AMERICAN LEGION POST 18. Flying InFormation ~ News from the Post ~ JAN/FEB 2010

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1 AMERICAN LEGION POST 18 PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI Phone: Flying InFormation ~ News from the Post ~ JAN/FEB 2010 COMMANDER S BRIEFING As we all recover from the joyous season filled with good memories, let us pause to reflect on our Post & Unit 18 success over the past year. When I accepted the position of your Post Commander, one of my goals was to improve participation. You have done just that! We have improved attendance at our meetings, social and volunteer events, activities at the Veterans Home, and we even marched in the Police Parade (and we re gearing up to march again in the 2010 parade). We re thankful for our new members. We ve proven to others and more importantly to ourselves that Post 18 was not a building on East Main Road, but instead, a group of dedicated members with diverse talents and a passion to volunteer. As we begin this New Year, let us commit to an increase in membership and attendance, and finding creative ways of supporting our mission. Penny steals a kiss under the Edna and I thank each and every one of you for your loyalty and mistletoe at the Post & Unit 18 look forward to leading Post & Unit 18 into My special Christmas Party hosted by appreciation is extended to our Adjutant/Treasurer/Past Commander George & Edna Wardwell. Christine Hayward for her continuing service maintaining the web site, editing and producing this award-winning newsletter and her attendance at nearly every event! geoedna@aol.com RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.), Commander AMERICAN LEGION PROVIDENCE BRUINS The Providence Bruins Public Relations Department hosted American Legion Day on 22 NOV 2009 offering discounted tickets and a way to honor veterans. The game was attended by Legionnaries from around the State including DEPT CDR Dave Golde and DEPT ADJ Gene Pytka. The P- Bruins managed to win the game as well. WELCOME ABOARD OUR NEW/TRANSFERRING MEMBERS POST 18 CDR FRANK FLANAGAN, ESQ. TECH SGT ALAN G. LEVADA UNIT 18 JUDY BENTO MYRANDA FUENTES (JR) SHANNON FUENTES TIPHANIE FUENTES (JR) SHIRLEY RIPA REBECCA WEAVER (JR) Do you have a relative, co-worker or neighbor eligible for membership in the Legion or Auxiliary? If so, let us know so we can get them on board!

2 ADJUTANT/TREASURER S REPORT There are many ways members can get involved meetings, fundraisers, supporting the various Legion programs. Smaller Posts and Units like ours can t possibly participate in every program. As the leadership changes from year-to-year, the new Commander and President may take us on a different journey than his or her predecessor. Our Post and Unit have been consistent for the past decade or so starting with the leadership of Bob and Fran Kain. We focus on supporting a few programs well making wise use of our resources such as funds, volunteer force and networking. Our programs (flag education, flagging of graves, flag retirement, Boys & Girls State, troop support, baseball, veteran appreciation and activities, poppy awareness, patriotism, etc.) are well known in the community and the state. Visibility is the key to membership and participation. A photo of us participating in the National Police Parade graces the back of a national Legion publication, and we received good media coverage last year (troop support project with partner BankNewport, Veterans Day events, editorial, calendar items). Lend your time and talents to your Post and Unit as we make life better for our fellow veterans and families right here in RI. ripost18legion@aol.com Christine L. Hayward, Adjutant/Treasurer TREASURES IN OUR BACK YARD: JULIA WARD HOWE Tucked into the corner of the Portsmouth Historical Society Museum is a small room dedicated to Julia Ward Howe. Outfitted as a typical Victorian bedroom, the room houses furnishings, clothing and items that belonged to Julia when she summered at her Union Street home Oak Glen in Portsmouth from the 1850 s until her death there in When the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) came to the United States to film a documentary on Julia, this room was one of the sites they most wanted to film for their production. Julia is most famous as the abolitionist and poet who wrote the lyrics to the Battle Hymn of the Republic. But Julia was active in many causes - the vote for women, establishing Mother s Day, world peace, and literacy. Many of the greatest writers of the her day came to visit her at Oak Glen. Items reflecting her various causes were donated to the museum in the 1940 s by her daughter, Maud Howe Elliot. Among the most precious artifacts is Julia s writing desk. At the suggestion of Julia s friend - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - the desk was built high enough for Julia to write standing up. It has since been cut down to a more normal height. Also on view are a shawl, a hat and a lacy cap along with writing implements and a note about how Julia penned her famous poem, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, on her husband s stationary in almost darkness. There is a letter signed by Julia and Lucy Stone - a noted figure in the Women s Suffrage Movement. A typical suffragette outfit with ribbons hangs on a model in the back of the room. Other items in the room were donated by the family that purchased Oak Glen after Julia s death and may have been in the house during her time there. The Portsmouth Historical Society Museum is a most appropriate place to honor Julia Ward Howe. The building on the corner of Union Street and East Main Road was the Union Christian Church when Julia lived in Portsmouth. Church records show that Julia was invited to supply our pulpit on September 8, 1872 as well as other dates. After a visit to the downstairs museum it is worthwhile to visit the restored church upstairs and imagine Julia addressing the congregation from the pulpit. Visit for more info. (By Gloria Schmidt, board member. Portsmouth Historical Society/member. Curator s Committee) Be green and save Post 18 the cost of production and mailing! Get your newsletter in full color in an easy-to-share PDF format. Subscribe to receive Flying InFormation via . It s free! Send your name and address to: ripost18legion@aol.com. Membership not required. FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2010 PAGE 2

3 POST 18 George Wardwell, Commander/Photographer Vincent C. D Andrea, Sr. Vice Commander David B. Hayward, Jr. Vice Commander Christine Hayward, Adjutant/Treasurer/ Webmistress/Editor/Historian Walter Alves, Sergeant-at-Arms Ken Williams, Chaplain UNIT 18 Edna Wardwell, President Veronica Roni Perry, Vice President Damaris Mangold, Treasurer Christine Hayward, Secretary/Historian Patricia Dennett, Chaplain NOTE: This newsletter is printed in a larger format for those who have 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 or events can call to make arrangements. This award-winning newsletter has an initial distribution of 855 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 veteran-friendly organizations for consideration. Contact: C. Hayward, Editor, 19 Hillside Ave. Newport, RI or ripost18legion@aol.com. Proud member of the National American Legion Press Association. Ten members of Post & Unit 18 volunteered at the DEPT OF RI AUXILIARY s annual Christmas Shoppe at the RI Veterans Home on 5 DEC Kudos to Art Santa Perry and Jim the Elf, Norm Patenaude, Dave & Christine Hayward, George & Edna Wardwell, Rebecca Weaver, Janet Gill and Angela Vars. Our fellow vets appreciated the donated items and our time. USS SAINT PAUL (CA-73) REUNION The Fighting Saint will host their reunion AUG 2010 in Warwick/Providence, RI. Close to 500 attendees are expected. Tours of Newport (including the NWC Museum) and Providence, a dinner cruise and a memorial service at Battleship Cove are planned. Post 18 member Ray Briganti served aboard the USS SAINT PAUL. Details can be found on the Association s web site at or by calling Gale Lee at The site includes tour books, photos, etc. OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER Three members of Post & Unit 18 volunteered on 21 NOV 2009 at the Armory in Providence. Items donated by sponsors such as Dunkin Donuts and collected from the community were sorted the week before. The team of volunteers from around the state helped pack the boxes with a variety of comfort items including artwork from RI school children. Above, Post 18 member Frank Pine with fellow elves from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2010 PAGE 3

4 American Legion Post 18 hosted the annual Veterans Day ceremony on 11 NOV 2009 at Portsmouth Town Hall. Guest speaker was Post 18 member CDR David Carrillo. Local officials, townspeople and members of fellow veterans organizations attended the event. Afterwards, many Post 18 members attended the larger ceremony at Newport City Hall hosted by the United Veterans Council. Later that day, former Post 18 Commander Christine Hayward and Unit 18 members Angela Vars and Rebecca Weaver hosted a Veterans Day ceremony at Village House where 18 vets were presented with a copy of their oral history prepared by the Village House staff, a Hero Certificate and a ditty bag thanking them for their service. HUMANITARIAN MISSION IN THE PHILIPPINES Post 18 member Tony Cercena recently returned from his annual pilgrimage to the Philippines where he participates in an outreach and feeding program. While there, his mother celebrated her 100th birthday with a small gathering of 300 villagers, family and friends. Tony would like to formally thank Post 18 for our generous donation of $100 which along with his personal contribution helped feed 500 children. The northern part of the Philippines, one of the poorest countries in Asia, was devastated by this year s flooding and typhoon which displaced thousands. Despite the poverty and natural disasters, the children are well-mannered, clean, properly dressed and respectful. Said Tony: It was just fulfilling to make a difference. The thank you voice of a smiling child touches the heart. Isn t it nice to know we can make a positive impact for so many for so little? Tony will return to the Philippines in March to volunteer again. FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2010 PAGE 4 At left: New Post 18 member Alan Levada and Life Member Walter Alves at the Beirut Memorial Ceremony at Portsmouth Historical Society on 23 OCT Technical Sergeant Levada is with the 143rd Airlift Wing Force Support Squadron RI Air National Guard. He attends the ceremony annually to honor two fallen Marines and friends Tommy Julian and Jimmy Silvia who made the ultimate sacrifice.

5 POST 18 MENTORS JROTC MAJOR REBECCA WEAVER When Rogers High School JROTC Major Rebecca Weaver was tasked with her senior project, she knew just what to do: a community-wide support project to benefit deployed troops. Under the mentorship of American Legion Post 18 and with financial support from the RI Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodges, she collected enough items to prepare and ship 15 packages. Collection stations were set up (school, church, etc.) along with a list of suggested items. The care packages included toiletries, reading and writing material, music, movies, snacks and clothing. Rebecca volunteered at several events including a Veterans Day ceremony at Village House Nursing Home (pictured below with Unit 18 member Angela Vars) and the Christmas Shoppe at the RI Veterans Home (pictured elsewhere in this issue) to hear first-hand from the previous generation of vets how much it meant to receive packages from home. With the help of Post 18, she corresponded with several deployed or soon-to-be-deployed service members. Her collection drive was so successful, she faced enormous shipping costs estimated at $500! The RI Independent Order of Odd Fellows came to the rescue with $400 in donations. Rebecca, who hails from a military family, has been accepted at prestigious Norwich University in Northfield, VT, a private military college. Congratulations! We re proud of you! Note: Rebecca is a new Junior member of our Unit and a graduate of the 2009 Little Rhody Girls State program. WANTED: KNITTERS/CROCHETERS New Unit 18 member Shannon Fuentes is seeking fellow crocheters to knit or crochet 6 x 6 squares to make lapghans, afghans, scarves, etc. be distributed during the next holiday season to the residents of the RI Veterans Home. Have some yarn leftover from a project? She will also gladly accept donations of yarn to be shared with others working on the project. To participate, contact Shannon at witchiepoo1@cox.net or call There was good turnout for the Holiday Open House hosted by our Post 18 Commander and Unit 18 President on 8 DEC Below right: Edna Wardwell, Angela Vars, George Wardwell, COL John & Damaris Mangold and Tony Cercena with Edna s million dollar nativity in the background (funny story...ask her about it sometime!). At left: Betty & Ken Williams. Below left: Frank Pine and Walter Alves or should I say Walter Elves??? (Photos by: T. Cercena & C. Hayward) FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2010 PAGE 5

6 NEWS FROM AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 18 Thank you to all who volunteered at the RI Veterans Home Christmas Shoppe of 5 DEC Most of our team worked in the wrapping room. It was a great day, and we all had fun. The residence seemed to enjoy selecting items for themselves and their loved ones. DEPT OF RI AUX President Virginia Demers and long-time Unit 18 mentor Terry Zifcak and many others volunteered. Kudos to Chairman Donna Rivet for running the program that means so much to the vets. On 8 DEC 2009, attendees enjoyed good food and holiday spirit at our Open House. Penny, our Jack Russell Terrier, happily greeted guests. Thanks for the laughs and conversation. It was especially nice to welcome Larry Bento (who transferred to our Post a few months ago) and wife Judy (who just joined our Unit). Bonnie Slein and new member Shannon Fuentes also stopped in. Several of our new Juniors will be volunteering at soup kitchens in our community. See you at the January meeting! PH: NENAROO@AOL.COM Edna Wardwell, President 2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US! TUESDAY, 12 JANUARY 2010 Regular joint meeting of Post & Unit VFW Hall, 52 Underwood Lane, Middletown. SATURDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2010 Valentine s Day Themed RI Veterans Home. Muster at 1 PM; games start at 1:30 PM. Volunteers needed to help distribute gift/ditty bags, socialize, help vets play their cards and call the games. NOTE: WE ARE DARK /NO MEETING IN FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 9 MARCH 2010 Regular joint meeting of Post & Unit VFW Hall, 52 Underwood Lane, Middletown. SSATURDAY, 27 MARCH 2010 Easter/Spring Themed RI Veterans Home. Muster at 1 PM; games start at 1:30 PM. Volunteers needed to help distribute gift/ditty bags, socialize, help vets play their cards and call the games. For more calendar items, please visit POST EVERLASTING We were saddened to learn of the passing of Post 18 member Normand Pratt. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Winter and the holidays can be difficult for loved ones. FLYING INFORMATION JAN/FEB 2010 PAGE 6 YOUR POCKET CHANGE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Department of Rhode Island s Children & Youth programs have improved the quality of life for many kids and families right here in the Ocean State. Help us make a difference. Our goal is to fill two collection cans. Are you up to the challenge? In the past, the Hayward Clan has personally donated to this program. This year, all Post and Unit 18 members can get in on the fun! We hope you ll bring your spare change to our meetings and events.