POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS

FEBUARY 2010

Post Commander, Frank Molina
Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Chuck Klein
ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet
Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton
Editor, Karen Goodman

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, February 3, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, February 10, 7p
ALR Meeting, February 14, 9a
SAL Meeting, February 17, 6:30p
Post Meeting, February 24, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, February 1, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p, except for Pot Luck night. Entry fee, $5.

Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:30p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. The entry fee is $5.

Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it's Taco Night too!!!

Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. Enjoy the Post 24 Kitchen’s Friday Fish!

Play SLINGO, Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary!

The Post 24 Kitchen is now open on Thursday and Friday and will soon expand the hours to Saturday and Sunday. Come in and enjoy the food. We have a new menu and lower prices….and we have many items that are not deep fried!

The Post will be hosting a Mardi Gras party on Saturday Feb 6, 6-10p featuring party favors and live music and a Valentine’s Day party on February 14. Check the bulletin boards for details. Carnations will be given to all of the ladies on Feb 14.

Rita and the blind vets will be making a visit to our Post and Tombstone on Saturday February 6 at 10:30p. Volunteer your time for this worthwhile event.

The Post will be hosting a Super Bowl Party on Sunday Feb 7 featuring 25 cent wings. We will not have SLINGO on Super Bowl Sunday!

Have you lost something…it may be in the Legion Lost and Found. All lost and found items will be displayed on Monday Feb 22. Items not picked up by that date will be donated to charity.

FROM THE COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well members, the month of January was here and now it’s gone. I hope that all of you good members and your families had a beautiful holiday season. Now it’s back to work.

Just a reminder, February 6 is the Mardi-Gras party at the Post. So try to attend and have lots of fun. Also, Rita and the Blind Vets from Tucson will be at the Post February 6 at 10:30am.

Also at this time please keep our 2nd Vice Commander in your prayers. He is on the Disable List and is going for surgery sometime soon. Good luck David Weed and get well pronto!

Also, I would like to invite all members to attend our general membership meetings. As some of you know elections for officers are right around the corner and your input is always welcomed. So please attend your meetings. Also I would like to invite any members who would like to join our Color Guard. We are in need of a few good people who can march. If you are interested please contact Commander Frank or First Vice Commander Mike Stout. Thank you.

A big thank you goes to the Ladies Auxiliary for the hard work of decorating the Post for Mardi Gras night. Thank you ladies for your commitment to our Post.

Well members, ‘til we meet again, and hopefully all in good health.

For God and Country, Frank Molina

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
It was a successful District meeting on the 10th of January. Department Historian Kathleen Medalen arrived unexpectedly with our Poppy order. Kandyce Naveaux was presented a Certificate of appreciation from District 3 for all she does with the Auxiliary, representing our juniors. This Chair was very proud to boast about her deeds including participation in parades and as Kandyce said, “I always help with Pot Luck“, well done Kandyce. There were 13 juniors from Unit 11 in Douglas that received certificates.

For the first time in a few years, Unit 24 has a Junior Chairman. Amanda Seifert, Amanda will not only be working with the juniors, she will also be recruiting juniors for Unit 24 and we look forward to helping her with any thing she needs.

Along with the sleeping bags etc that were taken to the homeless veterans in Bisbee, Jerry Johnson donated a blanket and the Commander of the S.A.L. donated I believe one-half of his wardrobe. A great Legion Family affair. The S.A.L. donated generously and The American Legion matched the Auxiliary’s donation. Later in the year, we will be having a coat and blanket drive for the homeless veterans in our area, so that we will be ready before our next cold winter.

The blind Veterans from Tucson V.A. will be here on Saturday the 6th of February. It is going to be a very busy day with a memorial at 11am in the Legion Hall, Slingo with the S.A.L. at 3.00pm. The Mardi Gras celebration at 6.00pm, so ladies and gentleman please, we need volunteers to help with our blind veterans at 10.00am. The V. A. sent two instructors on the 28th of January to teach us how to work with the veterans, so that we can continue to work with them the same as at the hospital.

The Annual Initiation Tea for District 3 is on the 27th of February in the Legion Hall at 12.30, until 3.00pm. For our members that have not participated in this moving event we know you will enjoy taking part in this reverent ceremony. We also would like to invite every one of our members that participated in last year’s ceremony. We have over 65 continuous membership certificates to present to members of Unit 24 alone.

Wednesday the 3rd is our general meeting at 6.30. It is the official visit of District 3 President Sencie Patchin.

Happy Valentines Day and God Bless.
Deirdre Nye President Unit 24

FROM THE ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
ALR24 will meet next on 13 FEB 2010 at 0900. ALR24 plans to support the escort of an original hand written copy of our US Constitution to a Tucson museum on 21 FEB 2010.

FRON THE DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
District 3 is holding their second annual Initiation Tea on February 27, 2010, hosted by Unit 24 at Post 24 in Tombstone. The Tea will be from 12:30PM to 3PM. The ceremony is a wonderful experience and Certificates will be presented for years of service by your Unit Presidents. Please contact Sencie or Sherrie Tucker for more information. Please be sure and let us know that you are attending and if you haven’t gone through the Ceremony let us know so that I will know how many certificates that need to be made up. Come and enjoy the fun and enjoy showing your pride in the American Legion Auxiliary.

The next District 3 Meeting will be in Benson on March 14, at 1:30PM Hosted by Post 45. Location will follow. Nominations for District Officers will be opened for the 2010-2011 Year. Just a reminder I will not be running for District President this year so please think about the offices that you may like to hold.

Senice: Home: 520-457-3749
Cell: 508-9520
ppatch@peoplepc.com

Sherrie: Home: 520-458-6830
sherrietul@cox.net

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert
During the recent severe cold spell the Legion family responded to an emergency request for blankets and warm clothes for homeless veterans in Bisbee. Thanks to the generosity of the Legion, the Sons and the Auxiliary, warm sleeping bags, knit hats, socks, gloves and tents were provided. As a result of this outreach, the generous women who operate St. Patrick's thrift store in Bisbee are holding a drive for food and clothing for their city's homeless. A big thank you to Mike Maloon and Boots for Our Troops. Thanks to generous grants from his organization, one of our local Iraq veterans will be attending the Hero Hearts Equestrian Program in Hereford. The program provides an alternative opportunity for healing for veterans with traumatic brain injury, PTSD and/or amputations. If you haven't heard already, three new illnesses have been added to the list of problems caused by exposure to Agent Orange: Parkinson's Disease; B Cell Leukemia; and Ischemic Heart Disease. Ischemic Heart Disease is also referred to as Coronary Artery Disease. If you have questions about this, please feel free to contact the Veteran's Outpost at 457-2232.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee
13 January 2010

Ø 1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Ø Roll taken, All present
Ø Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to award $25.00 for best home made mask at Mardi Gras party and a free T-shirt for 2nd best. To hire a band for the party with the Legion chipping in $150. and the difference to be made up by Sons and Ladies Auxiliary.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to buy carnations for all the ladies for Valentines Day party.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to let the head bartender be relieved of Sunday shift, compensation for kitchen management.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to write a non-punitive letter of caution to Jim Diekman.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to let Brenda Diekman resign and hire the other Brenda to work as a cook in the kitchen at a rate of $8.00 per hour.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to have Super Bowl party with food specials must be cleared with Ladies Auxiliary to give up SLINGO on that day.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to feed duty bartenders at no cost when the kitchen is open or food is being served. Kenny, Jim and Ron abstained due to conflict of interest.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to Keep main front door closed at all times. One vote against, Kenny.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to allow Dick Perry to display shotgun he is raffling in the bar to improve ticket sales
Ø Discussions; Theft of money from bar area, head bartender is tightening up security. Solicit bids for new furnace for bingo hall. Commander Molina named David Dubois as the acting 2nd Vice during David Weed’s recuperation from hip surgery. Resend prior e-board motion about re-imbursement of money for District meetings and operate as outlined in by-laws.

Ø 1235: Motion to adjourn; Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Minutes of Regular Meeting
27 January 2010

Ø 1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Ø Roll taken, All present.
Ø Minutes of last meeting approved, posted on bulletin board.
Ø Finance Officer briefed on state of A.L. accounts, finance report approved subject to audit and posted on bulletin board.
Ø Binnacle List: Harry Bouton is very sick, He and his wife Marge have done a great deal for out legion; please remember them in your prayers.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept new and transferring members.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $100.00 for tarps to homeless shelter in Bisbee sponsored by Susan Shubert.
Ø Discussion; Commander presented flag and stand to Tombstone Federal Credit Union. Bill Pakinkis on behalf of the Marine Corps League presented a commendation to the American Legion for supporting USO/Veterans Days. Volunteers needed if the Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament is going to happen. Dick Perry gave a report on Hearts for Herald Program, to give things to our Soldiers in the war zones.

Ø 1940: Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.


Happy February Birthday
Joe Escapule and William Workman 2/4, Richard Tolway and Karen Larsen 2/6, Nellie Fought 2/8, Clifton Cilley and Doc Artes 2/9, Colin Patchin 2/12, Bo Long 2/15, Jo Robinson 2/16, Marty Stout 2/19, Mary Lou Tengwell, Portia Schweitzer and Sencie Patchin 2/24, Donald Schork 2/25, Bonnie Mason 2/27.


FROM THE EDITOR
Karen Goodman
If you would like to have a copy of the newsletter emailed to you, send your email address to karengoodman66@msn.com or leave the information at the Post. The same can be said for information, articles or commentary you wish to publish. Deadline for the Newsletter will be Febuary 26. Please follow the Post News and photos on our blog at http://post24az.blogspot.com/

Reports received from Post and Unit Officers after the Newsletter deadline will be published in the blog only.

An Important Announcement

Health Care Reform Update 20: As you are most probably aware of by now, on the morning of 4 DEC, the Senate passed 60-39 a much amended H.R.3590, “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This vote and the previous House passage of this legislation is contrary with the growing sentiments of 2/3 of the American People who are against this “stealth” legislation. Regardless of which national poll you might consider this public disapproval of this legislation varies little from poll to poll. As the next step in the process is reconciliation of the significantly different House and Senate versions, but which neither makes provision to protect Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense health-care from the provisions of this legislation. Such protection would fulfill President Obama's promise made last August that neither program would "be affected by our efforts at broader health-care reform." Unless Tricare, Tricare for Life, and VA health care programs are exempted from a proposed excise tax, veterans and military retirees face the very real prospect of paying a new tax on so-called "Cadillac" health care plans, which Tricare and VA health-care might easily be considered. As has been pointed out by a number of federal employee labor unions, such a tax would "have a discriminatory impact on plans that cover older workers and retirees ..." Such excise tax could result in a tax increase of as much as 1.4% on veterans and military retirees and our widows, many of whom are retired on fixed incomes with no way to offset that additional tax other than by cutting back elsewhere in their family budgets.
If you could be impacted by this you have the option to contact your legislator and let him/her know of your concerns. Especially the very real potential that the near $500 Billion cuts in Medicare will adversely impact Tricare and Tricare for Life which are directly indexed to Medicare. If Medicare goes away then so do Tricare and Tricare for Life. Urge your legislator to immediately seek an amendment to H.R.3590 to make it clear that nothing in the reconciled bill act shall interfere with VA or DOD existing authorities and that VA and DOD health care programs are excluded from any excise tax on health care programs. If H.R.3950 is not so amended then request that he/she vote AGAINST this legislation when it comes to the House floor for a vote. To facilitate contacting your legislator USDR has provided an editable message at http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=14493596&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id] that addresses the issue and can be automatically forwarded to your representative. [Source: USDR Action Alert 26 Dec 09 ++]

January 2010

Post Commander, Frank Molina
Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Kim Scott
ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet
Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton
Editor, Karen Goodman

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, January 6, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, January 9, 9a
District 3, January 10, 1:30p, at Post 24
Marine Corps League, January 10, 2p
E-Board Meeting, January 13, 7p
SAL Meeting, January 20, 6:30p
Post Meeting, January 28, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, January 4, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.

Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:30p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. The entry fee is $5. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p, except for Pot Luck night. Entry fee, $5.

Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it’s Taco Night too!!!

Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. Enjoy Café Legionnaire’s Friday Fish!

Play SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and every Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary! SLINGO is a fast paced casino style game, played at the bar. You can smoke, drink, watch the game, choose your favorites tunes on the jukebox or order a meal while you play.

Café Legionnaire is open Thursday- Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p and Sunday 2-6p.

DISTRICT 3 NEWS
Sencie Patchin
The next District 3 meeting will be hosted by Post 24 in Tombstone on January 10, 2010 at 1:30PM. Please try to attend as we will be honoring our juniors from each Unit. Please notify myself or Karen Smith of juniors names so that we can get the certificates made. Please remember that our juniors are our future and that they need our support. We will also be having guest speakers from Fort Huachuca, Evelyn Uncel and Alma Estrada from Survivor Outreach Services. I wish to thank everyone for your continued support of District 3 in 2009. I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and that you are looking forward the New Year.
God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee
December 9, 2009

Ø 1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Ø Roll taken, Kenny absent.
Ø Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to have music on New Years Eve for $250.00.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to give Christmas bonus’ to all employees in the amount of $50.00 and $100. For lead bartender.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to have $200.00 ear marked for finger foods for New Years Eve.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to limit Christmas party to American Legion members and one guest, and no children
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to limit reimbursements payments for conventions to Executive Committee members only.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to support Legion Riders pig roast. a.) Block off parking lot area for motorcycle parking. b.) Have extension of premises for June 12th 2010 pig roast. C.) Waive $65.00 hall rental fee and $50.00 for security, Riders will provide.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to charge $12.00 for short sleeve legion t-shirts and $15.00 for long sleeve t-shirts.
Ø Discussion; Bottles for Christmas basket. Support of Wild West Days. Inspect and repair as required furnaces that service meeting room. Inspect and get bids to refurbish building wiring. The problem with commercial enterprise operating from the building making us subject to property taxes, several solutions were discussed but the consensus is that we cannot continue, there will be a special meeting on Thursday Dec. 24th to deal with this issue.

Ø 1945: Motion to adjourn; Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Minutes of Regular Meeting
December 23, 2009

Ø 1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Ø Roll taken, All present.
Ø Minutes of last meeting approved, posted on bulletin board.
Ø Finance Officer briefed on state of A.L. accounts, finance report approved subject to audit and posted on bulletin board.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept new and transferring members.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $200.00 for Salvation Army.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $200.00 to purchase a flag and stand with plaque for Tombstone Federal Credit Union.

Ø 1930: Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Happy January Birthday
Rachael Parra 1/2, Lil Thibeault and Joe Turley1/4, Jack Weeks, James Christian and Nancee Condon 1/8, Gloria Vandenbroeck 1/14, Dwight Stumph 1/15, Cody Gilberg 1/16, Aidan Goodman 1/17, Ann Shull 1/18, Richard Perry, Colette Ross and George Timmons 1/21, David DuBois and Vic Walker 1/22, Louis Herod 1/24, Chick Warren 1/25, Roy Zeagler 1/27, Jeff Sweet 1/28