AHWATUKEE POST 64 NARRATIVE HISTORY FOR Sunday, June 5 thru Saturday, June 11, 2016, was the 70th Session of Arizona

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1 AHWATUKEE POST 64 NARRATIVE HISTORY FOR Sunday, June 5 thru Saturday, June 11, 2016, was the 70th Session of Arizona Boys State. Post 64 member and County Counselor Roger Munchbach was on the campus of Northern Arizona University. He was checked in at McConnell Hall and attended Boys State Orientation at American Legion Post 3 on Saturday, June 4. Boys State citizens arrived on Sunday, June 5, and check-in was from 1200 to 1500 hours that afternoon. Dressed in Honor Guard attire, Roger Munchbach posted the POW/MIA seat cover at opening ceremonies. At the D-Day ceremony, Roger handed out poppies and collected donations given for the Arizona Stand-Down to aid needy veterans in Arizona. At the awards program on Saturday, June 11, Roger Munchbach presented the Tony and Roger Upchurch Memorial Award, given to the Outstanding Boys State City Mayor. He also awarded twelve Post 64 gavels to the twelve Boys State City Mayors for their dedication and service to their respective Boys State cities throughout the session. Roger retrieved the POW/MIA seat cover at Boys State closing ceremonies. Boys State citizens sponsored by Post 64 from Mountain Pointe High School were Ryan Kern and Logan White, and from Desert Vista High School were Doug Sellers and Seth Grieser. Saturday, June 11, 2016, was Post 64 Color Guard practice for the Flag Day Disposal program at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center parking lot.

2 Tuesday, June 14, 2016, was the Annual Flag Day Flag Disposal Program. Sixty members and guests attended the program. Flags and poppies were given out. Eight Post 64 Color Guard members assisted in performing the program that evening. Wednesday, June 15, 2016, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 General Membership Meeting, in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The meeting was called to order by Cmdr. Rod Green (out-going Post 64 Cmdr) at 1500 hours with 25 members and guests in attendance. The following business and reports were covered: membership (180 paid-up); Post 64 clean-up of Elliot Rd.; Color Guard reported 60 attended the June 14 Flag Disposal Ceremony; the Red, White, and Boom will be on Friday July 1, 2016, with the presentation of Colors at 2100 hours; July 3 Hot Dog dinner hosted by the Support the Troops Committee for $10 per person; order two gross of stick flags; newspaper articles to highlight Post 64; Blue Star Memorial pavers; Holiday Party for 2017; POW/MIA Table and military memorabilia to be displayed at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center; Golf tournament for 2017; Executive Committee Meetings; and Budget for Post 64 Installation of Officers was conducted by Department Oratorical Chairman Roger Munchbach. The following Post 64 officers were sworn in: Cmdr. Ed Mangan; First Vice Cmdr. Bob Smithson; Second Vice Cmdr. Open; Adjutant/Historian Roger Munchbach; Finance Officer Rod Green; Chaplain/Service Officer John

3 Boyer; Sgt-at-Arms/ Color Guard Cmdr. Dave VonTersch. Speakers for June were Ryan Kern and Seth Grieser. They talked about their Boys State week, with each receiving from Post 64 a challenge coin and a Boys State gavel. The meeting was closed by new Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1614 hours. June 23 thru June 26, 2016, was the Annual Arizona Department Convention of the American Legion. The convention was held at the Carefree Resort and Conference Center. The convention was attended by Roger and Deb Munchbach and Bob and Georgeanna Smithson. Roger Munchbach presented the Auxiliary with a $210 check (poppy donations) collected at Boys State and by Post 64. Roger and Deb Munchbach attended the Past Presidents Parley luncheon on Saturday. New Department officers elected included: Area B Vice Cmdr. Dan Palmer; Department Cmdr. Danny Bugh; National Executive Committeeman Richard Perry; and Alt. Executive Committeeman Judi Beischel. Awards received by Post 64 included: First Place Color Guard: Medium-Size Post; First Place Post History Book: Medium-Size Post; First Place Community Service Award; 100% Membership Award; and Legionnaire of the Year Award to Roger Munchbach. Monday, June 27, 2016, a military memorabilia display for the Fourth of July was set up at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Friday, July 1, 2016, was the Red, White, and Boom Celebration at Pecos Park. Post 64 had a membership booth and gave out 288 stick flags. Colors were

4 presented by the Post 64 Color Guard before the fireworks at 2100 hours. Sunday, July 3, 2016, was the Independence Day Hot Dog Dinner. The dinner was hosted by the Support the Troops Committee. 200 people attended and music was performed by the Uptown Angels. Saturday, July 9, 2016, was the Arizona Department Organizational Meeting hosted by Phoenix Post 41. Roger Munchbach attended that meeting representing Post 64 and the Department Oratorical Committee. Sunday, July 10, 2016, was the District 12 Organizational Meeting hosted by Apache Post 27. Roger Munchbach and Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan attended that meeting. Monday, July 18, 2016, was the Arizona Vietnam Wall Meeting in Gilbert, Arizona. The meeting was attended by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan. Saturday, July 30, 2016, was the ALLECA Graduation Ceremony. The graduation for the twenty-one cadets was held at the Saint Joseph Youth Camp, NF-240, Mormon Lake, Arizona Roger and Deb Munchbach attended the function. Saturday, August 13, 2016, was the Post 64 Elliot Rd. clean-up. Nine Post 64 members turned out for the quarterly clean-up. Wednesday, August 17, 2016, was the Executive Committee Meeting held in the Boardroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The meeting was called to

5 order at 1505 by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan with seven in attendance. Business covered at that meeting included: Colors for the DAR meeting at the Scottsdale Millennium Hotel; Evolution of the Flag Programs need additional help; Vietnam free luncheon in East Mesa; Carl T. Hayden High School Massing of the Colors; POW/MIA Program; and the speaker for the September General Membership Meeting who will be Troy Friedman Service Officer from the East Valley Veteran s Center. The meeting was closed by Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1650 hours. Friday, August 19, 2016, was the presentation and posting of Colors in Scottsdale, Arizona. Seven Post 64 Color Guard members provided the Colors for the Annual State Convention for the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Post received a certificate and a donation from the DAR. Wednesday, September 7, 2016, the POW/MIA Table was set up by Roger and Deb Munchbach at ARC. Friday, September 9, 2016, Oratorical Plaques were delivered to Tempe and Sandra Day O'Connor High Schools. Saturday, September 10, 2016, was Honor Guard practice for the Memorial Service for Vietnam veteran William Thomas Keller, Jr. Seven Honor Guard members attended. Also, that same day, two members attended the East Valley Vietnam Veterans luncheon, honoring all Vietnam Era Veterans in Arizona.

6 Sunday, September 11, 2016, was the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. Thirty-five US flags were posted along the front sidewalk of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Also that day, from 1200 hours to 1300 hours seven Post 64 Honor Guard members performed a Memorial Service and Flag Folding Ceremony, and presented a Post Everlasting Certificate, twenty-five poppies, and a flag display case to honor the passing of veteran William Thomas Keller, Jr. That same day, Post 64 participated in the Massing of the Colors at Carl T. Hayden High School. Monday, September 12, 2016, Roger and Deb Munchbach talked to students at Cesar Chavez High School about the Oratorical program and the Boys and Girls State Programs. Roger Munchbach presented the school with an Arizona Oratorical Plaque for Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Roger and Deb Munchbach presented 2016 Oratorical Plaques to Notre Dame Preparatory Academy and Desert Vista High School. Friday, September 16, 2016, was the dedication ceremony for a new POW/MIA to replace the worn-out flag on the Ahwatukee Recreation Center flag pole. Saturday, September 17, 2016, the POW/MIA Table was removed from the lobby of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center.

7 Sunday, September 18, 2016, was the District 12 meeting at Phoenix Post 65. Post 64 was represented by Post 64 Adjutant Roger Munchbach. Wednesday, September 21, 2016, was the Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1503 hours in the Ahwatukee Recreation Center's Ballroom with 27 present. Officer reports included: membership reported to be 102/177 (57.63%); Chaplain reported that two post members (Ralph Garlow and LaVerne Kidd) have medical issues; Color Guard Cmdr. reported on the Red, White, and Boom event; street clean-up, DAR event on August 19, POW/MIA Day flag dedication ($56 for new flag); POW/MIA Table; Evolution of the Flag Program on November 1 at Mountain View Lutheran Church for YOPAS; Evolution of the Flag Program on November 10 at Akimel Middle School; and Post needs additional members to help in the Color Guard. Items also covered included: Post approved dues for Ralph Garlow and LaVerne Kidd; Budget for was given out and approved; US flags to be sold at the ARC Gift Shop; Amy Nicholls received a 2016 Oratorical Plaque on behalf of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center; Jackie Oddo was approved as the new Refreshment Coordinator; and a cake celebrating the USAF birthday. Speakers were Max Klein (a Webelo Scout raising funds for his troop); and Troy Friedman (one of the main Service Officers from the East Valley Veterans Education Center). Troy spoke on VA benefit claims, career counseling, employment, Maricopa

8 Veterans Court, and assistance for veterans who are homeless or soon to be homeless. The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1604 hours. Tuesday, October 4, 2016, was delivery of the American Legion Post 64 Halloween candy bowl in the lobby of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Thursday, October 13, 2016, was the USN birthday (October 13, 1775). Saturday, October 15, 2016, was the Arizona Run for the Fallen. Three Post members met runners in Tempe as they passed. Also, that same day was the Ahwatukee Recreation Center Craft Fair meeting. Post 64 members Dave VonTersch and Roger Munchbach attended. Tuesday, October 18, 2016, was the Vietnam Veterans of America meeting. Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan attended. Wednesday, October 19, 2016, was the Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order at 1504 hours by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center with 28 people in attendance. Officer reports included: Chaplain Walt Hobby's wife passed away; Adjutant-Get Out the Vote for the November 8 elections; upcoming Color Guard events November 1-The Charles Roloff Evolution of the American Flag Program at Mountain View Lutheran Church for the YOPAS members, November 5 the Arizona Vietnam Wall meeting, November 10 The Charles Roloff Evolution of the American Flag Program at Akimel Middle School,

9 November 11 the Color Guard program at the Mountain Pointe Sr. Center, November 17 the Packages for our Troops program at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, November 19 the Craft Fair at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. New business included: approved money for the Post 64 website to reimburse Jim Woods; Flag Retirement Ceremony pamphlets; American Legion plates for Arizona veterans; and an ESGR (Employer Support of Guard and Reserve) report. Cmdr. Ed Mangan and John Boyer give classes to National Guard and Reserve members concerning their employment rights upon returning home after active duty deployment. Old or Unfinished business: Gift Shop US flags to be sold at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Speakers included Doug Patterson from the East Valley Marine Corp. League. Doug addressed the Toys for Tots Program, the Marines Death Program, the Marines in Need Program, and the Marine Corp. Ball. The second speaker was Angel Juarez, the Adjutant for the Department of Arizona. Angel talked about the Department's role in Arizona and the National Membership Team coming to Post 1 in December. The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1620 hours. Saturday, October 29, 2016, was the quarterly Elliot Rd. clean-up by Post 64 members. Tuesday, November 1, 2016, was the Charles Roloff Evolution of the American Flag program at Mountain View Lutheran Church. 110 YOPAS

10 members and guests attended the Post 64 Color Guard program. November 4-6, 2016, was the Arizona American Legion 2016 Fall Conference. All meetings and sessions were conducted at the Double Tree Hotel and Conference Center, Tucson, Arizona. The special guest speaker at the conference was Nation Commander Candidate Paul L. Espinoza from Albuquerque, NM. Post 64 was represented by Roger and Deb Munchbach, and Bob and Georgeanna Smithson. Ahwatukee Post 64 won the following awards: 100% Membership, History book, Color Guard, Community Service, and Legionnaire of the Year. Saturday, November 5, 2016, was the golf tournament fund raiser for the Arizona Wall Memorial. Three Post 64 members attended the event. Tuesday, November 8, 2016, was National Election Day. Post 64 helped to Get Out the Vote. Thursday, November 10, 2016, was both the United States Marine Corp Birthday and the Charles Roloff Evolution of the American Flag. The flag education program was held at Akimel Middle School with 400 students in attendance. Friday, November 11, 2016, was Veterans Day. 35 US flags were posted around the Ahwatukee Recreation Center parking lot. Post 64 conducted the Charles Roloff Evolution of the American Flag Program for the adults at the

11 Mountain Park Ranch Senior Center. Several Post 64 veterans received free meals in local restaurants in honor of Veterans Day. Saturday, November 12, 2016, Roger and Deb Munchbach delivered 150 packages and additional items to the Ahwatukee Recreation Center for the Support the Troops program. November 13-19, 2016, was American Education Week. Gift baskets were given to six area schools from Ahwatukee Post 64. Monday, November 14, 2016, Roger and Deb picked up 108 pairs of socks and hundreds of letters from Kyrene Traditional Academy. These items were boxed for the Support the Troops program. Wednesday, November 16, 2016, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was held in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The meeting was called to order at 1502 hours by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan with 26 members and guests in attendance. Officer reports included: a Cmdr's report; membership was reported at 133/177 (74%); Adjutant's report; Chaplain's and Service Officer's reports; and a Color Guard report. Old or unfinished business included: an Arizona American Legion Conference report; PUFL membership drive; and a handout for the annual Flag Disposal Program in June. New Business included: the Craft Fair at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center; the Save the Family holiday program for needy veteran families; 150 Support the

12 Troops boxes were given to Luke Air Force Base for delivery overseas; Wreaths Across America program for December 17 at the National Cemetery on Cave Creek Rd.; the Christmas Pot luck to be held after the December 21 Post 64 general membership meeting; and Alice Maynard was introduced as the newest member of the Post 64 Color Guard team. The special guest speaker was District 12 Cmdr. Ken Queen, who spoke about the American Legion 100th Anniversary; membership on the Post and National levels; the December National Membership Team coming to Phoenix Post 1; and the importance of all Posts attending that membership recruiting event. For the Good of the Legion included: the Arizona Vietnam Wall and Operation Welcome Home in Gilbert, AZ; the Blue Star Memorial and upcoming Color Guard activities. The meeting was adjourned at 1625 hours by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan. Saturday, November 19, 2016, was the 2016 Arts and Craft Fair ( hours). Post 64's Color Guard presented Colors and manned a booth. The booth provided general and membership information, and collected donations for poppies to help support the Save the Family holiday program. $160 was collected to help a veteran in need. Sunday, November 20, 2016, was the District 12 meeting. The meeting was conducted by District 12 Cmdr. Ken Queen and hosted by Irving B. Selmer Post 107 at N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.

13 November 20 thru 26, 2016, was The American Legion's National Family Week. Thursday, November 24, 2016, was Thanksgiving Day. Thursday, December 8, 2016, the Post received a thank you certificate from the Community Resource and Referral Center for supporting the mission to end homelessness of veterans. December 8 and 9, 2016, were Post Revitalization Days at Luke Greenway Post 1, 364 N. 7 Ave., Phoenix, AZ). The American Legion Membership Team conducted the classes and assisted Post 64 members Bob Smithson and Herb Mauch with contacting and signing up members for the Post. Saturday, December 10, 2016, two Post 64 members set up a Christmas tree on wing 4C of the Phoenix VA Hospital. Under the tree were boxes of Christmas ornaments, sugar free candies, and many gifts for all veterans passing by. Also, a large box of grapefruit was delivered to the ER department for any veteran. That same day, a Christmas candy basket was delivered to the Ahwatukee Recreation Center's Library. Wednesday, December 14, 2016, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 Executive Committee Meeting. The meeting was opened by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan in the old boardroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center at 1500 hours. A total of six officers attended with the main focus on the January Holiday Party. The

14 meeting was concluded by Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1615 hours. Friday, December 16, 2016, Post 64 delivered $450 in gift cards and presents for the Sanders Family, to the Save the Family main office located at 125 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ Wednesday, December 21, 2016, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan in the Ahwatukee Recreation Center ballroom at 1510 hours with thirty-one in attendance. First order of business was the vacant Second Vice Commander position. Pete Meier was chosen by Cmdr. Ed Mangan, recommended by the members of the Executive Committee, and approved by the general membership by a majority vote. Officer reports included: membership at 148/177 (84% of Post goal); Bob Smithson and Herb Mauch attended the Post Revitalization Campaign at Post 1; Chaplain/Service Officer reported VA benefit assistance is available, and there is a new policy wherein VA Cemeteries offer eligible veterans an advance application for interment benefits; a current finance report was given; Color Guard reported that coming events were in need of more volunteers and four or more members are needed to assist with a memorial service on December 28. Old business included: the Post 64/Veterans Club Annual Holiday Party and Fund Raiser, catered by the Clever Chef (serving chicken and roast pork at $25 per person); Christmas tree at the VA; the brochure for the June

15 14 Flag Disposal Ceremony; and the Save the Family Holiday Gift packages delivered on December 16 (total gifts $450). New business included: Wreaths Across America needs 350 wreaths at the National Cemetery on Cave Creek Rd.; and Support the Troops delivered 150 boxes to be delivered by Luke Air Force base. There was no speaker for the December meeting. The meeting was closed at 1605 hours by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan. Wednesday, December 28, 2016, was the memorial service for Army veteran Mark Hayball. Four Post 64 Color/Honor Guard members performed the Flag Folding Ceremony that was requested by the Hayball family. Saturday, December 31, 2016, the Christmas tree at the VA Medical Center was removed. All the gifts and candy had been taken and another box of grapefruit was delivered to the ER for veterans. Saturday, January 7, 2017, was the Annual Open House event from 1200 to 1700 hours at the Arizona American Legion Department Headquarters, 4701 N. 19 Ave., Phoenix, AZ. Post 64 was represented by Roger and Deb Munchbach who brought along a dish to share. Wednesday, January 11, 2017, was the Post 64 Executive Committee Meeting. The meeting was held in the old boardroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1500 hours with six officers in attendance. Topics included: upcoming Color

16 Guard and personal events; and Jackie Oddo stepping down as refreshment coordinator. The meeting was concluded at 1650 hours. Saturday, January 14, 2017, was the American Legion Family Children and Youth/National Security Workshop. The workshop was hosted by Luke Greenway Post 1, 364 N. 7 Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007, from 0900 to 1300 hours. Post 64 member Roger Munchbach gave a talk on The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, A Constitutional Speech Contest. Sunday, January 15, 2017, was the Arizona District 12 meeting. The meeting was hosted by Mathew B. Juan Post 35, 2240 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ. Post 64 representative Roger Munchbach attended the meeting. Monday, January 16, 2017, Ahwatukee Post 64, 5001 E. Cheyenne Dr., Phoenix, Arizona 85044, submitted to the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 990-N (Electronic Notice, e-postcard) for tax-exempt organizations. The submitted form was accepted and confirmation was received for the tax year 2016 on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center at 1505 hours with 25 in attendance. The January 11, 2017, Executive Committee minutes were approved. Officer reports included: membership at 157/177 or 89% of goal for

17 2017; finance report was given; Color Guard reported receiving a check for $300 for providing services at the memorial service for veteran Mark Hayball; up-coming events; Service Officer reported that Ahwatukee Post 64 Past Cmdr. Bob Fischer passed away. Unfinished business included: the Holiday Party on January 21; the American Legion High School Oratorical State Finals on March 4, 2017, in the ballroom at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center; the Post 64 golf tournament; and the Easter parade on April 15. New business: Alice Maynard was appointed by Cmdr. Ed Mangan to be the new refreshment coordinator for Post 64; and Post 64 received a $100 grant from the Craft Fair Committee to be used for the American Legion High School Scholarship Arizona State Finals on March 4. The January guest speaker was Domingo Bonilla. Domingo was running for the position of Commander Department of Arizona The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1615 hours. Saturday, January 21, 2017, was the annual ARC Veterans Club/American Legion Ahwatukee Post 64 Holiday Party. Doors opened at 1730 hours and the opening ceremonies began with the presentation of Colors by the Post 64 Color Guard. The service flag tribute program included flags from the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the POW/MIA flag. The POW/MIA Missing Man Table Ceremony was conducted by the Post 64 Color Guard. Dinner followed at 1830 hours, catered by the Clever Chef, with pork loin and chicken.

18 Cash and gift raffles, and music followed. 79 dinner tickets were sold for the event. Saturday, January 28, 2017, was the quarterly Elliot Rd. clean-up detail. Eight Post 64 members met at 0800 hours in the Safeway parking lot to pick up debris. Wednesday, February 8, 2017, was set-up day and judging for the 2017 Creative Arts Festival at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Roger and Deb Munchbach were judge and tabulator for the event. Wednesday, February 8, 2017, was Post 64 Executive Committee Meeting held in the old boardroom at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1510 hours with five officers in attendance. Membership was reported at 169/177 or 95.5% of Post goal. Topics covered included: the Holiday Party (79 tickets sold, good feedback on all three Color Guard Ceremonies conducted, good dinner, and income of $878); video (DVD) from the American Legion Department of Arizona on upcoming 100 year anniversary; PTSD classes at downtown Mesa church; golf tournament; Patriotic Day (February 22); Sacaton parade (the 72nd Anniversary of the Iwo Jima flag raising); Memorial Day and brunch at Post 107; Oratorical Department Finals at Post 64; and June 14, 2017, Flag Day Flag Disposal Program and reception to follow the program at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The meeting was closed

19 by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1635 hours. Thursday, February 9, 2017, was the Awards Ceremony for the Annual Creative Arts Festival. Roger and Deb Munchbach attended the event. Special guests present included: American Legion Auxiliary National President Mary Davis; American Legion Auxiliary Arizona President Jan Cushing; American Legion Auxiliary Arizona Vice President Yolanda Bonilla; American Legion Arizona Cmdr. Danny Bugh; Phoenix VA Medical Center Director RemaAnn Nelson; and Creative Arts Festival Chairman Dr. Beth Dietrich. Post 64 donated 250 Valentines cards to the State Veterans Home, and 150 Valentines cards to the VA hospital veterans. February 9-10, 2017, was the Maricopa County Stand-Down. The Stand-Down was held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ For information go to arizonastanddown.org or Saturday morning, February 11, 2017, was the PTSD Conference at the First United Methodist Church in Mesa. Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan attended. Saturday evening, February 11, 2017, was the Annual District 12 American Legion Rehab Dinner. The Rehab Dinner was hosted by Mathew B. Juan Post 35, 2240 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, Arizona Fourteen members and guests from Post 64 attended the annual fund raiser. Post 64 donated three gift

20 baskets: total donations from Post 64 were $400. Wednesday, February 15, 2017, was the Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan with 18 present at 1502 hours. The DVD 'Remembering WWI Arizona Heroes' was shown to the members. Officer reports included: membership 173/177 or 98% of Post goal; finance report; golf tournament; no Chaplain/Service Officer report; and Color Guard events. Unfinished business included: Holiday Party report; American-made US flags at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center's Gift Shop for $20 each; review of Post activities since the last meeting; and the PTSD Conference in Mesa. New business included: Honor and Remember speakers George Lutz and Laura Sutton; and the April meeting speaker Lin Sue Cooney (Hospice of the Valley's special program 'Saluting our Veterans', chronic illness care, dementia care, pet, massage, and music therapies, and more). The special speaker was Doug Patterson from the East Valley Marine Corp. League. He spoke about the League's Fallen Marine Program and working together with the American Legion Posts in Arizona. The meeting was closed by Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1610 hours. Saturday morning, February 18, 2017, was the American Legion High School Oratorical Speech Contest for District 12. The contest was conducted by Chairman Ole Bjerk and hosted at Mathew B. Juan Post 35 in Chandler, AZ.

21 Four members from Post 64 attended and worked this program. John Church was the first place winner from Paradise Valley. John received $100. His speech was titled 'Beyond Civic Duties'. Eleven attended the contest with Arizona American Legion Auxiliary Vice President Yolanda Bonilla and Ann Schminke performing the judging duties. Saturday afternoon, February 18, 2017, was the American Legion High School Oratorical Speech Contest for District 11. The contest was conducted by Department Chairman Roger Munchbach and hosted at the Mountain Gate Club House located at 9629 S. 14 Ave, Phoenix, AZ). The first place winner was Selena Avilez Lopez from Cesar Chavez High School. Selena won $100. Her speech 'This Nation is not Considered the United States if we are not United' was judged by Area B Vice Cmdr. Dan Palmer and District 11 Cmdr. Ken King, with seven in attendance. Saturday evening, February 18, 2017, was the William Bloys Post 2, 97th Annual Post Birthday and the 60th Americanism Awards Dinner. This was held at 2125 S. Industrial Park Ave., Tempe, AZ The event was attended by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan and Ann Schminke. Wednesday, February 22, 2017, was the Twenty-fourth Annual Patriotic Day Celebration hosted by Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, 2720 E. Liberty Lane, Phoenix, AZ The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Ahwatukee

22 American Legion Post 64 Color Guard. The program was concluded, and all were invited to a tour of the school campus and a brunch provided by the AMS PTSO. Saturday, February 25, 2017, was the Area A American Legion High School Oratorical Contest hosted by Post 102 Tucson Mountains and conducted by Jim Barrett at the club house at Tucson Mountain Estates. The first place winner was Meena Venkataramanan from Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson. She received $300. In second place was Juliana Martinez from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. She received $200. The third place winner was Cade Curtis from Benson High School. He received $100. Also, that same day was the Area B American Legion High School Oratorical Contest hosted by American Legion Apache Post 27 at 1018 S. Meridian, Apache Junction, AZ. The first place winner ($300) was Selena Avilez Lopez from Cesar Chavez High School. Her speech was 'This Nation is not Considered the United States if we are not United'. The second place winner ($200) was John Church from Great Hearts Veritas Academy in Paradise Valley, AZ. His speech was 'Beyond Civic Duties'. Saturday, February 25, 2017, was the Annual Dinner Dance 'Veterans Helping Veterans', hosted by American Legion William Bloys Post 2, 2125 S. Industrial Park Ave., Tempe, AZ Four Post 64 members attended the function and $75 was donated by Post 64 during the event. Saturday, March 4, 2017, was the Arizona American Legion High School

23 Oratorical Contest Department Finals. The contest was hosted by Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64 and held in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. The contest was conducted by Arizona Oratorical Chairman Roger Munchbach. Five contestants competed before an audience of 45. Judging the event were: Carol Warner (College Professor), Dr. Bernard Strass (Lawyer/Educator), Amy Nicholls (Ahwatukee Recreation Center General Manager), Julie Vietri (High School Educator), Sal DiCiccio (Phoenix City Councilman), and George Cushing (Post National Vice Commander for The American Legion). Results were as follows: First Place ($1500) Juliana Martinez from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy; Second Place ($800) Cade Curtis from Benson High School; Third Place ($500) Selena Avilez Lopez from Cesar Chavez High School; Fourth Place ($300) John Church from Great Hearts Veritas Academy; and Fifth Place ($300) Hyrum Hale from Bradshaw Mountain High School. The First place winner, Juliana Martinez, went to the National Finals as the Department of Arizona contestant. Sunday, March 5, 2017, was the District 12 picnic. The event was hosted by District 12 at Phoenix Post 41. Two Post 64 members attended that function. Wednesday, March 8, 2017, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 Executive Committee Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1500 hours in the old boardroom in the Ahwatukee Recreation Center,

24 with six in attendance. Upcoming events and programs were discussed and the meeting was closed at 1620 hours by Cmdr. Ed Mangan. Saturday, March 11, 2017, was the annual Girls State Auto Show and Fund Raiser. The event was hosted by the Arizona Girls State Committee in the parking lot of Post 81 Lake Havasu City, AZ. Two Post 64 members attended the event. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, was the funeral service for Jeannie VonTersch at the Buehler Mortuary in Chandler, AZ. Jeannie was the wife of the Post 64 Color Guard Commander, David VonTersch. Several Post 64 members attended, and a reception was held at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center's ballroom at 1130 hours. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1502 hours in the ballroom at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center with 34 in attendance. Guest speakers from the Honor and Remembrance Flag Committee, George Lutz and Laura Sutton, talked about two flags available: one for military service members killed in action, and one for Police and Firemen killed in the line of duty. Reports included: Membership 181/177 (102%); finance report given; US flags (made in the USA) are now available for purchase at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center Gift Shop; Service Officer reported the passing of George Walton with no one reported on sick-call; Adjutant reported that School Awards

25 have been ordered and the dates, time, and places for the programs at the five schools were announced; Color Guard reported on upcoming events and programs. Unfinished Business: Easter Parade and associated activities; Shred-a-Thon; and packaging of Boxes to our Troops (150) on April 27. New Business: Post 64 officer nominations will be at the April and May meetings, with elections at the May meeting and installation of new officers at the June meeting. Additional speakers were the two candidates for Area B Vice Commander, Ken Queen from District 12 (Post 27, Apache Junction, AZ) and Ken King from District 11 (Post 134, Laveen, AZ). Good of the Legion: Post 64 member Robert Moore included in the book 'The Forgotten 500'. The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1620 hours. Sunday, March 19, 2017, was the District 12 meeting. The meeting was hosted by Tony F. Soza-Ray Martinez Post 41, 715 S. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ Roger and Deb Munchbach attended the meeting. Saturday, March 25, 2017, was the first official meeting of the newly chartered Unit 124 (Conrado Francisco Bilducia Unit 124 located at 9201 S. Avenida Del Yaqui Ste #3, Guadalupe, AZ 85283). Deb and Roger Munchbach attended that meeting. Sunday, April 9, 2017, was the Americanism Awards Dinner, Honoring Our Local Heroes. The event was hosted American Legion Post 27 located at 1018 S.

26 Meridian Rd., Apache Junction, AZ Post 27 Cmdr. Karl Wilson presented the following awards: Policeman of the Year-Wesley Kelley; Fireman of the Year-Ryan Elowie: and Teacher of the Year-Marina Renzulli. Americanism speaker for the evening was Post 64 member Roger Munchbach. Wednesday, April 12, 2017, was the Executive Committee meeting located in the old boardroom at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Upcoming events, officer nominations, Post budget, and speakers were discussed. Saturday, April 15, 2017, was the 41st Annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade. It was Post 64 member Mike Schmitt's 25th year as parade boss. Post 64's entry included: the Post 64 Color Guard; 28 burial flags carried by Post 64 members, 15 cadets from Camelback High School JROTC, and members of the East Valley Boys Service Club; a pick-up truck; and the bands from Akimel and Altadena Middle Schools. Following the parade was the hot dog lunch (244 hot dogs were given out) and a free concert performed by the jazz band from Akimel Middle School. Wednesday, April 19, 2017, was the Ahwatukee Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center at 1502 hours with 29 members and guests in attendance. The meeting was suspended so speaker Lin Sue Cooney could talk about 'Hospice of the Valley'. Their programs and services

27 include: Hospice Care, Outreach Palliative Care, Palliative Care for Dementia, Gardiner Home, Pediatric Care, Perinatal Support, Grief Support, Mindfulness for Caregivers and Community, Volunteer Support, Music, Message and Pet Therapy, Saluting Our Veterans, Quiet Moments, 11th Hour Companion, Senior Placement, Health Care Decisions, Ryan House, Circle the City, and the White Dove Thrift Shoppe. Of great interest was the Saluting Our Veterans Program. The program features include: honoring veterans with ceremonial pins and flags, connecting veterans with volunteers who also served in the military, and training for clinical staff on post-traumatic stress disorder (Hospice of the Valley is located at 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014; or hov.org. The meeting was reopened and reports followed: membership was reported at 185/177 (104.5% of Post goal); finance report was given; Second Vice Cmdr. reported on the street clean-up; the golf tournament; a long report on the Easter parade events; Color Guard report; no Service Officer report or Chaplain's report (John Boyer was excused). Old business included: the Easter Parade; the shred-a-thon at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center's parking lot on April 27 (proceeds go to the Packages to Our Troops Committee); no Boys State applications were received this year; School Awards were ordered; and received a thank you from 1SG Gardner and the JROTC cadets at Camelback High School for allowing them to carry flags during the Easter Parade. New Business: Post 64 Officer nominations

28 for were opened, with the following for each office: Commander-Ed Mangan; First Vice Commander-Bob Smithson; Second Vice Commander-Pete Meier; Adjutant/Historian-Roger Munchbach; Service Officer-John Boyer; Sergeant-at-Arms/Uniform Group Commander-Dave VonTersch; Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms-William Roddy Charlton; Chaplain-Rebecca Schmidt; and Finance Officer-Jay Hendrix and Gerald Kramer. Good of the Legion: the Red, White, and Boom canceled in Ahwatukee but Colors to be presented at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center for the 4th of July dinner. The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1622 hours. April , 2017, was the National High School Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis. Representing the Arizona American Legion was Dr. John S. Prichard (Arizona Department Chairman Roger Munchbach was unable to attend). Representing the Department of Arizona as Department Oratorical Champ was Julianna Martinez. Julianna won her quarter-final match, winning an additional $1500 and placing her in the top nine in the country. Julianna performed well in the semi-final match, but was not the winner. Saturday, April 22, 2017, the Post 64 Adjutant delivered 150 small packages to be added to the Packages to Our Troops boxes. That same day, nine Post 64 members refolded many of the Easter Parade flags in the ballroom at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Also that same day, Post 64 members Mary

29 Williams and Jim Woods headed the shred-a-thon in the parking lot at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. People were charged two dollars per box, with profits to benefit the Packages to Our Troops Committee. Sunday, April 23, 2017, was the Vietnam Remembrance Day Program at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Five Post 64 Color Guard members attended, parading their Colors and presenting the Post 64 wreath to honor the memory and events that day. Thursday, April 27, 2017, was packing day for Packages for Our Troops. Several Post 64 members helped package the 150 boxes. The 150 boxes were transported to Luke Air Force Base to be flown to various overseas troop locations. Saturday, April 29, 2017, was quarterly street clean-up day. Seven Post 64 members took part in the Elliot Rd. clean-up detail. Later that same morning, four members straightened and cleaned the Post 64 storeroom at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Sunday, April 30, 2017, was the District 2 Girls State Orientation. The orientation was hosted by Tucson Post 36 and conducted by Deb and Roger Munchbach. Tuesday, May 2, 2017, was the Academic Awards Recognition Program at Mountain Pointe High School. Post 64 Second Vice Commander Peter Meier presented two American Legion Awards that evening to Daniel Diaz and Sara

30 Bacon. Each student received a $100 check from the Charles Roloff Memorial Scholarship Fund and an American Legion Bronze Medallion with easel and certificate. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, was the Academic Awards Recognition Program at Centennial Middle School. A mixed Post 64 Color Guard (two men and two women) presented Colors at the opening of the awards program. John Boyer, the Post 64 Chaplain/Service Officer, gave out to Jake Harrison and Michaelangelo Walter, two American Legion Bronze Medallions with easel and certificate, two large stick US Flags, and two stuffed frogs. Saturday, May 6, 2017, two District 11 Girls State Orientations were held. The 0900 hour orientation was hosted by Arizona American Legion Post 1, Phoenix, AZ. The evening Girls State Orientation was hosted by Arizona American Legion Post 62, Peoria, AZ. Both orientations were conducted by Deb and Roger Munchbach. Sunday, May 7, 2017, two District 12 Girls State Orientations were held. The 1000 hour orientation was hosted by Arizona American Legion Post 107, Phoenix, AZ. The 1330 hour Girls State Orientation was hosted by Arizona American Legion Post 35, Chandler, AZ. Both orientations were conducted by Deb and Roger Munchbach. Wednesday, May 10, 2017, was the Executive Committee Post 64 Meeting.

31 The meeting was called to order by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1500 hours with seven in attendance. Covered at that meeting: upcoming events; Flag Day pamphlets; mobile cooler replace/repair; Sonic Appreciation Certificate; per capita and credential costs. The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1625 hours. Friday, May 12, 2017, was the opening ceremonies for the Para-Olympics. Six Post 64 Color Guard members presented Colors at ASU Stadium before the crowd of international athletes and observers. Monday, May 15, 2017, was the Academic Awards Recognition Program at Desert Vista High School. Presenting the American Legion Awards that evening was Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan. Braden Gaines and Eryn Holden received a $100 check from the Charles Roloff Memorial Scholarship Fund, and a bronze American Legion Medallion with easel and certificate. Wednesday, May 17, 2017, was the Post 64 General Membership Meeting. The meeting was called to order at 1605 hours in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan with 27 members and guests in attendance. Officer reports included: membership reported at 193/177 (109% of Post 64 goal); finance report; golf tournament update; Service Officer reported one veteran helped; Chaplain's report- Ray Ehret in need of prayers; and Color Guard report-several events in need of volunteers. Old Business: Easter Parade

32 wrap-up report; and Post 64 Budget approval for next month. New Business: Ahwatukee Recreation Center potluck on May 29; July 4 barbecue at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center ($10 per person). Further Post 64 nominations for Officers for and election were held. Election results were as follows: Post 64 Commander-Ed Mangan; Post 64 First Vice Commander-Bob Smithson; Post 64 Second Vice Commander-Peter Meier; Adjutant/Historian-Roger Munchbach; Finance Officer-Gerald Kramer; Service Officer-John Boyer; Chaplain-Rebecca Schmidt; Sergeant-at-Arms/Uniform Group Commander-David VonTersch; Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms/Uniform Group Commander-William Roddy Charlton. Special speakers were from the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve). Ed Mangan (Military Outreach Director Arizona) and John Boyer (Military Outreach Coordinator Arizona) talked about the Pre- and Post- Deployment Briefings given in the state of Arizona and the 1972 law regarding rights of soldiers returning from deployment. The meeting was closed by Post 64 Cmdr. Ed Mangan at 1640 hours. Thursday, May 18, 2017, was morning Military Services at the National Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ, for Post 64 member Herbert Otto Mauch. At 1730 hours a Celebration of Life was held for Herb (born June 9, 1934, passed April 24, 2017) at his home in Ahwatukee. Twelve Post 64 Honor Guard and members attended the event. Post 64 refolded Herb's flag and presented it to his son. His

33 son also received a Post Everlasting Certificate and 25 memorial American Legion poppies. Sunday, May 21, 2017, was the District 12 General Membership Meeting hosted by Apache Post 27, 1018 S. Meridian, Apache Junction, AZ Post 64 representative Roger Munchbach delivered the per capita check ($38.60). District 12 officers for are: District 12 Commander-Ben Carrillo (Post 41); First Vice Commander-J.D. Geiser (Post 91); Second Vice Commander-A.J. Gulley (Post 107); Adjutant-John Aldecoa (Post 41); Finance Officer-Henry Daley (Post 41); Chaplain-Oscar Santa-Cruz (Post 41); Judge Advocate-Ole Bjerk (Post 26); and Historian-John Schwab (Post 58). Monday, May 22, 2017, Promotion Ceremonies and Community Awards were held at Altadena Middle School (attended by Ed Mangan) and Akimel Middle School (attended by Roger Munchbach). School Award winners from Altadena were Clark Lemon and Suttyn Lappin and from Akimel were Olivia Thorpe and Bailey Busby. Thursday, May 25, 2017, was morning memorial services for US Navy veteran Steve Conder. Services were provided by Post 64 Honor Guard members. Friday, May 26, 2017, was National Poppy Day. Post member Roger Munchbach provides more than 10,000 poppies each year to support this American Legion Auxiliary program.

34 Monday, May 29, 2017, was Memorial Day. Thirty-five US Flags were posted on the grounds of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. Post 64 Color/Honor Guard members paraded Colors at the National Cemetery in Phoenix representing the American Legion during the program as well as presenting the Post 64 wreath and the Gold Star Wives wreath. The Post 64 group then attended the brunch at Post 107 to support the annual fundraiser for Unit 107. That same evening the Post 64 Color/Honor Guard presented Colors in the ballroom of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center for the start of the Memorial Day potluck. Until next year, God bless America, America's military and their families, America's wounded, injured, and needy veterans, and God bless the American Legion Family. For God and Country, Roger N. Munchbach Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64 Historian ( )