APRIL/MAY 2015 Vol. 1 Issue 2 McCray-Moody, Post 34, PO Box 020379, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35402 JEFF BROWN, Commander NICOLAS BRITTO, Adjutant THE POST APRIL/MAY NEWS Edition American Legion POST 34 Welcomes Its National Commander - MIKE HELM For the first time in its history, a sitting National Commander visited Post 34. A tasty barbecue lunch was served to the National Commander Mike Helm, his staff, representatives from the VA, and guests. The highlight of the event was a surprise presentation made by Commander Helm to Post 34 former Commander Lee A. Hallman. He received a 50 year pin and a certificate honoring his continuous service to Post 34. The Army Junior ROTC at Central High School gave the Commander Helm a University of Alabama football and UA cap symbolizing out great relationship with the University of Alabama and our Veterans. Post 34 sponsors the Junior ROTC at Central High School.
APR/MAY 2015 2 Congratulations are in order AMERICAN LEGION AWARDS - MILITARY EXCELLENCE & SCHOLASTIC MEDALS The American Legion Post 34 awarded Bryant High School Junior ROTC Cadet First Lieutenant Richard J. Downey the American Legion Military Excellence Medal and a certificate. Cadet First Lieutenant Ayesh Whitt received the American Legion Scholastic Medal and certificate. The ceremony took place during the Change of Command at Bryant High School. Over 100 students, parents and faculty attended the ceremony. From left to right, Nicolas Britto, Adjutant Post 34; JROTC Cadet First Lieutenant Richard J. Downey; JROTC Cadet Ayesh Whitt; and Major Jason York, U.S. Marine Corps, retired, Senior Marine Instructor. LEGACY RUN The American Legion Membership Application new MEMBERS ALERT Since our recruiting campaign in March 2015 we have attracted several new and transferring members to the American Legion. It is our pleasure to welcome the following Legionnaires to POST 34: 2015 POST 34 Annual Member Dues / Remittal Form Name: Member # Amount: $50.00 Address: City: State ZipCode Email: Telephone: MAIL PAYMENT / APPLICATION TO: AMERICAN LEGION POST 34, P.O. BOX 20379, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35402-0379 John Henry Carter Ben W. Coleman Mark G. Collins Dave Drake Eric G. Ervin Ray Farabee Jack D. Fleming James E. Lackey Dr. William S. Lee David Livengood David Martin Kelley A. Montgomery Dr. Dennis Peck Susan Smith Chuck Turner 34 Walter Turner
TUSCALOOSA ROTARY CLUB HONOR FLIGHT 2015 VOL 1 ISSUE 2 3 Alabama Power Western Division Vice President Mark Crews, presented a $5,000 donation to the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club Honor Flight program. Veterans from WWII, Korean, Vietnam and members of the Tuscaloosa Honor Flight Committee attended the ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa. Thank you Alabama Power for your strong support to our veterans. HONOR FLIGHT Welcomed in D.C. & at HOME WWII and Korean War veterans participated in the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club Honor Flight program. The Tuscaloosa Rotary Club sponsors the Honor Flight program every year and raises over $80,000 to cover the expenses. The veterans fly for free and spend the day in Washington D.C. visiting the War memorials, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and many more activities. This year they were greeted by U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and U.S. Congressman Robert A. Aderholt. Ray Price welcomes home Korean War Veteran Frank Strickland from a Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. Over 80 WWII and Korean veterans participated in the program. The Tuscaloosa Rotary Honor Flight is the ONLY Honor Flight in the State of Alabama.
APR/MAY 2015 4 TUSCALOOSA ROTARY CLUB HONOR FLIGHT 2015 Members of the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club resting at the Tuscaloosa Airport after a successful Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Congratulations on a job well done. From left to right Jerry Shepherd, J.G. Brazil, and Rob Moore Alabama Boys State TUSCALOOSA ROTARY CLUB - HONOR FLIGHT... Top priority (for which we are currently accepting applications only) is given to WW II, Korean, and terminally ill veterans from all wars. LINK to Honor Flight information: http://www.rotarytuscaloosa. com/about-us/honor-flight Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Pete Johnson, Director of Alabama Boy States and retired judge, welcomes Alabama Governor Robert Bentley to Boys States 2015 week held on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.. From right to left Judge Pete Johnson, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Matthew Ellow, President Boys Nation. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley welcomes the Boys State class of 2015 at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Governor Bentley is a former Boys State graduate. Pete Johnson, Director of Alabama Boys State and retired judge, welcomes Ellis McDaniels to the opening ceremonies of Alabama Boys State 2015. http://alboysstate.org Tuscaloosa First Annual MARINES MEMORIAL RUN Caitlyn Sanders, 13, a 7th grade student at Duncanville Middle School, won the Top Overall Female First place at the 1st Annual Tuscaloosa Marines Memorial Run on May 16, 2015. Sanders trains with the Hillcrest Army Junior ROTC Physical Fitness program after school. The American Legion Post 34 sponsors the Junior Army ROTC program at Hillcrest High School. First Place TOP OVERALL FEMALE
A Special Thank you to A.L. Post 34 s picnic sponsors... VOL 1 ISSUE 2 5 Marine Junior ROTC cadet Devin Watkins presenting the colors at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park during the Memorial Day Program on May 25, 2015. Cadet Watkins is a junior at Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa. He will be attending the American Legion Boys State program this summer at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. over 200!! C.J. Terrell shares a laugh with Marine Sergeant Shane Strickland during the Memorial Day Services at the VA Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Terrell is a member of the Tuscaloosa American Legion Honor Guard and Post 34. The Honor Guard participated in the Memorial Day program at the VA honoring the veterans that died at the hospital this year. From left to right: Sergeant Shane Strickland, Chaplain Cliff Vicars, C.J. Terrell and Stanley Blevins. Over 200 veterans and their families participated in the first Annual Memorial Day barbecue sponsored by the American Legion Post 34, McAbee Construction Company, The Douglas Agency, Buffalo Rock and Pepsi. Post 34 events: The Carter family enjoying the Veterans Picnic on Memorial Day. Pictured are Meredith, John Carter and baby Natalie. Tuscaloosa Honor Guard member C.J. Terrel holds his son Zayne, 2, during opening ceremonies at the Memorial Day at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial. Park. Terrel is a member of the American Legion Post 34.
APR/MAY 2015 6 THE POST 34 MEETING INFORMATION Effective Immediately Post 34 scheduled meetings will be held on the second Thursday of the month at the Tuscaloosa County Extension Auditorium, 2501 7th Street, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The auditorium is located next to the main license office. Post 34 meetings begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. For more information Contact: nicolasbritto75@gmail.com or Mary Nell Hallman at 205-464-4619. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: February 12 March 12 April 9 May 14 June 11 July 9 August 13 September 10 October 8 November 12 & December 10 AUXILIARY CORNER Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly one million members from all walks of life. While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community. The Auxiliary sponsors the Girls State program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Since its inception in 1937, nearly one million young people have had the opportunity to learn first hand how their state and local government works. JOIN WITH US TODAY! To all Legion members, if your wife is not a member of the Auxiliary, and wants to join, please contact: Mary Nell Hallman at (205)345-7766 Home or (205)394-1450 Cell. Membership dues are $30.00 for Senior Members and $5.00 for Junior Members (under the age of 18). Beginning February 12th the Auxiliary will be meeting with the Legion at the County Extension Auditorium until we are able to move with them to the McAbee Center. Design / Editorial Newsletter Services By The Douglas Agency- (662) 889-3255 - www.douglasusa.com American Legion McCray-Moody,Post 34 PO Box 020379 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35402 34 S M T W T F S Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID THE AMERICAN LEGION POST Planner National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day - JULY 27, 2015 American Legion Day - SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 Post 34 events: Design / Editorial Newsletter Services By The Douglas Agency- (662) 889-3255 - www.douglasusa.com Visit your VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK On McFarland Boulevard in front of University Mall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Open to the Public