On Sunday Sept.25, 2023 the Knights of St John Second Regiment held its annual Mass at Our Lady of Victory Basilica followed by a breakfast for the Knights and their families. They presented Capt. Thomas Fischer, Military Commander of the Commandery, with the “Knight of the Year” award for his an outstanding and dedicated service to his Commandery, Regiment and Battalion, Parish, as well as the community.

The Rev. Msgr. David LiPuma, pastor of Our lady of Victory, also a Knight of St. John, Brig. Gen. Timothy Redinger, Buffalo Grand President, and Col. Edward Orrange, Regimental Commander, presented the Captain with the award.

Tom Fischer joined Commandery 389 in 1971. he received the 2nd and 3rd degrees in 1977 followed by the Noble Degree in 1987. he became a 2nd Lt. in 1979 and became a 1st Lt in 1980. He then became Captain in 1982 and is still serving Commandery 381 in that capacity. he has also served in various civil offices one of which was President and later became Military Commander of 389 and now 381 which he is still Commander. Tom has served in the past as the 3rd Battalion 21 Club Chairman and was a member of the Supreme Convention Committee, Christmas Basket Committee, and Membership Committee.

He is also an Usher at St. James Church and Catholic Charities Co-Chairman for 10 years. he now serves as Chairman of the Parish Wish Tree for St. John XXIII Parish and had so for the past 29 years, and will continue to do so.

He has been Director of the Erie County Federation of Sportsman for more than over 15 years. In addition, he is an instructor for the New york hunter education Program, including shotgun and archery for 5 years.

He is also involved in the ECFSC activities Kid’s Fest Teach-Me to Fish programs at Tift Farms, Chestnut Ridge, Broderick Park, and Ellicott Park. On the Community level, this also includes stocking fish at little Buffalo Creek, Cazenovia Creek, and Como Park.

 

Submitted by,

Brig. Gen. James J. Setlock

Commandery 381 Secretary