NEW DIGS — Albert “Doc”Flor, right, and Dr. Jonathan Fabian of Main Street Dental Clinic stand next to the New Richland American Legion’s patch collection, now located next door to the Star Eagle. The building will also host the Legion’s meetings. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Albert “Doc” Flor served as an Army Dentist during World War II. He was stationed stateside, ensuring troops heading overseas wouldn’t have to worry about problems with their teeth while confronting the enemy.
“I worked on countless soldiers from different units,” said Flor. “Many of the patches in my collection were from those soldiers.”
The huge display of military patches includes every infantry and armored unit in the U.S. Army. On the sides are patches from various organizations in the Navy, Marines and Air Force. There are also numerous badges signifying different military ranks.
“Don Batt put this all together a few years ago, “ said Flor. “It’s the largest collection I’ve ever seen.”
The large display of patches now hangs on a wall in the office adjacent to Main Street Dental in New Richland. Previously, the display took up most of the north wall of the Legion club on South Broadway.
“The great thing about these patches is they were worn by real soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines,” said Flor. “They are not replicas.”
Main Street Dental has been gracious enough to allow the Legion members to now hold their meetings in the offices adjacent to the dental clinic on North Broadway.
