Woodbury Post 501 ewsletter - Oct 2020
Commanders Corner: As you know the Woodbury City Hall has cancelled our conference room reservations for the remainder of 2020. Also City Hall is undergoing a complete interior renovation to be compliant with COVID-19 protocols. We don’t know if City Hall will be allowing the public to use their conference rooms for future meetings. During our Sept meeting there was discussion on what we would do for meeting venues for the rest of the year. Post Commander Dolan put a proposal on the table to use the conference rooms at Birdie Golf in the Valley Creek Mall for our 22 Oct meeting. After much discussion it was decided to try out a physical meeting. For the safety and concern for our members we will require mask coverings at the Oct meeting. Look for the email announcing our 22 October meeting details.
Membership Update: As of today we have 102 renewals, two of which are new members. Our renewal goal for 2021 is 147, which means that we are 69% to goal. This is a great start for the year. As always the best way to renew is at www.legion.org. Renew now so that we can get to our goal by the end of the year.
2020 Poppy Days: Due to COVID-19, the Woodbury American Legion Post 501 and VFW Post 9024 delayed their annual Poppy Days normally held separately in April and May and partnered for the annual event September 18-20, 2020. The event was held at Woodbury businesses including Wal-Mart, Total Wine, Jerry’s, Cub, and Hy-Vee in Oakdale. In order to ensure safety for members and the community, all Post volunteers wore masks and practices social distancing.
The three day joint event was a tremendous success and the Posts are thankful for the outpouring of support from the community. We made a little over $14,000 split between the two Posts. Poppy distribution is a major source of revenue for both Posts and is used to support veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs, local scholarships, Boys State, and Woodbury charities that promote veterans care. To see some of the pictures taken from the Poppy Day sites go to the Post 501 Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/WoodburyAmericanLegionPost501
Woodbury Lions Veterans Memorial Update: The paver engraver was at the Woodbury Veterans Memorial on 23 Sept engraving four new pavers. The four new pavers are as follows:
June Fremont Section B1
Marvin Pena Section B2
James Reed Section B2
Harry Toms Section C
The paver legend has been updated reflecting these four additional pavers plus adding Marvin Pena to the list of veterans who received a Bronze Star. Anyone interested in a paver for you or family members go to www.woodburylionsvetmem.org for more information.
Adopt of Veteran Program: The holiday season is almost upon us. The Hastings Veterans Home is gearing up for a wonderful fun filled time and you can be part of it through the Adopt a Vet Program. The Hastings Veterans Home will give you a name and a few bits of information about the veteran, like branch of service, sizes and maybe even a hobby. Once you have this information you do the shopping and wrap the gifts. This is a great way to share the holiday spirit with a veteran in need. All gifts must be received by 11 Dec so that the Hastings Veterans Home can make sure everyone is covered. I went ahead and signed up for this wonderful program just the other day. If you are interested in the Adopt a Vet program call Sue Register at 651-212-8812 or email susan.register@state.mn.us.
Eagle Scout of the Year Program: The American Legion has been partners with the Boy Scouts of America since the beginning of our organization in 1919. As part of this relationship, the Legion offers a scholarship program to Eagle Scouts through their “Eagle Scout of The Year” Program. Last year the District 3 winner received a $500 scholarship and was submitted to the Minnesota state level where the winner received a $1,000 scholarship. The Minnesota winner’s scholarship application was forwarded on to National to be judged. The National American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year receives a $10,000 scholarship. Three 2nd place scholarship awards were given in the amount of $2,500 each.
This year Woodbury Post 501 is planning on participating in this scouting program with the local Eagle Scout District. Commander Dolan will be leading the effort for the Post. If there is any interest in assisting the Post Commander evaluate the applications give him a call at 703-851-5416 or email dolanrp@verizon.net.
This Month in History: A 13 October 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on 30 April 1798. In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of 13 October as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”
13 October 2020 will mark the Navy's 245th Birthday. The central theme of this year's 245th birthday and heritage week will be "Victory at Sea," which encompasses the Navy's efforts in battle during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Victory at Sea, commemorates the 75th anniversary of World War II and recognized 245 years of warfighting excellence. The Navy's Birthday celebration; albeit a virtual one this year will encompass the traditions of honor, courage, and commitment; the value of being second to none; and the Sailors who are the very foundation upon which we have built the world's greatest Navy.
The truth is that you always know the right thing to do. The tough part is doing it.
