Newsletter - July 2006, Part 2

American Legion Family:

FACILITY UPDATE:
As of this writing, here is an update on the Post home improvements:
Flag Pole-complete
New Post Lettering on outside of building-complete
Post clean up-ongoing as needed
Ceiling in meeting hall-complete
Light kits in meeting hall-complete
Two additional fans with light kits in meeting hall-in progress
Painting in meeting hall-in progress
Ceiling in Canteen-Scheduled for 7/17
Painting in Canteen-Will schedule when ceiling is complete. Paint is purchased
Sign-New sign should be installed within 2-3 weeks
Carpeting in meeting hall-Decision made to replace with tile. Will purchase as soon as funds are available. May be sooner than you think.
Display Case-Will get cost estimate and timing from Dan, and begin work as soon as possible.

How much has this cost the American Legion general fund to this point? $0.00. All funds and labor to this point have been donated! This includes a $1000 donation from Beran Concrete towards the sign, which is being supplied at a reduced rate by George Lay Signs Inc. This is the result of Legion and ALR member Ron Herndon beating the bushes in our behalf. The letters in front were purchased and installed by Tom Knight. Labor and donations for all other projects are the result of a small percentage of our membership stepping up with money and time. We do not need a lot of money or time from a few members. We need a little money and or time from a lot of members. Look into your heart, and if you can help, please consider it.

Dedication update: August 13 is still the date for the dedication of the stone in front. Agenda and plans are on poster board and in the meeting hall. Please keep this day open. This dedication is for every Patriot that supports our fallen soldiers and their families. More will be posted on the web page as we get closer.


ALR News:
July 22-All you can eat spaghetti feed will be held at the post from 5 till 8. Auction and dance will follow. Proceeds going to the building fund, the American Legion Legacy fund and ALR programs. This is a fun way to support our Post. Cost: $6.50.

July 16-Meeting at Juanita Milligan’s home, 2010 Northridge, Andover to work on her house and yard. MSGT Milligan was injured by an IED in Iraq. She has had multiple surgeries at Walter Reed and this effort is to help an injured American hero in time of need. All are welcome to assist. Meet at 8:00am.

Dept. Commander Homecoming: Reminder that the Dept. Commanders homecoming will take place Aug. 5. It is a real honor that the Post 136 is the home of Pat Culver, Department Commander, and we need to be there to support her. There will be a POW/MIA ceremony led by our own members. Cost of the event is $22.00 and you need to RSVP to Don Culver by July 27. The homecoming will be held at the Best Western at I-135 & 53rd St. Social hour: 5:30.

Old Settlers Update: Tickets have been mailed and we need everyone to sell and return the donations as soon as you can. This is the biggest fund raiser of the year, and we cannot afford to not have a lot of participation. Extra tickets can be signed out at the bar.

Front Air Conditioner: You will probably feel a lot cooler while sitting in the bar on a hot day. The AC unit has been repaired.

SAL: Jim Jones has been elected as Squadron Commander at the July 9th meeting. Congratulations Jim. You have the Post’s full support.

MISC:

Old Settlers tickets have been mailed to all Post members. This event is the single biggest fund raiser we have for the year and is instrumental in keeping our programs going. Please get the donations in to the Finance Officer-Richard Carpenter, as soon as possible. If you need more tickets, they can be signed out at the bar.

2007 dues can be paid at any time. Due to all the activity with the post, the Early Bird dinner will be delayed. The fiscal year for the American Legion begins July 1, so any time the mood hits you to renew, the better off we are for meeting membership goals.

Sick Call: Post Chaplain Alan Gwinup is at the VA Hospital, Room 262 as of 7/11. Visitors are recommended and welcome.

Phil Stratford, Life Member now living in Oklahoma, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Please remember both in your thoughts and prayers.

Rick Babinger
Commander-Post 136

Newsletter - July 2006, Part 1

American Legion Family:

With the Forth of July holiday delaying our meeting until July 10, a shortened newsletter and calendar will be issued now. An update will be sent after the July meetings.

Flag Day:

Thanks to all who came out for the short ceremony on June 14 to honor our country’s flag. We had a few members of the community, and hope to build on this in the years ahead. It is a terrible thing to lose your patriotism, but a sad thing to have patriotism and feel embarrassed to show it in public. For those few that could not bring themselves to leave the bar for the 10 minutes it took to honor our flag, feel free to be ashamed of yourselves.

Post News:

• PR Officer: Bill Foster has stepped up and accepted the newly created position of Post 136 PR Officer. Bill has extensive experience in this type of work, and is showing his worth with the coordination of the dedication event planned in Aug. Bill is also a member of ALR. Thank you Bill.
• Post Image: Last month we discussed some much needed physical improvements to the post home, both outside and inside. Here is an update.
• Light kits have been installed on all lights in the meeting room.
• Two new fans, (with lights), have been purchased and awaiting installation.
• Flag pole has been painted
• All walls in meeting room have been prepared for paint and all surfaces cleaned. This includes the kitchen, bathrooms and floors.
• Paint has been purchased and all walls and ceiling should be painted prior to our July 10th meeting.
• Plans are made for a 12 foot, lighted display case.
• Work is planned on the sign by the road.
• New letters have been ordered for the front of the post.

Here is how we progressed so far, in such a short period of time, with only a small amount of money. In fact the building fund has hardly been touched as yet.

1. Ruben Gonzales/Tim Burke: Knew we had a flag day ceremony and took the initiative to purchase paint and get the pole painted. At the same time they moved some poles from the rear of the post to protect the fence in front.
2. Diane Gonzales-called on the women of ALR and Darla Harper pushed for the Auxiliary, to strip walls, clean grout, vacuum carpet, scrub paneling, and the kitchen to prepare the post for paint. Bar is being cleaned as we speak.
3. ALR-donated $300 for fans, light kits etc.
4. Jim Stephens-donated $100 for paint.
5. Tim Burke-will replace and treat ceiling towels in the post.
6. Dan Flisram-volunteered to paint.
7. Ruben again, on Fathers Day, came to the post to clear drains that were clogged.
8. Tom Knight found a deal on letters for the front of the post that saved a lot of money and time.

Many more people are involved, and I wish I could mention all, but these are the kind of leaders we have. Not one had to be asked to step up. It just gets done and we are just getting started.

Liquor License—I am sure some of you noticed we had a problem with the license last week. Thanks to Dave Williams and Shirley, making double trips to Topeka and keeping on top of it, we had our license renewed on Monday. We also learned how to avoid the issues in the future.

Patriot Guard Dedication Ceremony-Big plans are being laid for the dedication of the Kansas ALR/Patriot Guard stone, on Aug. 13. A separate mailing, detailing the opportunities that lie ahead, and the unbelievable membership response will be coming out shortly.

Department News:

Department Commander Pat Culver, Department President Gwen Trost, and Detachment Commander James Burton will be having an American Legion Joint Homecoming, Saturday, Aug. 5th, at the Best Western North, Wichita, Ks. Social hour is 5:30 PM with dinner at 6:30. Anyone interested must R.S.V.P. by 7/27 and send remittance to: Don Culver
225 S. Willow Dr.
Derby, Ks 67037
316-788-5153 mailto:dlculver@swbell.net
Cost is $22 per person. Since the Dept. Commander is a member of Post 136, we need to show our support and be there for this honor.

Sick Call:

The granddaughter of Charley Hon, Legion and ALR member, was in an accident and in need of our help. She is in ICU at St. Francis Hospital with swelling of the brain and multiple fractures. A donation can has been placed on the bar. If you can give anything at all, this is where it should go. And please do not forget about the healing power of your prayers.

American Legion Post 136 Web Site: www.al136.com
ALL: Legion and ALR member John Wilson has created a web site for our Post. The link is above. Take a moment and bookmark this link. This is an amazing site. You can link to other sites (AUX, SAL, ALR), he has pictures, a blog site where the Commander can give updates during the month.

You can subscribe to the site so any update the Commander puts up, will automatically e-mail you with the update. To do so, connect to the site. Select “American Legion” and click on “Ricks Blog”, then select “Click here to open Commanders Blog”. On the right side of the page, is a “Subscribe to Blog” block. Enter your e-mail address and press “Subscribe”. You will receive a confirmation email from the Blog. Select “Click to confirm”. You will be taken to a web page confirming you are subscribed. Click to continue, and you are done.

Just to show how active this post is at the moment, this is a short newsletter. Will update it after the monthly general meeting on July 10. If you really want to know what is going on at your Post, and to take an active part in its direction, planning and future growth, please try to attend. The meeting is at 7:00PM and we need you.

Rick BabingerCommander-Post 136

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.

Newsletter - May 2006

American Legion Family:

NOTE: It is cost prohibitive to use the postal service to mail this newsletter on a monthly basis. This is the only month it will be mailed. If you have an e-mail address and receive this newsletter by mail, please respond to this link: rbinger50@cox.net with your name and e-mail so you can receive the newsletter in the future. If you do not have E-mail, and would like to have the newsletter mailed to you, please send a self addressed envelope to AL Post 136, 410 SE Louis Dr., Mulvane, Ks 67110, in care of the Adjutant. A copy will be mailed.
Some hard copies will be at the post and a file copy will always be available.

Elections were held for Post, Auxiliary, and District this past month. (S.A.L. will be in May)
POST

Commander: Rick Babinger (USAF)
1st Vice Commander: Bill Willis (USAF)
2nd Vice Commander: Frank Cook (USMC/USAF)
Adjutant: Terry Knight (USN)
Finance Officer: Richard Carpenter (Army/Air Force)
Chaplain: Alan Gwinup (USMC)
Sgt. At Arms: Leon Roberts (USAF)
At Large Executive Board (2): Dennis Scufham (USMC) and Doug Lehman (USAF)
Service Officer: Tom Knight (USN)

On behalf of all the officers, it is a privilege and honor to serve as your leaders. We will be working hard to advance the cause of our Veterans and the ideals of the American Legion.

AUXILIARY

President: Darla Harper
1st Vice President: Sheryl Carpenter
2nd Vice President: Barbara Harding
Secretary/Treasurer: Monica McDanial CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
Historian: Nina Somers
Chaplain/Sgt. at Arms: Mary Hays
E-board at Large: Marge Williams


5th DISTRICT:

Our own Rick Johnson has completed his year as 5th District Commander. At this writing, he has led us to 1st place in membership and has done an outstanding job. He hopes to move on to Master of Arms at the Department level at the Department convention later this month.

We are also honored to have John Thomas elected to 5th District Vice Commander and Charlie Trapp to the District Executive board.

Sheryl Carpenter has been elected as District President of the Auxiliary for 2006-2007 and
Post 136 has endorsed Pat Culver for the position of Department Commander. As you can see, the leadership that has emerged from our Post is having a profound effect on the policy and direction of the American Legion here in Kansas. We should all be proud.

Post News:

· Annual rib feed was held April 29 with great success. Many thanks to those who assisted in the procuring, preparation, and serving. It was a great success and a fun night. The Post made just under $700 and over $300 was raised for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund. Thank you Tom Knight for taking the lead on the raffle.

· Memorial Day-Work day at cemetery scheduled May 6, 9:00am. Need as much help as we can get to locate and uncover flag holders and dig some new ones. Friday, 5/26, 5:30pm-place flags and markers on graves (rain date is Sat, 5/27, 9:00am). Monday 5/29-6:00am-Avenue of Flags at Cemetery followed by breakfast at post. Meet back at 10:00 to get ready for ceremonies at 11:00.

· Avon has given us an opportunity to express your gratitude for the troops. For $10, a gift set with lotions, sunscreen, etc. will be sent to the troops. $4 will go to the USO and $1 to the Post. For more info contact Nina Somers at ninamsom33@yahoo.com.

HOMECOMING: There will be a homecoming for six airmen returning from Iraq at 1930 hours (7:30pm for the Air Force), at Little Busters in Derby, May 16. These homecomings are not the exclusive duty of the Legion Riders. It would be great to see as many members as we can get, sign the flags, and be there to show solidarity for our returning warriors. One of the Airmen, Bart Leahy, is one of our own and the son of Tom Leahy, also a member. This includes VA visits, parades, Patriot Guard, etc. We are a veteran’s organization. You served once. Do it again!

Our Legion Riders will have the honor of being one of six Posts to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC this Memorial Day as part of the Rolling Thunder/Carry the Flame. Kansas ALR will also receive an Americanism award at the Dept. Convention later this month and will be by accepted by Cregg Hansen…Please remember! Every time you hear about our ALR group, you are hearing about what it means to be in the American Legion. They are Legion members first and represent all of us with dignity and professionalism deserving of our Legion family. I am proud and honored to be included in those ranks.

There are a lot of subjects we can add this month but I want to take this time to discuss the direction we are going this year and what it means to be a member of Post 136.

Our rolls have recently surpassed 500, of which approximately 250 are life members. These numbers are impressive, but ask yourself:

When was the last time you attended a meeting, visited a veteran in the hospital, honored a fallen hero from the war, contacted your representative, helped in the community on behalf of the Legion, marched in a parade, helped work a fundraiser, or devoted time to improve the Post? Now ask yourself, when was the last time you sat at the bar and complained of the officers, or that things aren’t going the way you would like to see them go?

If you cannot answer the first question, you have little right to answer the second.

This year we plan to invest in the post. You can see work being done on the motorcycle pad, and you will soon see the stone announcing our home as the birthplace of the Patriot Guard. Plans are under way to paint, repair signs, replace carpets and ceiling tiles, brighten the club room and add smoke eater fans. You will be better informed with newsletters and message boards. We will have more social functions and get the community more involved with our actions. Homecomings will involve anyone that takes the time to welcome home our soldiers.

Conventional wisdom says there will always be passive members, but it would not be responsible to accept that as an inevitable fact. The money for these initiatives can be raised, but the labor and sense of duty to this post and the American Legion, can only come from its membership. I am asking everyone to pledge time this year for the good of the post. With E-mail and postings, we will do everything we can to keep you informed, but it is up to you.

Remember who you are. You have served your country and have felt the need to belong to the oldest and proudest veteran’s organization in the land. Be Proud and Get Involved!

Rick Babinger
Commander
Post 136