requested approval to become a full-fledged Squadron. There were 30 members at the time.

On February 20, 1977 members attended a Squadron Formation Meeting. Also present were District Commander David Johnson, District Executive officers Homer Van Atta, Commander William F. Mareum, and several Past Commanders of the Kentucky Lake Squadron. The Roster, Petition for Charter, and transfer forms were signed by members. The Squadron Burgee design was prepared for National approval.

The first officers elected for the EVANSVILLE BEND SQUADRON were:

Commander: Herbert Colman, S Executive Officer: Enoch K. Carlson, Jr., S Administrative Officer: Ronald L. Riecken, S* Secretary: Robert B. Henkle, S Treasurer: Edward J. Cox, S Educational Officer: Richard G. Geier, S* Assistant Educational Officer: Jack Strassweg, S * Current members

On March 11, 1977 the EVANSVILLE BEND SQUADRON was chartered with 29 members by the USPS Governing Board.

Today, EVANSVILLE BEND POWER SQUADRON has grown to over 55 members including Family Members, Junior Members, Apprentice, and Women Certificate Members. We celebrated our 30th Anniversary in 2007.

Even though we are one of the smaller squadrons in District 24 of USPS, we have won many awards for Teaching Aids, numerous Education Awards, and other awards presented by the district.  Our squadron is honored to have three past District 24 Commanders, P/D/C LeRoy O. Elwood, AP, having served his watch year in 1996 - 1997. P/D/C Janice Elwood, JN served as District Commander in 2002 - 2003 and P/D/C Richard E. Mahrenholz, JN  who served as District 24 Commander in 2007 - 2008.  In addition, other members serving on a District committee is P/C John Trapp, AP in the Treasurer's Department as Chairman of the Educational Fund and P/C Ronald Eberhart, P is Chairman of the Publications, Webmaster and Computer Systems.