Commander’s Column – Ron Hanger
We begin this month with Friday, Oaks Day at the Post, then Saturday, May 4 is Derby Day and you can visit your Post on both days! Most likely on Derby Day, we will have some half pots running throughout the day, so pop in for some fun and join the party!Open House Sunday is May 5th. Dinner is available from 12:30-3:00pm. Once again, there may be some half pots and other raffles throughout the day, so be sure to bring a friend in case they want to sing karaoke. Who knows; they may even want to join the World's Largest Veteran Organization.
Bingo is available for members and the general public three days a week - Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Doors open at 5:00pm so you can come early and get your lucky seat. Bingo starts at 7:15pm.
The Legion will have their officer election on May 20 from 12:00 noon till 6:30pm. Check the main bulletin board in the lounge for a list of the open positions to be voted; the regular Legion meeting will begin at 7:30pm announcing all who won.
May 26th brings a Memorial Service at Tunnel Hill Cemetery for Bonnie Sloan at 1:30pm. On May 27th, there will be a service at the 5th & Market VFW Post at 10:00a.m. After that, we will proceed to the 5th & Market St. Memorial at 11:00a.m., then finish with a service at the National Cemetery at 2:30pm with a special guest speaker.
Don't forget. Now all day on Mondays and Thursdays - Buy a BUCKET OF BEER! You get five beers in a bucket of ice for just $7.00.
1st Vice Commander - Clay
Greetings from the Quarter Deck. I hope all of our members are doing well. Spring is in full bloom and we are only a month away from the Close of Books. At this point in membership, we are at 92.29% or 58 members short of the 100% mark. I know everyone has been helping with membership and I thank all of you. We have a lot to offer our members, so if you know of a veteran looking for a Post to call home, bring them in and get them signed up!
Later this month, we will have election of officers. If you are a Legionnaire in good standing, stop by the Post on May 20 and vote. some offices have already been filled by acclamation, but we do have a couple of contests. We have a great group of guys that will be working together to make our Post the best possible.
If you have any questions or comments concerning membership, please feel free to drop me a line at: www.bsmith@bonniesloanpost28.org. Hope to see all of you at Post 28.
God bless you and our Troops!
2nd Vice Commander -
A special message from your Adjutant:
I want to extend my personal thanks to the Legion, the Auxiliary, and the Legion Riders for their generous donations in support of the recent medical need for my granddaughter. I know my son, his wife, and their other siblings are very thankful for your help on this matter. This is truly a prime example of how our Legion Family comes together to support one another during a time of need.
Jerry Payton
S.A.L. News - Jimmy Martin, Adjutant
Hello SAL members. Our meeting this month is scheduled for April 2 at 7:00pm. During this time, we will have our 2nd round of nominations for officers for 2013-2014. If you know of someone or you are interested in running for an office, come to our meeting and get involved. We are always looking for members who are willing to help and be active in their Squadron.
Also, we have a tentative date set for a fundraiser for American Legion National commander Jim Koutz's Operation Warrior Fund. As of now, this is scheduled for Saturday, April 27 in Veterans Hall. Additional information will become available on the main bulletin board and the white board located in the lounge.
Squadron 28 membership is currently at 76% paid for 2013. We are 59 members short of our goal at this time. If you haven't paid your dues or know of someone who hasn't, please pay as soon as possible. the SAL's 8th District in in 1st Place right now.
I look forward to seeing you at our meeting this month.
American Legion Riders - Director, Bill Lawless
Hello Riders! We are now getting very close to that time of year when we get into some good riding weather. Be sure to watch for e-mails on upcoming rides. These are always enjoyable and certainly a lot of fun.
We currently have some Riders and their family members who are going through some rough times, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Remember our meeting this month is Thursday, May 2 at 7:00pm at the Post.
Always be careful!
Auxiliary News – Jennifer Moulden, President
It is spring...how do I know this? Because my yard is full of dandelions and wild violets! I'm hearing the sound of lawnmowers. Yuck!
May is always a very busy month with Derby Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Graduations, and Memorial Day activities. Depending on whether our renewed Gaming License arrives in time will determine if the Auxiliary will have any gaming activities on Derby Day. The Auxiliary always participates with the Legion in local Memorial Day activities to include the ceremony at Bonnie Sloan's gravesite at Tunnel Hill on Sunday, May 26 and the National Cemetery on Monday, May 27 (Poppies will be distributed).
Welcome new members: Tara Bowley and Diana Slay. Deceased members: Rebecca Lynn Hall, Calvacade of Memories Chairman and Jennifer's niece. A memorial service for all of our departed members from June 2012 to current will be held at the May 20th meeting prior to elections. As an Auxiliary member, if you desire to have an Auxiliary Memorial service at your funeral, please let a family member know this so they can request it. I know this is not a pleasant thing to prepare for but it will happen.
If you are frequently at the Post on Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday, you may be approached several times to purchase a Kroger Gift Card for the drawing. If you have already purchased a ticket, please just say you already have one and the Auxiliary member will wish you luck and move on to the next person. It is not our desire to harass or gouge any member to participate. This money goes toward supporting other charitable groups as required by the Gaming Commission and we appreciate all of the support from the family no matter how big or small!
The Charity Gaming Workshop has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 9 from 7:00pm till *;00pm; may be longer depending on questions and answer session. Anyone who is on the Auxiliary's license is required to attend this workshop or be removed from the license. Anyone who is interested in the basics of Charity Gaming is welcome to attend.
The 2013-2014 nominees for Auxiliary Officers was presented at the April 15 meeting; being no opposition for all positions and nominations were closed, there will not be an election for officers at the May meeting. There will be an election for the three Executive Board members; Nominating Committee for 2014-2015; Officers and Delegates/alternates for the Department Convention. The 2013-2014 Auxiliary Officers are: President, Jennifer Moulden; 1st VicePresident/Membership Chair, Irma Ward; 2nd Vice President, Nancy Thomas; Treasurer, Ruth Wenzler; Chaplain, Marilyn Morton; Secretary, Kristi Williams; Historian, Jean Patterson; and Sgt.-at-Arms, Beverly Crump and Midge Spalding. The nominees for Executive Committee are Evelyn Arnold, Verna Sloan, Carolyn King, Jana Campbell, and Debbie Cottingham; there will be a vote for three. This information will be posted on the bulletin board between the lounge and Veterans Hall.
By now, you should have received the annual request for Poppy donaton. this American Legion Family has always been very generous and it is so much appreciated. All donations received are placed in a restricted account for the use of supporting our veterans and his/her children. wear your Poppy proudly!
Yard Sale profit was $682.00. thanks to all who helped make this a success.
"Always aim for achievement and forget about success"....Helen Hayes