Fenn family tradition of service continues at American Legion post

MEDINA — Sydney Fenn helped establish Medina's American Legion Post 202 in 1919 after returning from service in World War I and served as post commander from 1924-25. Now, his son will step into the role a century later. U.S. Army veteran Bob Fenn has been elected commander of Post 202, which operates out of the Medina County Veterans Memorial Hall at 620 N. Broadway St. "When Dave Taylor, our past commander for three years, asked if I wanted to run for commander he phrased his question in a way I could not refuse," Bob Fenn said. "He simply asked me if I would be interested in walking in my father's footsteps. The answer was immediate, 'Of course, I would be honored to be considered.' " The elder Fenn also worked as a teacher and principal of Medina High School before working his way up to district superintendent and having Sydney Fenn Elementary School named after him following his 1961 retirement. The younger Fenn served in the Army from 1960-63, taking inspiration from his father and older brother Craig Fenn, who fought in World War II's Battle of the Bulge. Craig Feen eventually made it back home but was wounded three times during his service and was at one point missing in action and a prisoner of war, his brother said. "Our family history of service to country goes back to eight Fenn brothers who fought in the Revolutionary War," Bob Feen said, "some of whom later received land grants in the Western Reserve as reward for their service. One of the brothers, Theophilus Merriman Fenn, established his homestead on a plot of land on the southeast corner of what became Fenn Road and (state) Route 42 in 1832." Bob's son, Dan Fenn, has carried on the Fenn family tradition of service through 13 years of enlistment in the Army and National Guard. "This is an excellent transition of commanders. Bob is also actively involved in Kiwanis and other pursuits and we will be able to keep the strong working relationships the Legion post has developed with other civic organizations in the community," said Taylor, the post's retiring commander. "I am a big believer in traditions." Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (440) 330-721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.