To start with I am sure that you took time on Thanksgiving Day to again express your thankfulness. However, isn't this something we should do everyday and last month we also thanked a veteran but again that can be done everyday.

This month we celebrate a special season of Christmas and hopefully you are able to share that message with others according to your faith. Hopefully you will have time with your families and for those serving unable to be with their families we say a prayer for and will you, also. We also will celebrate the end of another year and bring in 2005, yes 2005 - did you ever think you would see that day.

Some other past history information now. Our membership dinners have been completed but there seems to have been few attending. This is for Legion, Auxiliary, and S.A.L. members. May watch for something extra in the future.

"For the Good of The American Legion" auction went very well. Thank you to those of you that donated items but more importantly thank you to the buyers. A big thank you to all helpers and auctioneers Todd Utpadel and Jim Manges and clerking by Cheryl Utpadel, Vickie Manges, and Pat Mulso who donated there time.

Fall Conference gave me information that all organizations are in need of financial support -sound familiar. The Legion supports many fine organizations and youth projects but sometimes there just isn't enough to go around. One to help with in the next few weeks is the Toys for Tots and Salvation Army. We are ringing the bell at Nelson's on Dec. 2. Can you help - sign up.

As the end of the calendar year is nearing I would like to THANK everyone that has helped one way or another - kitchen, bar, cleaning, bingo, administration, or just opening the door plus all the financial support. The club could not operate without you, but we also NEED patrons, so remember always bring a friend and have some fun here at the American Legion, Leo Carey Post 56.

Arnie Mulso,

Commander

A special salute goes to Duane Hatleli, VFW Post 447 commander and his fellow members for adapting to the changes involved with this year’s program.

Maybe next year the local veterans can have part of the Nov. 11 morning program at the Freeborn County Courthouse again. It will be interesting to see where the indoor portion will take place. Will it be in the older building or in the new part of the courthouse addition?

The next newsletter won’t be issued until after Dec. 25, so here’s wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ed Shannon,

Editor

Greetings!!! I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving Day! We have so many blessings to be thankful for.

Thanks to everyone who brought salads, bars and worked for our Salad Luncheon and also to those who came to enjoy the food. Without all of you our projects could not be accomplished.

Our next Hot Dish Supper will be held on Wednesday, December 8^th, from 5:00 to 7:00.

Our December meeting is our potluck (men are welcome) beginning at 6:00 p.m. The High School Chorale will sing and our First District President, Audrey Erwin, will be attending. Our meeting will follow supper.

There is not a meeting in January. The Board will meet on December 27^th at 5:00 p.m.

During Education Week donuts were delivered to our area schools for teachers, staff and bus drivers to show our appreciation.

Dues are due by January 31, 2005. If they are not received by then they are delinquent.

Until further notice do not bring in coupons. If you want to send coupons on your own there is a DECA’s website at http://www.commissaries.com  Check the individual commissary before sending your coupons to make sure that there is a need. Keep track of the estimated value of the coupons you send and give to Opal Sprague for her year end report. Thank you.

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season!

See you at the club!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

God Bless,

BREAKFAST will not be served this month due to Christmas the day before.

Karaoke by Laurie’s Karaoke Korner this month will be on Friday’s - Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17 and the big night of New Year’s Eve! This New Years’s we will be having our annual dinner in the dining hall from 5-9 pm. Receive a free glass of wine with your dinner! Christmas Eve we will be open in the lounge from 10 am - 2pm. We will be closing sharply at 2pm so our staff and guests may begin to enjoy the Holiday. Christmas Day we will be CLOSED.

TOM & MAX ARE BACK on Dec. 18 (Sat.) For an enjoyable evening of music, dancing, and fun in the lounge.

Thursday night is still our Special Menu in which we have different entrees available each week. Receive a 10% discount when arriving in the dining hall after 7pm.

Tom & Jerry’s on New Year’s Day serving 10am-12pm along with the kitchen being open from 11am-3pm. Comedy Show is coming back Jan. 29...watch for tickets on sale and get them early!

Chris Hallum,

William John "Bill" Bigelow

Born Dec. 30, 1919. Died Nov. 17, 2004. Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II, working in the office at Wilson & Co. for many years, served on the Albert Lea City Council, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

Lyle Allen Hoyne

Born Nov. 2, 1938. Died Nov. 12, 2004. He served with the U.S. Army Honor Guard in Washington D.C., and was a member of the American Legion and Elks.

Herman "Casey" Kleinschrodt

Leo Carey Post 56 was organized in 1919 with an initial group of just 17 veterans. A minimum of 15 signatures was required. Those who signed the charter application for the new Albert Lea post were: Herbert A. Christenson, Ray B. Gustavenson, William P. Sturtz, John C. Caldwell, W. Russell Voight, N.C. Hvolboll, Henry C. Mullen Winfred English, L.D. Wackman, Ralph Speltz, Ira H. Wulff, Frank C. Marpe, Edwin W. Hellie, James Doyle, Ray B. Dibble, Ralph Nelson and Joseph G. Whelan. And within a year or so the post’s membership had expanded to 300 World War I veterans.

Next: More information about the post’s first two commanders in 1919.

Ed Shannon,

Editor