PROUD WINNER OF POST EXCELLENCE AWARD

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1 PROUD WINNER OF POST EXCELLENCE AWARD AMERICAN LEGION POST 18 AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 18 PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI Phone: NEWS FROM THE POST ~ Flying InFormation ~ JAN/FEB 2013 Ambassador Middendorf congratulates MST3 Kira Adams, 2012 Junior Enlisted USCG Service Member of the Year while George Wardwell looks on. (8 JAN 2013) 2013 HIRING OUR HEROES CVS/Caremark will sponsor a hiring fair on Tuesday, 22 JAN 2013 from 10 AM to noon at the National Guard Armory, 541 Airport Road in Warwick. RI veterans, military and military spouse job seekers should register at to guarantee admission (it s free!). Walk-ins welcome, but space not guaranteed. For registration questions, call or hiringourheroes@uschamber.com. For more info, contact David Casey at david.casey@cvscaremark.com or Photo credit: Lisa Rama, NAVSTA PAO COMMANDER S BRIEFING We are proud to be a Heritage level sponsor for the yearlong PORTSMOUTH 375 events as we continue to serve our Community, State and Nation! The Post and Unit have a long history of community involvement from the early days of providing comfort and relief to widows and orphans on Aquidneck Island to hosting patriotic events and honoring veterans. This is a great opportunity for us to volunteer and connect with our Town and her citizens while fulfilling purposes set forth in our Charter. rjerdan@gmail.com CS1 Robert E. Jerdan, USN, Commander BUGLER HONORED At the RI Wreaths Across America event on 15 DEC 2012, State Captain Barbara Wolfy Dardeen of the RI Patriot Guard Riders assisted Post 18 s Christine Hayward with a presentation to TSGT Michael Jackson, USAF (Ret.), RI s Military Funeral Honors Bugler. Mike received a 13- Star Colonial Flag flown in his honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery along with a certificate in grateful appreciation of his time and talent. Mr. Jackson is a member of Bugles Across America (BAA) and organizes Rhode Island s annual ECHO TAPS event. BAA encourages people of all ages (students, retirees, etc.) and abilities to learn to play the 24 notes of TAPS to ensure a live rendition is played at military funerals. If you play a brass instrument and want to participate or learn more, contact Mike at istrum4u@cox.net.

2 Please support the COMEDY NIGHT fundraiser for Little Rhody Girls State on Saturday, 16 FEB SPRM Post 81, 15 Meeting St., Coventry. Roast pork 6 PM followed by entertainment. For tickets, contact or TREASURER S REPORT It is comforting to begin the New Year with a strong nucleus of Officers and volunteers to keep the Post running at full speed ahead. While our forecast is bright and full of exciting projects and events, we must also focus on our future leadership. Our success relies on our ability to keep key positions filled and attract new leaders to take offices. Ideas, changing of the guard and forward thinking are essential. Please consider coming forward and offering the Post and Unit your time and talents. We meet an hour every month and even take a couple of months off. Does it require additional hours and work to participate in our programs? Yes, but it is well worth your effort. Overwhelming support for construction of a new RI Veterans Home in Bristol is proof that citizens and leaders agree that veterans must be a priority. CDR Jerdan will be finishing out his term from his new duty station on the West Coast. Elections will be held in May with the new slate of officers to take over in June. Edna and I want to thank everyone who attended the Christmas social at our home. Pop quiz: Does our Sr. Vice CDR close his eyes when he kisses? Yes! PENNY was very fond of Vinny (and I admit I was a little bit jealous). There was plenty of food and friendship and it was a nice send off for CS1 Robert Jerdan and his bride Solange! We wish them all the best. geoedna@aol.com RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.) Treasurer/Past CDR FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2013 PG 2 JUNIOR COLUMN Rhode Island s Senior Project program mandates 10 hours of community service. I believe students benefit from this, even though they may not realize it now. It is only when one is in the process of making a difference that the true value of community service can be felt. The same can be said for my assistance at the annual Christmas Shoppe held at the Veterans Home in Bristol on 1 DEC 2012 and at the VA Hospital in Providence on 8 DEC It s hard to capture in words the moments in which one is making a difference, however small, in the lives of others, especially when those others are as important as this nation s veterans. In retrospect, what was done was so simple three little gifts for each veteran but the amount of thanks heaped upon me and my fellow volunteers was bittersweet. Yes, we helped make these veterans happy for a few moments with gifts and smiles, but I could not help but focus on the somber fact that these gifts might be the only things making some of our veterans happy this holiday season. The most important thing my recent community service has given me is incentive. Through my Senior Project, I hope to bring awareness to veterans affairs in Rhode Island. Like my fellow Junior members and I did for a few Saturdays in December, I m hopeful that my generation will be ready and willing to serve the communities in which we live, learn and play without it being mandated. As the RI winner of the National WWII Museum s Salute to Freedom contest, I will soon be traveling to New Orleans, LA, to participate in the Grand Opening of the Museum s new US Freedom Pavilion along with 50 of my peers from around the country. I ll tell you more about the trip and the contest that got me there in the next issue of this award-winning newsletter! Myranda Fuentes, Senior Rogers High School, Newport, RI

3 A Ride to the Wall with Rolling Thunder by Elissa Webster is a patriotic story of everyday heroes in our military including those who never returned and those who come home changed by war. This professionally illustrated book introduces children to the terms POW/MIA and teaches how to welcome home those serving, honor our veterans and grasp the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. Our members will vote on donating copies to Aquidneck Island public and school libraries and BankNewport s annual student backpack/book give-away. Readers: Perhaps you could do this in your community! orderrtstorybook@aol.com or call for info; discount for bulk orders POST 18 OFFICERS CS1 Robert E. Jerdan, USN, Commander Vincent C. D Andrea, Sr. Vice Commander David B. Hayward, Jr. Vice Commander Christine Hayward, Adjutant/Webmistress RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.), Treasurer Walter Alves, Sgt.-at-Arms CS1 Ed Agosto, USN, Asst. Sgt.-at-Arms Ken Williams, Chaplain UNIT 18 OFFICERS Christine Hayward, President Veronica Roni Perry, Vice President Shannon Fuentes, Secretary Janet Gill, Treasurer (vacant) Chaplain Edna Wardwell, Immediate Past President NOTE: This newsletter is printed in a larger format for those with vision challenges. Please make an effort to speak up at meetings and events for those who are suffering hearing loss due to age or lack of hearing conservation during their service. Any member needing a ride to Post or Unit 18 meetings/events can call to make arrangements. This award -winning newsletter has an initial distribution of 864 copies per issue with countless pass-along readership and a web presence. We welcome submission of photos, articles and calendar items from members, other Posts and Units, the Department and veteranfriendly organizations for consideration. Contact: Editor C. Hayward, 143 Evarts St. # 2L, Newport, RI or ripost18legion@aol.com. Proud member of the National American Legion Press Association. ADJUTANT S REPORT Even though the year has just begun, we re already thinking ahead to ordering Flags in preparation for Memorial Day. The following dates have been set aside for our reflagging efforts: Saturday, 18 May (Portsmouth), Sunday, 19 May (Newport) and Monday, 20 May (Fort Adams). The assistance of students and Scouts in need of community service credit is desired. Those new to flagging graves will be paired with a member of the Post and taught how to identify a veteran s grave and proper etiquette during this solemn task. We can have fun while we re volunteering as long as we re respectful. ECHO TAPS (see PG 1) is also held in May. Our May meeting is traditionally held in a place of local significance (2010-Battleship MASSACHUSETTS, 2011-NWC Museum, Artillery Company of Newport). Where will this year s May meeting be held (a lighthouse, a vineyard, Seaman s Church Institute, Fort Adams)? If you have a suggestion, put in your two cents so we can start making plans! Though I tease George a lot, the truth is, I admire and respect him. There was no talking him out of Chairing the Portsmouth 375 Parade (I tried, Edna!). Post & Unit 18 members will proudly support this endeavor. And lastly, it was a privilege to mentor one of our Junior members on her Senior Project. ripost18legion@aol.com Christine Hayward, ADJ/Past CDR Post & Unit 18 members including one of our Juniors participated in the DEPT OF RI AUXILIARY s 2012 Christmas Shoppe at the RI Veterans Home on 1 DEC A heart felt thank you to Post 18 member Cyndie Kindell for playing Santa and for bringing her friend Holly along to help out in the wrapping room. It was fun volunteering alongside other RI AL and ALA members! FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2013 PG 3

4 Papa Woody s (L) Chili and our own David Hayward s (R) White Chicken Chili tied for 1st place in the Chili Cook-Off on 2 DEC 2012 at VFW Post The VFW s galley is now open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday mornings. The food is tasty, parking is free and the price is right! Dine in at 52 Underwood Lane in Middletown or call ahead ( ) for take-out. Portsmouth Garden Club is spearheading efforts to raise funds for a Blue Star Memorial marker for Legion Park which is adjacent to Portsmouth Town Hall. Contact Carolyn Evans- Carbery at foundersbrook@verizon.net. WELCOME ABOARD OUR NEW/ TRANSFERRING MEMBERS POST 18 HMCS KIM RIPOLI, USN (Ret.) CTO1 DAN DOUGHERTY, USNR (Ret.) Do you know someone eligible for membership? Let us know so we can get them on board! Prompt renewal helps minimize the expense of reminders. Those funds can be put to better use supporting veterans, our troops and military families! WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA The first official event for the year-long celebration was a Polar Dive on New Year s Day at Island Park Beach. From top: Rich Talipsky and Gary Gump capture the action for posterity; these brave folks know how to attract a crowd; un-named goat (may be hard to see in the snow!) doesn t think jumping is advisable; and the bonfire that kept participants and spectators warm in the frigid air. Photos and captions courtesy of George Wardwell. Visit the web site below for more events and volunteer opportunities. Adjutant/Past CDR Christine Hayward was proud to speak at WAA on 15 DEC 2012 at the RI Veterans Cemetery. Visit our web site to download photo collage. That s Past DEPT CDR Erick Michaud playing cameraman! FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2013 PG 4

5 VALENTINE S THEMED BINGO SATURDAY, 9 FEBRUARY RI VETERANS HOME IN BRISTOL Volunteers needed to help distribute ditty bags, socialize, help vets play their cards and award prizes. Muster at 1 PM; games start at 1:30. Wear red, white and/or pink to be festive! The vets appreciate our time. PARADE THEMED WORD FIND PUZZLE This article could be sub-titled: Well, here s another fine/nice mess you ve gotten us into! But seriously, George Wardwell volunteered to Chair the Parade Committee for the Town of Portsmouth s year-long celebration of the 375th anniversary of its founding. Events planned by enthusiastic and talented folks on the Steering Committee include a Parade scheduled for Saturday, 31 AUG 2013 in Island Park. Details will be available in the spring. Organizations interested in marching or entering a float should contact George at geoedna@aol.com or Visit web site on PG 4 for list of events! PARADE MARCHING BANDS DECORATE FLOAT CELEBRATE FORMATION DRILL TEAM MUSIC FLAGS MARSHAL PROCESSION TICKER TAPE DRUM ROUTE WORD LIST CLOWN FIRE TRUCK POLICE KAZOO BAGPIPES FLYPAST SAIL PAST HORSES SQUAD SHOW SIDELINES DETOUR WAVE BALLOONS BANNER M B F R U O T E D N E K D G A A O N D H J K O S V C U R R Z R O U T E I H D A U Q S S O M C T D S O L B W R S M H P A X H S W S A P Y T A S A E T E E I A N G B T E I E L T I C B S N P A A T R L N D A O I L E E G Y L L I P I U R N L R O P S L L O F A L P O V O H I W I R O F L S E A C C P P U R N Z O B O T D R E I E S D N A B N H A F I A D S W R O K M L S J T G S D Y U U E P A T R E K C I T E Z M X C E L E B R A T E H FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS CAPT Douglas Mikatarian, USN, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Newport, and his wife Michelle made a presentation on 15 DEC The certificate accompanied a 13-Star Colonial Flag that was flown aboard the USS CONSTITUTION in honor of CS1 Robert Jerdan on the occasion of his transfer to California. Other dignitaries in attendance: Michael Reed (2nd County CDR), Matt Davis (Post 7 CDR) & Leslie Kurtz (Post 22 CDR). Be green and save Post 18 the cost of production and mailing! Subscribe to receive Flying InFormation via in full color in an easy-to-share PDF format. It s free and membership is not required! Send your address to ripost18legion@aol.com. FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2013 PG 5

6 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US! WEDNESDAY, 6 FEB 7 PM JOINT MEETING OF POST & UNIT VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth (WEATHER PERMITTING). Members will help assemble ditty bags for the residents at the RI Veterans Home for the upcoming BINGO. SATURDAY, 9 FEB 1 PM VALENTINE S THEMED the RI Veterans Home, Metacom Ave., Bristol (see PG 5) WEDNESDAY, 6 MAR 7 PM REGULAR MEETING OF POST VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth (WEATHER PERMITTING) WEDNESDAY, 3 APR 7 PM JOINT MEETING OF POST & UNIT VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth. 1st round of nominations for officers for (SAVE THE DATE) SATURDAY, 4 MAY 9 AM JOINT MEETING OF POST & UNIT location to be determined. 2nd round of nominations for officers and voting for Our May meeting is held at a place of historic significance and includes a tour, guest speaker/presentation. Suggestions will be entertained at the February and March meetings. For more info and updates, please visit where you can download this and archived issues of our award-winning newsletter. NEWS FROM UNIT 18 I was honored to meet ALA Eastern Division National Vice President Joan Reinoehl from the DEPT OF PA. She attended Wreaths Across America on 15 DEC 2012 along with a big contingent from DEPT OF RI AL and ALA at the Veterans Cemetery as part of her visitation to Rhode Island. Please make an effort to attend our next Unit 18 meeting on 6 February (details in calendar section above). Several members have commitments during the week and do not drive at night. Therefore, our March meeting will be held on a Saturday during daylight hours (details forthcoming). This will allow us to catch up and discuss Little Rhody Girls State and other important programs. PH: ripost18legion@aol.com Christine Hayward, President FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2013 PG 6 Below is a photo of a square submitted for the DEPT OF RI Auxiliary s quilt being assembled by DEPT Historian Cathy Card. Made with loving and talented hands by our resident artist Patricia Pat Dennett, this square represents Unit 18-Portsmouth the only Unit on Aquidneck Island and our Colonial roots. Taken on long voyages to ward off scurvy, pineapples have been the symbol of hospitality on Aquidneck Island throughout history. When ships returned safely to our harbors, the captain would often set a pineapple in front of his home as an invitation to come in and enjoy his family s hospitality upon his return from sea. We look forward to seeing the squares from other RI Units and the finished quilt! Have a suggestion for a topic of interest to veterans and history buffs? dale@veteransradio.net. Tune in to for the weekly broadcast (Saturdays at 9 AM EST) and access to archived shows hosted by Dale Throneberry, a CW2 pilot with the 195th Assault Helicopter Co. in Vietnam from DEC 1968-DEC 1969.