Commander's
Message
To all Members,
Next month our Post will be holding their Election for
Officers. At this time I ask all members to come out and
vote for those who are running. I know in this newsletter
there will be two articles written by the two candidates for
Commander. If you don't know some of the candidates then try
to get to know them, ask other members about them, or just
pick up the phone and give them a call. Ask them in what
direction they want the Post to go and how they plan on
doing it. Legionnaires, it's your Post. All members have the
right to decide. All members have the right to speak up and
suggest ideas that will strengthen our Post. As your
Commander over the past few years I found it necessary to
ask members for their input. I relied on the E-Board and
those Officers to make the necessary decisions that would
make a better place for its members. So again, I ask you to
show up on June 1st and cast your votes. The Post depends on
you as a member.
In April, our House Committee staged some very successful
functions at the Post. The Post Reunion was a huge success
and I want to thank all Ladies who prepared their favorite
dishes and brought to the event. There's nothing better than
home cooking.
In the summer months, the committee will be staging other
events that will keep the Post active as it has been the
past year. If there are ideas you have that you feel would
make a good event or changes to our present format, then
please talk to Larry Ruschell, our Second Vice.
This month I would like to make Ron Zimmerman, Post 318's
"Member Of the Month." Ron has taken on the responsibility
of setting up our Post's Web Site. Many hours are put in
making our Web Site as successful as it is. Check it out at
www.americanlegion318fl.org. You will see why Ron deserves
it. Ron, thank you.
Commander
Daryl Bowie
1st
Vice-Commander
Well, we're in the home stretch of this year's membership
drive. Just two months remain and we currently have 829 paid
members. This brings our goal percentage to 107.24 %. We are
still in 1st place amongst Posts with membership of 750+ and
should win this year's membership award at the Department
convention in July.
It's not too early to think about membership for 2008.
National should be mailing out the renewal notices after May
20th. Why not take the time to renew your membership
early and get next years membership drive off to a roaring
start. Last year, we had over 600 "Earlybird" memberships
sent in. The E-Board authorized a drawing for 6 members to
have their 2008 membership dues paid for by the Post. These
6 winner were:
Dennis Cush, Ronald A. Dold, Eugene V. Insogna,
Edwin J. Rau, Joseph E. Ruch, & Richard Soto
These winners will automatically receive their new membership
cards shortly after the Department convention in July 2007.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and
everyone of you who have paid this years' membership dues.
It made my job a lot easier and we have not been out of the
top spot of goal percentage since day 1.
Frank Howard, 1st Vice-Commander
Chaplain's Corner
POST EVERLASTING
John R. Scarbrough 3/27/07, Paul E. Grondin 4/11/07, Daniel
J. McKillop Sr. 4/11/07 and William E. Peters 4/12/07
Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family and friends
of our departed comrade who now enjoy eternal peace.
NEED PRAYERS FOR THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
Donald Baldwin, Dale Hollopeter, Randy Hunter,
and Bill Yager
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Don't
ruin what could be a joyous, happy life by giving way to
resentment and ill will.
If you know any member sick or in Distress
PLEASE call:
JOHN F.H. HAGER, Chaplain Post 318,
879-7095
MATTIE KELLY, Aux. Chaplain Unit 318 879-7095
American Legion Post 318
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
The following American Legion
Post #318 Legionnaires are slated to run for the positions
indicated for 2007/2008:
Post Commander . . .. . . Frank Howard & Gary Schmitt
1st Vice Commander . . . . . . . Jim Burk
2nd Vice Cmdr. . . . Harold (Hal) Davis
Finance Officer . . . . . . . .Dan Newman
Post Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . John Hager
Sgt-At-Arms . . . . . . . . . . Dana Lambert & Conrad Tutela
Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Open
Executive Committee: Maurice "Babe" Garneau, Tom Louden,
& Larry Ruschell
Election of American Legion Post #318 Officer will be held
June 1, 2007. Nominations from the floor were opened during
the April 7, 2007 meeting and will remain open until the May
5, 2007 meeting to accommodate anyone wishing to run for any
of the above positions.
Additionally, anyone interested in running for any of the
above positions can contact a member of the Nominating
Committee: Dan Ferraro, Jack McCarthy, or Brian Pierson at
any time.
Dan Ferraro, Chairman Nominations Committee
Honor/color
guard
March was a relatively slow month for
us. We had five ceremonies which consisted mostly of
presenting or posting the colors. One of them was presenting
the colors at Tradition Field on Saturday, March 24 just
prior to a baseball game. Our Color Guard consisted of Dana
Lambert, Jack McCarthy, John Aitken, Steve Boulet and Frank
Howard. As if that weren't enough the Legion Riders once
again came in force and insured that a beautiful ceremony
would be an outstanding one. Thanks all of you for making
our Post the best in the 12th District and possibly the best
in Florida.
Conrad Tutela, Sergeant-At-Arms
Legion
riders
Thank you to all the great
volunteers and people who participated in our second annual
Casino Night. We had a great time. Special thanks to Sons
Andy and Tommy B.
The most exciting time of year is coming up. That is the
annual Post Elections. Hey, you veterans fought to give
people the right to do this, so make sure you come out on
election day and support your favorite candidates.
There is a huge fund-raiser coming up at the end of May that
it will be a joint effort between several Posts, including
318. There are brochures concerning "HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS"
at the Post. I ask that if you are donating either monies or
raffle/auction prizes, you let the Riders know. This way we
can take them up the day of the event to Melbourne. The
event takes place May 19th.
Remember you'll never see a motorcycle in front of a shrink's
office.
Jim Burk, Commander Legion Rider
FRANK HOWARD for
COMMANDER, POST 318
My name is
Frank Howard and I'm running for the position of Post
Commander. I retired from the Army as an Infantry Major in
1987 after 24 years of service. My service included 3 tours
in Vietnam, 2 in Korea and 1 in Germany. I have a BS Degree
in Business Management from NYIT and a MBA from Farleigh
Dickinson University. After my military career, I worked for
the Star-Ledger Newspaper in New Jersey until June 2005.
I joined this Post in July 2005, a month after I moved here
from New Jersey, I joined the Post Honor Guard a month later
and am proud to say it is my pleasure to serve with this
unit. Last year I ran (unopposed) for 1st Vice
Commander and won. I'm proud to say that this Post was able
to achieve 100% membership by the end of December. Only our
Post and one other (membership of 750+) can claim this
accomplishment. My most satisfactory accomplishment to date
is the "Wall of Remembrance." I designed, gathered and
correlated all the information and along with the help of
the Honor Guard, constructed "the Wall." I also wrote
the ceremony for its dedication last July. I am
currently the project coordinator for "Vetfest" scheduled
for September 2007 at Traditions Field. This project
will establish funds for the "Heroes to Hometown" program.
One of my goals as your new Commander will be to seek out and
secure a new location for our Post. Be assured, the
new Post will be in close proximity to our current Post.
As most of you know, we are rapidly out growing this
facility. I will strive to continue the recruitment
and retention of legionnaires to insure out continued
growth. I would also like to increase the
participation by more members in the many worthwhile causes
this Post contributes to. Finally, I plan to continue
monitoring all the financial aspects of the Post to insure
we maintain our strong financial position. No changes
will be made without consulting both the E-Board and
membership.
In closing, let me say, I have the military background, the
education and most importantly, the time and desire to
devote myself as your next Post Commander. Regardless
of whom you vote for, remember, you have earned your right
to vote, so do so on June 1, 2007
Thank you, Frank Howard
GARY SCHMITT for
COMMANDER, POST 318
Retired US Army Military
Intelligence as Multi-Discipline Counter Intelligence
Operator Analyst.
Paid up for life, American Legion & VFW Member.
Active Post member from 2000 to present. Member of New Team
that helped stop the Post from moving to Saint Lucie West.
As Finance Officer, 2001-2004, developed computer based
accounting system that tracks all monetary actions in the
Post. Drafted first Budget. Member of the E-Board. Supports
& Attends most Post events.
2004 to present, Service Officer & Assistant Finance Officer.
As Service Officer, assisted Veterans in taking advantage of
their benefits. Purchases Phone & PX cards for our Support
the Troops program.
As Commander, I will work with all members and groups of the
Post. We need to continue the advancements we have made.
Gary Schmitt
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At American Legion Post 318
Good Friends, Good Cheer! |
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Auxiliary
President's message
Greetings and Salutations:
Just a short article this month. Many thanks to Rita
Woodburn, Sgt-At-Arms, who organized the "I am Proud to Be
an American" essay contest for 7th - 8th grade students. She
collected and sent over 95 essays to District. Surely we
will have a winner from all of them. The winning essay
receives $50. GREAT JOB, RITA!
Mo Aitken is moving right along with the Golf Tournament
again this year. Please call her or come down and give her a
hand on May 20th - there is quite a bit to do and we can
certainly use your help. This is our biggest fund-raiser, so
let's all join in and make it a successful one.
We are still collecting school supplies! See Carol Lanigan
for some ideas. There is a bin at the Canteen for you to
drop them off. And with the "no-sales-tax-week" coming up in
July for school supplies - this could be your opportunity to
get some for the bucket!
By the time you receive this newsletter, elections will have
taken place on April 21st. The nominees, as of
this date are:
Sunny Lavallee - President; Marion Mason - 1st Vice Pres.;
Robin Burk - 2nd Vice Pres.; Tammy DePace - Secretary;
Margaret Trocki - Treasurer; Mattie Kelly - Chaplain;
Rita Woodburn - Sgt-At-Arms; Laura Mastermaker - Asst.; Jodi
Murphy, Wanda O'Neil & Betty Swank for Executive Brd.
The next regular meeting for the Auxiliary will take place on
May 19th at 12 pm. Remember, we need your attendance, your
volunteerism, great talents and qualities to accomplish all
we want to do this year.
A BIG THANKS TO ALL WHO VOLUNTEERED AND TO THOSE WHO SERVED
AS OFFICERS THIS YEAR! WE COULD NOT HAVE HAD SUCH A
SUCCESSFUL YEAR WITHOUT YOUR ASSISTANCE.
ALWAYS A PLEASURE
SUNNY LAVALLEE, PRESIDENT
Son's -
American Legion
Hello Post 318,
This year is flying by. We are already into the month of May.
We will be having our nominations of officers at our next
meeting which will be Monday, May 14th. PLEASE ATTEND!! We
need everyone' participation to have another successful
year.
At our Wednesday night dinner we served 80 dinners. I want to
thank all the volunteers who helped. GREAT JOB!! Our next
dinner will be Wednesday, May 9th.
At the Memorial Day picnic, the SAL will be having a clam
bake, we will be having clams on the half shell, steamed
clams, and clam chowder. All proceeds will go to veterans
and children's needs in our area.
The annual convention will be coming up in July. Any members
wishing to attend please contact Andy at the Post so that we
can book your hotel rooms.
Andy Saffioti, S.A.L. Commander
FIFTH
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Mark your calendars for the Auxiliary's Fifth Annual Golf
Tournament to be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at Gator Trace
Golf Club. Registration begins at 7:00am with an 8:30am
Shotgun Start. Coffee, donuts and orange juice will be
served during registration.
The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board at the
Post. Please sign up as soon as possible as there are only a
limited number of foursomes available. The cost for this
year's tournament is $50.00 per person and payment will be
due no later than two weeks prior to the event. Checks
should be made to the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 318.
Anyone wishing to sponsor a hole for $100.00 or make a gift
donation should contact Maureen Aitken, Golf Committee
Chairwoman at 772-879-4859.
Thank you for your support and generosity and we look forward
to seeing you at the Tournament.
Mo Aitken
Americanism yOUTH CONFERENCE AND
FREEDOM FOUNDATION
I was pleased that I received 39 essays for the Freedom
Foundation Youth Conference ... I am so proud to report that
3 students from Unit 318 won the trip to Valley Forge, PA.
March 8th - 11th. The students chosen are: Lindsey Spiers,
Nick Enns, and Shea McGlynn.
Rita Woodburn, Americanism Chairman
AMERICAN LEGION POST 318,
GOLF LEAGUE
Every golfer who would like to play in our Wednesday, SUMMER
LEAGUE, beginning in May, there is a sign up sheet on the
bulletin board at the Post.
Dick Boulette
WHAT
IS "HEROES TO HOMETOWN"
& "VETSFEST??"
"HEROES TO HOMETOWN" is a joint
program between The American Legion and the Department of
Defense. As the war on terrorism continues, more young
American military men and women are coming home bearing
scars of battle. Many continue to recover physically and
emotionally from severe injuries including loss of limbs,
mobility, and psychological traumas. This teamwork will
provide these outstanding and dedicated Americans all the
help they need to reestablish their lives when they come
home. From the moment the service member is evacuated from
the battlefield overseas and treated to the time they come
home, the goal is seamless support to assure that the
injured service member and Family achieve the highest level
of functioning and quality of life.
"VETSFEST"
will be this Post's means of raising funds to support
"Heroes to Hometown." This event will be held in the east
parking lot of Tradition Field on September 22, 2007. It
will run from 4pm to 10pm. There will be live entertainment
provided by Sha-Boom, Sal and the Flashbacks, and Bruce
Bosshard. There will also be numerous food and craft vendors
as well as Post 318 beer tents. There will be a "children's
play area" with a Moon Walk and Rock Climbing Wall. We will
also have "classic cars" on display, and the Post Honor
Guard will have a "DUNK TANK" for your enjoyment. Let Dick
Boulette or Jack McCarthy of the Honor Guard know who you
like to see "DUNKED." We will keep a top 10 list of those to
be "DUNKED" on the Post's bulletin board. The Salvation Army
will also have its' MASH Tent set up and representatives
from the VA Hospital & St. Lucie County Veterans Services
will also be available. The cost for this event will be just
$10.00 per vehicle - $5.00 per motorcycle.
We are also looking for both individual and corporate
sponsors. Sponsorships range from $25.00 to $2,500.00. See
Frank Howard (621-4435) or Dan Newman if you would like to
be a sponsor or know of a corporate sponsor we should
contact. All funds collected will be used for any service
member living in and/or relocating to St. Lucie County.
REMEMBER, AS LONG AS WE REMAIN A
NATION AT WAR, THE AMERICAN LEGION AND THIS POST WILL BE
THERE FOR OUR TROOPS.
FRANK HOWARD,
"VETSFEST" PROJECT COORDINATOR
NOTICE: VETERANS &
FAMILIES !
We recently
had one of our brothers re-assigned to Post Everlasting. His
widow came to me to find a place to have a memorial and a
gathering for friends and family.
In talking with her, I asked if she was planning on doing
anything to honor this highly decorated veteran for his
service. She then told me nobody had called her.
#1, I was disappointed that the funeral home had not
mentioned he was entitled to this honor.
#2, I realized that we were re-miss in making sure that all
our members and their families knew that all they had to do
was call the Post, at 878-0655 and they would be put in
contact with a person that would take it from there.
We are at the age when we sit down and discuss our last
wishes. I don't know of any veteran, his or her family that
doesn't want that person thanked for their service to our
country.
Dick Boulette, Asst. Sgt-At-Arms
TEXAS
HOLD EM' TOURNAMENT
Our next tournament will be played on Tuesday, May 15 at 7pm.
Doors will open at 6:30. We play from 7 till 11pm, if it
lasts that long. You must be a member of the Post (Legion,
Auxiliary, Sons) in order to play. Any member may bring a
guest, but the member must also play.
At our Tournament of Champions it came down to the two,
two-time winners going at it head to head. Ron Hudy and
Sally Booth. Both acquitted themselves proudly.
Unfortunately, there could only be one winner and that
person was Ron Hudy. Congratulations to all the players, but
particularly to Ron.
Who said poker is a man's game? Come on out ladies and give
the guys a run for their money.
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Mark Your Calendar
Remember to Vote
June 1st
YOUR vote is important! |
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