AMERICAN LEGION POST 18 PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI 02871 Phone: 401.683.6148 www.americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com Flying InFormation ~ News from the Post ~ SEP/OCT 2010 CONFUSED? SEE PAGE 2! TROOP CARE PACKAGE COLLECTION PUFL member Cyndie Kindell is coordinating a care package collection destined for local service members deployed to Afghanistan. A detailed list of items for both the troops and military working dogs is available. Approved items can be dropped off at VFW Post 5390, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth for a mid-october shipment. For the list or more info, contact Cyndie at cyndieck@msn.com or 401.247.0135 POST EVERLASTING At press time, we learned that longtime Post 18 member DASSEY B. SOUZA of Tiverton passed away on 25 September 2010. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Souza family. COMMANDER S BRIEFING As I enter into my 2nd term as your Commander, I reflect back on some of our accomplishments and try to envision our structure for the future. We, as a Post, are far ahead of many Posts in the State due to diligence in recruiting, meaningful events, participation of many, and our loyalty to the Legion. American hero CDR Porter A. Halyburton, USN (Ret.), former POW and resident of the Hanoi Hilton in Viet Nam (center) is flanked by Post 18 members George Wardwell and Tony Cercena at the 22 September event sponsored by the Naval Order of the United States. From our successful yard sale, parade contingents, meeting attendance, and the survival of the Post Home sale, we have proven to be stronger and more determined to wave our Flag proudly. Hopefully, you ve read the newsletter issues with reports of the Junior Rifle Team winning medals at the National Competition, our Adjutant s award winning journalistic essay and newsletter, and our support of local, regional and national initiatives. This is proof of the character and resolve of our small Post. I am extremely proud of everyone for their individual efforts and success. Go Team! One area that still has me concerned: membership. We must continue to bring more new members into our folds to participate and advance to leadership positions. We need to mentor folks to fill our shoes and offer fresh ideas. It s a challenge, but we must focus on this issue as we continue to support our Community, State and Nation. If you have e-mail, please provide your address to our Adjutant so that we can strengthen our ability to contact you expeditiously. In the future, I foresee the elimination of paper distribution of flyers, newsletters, national correspondence, etc. The transition to cut costs and time associated with regular mail is real and should not be overlooked. As we recruit younger members, we must use tools they grew up with (electronic media). Thank you everyone for what you do, have done and will continue to do! geoedna@aol.com RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.), Commander
TWELVE NEW CHIEFS INDOCTRINATED On 30 September, the Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) in Bristol, RI welcomed newly selected Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) from the Southern New England area. On hand to provide history and insight into the training evolution was our Post 18 Commander who emphasized volunteering while active duty and beyond. Also assisting were veterans from the Bristol Police Department, Elks and Navy League. The new CPOs are traveling to several USCG activities, the Battleship MASSACHUSETTS Museum and the USS CONSTITUTION to meet with local CPOs during the indoctrination process. Kneeling: FSC Kirk Souza; BMC Robert Devoy. Standing: RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.), Post 18 Commander; CWO4 Tom Guthlein, USCG Officer in Charge (OIC), Coast Guard Station-Castle Hill; BMC Gregg Marsili, USCG OIC, ANT-Bristol; BMCS Gary Chalker; BMC Chris Schwalm and DCC Anthony Graziano. Congratulations! FUNDS RAISED FOR CANINES FOR COMBAT VETERANS DEPT OF RI AUXILIARY President Marge Walsh selected Canines for Combat Veterans as her charity this year. American Legion Post #43 hosted the Guys Will Be Dolls spaghetti & meatball fundraiser on 18 September to benefit the program. Organized by Sharon Demers, the team of volunteers made it a fun and successful event raising $2,338. The emcee was Ron Levasseur and the other dolls were DEPT OF RI CDR Jim Weinreich; Sr. Vice Erick Michaud; Jr. Vice Corey Bates, Jerry Peloquin, Mel Higgins and Mark Hockhousen. After modeling evening gowns and bathing suits, Mark (far right) was crowned American Legion Doll 2010. The guys were great sports and have a new appreciation for walking in high heels. The cake was made by DEPT AUX Chaplain Donna Rivet using Paula Visnoski s artwork. What a way to jumpstart the year for a great cause! The big question: How much would you donate to see (or NOT see!) our Post 18 leadership (George, Vinny & Robert) donning dresses, wigs and makeup? USS SAINT PAUL REUNION Post 18 member Ray Briganti; Captain(N) Hoyje Kim, Military Attache, Republic of Korea Navy, Embassy of Korea; and Post 18 Commander, George Wardwell enjoy some casual conversation during the USS SAINT PAUL CA-73 reunion banquet in September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI. Captain Kim was attending the reunion to present some plaques and personal Embassy coins to the crew members that were stationed onboard the ship during the Korean War. Captain Kim thanked the United States for the assistance provided to his country over the years. As a child, his dream of joining the Korean Navy was a direct result of seeing all of the U.S. military personnel in his country. Ray was a crew member of the SAINT PAUL in 1945 the same time frame, my dad, S1C Houston F. Wardwell, was onboard although they did not know each other. Small world, eh? FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2010 PAGE 2
ADJUTANT/TREASURER S REPORT It was an honor to march in the Legion Parade in Milwaukee with the RI contingent. Visiting Emblem Sales and other vendors, I came upon the Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) booth. Attendees were encouraged to take little blue piggy banks, fill with coins and then donate the contents to CWF. Since I only had carry-on luggage for my short trip (one night), I only took one piggy bank which I was told would hold about $20 in change. I plan to get more banks to share with Post & Unit 18 members so we can support the program. CWF offers grants to eligible youth-related programs nationwide. At the Post & Unit level, we have our on-going fundraising efforts for Canines for Combat Veterans, a cause adopted by DEPT OF RI Auxiliary President Marge Walsh for her charity. Department wide, there is much focus on Children & Youth and Boys & Girls State. Our primary focus per vote of the membership will be Troop Support. To that end, I encourage our readership to contribute to the mid-october shipment headed for Afghanistan; then support the RI LT Governor s annual OPERATION: HOLIDAY CHEER in November (details forthcoming). ripost18legion@aol.com Christine L. Hayward, Adjutant/Treasurer Our friends at CVMA recently lead the annual CPL Holly Charette Memorial Motorcycle Run, better known as the Run for Holly. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Christian Motorcycle Association, Legion Riders Chapter 2 including Post 18 member Frank Pine and other motorcycle enthusiasts supported the event. Holly s parents, Regina and Ed, are flanked by CMVA members below. To learn more or donate, visit: http://hollycharette.webs.com. WELCOME ABOARD OUR NEW/ TRANSFERRING MEMBERS POST 18 Edward Rizy (USAF) UNIT 18 Do you know someone eligible for membership in the Legion or Auxiliary? Let us know so we can get them on board! 2011 POST 18 OFFICERS/CHAIRS George Wardwell, Commander/Photographer Vincent C. D Andrea, Sr. Vice Commander CS1 Robert Jerdan, USN, Jr. Vice Commander Christine Hayward, Adjutant/Treasurer/ Webmistress/Editor/Historian Walter Alves, Sergeant-at-Arms David B. Hayward, Asst. Sergeant-at-Arms Ken Williams, Chaplain 2011 UNIT 18 OFFICERS/CHAIRS Edna Wardwell, President Shannon Fuentes, Vice President Veronica Roni Perry, Secretary Damaris Mangold, Treasurer Christine Hayward, Historian Angela Vars, Chaplain 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/events can call 401.683.6148 to make arrangements. This awardwinning 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: Editor C. Hayward, 143 Evarts St. 2L, Newport, RI 02840 or ripost18legion@aol.com. Proud member of the National American Legion Press Association. FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2010 PAGE 3
HAM & BEAN SUPPER SATURDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2010 @ 7 PM @ POST 10 RIVERSIDE Menu: Virginia Baked Ham, Baked Beans, Salad, Bread, Dessert & Coffee; free draft beer. Proceeds benefit N.E.F. and other American Legion charities. Donation: $10 per person. Location: 830 Willett Ave., Riverside. Phone: 401.433.9859. DINNER, SHOW & CABARET FOR C & Y Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant, 102 Connell Highway, Newport will present the comedy NATALIE NEEDS A NIGHTIE FOR CHRISTMAS on Friday, 5 November 2010. Buffet dinner at 6 PM followed by the show, then a funfilled cabaret. Tickets: $50 per person. For tickets or more info, contact Tammy Kinsey, 60 Victory St. Wakefield, RI 02880 or call Virginia Demers at 401.575.6579. Deadline: 16 October. For show info/directions, visit www.newportplayhouse.com. On Saturday, 30 October, Post & Unit 18 will be hosting our most popular BINGO of the year the HALLOWEEN BINGO at the RI Veterans Home (RIVH) in Bristol! See calendar on PAGE 6 for details, and make plans to join us. Costume not required, but smiling faces are a must! We host three themed BINGO events a year at the RIVH. For the past year or so, our friends at Post & Unit 104 in Warren have co-hosted assisting with the ditty bag costs and providing volunteers. In 2011, we will be hosting Valentine s Day (late JAN/early FEB) and St. Patrick s Day (early MAR) events at the RIVH. Our scholarship fundraiser (late APR) will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Middletown, and will include a pasta dinner and raffles. Volunteers needed; details forthcoming. O T L I T H G I L H S A L F R B R A D H R E L D N A C R E F C E O C A U L D R O N T D G Q S A N P M W J N O A I I A T U R T P H N I L B O G P O N O T E L E K S A M S E S R C B H K E P R C L Y A M C H C T I W M Z A O I T F O R A L W O U V S D S X R E N E G N L P B R E W T B A T S E S L D A O E E F U A P Y T C A R O Y I B R V M E Z U E H P G I W X J D C E R N Q R WORD LIST HALLOWEEN WITCH GHOST GOBLIN MONSTER MASK WIG CANDY CORN APPLE TRICK TREAT PUMPKIN SKELETON COSTUME OCTOBER PARTY GLOW BAT OWL CAT SCREECH BOO FLASHLIGHT SAFETY SPIDER WEB CANDLE CAULDRON BREW DARK EVE 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 e-mail. It s free! Send your name and e-mail address to: ripost18legion@aol.com. Membership not required. FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2010 PAGE 4
2010 NATIONAL CONVENTION The DEPT OF RI proudly marched with their new banner donated by Post & Unit 18 at the Parade preceding the National Convention in Milwaukee, WI. Post 18 Past Commander Christine Hayward attended the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) luncheon to accept awards in both the newsletter and editorial divisions. It was fun meeting Legion Family members from all over the country and sharing both public relations and membership ideas. The State Poppy Princess was busy collecting pins to adorn the back of her sash. Those attending sessions shared what they learned, and future candidates visited our RI delegation meetings at our assigned hotel. FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT PAGE 5
2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US! WEDNESDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2010 @ 7 PM Regular meeting of Post & Unit 18 at VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth, RI. FRIDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2010 from 7 PM to 9 PM 11th ANNUAL TASTING IN PORTSMOUTH, a fundraiser for the PORTSMOUTH FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY will be held at the Library at 2658 E. Main Road. Sample favorites from a variety of local restaurants, wineries and breweries. Library Association members: $15; non-members: $20. Visit www.portsmouthlibrary.org for this and other event info. SATURDAY, 30 OCTOBER @ 1 PM Post & Unit 18 co-host HALLOWEEN-THEMED BINGO at the RI Veterans Home, Metacom Avenue, Bristol. Wear a costume; distribute ditty bags, and help vets play their cards. Muster at 1 PM; games start at 1:30 PM. SUNDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2010 from 8 AM to NOON-Unit 18 conducts POPPY AWARENESS at Clements Market in Portsmouth. Stop in to show your support, get your poppy and make a donation. THURSDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2010 VETERANS DAY 8 AM Joint meeting of Post & Unit 18 @ Portsmouth Town Hall, E. Main Rd., Portsmouth. 9 AM Post & Unit 18 co-host Veterans Day Ceremony @ Portsmouth Town Hall; special presentation by Life Member Cyndie Kindell on Canines for Combat Veterans followed by wreath-laying ceremony. Public encouraged to attend. 11 AM Veterans Day Ceremony @ Newport City Hall For more calendar items, please visit www.americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com. FLYING INFORMATION SEP/OCT 2010 PAGE 6 NEWS FROM AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 18 Summer has come and gone, and colorful leaves will soon be adorning our lawns. The squirrels are stocking up acorns for the winter. It s a great time of year! We find ourselves busy as bees as we prepare for our Halloween BINGO at the Veterans Home in Bristol that we all love to attend and celebrate with our friends on 30 October. Hopefully, we can put together the gift/ditty bags at our upcoming meeting on 6 October. The Unit will be conducting Poppy Awareness at Clements Market in Portsmouth in November (see calendar for details). Volunteers needed. My husband and I will host a Christmas gathering at our home in December. It seems like a long way off, but time has a way of slipping by. With supplies donated by members, the children at the Newport County Boys & Girls Clubs are busy making cards to be included in troop care packages. Of all of the comfort items sent, hand-made cards and letters are reported to mean the most to those deployed. AT RIGHT: When members learned the DEPT s banner had been lost in transit a few years ago, we went to work constructing a replacement. Dual member Christine Hayward designed the banner; Post 18 paid for all of the supplies and Unit 18 s Secretary Veronica Roni Perry (standing) was the seamstress with the assistance of Unit 18 member and artist in residence Patricia Dennett. The red rooster was traced from an old wooden rooster that had decorated the Post Home many years ago. I hope you can make it to our next meeting and/or upcoming events. At home projects available for the homebound (just ask!). For the snowbirds heading south for the winter, have a safe trip. PH: 401.619.3899 NENAROO@AOL.COM Edna Wardwell, President