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JANUARY 2008

COMMANDER:  First I would like to thank all those that came and celebrated our 60^th Anniversary Party on Dec 7^th, hope everyone had a good time, and a special thank you to Sharon Bukowski and those that helped her for the nice spread that was put out on such a short notice.  I would like to see more of our fellow legionnaires attend our annual Law & Order Program to show our support for our finest Public Service Personnel on Jan. 22, be sure to let John Schenk know if you are coming by 4 January.  The phone number for the Legion Riders contact, Chris Steenrod, was incorrect in last month’s newsletter, the correct one is (757) 333-4755 or cell ph: (757) 287-2797.  Our current membership is just over 80%.  We need and can do better.  Remember that being a member of the American Legion is not just the privilege to utilize the club but is to help maintain and support the rights and benefits you have as a veteran.  Let’s keep up that support by renewing you membership for 2008.  For God and Country, Byron L. Pianalto

SECOND VICE COMMANDER:  Everything is going well for the New Year’s Eve party.  For those that will not be attending the party, but want to enjoy breakfast after the party, the cost is only $5.00.  For God and Country, Gary L. Rodencal

FINANCE OFFICER:  I sincerely hope that everyone had a safe and extremely enjoyable holiday season (Christmas and New Year) Celebration.  Since we are starting a new calendar year, I felt it appropriate to REMIND all that there are some basic items regarding the processing of monies for the post that need to be adhered to:  (1) Anyone requesting funds from either the General or Charity funds, as annually budgeted, must fill out a request form (located in the office), and it must be approved by the Post Commander before a check will be written.  (2) Anyone that holds a “special” breakfast, lunch or dinner for either a budgeted item in either the General or Charity fund, must ensure that the money is put in an envelope, and marked with the date of the event, the purpose of the money (which fund it should go to) and the amount.  This also applies to any other type of fund raising for a special purpose.  (3) We have also activated a new procedure for picking up requested checks.  The request form has a new line at the bottom, which must be signed by the person picking up the check.  Thank you one and all for your cooperation.  For God & Country, Ray Steckman

SERVICE OFFICER:  Happy New Year!!!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Youth Coat Drive. The American Legion has partnered with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes in an effort to distribute $500 grants to service members who have a 30% or greater disability rating as a result of injuries sustained while serving in the theaters of operations for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). A total of $500,000 will be distributed and this is on a first-come, first-serve basis, until the funds are depleted. If you or if you know of a service member who meets the criteria, please contact me.  Before contacting me, please ensure you have all documents (DD 214, VA letter granting 30% disability or greater, and a copy of orders).  I will in turn forward all documents to Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division for processing. Please ensure you pass on copies of all your documents, as documents will not be returned to the veteran.  I may be contacted on 757-404-6111 for assistance.  For God and Country, Angela Faith Ellis

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY PRESIDENT:  Hi Ladies! Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  With the New Year here let's start it off right.  We have Chicken Alfredo on the 4th of January, followed by our Ham dinner on the 11th and Scotty's Scottish Stew on the 25th!!  The Blood Drive is January 13^th at the Post from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m..  Remember ladies, your membership is past due for those of you who have not paid.  The Jr's breakfast is January 27th.  They will be having their annual Chili Cook-off February 9th - bring in your best chili and see who wins the ribbon.  I want to send out a great B-I-G thank you to all who took an "Angel" from the tree and brought in gifts.  We gave the SALs a $500.00 check for “Toys for Tots”.  Our gifts were for the children at St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children.  We also gave the director a $500.00 donation.  What a tremendous joy to see their faces when Santa Claus came!!  A second BIG thanks goes out to everyone that helped with our annual Children's Christmas Party - too many names to mention, and I don't want to forget someone!!!  We had 98 children attend this year – a lot of work, but so worth it when you see their enjoyment!! For God and Country, Dawn Thomas

SQUADRON 327 COMMANDER:  Happy New Year to all!!  I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to a healthy and prosperous new year.  We had a great time with the children at St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children.  I would like to thank Dawn for getting the whole Legion family involved for such a wonderful cause.  It was such a great joy trying to bring a little happiness to the patients there.  We all need to thank the Lord for giving us healthy and happy children.  Special thanks go out to all who took an angel from the Angel Tree and brought gifts for the children.  We could not have done this without you!  The VCW wrestling benefit show for “Toys for Tots” was also a great success.  We also received a $500 check from the ALA, and we took a whole truckload of toys from the December Male Dancers show.  I'm sure the Marines will make a lot of children happy on Christmas morning.  Our MALE DANCERS fundraiser will be on Friday, 18 January at 8 p.m.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Super Bowl Party sponsored by the Squadron again this year.  We should have plenty of fun, food, and fellowship for all.  Come and cheer for your favorite team and keep praying for the Redskins.  As you can see we have had a busy year and have done a lot of good things for the Post and our community.  For those of you not coming out, please come see what you are missing.  I'm sure we could find something of your interest to get you involved and help us to do even more.  For God and Country, Steve Gower, Sr.

ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT:  THIRD NOTICE on Nominations and Election.  Please read the election note below, and if you desire to run please see one of the nominating committeemen; Larry Perez, Byron Pianalto, or me.  ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS for 2008:  The Election will be held on Sunday, 17 February 2008 with results announced at the Association Meeting on the 19^th of February 2008.  We will be holding nominations for all Association positions at our Association Meeting on January 15^th, 2008.  If you intend to run for an Association office, you must be nominated and accept the nomination at this meeting.  If you cannot attend the meeting, you may accept a nomination to run by providing the Nominating Committee with a letter stating your intentions prior to the meeting.  All candidates running for office will have their names posted by 21 January 2008 on the bulletin boards in the clubroom.  On Election Day, ballots will be available at the Post Home from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the 17^th of February 2008 when election voting will be closed.  You must have a current (2008) membership card from American Legion Post 327 in your possession to receive a ballot.  A voting officer will be assigned to verify eligibility and monitor voting procedures.  When the polls close, the voting officer and two appointed Association members will count the ballots and provide the results to the Association President.  NOTE:  Well, I hope we will have another great year here at 327.  I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  Please remember nominations for elections will be held on January15th at 7:00 p.m.  If you desire to run for the Board please attend the meeting or turn a letter in, to the Board of Directors, stating your desire to run.  I would like to give a Big Thank You to Voiture 86 of the 40&8 for their donation of tiles in the meeting hall.  For God & Country, Jim Norton

ASSOCIATION CLUB MANAGER:  Hello Members!  Happy New Year! I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings each of you health and happiness - so much more important than wealth!!  With the New Year here, let's all strive to make it the best year yet at the Legion - remember all the entertainment, dinners, and breakfasts are all planned and presented for YOUR enjoyment – please support these events so that they may continue.  It takes a lot of energy and help to make these things happen.  For God and Country, Sandra Wright

HUMOR:  From my friend Obie (nominated best short joke of the year): A three-year-old boy was examining his testicles while taking a bath.  "Mommy," He asked, "Are these my brains?" "Not yet," she replied.