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SEPTEMBER 2011

COMMANDER:   Greetings Legionnaires and Legion family members.  As summer ends, we have several events going on involving the Post.  On September 11th, an event commemorating the tragedy that took place on American soil ten years ago will be held at Town Point Park in Norfolk.  Veterans’ groups have been invited to participate and the Second District will be heading up our involvement.  Meet in the parking area in front of the World Trade Center at 7:30 a.m. to march in as the Second District.  Friday, September 16th, we’ll see the 40&8 hosting another POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Post Home.  This is a memorable event involving the Post, Unit, and Squadron, as well as members of The American Legion Riders, and VVA Chapter 48.  I just confirmed that the Second District Fall Conference will convene at our Post Home on Sunday, Oct 2nd at 1:00 p.m.  Please help the Post win back the attendance banner by attending the conference.  Looking ahead, the registration form has been posted for the 2011 Fall Conference, November 4-6 at the Crowne Plaza, Fort Magruder in Williamsburg (see www.valegion.org).  Remember, conferences are not just for Legion Officers—all are invited and encouraged to attend and learn more about our great organization and its programs.  Questions, comments?  Email me at bukowski.mike @verizon.net.  For God and Country, Mike Bukowski

FIRST VICE COMMANDER:  Membership is at 53% for the year 2012 with 421 renewals, 61 PUFLs, 14 new members and those 14 members who paid online. THANK YOU!  If you haven’t renewed please do so now and help us meet our goal of 1,025 so we can continue helping our veterans and charity programs. Remember “Early Bird” renewal gets you into the Labor Day picnic for free.  Please see me or our Adjutant Chris Barnes for your 2012 membership cards at the picnic or before.  Dues are $35.  For God and Country, B.J. Miller

SECOND VICE COMMANDER: Good day fellow Legionnaires, The Labor Day picnic will be Sunday, Sept. 4th from noon to 6:00 p.m. Fun, fun, fun! There will be games and activities for the kids, lots of food, drinks and entertainment for all ages. We welcome all covered dishes.  Hope to see you there. For God and Country, Chris Dorminey

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER:  On a sad note, we lost three more Legionnaires.  George J. Moulton, Ronald E. Smith and former Post 327 member “Ozzie” Osburn this month.  Many of you will remember “Smitty” as a previous owner of the Harbor Inn.  A Post Everlasting will be conducted for deceased members at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 Sept.                     

Past Commander Lee Anderson is in ICU at DePaul.    We continue to pray that Lee will recover and come home soon.  Don’t forget the second Tuesday of each month is “Post Meeting Night”.  It’s a good time to see people you may not have seen in a while. For God and Country, Tony Moore  

SERVICE OFFICER: Since our last newsletter we have 6 new VA claims, 1 TFA pending, 13 assisted with community resources, 45 Service Officer related phone calls.  No funds were used from either of our Service Officer funds or the Special Charity fund. What is (TFA) Temporary Financial Assistance? TFA is a program that comes under the American Legion National Commission on Children and Youth established as a form of direct aid to veteran’s children in 1945. A Post can submit applica-tions to National for financial assistance to help maintain the basic needs of a veteran’s children. Non-repayable grant may be awarded to eligible families over a tempo-rary period when it is determined that a minor child is in need and all other available resources have been exhausted. The Service Officer must personally visit with the family to determine the needs of the children, and write and submit a report with the application.  The grants may be for shelter, food, utilities, and clothing. These grants cannot be awarded for previously incurred debt, except to prevent disconnection of utilities, or prevent eviction or foreclosure.  Eligibility: The minor child must not be older than 17 or 20 if enrolled in high school or physically handicapped, and be the biological child of an eligible veteran or be in the legal custody of an eligible veteran. An eligible veteran has served honorably and at least one day of active duty during the eligibility period. Active duty must be Federal active duty (Title 10).

Eligible Periods: World War II, December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946, Korean War, June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955, Vietnam War, February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975, Lebanon & Grenada August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984, Panama, December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990, Persian Gulf, August 2, 1990 – Present.  If the veteran does not have active service within these dates, the child will not be eligible. There are no exceptions.

The following documents must accompany the TFA application: DD-214, VA statement of service, military orders, or other official proof of active duty discharge type,  Birth certificates of children,  Marriage license, Custody documentation and legal name changes,  All current statements, bills, leases, foreclosures, eviction notices, disconnection notices to be considered. Expenses not documented will not be considered.

ATHLETIC OFFICER:  Well, everything is quiet on the sports scene except for the coed team who is playing every Friday night.  Check the schedule outside the Post office and come out and watch.  Remember, the next big event is the state bowling tournament. You must be a paid up member for the year 2012 to participate.  I know B.J., Jean Lewis, and Jerry Cahoon are just waiting to take your 2012 dues.  Don’t wait until January or February to renew.  For God and Country, Jim Norton

 AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS: We are growing! Our membership increases weekly! And, you can well believe that our members are going to take advantage of the great riding weather afforded us as summer moves into The American Legion fall.  September 17th, we will again participate in the 8th annual Frogs for Freedom Poker Run to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation. Our ride coordinators William “Bull” Franklin and Tom Cevora, are planning some exciting rides that they assure me will not only take full advantage of the upcoming fall foliage, but help us raise money for our vets as well.  For God and Country, Ted Van Horn

SQUADRON 327 COMMANDER: Hello members.  Membership is doing better.  Let’s keep those renewals coming in on all sides.  We donated $500.00 to MDA and $100.00 to S.P.W. Special Warfare Group Seal Team Six.  Congratulations to all who were awarded plaques or trophies.  We will be having a meatloaf dinner for the POW/MIA Recognition night 16 September 2011.  For God and Country, Dave Samson

ALA PRESIDENT: Hello Ladies, I think that summer is just about over.  School is starting and everyone is getting back into the swing of things.  We bought school supplies for six (6) elementary schools and delivered them to the schools.  Also, thank you so much to the people that responded to last month's letter asking for donations of school supplies. It was greatly appreciated.  The Labor Day picnic may be over by the time you get this but I know it was or will be a great success. They always are!  Please don't forget the POW-MIA Remem-brance Ceremony on September 16th.  If you have never attended one it is a very memorable experience.  Our dinner this month will be panko breaded chicken breasts on September 2nd.  Please remember profits from our dinners help support our charities.  Don't forget to renew your membership.  Please check calendar for the 327 Girl Scouts meetings and carnival.  For God and Country, Nancy Bell