Submitted by: Lori Mellinger

Category: Visual

For years, American Legion Post 22 in Northglenn, Colo., has sold ceiling tiles to members. The tiles are decorated to show pride of service, pride of branch/unit, and remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Some of the tiles are simply decorated with stenciling. About four years ago, member Lori Mellinger started doing the artwork for members. Mellinger is junior vice commander, chairman of Children & Youth and a member of the honor guard. At the present time, she has decorated 45 tiles. Some tiles are done with ideas from the member, while others give her full rein.
The members, and Mellinger, are proud to have these tiles displayed - so proud, that Mellinger is being honored by the Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum (BVMM) with an art exhibit. The museum is located in Broomfield, Colo. Exhibits usually run for three to four months. Local "Coffee and Conversations" are held at the museum. Speakers are invited on various topics.
Mellinger 's tiles will be on display from Sept. 11 until Dec. 31, 2021.
If you live in Colorado, or plan to travel to the Denver metro area, it is worth the time to visit this little diamond in the rough.

About the author:

Lori L Mellinger is an Air Force veteran, serving from 1978-1982 as an integrated avionics system specialist on the F-15 fighter. She currently serves as post junior vice commander, chairman of Children & Youth for both the post and district, and is a member of the post honor guard. She retired after 35 years in retail.