AL Post 136 Newsletter - Feb 2009

http://www.al136.com

American Legion Family:

Mid Winter Forum will be held this weekend at Hutchinson Post 68 located at 730 W. 4th. If you go, registration is on Friday 4-8, Sat. starting at 7:30. This meeting gives a year end update of the activity of your Legion in the past year and guest speaker will be Jimmie Foster, Alaska, the leading candidate for National Commander. Everyone is invited.

5th District Oratorical contest will also be this weekend. Sunday, Feb 7 at 1pm. It will be held at Derby Middle school at 801 N. Madison.

50/50: We will be selling 50/50 tickets at the bar, at all times throughout the month. Cost is $1 or 6/$5. On meeting nights we have a 10 for $5 special. A ticket will be drawn at the monthly meetings. You do not have to be present but hold onto you tickets because the winning number will be posted. You have until the next meeting to claim you half of the winnings. After that, we thank you for you contribution. For the next two months, the Post half of the money will go towards the SAL children’s Christmas party for toys. So help a child and buy a ticket (or 5) next time you stop in.

Scholarship deadlines for both the Post and Riders $1000 scholarships are coming due in March. If you have an eligible student, be sure to get the qualifying documents in.

Board of Governors opening: We will be electing a to fill an opening on the BOG at the March meeting. A Legion, SAL or Auxiliary member can fill this position. If you are interested in being apart of the Post leadership and join this team, please be at the meeting. If you cannot be there in person be sure to let your desires known prior to the election. The BOG plays a huge role in the success of the post. We need your leadership.

Ceremonial Bugle: Our Bugle, which was generously donated by Bill Logan, has come in. We had a demo Monday night and you will never hear a purer playing of taps. We are looking for a few people to be a bugler at any event we or someone else may have. If someone requests our bugle, it will come with one of our designated members to play it. There are two signed up but we can use a couple of more. Once it is nailed down, we will secure the bugle and only those authorized will have access to it. If you want to be a part of future ceremonies where taps, retreat, reveille, etc are needed to be played, let me know.

Post membership now sits at 96% of quota. Actually that is not true. We voted in six new members last night and had one renewal. We are now 17 away from quota. Again I make the plea that if you are getting this newsletter and have not renewed as yet, please get it in as soon as possible. Shortly, you will not be getting the newsletter if you do not renew, so get it in. If you purchase a life membership, it solves all the problems for quota. Yes that is a hint.

Fireworks: A little early to get real excited about this project but there are some updates for the post. The city of Mulvane was petitioned at a council meeting and we received a reduction in our city fee of $1,500. This will help our profit by that much and we are very appreciative of the city’s action. They recognized our contributions. We are also planning for what we will need as we get closer. If anyone has a contact at the city, school, or church, were we can borrow some tables (we need about 20 8 foot tables) for the week of the stand in July. Also need 2 porta potties and a couple of fire extinguishers. Our source for tables is not available this year. I anyone can help us out, get back with me.

Web master John Wilson, who created and maintains our post web page, is asking if someone can take over the event calendar that is found on the home page. He will maintain the site but needs to free up some of his time. If you have the ability and desire to help take over this one portion of the web site, get back to me. John says it is not that time consuming but with the rest of the site, it is more than he can handle right now. He will work with anyone interested. If no one can help, the event calendar may have to be deleted.

Post By-law change: Next month, we will be voting on a by-law change that was read at the meeting. Per guidelines, here is the proposal:

Present wording:
Article XV; Section 2; Sentence 2 reads:

‘In the event a member of the BOG does not complete his or her full two-year term, the newly elected member will serve a new two year term from the date of the election.

Proposed change:

‘In the event a member of the BOG does not complete his or her full two-year term, the newly elected member will serve the remainder of the original term. If the election takes place within six months of the original member’s term, the newly elected member will serve the remaining term plus the full two-year term.

This will clear up some problems of having too many BOG members dropping off at the same time.

Mulvane HS Anti-Drug program: We have been requested and have accepted a sponsorship for a MHS anti-drug program. I do not have the details as yet since it is just being formed, but it will entail supporting and possible having vets talk to the students. As more becomes available, it will be released. This sounds like a great community project.
Post Elections: The post is still in need for candidates for various positions. There has been some rumbling by a few considering Commander, but no definite responses as yet. Historian has had no candidates and the other open positions, Service Officer and Chaplain, have candidates at least considering the office.

The post deserves the best people to take the lead, but understand the Post will get the leadership it votes for. To stand back and do nothing, when you know you can make a difference, is the same as voting for the post mediocrity. The 5th District Vice Commander has called Mulvane Post 136, the shining jewel in the District. Who am I to argue? But we can only stay that way if the good people we have waiting in the wings, move to the top. Please consider. Ask questions of the present officers and make an informed decision.

Coming UP:

SAL and ALR meetings have been pushed one week to Feb. 21 at 1:30 and 3:00
BOG meeting: 2/18 6pm
E-Board meeting: 2/24 7pm
Next Legion and Aux meeting: March 1 7pm

Rick

AL Post 136 Newsletter - Jan 2009

American Legion Family:

2010 Post Elections will be held at the April 5th meeting. Nominations, election, and induction will take place at that time. Major changes are scheduled and everyone needs to be involved and look to the future. After four years, I will not run again for Commander. In addition, Dave Stewart-Chaplain, Tom Knight-Service Officer, and Rick Johnson-Historian are stepping down from their respective positions. The 2nd Vice Commander’s position is also open. A short description of each position follows. If there is any you are interested in, please contact myself, or the present officer fulfilling said position.

Commander-Presides over all post meetings and have general supervision over the business affairs. Shall act as the chief executive officer of the post. Shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and shall perform other duties as directed by the post.
1st Vice Commander-In addition to membership being primary concern, should become familiar with all matters of post operation and shall assume duties of Commander in the absence or disability of Commander or when called upon by the Commander.
2nd Vice Commander-Shall be charged with the social and recreational aspects of the post. Should concern his/her self with veterans’ affairs.
Adjutant-Shall be in charge and keep a full record of all proceedings of meetings, keep records as Dept. and National require, render reports of membership when required and under direction of Commander, handle all correspondence.
Finance Officer-Have charge of all post finances and see they are deposited, and shall report monthly to Executive board and membership.
Chaplain-Is charged with the spiritual welfare of the post and will serve at dedication, funerals, public functions, etc.
Sgt At Arms-Shall preserve order at all meetings, ensure post is in order for said meetings, and perform duties as assigned by Executive Board. Has a critical role on holiday and post ceremonies.
Service Officer-This position is the vital link in the nationwide network of American Legion services to our veterans. Should have knowledge of programs, scholarships, and VA benefits available to veterans.
Historian-Is charged with the individual records and incidents of the post and post members. This position provides a window into the past year for all to see.

Two ‘at large’ Executive Board members-In addition to the post officers, there are two ‘at large’ elected members to serve on the board. They will be fully engaged with the operation, decision-making and setting of the post agenda.

We have many talented and dedicated people in the post and no one has to take a position in a vacuum. All present officers are here to assist in any way possible during and after the transition. With over 500 Veteran Legion members on our roles, we have a large pool to elect leadership. Please get involved with you Posts future.

Post Ceremonial Bugle: It was decided last meeting to purchase a Ceremonial Bugle for the Post. Money for this purchase was to be raised from the sale of 50/50 tickets. Bill Logan generously donated the funds to purchase the bugle and it has been ordered. Thank you Bill for your continued dedication and contribution to the post.

50/50: The way we hope to raise some funds (designated for different projects), is to sell 50/50 tickets all the time at the bar, at functions, anytime. Cost is $1/ticket or 6/$5. At the general meeting each month we will pull a ticket. If you have the right ticket, you win half the pot. If you are not present, the number will be posted. You have one month to collect or it will go back in the pot. This will start shortly and will let you know. Since the bugle is covered we will take the first couple of months and put the money toward buying presents for the SAL children’s Christmas party. The E-board will then pick another cause.

Dining room schedule is now back to normal. Friday steak night from 5:30-8 will start this Friday, Jan. 8. We will also be sending off an Airman who will be going to Afghanistan after a stop in Alaska. Please support your post by coming out to dinner. We will be incorporating changes this next year to make it a better experience.

Midwinter Forum will be Feb. 5-7 in Hutchinson. This is an opportunity for anyone interested to hear how the Legion programs and goals were met this past year. Look for details in the next Sunflower.

Veterans Assistance: Your post has approved $100 to assist a vet needing a hotel room for him and his wife, and $150 to assist an Iraqi war vet purchase Christmas toys for his children last month. The ALR also contributed $150.

Something to feel good about happened Dec. 22 at the post. Bill and Cindy Freauff, both officers of American Legion Post 453 in Dallas, were in the area. They called the Post and talked to Sandy for directions to our post. They were so impressed by the hospitality, warm greeting and introductions they received, they took the time to write a letter thanking us and sent us a Legion License Plate. The letter will be posted on the bulletin board. Once again our members have shown the way. Thank you.

Coming Up:

Jan 10-SAL meeting 1:30
ALR meeting 3:00 – Election of Officers
Jan 20-Kickoff Fireworks meeting-7pm
Jan 21-BOG meeting- 6pm
Jan 27-E-bd-7pm
Feb 1-General meeting and Ladies Auxiliary

Rick Babinger
Commander

AL Post 136 Newsletter - December 2009

http://www.al136.com/

American Legion Family:

Membership-Important: Post 136 has been number one in the state, for Posts with over 500 members, the past two months. If we are still in first place at the beginning of Jan., we will receive a monetary reward from Department. As of now we are at approximately 90% of quota. The only way we can hold on to first place is for everyone that has not yet renewed his or her dues for 2010, to do so now. Please send in your renewal as soon as possible so we can end the year with the best showing of any other post. Keep in mind, the more life memberships we sign up, the easier it is to meet quota. Plus you never have to pay dues again. Please consider.

S.A.L. Children’s Christmas Party: A special thanks to all who assisted and were responsible for a very successful children’s party. There were a lot of kids, games and prizes and it ended up being one of the most successful parties in recent years. Special thanks to Greg ‘Santa Clause’ Thompson. He was so convincing, I saw the Navy getting in line to sit on his lap. (They really keep those guys on ship too long). Anyway, it turned out great as it does every year due to the dedication of our members.
The Auxiliary supplied the cookies and decorated the Post. 5th District Commander Deb Lynch donated some of the new decorations this year and the Post looks great. Ho Ho Ho

BOG Election: There were two candidates for the BOG position that opened when Greg Bauer completed his two-year term. Art Beale is the latest to step up to help lead the post. We continually get good, solid leadership and in this case, Art will be replacing one. Thank you Greg for your dedication to the betterment of Post 136.

Dining Room Closed on Friday: We will NOT be having Friday night dinner for the next three weeks. Dec. 11th and 18th will have private parties in the dining room, and of course we will not be having dinner on Christmas Day.

Ceremonial Bugle: The idea was kicked around for the Post to purchase a Ceremonial Bugle. If not familiar with this, it is a full size bugle with an electronic insert that allows anyone to be able to play taps, along with a number of other calls. The military has approved the use of the bugle and it is often seen at funerals. Since we have a number of times we need to play taps, this would be a great fit and so much more meaningful than a cd player. The cost is $525 and we will collect donations and sell 50/50 tickets to cover the cost. We looked into just getting the insert, but they do not sell it by itself unless you already have the correct bugle. When we get it set up, we’ll get the word out.

Scholarship update: The Post and ALR have created $1,000 scholarships and both are complete. We have met with the councilors at Mulvane HS, and of course members’ children or grand children are eligible no matter what school. Please do not let this opportunity get away. Applications are at the post or you can e-mail me if you want one e-mailed to you.

ALR News:

• Nominations for the 2010 officers will be held at the next ALR meeting scheduled for this Sunday, Dec. 13. Elections and installation will be held during the Jan. meeting. Remember, you cannot run for office, nor vote on the officers you want to lead you, unless your 2010 dues are paid up at the time of the election.
• It is absolutely necessary that membership is aware of what your ALR has accomplished this past year. This is a reflection on the entire post when you consider you cannot be a Rider without first being a member of the Legion/Auxiliary/ or SAL.

Check this out:

• Over 15,000 volunteer hours recorded and verified
• Represented 136 at 32 homecomings
• 21 troop send offs
• 87 veteran funerals (6 Patriot Guard missions)
• 15 Parades
• 13 Fundraisers
• 52 special events (i.e.: Quilts of Valor, setting up flag lines, VA flag raisings, Memorial Day ceremony etc)
• Over $7,000 in donations to support veteran and community causes
• Sponsored 1st Veterans Appreciation Day at the Post
• Adopted Patriot Guard Hwy and held clean up day
• Began Operation Troop Care to bring packages to our members when deployed.
• Created ALR Scholarship for HS student

What else can you say!

Year End Thoughts:

It’s a good time to look back over the past year and try to put in perspective what Post 136 has not only done, but what it means to be a member of this organization.

Our little post is on pace to out-perform every post in the state with our membership rolls. Just last Monday at the general meeting we voted to accept eleven new members with one being a life membership.

We have helped veterans and community to the tune of thousands of dollars and untold hours. Some of our outreach went for food at the VA on the 4th of July, donation to assist an abused AF mother, $500 for local children with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, $500 to assist a vet get back on his feet after his home was flooded, $500 for McConnell Enlisted spouses club, $500-Mulvane EMS/Police Toys for Tots drive, $300 for Young Marines organization, $200 to help a homeless vet one of our members took upon himself to find help for, $500 to sponsor a vet on the WWII Freedom Flight, plus multiple minor donations.

Besides the money, we were involved with the Vietnam Memorial issue, Gold Star Family legislation, and the Sedgwick County Sheriffs food drive. We started a community flag replacement program and developed our own $1,000 scholarship for a HS student from this post or the child of a veteran.

Our Post image continues to improve with further improvements to the bar. New bar counter top, new ice machine and bar cooler, re-working the bar back to allow better use of our limited space, adding food selections at the bar, re-plumbing the bar sinks and adding new stainless shelves along with a new sink. Tom Knight was the driving force on a lot of the remodeling efforts and needs recognition for such.

While doing all this, we actually improved our overall financial well being and were able to pay off all of our dept, in part, thanks to the post effort at the Fireworks stand and Old Settlers. We must also give a lot of credit to those that do the day-to-day work. Leroy Perkins and Peggy Reynolds cannot be over praised for their efforts at the post. They keep it together with the help of their staff. The BOG has had to make hard choices and always made the decisions based on what was right for the post.

In other words, the post membership, like always, continues to make ours the post others try to copy.

Thank you!

Karen and I wish everyone a blessed Christmas and please keep safe. Keep all who are protecting us overseas in your prayers and remember the Veteran is what has made this country what it is. Despite the politicians in Washington.

Looking forward to another great year at Post 136.

Rick
Commander

AL Post 136 Newsletter - November 2009

http://www.al136.com/

American Legion Family:

Veterans Day Ceremonies: We will be holding our annual Veterans Day flag retirement and Legion initiation ceremonies next Wed, Nov. 11. As always, it will kick off out back at the pavilion around 5:30pm. Hoping to have the Cub Scouts to assist, which is always special. After the flag retirement and Legion initiation, (this is for all veteran Legion members that have never officially been initiated into the American Legion), the Ladies Auxiliary will have a program and serve a dinner. All veterans eat free. Last year we had almost 100 in attendance. This is a day for all of us and hope to see you there.

Post Thanksgiving Dinner: Since we are talking about eating, we will be holding our annual Post Thanksgiving dinner on Monday Nov. 23rd at 6:000pm. There will be plenty of Turkey and Ham, (some will be smoked), and we ask you bring a side dish to compliment the meal. Most of the time we only think we have problems. Compared to most any other country, our issues are minimal. We all need to stop, give thanks and have a meal with our Legion family members. This is the time. I guarantee you will not eat better this year.

Dept. Vice Commander John Thomas addressed the Post Monday night and requested the endorsement of our Post for his candidacy for Department Commander next year. It was an honor to vote and give a unanimous endorsement for his endeavor.

Executive Board opening: For the second month we had a member of the Executive Board have to drop off the board due to a change in work hours. Ben Roloff has served the post well since the last Post elections, but had to resign. In his place, Art Beale was elected to complete his term. Thank you Ben for your service, and thank you Art for stepping up to help us guide the post in the future.

Board of Governors opening: At the December 7th general meeting, we will be filling one, and possibly two BOG positions. This is a two-year term and Greg Bauer’s term is coming to an end. Our bylaws allow for at least two members of the BOG to be Auxiliary and/or SAL members. Since Greg is a SAL, this important position is open to any and all members of Post 136. This is one of the most important and critical positions in the Post. We need someone who is not afraid to lead and make decisions, even if they are not always popular. If you are interested, please let myself, or someone on the BOG know of your desire and be at the meeting on the 7th. The other BOG members are Karen Babinger, Dan Benson, Tom Knight and Dwane Stewart.
ALR Update: Last month I was bragging on our ALR for submitting over 1700 volunteer hours in one month. Well you could have knocked me over with a feather, but this past month, the number of hours exceeded 2000 and YTD, more than 10,000 hours have been reported. The involvement and dedication of the Riders is amazing and is a direct reflection on this Post and the Riders leadership.

Post 136 member Tony Beavers will be laid to rest this Saturday. Services will be held at the Central Christian Church at 29th and Rock Road at 1pm. A flag line will be set up and all Post members are invited.

Parking Lot: For years we had a leaky roof and were told it could not be fixed and is too expensive to replace, but it got replaced anyway and we owe nothing on it. Well we are looking at ways (thanks to Ben Roloff) to possibly finance a paved parking lot. It also is very expensive but we should know by now to not rule anything out when it comes to this post. As things get firmed up, more information will come out. Nothing is a done deal yet and everyone will have a chance to participate if it we decide to go forward, but I wanted to let everyone know of the possible future improvements being looked at.

Support for the Post:(important) We have had to make changes and are committed to some new tax restrictions that affect our monthly expenses in a negative way. Over the summer, we normally have smaller crowds at Friday dinner and Sunday breakfast, and it is absorbed, but we have noticed the crowd has not returned and with the new tax implications, it is hard for us to keep ahead. Here is what I am asking:
1) If you normally came to dinner or breakfast and have stopped, we need to know why. Please be honest but specific. A lot of changes have taken place and we do not always hear what is good or bad.
2) What would it take to get you back.
3) Give us suggestions on how to better serve you. It can be menu suggestions, service, atmosphere, anything. We need to see where we are and where we need to go.

Remember though, we are an American Legion and not a 4 star restaurant so be reasonable. It is extremely important to us. This is a service we want to continue and improve on, but we need you input and support. Some old issues have been addressed and you may not know. The steaks now are being hand cut by the staff and are excellent as one example. If you have not been down for a meal, try it. More than ever, we need your support.

Rick

Coming up:
Legion Meeting: Dec 7 7pm
Auxiliary Meeting: “ “
SAL meeting: Nov 8, 1:30
ALR meeting: Nov 15, 3pm
BOG: Nov 19 6pm
E-Board: Dec 2 7pm
Veterans Day: Nov 11
Post Thanksgiving dinner: Nov 23 6pm

AL Post 136 Newsletter - October 2009

http://www.al136.com/

American Legion Family:

Post 136 Scholarship- We have completed work on the requirements for the new Paul Stewart Irwin Post 136 Scholarship. Rather than repeat the requirements again which were listed in the last newsletter, I have attached the completed document. If you have a child, grandchild, etc., that is a senior this year; they are eligible for this $1,000 scholarship. Print out the form, (will also make copies that will be up at the post), and have them apply. We want more than anything to give some money to a deserving student for their college.

National Commander, Clarence Hill to visit Kansas- Our new National Commander will be traveling the state in two weeks. He will be making a few stops in the 5th District and if you have the opportunity to attend one of his stops, it will be well worth your while. Following is his schedule within the 5th Dist. Please call ahead if you want to attend.

Monday, Oct. 19 - Post 24, McPherson. Dinner-6:30-8:00pm. 620-241-0343
Tues. Oct 20 - Post 2, Newton. Breakfast-7:30-9:00 am. 316-283-2233
“ “ - Post 10, Winfield Lunch-11:30-1pm 620-221-4950
“ “ - Post 273, Wichita Reception-2-2:45pm 316-264-3752

Special Guests at the Meeting:

1) We were honored to welcome home from his 5th (and last) Iraqi deployment, our own SSGT Dan Morgan. He must have really missed us too because not only did he come to the 1st meeting only two days after returning, but Dan also stepped up to join the Post Executive Board since an opening just came up. Guess after five tours, this will be a snoozer and we are so glad to have him back safe and with us again.

2) Evin Ogburn is a student from North HS that was the recipient of our post’s sponsorship to the American Legion Boy’s State last spring. He came by to talk to us about his experience and gave us all a chance to see the future in our youth.

Community Support: Membership voted to donate $500 to the Mulvane EMS/Police for their Toys for Kids program. Last weekend they held a poker run which was supported by the Post 136 Legion Riders. Over $2000 was raised (including our $500) and lots of toys.

Another $500 was voted on to donate to the McConnell AFB Enlisted Spouses Club. This is a program where the offset food costs to E-4’s and below during the holidays. This program was a huge success last year and we are proud to take part.

Halloween is coming up and we will be having our annual Halloween party on Sat. Oct. 31 kicking off around 8:00pm. If you are not into getting dressed up, this is a good time to reconsider. This party is a blast. We have cash prizes, and a few surprises. All we ask is you bring a party dish to share so we have plenty of food to carry us through the evening.

Dept. Vice Commander John Thomas will be holding his homecoming on Oct. 17 at the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Ks. A short program will begin at 12:30 and lunch at 1:00. Details are in the latest Sunflower.

Veterans Day ceremonies will be once again held at the post. We will have our flag retirement ceremony followed by dinner and our annual American Legion initiation for all new members that have joined but have never been formally initiated. The Ladies Auxiliary will be providing the meal and will have a short program.

Recognition Banquet for all Veterans will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1451 E. 47th St. South, Wichita, on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6pm. Guest speaker will be Chaplain (Col) David Fulton, and Pastor Maynard Peterson, Chaplain at Robert J. Dole VA.
The banquet is free for all veterans. Please RSVP: 316-524-3401 by Nov. 5.

Post 136 ALR reported 1720 volunteer hours in the month of Sept and has documented over 8000 hours year to date. Amazing!

Friday nights at the Post: If you have not come out to the Post for dinner on Friday nights, I am requesting you reconsider. We have gone back to the fall menu and are now cutting our own steaks. Hopefully the day of the thin steak that’s hard to cook to order, are behind us. The dinner and breakfast we serve is a service to the post. They are not meant to be moneymakers, but the losses must be controlled. We have a dedicated staff that is always trying to improve, but we need your support. Now that summer is over I ask you come out and support us on Friday night and Sunday breakfast. The prices are reasonable and the quality is improved. It’s your post. Support it.

Finally: This past month, we had a number of Post sponsored events. ALVA Tour, Early Bird Dinner, Veterans Appreciation Day. This does not happen in a vacuum. It takes a lot of people, time, leadership and mostly, dedication to the cause of supporting veterans and the American Legion programs. To all who step up over and over, and to those that go above and beyond for no other reason than love of the post, thank you. We have an amazing membership and would love to see more involved. We need the ideas and energy.

Calendar:

SAL meeting-Oct 11 1:30pm
ALR meeting-Oct 11 3pm
BOG meeting-Oct 22 6pm
E-Board meeting-Oct 29 7pm
General meeting and Auxiliary meeting-Nov 2 7pm

Rick

AL Post 136 Newsletter - September 2009

http://www.al136.com/

American Legion Family:

This will be a shortened version of the normal newsletter due to time constraints.

Old Settlers Summary: We had a very successful Old Settlers weekend in August. Give or take a few bucks, we managed to make more toward our post operations and veterans programs than we have in recent memory. I do not like to put totals on the internet but will get a copy of the financial report and have it on the bulletin board. If you made it to the meeting, you would know already. Once again thank you to all who contributed their time to make this a success.

American Legion Scholarship: We have basically finalized plans for our first scholarship from the American Legion Post 136 to present to a high school senior in the spring. Since there are still some minor details to be worked out, the full release along with the application form will be sent out to membership at a later date. I want to take a moment and at least list here the eligibility requirements so you can determine if your kids are eligible to receive this $1,000 scholarship:

1) Child, grandchild, great grandchild, stepchild, step grandchild, step great grandchild of any member, living or deceased that stands or stood in good standing of the American Legion Post 136 (American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion). Membership must be or had been two years continuous service with a 3rd year renewal in the American Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L.
Or
Child, grandchild, great grandchild, step child, step grandchild, step great grandchild of honorably discharged veteran (DD214 required) within the Mulvane, Ks. school district
2) High School Seniors and must maintain 3.0 G.P.A. (B) grade average during senior year

The student will be required to write an essay on one of three subjects and have recommendations from three sources (one must be a teacher). The winner will be selected by the Post Executive Board and an interview may be requested.

As stated, the details will be out later, but if you are a member of the post, and have been a member of the Legion for two full years, your spawn, if a senior, may receive $1,000 to help with books or tuition.

POW/MIA Observance: This Friday is National POW/MIA recognition day. We will be holding our annual POW/MIA observance ceremony at 7pm on Friday during dinner. Please take some time, have dinner and observe the short and meaningful ceremony while we remember those who cannot be with us.

ALVA TOUR: The American Legion VA tour will be here on Friday, Sept 25 from 6:15-7:15. We will have District and VA representation here to give information and take questions on VA programs and assistance. This is held each year, and it just so happens this year it is on a Friday. Again, come in for a steak and listen to the VA. If you have any veteran neighbors that may benefit from the VA, they need to be here and see what there is for them.

Early Bird Dinner will be held the next day, Sat. Sept 26. This year, the free dinner will consist of fired or baked chicken, green beans, potatoes and desert and the cool thing is, it’s all free if you have paid your 2010 dues. There will be a social hour from 5-6, followed by dinner. We are one of only four posts in the state, with over 500 members, that are over 70% of quota at this time. We do not want to wait to the last minute. If you bring a guest, there is a charge for dinner. Better yet, sign them up and they eat free too.

And do not forget about Life memberships. Our newest life member is Leroy Perkins. He never has to pay dues again. Remember, we are requesting an rsvp to get an estimate of numbers. Respond to Terry Knight at tknight1031@juno.com

Sedgwick Cty Sheriffs food drive: The Executive Board voted $50 for a half basket to support the above cause which feeds the poor and shut ins. Last year over 500 were helped.

Absence: I will be away for about 10 days to two weeks. 1st Vice Dennis Scuffham will be taking over the Commander duties in my absence.

OCTOBER SCHEDULE
5 7:00 American Legion Mtg
7:00 Ladies Auxiliary Mtg
11 1:30 SAL Mtg
3:00 ALR Mtg
22 6:00 BOG Mtg
28 7:00 E-Board Mtg
31 8:00 Halloween Party

Rick

AL Post 136 Newsletter - Aug 2009

“FOR GOD AND COUNTRY”
Veterans Serving America
Since 1919

Paul Stewart Irwin Post 136 Monthly Newsletter –Aug. 2009

http://www.al136.com/

American Legion Family:

Special Thank You to Members of Post 136:

Dan Cane has requested his thanks be published to the entire post for the generous gift of a scooter that has been purchased. This scooter has given him back his mobility and if you look close, you can see him motoring across town to the Legion. Dan, on behalf of the members, we thank you for the many years of service to our Post and hope you enjoy for many years.

Flag Retirement Program: We have not had any takers on the offer to replace any 3x5 flag in the community. This is just a reminder we have the flags and if you see an individual or business flying a flag that is in need of retirement, to let us know and we will provide one free of charge.

Final Fireworks Update: Last month we gave the approximate amount of money we made on the fireworks sales and it turns out that the $2450 was the final figure. We have taken note and will be making changes this next year to reduce some of the expense so we can get into some real money. As was discussed, the money was first to be used to reduce or eliminate our debt. With the fireworks money and the recent Canteen payment, we have enough to completely eliminate our post debt and the final payment on the new AC and heating units will be made shortly.

Scholarship update: The Executive Board met and has come up with the criteria for our first Paul Stewart Irwin-American Legion Post 136 scholarship. Details will come out as the application requirements are firmed up. The amount of the scholarship will be $1,000 and member children and grandchildren will be the first criteria for acceptance. Stay tuned and if you have a child getting ready for college, this may give you a hand up.

Early Bird Dinner will be held Sept. 26. Social hour will be from 5-6 pm with dinner served till 7:30. Menu will be announced when we figure it out. For those of you that do not know what this is, it’s an incentive for all members to get their 2010 dues paid now. If you pay before Sept 26, or at the dinner, you eat free. If you are a life member, you eat free forever. The earlier we get our membership in, the better it is for our post, so please cough it up and lets get a jump on the numbers.
Old Settlers Update-IMPORTANT:

We need your tickets and money in as soon as possible. The drawing for the $300 and $200 first place drawing is Sunday, Aug 16. Of course you are always welcome to turn the money in after the drawing but I recommend you do not let those you sold them to know. If you have more money than brains and turn your own in after the drawing, thanks for the donation.

Schedule of events:
· Booth down town selling water, pop, T-shirts and the Legion will be on Friday noon to 11pm, and Sat. 8am to close at about 11pm
· Breakfast at the post from 8-10 on Sat. This will be a buffet style breakfast and a great way to start before the parade at 11am. The ALR will be leading the parade again this year.
· Horseshoe tournament Sat and Sun starting at 1pm. Trophies will be awarded.
· Coney Island-see attached flyer-This is not your normal burger we will be selling.
· ‘Autumn Knights’ will be playing out at the pavilion from 6-10. 50’s and 60’s music. (no, not the age of the band). Pick up a flyer at the post and pass around. Its time we pick up some business from down town.
· Sunday breakfast and raffle drawing.

This is a great time to come out for some fun and support the post at the same time.
STILL LOOKING FOR BOOTH HELP. ONLY NEED A COUPLE HOURS OF YOUR TIME TO MAN OR WOMEN THE BOOTH. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME IF YOU HAVE A FEW HOURS TO HELP. EASY DUTY AND THE PAY IS GREAT.

Veterans Appreciation Day:

Your ALR is sponsoring a Veterans Appreciation Day on Sept. 12. While this is sponsored by the ALR, it is a full post and, in fact, a day for all veterans (thus the name). All area vets, those active at McConnell and other Posts are invited. A flyer will be out on this later. This is not to be considered a big fundraiser. We are looking at covering costs and that is all. Everything will be very reasonably priced and there will be things for kids to do if you wish to bring the family. The Mulvane Dj’s will be playing at our pavilion in the evening. Mark this one down.

Meeting note: Due to Labor Day falling on the 7th of Sept. all our normally scheduled meetings are out of whack. See the calendar below for the dates and times.





No E-board or BOG meeting scheduled in Aug due to the late meeting in Sept.


AUG

3 7:00 American Legion Mtg.
3 7:00 Ladies Auxiliary Mtg
9 1:30 SAL Mtg
3:00 ALR Mtg
15-16 Old Settlers weekend
ALR-Woodland Park
28-30 ALR State Rally


SEPTEMBER
3 6:00 BOG Mtg
7 Labor Day
9 7:00 E-Board Mtg
12 12-? Veterans Appreciation Day
13 1:30 SAL Mtg
3:00 ALR Mtg
14 7:00 American Legion Mtg
7:00 Ladies Auxiliary Mtg
18 7:00 POW/MIA Recognition
24 6:00 BOG Mtg
26 5:00 Early Bird Dinner
30 7:00 E-Board Mtg