341 REVEILLE September 2017

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1 341 REVEILLE September 2017 Willard E. Rocky Glidewell Post 341 American Legion Commander s Notes 1 1 st Vice Commander s Comments 2,3 Chaplains Corner 2 Adjutant Insights 4 Auxiliary News 5 AL Riders 5 Sons 4 Upcoming Legion Events 6 Monthly Calendar 7 Hours of Operation Sunday-Monday: CLOSED Tuesday-Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4-9 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4-11 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4-9 p.m. Saturday: 4-11 p.m. Address W.E. Rocky Glidewell Post Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR Post Home: (479) Or visit us on Facebook at American Legion Post 341 From the Commander s Desk: Greetings Everyone, August was HOT!, so glad we have had a relief of cooler weather. I don t know if you noticed the new mailbox at the top of the drive. So no more Post Office Box. Please note the mailing address on the left hand side. As September is right around the corner we are getting ready for the 3 rd Annual Oktoberfest on September 15 th and 16 th. Expect to see everyone there, no excuses as the Razorbacks are off that weekend and there are no craft shows either. Thanks for supporting your Post that weekend. Did you see the Solar Eclipse on the 21st? I saw different parts of it as I was busy doing stuff at the Post, then the Recycle Center and stopped by the Fire Department and asked if the ladder truck needed some training as our Flag out front was stuck on the Eagles Wing. They did a great job and now Old Glory is flying again, Diana helped me put up a new flag. It s a Great Day in the neighborhood. Please come by and have a great lunch, I m not kidding. You will come back once you try it. Velta s soups are wonderful, have a cup of soup and half a sandwich (chicken or tuna salad). Lots of cleaning and sprucing up the grounds have been done, a new garbage area with a concrete slab helps improve the looks too. On September 23rd, our fourth Saturday breakfast, there will also be a Flag Retirement Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Come help us with the retirement. Have a safe Labor day weekend. And see you at the meeting on Patriot Day, Sep. 11, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. See you at the Post. Jean Meacham, Commander Monthly Meetings: Legion 2nd 6:30 p.m. Exec Comm. 1st 9:00 a.m. SAL 2nd 6:00 p.m. ALA 2nd 6:30 p.m. ALR 3rd a.m.

2 From the 1st Vice Commander: POST OFFICERS COMMANDER Jean Meacham 1st VICE COMMANDER Fay Ryan 2nd VICE COMMANDER Jeff Vermurlen ADJUTANT Don Naught FINANCE OFFICER John Chelstrom CHAPLAIN Norvil Lantz (479) SERGEANT AT ARMS JJ Johns JUDGE ADVOCATE Gene Rogers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Armando Martinez Pat O Brien David Winchell Meetings 2nd Monday every month 6:30 p.m. Do you have complaints about the cost of the American Legion Membership? Do you wonder what you are getting in return? I would like to try to put some answers to these questions for you. Let s start with The Legion s Four Pillars that the Legion stands on. These are (1) Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, (2) National Security, (3) Americanism and (4) Children & Youth. Since there is limited space I will use this month to provide the information about the first Pillar and the next three in the months that follow. Even though each pillar stands on its own merit, they all need to come together to support the American Legion s members. Just remember though that less than $18.00 of your membership fee comes back to directly support this post. So, let s get started, if you want to read ahead of me go to Why_You_Should_Belong.pdf. That is where I have pulled this information. PILLAR ONE: VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation pillar is composed of programs, services and advocacy efforts that improve the lives of those who served, along with their families and dependents, after discharge from the military. VETERANS HEALTH CARE: The American Legion s advocacy for a well-funded, well -staffed VA health-care system includes budget testimony before Congress, recommendations to the White House and site visits and inspections at health-care facilities across the country. The Legion s research from System Worth (Continued on Page 3) The Chaplain s Corner: Arthur Gordon was cleaning out the family home when he came across something he found to be of great value. It was a trunk full of family letters. They chronicled the events of past generations in expressions of loyalty and affection and delight that were rarely verbalized in his immediate family. One writer said, Have I told you lately what a wonderful person you are? Never forget how much your friends and family love and admire you. Another letter said, You don t know how much your visit meant to us! When you left, I felt as if the sun had stopped shining. Gordon said, I don t know what generation of my family put a check on the release of such emotions. But I do know that it seriously interferes with one of the deepest of all human needs the desire for acceptance and approval. Why, then, wanting to hear those words so much ourselves, do we deny them so often to others? Pleasant words are a honeycomb; sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24 Look at the verse above: Pleasant words are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. That s a lot of power, and it doesn t cost anything. Anybody can give words. Will you try it? Open your mouth and say the positive things you are thinking. Uplift someone today. Use your words to bring healing and Happiness. We could all use some of that. God Bless you all Norvil Lantz, Chaplain Remember, if you need me, I am as close as your phone. (479)

3 From the 1 st Vice Commander: (Continued for Page 2) Saving Task Force inspections is shared with the federal government to help guide the Veterans Health Administration. EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS: The American Legion conducts, promotes and supports hundreds of career events nationwide each year. Working veteran-to-veteran with its American Legion Business Task Force, along with the Small Business Administration, Department of Labor, VA and corporate associates, the Legion helps veterans understand the federal contracting process and offers personal guidance for career-seeking veterans DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS: In every state, as well as many cities and counties, American Legion Service Officers help veterans file benefits claims, get answers about health care, understand their GI Bill benefits, look for jobs and more. BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS: For veterans and families disputing benefits decisions by VA, The American Legion has staff representatives in Washington D.C. who can help free of charge to the veteran. VA VOLUNTEER SERVICES: Legion Family members donate millions of hours a year at health-care facilities, working through the VA Volunteer Services program. These volunteer hours save the federal government no less than an estimated $18.5 million a year. Other Legion opportunities include Habitat for Humanity, Ride 2 Recovery, Operation Homefront, Veterans of Valor and VA s National Suicide Hotline. VETERANS EDUCATION AND THE GI BILL: The American Legion was instrumental in the creation of a new Post 9/11 GI Bill to provide veteran education benefits to meet today s needs. Following its passage, the Legion has continued to fight to make it more helpful to National Guardsmen, reservists and those pursuing online educations. HEROES TO HOMETOWNS: The American Legion helps severely wounded military personnel adjust to new lives across the nation through Heroes to Hometowns. Legion staff members work closely with DoD and VA to connect today s wounded warriors with veterans in their local communities. DISCHARGE REVIEW: American Legion experts offer free assistance to those applying to their service branches for corrections to their military records and discharge status. COMBATTING THE CLAIMS BACKLOG VA: and The American Legion work side-by-side to reverse a massive backlog of unresolved benefits claims. Through its Regional Office Action Review (ROAR) initiative, the Legion pinpoints problems and identifies best practices in claims management. veteransbenefits HELP FOR HOMELESS VETERANS: At the local, state and national levels, The American Legion provides support for homeless veterans and programs and help them get back on their feet. homeless FINAL RESPECTS: Legion honor guards salute their fallen comrades at funeral services throughout the country every day. Legion Riders provide motorcycle escorts and security at services for fallen troops and veterans. The Legion also works closely with the National Cemetery Administration, Arlington National Cemetery and the American Battle Monuments Commission to assure respect and honor are bestowed upon fallen service members, no matter where they are laid to rest. The American Legion s Overseas Graves Decoration Trust Fund supplies U.S. flags for graves of U.S. soldiers in European cemeteries. More next month! Fay Ryan, 1 st Vice Commander, Post or sbsmc1@att.net The Four Pillars of the American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation National Security Americanism Children and Youth

4 From the Adjutant: ASK NOT WHAT MY POST CAN DO FOR ME BUT ASK WHAT I CAN DO FOR MY POST Last month I wrote of the Post s need for our members to step up to volunteer to work on and help complete the numerous tasks required to keep the Post functioning smoothly for our members. Many tasks are short lived and applied to a singular event. Others are ongoing and related directly to our Post s daily or weekly functions. A number of volunteers assist with leadership activities such as ensuring the effective management of our food and beverage operation. Others assist in maintenance and upkeep of the Post facilities while others ensure our facilities are opened and closed safely each day we are open. A number of volunteers assist in accounting for and managing the Post s finances. Still other members are needed for the Post committees to guide functions like our food and beverage operation overseen by the House Committee. The variety of opportunities available for members to participate in Post operations are plentiful and varied. All of these contributions are extremely important since there are no unimportant volunteer activities within the Post. Participation can be tailored to fit each member s individual needs. The tailoring can be adapted to fit each volunteer s talents, previous experience, and schedules. No change to enable members to participate is out of the question as long as the particular tasks are accomplished. Our Commander, Jean Meacham, has identified the following specific volunteer areas/jobs in which our organization needs your immediate participation. These are: Post Administrator Party Planner House Committee members Donation Committee members Octoberfest Committee members Post Funds Counter Gently Used Flag Retriever Kitchen Help including: Dishroom Assistant, Dining Room Bus Persons Post Duty Officers All of these positions and duties are absolutely essential to smooth operations of our Post. More members are needed to ensure the Post is really meeting the needs of all of our members and those of the entire Bella Vista community. So step up NOW and ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR POST SO WE CAN DO OUR BEST TO MEET YOUR NEEDS AND THOSE OF ALL OUR MEMBERS TOMORROW. Don Naught, Adjutant, Post 341 dwnaught@aol.com Sons of the American Legion Squadron This Month s SAL Meeting will be held Sep. 11 at 6 p.m.

5 American Legion Auxiliary August was not near as hot as usual, so, I hope everyone got out to enjoy some of the beautiful days! Auxiliary Post Officers Meetings 2nd Monday every month at 6:30 p.m. PRESIDENT Jennifer Montgomery VICE PRESIDENT Shirley Chelstrom SECRETARY Lynn Johns TREASURER Darlene Olson CHAPLAIN Shirley Foster HISTORIAN Leah Fisher ER AnnMarie Graham Let us all stop for a moment to pray for the hurricane victims and all those in the floods way and to Thank the many who are helping to evacuate! May God watch over all! As September approaches we are gearing up for another Oktoberfest...again this we will be helping to prepare the food.. brats, German potato salad, apple strudel, German beer specials and lots of fun! Grab your friends and neighbors and celebrate a great time! We are always looking for new members, so grab a friend and come join us at our meetings every 2nd Monday evening at 6:30 at the Bella Vista Post 341. Memberships are due now either by bringing your $25.00 to a meeting or go online and pay your dues, it only takes a few minutes. As of last month we are happy to announce our very 1st junior member has joined us. If you know of any other girls, grandkids, kids...please sign them up. Dues are $15.00 for juniors. Hope to see you at the meeting! Remember to Thank a veteran! Blessings, Jennifer Montgomery Auxiliary President Upcoming events: Bikes Blues and BBQ Sep Bella Vista Craft Fair Legion booth for recruiting Oct Cathy Downard Secretary American Legion Riders We had a great meeting on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Post. We ratified our updated Chapter Constitution and By-Laws and upcoming events were discussed. PLEASE NOTE: We will change our meeting this month from the third Saturday to the fourth Saturday which will be Sept 23. That is the same day as the Post breakfast hosted by the ALR. After the breakfast, we will take a short ride and then end up later in the afternoon at Jim & Nancy Kelly s for a picnic meal and socializing. American Legion Riders Officers Meetings are the third Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. DIRECTOR Ed Hardesty ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Fay Ryan SECRETARY Cathy Downard TREASURER John Terrell CHAPLAIN Odie Tresner SGT.-AT-ARMS Bill Reed HISTORIAN Grace Reed LEAD ROAD CAPTAIN Jim Kelly

6 Upcoming Events at the Post Bella Vista American Legion Post rd Annual Oktoberfest Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, 2-8 p.m. Come enjoy German Food, (brats & kraut, red cabbage, potato salad, apple strudel) Two Great German Beers light and dark at VERY reasonable prices. Not members? Then be our guest. A Guest book will be provided. Country Xpress Band plays Saturday night p.m. Free admission to the dance for those attending Oktoberfest Saturday. September Bands Sat. Sep. 2nd Strapjacket Look!!***Friday, Sep. 8th Rockin Roads *****Look!! Sat Sep. 9th Post Closed for Private Event Sat. Sep. 16th Country Xpress Sat. Sep. 23rd Restless Natives Sat. Sep 30th Red Wolf The music goes from 7 to 10 p.m. All bands play a variety of music. Come and enjoy. Yoga is for veterans too! Yoga classes are held in the hall on Sundays starting at p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Lee Williams, a certified instructor, welcomes everyone. Lee started yoga at the spry age of 65. If you have troubles with your back, you can sit in a chair. Come and try it. Invite your friends. It is amazing how it can help your entire mind, body and soul. For more information call Lee Williams at (918) SUBMISSIONS Do you have an event, notice, gathering, or news to share with others? Please send any items that may be of interest for the newsletter to Jean Meacham. Deadlines for items is the last weekend of the month.

7 SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT Lunch is being served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays. Post 341 September MORNING COFFEE 8-10 a.m. STRAP- JACKET 3 4 EQUIP-2- CONCEAL $99 6 p.m. 5 6 EXEC & HOUSE MTG 9 a.m. 7 8 DANCE ROCKIN ROADS 9 BREAKFAST 8-10 a.m. CLOSED FOR PRIVATE FUNCTION No Dance SAL MTG 6:00 AL/ALA MTGS 6: HONOR GUARD 11 a.m LUNCH NO DINNER 16 MORNING COFFEE 8-10 a.m. OKTOBERFEST 2-8 COUNTRY XPRESS MARINE CORPS DET. MTG 6: BREAKFAST 8-10 a..m. ALR MTG 9 a.m. Flag Retirement Ceremony 10:30 RESTLESS NATIVES BELLA VISTA CITY COUNCIL SAT BURGER BASKET RED WOLF