Newsletter

American Legion Post 56 Monthly Bulletin

September 2011

Commander's Message

Dear Legionnaires,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new club manager, David “DJ” Nelson. David comes to us with management experience, and a American Legion legacy. David is a member of the SAL (Sons of the American Legion), and past district squadron commander of the SAL. I view him as one of the family, with the best interests of the American Legion in his heart. Please stop by and introduce yourself to David, and welcome him to Post 56.

“The Best Six Days of Summer” Freeborn County Fair, wow what a great fair this year. The entertainment was really great, and our food stand was great too. This was the best year we have had in the past several years. We had a big hit with our milk shakes and malts. Thank you for the volunteers that worked the food stand. It is very difficult to staff as many hours as we did. Thank you to Vice Commander Roger Bakken, Steve Hoelscher, and Rex Stotts for heading up the fair committee. GREAT JOB!

Friday, August 19th, Post 56 had the honor to host the Minnesota Legion Legacy Riders for an over night stop, as they raised money for the Legacy Riders Scholarship Fund. They will present their funds at the National Convention in Minneapolis. Post 56 has been sponsoring the Legacy Rider of the month since last year’s visit by the National Legion Legacy Riders. Post 56 presented the Minnesota Riders with checks totaling $500 toward their goal. To date they have raised more than $19,000, with more to come before the convention. They will take our motorcycle wood carving, with the flag and the eagle to the convention, and raise even more scholarship money. Thank you for your help.

Yes, help we need! We have several unpaid bills and liabilities that need to be cleared up soon. We have hired a CPA to help us with our tax issues, and record keeping practices. With your help, we can over come this challenge. My Commander’s Project (Mick’s $100 Club) of debt reduction has received more than $4,400 toward our goal of $10,000. This is a challenging goal, but it is desperately needed to get our house in order. All donations are welcomed, no matter how large or small, and don’t forget our DAM fund (Dollar-A-Month). The boxes on the bar are available to drop in an extra buck. Our Leo Carey Post 56 is an asset to our community, and we need your support. The challenge is great, but our mission is greater. Thank you!

Commander Mick

Auxiliary News

First of all we would like to thank all the people that turned out for the membership luncheon. Second, all renewal notices have been sent out BUT due to a computer mix-up at National Hqs your 2011 and 2012 continuous years are showing the same number of years. They hope to have this corrected but probably will not show up until the 2013 membership cards.

Our Auxiliary meetings will be resuming in September on the first Wednesday of the month and our programs will getting underway. There is a more than ever need to help our veterans by funding programs to benefit them.

I personally invite you to attend our meetings to show support of the various programs we help sponsor.

President
Janet Scherb

Greetings from your new Club Manager!

It is a great pleasure to serve the Post 56 Family! For my first letter to you, I decided to give a little bio on me and my background.

Name - David Kenneth Nelson

Age - 31
Place of Birth - Des Moines Iowa
Place I grew up - Gordonsville Minnesota
Education- 1998 graduate of Glenville – Emmons
High School, Riverland Community College (Generals), Kaplan University (Insurance Classes)
Family- Kelli Schindler-Nelson (wife), Kenneth M and Cindy Nelson (parents), 1 brother, 1 sister, 1 brother in law, 2 nephews, 3 nieces, Gary and Jeanne Schindler (father and mother in law)
Legion Background- 31 year S.A.L. member of squadron #264 Glenville, Past Detachment of Minnesota Executive Board, Past 1st District Commander S.A.L., Current Squadron Commander #264 Glenville, Various other offices at the squadron and district level.

Work Experience-
1997 – Present, 3D Sound-n-Lighting (Owner)
1998-2008, Midwest Wireless / Alltel Wireless (Store Manager)
2009-2010, Julio’s Bar (Bartender / Events)
2010-2011, Independent Insurance Producer

As an active S.A.L. member, I’ve traveled all over the state and have seen what other clubs do or have done to be successful. It is my goal to get Post #56 to incorporate some of these ideas and make it a fun place for our current members and potential members to enjoy. I am always willing to hear ideas from our members on things they would like to see at the club, so feel free to stop in at the lounge and voice your opinions. There will be some changes that will take place. Some people will accept the changes, and for some it will be hard. However, whatever changes that do happen, will be in the best interest of the club and the goals of the American Legion organization.

We all need to remember that we are an organization based on the support of the American Veteran both young and old. We need to be a place where all ages of veterans, members, and friends feel welcomed to come in, and can enjoy the company of others.

Some changes that you will see soon…

September 11th – Bar will be open on Sundays to watch the Vikings games and other games. Check the schedule to see what time the bar opens and the time of the Vikings games. I am looking for donations for canned dill pickles and green beans for our Build your own Bloody Mary’s. Dart Leagues will start as well.  October- Bean Bag Leagues will start, Late Night Bar Bingo, Twins Post Season Drive??? (if we get lucky…), Halloween party, new evening specials, and more to come!

Thanks for your support of the American Legion Family and our programs!

David K Nelson – Club Manager

Flag Pole

You may have noticed that the flag has not been flying in front of the American Legion for awhile. Well, the strong winds finally won and broke the rusted cable and then thanks to the Albert Lea fire department we discovered that the pulley at the top of the pole had frozen and needed to be fixed. Checking around from the pole company - sold to some firm in Carolina - they no longer make this pole.  Roger Bakken has been helping us out to get the top redone and a new cable so we once again can fly the great flag of our country. However, this doesn't come without a cost. If you would like to donate to fix this problem it will run about
$150. Thanks for your help.
 

New lighting upgrade loan:

About a year ago new more efficient lights for lounge and canister type were replaced and a loan with Alliant Energy was used to pay for the work. This loan has a payment of $193.39 due on the 6th of each month. Could you help with making on payment toward this loan? If so please make check out to Alliant Energy account #708607-001.

Thank you for your support and help.

TAPS

JOSEPH CARLIN
Born Feb. 14, 1924. Died July 20, 2011. Served in the Navy during WWII. Worked for Minnesota DOT as Head Slab Inspector for 40 years. Member of the VFW, Legion, Moose and Eagles. Served in the Honor Guard for many years. Attended the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Enjoyed Pool, Golf, Bowling and Deer Hunting.

EUGENE TURTNESS
Born Sept. 9, 1925. Died Aug. 1, 2011. Served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Member of the Legion and VFW. Worked for Wilson & Co in the Beef Department.

RUSSELL N SELVIG
Was a paid up for Life Member. At this time his Date of Birth and Death are not available. Last known address was in Huntley, MN.

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

D.A.M. Donations

William/Jeanne Shea     mem. of Ace Carlson
Duane/Eunice Hatleli     mem. of Joe Carlin
Don/Lois Drommerhausen     mem. of Bendy Johnsrud
Jim/Linda Gries        donation
Ed/Mary Claassen    mem. of Helen Lundblad
Dave/Sandy Mullenbach      mem. of Joe Carlin
Don/Elaine Ehrich     donation

Honor Guard Donations

Elaine Kriss     mem. of Joe Kriss
Herb Sorenson mem. of Ace Carlson
Bob/Shirley Indrelie     mem. of Joe Carlin
Chuck/Carol Smith     mem. of Joe Carlin
Helen Anderson     mem. of Joe Carlin
Dale/Donna Heilman     mem. of Joe Carlin
Les/Lois Anderson     mem. of Joe Carlin
Bill/Marilyn Danielsen     mem. of Joe Carlin

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 October 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.