PROUD WINNER OF POST EXCELLENCE AWARD AMERICAN LEGION POST 18 AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 18 PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI 02871 Phone: 401.683.6148 www.americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com NEWS FROM THE POST ~ Flying InFormation ~ OCT DEC 2015 VETERANS DAY @ PORTSMOUTH TOWN HALL Our annual ceremony co-hosted by our Auxiliary and VFW Post 5390 and its Auxiliaries had a Blue Star Families theme. The RI Patriot Guard Riders formed a flag line at each entrance to the Town Hall. A trio from the choir at Portsmouth High School could be heard practicing the National Anthem in a nearby stairwell as arriving guests were greeted by a Post 18 and Artillery Company of Newport member donned in a Colonial uniform. Scouts from Pack 50 provided the Color Guard. In addition to speaking about the Blue Star Memorial located on the grounds of the Portsmouth Free Public Library, Project Blue Star Coordinator Carolyn Evans-Carbery provided a beautiful wreath and loaned us a window from her home to display a Blue Star window flag at the ceremony. MSG Brian Sullivan, USA (Ret.) from Operation Stand Down educated attendees about the needs of the veteran community especially those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. (CONTINUED ON PG 4) COMMANDER S BRIEFING Most of our members and readers know that our Veterans Day ceremonies have a theme each year: 2010-Service Dogs; 2011-PTSD; 2012-Patriotic Music; 2013- Greatest Generation (WWII & Korea); and 2014-Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans. Although hard pressed to surpass last year s ceremony, I feel confident speaking for all involved when I say how proud we were to co-host the recent Blue Star Families themed Veterans Day event in our community. Before you know it, we ll be making plans for our annual meeting and next year s Veterans Day ceremony! Please remember our deployed brothers and sisters serving in harm s way and their family members. We have the power to ease the stress of Blue Star Families by including them in our local, holiday traditions. So serve up hot cocoa, pass the gravy and check on your neighbors. Dave Duggan, Commander duggan55@gmail.com The Newport Chapter of the Surface Navy Association will once again host WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA (WAA) on SATURDAY, 12 DEC 2015 @ NOON at Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry s gravesite at Island Cemetery in Newport. All are encouraged to attend the ceremony. Volunteers are also needed to help lay wreaths at designated areas of the cemetery. The point of contact is LCDR Peterson (kory.peterson@navy.mil). A heart-felt thank you to those who sponsored wreaths. At right: Ponaganset Middle School is decorated with patriotic artwork as students welcomed the WAA escort trucks for a stop-over on 20 NOV 2015. Educators statewide, please note: This program is incorporated into their curriculum. (Photo credit: Barbara Dardeen)
ADJUTANT S REPORT At our joint October meeting, members of Post & Unit 18 helped stuff ditty bags for the residents at the RI Veterans Home (RIVH). The next issue of our newsletter will feature construction of the new RIVH in Bristol. I was proud to facilitate having Governor Gina Raimondo issue a Proclamation designating 11-17 NOV 2015 Blue Star Family Appreciation Week in Rhode Island. We are grateful for the support of the Governor s Constituent Affairs office. The Proclamation is included in the Veterans Day program posted on our web site. Most of you know that our Treasurer and Past CDR George Wardwell is recuperating at home (and probably driving Edna nuts!). George has a leadership role in many organizations around the country, so his energy and general do goodery will be missed while he s on the mend. Peace to you and yours this holiday season! Christine Hayward, ADJ/Past CDR ripost18legion@aol.com POST EVERLASTING At the request of the family, members conducted a traditional ceremony led by Post 18 Chaplain Francis Gutierrez at the wake of LAWRENCE BENTO who passed on 23 AUG 2015. A donation of $100 was made in his memory to the RI Veterans Home activities department. We also recently learned that long-time member GAETANO POLSELLI joined Post Everlasting last December. Our condolences go out to his family and friends, and our apologies for not recognizing his loss sooner. We pray fond memories comfort their loved ones, especially during the holidays. FLYING INFORMATION OCT DEC 2015 PG 2 Many members attended the annual BEIRUT MEMORIAL CEREMONY at Portsmouth Historical Society on 23 OCT 2015. At right: Gold Star Mother Jeanne Giblin and Lt. Col. Patrick Gallogly, USMC, place a wreath in honor of the nine Rhode Island Marines killed in the attack. CHAPLAIN S REPORT This summer, I had an opportunity to go deep sea fishing thanks to a Wounded Warfighters trip coordinated by the Cape Cod Veterans Association (www.capecodvetearns.org). It was a memorable experience. I would like to start a Post 18 buddy system that would result in one member routinely checking up on another. We have fellow veterans who are in need of a listening ear, a ride or a friend. Many are too proud to ask for help. If you would like to participate (as a friend or a friend in need), please contact me. It was an honor to deliver the benediction at our Veterans Day ceremony. I m reminded of many things I learned as a Scout: honor, helpfulness, love of nature and of course, be prepared! Photo credit: Jim McGaw EastBayRI.com Guest speaker Lt. Col. Gallogly, a faculty member at the Naval War College, gave a moving speech focused on the noble mission of the Marines. Below: Post 18 members Vin Roche, Vinny D Andrea, Walter Alves, David Crow and Al Levada. Photo credit: Linda Gutierrez As we enter the holiday season, remember that we each possess a special gift. I pray you find yours. Francis Cisco Gutierrez, Chaplain 401.595.6525 or fjgcisco@cox.net
PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS (PGR) WORD FIND PUZZLE The PGR ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring Fallen Military Heroes, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters and other First Responders. Members are patriotic citizens who stand in flag lines at Honor Missions at the request of the family. There are also Help on the Homefront (HOTH) Missions for Memorials, Dedications, Military Deployments and Homecomings. Learn more at www.patriotguard.org. At right: RI State Captain Barbara Wolfy Dardeen and Ride Captain Richard Pappy Desjarlais. C I T I Z E N S Y L I M A F T G A N E B D E T U O R F J R I X S O T Y W E M V D A H O S R D P R A O F P E O L R C E H E G A F T A I K J L H S A C L S B T E S N A R E T E V T U Q P P L M L W V N T L S A R G G O Y N O M E R E C A P T A I N N S F H C K F Y G I P L H L O D E R R E K C O R R F T I I T E O E Y B R X I O O W F S N V R R E D O F D N K M G S A R E S E D T Y E O D L E I H S R I L H O Z R H W T E M L E H V T F M M S F U N E R A L P R I D E T C E P S E R X E M O C L E W Nicer people you will not meet! (Photo credit: Beth Keeling) PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS CITIZENS FLAG LINE MISSION HONOR RESPECT WELCOME HOME WAKE FUNERAL CEREMONY HELP HOMEFRONT MEMORIAL TAPS LEAD WORD LIST MOTORCYCLE ESCORT STATE CAPTAIN BLOCK TRAFFIC ROUTE PATCH PIN FALLEN HEROES VETERANS SHIELD FREEDOM FIRST RESPONDERS HELMET SAFETY FAMILY POINTMAN II AIMS at PTSD Pointman II by Robert (Bob) Owens is a sequel to Pointman which dealt with love, war and drugs. Inspired by the author s experiences in the Vietnam War and Cambodian invasion, Owens fictionalized what started as a diary. Described as the continuing story of one man s struggle for life and purpose, the plot centers on Sergeant Mike Brooks. Haunted by rage, guilt and depression, the lead character is on the edge of self-destruction. Both books are available at Amazon.com. Contact the author at bklassen.6063@yahoo.com. VIETNAM VETERAN BALL CAPS FOR SALE Quality craftsmanship; made by local Vietnam vet-owned business (National Embroidery). Adjustable; back has embroidered yellow ribbon with Welcome Home. $12 each (+ $4 to pack and ship if necessary). Great gift! Limited quantity available. Checks payable to: Legion Home, Inc., PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI 02871. For info, e-mail ripost18legion@aol.com. FLYING INFORMATION OCT DEC 2015 PG 3
LEBANON/GRENADA ERA VETERANS HONORED Town Council and Project Blue Star honored Portsmouth veterans who served during the Lebanon and Grenada war eras on 9 NOV 2015 during the Town Council meeting. The ceremony was a kick-off to Veterans of Lebanon and Grenada War Eras Appreciation Week. Two hundred Portsmouth veterans were identified as having served in the Armed Forces during that time period. Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Keith Hamilton, Portsmouth Town Council President. For those unable to attend, the certificates are being handdelivered by Project Blue Star Coordinator, Carolyn Evans-Carbery, and Post 18 member Neil Carbery or mailed. Below: Domenic P. Restaino III accepts a handshake and certificate from Keith Hamilton. Photo credit: Joan Paquette VETERANS DAY CONT D FROM PG 1 President of RI Blue Star Moms Rhonda Ziehl a former Air Force veteran, wife of an Air Force veteran and mother of a current, active duty Air Force son spoke about the challenges families face when a loved one is deployed. Our keynote speaker was Master Sergeant Lenny Vasquez, USMC, who expressed thanks to his wife, family and the community for being supportive during his numerous deployments. He explained how communication has changed with phone calls, e-mail, Skype and embedded reporters. His wife LuLu gave a heart-wrenching insight of what it s like to hear the phone ring at odd hours and the changing dynamics of the household when her husband is deployed. When attendees were invited to speak, GYSGT John Gansett, USA (Ret.) whose wife is active duty Navy, urged the community to help veterans and military families in any way possible: provide a meal, car-pool kids to afterschool sports/events, donate to organizations that help veterans and befriend military families in your neighborhood. During the outdoor wreath-laying portion of the ceremony, Noah Rousseau from the Portsmouth High School Band played TAPS. Visit our web site to download photos and the Program (including the RI Governor s Proclamation). Together with Project Blue Star Coordinator Carolyn Evans-Carbery, our friends from VFW Post 5390 put together a traditional POW/MIA table at Portsmouth Town Hall. This new display is in front of the Honor Roll. Rolling Thunder, Inc. RI Chapter 1 dedicated the POW/MIA chair last December. FLYING INFORMATION OCT DEC 2015 PG 4 Be green and save Post 18 the cost of production and mailing! Subscribe to receive FI via e-mail in full color in an easy-to-share PDF format. It s free; membership not required! Send your e-mail address to ripost18legion@aol.com.
2015 2016 POST 18 OFFICERS Dave Duggan, Commander Vincent Vin Roche, 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 Francis Gutierrez, Chaplain Prof. John P. Mangold, PhD, LtCol, USMC (Ret.), Past CDR 2015 2016 UNIT 18 OFFICERS Christine Hayward, President Veronica Roni Perry, Secretary Janet Gill, Treasurer 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 or events can call 401.683.6148 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, PO Box 4499, Middletown, RI 02842 or ripost18legion@aol.com. On 24 October, 8 members of Post & Unit 18 hosted a Halloween themed BINGO at the RI Veterans Home. Approximately 60 residents enjoyed the ditty bags and prizes. More importantly, they enjoyed the activity and the companionship. Volunteers: Roni Perry, Christine Hayward, Janet Gill (at right manning the prize table), Dan Dougherty, David Crow, Billie Dietz, Marty Lynch and Vin Roche (Vin missed the photo op). MEMBERSHIP REPORT Please welcome aboard new members: WALTER COELHO (US Army Vietnam) STEPHEN DOHERTY (US Navy Lebanon/Grenada) PETER RICHTMYER (US Navy Vietnam) If you haven t already done so, please renew your membership for 2016 online or send a check to the Post. Post 18 dues are currently $30 per year, but increase to $35 per year as of 1 JAN 2016. National voted on a substantial dues increase which had to be passed along to Departments, Posts and Members. Please let us know if you have a special talent or skill that could benefit our Post or one of the programs we support in our community, state and nation. CTO1 Dan Dougherty, USN (Ret.) Jr. Vice CDR/Membership Chairman dansdahlias633@cox.net NEWS FROM THE 2nd COUNTY CDR I would like to thank the members of Post 18 for all of your hard work throughout the year. You truly advance the Four Pillars of The American Legion. As we roll into the holiday season, I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a bright and prosperous New Year. 2nd COUNTY POSTS 6 BRISTOL 7 NEWPORT 8 BARRINGTON 10 RIVERSIDE 11 WARREN 12 N. KINGSTOWN 15 E. GREENWICH 18 PORTSMOUTH 22 JAMESTOWN 36 BLOCK ISLAND 37 LITTLE COMPTON 39 S. KINGSTOWN Michael Reed, 2nd County CDR mwr333@verizon.net FLYING INFORMATION OCT DEC 2015 PG 5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US! NOTE: DARK (NO MEETING) IN DECEMBER 2015. SATURDAY, 12 DEC 2015 @ NOON WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA-NEWPORT (details on PG 1) TUESDAY, 5 JAN 2016 @ 7 PM Meeting of Post 18 @ VFW Post 5390, Common Fence Point, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth (weather permitting). For more info and updates, please visit www.americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com where you can download this and archived issues of our award-winning newsletter. Members of American Legion Riders Chapter 2-West Warwick (including our own Francis Gutierrez) were in attendance when OPERATION STAND DOWN RI dedicated a new Veterans Service Center in memory of Thomas A. Poole on 9 NOV 2015. Home Depot, Newport s Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center and others created a flagpole reception area with a patio and outdoor seating at the Veterans Housing Complex in Johnston in October. At right, MMC(SW) Chris Rowe, USN (Ret.), President, American Independence Riders (AIR), was proud to be a torch bearer at WaterFire s SALUTE TO VETERANS on 7 NOV 2015. Buckets of Beanie Babies were delivered to Police & Fire Departments in Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport in mid-october 2015 to help comfort children in crisis situations (car accidents, domestic violence, etc.). An excerpt from the letter accompanying the toys: The American Legion s Children & Youth Programs provide support in a variety of ways to the youngsters in our community, state and nation. Please accept this donation on behalf of our members with heart-felt gratitude for the work you do protecting life and property in our neighborhoods here on Aquidneck Island. We encourage other Posts and Units to emulate this program. FLYING INFORMATION OCT DEC 2015 PG 6 NEWS FROM UNIT 18 We ve been busy! In the summer, we solicited donations of new Beanie Babies for inclusion in ditty bags for the RI Veterans Home and delivery to local Police and Fire Departments. This was our fourth donation to Newport s Community-Oriented Policing Unit. We received enough to share with the other Police and Fire Departments on Aquidneck Island. A Middletown resident heard about the program and followed suit (and landed on the front page of the Newport Daily News). What s the saying? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! In October, we helped host our famous Halloween Themed BINGO at the RI Veterans Home. We set up a collection station with signage at Portsmouth Town Hall for new or gently used coats and new hats and gloves for Operation Stand Down (OSD). Below, Vin Roche helps Brian Sullivan load the OSD vehicle with donations from generous citizens. We were proud to co-host the Veterans Day ceremony at Portsmouth Town Hall. Christine Hayward, President ripost18legion@aol.com