Summer Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2013 Newsletter - American Legion Post 106, 326 Oakland Road, Sweetwater,TN
Fellow Legionnaires:
Officers installed for 2013-2014 are as follows: Billy Walker, Commander; Dean Parker and Travis Paul Sr, Vice Commanders; Theresa Walker, Adjutant; Clinton Riddle and Ivy Smith, Chaplains; Wayne Nelson, Finance Officer; Joe Parker, Judge Advocate; Mel von Soosten, Service Officer; Bobby Wilson, Sergeant at Arms (also Trustee); Elbert Thurston, Trustee; and Pete Peterman, Trustee. Just a reminder—our meetings are still the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.
In January’s meeting Commander Walker announced we were successful in our efforts to get our non-profit status in force once again. We had lost it due to responsible personnel not filing the required IRS form 990N and that we will be asking State (department of Tennessee) to include the Post in its request for the umbrella non-profit status which is normally filed in September by them
In February, the Ladies Auxiliary held a Valentines Day dinner for the auxiliary and post which was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Also members of the Post and Auxiliary visited with veterans domiciled in Woods Presbyterian and Sweetwater Nursing homes and gave out flags, lap robes and valentine cards signed by the members . Ms. Susan Tipton of the Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. organization gave a presentation to Post members and left brochures and information on Alzheimers for others who may be interested in learning about this aspect of aging.
In March, Ms. Debra Cohan of the Department of Veterans Affairs gave a presentation on Suicide Prevention. She passed out wallet cards which outlined signs someone may be considering suicide and refrigerator magnets, giving number for prevention hotline, press 1 for veteran and gun trigger safety locks for those members requesting one. The Auxiliary also held a community wide Easter Egg Hunt for local children at Engleman Park. Post and Auxiliary members visited with veterans domiciled in Woods Presbyterian and Sweetwater Nursing homes giving them St Patrick’s Day cards.
In April, Monroe County Sheriff, Bill Bivens gave a presentation to post members on Homeland Security about equipment and procedures implemented by the County in the event it becomes necessary. The changes to the Constitution and By-laws are in the process of being finalized and will be submitted to Department of TN for their approval in June.
In May, the Post and Auxiliary members held a pancake breakfast fund raiser and also participated in the Hwy 11 yard sale May 16-19 fund raiser. We also have candidates for Boys State and Eagle Scout of the year. Ms. Alisa Hobbs, Executive Director, CASA Monroe made a presentation to the members about becoming advocates for the children of Monroe County so that each child will have a representative voice in court because of their abuse or neglect. The Post also held a Memorial Day ceremony at Woods Presbyterian Nursing home.
In June, a combination mother/father’s dinner was held at the Post with ham, turkey and all the fixings prepared by the Auxiliary for the members who attended. Members of the Post attended the American Legion Conference held in Nashville (June 21-23) and in July we will be participating in the Sweetwater 4th of July parade. We also plan to have a booth set up to sell hot dogs and sodas to help fund the various programs being supported by the post. A drawing for Meal and gift certificates donated by Applebees and the DinnerBell will be held on July 4 also (Donations by the public are being solicited during the July 4 event as a fund raiser for the ongoing programs also).
If any of you have lost your medals, new ones can be obtained free of charge on a one-time basis by applying to Monroe County Service Officer, Chuck Mullins, (Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 am to 4:30). A copy of your DD-214 or other discharge paperwork listing the earned medals is required for him to order them.
More future fund efforts are planned. If you have suggestions for fund raising please contact the Post (423-337-2398). We are planning the next yard sale, if you have any items you can donate, please call us at the above number to make arrangements either for us to pick up or you can bring it to the Post on our regularly scheduled meeting nights.
Enclosed with your 2014 membership card and newsletter is information regarding the LegionCare limited accident-only insurance which is available to you at no cost. The insurance information must be renewed every three years to be kept in force. Applying is easy, complete and mail the enclosed card or if you have internet access, apply online: www.theLIT.com/Legioncare12.
Looking forward to receiving those “war stories” and military experiences. Please write them up and send them to PO Box 817, Sweetwater, TN 37874. We would like to compile a book with the experiences and possibly sell them as a fund raiser in addition to their being part of the Post history.
That’s it for now….until the next time.