Saturday, June 10, 2006

Newsletter - June 2006

American Legion Family:

Memorial Day

I want to take a moment to thank all who assisted in making the Memorial Day ceremonies such a success. Behind the scenes work starts months before, and I cannot begin to name all who made it happen. Let it suffice to say, this is one of the most honorable missions our post undertakes each year, and I hope all who gave of themselves and their time, felt as humbled and as proud as I did standing among those who have died for our freedom.

FLAG DAY-COMMUNITY “PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE”

On June 14, at 7:00 pm, a community wide ceremony, to honor our Nations Flag will be held at the post. The ceremony will take about 15 minutes and I would like to see everyone there with the family (especially children). We will meet outside the post, and after a few words, will all honor our flag with the Pledge of Allegiance. Very simple, very short, but very meaningful. I have attached a flyer for everyone to print and take i to work or drop off at a business. Please be there and bring someone with you.

Post News:

· Rick Johnson has been appointed post Historian for 2006-2007. In addition, he was recently elected as Department Master at Arms. Thank you for your support of the post, and congratulations on the new Dept. role.
· Horseshoe tournament scheduled for 6/17 starting at 9:00
· I regret having to announce Sandy has resigned from her position as canteen manager. She has been an unbelievable source of energy and a pleasure to be associated with. She promised she will be around and we will still see her behind the bar from time to time. (If she stands on the box). Shirley Aue has accepted the challenge to replace Sandy. To both Sandy and Shirley, good luck.
· Post Image—At Monday’s meeting, we discussed a series of facility improvements. (priority and financing). It was approved to move money from the general fund, to increase the building fund to $2k. This money will be supplemented from the canteen machines, donations, fund raising and the supplemental fund. Some of the projects include replacing the lettering on the building, repair of the sign, fill pot holes, paint flag pole, add message board, replace ceiling tiles and paint walls, add lights and fans, replace dining area carpet and build a display case. As money becomes available, other items will be added. Most projects have a leader and all will require the help of the members. We cannot let the other guy do it all. If you want to show pride in your post, get involved and help make it a place befitting of Veterans and Veteran supporters.
· Old Settlers Planning meeting will be held June 15 at 6:30 pm. This is the largest fund raiser of the year. A lot of work goes into this event and we need people to step up.
· Mike Shock was selected to the Department POW/MIA committee. A more honorable endeavor would be hard to find and Mike will be a true asset.
· Beginning with the July meeting, new members will be voted upon before receiving their membership cards. We will also hold induction ceremonies at least twice a year to officially welcome the new members.

S.A.L. News:

Squadron elections were held May 14. The following have been elected to lead.

Squadron Commander: Michael Haggard, Adjutant/Finance Officer: Jay Williams, Vice Commander: Jim Jones, Sgt. at Arms: Frank Cook

We congratulate all of you and I offer all the support the Legion can provide. During a time when few step forward to lead, you have shown the way.

ALR News:

The bike pad is complete but still needs to have poles set. This will be the barrier from the parking lot and plans to fly the service flags on the poles have been made. The telephone poles will be replaced in front of the fence as soon as possible.

The quarterly VA run will take place June 18. You do not have to be a rider to attend. Anyone interested in joining the riders in visiting and taking snack packages to our Vets at the VA, need only to be at the post at 12:00.

Patriot Guard:

· The “Birthplace of the Patriot Guard” stone should be set either this weekend or next.
· A funeral mission is planned for Thur., June 8, in Girard, Ks. PG will meet at 5:00am at the Quick Trip on K-15 in Derby, to head out. The Phelps plague plans to attend. Anyone that can make it is welcome to join in to help preserve the dignity of the family and to honor a fallen comrade.


ABC/IRS: Our post is in a vulnerable position due to a school being within 500’ of our canteen. If we were to ever lose our license, even temporarily, we may never get it back. For these reasons, a review of the ABC and IRS requirements will be made at the next meeting. We have to be sensitive to Legion supporters that have always been there for us and are not members, and at the same time, look out for the good of the post. I hope everyone will show up so we can discuss the proper course of action.

Sick Call:
Jerry Allen will be going in for thyroid surgery Friday, June 9 Post Chaplain Allan Gwinup is recovering from pneumonia and having chemo treatments. Please keep our members in your thoughts and prayers.

P. R. Officer:
I am looking for someone to fill a new post position as PR Officer. Duties would be to spread the word on what we do. He/she would be in contact with newspapers, TV, the Sunflower, etc. and assist in keeping Post 136 in front of the community. If anyone is interested, please see me.

NOTE: Due to the 4th of July Holiday, the next executive board meeting will be held Wed. July 5, and the monthly General meeting will be on Monday, July 10 at 7:00PM. (For the Marines, that is when the big hand is on 12 and the little hand is on 7).

Significant Dates In The History Of The American Legion:

June 19, 1919: National Executive Committee adopts the Legion Emblem

June 15, 1923: The first “Flag Code” is adopted at an American Legion Conference. This code was adopted by Congress in 1942.

June 22, 1944: GI Bill is signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt. Originally written by the American Legion.