CURRENT NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2012

COMMANDER:  My Fellow Legionnaires, we have quite a few things going on right now.  The application form for the $1000 scholarship has been posted on the website.  We will be posting the proposed bylaws changes on the website soon for all members to review prior to voting at an upcoming meeting.  I would like to mention that our elections meeting will be held in May.  Although it may seem like a long way away, now is the time to start considering running for office.  I am looking for a good slate of candidates to choose from for the upcoming Legion Year.  We will be forming the nominating committee soon and they will post a signup sheet at the Post Home.  Remember, you need to be present at the May election or provide a letter of intent to the committee in order to be eligible to run.  The 2012 Department Spring Conference will be held right here March 16-18 at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center.  Conferences are not just for the Post Officers—I encourage everyone to attend.  See Upcoming Events at www.valegion.org for registration information.  For God and Country, Mike Bukowski 

FIRST VICE COMMANDER: Membership is at 85% for the year 2012. Will the other 15% please renew now to help us support the many programs we have in progress. Dues are $35. Thanks to all of you who have already renewed.  For God and Country, B.J. Miller

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER:   I’m sorry to report that we lost long-time member Philip Heeter in January.

    Henry Guthrie is in Maryview Hospital, following a stroke. Our prayers go out to Henry for a full and speedy recovery.

    We look forward to seeing you at our regular meeting on February 14th at 8:00 p.m.  For God and Country, Tony Moore

SERVICE OFFICER: Since our last newsletter we had 5 new VA claims, 2 TFAs approved in the amount of $3,537.14, 4 veteran’s families were assisted with community resources, and 63 Service Officer related phone calls. For God and Country, Alonzo Scott

ATHLETIC OFFICER: I'm looking for a Legionnaire (or two) who might be interested in the American Legion Baseball Program. If we have both a junior and Senior team at Post 327, it is almost impossible for one person to handle. Meetings start in January and the season is over in August. Season starts officially in June after school (HS) is out. Give me a call at 853-0475 if you are interested.  It is a great Legion program.  For God and Country, Jim Norton

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS:  ALR 327’s 2011 Annual Ride Report presented to the District shows that our riders clocked over 1,600 hours, and rode for more than 24,000 miles during the reported year. The report also reveals that ALR 327 has contributed over $2,500 to fifteen separate charitable organizations. All in all, it was the most successful year for the Riders as well as the Legion. We are charging full steam ahead this year.  We began with a run to Valentine, VA (January 28^th). Our upcoming schedule includes:  Polar Bear Run (February 26^th), St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17^th), Rolling Thunder in May, and Deals Gap in June. More info forthcoming on these rides and other events planned for 2012.    For God and Country, Ted Van Horn 

SQUADRON 327 COMMANDER:  Hello members!   No snow yet but we can hope (?) Membership is doing fine but let's keep them rolling in. We gave a $300 donation to the Special Olympics. Dinner on February 17th will be meatball subs, entertainment by the SHEDNECKS to follow. Lots of help is still needed for the bowling tournament February 24^th through 26th. FIRST NOTICE:   Elections in May. See any squadron officer if you care to run for an office.  For God and Country, Dave Samson

ALA PRESIDENT: Hello Ladies, I can’t believe we are already into February.  Before we know it, spring will be here.  Our February dinner is going to be baked ziti with all the fixings.  It will be for our VA&R Chairmanship.  The juniors will be having their annual chili cook-off and bake sale on 11 February from 12-5:00 p.m.  Please come out and support our dinner and chili cook-off.  That way we can support our programs and help our veterans and kids.  The bowling tournament will he held here 24-26 February. The Auxiliary is doing dinner for the bowlers on Saturday night.  We will need a lot of help that evening with dinner and raffles.  Please let me know if you will help.  For God and Country, Nancy Bell

Editor:  Veterans, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 if you experience any of the following warning signs: 

1.       Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out

2.       Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, mood swings

3.       Feeling like there is no reason to live

4.       Rage or anger

5.       Engaging in risky activities without thinking

6.       Increasing alcohol or drug abuse

7.       Withdrawal from family and friends

Reminder:  Please send valentine cards to veterans at your closest VA Hospital to let the vets know they have not been forgotten.  Here’s wishing you a  Happy Valentine’s Day!  For God and Country, B.J. Miller

The Virginia State 2012 Bowling Tournament will be hosted by Post 327 on Feb 25 and 26, 2012 at the Little Creek Amphib Base lanes Norfolk, Va. The packages were mailed to the team captains from last year with the register applications. This year you will see that we had to raise the cost to cover the prize money and the admin to a total of $73.00 per person that will bowl in all events single, double, and team. There is a block of rooms at the Best Western in Ocean View at $56.00 a night and other hotels in the area. This is a great time to show our post off to the rest of Virginia. There will be dinner both Friday and Saturday evening followed by entertainment both nights. As always, the need for volunteers to make this event a success is needed, so as you see the sign-up sheets posted please sign up. More info can be obtained by asking for a package from any of the post officers. Thank You.  For God & Country, Past Commander Larry Turner

ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: THIRD AND FINAL NOTICE FOR ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS: Association elections will be held Sunday, February 19, 2012 from noon until 6:00 P.M.   If you are interested in running for a position please contact Mark Dumstorff, Larry Perez, or Jim Pearson. Open positions are: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four 2-year Board of Directors. Please submit your name and position running for along with a short statement that if elected you will serve. The acceptance must be submitted no later than noon, Friday, 17 February 2012.  For God and Country, Tony Moore

ASSOCIATION CLUB MANAGER:  REMINDER, If your locker fee wasn’t paid by 31 January 2012, you are in danger of losing your locker.  Locks on lockers will be changed 15 February 2012.  Please take personal belongings out and turn the key over to a bartender or the Club Manager.  Thank you.  Happy Valentine’s Day. For God and Country, Sandra Wright