'Mighty Fine Brown' at the helm
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Melvin Brown of Wheeler, pictured above, recently was named commander of the Bath American Legion Charles E. Westcott Post 173.

BATH - For most of his life, 70-year-old Melvin Brown has worked in the electrical engineering field.

But Brown, who recently was named commander of the Bath American Legion, says his life's work has been about more than engineering. "I feel I've done the thing expected of me as a good citizen," he said in a recent interview. "All of my work is for the safety of the American people."

Brown replaces Mike McNally as commander of the Charles E. Westcott Post 173, after serving two years as McNally's adjutant.

He served six years in the US Marine Corps, repairing radar and navigational systems on fighter planes, then continued his service in the Army Reserves, retiring eventually as sergeant first class.

As a civilian, Brown worked for the US Navy as an electrical engineer on aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines. He also worked as an electronic technician for the University of California at Berkley.

Later, as an engineering supervisor for the New York City Transit Authority, he began making regular trips to the Hornell area as part of the NYCTA's contract work with the former Morrison- Knudsen. The experience led him to make the Southern Tier his permanent home.

A resident now of Wheeler, Brown serves as Wheeler town justice and volunteers at the Bath VA as a van driver. He also drives a school bus for the Prattsburgh Central School District.

Since becoming commander of the Bath Legion, he has been making the rounds of public meetings, introducing himself at recent meetings of the Bath town board and Bath village board.

"My whole name is Melvin Francis Brown," he told village board members last week, then added his initials - M.F. B. - also stand for "Mighty Fine Brown."