Commander s Corner. Volume 2 - Issue 2 Pro Deo et Patria April - June 2015

Transcription

1 Volume 2 - Issue 2 Pro Deo et Patria April - June 2015 Commander s Corner My Last transmission as Commander Two years have flown by and this will be the last time that I will write to you as Commander of the American Legion Post #38. It has been a happy time - a time where I gave of my expertise, a time where I imparted skills and some life lessons and aptly also a time where I learned a great deal. As this issue of Post Call reaches you, Spring has begun and hopefully we can all put the memory of snow and bitter cold behind us for another year. With spring comes clean up and post maintenance; election and installation of Post officers and great Post events like the Past Commander s Bonanza. There will be plenty happening, some of which you will read more about in Post Call or on our Facebook page. We always need the you as volunteers to assist with events and post operations. We also need you to support and spread the word about Post events; this brings money to the Post and allows us to do more! Remember the Post Call is about our Post and it s members; so if you d like to see something in a future edition or you have some content ideas, pass them on to the Commander or Mike Unger and we ll look into including them in our next printing. I have learned that Post #38 is underpinned by an Executive Committee that gives selflessly of their time and expertise. I have been involved in meetings and I value the opportunities that I have been exposed to. I have more empathy for what it takes to run a Post - the strategic and financial planning that is required - while at the same time keeping all the members happy, maintaining the honor and integrity of our Post's vision, while still being open to innovative change. It has been a significant learning curve for me and one which I undoubtedly learned a great deal from. The past few years have also taught me the value of having a positive and enthusiastic group of coworkers. I have witnessed members giving tirelessly of their time to enhance the image and productivity of Post #38. I want to acknowledge that you have all played your part in making Post # 38 a happier and more productive place. I have also learned that this is the role that I will strive to emulate in my future. I also need to acknowledge just how much I have been shaped by the members and friends at Post #38. I have a myriad of experiences, too many to mention, that have impacted on my life in a memorable and meaningful way. What follows barely scratches on the surface of all that I have learned over the years, but bare with me as I make mention of some of these memories. (Continued) 1

2 Commander s Corner cont d A few observations I ve made during my tenure as Commander: It takes a group of very special people to commit to their jobs on a daily basis - even when the going gets tough - and believe me...we've all experienced that over the years. Our buildings and grounds are maintained on a daily basis by a group of smiling and cheerful individuals who choose to be happy. A cup of coffee before the day starts with friends can make a difference - and can give you that much needed perspective. In my farewell, I d also like to add: I would have been absolutely useless at unraveling the mysteries of Commanding Post #38, yet somehow it all becomes clear when I speak to previous Commanders who have been there and done that. I really do appreciate the respect and comradery with which I was always treated. Very importantly, that we are exposed to phenomenal opportunities for growth at Post #38 - of that I have no doubt - and I have equally learned that we may only fully appreciate them as we move on as Members of Post #38 as ambassadors in the world. And finally, personally, I have learned that "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it and insist upon it - always!" American Legion National Convention The 2015 American Legion National Convention will be held from August 26th September 3rd, in Baltimore, MD at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The mdlegion.org site has been updated to include the 2015 National Convention Housing Forms and Information, and the 2015 Department Convention Polo Shirt information. Visit the home page under web letters/mailings in the left hand column or use links below. natlconvhousing2015.pdf convshirtordform.pdf Subscription to Receive the Post Call First, let me say I want to thank you for your continued support of the American Legion. As the Post Commander for Dundalk American Legion Post #38, I feel communication is one of the best ways to make our post a success and continue to thrive in these tough economic times. There is two ways in which we can get the Post Call, either by or by U.S. Mail. The only downfall to sending hard copy by U.S. mail is the cost. We must defer this cost to you. If you would like the Post Call to be mailed to you via U.S. Mail, then you need to send a check in the amount of $5 per year (Jul Jun) subscription, payable to Dundalk Post 38 with the information below: I am extremely grateful for the role that everyone has played throughout the last two years - they have been happy years and years that I will always remember fondly. As the elections come and go, I will give the next Commander my full assistance to move in and take over and continue to make Post #38 a great Post to come visit and join. For GOD and Country! Commander Steven Cutsail 2

3 Riddles: Answers are below 1 - I travel all over the world, but always stay in my corner. What am I? 2 What kind of coat is always wet when you put it on? 3 - How many seconds are there in one year? 4 - What has 13 hearts, but no other organs? 5 - Why is the letter A the most like a flower? 6 - A man rode in to town on Tuesday, and left two days later on Tuesday. How so? Answer to Riddles Above 1 - A stamp 2 A coat of paint 3-12 of them: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, April 2nd, May 2nd, June 2nd, July 2nd, August 2nd, September 2nd, October 2nd, November 2nd, December 2 nd 4 A deck of playing cards. Elections for Post Officers to be installed for are approaching. Please take note of these important dates as they relate to nomination, voting and installation of elected Post Officer Positions: Self Nomination: Open March 18th through April 15th Announcement of Nominees: April 15th (Post Meeting) Election Day: Saturday, May 16th Installation of Officers: Sunday, June 14th This is a list of Post Officer Positions open for election: 5 - Because the B is after it. 6 - His horse is named Tuesday! Jokes A brunette goes into a doctor's office and says that her body hurts wherever she touches it. "Impossible," says the doctor. "Show me." She takes her finger, presses on her elbow, and screams in agony. She pushes her knee and screams, pushes her ankle and screams, and so it goes on; everywhere she touches makes her scream with pain. The doctor says, "You're not really a brunette are you?" She says, "No, I dyed my hair. I'm naturally blonde." "I thought so," he says. "Your finger is broken." Post Commander 1st Vice Commander 2nd Vice Commander Judge Advocate Finance Officer Historian Service Officer Chaplain Adjutant Sergeant at Arms 2 positions - HOC (3 yrs) 4 positions - Executive Trustees Teacher: "Answer this math problem: if your father earns $500 a week and gives half to your mother. What will he have?" Please consider stepping up and nominating yourself to be part of your Post leadership team. Student: "A heart attack." An elephant and a camel are talking. The elephant asks, "Why do you have boobs on your back?" The camel replies, "Ha! That's a funny question coming from an animal with a penis hanging from his face." 3

4 Post 38 Officers The Post Officers for are listed here: SAL Meeting Post Calendar April Apr 7pm Commander Steve Cutsail 1st Vice Commander Mike Unger 2nd Vice Commander Bill McElfish Judge Advocate Bob Redyk Finance officer Ann Unger Historian Paul Wright Service Officer Gilbert Crosby Chaplain Rev. James Thomas Adjutant Marcos Diaz III Sergeant at Arms Doug Hott Jr. DAV Meeting Executive Meeting Home Committee Meeting AMVETS Meeting Post 38 Meeting (Election Nominations Closed) Legion Riders Meeting NCD - SAL May Apr 7pm Apr 7pm Apr 7pm Apr 6pm Apr 7pm Apr 7pm Apr 12pm Apr 7pm Apr 12pm Home Operating Committee Chairman Milton Shannon Co-Chairman Mike Unger Commander Steve Cutsail Finance Officer Ann Unger Member Bob Redyk Member William McNeal Member Joe Hanson Member Bill McElfish Past Commander s Bonanza May 2-6pm Home Committee Meeting May 6pm AMVETS Meeting May 7pm May 7pm DAV Meeting May 7pm Legion Riders Meeting May 12pm Executive Meeting May 7pm Post 38 Meeting May 7pm Memorial Day May 25 May 7pm June SAL Meeting Home Committee Meeting AMVETS Meeting Red Cross Blood Drive DAV Meeting Post Installation of Officers Executive Meeting Post 38 Meeting Legion Riders Meeting Jun 7pm Jun 6pm Jun 7pm Jun 11am Jun 7pm Jun 7pm Jun 12pm Jun 7pm Jun 7pm Jun 12pm Connect with Dundalk Post 38 through Facebook, for timely information updates, event notification, photos and more! Our page is here: Jun 7pm Dates/Times subject to change See for additional information If you don t have a Facebook account, go here to set one up: 4

5 Volume 2- Issue 2 POST CALL April - June 2015 Membership 1st Vice Commander - Mike Unger Sr. PAST COMMANDER S BONANZA Roger Thibaudeau Sadly we still have a significant number of Post members who have yet to renew their 2015 memberships. Several reminder mailings have been sent and a few have responded. We survive and make a difference for our Veterans through our membership, so it is important that you renew on-time each year and help get the word out to any of your acquaintances who may not have renewed yet. Our second task and one that every Legionnaire should always keep at the forefront, is that of recruiting new members. You find potential new members anywhere, they are your relatives, co-workers, folks you meet at functions or even bump into at the supermarket. You are our best salesmen, our best recruiters; spread the message of the American Legion and Post 38; always have a few membership forms with you and get them to fill one out, turn it into me and we will work to get them processed. We really need to look at the young service members who are not typically attracted to Veteran organizations, yet their participation is vital so we can stay current and grow our ranks with those who can become our future Post officers, etc. As of March, we have 497 renewed/new memberships out of a total of 573 members. This leaves us looking for 76 additional renewals. Our 2015 Goal is 580 members, which means we need a total of 83 renewed/new members. Remember you can renew by either of the following: 1. Place your renewal ($30) in an envelop with your name and membership number and drop off at the Post Lounge. 2. Mail a check (do not mail cash) for $30 payable to American Legion Post 38 with you name/ membership number to: American Legion Post 38, 3300 Dundalk Ave., Dundalk, MD Greetings to all! Wow!! It has been a tough winter. I hope you and your families made it through okay and on the way had a healthy and joyous holiday season. By the time you read this, spring will have officially arrived. That means preparations have already begun for the annual past commanders of post 38 bonanza. This is the only event the past commanders put on each year. All monies raised are used for veterans programs, children & youth, Americanism, education, etc. After entry to the event you can enjoy a buffet dinner (2 to 4pm) including Baked Ham, Fried Chicken, Kielbasa, Sauerkraut, Salad bar, Coffee & Tea, Rolls & Butter. You also get Soda, Draft Beer, and limited open bar. And guess what?... It s only $30 for one ticket which admits two people!! We like to say it s the best deal in town---one ticket admits 2 technically only $15 per person for food, drink, and fun!!...fantastic, eh? And you also get to gamble. That one $30 tickets enters your name onto a 150 number draw down board which gives you a chance to win $20, $50, and more up to $1000; and consolation prizes of $100, $75, and $50. We will have 10 video horse races which is a favorite. Also, a Big Six Wheel, Flower Wheel, Lay downs, Pull -offs, etc. If not enough we also have a Raffle for prizes of $200, $100, & $50. Now that you are boiling with excitement, I guess you need details about when, where, and how you get tickets!! Okay: Past Commanders Bonanza Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 from 2 pm to 6 pm (food 2 pm to 4 pm) $30 ticket admits 2 people Held at Post Home, 3300 Dundalk Ave, Dundalk, MD For tickets, call Roger or any of the past commanders. Bartenders also have tickets It usually sells out, so get your tickets early (all monies due by April 22nd) 5

6 Volume 2- Issue 2 POST CALL April - June 2015 Post 38 - AUXILIARY President - Nancy August Sons of the American Legion Squadron 38 Finance Officer - Frank Spokus Now that the weather is getting better, come out to a unit meeting, held on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm. At our next meeting on April 8 th, we will have the presentation of our essay winner and teacher s awards at 7:30pm. As we move into the month of May will be conducting nominations and elections of new officers for ; we always need chairmen and officers. June will be our installation of new officers joint with the Post and SAL on Sunday, June 14 th at 12:00 noon. Upcoming events/dates to remember: April 8 th Unit meeting at 7pm May 3 rd We cater the Past Commander s Bonanza from 2-6pm. (Help is always needed) May 13 th Unit meeting at 7pm June 6 th We will cater the Handicap Bowling banquet. June 10 th Unit meeting at 7pm June 14 th Installation of Officers July Convention in Ocean City (Wed-Thu-Fri) Dear SAL Members, we are reaching the 2/3 point in the 2015 membership year. As of this time we are very close to reaching our goal of 127 members to achieve 3 star status in the state. This is a goal that we have not reached in the past 2 years. Last year, we were only one member short of this goal. This proves how important each and every member is to this organization. Our fathers and grandfathers fought for our nation and because of this, we are eligible to be members of a group that serves our veterans, community and our children. This is a final appeal to all of last year s members to please renew your membership for On April 1, 2015, we will review the membership roll at the post and make it current. Remember, only current members are eligible to be admitted to the post and participate in the dollar club and quarter club drawings. More importantly, your membership in the SAL makes you part of a worthwhile organization that honors our father s and grandfather s service by the work we do year in and year out. Please use the following to renew your membership as soon as possible. If you are experiencing financial hardships at this time, please call (410) Having you as a member is important and we will do all we can to work something out and keep your consecutive year status in the SAL going. Remember, our meetings are the first Monday of each month, are short in duration, very casual and new faces are always welcome. Sons of the American Legion Squadron Membership Renewal Name: Address: Phone: Please mail renewal form and check for $30 ($7.00 for Jr members) to: Last year s installation of Post 38 Auxiliary Officers Frank Spokus 3133 Liberty Parkway Baltimore, MD For your protection, please pay by check or Money order. You may also stop by the post and give your renewal to the bartender. 6

7 Volume 2- Issue 2 POST CALL April - June 2015 AMVETS POST 29 Commander George Peters Why Join AMVETS? AMVETS is a veterans service organization devoted not only fellowship, but also service to the community and other veterans. Joining with fellow AMVETS in planning and participating in post activities, members provide significant contributions to all areas of our veterans community. Members have joined our organization not only for the pleasures they may have derived during the years, but also for the contributions they can provide to the well being of AMVETS by working cooperatively with fellow members. Eligibility... To be eligible for membership in AMVETS, you must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, anytime after Sept. 15, Additionally, unless still serving, your discharge must have been under honorable conditions. If you served as an American citizen in the armed forces of an allied nation, under honorable conditions, between Sept. 15, 1940 and May 8, 1975, you are also eligible, as are wartime members of the Merchant Marine. Proof of eligibility can take the form of a DD-214, an honorable discharge certificate or other appropriate document. **Note: If you are already a member of American Legion Post 38, you are also eligible for membership in AMVETS and can belong to both; additionally, if you served in the Armed Forces but do not meet the eligibility dates for the American Legion, you will be eligible for membership in the AMVETS. If you are already a member Consider it a personal challenge to bring into our ranks the best of those with whom we associate. Let us dig in with the same spirit that characterized the men and women who preceded us and bring some fine new members to our next post meeting. Who to Contact? You can contact Commander George Peters at (410) , call and leave a message at the Post Home (410) or stop into the Dundalk post at 3300 Dundalk Ave, Dundalk, MD and fill out a membership form and someone will contact you to complete the processing of your membership. 7

8 Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY HONOR GUARD INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds for the same reason as answer number Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. 5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis (the boxer), and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy (the most decorated soldier of WWII) of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. Origins: As a society, we have long observed traditional, solemn funereal ceremonies as a means of remembering, honoring, and mourning those who have passed on from this life to whatever lies beyond. As a nation, we observe some very formalized rituals as a means of affording our very highest honors to members of the armed forces who have died in the service of their country, particularly those who have fallen in wartime. Military funerals with honor guards, flag-draped coffins, salutes, and burials in cemeteries set aside for veterans are all symbols by which we honor and acknowledge our gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There is perhaps no more potent symbol of this sacrifice than the "unknown soldier," the serviceman who has died in combat but whose remains are not identifiable. He cannot be returned to his home, his friends and loved ones cannot know for certain how or when (or even if) he died, he cannot be placed to rest in a site of his own choosing. 8

9 He remains, perpetually, a soldier who not only gave up his life for his country, but his very identity as well. That loss of identity makes the unknown soldier a powerful symbol, however because he is no longer an individual, he stands for the purest ideals of courage, valor, and sacrifice and serves as a noble and selfless representation of service to one's country. We acknowledge our unidentified fallen heroes with a special place of reverence in our most honored of burial grounds: the Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), In 1921 we first laid to rest "In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God." Although we cannot inter all of our unidentified war dead in Arlington, we nonetheless honor them all by including the remains of three representative soldiers of unknown identity who died in foreign wars (World War I, World War II, and the Korean War) there. (Beginning in 1984 the tomb also held the remains of a serviceman killed in the Vietnam War, but after DNA testing confirmed his identity in 1998, his remains were disinterred and returned to his family. The crypt of the Vietnam Unknown has remained empty ever since.) The most visible honorific symbol associated with the Tomb of the Unknowns is that the site is guarded around the clock, every day of the year, by specially trained members of the Third United States Infantry Regiment (also known as the "Old Guard"). The Sentinels who guard the Tomb must be exemplary in discipline, dress, and bearing; thoroughly knowledgeable with the history of their unit, the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery (and those interred there), and the U.S. Army; and able to execute a variety of ceremonial rites flawlessly and with precision. Someone apparently wanted to highlight the special qualities and training required to be a guard at Tomb of the Unknowns by creating the widely-circulated message quoted above, a list mixing fact and fiction which we'll try to sort out below: From 1926 through 1937, the Tomb was guarded only during daylight hours. Ever since 1937, the Tomb has been continuously guarded 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Tomb guards are changed every thirty minutes between 8 AM and 7 PM during the period from early Spring to early Autumn (April 1 through September 30), and every hour between 8 AM to 5 PM the rest of the year. At all other times (i.e., while the cemetery is closed), the guard is changed every two hours. Even the Old Guard doesn't regulate the off-duty lives of its members so stringently! Sentinels at the Tomb do not have to commit to serving there for any fixed period of time, and the average tour of duty is only about half the two year period claimed here. Like most servicemen, Tomb guards may live either on-base (at nearby Fort Myer) or off-base in housing of their choosing. There are no restrictions on guards' off-duty drinking. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform (fighting) or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge, first awarded in 1957, is a honor for which a guard qualifies by "flawlessly performing his duty for several months" and passing a test, not something simply handed out to everyone who serves for a given period of time: Once the sentinel has completed his or her training, he or she is examined formally for proficiency in performing the duties and in knowledge of ANC. He or she must first pass a written examination of 100 questions about ANC and then be evaluated on proficiency in keeping watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Upon successful completion, the soldier is awarded a temporary Tomb Guard's Badge at a ceremony presided over by the company commander. The Badge is one of the Army's higher honors and can be taken away from the soldier if he or she does not continue to maintain the highest military standards. 9

10 The 500th Tomb Guard Identification Badge was awarded in early 2002, and the total number of recipients is now about 525. The award is, as its name states, a badge worn on the pocket of a uniform jacket, not a pin worn in the lapel. Although the claim that guards "cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives" is fallacious, there is some truth to the notion that the Tomb Guard Identification Badge can be taken away, even after the recipient has left the service. According to Old Guard Public Affairs: The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is one of the least awarded badges in the Army, second only to the Astronaut Badge. Since the sentinels are held to such a high standard, if they ever do anything that is deemed behavior unbecoming a Tomb Guard or brings dishonor upon the Tomb, their badges may be revoked, even after [the sentinels] have left active duty military service. As of early 2002, there had been nine revocations of the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand so that his back is straight and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up as he walks down the mat. This allows him to move in a fluid fashion. If he does this correctly, his hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives him a more formal and smooth look to his walk, rather than a "marching" appearance. But since any soldier wishing to become a sentinel must undergo rigorous training, including several hours a day of marching, rifle drill and uniform preparation, and every tomb sentinel is expected to be completely versed in the history of both the tomb and of Arlington National Cemetery (including knowing how to find the graves of all the prominent person buried in the cemetery), they don't necessarily have a lot of free time to devote to recreational activities. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis (the boxer), and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy (the most decorated soldier of WWII) of Hollywood fame. Joe Louis (aka "The Brown Bomber"), Heavyweight Champion of the World between 1937 and 1949, is the boxer interred at Arlington National Cemetery. (Joe E. Lewis, the comedian, is buried in New Jersey.) Although Joe Louis served in the Army during World War II he did not meet the technical requirements for burial at Arlington, but he is interred there because President Reagan waived the requirements when Louis died in We close here with a bit of trivia suggested by the above item: Although serving as President of the United States qualifies one to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, only two former Presidents are interred there: William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat. A Tomb guard's behavior is not so stringently regulated that he is prohibited from speaking to anyone for a full six months (someone seems to have confused the Old Guard with a monastery!), and guards may do whatever they want (including watching TV) during their off-duty hours. 10

11 For the good of the Post... POST LOUNGE HOURS MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 3 pm 10 pm 3 pm 10 pm 3 pm 10 pm 12 pm 12 am 12 pm 2 am 12 pm 2 am 12 pm 12 am NAME THE OBJECT BELOW Can you give the correct name for the object below, tell us where it would be found and for extra credit, explain its function? First Correct Answer gets bragging rights and we ll list his/her name on our Facebook page, with the answer. A final thought... Good Luck! Answer to: info@dundalkpost38.org 11