PROUD WINNER OF POST EXCELLENCE AWARD

Transcription

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 ~ SEP/OCT 2013 COMMANDER S BRIEFING I commend our very own George Wardwell for his role as the PORTSMOUTH 375 Parade Chairman as well as the many volunteers from our Post and Unit who made it and other PORTSMOUTH 375 events such a success. In addition to our Heritage Level donation, our members provided many hours of support over the past 9 months. Sr. Vice CDR Vinny D Andrea represented us well at the National Convention as evidenced by the photo of him on PG 4 (tough duty but, as they say, "someone had to do it"). At left, George and I pose with The Honorable Lord Mayor, Councillor Lynn Stagg of Portsmouth, United Kingdom at the Glen Manor House during the Gala Reception. Note also the superb performance of the Artillery Company of Newport conducting the closing ceremony. Hope to see many of you at the RI Veterans Home for our HALLOWEEN BINGO on Saturday, 26 OCT 1300 hours. Professor John P. Mangold, LtCol, USMC (Ret.), Commander jmangold@liberty.edu PORTSMOUTH 375 GRAND PARADE A GRAND SUCCESS Parade Chairman George Wardwell can be very proud of the well organized and executed parade held on 31 AUG Every facet of the Portsmouth community was represented. Local farmer Louis Escobar served as the Grand Marshal. Our Post & Unit 18 contingent seemed small, but that s because so many of our members served as volunteers during the parade. Two battalions of Sea Cadets who often provide Post 18 s Color Guard made a big impression on the crowds along the parade route. Dignitaries and commoners alike were treated to the 88th Army Band, Navy Band Northeast and our own awardwinning Portsmouth High School Marching Band! Watch video at Naval Station Newport s color guard (carrying the iconic Don t Give Up the Ship flag made famous from the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812) hold the colors as the Artillery Company of Newport fire a volley of 9 rounds as a salute to the fallen killed in the battle that was led by Newport s Oliver Hazard Perry. A ceremony marking the 200th anniversary was held at Eisenhower Park and featured Naval War College Professor John B. Hattendorf on 10 SEP Photo: L. Rama, Naval Station Newport PAO

2 Bill Pennoyer (Post 12) organized the PATRIOTS DAY ceremony at the RI Veterans Cemetery on 11 SEP Two Post 18 members stood in the flag line with the RI Patriot Guard Riders. Members from Chapters 2 and 3 of the RI Korean War Veterans Association and the Kent County Marine Corps League provided the Color Guard, the RI Funeral Honors Team provided the rifle volley and bugler, Lindsay Cashman sang the National Anthem and Rev. William Reynolds of the Free Will Baptist Church offered prayers. Guest speakers Kim Ripoli (Associate Director of Veterans Affairs) and Greg Wallace (Exeter #1 Volunteer Fire Department) encouraged attendees to remember those who perished, honor first responders, the military and those who guard our way of life, and to cherish each day. At left above, Kim Ripoli (Post 18) and Ginny Hanson (WAVES and Post 18). At left, Michael Jackson. Post 18 is sponsoring local resident Robert Dresser in an upcoming SPARTAN RACE in Vermont. Spartan Races benefit military charities such as Homes for our Troops. Visit or ADJUTANT S REPORT Our famous HALLOWEEN BINGO will be held at the RI Veterans Home on Saturday, 26 OCT Muster at 1 PM; games start at 1:30 PM. Volunteers needed to socialize with residents, help vets play their cards and award prizes. Wear a costume or black and orange. At right, RI Patriot Guard Rider Pappy accepts a bushel of crayon packs donated for military kids by me on behalf of Unit 18. ripost18legion@aol.com Christine Hayward, ADJ/Past CDR FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2013 PG 2 TREASURER S REPORT Nothing but high praise has been received for the participation and volunteers that helped organize the PORTSMOUTH 375 GRAND PARADE. Special thanks to our Commander, John Mangold, who served as the Safety Sheriff and liaison with the Police Department; Janet Gill who attended our many meetings and acted as a Traffic Cop on parade day; and Edna Wardwell and Dave Duggan who helped where needed. We promoted many of the Portsmouth 375 events in our newsletter and on our web site. Our contingent included V. D Andrea, D. Crow, D. Dougherty, C. and D. Hayward, B. Dietz, M. Lynch and W. Alves. I apologize if I overlooked anyone. I marched up front with the Steering Committee. This was a proud accomplishment for me personally, but it was successful because of the teamwork. The Honorable Kenneth Wright, Mayor of Portsmouth, VA (at right), was impressed as were our distinguished guests from Portsmouth, United Kingdom and Portsmouth, NH. Thank you for ensuring that our Post and Unit are held in high regard as we take our place in the history of the Town of Portsmouth, RI. P: E: geoedna@aol.com RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.) Treasurer/Past CDR

3 BREAKFAST ~ WALK-A- THON ~ TOYS FOR TOTS On Sunday, 27 OCT 2013, the Sgt. Brian R. StGermain Foundation will host the 8th annual fundraiser to support renovations to the West Warwick High School track. Enjoy breakfast from 8 AM to noon, walk the track, bring an unwrapped new toy (no stuffed animals) for the Toys for Tots drive and shop at the craft vendor tables! Accepting donations of raffle prizes/gift certificates and meter sponsors for the track. Call or brianstgermainfoundation@yahoo.com. When decorated Aquidneck Island resident Kenneth Buzz Riley returned from Viet Nam, he was assigned as Duty Sergeant at the brig at Camp Pendelton. For R & R, he would visit the nearby Stepp Stables and ride horses a pastime he took up in his youth learning to ride English style at Mayfair Stables on Beach Road in Middletown. One day, a Colonel approached as Buzz was riding a difficult mount bareback. Afraid he was in trouble, he dismounted and saluted. Instead, the officer was amazed at his control of the strong-headed, unbroken quarter horse. Soon after, Buzz became the first person of color assigned to the prestigious Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard. He s in the photo below at left in the 1968 Rose Parade. Buzz met Korean War horse SSGT RECKLESS at the stables at Camp Pendleton where she spent her final days before being buried with full military honors. He was invited to attend the unveiling and dedication ceremony of her monument at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on 26 JUL Learn more at or Mr. Riley is a member of the DAV and Military Order of the Purple Heart. Semper Fi! On 8 SEP 2013, six Post & Unit 18 members were on hand when the DEPT OF RI dedicated a 12 x 18 flag to historic Fort Adams. At right, Post 18 s Mike Pine as WWI Doughboy POST 18 OFFICERS Prof. John P. Mangold, LtCol, USMC (Ret.), Commander Vincent C. D Andrea, Sr. Vice Commander CTO1 Dan Dougherty, USNR (Ret.), Jr. Vice Commander Christine Hayward, Adjutant/Webmistress RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.), Treasurer Walter Alves, Sgt.-at-Arms Marty Lynch, USN, Asst. Sgt.-at-Arms Ken Williams, Chaplain UNIT 18 OFFICERS Christine Hayward, President Stephanie Perry, Vice President Veronica Roni Perry, Secretary Janet Gill, Treasurer Judy Bento & Betty Williams, Co-Chaplains Shannon Fuentes, Junior Advisor 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 845 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. FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2013 PG 3

4 The VFW Men s Auxiliary Post 5390 will host a TACO LUNCH on Sunday, 13 OCT 2013 from 1 to 3 PM at 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth. Proceeds support the military care package program. Tickets available at the door or in advance at the VFW Hall. ~ SAVE THE DATE ~ BEIRUT MEMORIAL CEREMONY WEDNESDAY, 23 OCT 2013 PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY 870 E. Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI (Time will be at the convenience of the families. Details forthcoming.) The flag below was designed by the members of the Aquidneck Indian Council. It was first unfurled and blessed at the PORTSMOUTH 375 POW-WOW on 27 JUL Native Americans have proudly fought for this country in every conflict and war. Better known for the Navajo and Comanche Code Talkers in WWII, per capita, Native Americans have the highest mortality rate and Medal of Honor recipients than any other nationality, proudly serving in all branches of the US Armed Forces. You too can show your Native pride and honor veterans of all conflicts by flying this flag available from TME Flag for $115. A portion of the proceeds go to the Aquidneck Indian Council's charity fund. TME Flag Co., Inc., 101 Bel Air Dr., New Milford, CT 06776; ; TMEALF@aol.com and on the web at To learn more about the Aquidneck Indian Council, visit: Just how small is the world? Unit 18 member Paula Visnoski ( painted the image at right which is prominently displayed on the AIC web site! NATIONAL CONVENTION Post 18 Sr. Vice CDR Vinny D Andrea represented Rhode Island at the recent National Convention in Texas. He met the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and boxing legend George Foreman. MILITARY AIRPORT T. F. Green Airport now has a Military Lounge thanks to the efforts of the RI Military Organization and many donors and volunteers. Barbara Wolfy Dardeen, head of the RI Patriot Guard Riders, hosted a fundraiser (emphasis on fun!). Post 2 s Michael Graichen is below. Two Post 18 members attended. The lounge opened 6 SEP FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2013 PG 4 Photo by K. Kalunian, WPRO News

5 WWII AND/OR KOREAN WAR VETS We want to identify all living Aquidneck Island residents who served in WWII and/or the Korean War for special recognition at the annual Veterans Day ceremony jointly hosted by American Legion Post 18, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18, VFW Post 5390 and their Ladies and Men s Auxiliaries. Those who are not currently members of a Veterans Service Organization may be asked to provide proof of service so they can receive a certificate and proclamation. The veteran or a family member should call or ripost18legion@aol.com. Those who cannot attend the 11 NOV 2013 ceremony at Portsmouth Town Hall can have their certificate mailed or hand-delivered by fellow veterans and grateful citizens. This is a follow-on project of Carolyn Evans-Carbery our Blue Star Memorial Marker coordinator extraordinaire! GREATEST GENERATION THEMED WORD FIND This year, our annual Veterans Day ceremony will celebrate those who served in WWII and/or the Korean War. Tom Brokaw coined the term Greatest Generation to include those who went to war and those who manned the home front making many sacrifices. Factories were retooled to supply the war effort, food and other necessities were rationed, homemakers joined the work force, and many students left school before graduating to serve in the Armed Forces. WORD LIST D E M Q A Y R T N A F N I C C Z H E F L R A E P U S A N W L I O Y A B F O C D T S E V X A F A F M D R G O D R G E I E N R E H I I B U B P R S J C L D E C I F I R C A S O U T E K L E F N L A N G T A T B R N S S A I H S E U A E S S P O F E I N U Z T R R N W O N P U R H N B T N O R F E M O H E W D D L V A M E O I H P R S I J K P E N S A E O D I B U C N I T S M R O I D A R B M S I X A N Y A V H I Q R C E O F I S H H O B I R R T P I N U P K G S E P Q T S S E I T R O S I E V R S R M Y W N P N R A I E P L R I E O P A E O J U E O B C L N A U C N U E N I K M F G E I A I L C M T O R D T Y M E N E C J T S R E H O S I A F A C T O R I E S A X E R R I R E D L E W G M R O F I N U M Y R A R M I S T I C E T R U C K V A P GREATEST GENERATION DEPRESSION AMERICA EUROPE ALLIES ENEMY FORCES MAP INFANTRY ARTILLERY AMPHIBIOUS WAR INDUSTRIAL FACTORIES ROSIE WELDER HOME FRONT PACIFIC AMMUNITION BOMBER JEEP SABRE LAND SEA AIR PEACE ARMISTICE VICTORY SACRIFICE RATIONS ORPHANS RELIEF EFFORTS COMBAT RADIO NEWS SPY WOUNDED KOREAN PENINSULA INCHON BORDER UNITED NATIONS PUSAN TANK SORTIES SKIRMISH UNIFORM AXIS TRENCH PEARL HARBOR PRISONER MISSOURI PIN UP TRUCK FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2013 PG 5

6 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US! FRIDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2013 NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY WEDNESDAY, 2 OCTOBER 7 PM MEETING OF POST VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Rd., Common Fence Point, Portsmouth. SATURDAY, 26 OCTOBER 1 PM HALLOWEEN RI Veterans Home VETERANS DAY MONDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 8 AM Joint meeting of POST & UNIT Portsmouth Town 9 AM Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Portsmouth Town Hall (see PG 5 for 11 AM Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Newport City Hall For more info and updates, please visit where you can download this and archived issues of our award-winning newsletter. NEWS FROM UNIT 18 On 1 SEP 2013, Unit 18 hosted a booth at the PORTSMOUTH 375 FAMILY DAY at Glen Park. Constructed by Bill Dennett and painted by Unit 18 s Pat Dennett, our Lollipop Tree was a big hit. Lisa Dennett Hoffman donated the pops and Janet Gill and I donated the prizes. The day started with the raising of the US, RI and British flags accompanied by patriotic music. Pony rides, dunk tank, games, entertainment by Four Bridges and demos by the National Guard, Artillery Company of Newport, square dancers, martial arts students, RI State Police dog and a model airplane club along with food and prizes made for a memorable day. Hats off to event organizer Debra Correia, and also to Janet Gill and Roni Perry for helping me set-up and man our booth at this community event. ripost18legion@aol.com Christine Hayward, President On 10 AUG 2013, the community gathered for the unveiling of the BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER on the grounds of the Portsmouth Free Public Library. The 18 month project spearheaded by Carolyn Evans-Carbery culminated in a dedication ceremony with guest speakers Beth Jackson (author and Blue Star Family member) and Frank Grzyb (author, historian and decorated Viet Nam veteran). The RI Patriot Guard Riders formed a beautiful backdrop with a flag line; the Scouts from Pack 50 posted the colors; the Artillery Company of Newport fired a salvo and Susan Rousseau inspired us with song. After learning the history of the Blue Star highway and by-way markers, attendees learned that this is Rhode Island s first memorial marker! We will be forever grateful to Carolyn Evans-Carbery and all who donated funds, time and talent to this project. Because my photos don t do it justice, I encourage you to visit the memorial in person and view dedication ceremony photos and video link (courtesy of RI PGR s Pappy ) at FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2013 PG 6