Newsletter

American Legion Post 56 Monthly Bulletin

August 2011

Commander's Message

Dear Legionnaires,

Life is full of changes, and so goes with our Club.  Todd our Club Manager has offered his resignation to the Board.  He cites his ever expanding auctioneer business, and family obligations, as to pressing to continue to provide management services to the club.  The finance committee is now searching for a new manager.  Our best wishes go to Todd for his years of service to Post 56.

We had some big events in June and July, with Big Red and the 4th of July celebration.  Big Red was exciting, but we could have used two more days of good weather to help our food stand sales.  We found a big hit with our milk shakes, especially on the Friday, when the warm weather made everyone hungry for a cool milk shake.  A special Thanks to the VFW for the use of their building, so the people could get out of the rain.  Great weather for the parade on July 3rd, helped the club with our inside and outside sales at the Legion, and a special thanks to our volunteers.  The parade was very special for Post 56.  We hosted a float for the families of “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” to ride.  It was a thrilling experience seeing the people along the parade route stand and applaud the families for their sacrifice.

Minnesota was honored this year for being selected to host the American Legion National Convention in Minneapolis.  The convention runs from August 26th through August 31st.  Sunday, August 28th, will be the National Convention Parade, and it is a great opportunity for Post 56 to show its pride.  I would like to see our Honor Guard march, with no less than 100 Flag Bearers to follow, marching down Nicollet Mall.  The parade starts at 4:30, but we will want to leave early and catch some of the pre-parade excitement.  We will charter as many buses as needed.  We will feature a bus trip with a sack lunch for $30 per person or $50 per couple.  Please see the registration notice and return with your payment to confirm your reservation.  Everyone from Albert Lea will be welcome to ride.

We will be promoting some new things in the upcoming months with expanded racing, and a new “Get Your Kicks” promotion starting in August.  We still are in need of volunteers for all of our gaming venues, so please come forward and ask “Can I Help”?

Tent City will begin in the lounge, starting in August, as I continue with Past Commander Bill Goette’s debt reduction plan of “$89 in 89 Days”.  We have another note to retire, and your help would be appreciated.  Please consider joining my Commander’s Project called “Mick’s $100 Club” for debt reduction.  All donations are welcomed no matter how large or small.  Thanks for your support!

Commander Mick

Auxiliary News

Auxiliary Unit 56

The Auxiliary is having a membership luncheon on Wednesday August 17th from 11am to 1pm.  Pay your membership dues and have a free lunch.  Thank you ahead of time for paying your dues.  Please note our regular meetings will start on Wednesday September 7th at 7pm.  Please try to join us.
 

Janet Scherb
Auxiliary President

American Legion National Convention Parade

Post 56 Honor Guard will march in the parade down Nicollet Mall followed by 100 citizens carrying 100 American Flags.  Join the bus ride on Sunday, August 28th. Bus leaves at noon and returns after the Parade, which starts at 4:30 pm.  The cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple.  Includes a sack lunch and soft drink.

Make checks payable to Post 56 Parade Bus:

Name _____________________________
Address ____________________________
Phone ___________________ Check $ _____

Yes, I want to march and carry a flag ______
I just want to watch the parade ________

Deadline is August 15th, and all citizens are welcome.

Have you checked out the Corey Goodnature display case at the Legion?  Every year and item is added to the display case and it is auctioned off at the annual Golf Outing for the Corey Goodnature scholarship fund.  You may want to take a look at it and every year the high bidder has always asked if it could be hung at the Legion which we have graciously accepted.  This scholarship has been able to help many local students plus children of Corey’s military unit further their education.  Along the same line last August the American Legion Legacy Riders stopped overnight in Albert Lea and was also a stopping point for raising money for the Legacy Scholarship fund used to help children of fallen soldiers since 9-11-2001.  Locally, we raised over $2,000 to add to the fund.  If you would like to help this year again please drop off a check made out to the Legacy Scholarship fund but we need to do this by August 20th.  Thanks for your support to both of these scholarship funds.
 

TAPS

ALTON DAHL
Born Feb. 5, 1926.  Died June 16, 2011.  Served in the US Navy during WWII.  Employed by Streator’s as a Truck Driver.  Also owner and operator of B&B Cafe. Legion and VFW member.

ELROY CARLSON
Born Dec. 24, 1934.  Died July 4, 2011.  Served in the US Navy during the Korean War.  Employed by Interstate Power Co for 40 years.  Legion member.

BERNHARD JOHNSRUD
Born Jan. 23, 1928.  Died July 8, 2011.  Served in the US Air Force.  Dairy & Crop Farmer, Seed Corn Dealer and Insurance Agent for Farmer’s Ins.  Member of Elks, VFW and Legion.

HERBERT DRESCHER
Born May 6, 1927.  Died July 10, 2011.  Served in the US Army for 4 years.  Herb was a Truck Driver around Albert Lea and Different States.  Member of the Eagle and Legion.

DONALD L LARSON
Born Oct. 30, 1938.  Died July 10, 2011.  Served in the US Air Force.  Was Plant Manager for Southern Minnesota Oil Co.  Member of the Eagles and Legion.
 

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

D.A.M. Donations

Dennis Smith                            Donation
John Sullivan                            Donation
Ethmer/Marlene Wright               Mem of Alton Dahl
Mick/Judy Jaquette                   Honor of Past Commander Bill Goette’s Service
Allen/Deb Brown                       Mem of Richard Kenevan
Don/Elaine Ehrich                      Donation
 
Honor Guard Donations

Bob/Shirley Indrelie                   Mem of Ace Carlson
Paul/Judy Dilling                       Mem of Ace Carlson
R.G./Mary Keating                     Mem of Ace Carlson
Family of Richard Kenevan        Mem of Richard Kenevan
Family of Ervin Matthies            Mem of Ervin Matthies
Family of Sherm Booen             Mem of Sherm Booen
Frank/Pat Conwell                      Mem of Bud Bolinger
Frank/Pat Conwell                      Mem of Hody Hanson
Glen/Leann Juveland                 Mem of Don Cox
Bob/Darlene Levisen                 Mem of Dan Doty

FRIENDLY REMINDER REGARDING YOUR ADDITIONAL NO COST BENEFITS

FOR MEMBERS AND RETIREES THROUGH AMERICAN INCOME LIFE

We are pleased to announce that at NO COST  to you,  Leo Carey American Legion Post 56 has obtained an increased Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit in the amount of $3,000 for all post members, auxiliary members, S.A.L. members and social members.  In addition, you are eligible to participate in the Health Services Discount Plan.  This plan provides you and your family with substantial discounts on the following services.  Eye Care, Chiropractic Care, Prescription Drugs and Hearing Aids all at NO COST.  An optional Dental Discount is also available with an activation fee.  These benefits are being provided through the cooperation of Leo Carey American Legion Post 56 and American Income Life Insurance Company.

  
American Income Life Insurance Company is rated A+ “Superior” by A.M. Best Company, its second highest rating for overall financial strength (as of 6/03).  American Income has been doing business for more than fifty years serving veteran organization members and their families.  The company and their programs are presented to help our members and their families. This benefit is in addition to the National American Legion benefits. You and your family may qualify for additional insurance benefits at this time.  Please take a few minutes and listen to the AIL representative who will be calling on you.
A notification of these benefits will again be sent to by mail to our members in September.
 
All interested members should return the reply card.  As always, there is no obligation.
 
PLEASE DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE TO Nicole Schneider, Public Relations Representative for American Income Life at 651.808.0548

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.

Please thank and support those businesses and organizations which sponsor ads in the monthly Post 56 bulletin flyer:

Craig Loehr-Dave Syverson Ford, Graceland Cemetery, Jim & Dudes Plumbing & Heating, Shoff Chiropractic, MPeters Enterprises, Church Offset Printing,

Security Bank Minnesota, American Legion Post 56 Auxiliary, Christian Floor Covering, Embroider-4 Seasons Advertising, Hillcrest Cemetery, Auto Serve-Rick Loberg, Doors & Floors, ING Financial Partners-Arnold Mulso, Motor Inn Co., Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home, Scott's Office Products, GreenLea Golf Course, Nelson County Market, Century 21 O'Byrne Realty, Nick's Inc.

The deadline for the September 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.