National Commander to Visit Maine by Paul R. Bernard, Public Relations Officer, 3rd District, American Legion Department of Maine.
November, 2007
Maine ~ American Legion, 3rd District, Public Relations Historian, Paul R. Bernard announced the 3rd District monthly meeting that was held on: Sunday, November 18th, at 2:00pm at the American Legion “Harry J. Conway” Post 135 at Island Road, in Sabattus.
The American Legion National Commander Martin “Marty” Conatser of Illinois visited the State of Maine on Friday and Saturday, November 16th & 17th, 2007.
His visits while in the Pine Tree State were as follows:
Friday: 3:45 p.m. Westbrook Post 197. He visited the post and gave a brief address to Legion family members and friends. Post Commander Dana Staples and several Legion family members greeted National Commander Martin Conatser and made him feel right at home.
Saturday: 8:00am Gardiner Post 4. It was a whirlwind tour starting with breakfast for 5.00 dollars followed by a brief program by Commander Conatser.
10:00 a.m. Palermo Post 163. American Legion Post Commanders, Bob McKay of Gardiner and Richard Bourassa of Palermo, were gracious hosts and the many Legion family members in attendance showed the utmost courtesy to National Commander Martin Conatser. Coffee was served and a social time was spent.
12:00 p.m. Winthrop Post 40. It was a wonderful lunch followed by a brief program where National Commander Martin Conatser presented the American Legion Medal of Heroism to 16 year old Geoffrey Briggs of Winthrop for saving the life of his classmate from drowning. A strong gathering of Legion family members showed their pride with an exceptional noontime meal and warm Maine hospitality. Maine “lobstah” rolls with salads and cookies for dessert were served for $10.00
1:45 pm New Auburn Post 153
National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser was met by Past National Commander William “Bill” Rogers of Post 153, current Post 153 Commander Emmett Stuart and many Legion family members. Again he was shown Maine’s warm hospitality and spoke to a packed house with many area Legion family members in attendance. Sandwiches, hot beans, desserts, beverages, chip and dip were served free of charge to all who attended the event.
6:00 p.m. Rumford Post 24: The last stop was dinner and a truly inspiring presentation by National Commander "Marty" Conatser. Rumford Post Commander Bob Richardson and many others contributed to this exceptional event. Joining Commander Richardson, the 2006 - 2007 Post Commander of the Year, at the head table were Lee Leeman of Milo Post 41, the 2006 – 2007 District Commander of the Year, and Scott Paradis of Corinna Post 73, the 2006 – 2007 Legionnaire of the Year. Dinner included ham or turkey and all the fixings for $15.00. The dinner cost also included the entertainment with a band called "Drop Zone" playing 60’s and 70’s music after the program. Everyone was welcome to join us for any or all of these events.
Also being recognized in the month of November was the 89th Anniversary of the end of World War II, November 11th 1918 also
known to most today as Veterans Day 11:00am 1918, Armistice. Paul R. Bernard, Public Relations Officer was also serving as the Chairman of the L&A Veterans Council Inc. and scheduled a Musical Tribute to Veterans which began at the Lewiston Armory at 10:am, November 11th, followed by the unveiling of the 14th Veterans Memorial Stone at the Veterans Memorial Park, on the Lewiston side of the Governor Longley Bridge.
Also recognized by Bernard was November 08th, which was the 65th anniversary of "Operation Torch" 1942. American troops had landed in Morocco & Algeria, Northwest Africa.
Bernard recognized November 9th was the 69th anniversary of "Kristallnacht" (the night of broken glass) and November 10th, the 232nd anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, 1775.
November 11th, was Veterans Day 11:00 am WWI ends (Armistice)
And November 22nd, we all celebrated Post Thanksgiving Day.
All American Legion officers and members of Post 10, 22, 31, 66, 111, 135, 150, 153, 158, 210 ~ Post 4, 163, 40, 24 were encouraged to attend the meetings and ceremonies being held in the 3rd District.
American Legion National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser of Illinois visited the State of Maine with words of ambition, enthusiasm, and purpose. I have never heard anyone speak with such fervor and love for God and Country and the good of all veterans and Americans stated Paul R. Bernard, Public Relations Officer for the 3rd District, Department of Maine.
National Commander greets past National Commander William J. Rogers (1976-1977) he also served as the Department of Maine Commander (1953). Rogers was 57 years old when he served as National Commander. He is currently enjoying his 87th year serving God and Country.
National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser, Department of Maine Commander Paul L'Heureux and Bill Rodgers.
Department of Maine 3rd District, Chaplain Charles Berube, Post 153, National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser, past National Commander William J. “Bill” Rogers and son of Bill Rogers, retired Major Pete Rogers, of the New Auburn, American Legion Post 153 of which Rogers was a charter member.
1) 2) 3)
1)Bill Rogers with National Executive Committeeman Alternate, Gene "William" Bickford. 2) Bill Rogers with 3rd District Public Relations Historian Paul R. Bernard and Chairman of the L&A Veterans Council Inc. responsible for the development of the Veterans Memorial Park. 3) Bill Rogers, National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser, Chaplain Jerry DerBoghosian, Post 22 Lewiston, 3rd District 1st Vice Commander Raymond Lemieux in background.
Vietnam Veteran, Al Pelletier from Norway, Maine sang a song entitled: “The Wisdom that we Gained". I had never heard it and it expressed every feeling that a Vietnam Veteran felt when returning home. I know the feeling and I'm sure every Vietnam Era Veteran fells the same. I personally never stepped foot on Vietnam soil, but I served on the USS Constellation, CVA-64, attack squadron 165 and the feeling of disgrace and dishonor and disrespect was the only reception anyone ever received, we were all accused of being baby killers, from the infantry on the ground level to the Navy personnel loading the bombs, there was no escape stated Paul R. Bernard, 3rd District, Public Relations Officer. Al took all the emotions and mental battles we have fought and ceremonially assembled it into a musical tribute to veterans.
From left to right: Bernard J. Michaud, American Legion Commander, Post 145, Main Street, Frenchville, Maine 04745. 207-543-7832. Bobbie A. Michaud, Berthier J. Michaud and Berthrand J. Michaud, 3 of the 4 brothers drove from Frenchville 315 miles, 6 hours plus to visit with National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser. It was truly a pleasure to have these fellow comrades in our midst. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to have met these dedicated American Legion Members stated Paul R. Bernard, Public Relations Officer.
Berthier now lives in Connecticut and nearly drove as far.
Frenchville is a town located in Aroostook County. The community was named for the French-Acadian ancestry of the settlers. The latitude of Frenchville is 47.276N. The longtitude is -68.394W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 633 feet. Frenchville is adjacent to the Saint John River.
An Achievement Award was presented to 3rd District Chaplain Charles Berube by National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser for his outstanding performance as Director of the American Legion Baseball post 153, and programs for the State of Maine.
Don Beaulieu, American Legion Post 153, Sergeant-at-Arms, was presented the Silver Brigade Award along with the silver brigade lapel pin and silver brigade patch. He was the second member to receive the award this year in post 153. The first was Gary O'Connell. Paul R. Bernard also was awarded the Silver Brigade Membership Award in 2007 by National Commander Paul A Morin.
American Legion Commander Emmett Stuart was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his support of the official, American Legion Riders Program from National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser.
Post 153, 2nd Vice Commander, Colby Dill presented the National Commander with a belt buckle and pin that he personally made that represents the branch of service that "Marty" served in. Post 153 Commander Emmett Stuart right.
Department of Maine Commander Paul L'Heureux presented National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser with a check for 400.00 for next year’s Legacy Run.
The National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser cordially walked around the post meeting room mingling and speaking on what our membership card means:
The National Legacy Scholarship program, the Legion Riders program, American Legion Baseball, the Oratorical program, Boys State, Girls State, etc. "
Since 1925, The American Legion has sponsored a nationwide youth baseball program. During these past seven decades, millions of young players have enjoyed playing baseball.
The American Legion and their 2.8 million members have raised millions of dollars each year for players to learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership and good sportsmanship. The American Legion sponsors American Legion Baseball to give players an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun."
Boys and Girls State, "American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State."
He told us the story of the G.I. Bill and how the Georgia American Legion, placed an all points bulletin out on the State Commander and flew him to place his deciding vote 10 minutes before closing.
He spoke of Resolution 169
and how 3.6 Billion dollars of financial aid is being added to the VA budget, that means more doctors and nurses and care for the veteran. "Marty" stated; "you can join any non profit club or organization that are all worthy causes, but you can only "Earn" your membership into the American Legion. Not only was the National Commanders visit an honor to all of us but his dynamic presentation and his sharing the emotions of comradeship concluded that all of these and more is the glue to this great American Legion Family.
pictured: 3rd District Public Relations Historian Paul R. Bernard with National Commander Martin "Marty" Conatser, Bernard was a charter member of the newly revitalized, Turner Memorial Post 111 and was awarded the Pioneer Award by Nationa Commander Paul A. Morin
American Legion National Commander to visit Auburn
By Daniel Hartill , Staff Writer, Sun Journal
Thursday, November 15, 2007
AUBURN - The National Commander of the American Legion, Martin Conatser of Illinois, plans to stop at two local posts Saturday on a visit to Maine.
In the morning, Conatser is scheduled to stop in Winthrop.
After stopping at Winthrop's lakeside post, Alfred W. Maxwell Jr. Post 40, Conatser is scheduled to move on to award 14-year-old Geoffrey Briggs of Winthrop with a heroism medal for saving a buddy, Matthew Cross, from possible drowning in Lake Maranacook. Then to New Auburn Legion Post 153, where members will host a reception.
At both halls, the visit is expected to be one of the biggest events of the year. "It's not every day that someone comes who has access to the President and Congress," said Donald Chase, adjutant of the Winthrop American Legion. It's made even more special by the award, Chase said.
"In my 20 years here, I've never seen a medal like this," he said. It's much deserved, though. This summer, Briggs was swimming with Cross when the latter boy had a seizure. Briggs lifted his friend out of the water, brought him to safety and went for help, Chase said.
Cross recovered, said the Winthrop legionnaire, who is also his grandfather. "We're not doing this because this was my grandson," Chase insisted. The boy deserves the medal, he said.
The public is invited to the reception in Auburn. Conatser is scheduled to arrive sometime between 1 and 1:30 p.m., said Emmett Stuart, Commander of the New Auburn post 153.
Conatser was elected the National Commander on August 30th by legionnaires at their national convention in Reno, Nevada.
A native of Champaign, Illinois, Conatser served during the Vietnam war era in the Army as an infantryman and a recruiter.
Newpaper Articles
Legionnaire receives Award
Friday, December 7, 2007
Auburn - American Legion Post New Auburn 153 Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Beaulieu, left, has been presented the Silver Brigade Award in recognition and appreciation of outstanding achievement in recruiting new members for the American Legion, Department of Maine. The award was presented by National Commander Martin Conatser of Illinois, right.
Award for Achievement
Monday, December 10, 2007
Auburn - New Auburn Post 153, American Legion, 3rd District Chaplain Charles Berube, left, has received an achievement award for his outstanding performance as director of the American Legion baseball programs for the State of Maine. It was announced that in 2007 the American Legion sponsored 54 baseball teams statewide and has planned to sponsor 64 American Legion Baseball Teams in 2008. The award was presented by the American Legion, National Commander Martin Conatser of Illinois, right.
Remembering Bill of Rights
Friday, December 14, 2007
American Legion past and present commanders are encouraging American posts, detachments and squadrons to remember the "Bill of Rights," celebrated on Saturday, December 15th. Veterans' organizations throughout American Legion District 3 are providing information on the bill of rights.
From left are past American Legion National Commander and past State Commander Bill Rogers, National Commander Martin Conatser, and American Legion Post 22 Adjutant Jerry DerBogoshian, Lewiston. In back is 3rd District 1st Vice Commander and Central Maine Detachment, Marine Corps League, Commandant Raymond Lemieux, Auburn.
American Legion Riders makes donation to "American Legacy Scholarship Fund"
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
AUBURN - American Legion National Commander Martin Conatser received a check for $400 from Department of Maine Commander Paul L'Heureux for the 2008 American Legacy Scholarship Fund.
The American Legion started the scholarship fund to provide scholarships for children of military personnel killed on duty since September 11th, 2001.
Country music artist Michael Peterson is serving as the national spokesman for the fund. Peterson has pledged that 50 percent of the profits of his DVD, "It's Who We Are," will go to the fund.
The American Legion Riders organize rides and events across the country on September 11th each year to help raise funds for the scholarship. The Riders have been accepted as an official American Legion program, along with its other program, Sons of the American Legion. Veterans, sons, grandsons or adopted sons of a veteran may qualify to join. Legion posts with active Rider programs are Auburn, Caribou, Damariscotta, Farmington, Richmond, Rockland, Oxford, Rumford and Topsham.
Veterans needed for Maine Funeral Honors Program
TURNER - The Maine Funeral Honors Program and the American Legion Family have announced that the Military Funeral Honors Program has expanded services to include military funeral honors at the gravesites of veterans who did not previously receive the honors at his or her death.
The rendering of military funeral honors is a way to show the nation's gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have defended the country.
The need is rising and veterans need to be trained, said American Legion Chaplain and Public Relations officer, Paul R. Bernard.
There were 1,068 veterans who were provided honors in the 2006-2007 fiscal year and it is estimated that 1,500-plus honors will be provided in the 2007-2008 fiscal year, said Bernard.
To request funeral honors for the spring, summer or fall of 2008, contact frank.norwood@us.mil Requests should be mailed between January and March so proper arrangements can be made.
Veterans interested in serving as a color guard or on a firing squad can write to Bernard, at 451 Lower St., Turner, ME 04282-3906 or email at missions@megalink.net .
Legions to gather for district meeting
Thursday, January 3, 2008
MECHANIC FALLS - Past National and State Commander Bill Rogers and 3rd District Public Relations Officer Paul R. Bernard are announcing a district meeting to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 13th, at the Mechanic Falls Post 150, 41 Elm St. The post will hold its oratorical contest at 1 p.m.
The purpose of the American Legion high school oratorical scholarship program, "A Constitutional Speech Contest," is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States.
Other objectives include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities and the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Other important anniversaries to be remembered in January are:
the 35th anniversary of the Vietnam cease fire, January 27, 1973;
the 40th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, January 30, 1968;
the 53rd anniversary of the Korean War cease fire, January 31, 1955;
and the 18th anniversary of the end of the Panama conflict, January 31, 1990.
All Legion officers and members of Posts 10, 22, 31, 66, 111, 135, 150, 153, 158 and 210 are encouraged to attend the district meeting.
Riding High
Friday, January 11, 2008
Auburn - American Legion Post 153 Commander Emmett Stuart received a certificate of appreciation from National Commander Martin Conatser for his support of the newly adopted American Legion Rider program. The New Auburn post signed 55 new members into the Rider Program. The American Legion Rider program is riding for Americanism and Children and Youth programs in virtually every state in the nation, and more are organizing each month. It is the fastest growing program offered by the American Legion. The American Legion Riders are a very diverse group, and so are the programs that they support. Anyone interested in joining at New Auburn Post 153 should call 782-1118 or visit the post home on South Main Street, Auburn.
