http://www.al136.com/
American Legion Family:
With our Post elections in April, it’s time to think about your role in our future.
Last year we did not fill the 2nd vice and Historian roles. We were not better for it and need to correct it. Members deserve officers dedicated to the American Legion and its programs. Willing to make the sacrifice of time for the benefit of Post 136.
Below is a brief description of each position. You can contact any officer for additional information and please consider if you are approached. The nominating committee consists of all present officers. To serve this post is a privilege and an honor. It’s not just 136 you serve, but all veterans. This is why the American Legion exists. Take part in it.
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.
Board of Governors nomination and election will take place at the March 2 general meeting. Doug Lehman has completed his two-year term and there is an opening for a Legion member. Any one interested must be at the meeting unless arrangements are made in advance. This is a great position for someone wanting to play a major part in the post operations. The term is 2 years. Any questions, contact any BOG member: Doug Lehman, Tom Knight, Karen Babinger, Greg Bauer, or Dan Benson.
Fireworks update:
The 1st Fireworks committee meeting was held, and plans laid out. Three major highlights to pass on.
- If anyone has access to a Porta-potty or construction bright construction lights, we can reduce the expense that needs to be covered and we make profits earlier.
- None of this can work without commitments from the members to work the stand. From June 27-July 5, we will be open from 10am-10pm. Ideally we will need 8 people/6 hour shift. Obviously we cannot have the same 16 people work every day. We need maximum participation, even if it’s only for a few hour out of the week. Schedule forms will be left at the post. Pick one up, choose a shift or whatever hours you think you can work, and place in the Commanders box by the office. This event can be a huge boom to the post. We need as many as possible to help.
- If this is a very successful event (and we believe it has the potential to be that), the money raised will be split. After we look at debt reduction, the money will be split between the Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and ALR. One point to make on this. Since each group stands possibly make some good money, all groups need to participate. If one clearly lets the other three do all the work, the money will be split three ways. Since we all have skin in the game, we all need to help.
More to follow. Next meeting is Feb. 18, 7:00pm.
Deployed active duty personnel will have their Legion dues paid by the post. In the past, the Riders paid the dues for those deployed, but it should be the Legions responsibility and is now where it belongs. Thank you Riders for your dedication to our soldiers. Some of us are slower than you guys.
Legislative Hotline:
If you need to find the status of a bill, or leave a message for your State Senator or Representative, there is a hotline number you can call. 800-432-3924.
5th District Convention will be at the American Legion Post 2, in Newton, April 25-26. Delegates will be chosen at the April meeting.
Mid Winter Forum is this weekend in Hays.
5th District Oratorical contest will be held Sunday, Feb. 15 in Halstead. Time is 1pm
SAL Update:
Elections for SAL officers will be held Feb. 8, 2pm, at the SAL meeting. Since the beginning of the year, there have been at least six new duel member additions to the SAL. This is a great and proud branch of the American Legion and the more enthusiasm we can generate, the better off the entire post will be.
www.al136.com If you have not been up to this web site, please take a moment and check it out. Our web master, John Wilson, has done an amazing job and has everything you need to know about what’s going on at our Post, veterans benefits links, pictures, activities, etc. Do not underestimate the power of the web.
Upcoming Post 136 Calendar events:
FEBRUARY
2 7:00 American Legion Mtg
7:00 Ladies Auxiliary Mtg
6-8 MidWinter Forum-Hays
8 2:00 SAL Mtg
3:00 ALR Mtg
15 1:00` 5th Dist. Oratorical-Halstead
18 7:00 Fireworks Committee
19 6:00 BOG Mtg
26 7:00 E-Board Mtg (Thur due to Ash Wed)
MARCH
2 7:00 American Legion Meeting
7:00 Ladies Auxiliary Meeting
8 2:00 SAL Mtg
3:00 ALR Mtg
14 8:00 ALR Pancake and Sausage Breakfast
18 7:00 Fireworks Committee meeting
26 6:00 BOG Meeting
E-Board will meet Apr. 1
Rick Babinger
Commander
