R. V. VAN SCHOICK
AMERICAN LEGION POST 94
SEPTEMBER 2017 NEWSLETTER
Up-Coming Meetings and Events
Monthly Membership Meetings (Second Friday)
8 September 2017
Annual Membership Steak Night.
County Commissioner John Hutchings will be the keynote speaker and participants in this summer’s Boys & Girls State program will discuss their experiences
6:00 pm – Social
7:00 pm – Dinner and program
13 October 2017
Program will be a presentation by representatives of the local Civil Air Patrol
Future Post meetings will include speakers on suicide prevention and the new USO at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Post and General Veteran News
Overseas Travel
If you and any of your loved ones are traveling in Europe, here is good information to think about:
Recent attacks in Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom highlight the continuing threat of terrorism and demonstrate that attacks can occur virtually anywhere without warning. European security services are working hard to prevent terrorism, but all of us can take actions to help minimize our exposure and reduce risk to ourselves and our family members.
Maintaining a high level of vigilance, being observant, and knowing how to report suspicious activity are the building blocks of good antiterrorism awareness. Additionally, there are simple measures that are effective against current terror tactics such as minimizing time spent in unsecure areas of airports and avoiding outdoor areas that allow easy vehicle access.
Finally, have a good family emergency and communications plan to ensure everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to contact others in an emergency.
USAREUR has prepared a brochure with helpful home and travel planning tips for individuals and families (http://www.eur.army.mil/travelsafe/FamilyMemberProtectiveMeasures_Guide.pdf
) (you may need to copy and paste the links into your browser). Other useful resources for information include the U.S. Army Europe Travel Safe website (http://www.eur.army.mil/travelsafe/) and Vigilance microsite (http://www.eur.army.mil/vigilance), and the U.S. Army Europe Stay Safe Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/StaySafeAntiterrorism) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/StaySafeEurope).
U.S. European Command requires all DoD personnel to register with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/. This free service sends important updates and helps the U.S. Embassy contact you during an emergency.
The State Department issued a travel alert May 1, 2017 warning of the continued threat of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, with terrorists employing a variety of weapons and tactics that are difficult to detect.
Visit the State Department travel site for more information on travel alerts and warnings in Europe (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html).
This Antiterrorism/Force Protection message is intended for DoD personnel in the EUCOM area of responsibility.
Changes to Education Benefits in GI Bill
President Trump signed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017 on August 23, 2017 at the American Legion National Convention in Reno, Nevada. The American Legion was a big driver of this legislation and here are some of its key points:
• It eliminates the time limit to use benefits.
• It expands access to a wider group of service members.
• It restores benefits for veterans whose colleges shut down in the middle of the semester.
• It gives an extra boost to students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs.
• It (hopefully) eases the red tape for veterans trying to access their benefits.
Murphy’s Military Laws of the month:
• Friendly fire – isn’t
• Recoilless rifles – aren’t
• Suppressive fire – won’t
• If you can’t remember, the Claymore is pointed towards you.
You can also follow Post activities on Facebook. Check it out and like us to follow events.
Our Facebook page is American Legion Post 94 Lacey Washington.
Adjutant’s Report
American Legion National and Department Headquarters voted to raise their dues by $5.00 each for a total of $10.00 starting January 2016 for a grand total of $50.00 per year. The Post voted to not raise its dues at this time.
Building Rental
If you were not aware, the Post offers both the post building and the pavilion for rent.
Building Post Members Non-Members
Post Building $175.00 $325.00
Pavilion (available only on week nights) $175.00 $325.00
Pavilion is no longer available for weekend rentals. The post has a Church renting it for both Saturday and Sundays.
There is a $200.00 refundable security deposit requirement as well. Please contact Larry Granish at 360.701.5921 or email at lgrani@comcast.net to reserve either facility.
Chaplain’s Corner
Contact the Post Chaplain, Otis Chapman, at lukie1964@gmail.com if you need assistance.
Service Officer
Do you feel that you have a residual health problem that is linked to your time in the service? Have you applied for benefits with the Veterans Administration and been turned down? If so, do not try to deal with the VA on your own. My name is Rose Hodgeboom and I am the Post 94 service officer. It is my job to help you navigate the benefits system. Call me at 360-491-3621 if you need assistance with a claim. The Legion also has a Temporary Financial Assistance program that could help you one time with paying your utilities, rent/mortgage, or other emergency needs. This is an American Legion Children and Youth program and to qualify you must have minor children in your home. If you feel you need help from this program let me know and I will be glad to help.
Post Officers for 2017-2018
Commander – Gary Walker
1st Vice-Commander - Bob Nakamura
2nd Vice Commander - Larry Douglas
Adjutant - Larry Granish
Finance Officer – Bob Nakamura
Sergeant at Arms – Kevin Lindsey
Chaplain – Otis Chapman
Veteran Service Officer - Rose Hodgeboom
Judge Advocate - David Hodgeboom
Post Historian – Donna Lowery
