William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104, Inc. Monthly Minutes Minutes for 10 October 2016 Meeting Pre-Meeting Activities Prior to the regularly scheduled Monday meeting, at 6 pm the Post and its guests gathered in the bay area of the Post Hall and enjoyed a potluck dinner. After the meal's conclusion, this year's Tarheel Boys' State representatives, Matthew Toedt and Juan Moore, rose individually, introduced their family members present, and described their experiences during a busy week in June at Catawba College, Salisbury, NC. They clearly enjoyed their stay and were grateful for the opportunities to interact with other outstanding young men from across the state, while at the same time learning firsthand about the foundations of democratic government. Their presentations received hearty applause from the audience. At 7:00 pm on Monday, 8 August 2016, Commander Ed Harwood called to order the monthly meeting of William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104, Inc., at the American Legion Hall, 915 West Main St., Sylva, NC. Present were 17 Post members, 8 Auxiliary Unit members, plus guests including Lyn Lazar, Baxter Wood, and Jim Bumgarner (son of Ernest and Millie Bumgarner). Opening Ceremony Sgt of Arms Ron Short marched the colors to the front of the room and posted them in their stand. Commander Harwood then led the members in a hand salute. Chaplain Burrus Jones offered the opening prayer. To honor all missing U. S. POWs and MIAs, a black cover with the POW/MIA logo, symbolizing a Missing Comrade, was placed on a lone empty chair, while Commander Harwood read The American Legion statement regarding POW/MIA's. He then led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to The American Legion Constitution.
Previous Minutes Adjutant Jim Nicholl, after acknowledging the excellent work done by Webmaster David Zachary in preparing the 10 Sept. minutes when Nicholl was absent, presented those (available at www.sylvalegion.org/minutes/). These were approved by a voice vote (Burrus Jones moved approval; Howard Rohner seconded). Finances Adjutant Nicholl presented a financial report, which was approved on a voice vote (Burrus Jones moved, David Zachary seconded). Membership and Recruiting Report In the absence of Membership Officer Linda Nee, Nicholl reported a current total of 98 members renewed for 2017. (Quota for 2017 of 147 members has been assigned. Quota for 2016 was 155, with 136 achieved.) The new membership year started 1 July and renewals, by mail, in person, or online are being accepted Dues are now $35.00, with the Post retaining $7.50 and the remainder going to the Dept. of North Carolina ($9.00) and to the National American Legion ($18.50). Note: As of 1 January 2016, all annual membership dues are $35.00. Mail your payment to the American Legion Sylva Post 104, P. O. Box 104, Sylva, NC 28779. In addition, annual dues may also be paid on line at the National Headquarters web site: http://www.legion.org/renew. Your American Legion membership number and a credit card are required for this on-line process. As you finish, you can print off a temporary membership card plus a receipt, to serve until Membership Officer Nee mails, or gives, you a
permanent card. After renewing your membership, please report that action via e-mail to the Adjutant at jknicholl@frontier.com, since the National and Department of NC headquarters are slow in notifying each Post of online renewals. You can also notify the Post Adjutant by phone at 828-293-5835, or bring your receipt to the next meeting. Thank you for using this easy process. Business and Announcements 1. Commander Ed Harwood reviewed the upcoming Veterans Day activities, including the following: 1. Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and program on Thursday, 10 Nov., at Cullowhee Valley School, with the meal starting at 8:15 in the cafeteria and the program to begin at 9 in the school gymnasium, with Post 104 providing the color guard. 2. Noon program on 10 Nov. at Southwestern Community College (SCC) in the auditorium, with Post 104 providing the color guard. 3. Veterans Dinner that evening, beginning at 6 pm in Burrell Building on the SCC campus. Before 8 Nov., must call Jackson County Veterans Service Office (631-2231) and reserve place or places. 4. Annual Veterans Picnic on Sat., 12 Nov., 11:30-1 pm, at National Guard Armory, Webster; free to veterans, donation requested for guests. 5. Later on 12 Nov., Second Annual Sylva Veterans Parade, assemble by 2:30 at Mark Watson Park for 3 pm start. Post 104 will have color guard marching, plus vehicles. Post Hall open beforehand, offering refreshments and access to bathrooms. Other events may be scheduled in the upcoming weeks and will be announced via e-mail by the Adjutant. 2. Commander Harwood reminded the group of the upcoming Veterans Stand Down on Thursday, 27 Oct., in Franklin, 9 am to 2 pm, at the Community Center on US 441 South. Breakfast and lunch will be furnished, plus many services to veterans, with representatives from the Veterans Administration on site, and medical and dental services available, along with many others, such as free haircuts. 3. Commander Harwood asked for volunteers to come to Uncle Bill's Flea Market between Sylva and Cherokee from 9 am to 1 pm, on 15 and 22
Oct., to help solicit funds for the Western North Carolina Veterans Council, for support of the Annual Veterans Picnic and other activities. 4. Vice Commander Roy Burnette reported on the 1 funeral detail provided in the previous month, for Charles Bradshaw of Whittier, a Post 104 member and Marine Corps veteran of combat in Korea. 5. David Zachary was among the 300+ who attended the 24 Sept dedication ceremony for the statue of Medal of Honor winner Charles George, unveiled at the VA Center named for him at Swannanoa, and provided details and photographs 6.?Lyn Lazar, Ernest Bumgarner, and Navy veteran Baxter Wood of Cullowhee reported on their participation on the latest Blue Ridge Honor Flight to Washington, DC, on 24 Sept. This was the 500th Honor Flight since the now nationwide program began, with this one including 85 Korean War veterans. The 3 participants provided very interesting and enthusiastic commentaries on their trip to the monuments and other sights, accompanying those with photos and the display of memorabilia. Post 104 sponsored Bumgarner on this trip Thoughts and Prayers List, Overseas Service (Please give the Adjutant names for this list.) Deployed SSG Chad Watson, USAF, to U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates). He is the son of member Ron and Debra Watson, who now reside in eastern North Carolina. [The Adjutant has received word from Ron Watson that his son is rotating home, and he expressed gratitude for the support from Post 104]. Sick Call Special prayers were requested for Ralph Foster, son of Howard and Barbara Rohner, who is scheduled to have a kidney transplant
Myrtha Wilson, spouse of Member Richard Wilson, is much improved. Jeanne Bumgarner has shoulder surgery scheduled for 11 Oct. Millie Bumgarner has been diagnosed with colon cancer, but has been assured that her prognosis is good. L. C. Bumgarner continues residing at Skyland Care. Member Red Murff is now residing at Morningstar Nursing Home. Member Dick Ford has recovered well from hiatal hernia surgery in Jacksonville, FL, and expects to return to Jackson County with Mrs. Ford in the near future. Closing Ceremony After Chaplain Burrus Jones offered a closing prayer, Commander Harwood led the group in a hand salute and declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jim Nicholl, Adjutant 2014 Members who did not renew for 2015 Biggs, James M. Bryson City Clark, Mike Cullowhee 2015 Members who have not renewed for 2016 Allison, Marvin, Sylva Buchanan, K. Stacy, Sylva Denton, Jeffrey Whittier Gates, Shane Johnson City, TN Heatherington, Terry W. Supply Hodgkinson, Terry L. Sylva Hyatt, Heather L. Canton Marraffa, Thomas A. Sylva Middleton, Harold E. Sylva Queen, Rick S. Asheville
Reeser, Mark W. Saint John's, FL