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American Legion
Post 217
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 441-2783
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College Park, MD 20740 (301) 441-2783
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"The Four Star" Edition No. 5 - 07 September - October 2007
Commander's
Corner Your Post leadership has been working toward replacement of the Post Home roof. We began this process in April of this year. Seven roofing contractors have seen the roof and gave us some written estimates.
Because of the diversity of the types of roofing options, there is a wide
variation in the prices. We decided to hire a reputable engineer help us focus
on our needs for our building. The engineer recommended a specific roof for us.
We then contacted three of the roofing contractors to bid on this type of roof.
One responded. This bid plus one other bid that the engineer found acceptable
are now being evaluated for a final selection. Hopefully my next report will
inform you of the roof being replaced. The Post has begun our 2008-2008 membership drive. Our membership chairman, Bill Robertson, did his usual excellent job last year, and is continuing this year. Please keep up your efforts as well. Tom Davis Post Commander **************************************** Chaplain's Corner
I
amtrusting that you had a safe and enjoyable summer,
and will enjoy the beauty of the coming Fall season.
The summer months have been very busy for me
personally. I attended the Convention In Ocean City,
where on of my main charges was to attend the
Chaplains College to obtain the information that I
will need for the coming year. I think the highlight
for the week was the Post Everlasting Ceremony
honoring the deceased veterans for the past year. It
Is always a very moving experience. Thanks
to Karl Christoffers and Nanny for their services rendered at the hospitality
house throughout the week. The food was excellent, also, it gave us a chance to
relax when we were not at the Convention center. (Well done). Our
condolences are extended to our bartender Carolyn, affectionately known as CJ,
whose son William recently passed. CJ, we will continue to pray for you and your
family. Flowers on behalf of the Post were sent to the funeral home. Mark
your calendar for September 14th. We will be celebrating the United State’s
Air Force’s 60th bIrthday (1947-2007). We plan on having a color guard, guest
speaker, lots of food and fun, so stayed tuned. Remember school is In session so
stay alert when driving. Let me know of any hospitalized or deceased vets. I
need this Info in a timely manner. For God and Country Ron Gray - Chaplain Post 217 ******************************** LEGION
MEMBERSHIP REPORT LEGION
Welcome to all our new members. You have joined a great Post that has many great
opportunities for you to participate in. There’s a variety of American Legion
programs, and your participation can be as much or as little as you want, or not
at all if that is your wish. Just being a member benefits the Post since there
is strength in numbers. And recruiters, remember signing up new members or
transfers is only part of the job. Be sure to give the new members a tour and
Introduce them to other members and the officers and make them feel at home
Also, if each current member would sign up one newmember before December 3 1st,
we could easily exceed “4 STAR” status. Think about it. Currently as of
August 11th our 2008 membership is 240 plus. EARLY
BIRDS
Every Legion member that joins or renews for 2008 by October 15th will have
their membership card stamped with an “Early Bird” symbol and then entered
into a special drawing. Two names will be drawn, and each winner will receive a
two year membership for 2009 and 2010 paid for by the Post. If you have not
already mailed your renewal for 2008, do it today. Also don’t forget to
include your membership number on the check. PAID
- UP - FOR
LIFE MEMBERSHIP (PUFL)
Take advantage off this offer and avoid any future dues increase by signing up
for a PUFL membership and never worry about paying dues again. PUFL fees may be
paid by a check or a credit card and also in installments. SONS
OF THE AMERICAN LEGION (SAL)
Squadron Memebership cards are in and 2008 renewals are being accepted. Dues are
still $20.00. Please include your membership number on your check. The Post will
not be responsible for cash sent through the U.S. mail. If you leave your
renewal at the bar, be be sure to include your membership number, and if you
leave cash, ask for a reciept. Membership
forms and information sources -
Appropriate folder (Legion - SAL - Auxiliary) available at the bar - Post 217 website: al2l7cpmd.us - Department of Md. web site: mdlegion.org Call me at the Post or at home Yours
in service Bill Robertson 301
- 345 - 4873 If asked ‘What’s In your wallet?” I hope your answer is a membership application. DD 214’s Accessible On-Line Military veterans and the next-of-kin of deceased former military members may now use a new on-line “National Personnel Records Center” system to request documents. Other individuals must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the internet. Both are available at - - - http://vetrecs.archives.gov This new system provides a portal to obtain discharge documents. If you are trying to recruit new members into the Post and they don’t have a copy of their DD-214, It can also be obtained by writen request to... National
Personnel Records Center 9700
Page Avenue St.
Louis, Mo. 63132-5100 I
nclude complete name, Social Security number, and return address. Membership
applications are available at the Post. Get some and carry them in your car or
your wallet, whatever, just make sure you have some if the occasion arises.
Don’t miss an opportunity to sign up a new member. You never know where
you’ll run into a vet. ****************************************** Service Officer's Report
Greetings! I hope that all who attended the Convention had an enjoyable time In
Ocean City. Now it’s time to get back to the tasks at hand. With all the new
officers and changes being made with the administration, we should be able to
have your claims reviewed with little or no deIays. Remember, that if you think you are entitled to benefits, you can always reach me by the following methods: Home - 301 - 317 - 8681 My cell - 301 - 404 - 6175 my e-mail - modum@comcast.net or you can always leave me a message at the bar Yours in Service Mike
Odum Service Officer ******************************** Americanism Report
Coming soon to your local schools - the annual “Americanism Essay
Contest”.ThIs contest is open to students in the 3rd through 8th grades There
are cash awards for 1st. 2nd, and 3rd place winners.If your child advances to
the ‘National” level, the monetary awards are very substantial and can go a
long way toward your child’s future educational funding needs. The topic for
this years Oratorical Contest is the “Constitution of the United States of
America”. If your child’s school Is not participating and you would like a
"packet", please contact me. This Is a very worthwhile and Important
event to get your children or your grandchildren involved in. It will “pay
off” in many ways. In your child’s growth as a citizen in years to come.
Contact me if you need more information. Home
- (301) 317 - 8681 - Cell (301) 404
- 6175 e-mail - modum@comcast.net Mike Odum Americanism Chairman ********************************
Unit Presidents Message LIFE
CHANGING EVENTS
Our
lives are molded by events that occur throughout our time here on Earth. Life
changing events can challenge people to be strong within ourselves, but more
importantly strong for those that are a part of our everyday lives. Life
changing events can have a multitude of different effects on people, but the one
I will,
always remember is how they can bring all of us together and how we as a Legion
Family supports whoever in our midst is in need of a hand. The event that
happened this summer should make all of us take a moment to think about we how
spend our time on this Earth, and how we want to be remembered when we are no
longer here.
I am quite proud to be a member of Unit 217 and a part of our American Legion
Post in College Park. I view
each of you as my family, since my real family is mostly in New Jersey and I see
you all more than I see them. Families may not always get along every minute of
the day, but when in need, differences can be put aside and help offered without
hesitation. We offer this kind of help to our Veterans and it was so
heartwarming to see this kind of help given to one of our own when her farnilly
faced tragedy. Being elected President of this fine Unit will go down in my personal history book as a Life Changing Event. This wonderful opportunity will give me a chance to get to know many of you better. It was wonderful spending time in Ocean City with Mary, Joan, Marie, Ivy, and Annie during the convention week~ Some of you work so hard to make this Unit what It is today. Next year we will make sure that the certificates come home with us and all will know how hard you work.
Special acknowledgement and thanks to all who worked on the Spaghetti Dinner on
June 29th. Mary Keller did a wonderful job leading this effort. Thank you to
Joyce Owens for stepping up to the plate and organizing the two caterings we had
during the summer. I also had a chance to work with the crew on June 21st and
enjoyed myself immensely. This is a very dedicated crew. We are making plans for
our first ever Bake Sale to be held on October 13th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in
the Legion Hall. Please call me if you are willing to donate baked goods or just
stop by and buy something delicious for the family.
Our year has already taken off and we are running strong. I will work hard for
you this year and I will work ESPECIALLY hard at remembering every one of your
names. I look forward to working with Commander Tom Davis, and being part of
this beautiful family for the next 12 months. I plan to serve you to the best of
my ability. Angie
Rodriguez Unit 217 President ******************************** Auxiliary Chaplain
Our thoughts and
prayers are with Virginia Calvin, recuperating from surgery at Manor Care in
Silver Spring. and Nancy Pierce undergoing more chemo at home. We wish them well
Joan Broglio is back at our meetings after a long recovery from surgery on her
foot.
It Is with much sadness that I report on Carlyn Weber’s (CJ) loss of her son
William. The entire 217 family came together in heartfelt support for CJ and
Steve and children. It was a great example of why we belong to this wonderful
organization of ours. This reminds me of a quote by Hubert Humphrey - ‘The
greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.” God watch over our fighting troops all over the world. Mary
Keller Unit Chaplain Auxiliary Membership Report
Our
membership theme this year Is “Let Freedom Ring”, and we are all “Ringing
Bells”. Our Jrs. are “Bellettes” and It is time to “ring them bells”.
Please take time today to send In your 2008 dues. If you have already sent In
your dues, thank you. You can send them to the Post address listed on the front
of this newsletter, or to my home address at: 11508 Allvlew Drive, Beltsville,
Md. 20705. The Senior dues are now $20.00 due to an increase in National dues.
The Junior dues are still at $3.00. Make the check payable to College Park Unit
217. I know you are used to getting your notice in June from National, however,
they will not be sending a dues notice until October. I have had some phone
calls from some members asking about this. Due to the high cost of postage, it
was a financial decision to not send a June notice. This is having a direct
result on the amount of dues we have on hand. Several transfer notices have been
handed out to members who wish to transfer In to Unit 217. We are always on the
lookout for new qualified members to join us as well. Our meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 8:00 pm. We will look for you at our next meeting on September 4th. Ivy
Christoffers Membership Chair 301 - 595 - 5225 MORE
LEGION NEWS
The “COAST GUARD BIRTHDAY PARTY” on FrIday, Aug. 3rd, went off really nice.
(The 4th is the actual anniversary date.) We did well with the 50/50, $104 to
the Post and $103 to the winner, Nancy Burke who donated her share back to the
Legion. We took this money and American Legion Post 217 bought a “brick"
on the walk at the Inner Harbor for $100 and took the remaining $107 and donated
it to the Baltimore Maritime Museum. This is the organization that cares for and
maintains the “CCC Taney”, the last surviving war ship that was at Pearl
Harbor on December 7th, 1941. We also recruIted 5 new members from the Coast
Guard Color Guard, so we can say this party was a great success any way you look
at It. Thanks to all the volunteers, the cooks, and all the people who donated
food and prepared It, including the sets-ups and knock-downs. It was very much
appreciated. The prices of drinks are going up around the first of October 2007 we have not had an increase for about five years, and this year we have had numerous increases in many of our “overheadt’ costs, which is the reason for the change In prices This only affects the prices of beer and mixed drinks and will be approximately 25 cents. No Increase for Iced tea or non-alcoholic beverages. Prices may be rounded up or down, and they are not to exceed 25 cents, which was approved by the House Committee, Executive Committee, and the Post Membership at the General Meeting of August 7th, 2007 Attention
On Deck
We urgently need volunteers to provide transportation to get some of our members
to their doctors for appointments and also maybe take them to get their
prescriptions filled. If anyone can spare a little time, it would be greatly
appreciated. If you think you can help, please sign up in the Lounge. The
sign-up sheet is located on the table just above the “25 cent’ book. Thanks
for any help you can offer. CRAB
FEAST REPORT As usual, our “Crab Feast” on July 29th was a great success. Good food, good friends, and good times had by all. We also made a profit of $1100 bucks! We will be donating this money to the “Wounded Warriors” in our area hospitals. Thanks to all who helped, and especially Howard May and Diana, Tritt MacNaught and his daughter Alexa and her freind Rachel Not to forget Elando, Dan, and Glen Butler, and of course all the help from Sharon Lewis and Pat Parker. Thanks again to all who helped make the “Crab Feast 2007” another successful event We should all be proud of the great team we have here at Post 217 no matter what the event may be. Bill
Bladen ******************************** MESSAGE
FROM THE “4-STAR” EDITOR I’ve received some comments about adding some new features to the newsletter. Some of them are “Where can I find.. .“ unit patches, emblems, pins, equipment, uniforms, etc. I have a lot of resources for this kind of thing. Also It was suggested we have a kind-of “letters to the editor” type of column. It could be a type of “sound off’ thing. Ideas, beefs, what if we did this, why are we doing this?, what’s up with that? Maybe it would be a type of “suggestion box” thing. Anonymously of course. Maybe asking a question about some obscure military item or term? Could be fun! Anyway, I’m just looking for input from our members. I’m always trying to improve/make things better with our newsletter. Since I’ve been doing the newsletter for about 14 years now, it’s obvious I enjoy my workl Maybe we could have a general section - “Sound Of?’ which could be open for any comments or any questions? It’s your Post, and your newsletter, let me know what you think.
Did you ever wonder why there is
an M-1 rifle, an M-1 helmet, M-1 tank, M-IAI Abrams tank, M-1 A2, A3, and A4
carbine? Why are battleships named after states, cruisers named after cities?
If you have any comments or suggestions about this newsletter, you can contact
me at; (301) 459-- 6278 e-mail - tbxstudios@earthlink.net or
leave a message at the Post. You can always write to me at Larry
Schaffer 9231 Fowler Lane Lanham, Md. 20706
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