The History of Lake Chapala Post 7
1991 – 1992 Post Historian William C. Morant

Post 7 Department of Mexico was originally started in the early 60’s but it died out. There is no one left in the area who knows why.
The Post was restarted in 1983. The Post did not have a post home so the members met above the LA Vida restaurant.
The first actual post home was opened in 1986 at Privado del Gialdo with 25 members. One year later the post home was moved to the corner of Morelos and Guerrero. Membership grew to 100 by 1987. In 1989 the post home was again moved to Christiania with 200 members.
The post just kept growing and moved to its present location at Morelos #114, Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico in February 1993 due to an unfair rent increase caused by rumors of a Disneyland being built here.
The past year has seen many improvements to our post home with many more scheduled for the future.
FORWARD

As the duly elected historian for the 1991-1992 year, I would like to start and end my term in this position with first, a word of thanks to all the members, the other elected officials and mostly my wife, Barbara, for putting up with my many moods associated with trying to recall, gather and write this report which she proofread and contributed information to.
There were many people giving me words of wisdom and help in compiling this report, but, as usual, I can’t remember all of them at this writing. Tomorrow, when it is too late, the names will come to me. To those and our Commander, Pete Snipes, lst Vice Commander William (Ray) Kitchens and Barbara, thanks a lot. I could not have done this without your help and support.
We have spent our first year in the post home at Christiania #23 and it is not only looking like a home, but has the feeling of being a great home. Events and activities have been numerous this year. Hopefully next year will bring the membership the joy the staff and I think you had in the 1991-1992 timeframe.
Our elections were held in March 1991 and the chronicle portion of this report starts and ends in March.
I hope the next historian will be able to better explain to one and all what transpired during his term.
Introduction

American Legion Post 7 received its charter November 1962 and became known as The Lake Chapala Post #7. We believed that the founder’s invasion what a band of Indians, in 1491 saw when they first happened upon the lake. Wearily they reach the shores of Laguna de Chapala, which at that time stretched 100 miles east and west and some 30 miles north and south. It was filled to the brim with deep blue water and lots of fish. A small fishing village was just being established by local indiums of an unknown tribe, probably Totecs. It was established that only 20 locals were camping on the shores, but were in the process of forming a “City Council”, designating the area they established as home. Since most of the women of the group were pregnant, they needed a permanent place in which to protect their families. A “Chief” was selected to guide and protect this small band of people. Thus the beginning of stabilizing a community took place.
We also believe that as with the 20 officers who served in the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) in France in World War I is credited with planning the American Legion, they envisioned what the band of Indians saw when they first saw Laguna de Chapala. We believe it was “hope”. (Comradeship and Future Vision) Comradeship, in that banding together, we would present a united front that could withstand the tests of time as the American Legion has to date. Weariness as we are sure the troops felt after the battles, lack of sleep and hardships associated with war. But we also feel that some of them saw “Home”. A lake, stream, river or even oceans. (Peace and Harmony) 20 comrades banding together to form an organization (City Council) to protect the rights and enforce the veterans priorities before Congress. (Guide and Protect) as did the band of 20 did 428 years prior.
Future Vision could be described as (a)
We doubt that our founders ever envisioned an organization of over 3 million veterans. (b) That it would gain national and world wide recognition as the American Legion enjoys today and lastly (c) The major role it plays in the field of human rights protection for veterans and others. Thus the beginning of stabilizing a community took place. Thus the American Legion is a stabilizing factor in all communities for all veterans, their families and friends and the community as a whole.
While we did not accomplish all of the things that we set out to do for the 1991-1992 timeframe, we feel that over 90% of them were completed. We surpassed our membership goal by 15%, added many more local community projects and became the local center for the English speaking community’s social events.
Our key phrase for this year was “We do not believe in the word cannot” If it was for the good of our members, the local community or the Legion as a whole, we would do it, not try.
In closing, we have left a calendar full of events for the incoming staff to maintain, but as in any organization, there is always room for improvement. Good luck fellow Legionnaires.
While we don’t profess to being number one in managing or running an organization, we do think we are the second best, (AVIS) and if time had permitted we would have been number one. Lake Chapala Post 7 came a long, long way during the 1991-1992 period. With adding another room for a bar, erecting a patio, obtaining a satellite T.V. system, bar-b-q pit, installing a pool side bar, rearranging the interior for more space for our members and guests, painting both the interior and exterior and many more small projects that we planned when our term started. There wasn’t a week that went by that we did not have some project in the works and some kind of an event planned for the membership. Some of the more note worthy events planned during the year were:
The production of a play called “The Hanging at Sinimin City”. Over 300 members and guests witnessed this side splitting comedy, which included the extra add ad-libbing on the part of our Post Commander Pete Snipes, who was playing a part when the Legionnaire acting as stage hand forgot to close the curtain on cue. There was a dance following the play which kept the crowd there all evening, making it very profitable for the Post.
March, April and May, which in the past were considered slow months was not slow this year. Special events, including pot luck dinners, bingo, card games, a thrift shop type sale, raffles, pig roast and others kept the members and staff on the pace we hoped for when we took over.
During this time frame, we were notified, after the fact, that the American Consulate General Office in Guadalajara was closing down for good. If it wasn’t for the fast work on the Guadalajara Reporter (the only weekly English newspaper in the area) we would not have known until after the closure. Mrs. Hunt, our commander and others were very instrumental in getting the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City to change their minds about this Closure. We, the staff of Post 7 and the membership at large thank these and all our Legionnaires and friends for the mass letter campaign directed at everyone in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere in the U.S., Legionnaire Nolan Price went to Washington, D.C., our Commander whose many phone calls and a personal visit to the U.S. Ambassador in Mexico City, helped those in D.C., plus the Ambassador change their thinking on this closure.
Well done folks from all of at Post 7, plus over 100,000 visitors to this area of Mexico, from the 40.000 U.S. retirees registered with this Consulate office, and the approximately 5,000 or more retirees not registered, and lastly the 200,000 Mexican citizens who use this Consulate. This in itself kept all of at the Post, because each and every one of us require some type of service from the U.S. Consulate, and would all have had to travel the 500 plus miles from here to Mexico City for these services.
Our Memorial Day event started off with a visit to the local U.S. cemetery and a gala day at the Post home. Commander Snipes told Legionnaires and guests that we had another goal---to become the center for social activity in the Lake Chapala area, as well as supporting local organizations and performing charitable work for the community. The presidential peace proclamation was read by Consul James (Jim) Pritchett of the Guadalajara U.S. Consulate General Office, American Service unit. An invocation was given by Acting Post Chaplain Donald (Don) Porter. Commander Snipes finished the speech making portion of the ceremony by reading a tribute to the memory, not only of those that had fallen in battle defending freedom of all Americans, but a call to share and cherish communal regards for the loved ones left behind. The balance of the day was spent as we have come to expect, food, drinks and a good time for all. (Comradeship)
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Of special noteworthiness on this Memorial Day was the donation of $500.00 USD to the Post by Edmund E. Anderson and his wife Ruth, longtime residents (21 years) in the Lake Chapala area. Mr. Anderson celebrated his 85th birthday and Mrs. Anderson is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and has outlived the prognosis made by her doctors. Their donation, as Mr. Anderson said, “Is our way of showing our support for the good Post 7 of the American Legion is doing in the Lake Chapala area.
June, July and August is when we really went into high gear, or should it be we sloshed along? Here the rainy season started, and this year we got the rain god angry or happy. The Lake Chapala area received more rainfall than in recent or past history, but this did not stop us. During this period we received approval from National Headquarters to sponsor Little League teams in the area. Our plans are to start with 4 teams, approximately 60 children) ages 7 to 14 years. The local communities have pledged full support for this program. Chapala Mayor Alfonso Diaz Sosa stated in a letter to Post 7 that land would be donated by the city for the playing field and local business people and citizens have expressed their interest in management of the teams. A number of U.S. major league teams have been contacted for donations of equipment and we are waiting for their replies.
As stated to our local newspaper (The Colony Reporter) by commander Snipes, “The little league teams need everything from uniforms to bats. Excitement among the youngsters of the Lakeside area communities is growing daily. Tryouts cannot begin until the school year ends. Any kid that shows up and wants on a team will be put on one.” Hopefully, among the 500 plus members we have, we will have a few who played pro or semipro ball or know of someone who will help us with the project. We have a bet among the staff that one or more of our membership played ball long before the helmets were equipped with ear protectors and the only legalized bat was the Louisville Slugger. All monies will o to the teams.
Another special noteworthy event for the members of the Post was the graduation of our first student sent to business school. Miss Ramona Basulto received top grades in secondary school and met the criteria set by the scholarship committee chaired by Legionnaire Rex Brusgul. Our scholarship program enabled her to attend a 3 year business school course at Colego Chapala, where she also received top grades. Miss Busulto met both the economical needs and the desire for education requirements for our scholarship program. She is from a one parent family. Her mother works in the kitchen of one of the local hotels to support the family. Ramona's strong unswerving desire for education and her grades more than qualified her for our scholarship program. The Post presented Ramona with a beautiful watch as a graduation gift. Well done Ramona.
The second student, Ricardo Mejia was from Jocotepec. Ricardo excelled in primary school, as well as secondary, mainly because he has an intense desire to learn. His family met our scholarship criteria, basically because Ricardo's father Noberto is in a wheelchair as a victim of polio who will never walk again.
Legionnaire Brusgul, our scholarship committee chairman said going to school in Mexico can be a very special thing for some children. The public primary and secondary schools charge no tuition, but many many children are unable to attend because their families can't afford the uniforms, supplies, shoes etc. By doing this more of these children can gain an education.
Another special noteworthy event was nicknamed "The Shootout at San Miguel". This was where the American Legion Dept. of Mexico held its annual conclave from the 14th to the 17th of June. Our Commander, Pete Snipes, was elected to the position of Department Commander of Mexico. Pete is not only our Commander at Post 7, but also the Commander of all of Mexico. Today Mexico, tomarrow? Other Post 7 members elected were Wm. (Ray) Kitchens, Finance Officer, Leandro Diaz, Judge Advocate, Dale Jarvis, Historian, Dale Jarvis Historian, and Charles (Chuck) Griffin Adjutant. Delegates and members of Post7 that attended the convention were: Mike Amerman, Pat Beal, Edward and Elizabeth Betts, Linda Diaz, Wm. (Bill) Forker, Bob and Margaret Forsmark, Don and Betty Gilbert, Roy Hunt, Margaret Jones, Jack and Susan Long, Wm. (Bill) Mors, Leon and Grete Peine, Betty Kitchens, Bud Bennett, Jeff Price, Jack Ramsey, Yolanda Sanchez, Betty Snipes and Jay and Jenny Waggner.
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Our 3rd and 4th of July celebrations (this year bigger than ever event) started off wet and wild, in that on the afternoon of the 3rd when we had planned a gala day for our Canadian friends and members it was rained out completely. We received approx. 4 inches of rain in an hour and everything and everyone got wet. Since most of our events, including the 2 night stage production of "The Hanging at Sinimin City", directed by Celeste Finnegan using a western theme, and the dancing under the stars was scheduled for our patio and lawn, there was no place inside to put the folks. We, the diehards, stayed and got our feet wet inside and our knees wetter getting to our cars later. The 4th of July was the success we had planned for both nights. The show was very, very good and since most of the cast training was limited to singing and dancing in the shower when the hot water turns icy cold suddenly, it was even more enjoyable. Legionnaires and friends who played a part in this show were: Commander Pete Snipes; Past Commander Roy Hunt; 1st Vice Commander Wm. (Ray) Kitchens; Finance Officer Mike Amerman; Adjutant Charles (Chuck) Griffin; Exec. Com. Member Leon Piene; Ron Weaver; Margaret Jones; Grete Peine; Judie Griffin; Jack Long; Harvey Goodenough etc.
There was dancing under the stars after the show, with an outdoor bar serving patriotic and non-patriotic drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans and watermelon, games and one of the clubs favorite pastimes, 50/50 and so on, which completed this holiday. The bigger than ever party as it was named in the newspaper was what it turned out to be. Everyone was welcome, members, friends and the public. Featured speakers on the 3rd of July were: Mr. Allen Rose the Honorary Canadian Consulate. Mr. Allyn Hunt noted columnist, Publisher and Editor of the Colony Reporter spoke on the 4th of July.
It was hard for us to come up with another event to top the one above, so we rounded out July with what had worked for us since taking office. We went to special nights. Monday, Wednesday and Friday were special dinner nights. All you can eat spaghetti on Mondays, Stateside catfish or chicken and sausage gumbo on Wednesdays and bar-b-que ribs or brisket on Friday nights. Biscuits and down home cream gravy is served daily from 9 am to 3 pm. You can also get grits said Legionnaire Harold Lee, a longtime chef. (23 years in the restaurant business.) He also plans to add peach or mango cobbler and Louisiana Bread Pudding to the menu, and a special luncheon, such as turkey and corn bread dressing on football Sundays. With a menu like this, who wants to stay home and cook? We also included steak fries and dancing monthly.
Another noteworthy event in July was when Mrs. Sandra Perkins donated 1500 books to our library. Thanks a lot Mrs. Perkins. A letter of appreciation was given to her for her thoughtfulness.
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We published a news letter in July, the first in many years (1988). Like everything else, getting the facts, publishing and mailing these out was a problem. Hopefully, we will overcome these and keep our membership informed of our weekly events.
In August we lost one of the more beloved Legionnaires. 2nd Vice Commander Bert Lemmon died. As a fallen comrade he received all the honors and was eulogized locally and in at least two U.S. papers where he had lived prior to moving to Lake Chapala. Bert is remembered locally as the "book man" who started our library, building shelves and arranging books, etc. As Mr. Bingo for calling out Thursday games, as Mr. Postman, the last job he held before his retirement and for his reconstruction of postal mailboxes, most of them 100 years old or older. Bert was the type of individual that had a kind word for everyone, made friends easily and you would have to stick him in the eye with a stick to get him to say an unkind word to or about anyone. "Rest in peace Bert."
We kept doing what we did best earlier in the year as far as entertainment and special events and it works. Our finance report showed an increase. The charities locally and the children of the lake area gained.
We ended this period with a revisit to our sister American Legion Post 3 in Gradalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Their Ladies Auxiliary put on an end of the summer get together which included food, games and a general show of companionship. While we did not go up in mass, the ones that did go had a good time. Thanks a lot, Post 3. We did enjoy.
The fall season started off with a steak fry for Labor Day. Leon Peine, our house and entertainment committee chairman and a member of the executive committee orchestrated this event with assistance from Legionnaires and friends who cooked and served this meal. Our chefs for the day were: Don Gilbert; Jeff Green and bud Bennett. The ladies who donned their aprons were: Betty Gilbert; Grete Peine; Barbara Morant; Betty Snipes; Martha Ramsay; Joe Ann Green and Jean Rodgers. Tickets were sold and collected by Charles (Chuck) Lasher, Roy Hunt and Jack Ramsay. Our wine steward was none other than our Sgt-at-Arms, Jack Ramsay. While he did not wear his black tux or had a white towel on his arm, he did manage not to spill any wine on the guests. Good work people.
In a final tribute to our 2nd Vice, Bert Lemmon, our Woman's Auxiliary member, Barbara Morant, suggested to both the executive board and the general membership meeting that our library should be named after him for his untiring effects in being the founder of the post library. This suggestion was unanimously approved and a plaque was obtained by Bud Bennett. A dedication ceremony with Acting Commander Wm. (Ray) Kitchens was held Oct. 18, 1991, and our library became known as "The Bert C. Lemmon Memorial Library". A certificate of appreciation was presented to Betty Lemmon in honor of her late husband.
Our busy schedule seems to grow every day as we combine social events with a full calendar of community work. We celebrated our first year in our new home at Christiania #23. Over 75 attended and enjoyed the food chef Harold Lee and his wife provided.
Another of many noteworthy deeds was Mrs. Leonora Kempster's donation of enough Bougainvillea plants to cover the 520 feet of wall in our post home. Mrs. Kempster said, "I've always dreamed of having a white wall with red Bougainvillea and I guess this is the only way I'm going to get it". Leonora has 2 orchid houses in Sulphur, Oklahoma. She was presented with a certificate or appreciation by the Acting Commander Wm. (Ray) Kitchens. A beautiful gift from Mrs. Kempster.
Our Ladies Auxiliary and members brought cheer to 20 residents of the Chapala Casa de Los Ancianos, (old folks home) with food, bingo, music and dancing. The celebration was also enjoyed by 3 staff members and 2 gardeners. Auxiliary Vice President Susan Long commented that, "Those gardeners look after the elderly as if they were their own parents". The residents played bingo, and the prize monies were from the Women's Auxiliary funds. Armande Shields, a newer Auxiliary member, called the games in both Spanish and English. (Ray) Kitchens and his wife Delores furnished most of the food, the Auxiliary furnished the rest. The Kitchens had held a Columbus Day festival at their home, (Behind the Green Door) prior and raised 200,000 pesos toward the Christmas party to be held there. Jeanie Colella lent her own recipe for empanadas (meat pies) and the use of her kitchen to make them.
The U.S. Consulate General Office in Guadalajara Vice Consul, Mr. James (Jim) Pritchett was a guest speaker at Post 7 in October and took applications from those of us that had not registered at the consulate. "The purpose of registering with the Consulate," said Mr. Pritchett, "is to have vital information on file to facilitate contacting family members in the event of an emergency." In the event of a government crisis or natural disaster, those registered with the consulate would be evacuated first. Also, U.S. citizens who have their passports stolen or lost can get a replacement at the consulate office by presenting the required photos. He also conducted a question and answer session covering such subjects as what tourists can legally bring into Mexico and the Mexican FM 2 and FM 3 visas and the other services offered by his unit at the consulate. To round out this meeting, our service committee chairman, Wm (Bill) Forker reminded the Legionnaires that one of his tasks was to maintain emergency data forms (classified) if they so desire. These forms would only be used in emergencies where a member needed to be evacuated to the U.S. for medical reasons and to be used in coordination with the consulate office in the event of death.
The Guest speaker at the Department of Mexico Executive Committee meeting held at our post home was the American Legion National Vice Commander, Ronald C. Murphy of Phoenix, Arizona. He was a guest in the home of Charles (Chuck) Griffin. This is a real coup in that this is the first time a National Vice Commander has visited the Lake Chapala area according to our Commander Pete Snipes. Members and visitors that signed up at the post were treated to a steak dinner on the 25th of October and a Cajun dinner on the 26th of October. Leon and Grete Peine hosted a luncheon for the wives of the D.E.C. members and their wives were housed at the homes of the Post members. A repeat of the play “The Hanging at Sinimin City” was held after dinner on the 26th of October.
We closed out October with a Halloween party with costumes and a dancing. Chef Lee’s menu consisted of Tex Mex botanas, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, refried beans and rice. We danced to county and western music, songs of the 50’s and 60’s and some big band sounds. Judges were chosen from the audience to pick the best dancers in three contests – jitterbug, rock-n-roll and the two step and for judging the best costume. Jack Long won the costume competition after several elimination rounds. His mask was perfect and he accented the role with overalls and a limp that required the use of a cane. No one knew who he was until the unmasking following his winning. Look out Chester (Dennis Weaver of the late T.V. series Gunsmoke), you have a double. More music, dancing and a raffle rounded out the Halloween gala day.
Post 7 sponsored Marshall Wright, founder of the International Senior Citizens clubs first annual Pan American Senior Olympic Games. Anyone over the age of 50 could participate in these games of chance. The horseshoe and bridge tournaments were held at our Post home. Legionnaire Dale Javis won the bridge tournament after several hours of playing. His opponents were: Rita Jampopsky; Helen Tym and Murray Willitts. Our Ladies Auxiliary member Jean Rodgers won the horseshoe games after playing against stiff competition from Betty Snipes. The score was 21 to 17. Other events in this Senior Olympics Games were spread out over the Lakeside communities. All participants received a Certificate of Participation and the winners received excellent prizes. Next year we will host most of the games on the program.
Veterans Day, as usual, was a grand day. After a visit to the cemetery to pay our respects to our fallen comrades, we returned to the Post to greet our guest speaker, Mr. Brian Moran from the Consulate General Office. Brian delivered the Presidents Veterans Day speech. This was followed by speeches delivered by Commander Snipes and 1st Vice Commander Wm. (Ray) Kitchens. A small tribute to all veterans was delivered by the Women’s Auxiliary President Betty Snipes. The ceremonies closed with the Pledge of Allegiance and taps. Poppies sold for the Veteran’s Memorial were generously donated by the Canadian Legion and sold by us, all proceeds being sent to the old folk’s home in Chapala. Refreshments were sold and approx. 100 people enjoyed this important holiday.
Our Thanksgiving period, as we call it, covered 2 days (27th and 28th of Nov., 1991 since gathering on the 27th to make Thanksgiving Day the success it turned out to be was just as much fun. A crew of 30 gathered to wash, peel, pare, dice, open, mix, bake, cook, carve and do the decorating for the following day. About 5 hours later we were ready to handle the 200 plus that showed up for our annual Thanksgiving Day meal. The Post was full from opening to closing time and this was one of the rare times that the 10 percent who don’t like anything had only good remarks on the meal and its service. A special note of thanks is due to our 1st Vice and his wife, Ray and Delores Kitchens for bringing the Turkeys and other goodies from Stateside for this day and for cooking a few of the birds and baking 15 of the traditional pumpkin pies. Others who played a major role in making Thanksgiving Day what it was are: Donald (Don) and Betty Gilbert, Florence and Stanley (Stan) Steger; Jack and Susan Long; Betty Snipes; Robbin Howell; Wm. (Bill) Forker; Barbara Morant; Grete and Leon Peine; Jo Anne and Clifford (Cliff) Green; Marion Taylor; Kitty Thwaites and others. The crew was led by Gina Colello who organized this year’s feast. Well done folks. Look out next year.
Pearl Harbor Day was marked by a memorial service on its 50th anniversary. Most of our legionnaires served during World War 2, but few were there in the Hawaiian Islands on that dreaded Dec. 7th of 1941. Some had fathers, brothers or friends that were, so the remembrance of the 50 year old event is still strong. The reading of our president’s message and other comments were given by our staff members commemorating this day.
The members of our Ladies Auxiliary were given a surprise following their December meeting. We hosted a beautiful luncheon for all of the Auxiliary members present. Reason: A token of our appreciation for all they have done to help make Post 7 what it is today.
Our celebration of the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Bill of Rights was sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution and Post 7 on the 15th of December at the Post home. This day was set aside to provide insight into these vital constitutional issues. The first 10 amendments to the constitution, comprising the Bill of Rights which was ratified on December 15, 1791, were read by 10 individual speakers including our Commander, Pete Snipes and the D.A.R. Regent, Isobel Peden. A turkey dinner followed the above and attendance was very good. A special thanks goes to those D.A.R. and others that bussed from Guadalajara to attend the event.
We closed out the calendar year of 1991 with first unanimously approving construction of a "Court of Honor Wall" for our fallen comrades. It will be Mexican marble with the standard U.S. Government 24" by 12" bronze memorial markers for our deceased members embedded in the wall with adequate space for surviving spouses, if desired. Rose beds will be planted on both sides and in front, 3 groups of dark leaved trees for the trinity will be the background and a U.S. and Mexican flag will be flown behind this court of honor wall and illuminated at night. Legionnaire Cliff Green's artistic conception of the memorial improvement to our Post home will be displayed in the hall near our mail drop. Legionnaire William (Bill) Forker, our Service Officer is credited with this lasting memorial.
Our New Years Eve party included a dance, sandwich buffet from 8-10 pm, a midnight buffet and all the noise makers available. Legionnaires, Legionnetts and friends all gathered and the holiday spirit was twice blessed. There is one thing to say about Post 7 members and friends, and it is that if they can't come and enjoy themselves at the Post home, no one nowhere else in the world can emit the comradeship that is shown here. Happy New Year one and all.
Mexico's Christmas, January 6th, was celebrated with the old folks at their home in Chapala. We arrived loaded down with presents and other goodies and the ensuing party brought joy to one and all. Those living there were hanging onto their gifts as tightly as a small child with joy in their eyes. The approx. 30 that attended this function enjoyed themselves as much as the residents. There is no such thing as a select group among Post 7 members, but at all of our functions, be it large or small, you will always see certain individuals pitching in to make it a success. Time, talent and money is what makes any Legion Post great and we believe that we have the greatest due to these individuals. Thanks a lot folks.
At our January Executive meeting we officially endorsed sponsoring a Post 7 Fut-Bol (soccer) team. These kids will have uniforms, shoes and other necessary equipment to participate in this sport. Our team to date has an even record, 3-3 and look good. The City of Chapala has provided a field to play on and in coming years, they will be a very good group of young Fut-Bol players.
January 26th was a day for the young at heart with a thirst for learning. Mrs. Jean Beck's first Spanish class for the 1992 year had approx. 100 people in attendance. No one, including Mrs. Beck and Post Commander Pete Snipes, expected a crowd of this size to show up. The class went well considering its size, but it was suggested that if the enthusiasm and the class size continued, the class would have to be broken up into 3 groups on 3 different days to accommodate all. Keep it up gang, you are never too old to learn.
Legionnaire Benjamin (Ben) and his wife Kusol (San) Heatman returned to the Lake area and as usual San brought all the makings for what is getting to be a regular event at the Post home. An "Oriental Dinner Night". (January 29th) San's menu this year consisted of won ton soup, egg rolls, fried rice, wine and fortune cookies. San and the Ladies Auxiliary made enough mouth watering Chinese food to feed the approx. 100 who bought tickets in advance. Two seatings were required to handle the crowd. Thanks a lot Ben and San. Hopefully we will see you next year for more of the foods from the Orient special nights.
We closed out our term of office with a visit by the American Legion National Commander, Dominic D. DiFrancesco. His appearance here at Lakeside was a morale booster for one and all in that since we are many, many miles away from the main stream, we are not forgotten. It was our hope to show him a little of the "South of the Border, Lake Chapala Style Hospitality" and we think it worked.
Head Legionnaire DiFrancesco was treated to hot and cold botanas since his plane arrived too late for his party to enjoy the special meal that our chef, Gina Colello, had planned.
Commander Snipes hosted this visit by the National Commander and commented after that "Even though we are a small Post, we are well known at the national level".
National Commander DiFrancesco seemed to have enjoyed his brief stay in the Lake Chapala area and our Post home. Hopefully he and the other past National Commanders that have visited us will remember the Lake Chapala Post 7 in the future.
The midterm Department of Mexico executive meeting was held in Mexico City on the 18th - 20th of February. Post 7 members attending were: Department of Mexico Commander, our Commander, Pete Snipes; our Adjutant and Dept. Adjutant, Charles (Chuck) Griffin; our Finance Officer, Robert (Bob) Ekman, who was Department Finance Officer; Post 7 Legionnaire Dale Jarvis who is and has been for two terms the Department of Mexico Historian, and other Department members.
This meeting was to accept nominations for the Department of Mexico 1992-1993 term and while we at Post 7 did not walk away with all of the department positions nominations, we did get our share plus more. Our Commander, Pete Snipes, was nominated by all of the American Legion Post Commanders in Mexico to the position on the National Executive Council (Red Hat Area). Good luck Pete. We all hope you get this position. Others who were nominated for the Department Jobs were: Dale Jarvis as Historian and Robert (Bob) Ekman as Finance Officer.
There is no telling how many of the Department of Mexico positions our local Legionnaires will obtain when we send a full slate of candidates to the department convention in June, 1992. Hopefully we will walk away with many, many more as we did this year.
Our slogan for this term was "Think Positively, we can do it", so let’s go fellow Legionnaires and get involved.
There were 2 incidents of flagrant disregard of fair election procedures that the American Legion or any other organization rules and by-laws are based upon at this election and the week prior to the elections. One candidate for Commander, with the aid of another Legionnaire wrote and disseminated at a fee, to the general public, literature of a nature that brought discredit not only on the individuals named and the Post, but also upon the American Legion as a whole whose rules and by-laws were written to prevent such actions as did transpire. The last sentence of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion best describes our hopes and aims at Post 7 and w thought we of the executive board and the general membership were living up to these words of wisdom and guidance. God help Post 7 and the Department of Mexico if individuals of this character are ever elected to a position of leadership. A copy of this literature will be available in the office files for our membership to read and assess their own judgment as to the character of said candidate for Commander of their Post 7.
The second incident at the election by a nominee for one of the Post Executive Committee positions was a little less offensive in nature than the above, but it was also meant to discredit one of the candidates for Commander in the eyes of those present. We believe that this tactic backfired and helped to elect our new Commander instead of harming him. Our membership are not children to be led by the hand, but thinking senior adults who can assess information and deeds and form a fair and just conclusion. Hopefully in the future these individuals will limit their remarks until the facts have been aired, or they can continue as they have done in the past, talking Legion business and problems in the local beer establishments to anyone who will listen.
Legionnaires, let's all read the Preamble of the American Legion and start anew. Post 7's goal is to make a place where all Legionnaires, their families and friends feel comfortable, assist our members in needs to the best of our ability and to aid the local community less fortunate to the best of our financial and talent abilities.

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