American Legion Family:
Post Chaplain/BOG: At the Monday meeting, we were informed by our Post Chaplain, Mike Hall, of his pending move to Virginia. Mike is soon to be retired from the AF and his and Rachel’s family live back east. This is a huge loss for all of us as both have been so active in the post activities and ALR. While the actual move time is still to be determined, Mike has decided to step down as Post Chaplain effective immediately. He was also a member of the Board of Governors. Since officer elections are only 2 months away, Ron Herndon has been appointed temporary Chaplain until a permanent replacement can be elected in April.
We will have a special election at the Feb. 5 general meeting to fill Mike’s position on the BOG. If anyone is interested in stepping into this position, you must be present at the meeting. The BOG is not a position to be taken lightly. The board is responsible for daily operation of the Post and facilities. The term is 5 years to assure continuity. (One member is normally replaced each year).
Mid Winter Forum will be held this year Feb, 2-4 at Post 18, in Ark City. National Commander Paul Morin will be the guest speaker at the Sunday lunch. See this month’s edition of the Sunflower for general information along with a complete agenda. This informative meeting sets the agenda for the rest of the year. Everyone is encouraged to come.
“Hero’s to Hometown” is a new program that will be addressed at the Forum. The goal is to assist wounded and injured (physical and emotional) military personnel and their families to receive the help needed by their local Posts and community upon their return and transition to civilian life. More on this will be reported as the program is firmed up. We will be front and center in this endeavor.
Hardship Fund: A proposal was made to start a fund that would allow us to assist veterans or their families that may need emergency cash, motel room, etc. The idea was the result of a number of families that faced severe financial hardship when the husband was deployed and paychecks were not properly directed. We are planning on taking a two prong approach to this. The fund was approved and will be used as needed for emergency services. We are also going to gather family service information and have it available so we can assist in directing families and vets to the proper source for help. $475 was donated by Rick Johnson, Charlie Trapp, and Don Culver, aka the Mulvane DJ’s, to start the fund. This is the second time they have donated the money they earned from parties to assist veterans. Anyone can contribute to the fund as the need grows, steps will be taken to keep the fund fluid. Thank you Rick, Charlie, and Don and to everyone who stepped forward to assist in gathering the support information.
50/50 and New TV: In case you have not noticed, we have a new hi-def large screen TV. The idea was to raise money from the sale of 50/50 tickets for this purchase, but thanks to the generosity of Phil Horner, we have other options. Phil donated the new big screen. This leaves us with the enviable problem of deciding which project to concentrate our funds on next. Some ideas are new bar stools and bar furniture, kitchen needs, copier, and shuffle board. Each of these requires more money than we now have, so the decision will be put off, but 50/50 will stay and build the fund. If you have suggestions, send them in.
In Dec. we had a 50/50 split of $47. At the January meeting, we handed the winner, Larry Halloran, $165. The profits from the jacket sales from Dave Williams were also added to the pot. If we can keep this activity going, we will be able to better the post one project and one member at a time. A lot of credit goes to one individual for hawking tickets but she does not want to be mentioned.
By the way, Larry handed his winnings to Cregg Hansen to be given to one of the veterans families mentioned earlier.
Super Bowl Party will be held Feb. 4. Bring a dish. You can actually enjoy the game now that you can see it on the big screen.
VA Christmas Party was a great success and if you were there, saw the faces, and talked to the Veteran patients, you had a great Christmas present yourself. Many people put in a lot of effort on this, but few things we do can give back as much as our vets have given to us. Thanks to all who were there and assisted in this event.
New Years Eve party was so good, you can mark the calendar for next year. I think if falls on the last day of the year again.
McConnell Angel Tree: Last month the Post voted in $200 for the Angel Tree at McConnell. Personal donations added another $200. Then the ALR and Greg Bauer got involved, and between the $500 from each, we were able wipe out the tree and give every child on there a Christmas. Have to mention Dollar General for letting us to make purchases tax free, and again I was told not to mention the two individuals that did all the shopping and coordinating so I will honor Bill and Alice’s wishes, and not say anything.
Sunday Snacks are now being served thanks to Breana. She has agreed to cook a different dish each week as long as it is supported. If you have any ideas for her, she is open to suggestions. Chili, hot dogs, open beef sandwiches, etc. are presently in the plans and the cost will be minimal.
Auxiliary News:
Valentines dinner and dance will be held on Feb. 10 starting at 6:00pm. You must call in your reservation by Feb. 5 so the food can be purchased. Cost for dinner will be $10/person and if you have been to any of the post dances lately, you will want to attend this one too. Call your reservation at 777-4301.
If you have not paid your Auxiliary dues, please do so now. Your benefits have expired s of 12/31. Senior dues are $15.00 and Junior dues (under 18) are $6.00
S.A.L: The “Dog Days of Winter” feed that was scheduled for Jan 20 has been put on hold. A new date will be published as soon as it is worked out.
ALR: Elections were held in Dec. for all ALR officer positions. Congratulations and full Post support goes to the following:
Director: Jim Jones Ride Captain/Sgt at Arms: Charlie Hon
Secretary Treasurer: Monika Barshney Assistant Ride Captain: Gary Schultz
Co-Director: Doug Lehman Historian: Alice Foster
Chaplain: Ron Herndon Veterans Coordinator: Terry Houck
A word for Chuck Barshney, the outgoing Director of the past three years. During this time membership into the ALR has exploded (and consequently AL, Aux., and SAL have also). The Patriot Guard was started under his leadership. The ALR has given thousands of dollars in phone cards and the Riders have supported the post financially and physically time after time. He was instrumental in coordinating ALR homecomings and was a driving force for the motorcycle pad. While no single person is fully responsible for the ALR success, Chuck has been a part of every facet of it. He has set the bar high and it was absolutely necessary to mention it here. Thanks Chuck.
Legion Yearly Calendar: You will find attached to this months newsletter a calendar for the entire year. Please print out and use for your reference. It is as accurate as we now know. If a date has not been set for sure, it will be in bold face with a ? behind it. The usual monthly calendar will pick up again next month.
Conclusion: If you look close at this newsletter, you will see over and over again examples of the generosity of our members. Phil Horning donating a big screen, the DJ’s donating $475 for the hardship fund, Larry Halloran donating his 50/50 winnings, the effort for the vets at Christmas and all who donated to the Angel Tree. If you do not feel pride in your Post and its members, you don’t have a pulse. This is a wonderful organization.
Post Chaplain/BOG: At the Monday meeting, we were informed by our Post Chaplain, Mike Hall, of his pending move to Virginia. Mike is soon to be retired from the AF and his and Rachel’s family live back east. This is a huge loss for all of us as both have been so active in the post activities and ALR. While the actual move time is still to be determined, Mike has decided to step down as Post Chaplain effective immediately. He was also a member of the Board of Governors. Since officer elections are only 2 months away, Ron Herndon has been appointed temporary Chaplain until a permanent replacement can be elected in April.
We will have a special election at the Feb. 5 general meeting to fill Mike’s position on the BOG. If anyone is interested in stepping into this position, you must be present at the meeting. The BOG is not a position to be taken lightly. The board is responsible for daily operation of the Post and facilities. The term is 5 years to assure continuity. (One member is normally replaced each year).
Mid Winter Forum will be held this year Feb, 2-4 at Post 18, in Ark City. National Commander Paul Morin will be the guest speaker at the Sunday lunch. See this month’s edition of the Sunflower for general information along with a complete agenda. This informative meeting sets the agenda for the rest of the year. Everyone is encouraged to come.
“Hero’s to Hometown” is a new program that will be addressed at the Forum. The goal is to assist wounded and injured (physical and emotional) military personnel and their families to receive the help needed by their local Posts and community upon their return and transition to civilian life. More on this will be reported as the program is firmed up. We will be front and center in this endeavor.
Hardship Fund: A proposal was made to start a fund that would allow us to assist veterans or their families that may need emergency cash, motel room, etc. The idea was the result of a number of families that faced severe financial hardship when the husband was deployed and paychecks were not properly directed. We are planning on taking a two prong approach to this. The fund was approved and will be used as needed for emergency services. We are also going to gather family service information and have it available so we can assist in directing families and vets to the proper source for help. $475 was donated by Rick Johnson, Charlie Trapp, and Don Culver, aka the Mulvane DJ’s, to start the fund. This is the second time they have donated the money they earned from parties to assist veterans. Anyone can contribute to the fund as the need grows, steps will be taken to keep the fund fluid. Thank you Rick, Charlie, and Don and to everyone who stepped forward to assist in gathering the support information.
50/50 and New TV: In case you have not noticed, we have a new hi-def large screen TV. The idea was to raise money from the sale of 50/50 tickets for this purchase, but thanks to the generosity of Phil Horner, we have other options. Phil donated the new big screen. This leaves us with the enviable problem of deciding which project to concentrate our funds on next. Some ideas are new bar stools and bar furniture, kitchen needs, copier, and shuffle board. Each of these requires more money than we now have, so the decision will be put off, but 50/50 will stay and build the fund. If you have suggestions, send them in.
In Dec. we had a 50/50 split of $47. At the January meeting, we handed the winner, Larry Halloran, $165. The profits from the jacket sales from Dave Williams were also added to the pot. If we can keep this activity going, we will be able to better the post one project and one member at a time. A lot of credit goes to one individual for hawking tickets but she does not want to be mentioned.
By the way, Larry handed his winnings to Cregg Hansen to be given to one of the veterans families mentioned earlier.
Super Bowl Party will be held Feb. 4. Bring a dish. You can actually enjoy the game now that you can see it on the big screen.
VA Christmas Party was a great success and if you were there, saw the faces, and talked to the Veteran patients, you had a great Christmas present yourself. Many people put in a lot of effort on this, but few things we do can give back as much as our vets have given to us. Thanks to all who were there and assisted in this event.
New Years Eve party was so good, you can mark the calendar for next year. I think if falls on the last day of the year again.
McConnell Angel Tree: Last month the Post voted in $200 for the Angel Tree at McConnell. Personal donations added another $200. Then the ALR and Greg Bauer got involved, and between the $500 from each, we were able wipe out the tree and give every child on there a Christmas. Have to mention Dollar General for letting us to make purchases tax free, and again I was told not to mention the two individuals that did all the shopping and coordinating so I will honor Bill and Alice’s wishes, and not say anything.
Sunday Snacks are now being served thanks to Breana. She has agreed to cook a different dish each week as long as it is supported. If you have any ideas for her, she is open to suggestions. Chili, hot dogs, open beef sandwiches, etc. are presently in the plans and the cost will be minimal.
Auxiliary News:
Valentines dinner and dance will be held on Feb. 10 starting at 6:00pm. You must call in your reservation by Feb. 5 so the food can be purchased. Cost for dinner will be $10/person and if you have been to any of the post dances lately, you will want to attend this one too. Call your reservation at 777-4301.
If you have not paid your Auxiliary dues, please do so now. Your benefits have expired s of 12/31. Senior dues are $15.00 and Junior dues (under 18) are $6.00
S.A.L: The “Dog Days of Winter” feed that was scheduled for Jan 20 has been put on hold. A new date will be published as soon as it is worked out.
ALR: Elections were held in Dec. for all ALR officer positions. Congratulations and full Post support goes to the following:
Director: Jim Jones Ride Captain/Sgt at Arms: Charlie Hon
Secretary Treasurer: Monika Barshney Assistant Ride Captain: Gary Schultz
Co-Director: Doug Lehman Historian: Alice Foster
Chaplain: Ron Herndon Veterans Coordinator: Terry Houck
A word for Chuck Barshney, the outgoing Director of the past three years. During this time membership into the ALR has exploded (and consequently AL, Aux., and SAL have also). The Patriot Guard was started under his leadership. The ALR has given thousands of dollars in phone cards and the Riders have supported the post financially and physically time after time. He was instrumental in coordinating ALR homecomings and was a driving force for the motorcycle pad. While no single person is fully responsible for the ALR success, Chuck has been a part of every facet of it. He has set the bar high and it was absolutely necessary to mention it here. Thanks Chuck.
Legion Yearly Calendar: You will find attached to this months newsletter a calendar for the entire year. Please print out and use for your reference. It is as accurate as we now know. If a date has not been set for sure, it will be in bold face with a ? behind it. The usual monthly calendar will pick up again next month.
Conclusion: If you look close at this newsletter, you will see over and over again examples of the generosity of our members. Phil Horning donating a big screen, the DJ’s donating $475 for the hardship fund, Larry Halloran donating his 50/50 winnings, the effort for the vets at Christmas and all who donated to the Angel Tree. If you do not feel pride in your Post and its members, you don’t have a pulse. This is a wonderful organization.
