Newsletter

American Legion Post 56 Monthly Bulletin

April 2010

Commander's Message

Greetings,

We have finally had some warm days and it feels like spring is in the air.

 
A member has contacted me and has indicated he will build us a new podium to replace our current one which could not be refinished.  This will be a nice addition to our meetings and any events that require a podium.  I will keep you updated on this project as we proceed.

 
Our Post just held our Post Everlasting ceremony, which was very well attended.  This is a very impressive event and I want to thank Arnie Mulso, Arnie Biederman, the Honor Guard, our kitchen staff and all who were involved with the ceremony or attended as guests. The Auxiliary presented Post 56 with a check & cake for the 91st Birthday of the American Legion. Thanks, Pat and Auxiliary Members.

I am cautiously optimistic about our financial situation and we seem to be making positive progress to stay current with our bills and offer the same services to our members as we have in the past.  The Board continues to meet weekly to review all aspects of our operation.  I want to thank our Board members for contributing so much time to this important matter. Also, due to the inconsistent numbers for Thursday night, we have decided to discontinue the buffet and go back to Thursday night specials. These specials are posted in the newsletter.

As we look ahead to summer Todd is booking a number of activities to add to our cash flow.  We will again be participating in the Farmers Market with our food stand and have a committee in place to investigate outside events that will raise more money for the Post.

We encourage our members to support the Post by participating in as many activities as possible.

We will again have on display the recognition of veterans of the Vietnam era and a new addition this year is the recognition of Women in Military Service.  These are very impressive displays and thanks to Dave Olson, Bob Levisen and Laurie Neff who have worked very hard to make this happen.

  
Members and their families should reserve August 24th to meet the American Legion National Commander and attend a barbeque to help support the Legacy Ride which will be stopping in Albert Lea overnight.  As we get closer to this date we will provide more information as to the schedule of events for that evening.

Thank you to all who have donated to the Commanders Project, which is new carpet for the lounge and dining room area.  We will continue to need support for this project and are looking at the first week of May to have this installed.  I will continue to keep you updated as this progresses.

For God and Country
Rex F. Stotts, Commander

THANK YOU

A big thank you to everyone that helped make the Vietnam Veteran era and Women of Freeborn County displays so meaningful to veterans and the public.

A special thank you to coordinators Laurie Neff, Dave Olson and Bob Levisen.

Club Update

Dates To Remember

Mondays –Texas Hold-Em
Tuesdays – Burger Night
Wednesdays – Bingo
Thursdays – See April Menu
Friday – Karaoke
Sunday – Bingo
April 4th – Easter (No Bingo)
April 10th – Sportsman’s Fish fry
April 11th – NR Girl Scouts/ Honor Flight Breakfast
April 15th – TAX DAY
April 16th – ALHS Golf Team Burger Fry
April  17th – Legionnaire of The Year 50/60 year recognition Dinner
April 18th – Thrive Breakfast
April 25th – Post 56 Breakfast
April 30th – Freeborn County Genealogical Society Swiss Steak Feed

F.Y.I.

Vets Can Now Salute the Flag

For years, Veterans have wanted to salute the U.S. flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem instead of just placing their hand over their heart.  Now they can.

A Congressional Amendment sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 specifically states that “members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute”.

Veterans can salute the flag during the National Anthem as well as during “the hoisting, lowering and passing of the flag”.

“The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service,” said Inhofe.  “Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.  The U.S. Code is now consistent for Veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military salute.”

To find out more about Freedom Team Salute, visit www.FreedomTeamSalute.com.

Items Of Note

1. Post 56 would like to thank the Scott Sorenson family for allowing our Post family to be a part of their family.
2. Membership: Today we are at 904.  Only 100 short of our goal.  Thank you to everyone that has renewed.
3. Honor Flight Breakfast is on Sunday, April 11th.
4. Legionnaire of the Year and 50/60 Recognition Dinner is on Saturday the 17th.
5. Please support the Non-profits that continue to use our facility.

Auxiliary News

We will be holding our spring salad luncheon on April 21. This is our annual fund raiser. Make plans to attend and bring a friend.

At the March meeting we gave the following donations: $200 to the Commanders projects of new carpeting in the club rooms, $100 to both the District and Department Presidents projects and $100 to the local Firemen for their education project for first graders. We have also sent $500 to the Girls State program to reserve a spot for second junior girls to attend this great program in June.

Our next major fund raiser will be Poppy Days in May. The monies raised then can only be used for veterans. If you can help with poppies please call me or leave a note at the club.

President Pat

Long Sleeves - $15, Short Sleeves - $10

Dollar-A-Month (D.A.M.)

R.G./Mary Keating    Mem. Of Dr. Niles Shoff
Don/Elaine Ehrich    Donation
Robert  Knutson    Mem. Of Bob Howard
Ernie/Judy  Klukow            Mem. Omar Dahl
Glen/Leann  Juveland    Mem. Of Mike Ranney
Jim/Linda Gries    Mem. Of Mike Ranney
Jeanette Mortenson    Mem. Of Merlin Steele
Dave/Sandra Mullenbach        Mem. Ronald Venem

Honor Guard Donation
Vernon/Joyce Olson    Mem. Dr. Niles Shoff
Jeanette Mortenson    Donation
Glen/Leann Juveland        Mem. Merlin Steele
Ginnie Olson    Donation
Bernice Munson    Mem. Of Casper Munson
Elaine Munson    Mem. Of Casper Munson
Kathryn Carter    Mem. Of Casper Munson
R.G./Mary Keating    Mem. Of “Moose” Monson
Marilyn Claassen    Mem. Of Don Monson

Please consider supporting Leo Carey American Legion Post 56 with a contribution to the Dollar-A-Month (D.A.M.) fund.  Whether it’s a dollar a month, or a larger donation, these funds are used to support the Post 56 club facilities, maintenance & continued growth of our organization.

If you would like to make a donation to the Post 56 D.A.M. fund, please complete the form in this newsletter and return it to Leo Carey American Legion Post 56.  You can recognize someone special by naming that person in their memory or honor.  Your contribution will be listed in the Post’s monthly flyer and on the website.

Judi Olson, D.A.M. Account Manager

To make a donation, click on the link to our D.A.M. Fund Account Page.

The Legion is flying our flag this month in memory of Lee (Butch) Linde

The deadline for the May issue will be the Wednesday following the post meeting.  This will be the deadline policy in the future!

Post 447 VFW and Auxiliary meetings are held on the 2^nd Monday of every month at the American Legion Post 56 Clubrooms @ 7:00pm. Come and join VFW Post 447. 

Veterans helping Veterans.