Post 24 Newsletter, Tombstone, AZ

November 2010

2010-11-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

From the Commander
Michael Stout

The floor behind the bar has been painted and wall in front of the walk in refrigerator and in the kitchen have been repaired. The moulding around the dance floor has been replaced and the tile in front of the kitchen and the bingo room has been repaired. All of this work was done by David and Kathy Weed. Thanks Dave and Kathy. Also, we hope you like the automatic paper towel dispensers in the restrooms.

President’s Report Unit 24 November 2010
Deirdre Nye

Death entered our ranks on the 22nd of September, Sophia Corrales, “Sophie” to her friends; a long-standing member of Unit 24 was called to the High Command.Her Memorial was held in the Legion Hall on the 3rd of October. President Deirdre Nye Conducted the Service with Chaplain Ann Graves and Memorial Chairman pro tem, Susan Schubert.

I thank you all for your support and wonderful attendance on the 6th of October, 25 members were present. I was happily and genuinely surprised at the champagne, birthday song, cards and gifts. Thank you all so much.

The American Legion Riders of Post 24 sponsored the largest Order of The Silver Rose Ceremony in the Nation, on the 9th of October. Susan Schubert 2nd Vice President of the Auxiliary organized the event last year for the Auxiliary. This year she did the same as a Legion Rider for the “Riders”. Great work Susan. A thank you goes out to the Auxiliary members that helped ALA Rider Bonnie Philips, who cooked for all of the Recipients and the guests.

Helldorado, on the 16th of October saw 20 Auxiliary members in the parade following the Post Color Guard with the State Commander Richard Perry also a member of Post 24 and the eldest active member of Post 24 Tony Perotti, a continuous member of Roy Fourr for 63 years. Ten Unit 24 members were in Color Guard Uniform, One District 3 representative, Past President Sencie Patchin. Two members of Unit 52, our own Dear Chaplain Ann Graves aboard her red chariot with President Deirdre Nye and six visiting members of Unit 29. Thank you Ann Bliss, Sergeant at Arms for coordinating this task.

Five representatives of Unit 24 attended the Fall Conference October 29th thru 31st ; Deirdre Nye, Sandi Freeman, Ann Bliss, Dee Dee Molina and Sencie Patchin who is also Field Service Director for the Department of Arizona. I am glad to say we are well under budget this year for Conference.

I have said this many times Dear fellow Auxiliary members, we are so blessed. To be living in the United States of America at this moment in time and to be able to have the freedom that has only come with our family’s sacrifice, most of us have not experienced the horror of war. For those of our members that have, I want you to know that we are here for you 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Unit 24’s gratitude and heart felt thank you goes out to you always.We will be honoring you and all of our Veterans on November the 11th. The Service will be at 11:00am on the Veranda facing Allen Street.

District 3 Meeting is on Sunday the 14th of November at 1.30pm in Sierra Vista. Uniforms as usual every one, thank you in advance.

Thanksgiving is on the 25th of November. The Auxiliary will be cooking this year, so please let Marty Stout know if you can cook a turkey. It is always fun to serve our Town of Tombstone on this very special day. We will have a sign up sheet for volunteers, again thank you all in advance.

On the 27th of November, Kelly and the Blind Vets will be visiting us. They love visiting us and Tombstone so please, members that can volunteer we need your help. Not only assisting them whilst walking but also making sandwiches and serving.

Thank you members of Unit 24 for all that you do for our Children, our Veterans and our Community. You have made Tombstone a more comfortable place to live. You have helped once again to put Tombstone truly on the map other than our wonderfully infamous gunfight.

God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone Arizona

From the Editor
Karen Goodman
If there is a member who could take the newsletter over please talk with the Commander. I would be more than happy to show you how to upload the newsletter to the blog and provide email addresses.

October 2010

2010-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

President’s Report Unit 24 October 2010
Deirdre Nye

Happy new month Unit 24, September was a whirlwind of Auxiliary activity. Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th found the Bizarre Bazaar as successful as it could be with such a short time for preparations after having to change many dates. The Bizarre Bazaar is already booked for October the 11th 2011 so please put it in your calendar. We will once again be able to invite the wide range of professional vendors as we did in 2008 and 2009. On Saturday the 4th while laughter was in abundance on the Allen Street side of the Legion Lodge, a most solemn ceremony was performed on the south side near the Ramada. We lost another Naval Veteran and long-standing member, Robert Roelfsema. The Legion Riders formed a flag line and I am very proud to say that our Auxiliary was there, also Legion Riders.

Post 24 on September the 11th in remembrance of the worst terrorist attack on American soil in history led the 9-11 Memorial Procession. They started at Allen Street and 6th Street at 11.00am. A most solemn procession it was. The American Legion Color Guard followed by our oldest Legion Member flanked by three active duty Military and behind them the American Legion Auxiliary were in step. The Legion Riders followed the Auxiliary, indeed an awesome sight.

An emotional Service followed as Ret. LTC Jeffrey M. Badger led with the opening prayer. Mayor elect Jack Henderson a United Airlines Pilot at that time was in the air that day with 385,000 LBS of jet fuel, we were thankful he was with us and not amongst the dead. The Tombstone Fire Department spoke honoring his fellow brethren that died during the attack. We were presented with a magnificent acappella rendering of Amazing Grace from Auxiliary member and Rider Kathy Weed. Unit 24 President Deirdre Nye concluded her part of the Service with, “Knowledge of the horror of war has given the Auxiliary a resolute determination that America shall be protected from terrorists and war by adequate defensive forces backed by a strong reserve and that we are very proud to be a part of that reserve. The American Legion Auxiliary presented Colors, the Legion Honor Guard saluted and our own Chaplain Ann Graves who rode behind President Deirdre Nye on an Arctic Cat quad concluded the ceremony with the closing prayer.

There was a District Meeting in Bisbee on the 12th for only the Auxiliary. District 3 President Elaine Perry conducted a good meeting followed by great food as always, cooked by Commander Jerry Manzanerras.

Congress has determined that the 16th of September is now the official Birthday of The American Legion. We were unable to put any celebration together as notice was very short, however next year we will celebrate in March and September.

Constitution week starts every year on the 17th of September. It was indeed wonderful to be part of Walter J Meyer’s celebration. The Department Commander Richard Perry, Post 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone Commander Mike Stout, Past Post 29 Glendale Commander Al Jepson, Unit 24 President Deirdre Nye and Auxiliary members Kay Scott and Cindy Devbliss, performed The Flag Day Ceremony, “The dignified disposal of unserviceable flags”. The children were delighted in learning about Flag Day on June the 14th, and some were able to participate. The Department Commander gave the participating children Department pins and Unit 24 presented three teachers with a check each for $40.00 for field trips to the river. The children were very pleased with their presents.

There will be a Memorial for Auxiliary member Sophie Corrales on Sunday the 3rd of October. Sophie was one of the first members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 at Roy Fourr in Tombstone.
Pot Luck is the first Monday of every

On the 9th of October there will be The Order of The Silver Rose Ceremony. Last year it was sponsored by the Auxiliary, this year it is sponsored by the Legion Riders. The Riders will meet at the Tombstone high School at noon and the recipients will be escorted to the Legion Hall on Allen Street. The Ceremony will be followed by a mouth watering chili luncheon catered by Chef Bonnie Philips.

There will be Slingo at 3.00 pm sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion, and then at 6.00 o’ clock the annual “Soc Hop” with D. J. Mike. There will be cash prizes for best dressed, best dance couple and of course the hula hoop contest.

On Saturday the 16th of Oct during Helldorado there will be a drawing for the 12 gauge shot gun donated to the Legion, the Auxiliary, the Sons and the Riders by Christie Beaudry, Christie won it when it was raffled by Richard Perry who is now our State Commander.
Fall Convention is the 29th, 30th and the 31st of October. This year we only have five delegates. Ann Bliss, Sandi Freeman, Dee Dee Molina, Deirdre Nye and Sencie Patchin.

It is not too early to be thinking of Thanksgiving. The Legion has asked the Auxiliary to cook for the town of Tombstone. Every year the Legion sponsors a Thanksgiving dinner to all that have no family to share this wonderful day with. We need volunteers so please let us know if you can help.

God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone.

From the Editor
Karen Goodman

It is with regret that this will be my last issue of the newsletter. If there is a member who could take this job over please talk with the Commander. I would be more than happy to show you how to upload the newsletter to the blog.

September 2010

2010-09-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

AMERICAN LEGION POST 24
NEWS AND VIEWS
SUMMER EDITION
SEPTEMBER 2010

Please see the calendar posted on the inside of the front door for this months’ events.

From the Commander
Mike Stout

Another month has passed and we’re still here, fixing up this old place a little at a time. If anyone handy person wants to help or has suggestions, please let us know. A memorial will be held for Bronco Bob on Saturday September 4 at 11a. Our annual 9/11 Walk and Memorial will take place on September 11 beginning at 11a. Please attend this event if at all possible.

For God and Country…Mike Stout

From the Auxiliary President
Dierdre Nye

September is National Preparedness Month. The East Coast has already braced for a hurricane bearing down on its shores. We here in the high desert do not have to worry about hurricanes. We call it high winds. High winds can take down power lines, so think about the necessities. Candles, batteries for flashlights and a back up stove if you only have electricity. It is good to be prepared.
A thank you goes out to Bonnie Philips, Bonnie sent a few boxes to the addresses that we have for our Servicemen from Tombstone. If any of our members are aware of our young men entering into harms way please let the Auxiliary know.
The Department Workshop was in Phoenix on the 14th of August at Post 1. Unit 24 member and District 3 President Elaine Perry attended along with Unit member and Past District 3 President Sencie Patchin , Unit 24 and District Chaplain Ann Graves, Unit 24 President Deirdre Nye, !1st Vice President Sandi Freeman, Unit 24 Historian Lillian Hritz and Unit 24 Sergeant at Arms Ann Bliss.
On the 20th of August, a few Auxiliary members from Post 29 came to visit our Post and us. They had the best time; they loved the Post and promised to return soon.
Last years Department Membership Chairman Jane Shoemaker brought her husband to visit Post 24 and Don Aiton read Tombstone, the letter thanking every one for their fun time at the Legions general meeting. It was great seeing them again. The next time we will see them at the Fall Conference. Please let me know who will be attending Fall Conference as soon as possible.
Unit 24’s Decorating Chairman Dee Dee Molina did a great job of decorating the Ramada for the Department Installation of the 40 & 8. President Deirdre Nye clad in apron, washed dishes and silverware. This President thanks the volunteers from both the Auxiliary and Post for good food, doing an excellent job and making a good impression.
The Bizarre Bazaar is this Saturday and Sunday the 4th and the 5th; the doors will be open at 6.30 for vendors to set up their wares. The Auxiliary Juniors will be selling root beer for their programs, so please indulge. The kitchen will be open with breakfast burritos for three hours.
I want to thank our 2nd vice Chairman and V.A. & R. Chairman Susan Schubert for helping the Commander of Post 24 Mike Stout with the Memorial for “Bronco Bob”, Robert Roelssema, it will be held between the Ramada and the Clubhouse on Saturday the 4th of September at 11 am. The Legion Riders will be forming a flag line. There will be no refreshments after the memorial. The kitchen will be open at 2pm and there will be Slingo sponsored by the Sons of The American Legion.
Since the first Monday of the Month is a holiday, Potluck this month will be on Monday the 13th of September.
Please sign up to march in the 9-11 memorial procession, it is a solemn affair so we will be walking and looking straight ahead. Please honor those fellow Americans that lost their lives to terrorists, Unit 24, show Tombstone we do not forget
The District meeting is in Bisbee at 1.30 on Sunday the 12th of September, I will be driving down, let me know if you want to car pool.

God Bless Deirdre Nye President Unit 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone.

Minutes of Executive Committee
11 August 2010
> 1900: Commander Mike Stout called the meeting to order.
> Roll taken, all present.
> Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.
> Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to rent the Ramada to the 40/8 on Aug 21st for a picnic and installation of officers.
> Discussion; Report from house committee chairman, Second Vice Commander, from meeting the second Monday of every month at 0930. Silver Rose is scheduled for 9 October Susan Shubert is the mover and shaker for this endeavor. October 2nd Golf Tournament sponsored by the Marine Corps League and the American Legion all proceeds go to Wounded Warriors, cost $45.00 per person. All members are encouraged to wear red shirts on Fridays to remember troops at war. Memorial Parade on Nine Eleven. Hit up Sons for money for hats and glasses.
> Discussion/Action: motion made and passed to have 2nd Vise get bids for Epoxying the floor behind the bar, replacing paneling near beer dispensers, adding bricks below shelves near pool racks,
replacing tiles as required that are damaged. This endeavor is being funded by the Ladies Auxiliary thanks to a donation of $1000.00.
> Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to have the kitchen sell burritos Labor Day weekend to support the Ladies Auxiliary Bizarre Bazaar.
> Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to make Don Aiton, Suzan Shubert, Mike McFarland, and David Duboise Post 24 Service Officers.
> Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to fund $180.00 for VA law books for Outreach.
> Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to Support the Sock Hop date to be determined, $150.00 for entertainment, $50.00 for best dressed, $25.00 best dancers, and $25.00 for best hula hooper.
> Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to postpone Bingo indefinitely.
> Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to press for prosecution of persons responsible for stealing from the American Legion.
> Motion to adjourn; Commander Mike Stout closed the meeting at 1951.

Minutes of Regular Meeting
25 August 2010
> 1900: Commander Mike Stout called the meeting to order.
> Roll taken, all officers present, with the exception of Bob.
> Minutes of last meeting approved, posted on bulletin board.
> Finance Officer briefed on state of A.L. accounts, finance report approved subject to audit and posted on bulletin board.
> Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept transferring members.
> Discussion/Action; Motion made and failed to advertise for repair projects.
> Report by Club Committee Chairman; free rides are available to VA appointments through the DAV. Golf Tournament sponsored by the Marine Corp League and the American Legion on October 2nd to the benefit of Wounded Warrior. Bizarre Bazaar to be Sept. 4th and 5th. Registration for fall conference. USO dance Sept 11th?
> Discussion; Lively debate on SLINGO number of games and the length of them, will be discussed further at the Executive Committee meeting.
> 1940 Commander Mike Stout closed the meeting.

2010-08-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

AMERICAN LEGION POST 24
NEWS AND VIEWS
SUMMER EDITION
AUGUST 2010

Please see the calendar posted on the inside of the front door for this months’ events.

From the Commander
Mike Stout

Friday night SLINGO is up and running. Thank you Post, Auxiliary, SAL and Rider volunteers for all of your help getting Friday night started.

We are currently working on our 9/11 parade and ceremony.

Remember, if you know of anyone who is related to an MIA and doesn’t have a DNA sample of file, please contact the Post for more information and assistance.

For God and Country…Mike Stout

From the Auxiliary President
Dierdre Nye

It has been a magnificent month of July. A great start with the Auxiliary’s third annual “Balloon Pop”. Every year the merchants of Tombstone donate items from their stores or vouchers for rides and food. Tickets are placed in the helium-inflated balloons. Each ticket reveals a prize, this year the prizes were magnificent. The members also donate to this wonderful cause. All monies donated go towards the “Childrens Christmas Party”, a wonderful occasion when Father Christmas, AKA Santa Clause gives the children of Tombstone and the children of members, presents. They are entertained, educated, fed the most wonderful delicacies and leave with a large cache of goodies in their stockings including money. A thank you was posted in all the newspapers and personal thank you cards were sent out. This year even with the sluggish economy, the merchants of Tombstone were extremely generous. In times past, the American Legion had to fit the bill for the children’s party at Christmas. We sincerely thank the Legion, our Auxiliary, and the S. A. L. and the A. L. Riders for supporting our fundraiser “Slingo”, this has enabled the American Legion Auxiliary to help the Legion by helping the Veterans, the first of our founding purposes. Our Children and Youth program is built upon the pledge to maintain the integrity of the American family and we are proud to serve our local community.
The Sons of the American Legion cooked a magnificent meal for the 4th of July; the A. L.A. Juniors took donations for ice cream, well-done Amanda Seifert Chairman of the Junior program and Sandra Curtis junior member for dedicating your time for the junior’s activities.
On Sunday the 8th of August after Slingo Barbara Klein will be teaching Slingo banking 101. This class is open to all members of the Legion family.
The Department of Arizona President’s workshop is Saturday the 14th of August, call me at 520-678-0392 if you would like to attend, we are car-pooling.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are not able to have the Annual Bizarre Bazaar in November as written in last months report. It has been set in stone for the Labor Day weekend. Visitors will be enjoying the “Rendezvous of Gunfighters” sponsored by The Wild Bunch and Saturday September the 4th and Sunday September the 5th they will also enjoy our Bazaar. Each year the television stations and the newspapers cover our Bazaar it has become a very popular annual event. There are still a few tables left, to reserve your table call Sandi Freeman at 520-429-4108.
The annual “Soc Hop” will be in September again this year; you still have plenty of time to put together your 50’s outfits. Keep a look out for the Soc hop fliers and practice with your hula-hoops.
We did not go dark this summer, as our members are very active, the next general Auxiliary meeting is Wednesday August the 4th. We look forward to seeing you then. Thank you so much members of Unit 24 for all that you do for your Auxiliary and your community.
God Bless Deirdre Nye President Unit 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone.

JULY 2010

2010-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Post Commander, Mike Stout
Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Jim Bugg
ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet
Adjutant, Don Aiton

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, July 7, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, July 10, 9a
E-Board Meeting, July14, 7p
SAL Meeting, July 21, 6:30p
Post Meeting, July 28, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, July 5, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p, entry fee, $5.

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

Karaoke and Taco’s, every Thursday @ 5:30p.

Bingo will be dark in July and August!

Play SLINGO, Friday 6-8 p, sponsored by the Post, 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 thru Sunday. Come in and enjoy the food.

Celebrate July 4 by joining is the fun at the BBQ to be held in the back picnic area…2 - 6p, $5 per plate. Junior Auxiliary will be selling ice cream.

The Auxiliary Annual July 4th Balloon Pop will be held July 1-4. Pop a balloon for a prizes while supporting the Children’s Annual Christmas Party.

From the Commander
Mike Stout

Our own Dick Perry is now Department of Arizona Commander. Our Area Vice Commander is Al Miller from Post 109. Our District Commander is Gregg Normand of Post 52.

Dave Weed put a new roof on our BBQ area shelter and it looks great.

A big thank you to Mike Mackay and Ernie Molina for donating their time and effort to pour concrete and install new “No Parking in the Fire Lane” signs.

Bingo will be going dark for two months, July and August. We will be trying SLINGO on Friday nights, 6-8pm. If anyone would like to volunteer to help, please let me know.

The next General Membership Meeting will be July 28th.

I’m looking forward to a very productive year.

For God and Country, Mike Stout

From the Auxiliary President
Deirdre Nye

On Sunday the 6th of June, our newly appointed Officers were installed; you will find most of their pictures in the foyer. At 3pm. after a great lunch, the Auxiliary hosted Slingo.

On Saturday the 12th of June, The American Legion Auxiliary marched in The Buffalo Soldier Parade. Ann Graves Unit 24’s Chaplain rode with President Deirdre Nye on the President’s bright red Arctic Cat and behind them in a bright red sports car rode one of our past Chaplains Mary Musich with Hillary Ciochetti. Donald Nye, the American Legion Riders Chaplain, drove Miss Poppy, Katie Diekman, on the back of his custom trike.

On the 14th of June, Flag Day, the Officers of Roy Fourr ceremoniously disposed of worn, torn and tattered flags. This is the article submitted to the Tombstone Gazette;

A little piece of History found at Roy Fourr, June the 14th 2010
The sun was literally sinking in the west on Flag Day, the 14th of June, at Post 24 Roy Fourr in Tombstone Arizona, when one of the American Legion Officers unfurled a tightly folded flag. A yellowed envelope once white, fluttered like a feather into the barrel where the worn, torn and tattered flags were being ceremoniously disposed of. A blast of hot air blew the envelope away from the barrel and Kay Scott an Auxiliary member pounced on it before it had a chance to burn and be lost to us forever. The envelope contained several different newspaper clippings.

James H. Hatcher, 78 years of age had passed away on the 22nd of July 1974, at Tucson’s Veterans Hospital. James Hatcher was a veteran of World War I and a lifetime member of Sevier Lodge #334 F and A.M. in Seymour Tennessee. Mr. Hatcher had been a resident of Green Valley for nine years. Charles Hatcher was a Tombstone City Councilman at the time of his brother’s death. In addition to his brother Charles, Mr. Hatcher was survived by another brother, Frank Hatcher of Knoxville Tennessee and two sisters, Edna Preval of Van Nuys, California and Eulla Sharum of Green Valley. Brings Broadway Chapel in Tucson made the local funeral arrangements. Funeral Services and Internment was in Knoxville Tennessee. The flag, pictured in last weeks Tombstone Gazette is in excellent condition. If any one knows the whereabouts of an immediate family member please call Deirdre Nye, Unit 24’s President at 520-678-0392. We will be honored to return this historical flag that once draped the Casket of James H. Hatcher to its rightful owner.

On the 17th of June, the American Legion 2010 Convention was held once again at Glendale. It was great seeing old friends again and meeting new ones. We always return home with great ideas and renewed spirit. This year we also returned with the Ofelia Soza Plaque, for the Unit with a Membership Goal of 275 and over, a Certificate for reaching our 100% goal, we made over our 100% goal, a Certificate from the Department of Arizona, 1st Place for over 275 membership, a red 100% ribbon, a red white and blue door handle drop for history 2009 – 2010, and a letter from the Executive secretary of The American Legion Child welfare Foundation congratulating us on achieving our 100% per capita goal in donations to the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. In addition, a CWF 100% white banner 2009 – 2010, a Certificate of Participation to Sandi Freeman in the Carlotta Pace Community Service Award Runner-up, a Certificate to Roy Fourr in Appreciation of and Recognition for active Participation in the Department President Special project Wounded Warriors, a Certificate of Appreciation to Susan Schubert in recognition and sincere appreciation of outstanding service to the American Legion Auxiliary’s Department President’s Special Project which contributed to the service of the Wounded Warriors, a Certificate to Ann Graves that reads: Mentors Matter. You have been recognized as a special Mentor to those around you. This distinctive honor is being awarded because you have shared your knowledge, your leadership and your thoughtfulness with others. It is with great appreciation from the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Arizona and your peers that you are presented this Certificate of Merit. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all. Lastly, a Certificate of Appreciation to Deirdre Nye in recognition and sincere appreciation of outstanding service as Chairman to the American Legion Auxiliary’s Department President’s Special Project Program which contributed to the advancement of ALA programs and activities dedicated to God and Country. Well done Unit 24!

On the 29th of June, there was another Red Cross Blood Drive. Many of Unit 24’s members volunteer to help, while many others give blood. Thank you Ladies of our Auxiliary.

We look forward to seeing every one for the annual 4th of July Balloon Pop. This is a time when the merchants of Tombstone along with the Legion and members, donate gifts for prizes and raffles. The proceeds of the Balloon Pop are added to the Children’s Christmas Fund. The Children’s Christmas Chairman, First Vice President Sandi Freeman has done a magnificent job collecting the donations. The Merchants of Tombstone have been extremely generous this year and we thank them sincerely. The balloons are sold for one dollar and the fun is infectious. The Balloon pop starts on Thursday at 4pm.

Sunday the 4th of July, during the barbeque that the Sons of The American Legion are cooking for us, the Junior Auxiliary Chairman and the Junior members will be selling ice cream, this will benefit our Junior program.

The date for the Annual Bizarre Bazaar is not in October this year as advertised. Due to another Legion Family function on the weekend of Corvettes and Ghost Riders, we will be having the Bizarre Bazaar on November the 6th and 7th, and that will coincide with the Western Music Festival.

God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Susan Schubert
At first glance, this may seem like a typo, but its not. Boots for Our Troops has given yet another $500 to the Veterans Outpost. This makes a total of $1,000 for 2010. All grants from Boots for Our Troops to the Outpost are 'earmarked' to be given for direct aid to veterans in need.

Minutes of Executive Committee
9 June 2010

1900: Commander Mike Stout called the meeting to order.

Roll taken, Mac on vacation all others present.

Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed that Due to the upheaval with the Senior Center we will not make our monthly donation until they get back on an even keel.

Discussion;
Report from house committee acting chairman, First Vice Commander, from meeting the second Monday of every month at 0900.
The Apache Market will no longer accept vouchers for gas.
Boots for Troops “Wiener Sales” made $56.62 after expenses.
Flag Day is Monday 6-14 there will be a flag burning at 1730.
Blood drive will be on the 29th.
The Shot Gun raffle is happening now.
Wyatt Earp Days parade is Saturday 6-12 at 1100.
The Legion Rider Pig Roast is also on Saturday, and all weekend, riders will do security and parking control.
Silver Rose is scheduled for 9 October Susan Shubert is the mover and shaker for this endeavor.
Recommend raising prices for drinks by $.25 across the board will address this and food prices at next meeting.
Balloon pop on the 4th of July.
Kitchen is losing money at a rate of $225.00 per week.

Discussion/Action: motion made and passed to accept a bid from David Weed in the amount of $1418.56 to replace the roof on the picnic area.

Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to authorize Mike Stout, Frank Molina and Don Aiton as delegates to the State Convention.

Discussion/Action; motion made and passed to close BINGO after the month of June, with options to be decided after that date.

Commander Mike Stout named the following persons to fill the following positions in the post, Don Aiton Adjutant, Frank Molina Sergeant at Arms, Jeff Badger as Chaplain, and Bob Zohlman as Judge Advocate.

2015 motion to adjourn, Commander Mike Stout closed the meeting

Submitted by: Adjutant Don Aiton
Approved By: Commander Mike Stout

Minutes of Regular Meeting
23 June 2010

1900: Commander Mike Stout called the meeting to order.

Roll taken, All officers present, with the exception of Don, Mac, and Terry.
Congratulations to Dick Perry the new Department Commander.

Minutes of last meeting approved, posted on bulletin board.

Finance Officer briefed on state of A.L. accounts, finance report approved subject to audit and posted on bulletin board.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept transferring members.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed Mike Stout and Dick Perry $200.00 to defray convention costs.

Discussion; Reports from Dick Perry and Mike Stout on Legion Convention.

2000 Commander Mike Stout closed the meeting.

Submitted by: Adjutant Don Aiton
Approved By: Commander Mike Stout

HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY
Buff Huntsman July 2, Independence Day July 4, Ralph Gonzales July 5, Kathyrn Waite July 6, Larry Braden July 7, Holly Towers and Cheryl Lindsey July 8, MJ Sullivan July 9, Lee Althaus July 10, Russel May July 15, Ernie Molina and Amanda Beesley July 16, Madelyn Perroti and Anna Graves July 19, Joy Westin, Dennis Harbison and Bob Hause July 20, Walt Lukasavage July 22, Richard Grinnell July 25, Nancy Sperry July 26, Billy Joe Cole and Frank Molina July 27, Janie Hause July 28.

Independence Day

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

Background
During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
“
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.[7]
One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth. Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary.

Observance
In 1777, thirteen gunshots were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.
In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held a celebration of July 4 with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".
In 1791 the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day" occurred.
In 1820 the first Fourth of July celebration was held in Eastport, Maine which remains the largest in the state.
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.

Customs
Independence Day is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.
Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the day off and, in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.
Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many fireworks from less restrictive states.
A salute of one gun for each state in the United States, called a “salute to the union,” is fired on Independence Day at noon by any capable military base.
In 2009, New York City had the largest fireworks display in the country, with over 22 tons of pyrotechnics exploded.. Other major displays are in Chicago on Lake Michigan; in San Diego over Mission Bay; in Boston on the Charles River; in St. Louis on the Mississippi River; and on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. During the annual Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, Detroit, Michigan hosts one of the world's largest fireworks displays, over the Detroit River, to celebrate Independence Day in conjunction with Windsor, Ontario's celebration of Canada Day.
While the official observance always falls on July 4th, participation levels may vary according to which day of the week the 4th falls on. If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, some fireworks displays and celebrations may take place during the weekend for convenience, again, varying by region.

Unique or Historical Celebrations
Held since 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States.
Since 1912, the Rebild Society, a Danish-American friendship organization, has held a July 4th weekend festival that serves as a homecoming for Danish-Americans in the Rebild section of Denmark.
Since 1916, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City supposedly started as a way to settle a dispute among four immigrants as to who was the most patriotic.
Since 1959, the International Freedom Festival is jointly held in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario during the last week of June each year as a mutual celebration of Independence Day and Canada Day (July 1). It culminates in a large fireworks display over the Detroit River.
Numerous major and minor league baseball games are played on Independence Day.
The famous Macy's fireworks display usually held over the East River in New York City has been televised nationwide on NBC since 1976. In 2009, the fireworks display was returned to the Hudson River for the first time since 2000 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of that river.
Since 1970, the annual 10 kilometer Peachtree Road Race is held in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Boston Pops Orchestra has hosted a music and fireworks show over the Charles River Esplanade called the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" annually since 1973. The event has been broadcast nationally since 2003 on CBS.
On the Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C., “A Capitol Fourth,” a free concert, precedes the fireworks and attracts over half a million people annually.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

JUNE 2010

2010-06-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, June 2, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, June 9, 7p
ALR Meeting, June 12, 9a
SAL Meeting, June 16, 6:30p
Post Meeting, June 23, 7p

Officer Installation and Dinner, Post, Auxiliary, Sons and Legion Riders…
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 1p. All are welcomed. Dinner will follow the installation ceremony. Slingo will be held as usual.

June Pot Luck, Monday, June 7, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.

ALR Pig Roast, Saturday June 12, join the after-ride roast and dance. Mata will provide the music. For more information see Michael Smith or posters at the Post.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p. 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 Fry!

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 thru 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!

FROM THE COMMANDER
Frank Molina

Well members, this will be my last newsletter. As your Commander it was an honor to serve you these last 3 years.
A special thanks goes to Don Aiton and his membership committee. Thank you to our Finance Officer, Jim Burns, for keeping our post finances and for keeping us going. Also thank you Barbara Klein and your bingo staff. Thank you Barbara. Thank you Diedre Nye, President of our Ladies Auxiliary and to its members, for your great support of our Post. Also, to Commander Kim Scott and the Sons of the American Legion, keep up the good work and thank you.
June 6th will be the installation of our new officers. So members, support your new Commander, Mike Stout, 1st Vice David DuBois and 2nd Vice Mike MacFarlan. Join your new officers to help make it through the night.
Thank you for all your help and support through the past years.
For God and Country…Frank Molina

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye

Unit 24 Report June 2010.
Here’s wishing you all a wonderful Summer Legion Family. In years past Unit 24 went “dark” for the summer, not this year, as there are many programs in effect that have to be addressed frequently. We will soon be having regular E-Board meetings so that the general meeting will not be so lengthy. We indeed have accomplished so much with our programs and we need to continue to be successful.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday the Second of June and Pot Luck will be on Monday the 7th of June.
To all of our members that volunteered with the Poppy Program thank you, our Poppy Chairman Susan Schubert has informed me that Tombstone and its visitors were most generous this year.
As you may have heard or seen in the Tombstone Gazette the Legion’s bar tender Mickey Filinuk has a son that was recently deployed. Before his departure, The American Legion Auxiliary presented Cody Filinuk, a graduate of Tombstone High School a promissory certificate for a Garmin Forerunner GPS watch with heart monitor. On Thursday the 27th of May, the watch was given to Mickey to send to his son.
On the 15th of May, Armed Forces Day the Southern Arizona Veterans Health Care System brought their “Blind Vets” for another visit to Tombstone. It is always a pleasure to take them to their favorite places. The OK Corral, the Tombstone Trolley tour and The Bird Cage Theater. This time they had to forgo the Trolley to save their energy for a trip to Davis Monthan later in the day.On the 21st of May, graduation day at Tombstone High School, Joshua Wills received a scholarship of $1,000.00 from Unit 24 Auxiliary, well done Joshua. The wind was blowing hard and the outside seating was full to capacity, 86 young men and women graduated that day.
On Sunday the 6th of June, our newly appointed Officers will be installed. There will be lunch and then at 3pm the Auxiliary will host Slingo.
On Saturday the 12th of June, The American Legion Auxiliary has been invited to march in The Buffalo Soldier Parade behind The American Legion, as we are always proud to be. So look for the sign up sheet in the bar.
On the 17th of June the American Legion yearly Convention is once again being held at Glendale. I look forward to seeing you there. For those members that cannot make it this year, please put it on the calendar for next year. We always return home with great ideas and renewed spirit.
God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24 Roy Fourr Tombstone

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee, 12 May

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 pay $25.00 more per month to the cleaning ladies for them to check the trash on a daily basis in the back room and check cleanliness of the hall after the monthly pot luck.
Ø Discussion; Report from house committee chairman, First Vice Commander, from meeting the second Monday of every month at 0900. The Auxiliary is having Bizarre Bizarre Oct. 2nd, no breakfast on the 13th of June, Memorial for Sherrie will be on May 19th from 1730 till 2000, Baloon pop on the 4th of July, shot gun drawing will be on the Sunday of Helldorado, Howard is volunteering to man the Weenie Wagon on Memorial Day, Silver Rose presentation and ride on 9 October.
Ø Discussion/Action: motion made and passed to give the head bartender a $50.00 per week raise.
Ø Discussion; Finance Officer gave a brief on the state of the legion finances, Bingo is on the verge of losing money that issue will be dealt with at the next meeting. The kitchen is losing money, need to keep track of that for another period of time and take action as required.
Ø 2010 motion to adjourn, Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting

Minutes of Regular Meeting, 26 May

Ø 1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Ø Roll taken, All officers present, with the exception of Kenny.
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 transferring members.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to give $45.00 for Buffalo Soldiers Parade.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to continue giving $200.00 per month to the food bank for the next year or as necessary.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to pay $200.00 for music services to Mata, for the ALR “Pig Roast” on June 12th.
Ø Discussions; Members thanked for their support by outgoing commander Frank Molina. Memorial Day activities 0730 ceremony at the cemetery after the placement of flags at 0630, Ceremony in front of the legion at 1100. There will be a ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery at 1400 in Sierra Vista with a reception at the VFW to follow. There is a golf tournament in the planning stages with the Marine Corps League to support Wounded Warriors in the fall. The “Boots for the Troops” campaign will be over on Memorial Day.

Ø 1955 Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Happy Birthday

Susan Schubert, James Fought and Carol Ramsey June 3, Julia Goodman June 4, Kathy Smith June 6, Steve Phillips and Gene Simpson June 10, Tom McClure June 12, US Army (1775) June 14, William Charon and Ron Rogers June 15, Jake Gessner June 16, Elaine Perry June 22, Dick Bauer June 23, George Jones and John Escarcega June 25, Sharon Harris June 28, Cathy Traywick June 29

MAY 2010

2010-05-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, May 5, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, May 8, 9a
E-Board Meeting, May 12, 7p
SAL Meeting, May 19, 6:30p
Post Meeting, May 26, 7p

JUNE Pot Luck, Monday, June 7, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p. 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 Fry!

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

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye

Dear Ladies of the Auxiliary, Roy Fourr Unit 24. May is Poppy month, the month when the rest of the Country remembers our veterans. We here in Tombstone remember our veterans every day of the year, it was indeed a memorable day when we were able to open the Auxiliary’s Veterans Outpost.

On Wednesday the 28th of April, Boots for Troops gave Unit 24 a grant for $500.00 for the Veterans Outpost. What a great organization, they have also given us support throughout this past year. When you see the boot, and you could see it anywhere, in a restaurant or in your Post, you know that your donation is only going to your veterans.

Wednesday 5th of May 2010Unit 24 Roy Fourr Officers for 2010/2011;
President Deirdre Nye
1st Vice President Sandi Freeman
2nd Vice President Susan Schubert
Historian Lillian Hritz
Chaplain Ann Graves
Treasurer Jerri Johnson
Sergeant at Arms Ann Bliss
E-Board Mary Jo Burns
E-Board Phyllis Deloia
E-Board Dee Dee Molina

Memorial weekend the 29th the 30th and the 31st we will be presenting our poppies to the public for donations. The poppy that has come to be symbolic of the veteran. Second Vice Chairman Susan Schubert is our Poppy Chairman; please let her know if you are available to help.

For our members that may not know, Unit 24 has a new program. We have volunteers that take our veterans and our seniors to medical appointments. Please let Susan or me know if you would like to volunteer.

As many of you know, we presented three GPS watches to the warrior children of our members, Tony and David Lopez and Mathew Deloia. Thursday the 6th of May we will be presenting a GPS watch to the grandson of District President Sencie Patchin, Chase Kovlowski and one to the son of bartender Mickie Filinuk, Cody Filiinuk. Both young men are heading into war. We pray for their safe return. Thank you all Legion Family for helping us with your time and donations that enables us to possibly make this a tradition until the wars end.

On the 9th of May, Mother’s Day, after Slingo there will be a drawing for a Mother’s Day door prize.

Tentatively we are looking at a visit fom Kelly, Rita and the “Blind Veterans” from the Tucson V.A. on the 15th of May. Please let me know if you can volunteer. They do so enjoy Tombstone.
A thank you to all that participated in the Rose Parade, it was as always a fun day.
On Monday the 31st of May, we need volunteers to put the flags and markers on the graves of our veterans and members. We will be removing them again in the evening.There will be a Ceremony at the Tombstone Cemetery and there will be a Memorial in front of the Legion at 11am on the 31st.

Finally yet importantly, this months Pepsi Grant goes to The American Legion’s Scholarship Fund for veterans children.

Thank you all for what you have done for our Veterans and their families and our community.

God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24

FROM THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Kim Scott
Here are the results of the Son’s elections….Commander: Kim Scott1st Vice Commander: Jim Bugg2nd Vice Commander: Bob TupperFinance Officer: Kip Kersey

FROM THE ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The next meeting of the ALR will be Saturday May 8 at 9am. There will be a ride on Thursday May 20. We will ride to Willcox to meet those who participate in the “Ride to the Wall”.

FROM VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
Thank you Boots for Our Troops for another $500 grant to the Veterans Outpost.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Regular Meeting
28 April 2010

Ø 1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Ø Roll taken, All officers present, forty members attended the meeting it would be nice if we could have that many for every meeting.
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 members.
Ø Elections held: Mike Stout ran unopposed and is the new Commander. David DuBois ran unopposed and is the new 1st Vice Commander. Mike McKay, Mike MacFarland, ran for 2nd Vice Commander and in a close race Mike MacFarland is the new 2nd Vice Commander. Jim Burns ran unopposed and is the returning Finance Officer. Russ Freeman, Don Aiton, Ernie Molina, Kenny Seifert and, Bob Schwartz ran for the two openings on the Executive Committee, it also was very close. Don Aiton and Bob Schwartz are the new Executive Committee members.
Ø Discussions; Members thanked for their support of the elections and reminded that there are a lot of jobs in support of our legion and thanks for all who took the time and effort to run for the various offices. We are about 20 members short of our 100% membership goal and lets try to get over that hump…
1955 Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Happy Birthday
Irma Escarcega May 10, Ken Robinson May 15, Jerre Johnson and Kay Scott May 16, Gary Reroest and Rosie Harbison May 20, Ronald Henry May 23, Ed Johnson May 26, Tom Kern, Jerry Goggins May 28, Mary Field and Jerome Richardson May 30.

IN MEMORIA
REMEMBERING CHERIE QUINLIN
There will be a gathering of friends and family at the American Legion Club, Post 24, on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 5:30pm-8:00pm.You are invited to drop by, share stories and sign a remembrance book for her family. Please join us!

In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved,
and now we lieIn Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

http://www.usmemorialday.org/

April 2010

2010-04-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, April 7, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, April 10, 9a
E-Board Meeting, April 14, 7p
SAL Meeting, April 21, 6:30p
Post Meeting, April 28, 7p (Elections)

Pot Luck, Monday, April 5, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p. 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 Fry!

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 thru 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!

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
April is Children and Youth Month, and the month of the Military Child. At the Fall Conference, all Units were challenged to give $1.00 for every member of their Unit to CWF. We were all given a small yellow pig to fill with change. Needless to say we have 366 members and the four yellow pigs and one canister that was given to us by Sheila Galloway, the Department Chairman for Children and Youth will have to be filled several times to make that challenge, especially since a good deal of our members are seasonal. We will have them out at our meetings and on Sundays when the Auxiliary hosts Slingo. Sheila Galloway was the guest of Sencie Patchin at District 3’s meeting in Benson on the 14th of March. A great spaghetti dinner, thank you President Melissa DiPeso and members of Unit 45.

On the 17th of March, The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 hosted a suicide prevention class held at the historical Fire Station on Toughnut Street, now used as Tombstone’s Senior Center. The Southern Arizona V. A. Health Care System Coordinator Cheryle Phelan, LCSW administered the training. Twenty-one people attended, including Tombstone Fire Fighters, two Officers from the Marshal’s office and The American Legion Auxiliary. One Auxiliary member came from Unit 62 in Phoenix. All were presented with certificates.

On Thursday the 18th of March 2010, along with celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, which was on the 17th, The American Legion celebrated their 91st Birthday. What a fitting day to honor three of Tombstones best. Anthony Lopez and his twin brother David, both United States Marines, were here briefly to visit their family and friends before deployment again to Afghanistan. The American Legion Post 24 Tombstone, The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 Tombstone, The Wild West Detachment Marine Corp League Tombstone, The Sons of The American Legion Squadron 24, and The Lopez Family donated funds to purchase two 550 Organ GPS Rangefinders for these young heroes. Deirdre Nye President of The American Legion Auxiliary read the contents of the documents then handed them to Dee Dee Molina the Auxiliary’s Legion Liaison to present them to the young Marines. Phyllis Deloia an Executive Board member of Unit 24’s Auxiliary received a GPS watch for her son Mathew Deloia who is serving his Country at this moment in Afghanistan.

Kelly and Rita came from the V.A. on the 20th of March bringing with them the Blind Veterans. As always, they had a great time. A big thanks to all that volunteered, and to Terry Dolphin who makes a cake every time they visit, this months cake thanked our Blind Veterans for their Service.

April 1st about 7.30pm there will be a drawing for the wonderful Bunny Rabbit. Good luck everyone.

We will be draping The Charter during April‘s meeting. It is a time to remember our beloved members that have passed away this past year and also those dear to us that remain constantly in our thoughts.

The Nominating committee will bring the slate to the assembly; nominations will be open until voting on May the 5th.

We are happy to announce the inception of a new Auxiliary program. Beginning this month, Unit 24 will modestly reimburse, based on actual mileage driven, any member of the Legion family who assists a veteran, a veteran's family member, or a senior citizen from our community by driving them to a doctor's appointment, grocery shopping or any other essential errand. We realize many of you already assist in this way, so let us know what you are doing. We are also looking for volunteers who can occasionally drive someone who has no one else to turn to. In order to qualify for the mileage reimbursement, we must have a copy of your valid drivers license and current insurance on file, and you will need to fill out a simple form which can be found on the bulletin board in the hall. The data we gather from this program will assist in meeting the future needs for transportation in our area for our veterans and our community.

The Mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to serve veterans, their families and their communities, and the Vision Statement: The American legion Auxiliary enriches the quality of life of those we serve and our members. At Unit 24 Roy Fourr in Tombstone, we try every day to live up to that statement.

God Bless. Deirdre Nye President, Unit 24 Tombstone.

FROM THE ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The next meeting of the ALR will be Saturday April 10 at 9am.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
Thanks to the generosity of the Tombstone Legionnaires, the Veterans Outpost will soon have a regular column in the Tombstone Gazette. Watch for 'Dispatches from the Veterans Outpost' for news of interest to Veterans.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee
10 March 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 pay a $4.99 per month fee a maintenance contract on the video system to ADT that the Sons of Legion at a cost of $1806.00 is paying to have installed.
Ø Discussion; Report from house committee chairman, First Vice Commander, from meeting 2nd Tuesday of every month. The Auxiliary is having a Yard Sale on the 27th of March and will accept donations. Spruce up the entryway to the Legion. There will be a suicide prevention counseling/training session on 17 March sponsored by the auxiliary. The polygraph tests were inconclusive but the stealing from veterans has got to stop.
Ø Discussion/Action: motion made and passed to give the head bartender a $1500.00 bonus for his hard work getting the kitchen operating.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to make Cindy Cole the T-Shirt Tzar.
Ø Motion/Action; Motion made and passed to have any employees that have not worked in 90 days to be removed from the employment roles, the Adjutant will write letter to persons affected. This is necessary to keep our employee number below ten.

Ø 1945 motion to adjourn, Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Minutes of Regular Meeting
24 March 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 Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept new and transferring members.
Ø Report from nominating committee: The following expressed interest in the following posts and are placed in nomination, Mike Stout Commander, David Duboise, 1st Vice Commander, Mike McKay, Bill Pakinkis, Mike MacFarland, 2nd Vice, Jim Burns, Finance Officer, Russ Freeman, Don Aiton, Ernie Molina, Kenny Seifert, Bob Schwartz, Executive Committee. The elections will be held at the next regular meeting, nominations will be accepted from the floor at that time. Nominated persons must be present or have a letter accepting the nomination given to the Adjutant.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to re-raffle shotgun to have the drawing during Helldorado the proceeds will be shared equally with the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons, and Legion Riders.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to give a voucher to BINGO volunteers for a free meal from the kitchen.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to buy new light weight tables for the meeting room, there has been $120.00 donated for this effort, the E-Board will explore the cost and create a fund for this.
Ø Discussions; Dick Perry thanked the post for their support in his run for Commander. John Schweitzer gave a report on the Boots For Troops program; it is in Arizona only program with ninety six percent of the proceeds going to returning troop and veteran’s support. Our Outreach program received a significant grant from this program. The Post needs to get behind and support this.
Ø 1945 Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Happy Birthday
Mike Stout April 1, Mary Jo Burns April 2, Edwin Smith April 4, Hillary Ciochetti April 10, Lenny Gilberg and Abraham Gonzales April 12, Dave Rockwell April 13, Claire Richardson and Olivia Richardson April 15, Marty Towner April 16, John McCullough April 17, Dave Shahn and Dave Weed April 21, Judy Morton April 22, Evelyn Holder April 23, Anthony Molina April 26.

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.

A Poem Worth Reading
He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer For a Soldier died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them, For it is so many times That our Bobs and Jims and Johnny's, Went to battle, but we know, It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier-- His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end. He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,
wrote a blank cheque made payable to 'The UK' or
'The United States' , ‘Canada’, ‘Australia’, for an amount
"up to and including my life."
That is Honour, and there are way too many people
in this country who no longer understand it.

MARCH 2010

2010-03-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

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, March 3, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, March 10, 7p
ALR Meeting, March 13, 9a
District 3 Meeting, in Benson, March 14, 1:30p
SAL Meeting, March 17, 6:30p
Blind Vets, Saturday March 20
Post Meeting, March 24, 7p

Harry Birthday to the American Legion!! March 15th – March 17th, 1919! Look for postings regarding the celebration that will take place on Thursday, March 18th. All members are invited. Please come and join in the fun!

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

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p. 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 Fry!

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 thru 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!

FROM THE COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Just a reminder to all our Post members that March 18th is our Post 24 Birthday celebration. So come on down to the Post and help celebrate 91 years in service and still going strong.

Also I would like to thank those members that were at the general meeting. It makes me very happy to see new members. Keep up the good work.

On March 14th there is a District 3 meeting in Benson at 1:30p. So be sure to attend. You do not need an invitation to attend this meeting or our Post general meeting.
I guess by now most of our home town members know that the kitchen is being run by the Post and it is doing great! A big thanks goes to Jeff, our lead bartender, and cooks Brenda and Tim for the wonderful job they are doing. They have a diverse selection at very moderate prices!

Well members, I guess that is all for this month. Just remember one thing; take care of your family. Hug them and tell them how much you love them. And don’t forget our troops and veterans. Keep them in your prayers.

“Good working members are hard to find. Embrace them with open arms.”

For God and Country
Frank

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
March is not Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is in October, however this Chair believes every month is breast cancer awareness month. We have available for our members that are interested, a pamphlet on what one should look for, and how to detect changes. These instructional pamphlets are in the Auxiliary office, any of our Officers would be more than happy to give you one at any time.

The blind veterans from the V. A. Hospital in Tucson were over one half an hour early the Saturday of the sixth of February. They look forward to visiting Post 24. It has always been on of their favorite spots to visit and we have been fortunate to see the return of many. Each time they return to Tucson it is to learn additional skills to be able to cope with the severity of their blindness. The Veterans come from all over the South West and as far East as Mississippi.
As this Chair wrote last month the training session was so helpful. For those that would like to help that did not attend the class there is a brief study paper in the Auxiliary office, just ask one of our Officers or Chairmen to get one for you.

The Blind Veterans had to gather in the Club area, as a Memorial for Steve Weisener, AKA “Canary” took place in the Legion Hall. Steve’s mother Nellie Baker also now deceased was a prominent member of Unit 24. His sister Susan Caddy gave a generous donation to our Auxiliary of $100.00 for the Auxiliary’s assistance. This Chair wants to thank Dee Dee Molina for the incredible amount of work, attention to detail and personal help she gave the family. A great thank you goes to Mary Jo Burns for enabling Dee Dee to be able to make this happen.

Kelly, from the V.A. will be bringing the Blind Veterans from The V. A. Hospital again on March the 20th. Please watch for flyers. There will only be twelve this time so thank you in advance to our volunteers.

Mardi Gras, it was a great happening. Good fun good music and our own Mary Jo won a prize for her mask.

During the next meeting on the 3rd of March, the Unit will put together a Nominating Committee. April’s meeting on the 7th will be nominations and the elections will be on May the 5th, Cinco de Mayo. We hear there may be a celebration that day, we look forward to it. We will be draping The Charter in April. It is a time to remember our beloved members that have passed away this past year and also those dear to us that remain constantly in our thoughts.
Easter is approaching rapidly. Look for the flyers and be a part of Easters celebrations. There will be more in April’s news letter.

The House Committee is having a party on the 18th of March, a celebration for the birthday of The American Legion and St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is really the 17th; however we will enjoy the festivities on the 18th. The Auxiliary will be raffling a giant Easter Bunny and will be holding the draw on the 1st of April.

District 3 will have a meeting in Benson on Sunday the 14th of March. Our Sergeant at Arms attends these meetings and as she is also Slingo Chairman. We need volunteers to sign to work for that Sunday.

There is an exiting new way to turn your vacations and other travel needs into donations. Visit your American Legion Auxiliary Travel website www.ALAtravels.com , you will find the same airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more, just the same as other travel websites. You will get great travel prices and you will find American Legion Auxiliary all-inclusive group tours. Each time you book travel, a significant portion of the travel commission will go to the American Legion auxiliary to support their programs and services. Let’s ask all of our friends and relatives to support our Auxiliary by booking their travels at www.ALAtravels.com.

Cheryle Philan, the Suicide Coordinator from the V. A. Hospital in Tucson will be holding a Suicide prevention class at the Veterans Outpost at 121 S. Fourth Street, on the 17th of March, at 6.00pm. Please call me at 520-678-0392 to let me know if you will be attending, as twelve fire fighters from the Tombstone Fire Brigade will be with us. If indeed there are more taking the class than our Outpost can accommodate we will post the location on the blog. Please also check the notice boards for updates.
God Bless.

FROM THE ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
Next meeting for ALR24 will be at 0900 on 13 March. After last months meeting on Feb 13, some members of ARL24 rode to see Dave Weed in the hospital. He seemed to be doing good and said it was great that we came by to see him.

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
I would like to thank all the wonderful ladies from our district units who helped prepare and attend our 2nd Annual District 3 Initiation Tea in Tombstone. With your help and participation it was a WONDERFUL and very MEMORABLE event. Your Participation and attention to the Auxiliary Programs makes our organization ever stronger.

Our next District Meeting is this month on Sunday March 14th in Benson at 1:30 PM. Please remember that all auxiliary members are encouraged to attend the district meetings and take back the information to your units/posts. We will be taking nominations for district officers this month. I hope to see more of you than ever there! The District meeting will be at San Pedro Methodist Church 636 S Highway 80.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee
10 February 2010

1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
- Roll taken, Mac excused all others present.
-Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.
-Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to charge a refundable $50.00 cleaning fee for outside entities using the kitchen facilities.
-Discussion; Report from house committee chairman, First Vice Commander, from meeting 2nd Tuesday of every month. Valentines party on the 13th of Feb. St. Patrick’s Day and Post Birthday party on that day, MCL meeting Feb 21, Ladies Auxiliary tea on Feb. 27th 3:30 pm, Internment of Ron Watts, Legion member who went to Post Everlasting at 11 am on 10 March.
-Discussion/Action: Motion made and passed to install ADT alarm system at a cost of $1074.00 with a monthly fee of $42.99 BINGO fund will pay.
-Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to open a separate checking account for the kitchen.
-Motion/Action; Motion made and passed to have the Lie Detector administered to four people at a cost of $200.00 each and to pay for expenses to and from Tucson.
-Discussions: Ron Cole instructed to have hall Thermostat sent to 60 when not in use and 73 when there is something going on in meeting room. Need to have an outside contractor survey, bid and fix electrical problems by adding circuits as required, Ron Cole will supervise this evolution. Attaboy to Jeff for the supervising the opening and operation of the kitchen, food is better and cheaper and making money.
-2010 Motion to adjourn, Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Minutes of Regular Meeting
24 February 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 Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept new and transferring members.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $100.00 for Green sponsorship for Ringo’s golf tournament.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $100.00 for Green sponsorship for Arizona VA benefit golf tournament.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $200.00 for Tombstone High School Renaissance program.
Ø Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $250.00 for watches for deploying Marines.
Ø Discussions; Nominating committee formed for next years officer elections, the members are Michael Stout, Michael McKay, and David Duboise. The Sons of the Legion $2000.00 for installing security camera system. The security system is installed and operating, thanks to BINGO. We need all members who have volunteered for legion activities to contact the Adjutant so you will be included in our annual post data form.
Ø 1935 Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Happy Birthday
Jay Rodriguez Mar 4, Ben Jacobs and U.S. Navy Seals Mar 5, Frank Chadwick Mar 6, Anna Linn Mar 7, Jimmy Harvel Mar 9, “Grandpa” Van Curtis and Gwen Bennett Mar 11,
Gail Johnson and Daniel Short Mar 13, Jim Coder and William Workman Mar 17, The American Legion, Mar 18, Joe Huntsman Mar 19, Bob McKee and Jim Burns Mar 20, Mary Musich and Lisa Finn Mar 22, Al Jepsen Mar 24, Robert Gignac Mar 26, Carol Shaffer and Lu Proll Mar 27

In Memoriam
Joe E Turley, of Spartanburg, SC and member of our Post for many years, died February 16, 2010. He is a cousin to Bill Workman and always loved his visits to Tombstone and the Post. He enjoyed being known as "Cousin Joe" while in Tombstone

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.

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS

2010-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

December 2009

2009-11-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

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 and Special Events
Auxiliary Meeting, Dec 2, 7pm
E-Board Meeting, Dec 9, 7p
ALR Meeting, Dec 12, 9a
SAL Meeting, Dec 16, 6:30p
Post Meeting, Dec 23, 7p

Early Bird Dinner, Dec 6, 5:30-7:30p (Dues must have been paid by November 11)

Children’s Christmas Party, Dec 13, 2-4p

Member’s Only, Christmas Eve Party, Dec 24, 6-8p (Be prepared to show your card.and please bring finger food to share.)

New Year’s Eve Celebration, Dec 31, karaoke and snacks, watch the boards for details.

Pot Luck, Monday, Dec 7, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share or a $4 donation. We will no longer be using dinner themes. Bring in your favorite covered dish or dessert 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. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

Karaoke and Taco’s, every Thursday @ 5:30p.
There will be no Karaoke and Taco’s on Thursday December 24.

Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. Enjoy Café Legionnaire’s Friday Fish!
There will be no BINGO on Dec 25 or Jan 1. Games are closed for those holidays.

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

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p. Thursday is taco night and there is a fish fry each Friday.

Call For Gently Used Coats
Once again Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting gently used coats and sweaters for the under privileged children of Douglas and orphaned children in Agua Prieta Mexico. Clothing can be dropped off at the Legion. Don and Karen will be making a clothing run to the Douglas Fire Department on Tuesday December 8. It would be great if you could bring your offering to either the pot luck or to the early bird dinner or any time that is convenient.

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well Legionnaires, the month of November is gone and it was a tough one. As some of you know several of our Post Officers were ill to where our color guard couldn’t perform in the Douglas Veteran’s Day parade. But thank God they have mended pretty well and are back on the job. A big thank you to Past Commander David Dubois for performing the Veteran’s Day ceremonies at the Post. Also a thank you goes out to all members who helped on Thanksgiving Day serving dinner to the townsman of Tombstone.

December is upon us and its going to be a busy month for the Post. Don’t forget the Early Bird dinner, for those members who paid their 2010 dues by November 11, December 6, 5:30-7:30pm. On December 13th the Post will again sponsor the Children’s Christmas Party, 2-4pm. Further information on this event is posted at the Post.

Last but not least, Merry Christmas to all military men and women serving in uniform, all veterans and their families, and all Post 24 members, including the Auxiliary, S.A.L. and American Legion Riders.

Until we meet again, Frank Molina, Comander

Auxiliary President
Deirdre Nye
On Tuesday the 10th of November, Vice Commander Michael Stout of Post 24, along with 2nd Vice President Susan Schubert of Unit 24 conducted a POW MIA Ceremony at Walter J. Meyer School in Tombstone. Educating the children also on who a Veteran is.

The 11th of November at 11am saw a joint Legion and Auxiliary Service. Past Commander of Post 24 David Dubois and Post 24 Chaplain Richard Perry spoke for the Legion. Unit 24 President Deirdre Nye, District 3 President Sencie Patchin and District 3 Chaplain/Unit 24 Chaplain Ann Graves represented the Auxiliary. With braids and berets, our Unit Color Guard stood with the Legion manning the flags.

Friday the 13th of November, Unit 24’s President Deirdre Nye, along with the Mayor of Tombstone Dusty Escapule, the Marshal of Tombstone Larry Talvy and 2nd Vice Commander David Weed welcomed Major Drew Dennis Dix, Army Retired, to Roy Fourr Post 24 and to Tombstone. Major Dix, a Medal of Honor recipient was given honorary Citizenship of Tombstone, was sworn in as a Deputy Marshal and welcomed home.

Department President Debbie Collins official Visit to Post 52 for the District meeting was a great success. The members of Unit 52 were great hosts; the food was extremely good the roast beef was excellent. Four members of Unit 24 attended. Members of Unit 24 gave a basket of gifts for President Collins Special Project “Wounded Warriors”.

The American Legion did it again. A great Thanksgiving on the 26th as members of the Legion, the Auxiliary, and the Sons of the Legion again served the town of Tombstone Thanksgiving dinner cooked by the Café Legionnaire.

Christmas is coming
The goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old mans hat
If you haven’t got a penny
A ha’penny will do
If you haven’t got a ha’penny
Then God Bless you.

That was a very old Christmas poem. We Auxiliary are not putting out the hat, however we still have 2009 poppies if any one would like to have them. You will find them amongst the Christmas decorations. Our Veterans benefit always by your generous donations.

The 2nd of December at 4.30pm will find the Auxiliary members stuffing Christmas stockings for the children of Tombstone and family of Post 24 members. A big thanks to the “Children’s Christmas Party” Chairman Sandi Freeman and her Committee for their dedication. At 6.30, we will break for our General Meeting, then continue Stuffing stocking until finished.

The Children’s Christmas Party is Sunday the 13th of December from 2pm until 4pm We will be setting up at 12.30 pm. Home made cookies are welcome. We are sure that snacks of all kinds will delight the children. Thank you in advance to all our volunteers.
It takes at least three volunteers preferably four to have an enjoyable afternoon whilst helping our Auxiliary with our weekly fundraiser Slingo. For members who enjoy volunteering together the sign up sheet is in the Club Room in the pool table area next to the Charter list.

The American Legion Auxiliary, Roy Fourr Unit 24 wishes every one a very Merry Christmas.God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24

American Legion Riders
Michael Smith
ALR Post 24 will be riding in support of the Wild West Days parade. ALR will depart Post 24 at 1015 on 13 DEC. with 3x5 flags uncased to the staging area.

AZ ALR Annual Camp-out and Pig Roast will be held in Tombstone for 2010. This is estimated to bring about 300 ALR to town. The dates of the event is 11, 12 and 13 June 2010. American Legion Post 24 will be the main rally and event location.

ALR Post 24 will host the Order of The Silver Rose on 2 OCT. 2010 at Post 24

Auxiliary Membership Update
Mary Jo Burns
The Ladies Auxiliary membership is doing great! We have reached 79% of our 2010 goal, 76% were early birds. Remember, after January 1, 2010, our dues increase to $25.00 for seniors but remain $5.00 for juniors. If you have any questions, please call Mary Jo Burns at 520-457-9494.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee
11 November 2009

1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Roll taken, All present.
Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to have the “Early Bird” dinner on December 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 the kitchen will make the dinner for a fee of $150.00 and legion family will pay for the product. Roast beef with potatoes, vegetables, salad, and rolls.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to have a door guard on Thursday nights, special occasions and during Slingo, the club will pay for Thursdays and special occasions and the Sons will pay for Saturday Slingo and the Ladies will pay for Sunday Slingo.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to have Ron Cole the heat/air conditioning CZAR he will be the only one allowed to adjust the thermostats and will have custody of the keys.

Discussion; EXIT light needs to be replaced; Need to have more than one custodian for scratcher machine, Don and Jim will be trained; Need to re-construct the front door, 2nd Vice, will handle.

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

Submitted by: Adjutant: Don Aiton

Minutes of Regular Meeting
25 November 2009

1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Roll taken, Don Aiton excused.
Minutes of last meeting approved, posted on bulletin board.
Finance Officer briefed on state of A.L. accounts, finance report approved subject to audit and posted on bulletin board.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept new and transferring members.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $250.00 for State Convention pamphlet.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $250.00 to the TAA for Christmas plates for needy families.

Reports; Dick Perry, Mike Stout, Frank Molina, and Russ Freeman gave reports on the Fall Conference at Lake Havasu.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to reimburse above members $200.00 each to cover expenses of Fall Conference.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to make needed repairs to front door, and heating/air-conditioning system, price to be determined as required.

Discussion; Auxiliary President gave a presentation of suicide prevention seminar to be held in December, the Legion supports this effort.

1942: Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Submitted by: Adjutant Don Aiton

SICK CALL
Please remember Evelyn Holder, Barbara McKinnon, Anna Graves and Cherie Quinlin in your prayers. Evelyn Leilightner is home and doing very well.

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY
Leroy Colomy, Dec 2, Kim Plett, Dec 4, John McDaniel, Dec 5, Katie Sherman, Dec 8, Juan Esquer, Dec 9, Cheryl Braden and Linda Thompson, Dec 15, Steve Essary, Dec 16, Ron Cole, Joseph Fox, and Dee Dee Molina, Dec 18, Tony Perotti, Dec 21, Bob Schwartz, Dec 25, Mike McKay, Dec 30, Joe Harvey, Dec 31.

Member Christmas Eve Party
The Member party will take place on Christmas Eve, 6-8p. Members are encouraged to bring in a desert or finger food to share. All entrants will be carded so be sure to bring your 2009 Legion Card. There will be no karaoke or tacos this night. Don’t forget to take a chance on the “basket of cheer”.

November 2009

2009-11-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Special Pot Luck Announcement

2009-10-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

POT LUCK
TURKEY FEST

MONDAY NOVEMBER 2

THE FUN BEGINS AT 6:30P…

THE LADIES AUXILIARY WILL PROVIDE THE TURKEY AND WELCOMES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO BRING YOUR FAVORITE TRIMMINGS OR A $4.00 DONATION!

THERE WILL BE DOOR PRIZES!

October 2009

2009-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

2009-09-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
SEPTEMBER 2009

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, Sept 2
E-Board Meeting, Sept 9, 7p
ALR Meeting, Sept 12, 9a
SAL Meeting, Sept 16, 6:30p
Post Meeting, Sept 23, 7p
District Meeting, Sept 27, 1:30 pm, Bisbee

Special Events
9/11 Memorial Parade, Sept 12, 11a
Dance, Supporting the Food Bank, Sept 12, 7-11 pm
ALR Picnic Ride, Sept 13, 9am
Pot Luck, Sept 14, 6:30 pm
Sock Hop, Sept 19, 7-11 pm
Rita and the Vets, October 3, 10am
Bizarre Bazaar, October 10

Pot Luck, Monday, September 14, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share or a $4 donation. The theme is English. Note the date change due to Labor Day!

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. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

Karaoke and Taco’s, every Thursday @ 5:30p.

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

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

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p. Thursday is taco night and there is a fish fry each Friday.

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well Legionnaire’s, here we are again. The month of August is gone and September is here. As many of you may know the Post is sponsoring a 9/11 Memorial Parade. It will be held on Saturday September 12 beginning at 11am. Please join us at 10:30 am by the Silver Nugget and Bird Cage Theater to line up to march. The parade will be followed by a memorial on the front lawn of the Post. A special thanks goes to Mike Stout and Al Jepson for their hard work on this special event.

A special thanks also goes out to Adjutant Don Aiton and all of his helpers for the wonderful job they are doing on membership. Also, thanks to all Post Officers, especially Terry, for keeping up on the odds and ends of the Post. ’Til we meet again, for God and Country, Commander Molina.

Auxiliary President
Deirdre Nye
I hope every one has had a wonderful summer. It surely has been a hot dry one for Tombstone.
Unit 24 may have gone dark for the summer, our caring for our Veterans and Community did not stop. We were on call for all of those in need.

At the Department Workshop in Phoenix the officers learnt that any member that is out of Arizona can still turn in her Community Service hours served in another State to her home Unit. This is wonderful for members that are hoping for an award. For our out of State members please keep track of those hours and give them to Sandi Freeman Vice President of Unit 24 when you return to Tombstone. Many of our year round members would be eligible for pins at the end of the year so please keep track ladies and give Sandi your Community Service hours. Examples of Community Service; Volunteer at your Church, at the library, at museums, hospitals, elderly assistance homes, at blood drives, helping the Red Cross, helping at the Senior Center, helping with meals for others, community cleanup projects and all children’s’ programs.

September 2nd is the first meeting after going dark for the summer.
Labor Day Weekend, please have a fun and safe weekend.

September 12th is the 9-11 Memorial Parade. The Parade starts at 11am. The Commander wants us to be at the rallying point at 6th and Allen by 10.30 am. Our Legion has asked The Auxiliary to supply the finger food for the participants after the Memorial Parade. Finger food, cookies, any easily made and easily cleaned up dish as we do not want to burden the kitchen. Thanks to the donation of mass quantities of various breads by Marge Bouton we will be making sandwiches starting at 9am. Three members already have volunteered to bring egg, cucumber and tuna for fillings. We have been told that there will be a great many participants in the Parade, so we will be in need of more sandwich fillings, perhaps cheese, meats etc. and if you can only donate time that is fine with us, as we will have to work quickly to set up and be ready for the Parade.

September 12th from 7:00pm until 11:00pm in the American Legion hall the Food Bank of Tombstone is hosting a “Support the Food Bank of Tombstone” fund raiser. There will be dancing to the music of J-Bird a well-known and appreciated local band.

September 14th we will be having Pot Luck. The first Monday is a holiday so pot luck will be on the second Monday. This month’s theme is “English”, as always it starts at 6.30 pm.

September 19th from 7.00pm until 11pm is the second Annual Sock Hop. It was a great success last year; Post 52 took away most of the prizes. We will enjoy dancing to the music of the 50’s and 60’s with our own Taco night Mike as D.J., with more fun and prizes this year. It is going to be great. September 19th is also the day that Jim and Brenda Diekman will be renewing their vows. The Café Legionnaire will of course be closed for the event; however Jim and Brenda will be donating from the Café, platters of food for the Sock Hop.

September 27th There will be a District meeting in Bisbee at 1.30. The 27th is a Sunday. District 3 President Sencie Patchin will post the location as soon as she is informed.

October 10th is the second annual Bizarre Bazaar. Tables are still available, a table rents for $15.00. To reserve a table please call Sandi Freeman at 508-2737.
God Bless

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Susan Schubert
On Saturday, August 29, our Legion hosted a Silver Rose award ceremony honoring six area veterans: Don Bush, David Dubois, Dennis Giles, Ron Heilman, Ernest Molina, and Frank Stone.

Thanks to the mutual efforts of the Legion, the Auxiliary, the Sons of the Legion, the Legion Riders, the Honor Guard, Cafe Legionnaire, the VFW Riders, and basically everyone wearing many different hats, the hall was packed. Riders in the motorcade were from ALR Post 24, ALR Post 52, San Pedro VFW Riders, Thunder Mountain VFW Riders, Sky Islands VFW Riders and Picacho Peak VFW Riders. Special thanks to Mike Smith, Jim Bugg, Frank Biscardi and Ken Thorp for coordinating more than 40 motorcycles into a cohesive motorcade. Thanks to Marshall Talvy for providing a very effective police escort. To Cindy and Ron Cole and Deb Stone for providing water to all the riders. To Deidre Nye for using her snazzy new convertible to carry 2 honorees in the motorcade, as well as giving an introductory prayer. To Legion Sgt. at Arms Chuck Klein, Mike Stout, and Russ Freeman for an excellent Honor Guard presentation. To Commander Frank Molina for introducing the speaker. To Buffalo Rick Galeener, Arizona Coordinator for the Order of the Silver Rose, who conducted the ceremony and provided the awards. To Anne Bliss for her invaluable assistance in properly setting the room and during the ceremony. To Brenda and her kitchen for the heroic production of hamburgers. To bartenders Ken Seifert and Kathy Weed who efficiently ran a bar packed full of soda pop drinkers.

But, most especially, thank you to the honorees for allowing all of us to finally say, "Welcome Home".

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
I sure hope that everyone has had a wonderful summer. I just want to remind everyone that this months District 3 Meeting will be held on Sept. 27, at 1:30PM in Bisbee. I did attend the Department Presidents workshop in Phoenix in August and Unit 24 President Deirdra Nye will be talking to us about the Department President Special Project. We will also be having another quest speaker and I will get that information out to everyone when I get all of the details. Also a reminder that Our Department Presidents visit will be November 8 at 1:30PM in Sierra Vista. See you in Bisbee.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
Our next meeting is 12 SEP. at 0900. That same day we will be riding in the 9/11 remembrance parade in Tombstone. On 13 SEP Post 24 ALR will be riding to Parker Canyon Lake for our first annual ALR Post 24 picnic. On 29 AUG we had a good turn out to show support for our honored Veterans with the Order of the Silver Rose. Thanks for the support of ALR Post 52 and the VFW Riders.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Minutes of Executive Committee
12 August 2009
1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Roll taken, all present.
Minutes of the last meeting, Posted and approved.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and tabled to rewrite the Legion Hall lease agreement, will be presented at next meeting.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to Support Tombstone Wild West Celebration for the USO and Military on 12 and 13 December 2009.

Discussion/Action; Motion made seconded and passed to publish our check cashing policy. Checks will be cashed with the following conditions; a. Limit is $40.00 per day. b. Check cashing privileges will be extended to all American Legion members only with Arizona state bank accounts. Members from posts other than Post 24 will have their Legion membership number placed on the check. c. American Legion members belonging to Post 24 may be allowed to cash checks from banks other than Arizona.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to pay Ron Cole for rewiring exhaust system.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to let the Commander authorize money for Billy Clanton funeral from his emergency fund.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to allow hot dog sales on Legion property by the kitchen contractors.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to allow Kenny to buy and be reimbursed for a small portable vacuum cleaner for use on the shuffle board in the amount of $30.00

Discussion; Support Dick Perry run for State Department Commander with full page ad in the Fall Conference Program.

2000: Motion to adjourn; Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

Minutes of Regular Meeting
26 August 2009
1900: Commander Frank Molina called the meeting to order.
Roll taken, all post officers present.
Minutes of last meeting approved, posted on bulletin board.
Finance Officer briefed on state of A.L. accounts, finance report approved subject to audit and posted on bulletin board.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to accept new and transferring members.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to donate $250.00 to Tombstone high school “Spirit Line” for New York trip.

Discussion/Action; Motion made and passed to buy full page ad in Fall Conference booklet for Dick Perry and the Post.

Discussion; Silver Rose event on 29 August, 9-11 Parade on 9-12 need volunteers, supporting Tombstone Wild West Days celebration salute to the Armed Forces with proceeds going to the USO, Sponsor/support for Tombstone Cemetery grave markers.

Reminders; Fall Conference to be in Lake Havasu, 29-31 October.

1945 Commander Frank Molina closed the meeting.

SICK CALL
Please remember Evelyn Holder and Van Curtis as well as all other sick and infirmed Members in your prayers.

HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY
Tim Buchanan 9/2, Dona Kern and Amanda Seifert 9/5, Darlene Couse 9/10, Jeanette Hunt 9/11, Stu Ross and Evelyn Leighlitner 9/12, Jack Hess, Art Branham and Sandi “Pick Me” Freeman 9/13, Vanessa Chadwick, Eric Martin and American Legion Day 9/16, US Air Force 9/18, Ann Bliss 9/20, Nancy Chadwick 9/22, Conny Despain 9/26, VFW (1898) 9/29.

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 September 29. 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.

August 2009

2009-07-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
AUGUST 2009

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, Dark July-August
ALR Meeting, August 8, 9a
E-Board Meeting, August 12, 7p
SAL Meeting, August 19, 6:30p
Post Meeting, August 26, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, August 3, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share or a $4 donation.. The theme is Italian.

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. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

Karaoke and Taco’s, every Thursday @ 5:30p.

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

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

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p. Thursday is taco night and there is a fish fry each Friday.

Rita and the Blind Vets will visit Tombstone Saturday August 15. Volunteer and help make their visit a memorable one!

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina

Well friends, the month of August is upon us. I would like to remind all Legion, SAL, Auxiliary and ALR members that 9/11 will soon be here. Post 24 is hosting a 9/11 Memorial Parade on September 12, 2009 and we need help, If you would like to assist please contact the Commander or 1st Vice Commander. At this time I would like to that all Post 24 Officers and Bartenders for the great job they are doing. Thank You All! ‘Til we meet again, For God and Country…Frank

Auxiliary President
Deirdre Nye
Greetings Ladies of Unit 24,
We hope that every one is enjoying their Summer. As you probably know we have no meetings until September the 2nd. That does not mean that we are not active in our Community. The Annual Balloon Pop on the 4th of July was very successful. It is going to be a great Christmas for the children of Tombstone. The merchants of Tombstone were very generous. Pot Lucks have continued, August's theme is Italian. Always door prizes, always good food. We have been blessed with dedicated Slingo workers, this has enabled us to help keep a Veteran in food and lodging this month and have been able to help a Member of our Auxiliary with her medical bills. Thank you so much Ladies. Great work for a great organization! There is a workshop in Phoenix on the 15th of August. Any one who would like to attend please call me at 457-3752.
God Bless.

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The August meeting will be on the 8th.

Bingo
Barbara Klein
Bingo will start up again on the first Friday in August. The Senior Jackpot will be guaranteed at $500.00.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
In commemoration of the events of September 11, 2001, the American Legion of Tombstone is sponsoring a parade on Allen Street followed by a memorial service on the lawn in front of the Legion, on September 12, 2009. The parade will at 11:30am.

Summary of the E-Board Meeting Minutes;
Motion made and passed to give all bartenders and Jeff a raise.
Motion made to renew cleaning contract, passed with no dissention.
To have hot dog sales starting on the 14th of September for Monday Night Football, the motion was made and passed to buy a hotdog machine and the first weeks product to get the thing started.
Discussion; The Post will support an ice cream social sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. Terry will take over maintenance of coolers at no cost other than materials, what a guy! Put the game machine back in bar, good idea.

Marine Corps League
Bill Pakinkis
The Wild West Detachment, MCL, will have its General Membership Meeting on 09 August at 2:00 PM at Post 24.
Regular Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, and Former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen who have served more than 90 days on Active Duty, and
Associate Membership is also available. For more information, contact Commandant Frank Sutherland at 249-2120 or Past Department Commandant W.F. "Bill" Pakinkis at 266-5266.

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY
US Coast Guard (1790) 8/4, Tim Harris and James Wright 8/6, Yvonne Lefebvre 8/7, Dallas Locore 8/8, Katie Cassidy and Frank Sutherland 8/9, Jean Parks 8/11, Tyson Huntsman 8/14, Mary Martin 8/15, John Goggins 8/17, Kandyce Naveaux 8/20, Edna Hand 8/23, Sandy Kister 8/26, Donald Nye 8/27, Kenny Seifert 8/29.

SICK CALL
Please remember Evelyn Holder in you prayers. She is recovering from surgery.

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 August 28. 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.

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS, JULY 2009

2009-06-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

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, Dark July-August
E-Board Meeting, July 8, 7p
ALR Meeting, July 11, 9a
District Meeting, July 12, 1:30p, Douglas
SAL Meeting, July 15, 6:30p
Post Meeting, July 22, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, July 6, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. The theme is picnic foods.

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. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

Karaoke and Taco’s, every Thursday @ 5:30p.

Bingo will be dark in July! Join us again in August!

Play SLINGO, Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. There will be no SLINGO Saturday July 4!

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p. Thursday is taco night and there is a fish fry each Friday.

Rita and the Blind Vets will visit Tombstone Friday July 3, 11a. Volunteer and help make their visit a memorable one!

Celebrate July 4 by joining is the fun at the BBQ to be held in the back picnic area…2-6p, a $5 donation will support Fisher House.

The Auxiliary Annual July 4th Balloon Pop will be held July 2-4. Pop a balloon for a prizes while supporting the Children’s Annual Christmas Party, sponsored by the Post and Ladies Auxiliary.

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well Legionnaire’s, here we go again. Time is really going by fast. And boy have we been busy with funerals and parades. By now most of you know that recently we lost two great members, Frank Chadwick and Calos Montijo. They will be greatly missed by our Post 24 members. My prayers go to both of them and to all Post Officers. Thank you for your help with the wonderful memorial for Frank Chadwick. Thank you E-Board, SAL, and ALR members. And a special thanks goes to the Ladies Auxiliary for the great food and all of the great help they provided. We are an American Legion Family. A big thanks to all of you. For God and Country…Commander Frank Molina

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Dierdre Nye
The first Wednesday of the month from September through June, The American Legion Auxiliary has a 6.30 meeting at Roy Fourr, Post 24 on Allen Street. July and August will be "dark". That by no means stops The Auxiliary from their dedicated work of helping our Veterans and our Community.

Slingo, single line bingo is hosted by The American Legion Auxiliary for members and guests every Sunday from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Pot Luck will be ongoing throughout the summer on the first Monday of every month. The theme for the 6th of July is "Picnic food", starting always at 6:30.

It was wonderful to be invited to participate in the parade on the 13th of June, A Salute to the Buffalo Soldier.

Monday the 15th we wished Steve Washbourn (Shanana) Bonn Voyage, it was indeed a great send off, thanks to the organization of Dee Dee Molina our Legion Liaison. Steve will be living with his daughter in Thailand. We want him to enjoy every minute there.

Unit 24 had five representatives at the State Convention the weekend of the 20th, not including our own Sencie Patchin, District 3 President who represented us. We all came away with more ideas on how to help our Community more. The District Meeting this quarter for The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary is at Post 11, on the12th of July in Douglas.

That day Saturday the 20th of June will never be forgotten at Post 24. We lost a beloved member Frank Chadwick, and Saturday the 20th of June was his Memorial at Roy Fourr Post 24. I want to thank every one that helped our Memorial Chairman Nancy Sperry, with not only food and refreshments but with service and support, thank you indeed. Another Member, Carlos Montijo, recently died and will be greatly missed. It was a sad month for our Post.

The 4th of July is almost upon us. This is when The Auxiliary has their annual "Balloon Pop". All donations from this event goes to our annual Children’s Christmas Party. Last year it was a great success. We were even able to give each child money as well as gifts, candy and fruit, not forgetting the wonderful entertainment. If you have a small gift to add to the 4th of July Balloon Pop, please call Sandi Freeman at 520-429-4108.

Unit 24 has an e-mail address. Those wishing a folder please contact Ann Bliss via the Unit's e-mail, alauxunit24@yahoo.com. The Auxiliary also has a calendar. It is posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. Auxiliary meetings, projects etc., will be posted and updated as necessary. Happy 4th of July everyone, lets hope that this is a great month for us all.

God Bless. Deirdre Nye President Unit 24

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The next ALR meeting is 11 July at 0900.The August meeting will be on the 8th. We will be riding in the Tombstone 4th of July Parade on July 5 with 3x5 flags.

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert
First and foremost, thanks to our Legion Service Officer, Don Aiton, I was able to attend the service officer trainings at State Conference. Thanks, Don. I learned a lot and was once again impressed with how much there is to learn.

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System has improved their formula for determining who is eligible for health care. Of course, the new formula is just as much a secret as the old one, but if you have applied for health care before and been turned down, this is a good time to try again. If you have never applied, this may be your opportunity. Call or visit an Eligibility Clerk either at the Sierra Vista Clinic, or the Tucson Hospital. No appointment is necessary and you should receive an almost immediate answer.

Mario Arrosco, our area Veteran's Employment Representative, has three new grants for training for unemployed veterans. Interested? Call Mario at (520)439-3550. Or stop in and see him on Monday or Friday at his Sierra Vista office: 1843 Paseo San Luis.

The Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is broadening it's program of using DNA to identify recently found remains of our MIAs. Relatives who are in a missing service member's maternal line are encouraged to donate a DNA sample. For more information, see Mike Stout, or visit http://www.jpac.pacom.mil.

Finally, remember, Luella Emmons, Benefits Counselor with the Arizona Department of Veterans Services is available at the Veterans Outpost (121 4th Street) every 3rd Wednesday from 1-4 pm. In July, that day will be July 15. Her visit is an opportunity to "ask the expert" as Luella has more than 10 years experience as a veteran advocate. So stop in on July 15.

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
District 3 new Officers for 2009-2010 are Sencie Patchin President, Unit 24, Jennie Molina Vice President, Unit 11, Karen Smith Sec-Treasurer, Unit 11 and Ann Graves Chaplain, Unit 24.

I am Pleased to Announce that Karen Smith from Unit 11, Douglas was elected as Department Chaplain for 2009-2010. Also Deirdre Nye, Unit 24 President is a Department Chairman for the Department President’s special Project.

As District 3 President I will be holding my agenda meeting at the Tombstone Motel on July 11, 2009 starting at 10:00 am, you will be able to get lunch at Morgan’s Pizza. Please RSVP at 520-457-3749 so that I know how many people will be attending. I would like to see all the Unit Presidents in attendance and a many of her Officers that can attend. This is important so that we can get our district meetings agenda setup of the year.

District 3 also won the membership circus wagon contest for the most votes. The wagon was dedicated to Armida Silva, PDP from Unit 11,Douglas. We received $100 and a huge Dalmatian dog.

I’m also proud to announce that Unit 11 we’re recipients of several Department Awards.

District 3 Meeting will be in Douglas at Post 11 on July 11, 2009 at 1:30PM. Hope to see you all there. Installation of new officers will be held at this time.

BINGO
Barbara Klein
There will be no bingo for the month of July. Bingo will start up again on the first Friday in August. The Senior Jackpot will be guaranteed at $500.00.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
E-board and General Meeting Minutes…
Discussions took place at the E-board meeting regarding summer kakoke, dress code, kitchen contract, cleaning contract and lead bartender contract.
A motion was passed to have happy hour prices during slingo and karaoke.
A motion was passed to donate $50 to the Tombstone Foodbank in Carlos Montijo’s name.
A motion was passed to donate $500 to the Tombstone Volunteer Fire Department for 4th of July fireworks.
A motion passed to increase our monthly contribution to the Tombstone Foodbank from $100 to $200 for the next year due to the state of the economy.
A motion passes to reimburse Mr. Perry and Mr. Stout $200 for convention expenses.
A motion passed to allow Dick Perry to sponsor a raffle to defray expenses for his run for State Commander.
Informative convention reports were given by Dick Perry and Mike Stout.
A Post Everlasting ceremony took place for Frank Chadwick and Carlos Montijo.
The Fall Conference will be Oct 29-31 in Lake Havasu.
A complete set of the minutes can be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.

HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAY
Buff Huntsman July 2, Independence Day July 4, Ralph Gonzales July 5, Kathyrn Waite July 6, Larry Braden July 7, Holly Towers and Cheryl Lindsey July 8, MJ Sullivan July 9, Lee Althaus July 10, Russel May July 15, Ernie Molina and Amanda Beesley July 16, Madelyn Perroti and Anna Graves July 19, Joy Westin, Dennis Harbison and Bob Hause July 20, Walt Lukasavage July 22, Richard Grinnell July 25, Nancy Sperry July 26, Billy Joe Cole and Commander Frank Molina July 27, Janie Hause July 28.

SICK CALL
Lillian Rafferty, Jean Sullivan, Commander Molina, all recovering from falls and Evelyn Holder.

IN MEMORIUM
Carlos R. Montijo
July 30, 1937 - June 19, 2009

Carlos R. Montijo, 71, of Tombstone, Ariz., passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Ariz., on June 19, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.Carlos was born on July 30, 1937, in Tombstone to Ignacio and Librada Montijo.One of 14 children, he was preceded in death by his father, mother and seven of his siblings.

Carlos is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Montijo; his children, Donna, Wendy and Carlos Jr.; nine granchildren and a great-grandchildren.Carlos served four years in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the American Legion Post #24 for 47 years. He retired from civil service Sept. 30, 1997, from Fort Huachuca, Ariz.Carlos was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and a friend. He will be missed very much and always remembered.A rosary for Carlos was held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the Sacred Heart Church on Sixth and Stafford Streets in Tombstone. Graveside services will be private. Donations are being accepted at the Tombstone Foodbank in his name.

Frank Richard Chadwick, Jr.
March 6, 1948 - June 12, 2009

Frank Richard Chadwick, Jr., 61, passed away following injuries sustained from a accident on Saturday, June 12, 2009, on Middlemarch road in Tombstone, Ariz.Frank, a Tombstone resident, was born on March 6, 1948, in Athens, Ohio to Frank Richard Chadwick, Sr., and Aldine Duncan Chadwick. He was raised in Ohio and attended public schools and college.Frank entered the Army and served in the Vietnam War and retired as a CW3 after 20 years service. He moved to Tombstone and has been a resident of Arizona for the last 29 years, coming from Kentucky.

Frank enjoyed riding his quads and shooting his pistols. He was an avid follower of history and enjoyed designing jewelry and sculptures. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.Survivors include his parents, Frank and Aldine Chadwick of Tombstone; his daughter, Vanessa Chadwick of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; his son, James Richard Chadwick of Tucson, Ariz.; his granddaughter, Amber Chadwick of Tucson; wife, Nancy Chadwick of Tombstone; his friend and companion, Sue Hilligoss of Tombstone; his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Douglas Crandall of Connecticut, Dona and George Murphy of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post # 24 in Tombstone. Burial of cremains will be held privately at a later date. All arrangements are being handled by Dugan Funeral Chapel.

Also remember in your prayers Donald Morelock of Tombstone and and Donald Herb formerly of Sierra Vista and former regular bingo player here at the Post.

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 JuLY 30. 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.

The Declaration of Independence
The first sentence of the Declaration asserts as a matter of Natural Law the ability of a people to assume political independence, and acknowledges that the grounds for such independence must be reasonable, and therefore explicable, and ought to be explained.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

The next section, the famous preamble, includes the ideas and ideals that were principles of the Declaration. It is also an assertion of what is known as the "right of revolution": that is, people have certain rights, and when a government violates these rights, the people have the right to "alter or abolish" that government.[71]

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

The next section is a list of charges against King George which aim to demonstrate that he has violated the colonists' rights and is therefore unfit to be their ruler:

Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Many Americans still felt a kinship with the people of Great Britain, and had appealed in vain to the prominent among them, as well as to Parliament, to convince the King to relax his more objectionable policies toward the colonies. The next section represents disappointment that these attempts had been unsuccessful.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

In the final section, the signers assert that there exist conditions under which people must change their government, that the British have produced such conditions, and by necessity the colonies must throw off political ties with the British Crown and become independent states. The conclusion incorporates language from Lee's resolution of independence that had been passed on July 2.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS, JUNE 2009

2009-05-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

Pot Luck, Monday, June 1, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. The theme is hot and cold salads.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6p, except for Pot Luck night. Entry fee $3.

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.

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! Bingo will be dark in July.

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

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

Flag Day Ceremony will take place Sunday, June 14, 2008, at 6:30p in the rear parking lot.

A Salute to the Buffalo Soldiers, June 12-14, presented by the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
In recognition of outstanding Leadership and Service, as a member of The American Legion, benefiting our Community, State and Nation, I, Frank Molina, Commander of the American Legion, Post 24, Department of Arizona proudly announce the selection of Michael Stout for Legionnaire of the Year, 2008 – 2009. Michael’s dedication to the Post and it’s members is extraordinary and beyond expectation.

Mike has served as First Vice Commander since 2007, has served on the executive board and is a member of the American Legion’s Forty and Eight. He is a member of the Post Color Guard and co-chaired our golf tournament committee. He works tirelessly for Bingo and for our Blind Veterans of Tucson. Mike formed a Cub Scout Unit, supported by the Post. If someone needs a ride to a doctor appointment or if the shed needs cleaned, Mike will make it happen. He is our general “go-to” guy when you need something done, and he gets it done, quietly and efficiently.

Congratulations Michael on this well deserved honor!

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Dierdre Nye
May was a good month for our Auxiliary here at Roy Fourr in Tombstone. Our new officers are Deirdre Nye, President. Sandi Freeman, 1st Vice President. Susan Schubert, 2nd Vice President. Ann Graves, Chaplain. Lillian Hritz, Historian. Ann Bliss, Sargent at Arms. Jerre Johnson, Treasurer. Sandy Wilson, Secretary. Mary Jo Burns, E-Board. Phyllis Deloia, E-Board.

Our weekly fund-raiser Slingo has been a great success thanks to our Slingo Chairman Ann Bliss, and the many dedicated members that have enabled our coffers to gradually fill again. Please ladies sign up to work Slingo as we will continue with our efforts throughout the summer.

May 15th found many branches of our Post escorting the Historical Remains of over 50 Cavalry and Infantry Soldiers and dependants, from 1860 to the 1884 that were found in Tucson during excavation. They were to be re interned at The Veterans Cemetery in Sierra Vista the next day, it was wonderful to see so many motorcycles in attendance. The American Legion Auxiliary was also thanked for their escort services.

Walter J. Meyer students from the 4th and 5th grade entered The Auxiliary’s Poppy Poster Contest. Thank you for your winning Posters, Gabriella, Sonnie, Izzie, Kayla, Sylvie and Analysia. We were able to display them in the Post Office thanks to the great temporary Post Master James. He is scanning them to make stamps so the parents can purchase them, as well as the large American Legion Auxiliary poster that was a conglomerate of all of the children's posters along with the poem In Flanders Field. Poppy donations were astounding, thanks for a magnificent effort Ladies. The donations will help our Veterans and their families. Thank you every one.

It was wonderful to see so many veterans signatures on the P.O.W. car that was parked in front of The American Legion Post 24, during our Memorial Day Ceremony.

This year we were able to give out seven Scholarships. They are; Amanda Hatfield graduating from Buena high School for $500.00, Katherine Young and Dakota Sands were given $500.00 Scholarships at the Tombstone High School Graduation, also at the Tombstone High School, recipients of four $250.00 scholarships went to Justina Davis, Lauren Devere, William Don Dickey II and Natanya Lund. We wish them all well in their adventures as adults.

Well done and thank you to Dee Dee Molina, decorating Chairman and her Committee, the Post looks very Patriotic.

It is not too early to remind every one of our upcoming Annual Balloon Pop over the 4th of July weekend. Watch for flyers and times. This is a fund-raiser with all proceeds going to The Children's Christmas Party. We are starting to collect prizes and raffle donations. Please drop off items C/o The Auxiliary or contact Sandi Freeman at 508 2737.

Our next meeting will be June the 3rd. We will be going dark for July and August. We will resume meeting in September. Pot Luck however will continue throughout the summer, June’s pot Luck theme is hot and cold salads.

Due to many unseen circumstances our fund-raiser “Bizarre Bazaar” has been moved from the Spring to the Fall. We will be voting on an exact date at our next meeting.

The Delegates representing our American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 at Convention are. Deirdre Nye, Sandi Freeman, Susan Schubert, Ann Graves, Ann Bliss and our member Sencie Patchin who is not only a Unit Past President she is our District 3 President.

God Bless

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The next ALR meeting is 13 JUN at 0900
We had a great turn out for the Historical Soldiers Interment Service and Observance on 15 and 16 May. Due to the ALR Post 24 support, we were presented with a commemorative flag from the era. We have some very good photos on our web page from the Historical Soldiers Interment Ride. The link is…http://www.azlegionriders.org/

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert
Thanks to a grant from the Ft. Huachucha Thrift Store, The Veterans' Outpost has a phone! 457-2232. Call anytime as the phone will be forwarded to a competent person if no one is in the office.

The Sierra Vista VA Clinic was originally designed and staffed for a caseload of 2000 patients. Their current caseload is 6000 patients. This may help us understand why appointments are being set for what feels like the far future. But, it doesn't solve the problem. If you feel you need to be seen by a physician sooner than your scheduled appointment, there are several options. 1) Call the clinic and ask to be put on a waiting list for a cancellation with your doctor. 2) Call the clinic and speak to the Triage Nurse about getting seen sooner. 3) Call the VA Hospital in Tucson and speak to the Patient Advocate. If none of this helps, your only options are to wait, or to go to the emergency room at the Tucson VA. Of course, you alone can make this decision based on the severity of your symptoms. By all means, if you cannot make a scheduled clinic appointment, call to reschedule. Someone is waiting to take your spot.

One person at the Sierra Vista VA Clinic that a patient can get in to see almost immediately is Bob Pilcher, the new VA Addiction Therapist. He is also extremely responsive about calling back. With his permission, here's how to contact him: call 459-1529 and ask for him by name, or extension 3474.

If you, or someone you know has been adversely affected by Agent Orange please call me at the Veterans' Outpost. The Order of the Silver Rose wishes to honor you, even if the VA doesn't recognize your injury. I am preparing to send our Tombstone area applications to the Order and do not wish to leave anyone out.

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
The District Officers remain the same for 2009-2010. They are President Sencie Patchin, Vice President Jennie Molina, Chaplain Ann Graves and Historian Sherrie Tucker.

The next District Meeting will be held in Douglas on July 12, 2009 at 1:30PM. Installation of Officers will be held at this time.

Don’t forget Convention in June 19, 20, 21, 2009, at the Renaissance Hotel, 9495 W Coyotes Blvd, Glendale 623-937-3700.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and productive year and that you all are looking forward to another rewarding year.

Sincerely,
Sencie Patchin
District 3 President
2008-2009

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
A motion was made to allow the Food Bank to have a fund raising dance/party with no charges on September 12th. Motion passed.

A motion was made to make BINGO dark for the month of July. Motion passed.

Discussion: The 2nd vice will receive bids to have signs made and posted, (3) “PARKING FOR AMERICAN LEGION CUSTOMERS ONLY”. Please remember, Bartender, Kitchen, Adjutant and Commander parking spots are for those individuals only. Please be courteous, do not park in these assigned spaces.

Four students were evaluated for scholarships in the amount of $200.00. The recipients are, Brock Willsey, Natanya Lund, Amanda Hatfield, and Lauren Devere. A motion was made and passed and was approved by the general membership.

Discussion: Doc, from the thrift store, is seeking support for a youth band for Tombstone. The Legion has pledged support of this worthwhile endeavor.

HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAY
James Fought and Carol Ramsey June 3, Harry Bouton and Julia Goodman June 4, Kathy Smith June 6, Steve Phillips and Gene Simpson June 10, Tom McClure June 12, US Army (1775) June 14, William Charon and Ron Rogers June 15, Jake Gessner June 16, Elaine Perry June 22, Dick Bauer June 23, George Jones and John Escarcega June 25, Sharon Harris June 28, Cathy Traywick June 29.

SICK CALL
Van Curtis has recently had a stoke. A sign up sheet is at the club to volunteer to take Van to doctor appointments. Please remember Van, Evelyn Holder and John Satterfield in your prayers.

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 June 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.

In Remembrance of Flag Day
Presented here are poems that have been assembled with a patriotic heart for all.
Additional flag information can be found at http://www.usflag.org/

The Republic From "The Building Of The Ship"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State!

Sail on, O Union, strong and great!

Humanity with all its fears,

With all the hopes of future years,

Is hanging breathless on thy fate!

We know what Master laid the keel,

What Workmen wrought thy ribs of steel,

Who made each mast, and sail, and rope,

What anvils rang, what hammers beat,

In what forge and what a heat

Were shaped the anchors of thy hope!

Fear not each sudden sound and shock,

'Tis of the wave and not the rock;

'Tis but the flapping of the sail,

And not a rent made by the gale!

In spite of rock and tempest's roar,

In spite of false lights on the shore,

Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea!

Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee,

Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,

Our faith triumphant o'er our fears,

Are all with thee, - are all with thee!

THE FLAG GOES BY
Henry Holcomb Bennett
Hats off! Along the street there comes

A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,

A flash of color beneath the sky:

Hats off! The flag is passing by!

Blue and crimson and white it shines,

Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.

Hats off! The colors before us fly,

But more than the flag is passing by.

Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,

Fought to make and to save the State:

Weary marches and sinking ships;

Cheers of victory on dying lips;

Days of plenty and years of peace;

March of a strong land's swift increase;

Equal justice, right, and law,

Stately honor and reverend awe;

Sign of a nation, great and strong

Toward her people from foreign wrong:

Pride and glory and honor,--all

Live in the colours to stand or fall.

Hats off! Along the street there comes

A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;

And loyal hearts are beating high:

Hats off! The Flag is passing by!

O Flag of our Union
O flag of our Union,

To you we'll be true,

To your red and white stripes,

And your stars on the blue;

The emblem of freedom,

The symbol of right,

We children salute you,

O flag fair and bright!

*A poem taught in American classrooms nearly a century ago.
Reprinted 1995 by AMVETS, 4647 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, Maryland 20706-9961

RAGGED OLD FLAG
Johnny Cash
I walked through a county courthouse square,

On a park bench an old man was sitting there.

I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down."

He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town.

"I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,

And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it.

He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down.

"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?

"I said, "I think it is."

He said, "I don't like to brag,

But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag."

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there

When Washington took it across the Delaware.

And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key

Sat watching it writing _Oh Say Can You See_.

And it got a bad rip in New Orleans

With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams."

"And it almost fell at the Alamo

Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville

And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.

There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,

And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag."

"On Flanders Field in World War I

She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.

She turned blood red in World War II

She hung limp and low by the time it was through.

She was in Korea and Vietnam.

She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam."

"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,

And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.

In her own good land she's been abused --

She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused."

"And the government for which she stands

Is scandalized throughout the land.

And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,

But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.

'Cause she's been through the fire before

And I believe she can take a whole lot more."

"So we raise her up every morning,

Take her down every night.

We don't let her touch the ground

And we fold her up right.

On second thought I DO like to brag,

'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag."

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T12:48:00.001-07:00

American Legion Members meet at the Tombstone Cemetery at 6am and placed flags and poppies on the graves of veterans and Legion Members.

Memorial to Roy Fourr and all Veterans

American Legion Firing Squad, left to right, Anthony Molina, Russ Freeman and Chuck Sperry.

Bugler and Firing Squad Commander Chuck Klein

Color Guard, left to right, Sandi Freeman, Ann Bliss, Jeff Badger, Al Jepsen, Barb Klein and Don Aiton.

Unit President Dierdre Nye and Chaplin Anna Graves place a wreath at the Veterans Memorial.

Color Guard Tony Perrotti and Don Aiton stand ready prior to the 11am service at the Post.

Post Chaplin Dick Perry leads a prayer.

District President Sencie Patchin provides opening emarks.

Unit President Dierdre Nye provides additional remarks.

Post 24 firing squad and the 21 gun salute.

Taps.

Unit Chaplin reads the closing prayer.

Thank you Post and Unit 24 participants for a memorable and touching tribute to our veterans.

Historical Soldiers' Relocation Ceremony

2009-05-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Our American Legion Riders' joined forces with numerous groups to ecsort the remains of soldiers from the 1860's to the 1880's who died protecting the then Arizona Territory. The escort took place from Tucson to the Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery on May 15. An internment ceremony took place the next day. Approximately 200
bikes road the course, leading the flag draped remains which were carried in 2 large trucks. Each casket was draped with the 35 star flag of the period.

Here are some pictures of the 2 day event.

2009-04-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
MAY 2009

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, May 6, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, May 9, 9a
E-Board Meeting, May 13, 7p
Marine Corps League, May 17, 2p
SAL Meeting, May 20, 6:30p
Memorial Day Services, May 25
Post Meeting, May 27, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, May 4, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. The theme is Mexican.

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 6:00p, 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. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

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, Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

Memorial Day Services;
Flag and poppy placement at the cemetery will take place at 6a. A memorial service, wreath laying, 21 gun salute and taps will follow at 8a with breakfast at the Post to follow. A ceremony will take place at the Post at 11a. Poppy and flag removal will take place at 6p.

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Dierdre Nye

May, many Mays ago, there were children dancing around maypoles in the streets. That tradition is gone, the Fairy Queen, on Earth shall be seen, no, we do not see Fairy Queens any more. There is one tradition that we have that is ever constant and that is The American Legion Auxiliary’s, "helping Veterans, their families and our community". Our members do this every day. It is a great organization and many new members have joined just to help.

The Spousal Support group meets every Monday at 7:pm. at The Veterans Outpost, 121 S. 4th Street Tombstone. Many wives and girlfriends have a difficult time relating to their husbands on returning from combat. Some of the wives of the Vietnam era are still facing difficulties.

Nancy Sperry, Susan Fox Smith and Deirdre Nye went to Walter J. Meyer School Tuesday the 28th to teach the second and third grade about the meaning of The Pledge of Allegiance. The children watched a movie called "For Which it Stands", they learned how to respect the Flag of The United States. They were given a booklet on how to display and respect the Living Symbol of Our Great Republic. The movie is full of information and history, and they loved it. Then there was George, a great little cartoon character that helped them learn the meaning of The Pledge of Allegiance. They were each given a poppy to wear, they learned why they wear it, who makes them and what happens to the donations. Our Auxiliary also included in their package a ruler with the faces of the Presidents of The United States, a comic book called I Pledge Allegiance and a Flag of The United States. We have been asked to do it again next year. Flag day is June the 14th.

Monday the 4th of May has a Mexican theme. The taco meat will be supplied by the Auxiliary.

Wednesday May the 6th we will be electing Officers and Executive Board Members. The Election Committee has their Slate ready, however it is not too late for those who think that they can make a difference and help us more, to be nominated. We have accomplished much this past year, this coming year lets go for some awards, we will start early, perhaps an award Chairman is in order with a monthly meeting, some thing to think about.

God Bless.

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith

The ALR Post 24 will have our next meeting at 0900 on 9 May. We will go on a ride to Douglas for the Border to Border rally. On 15 May the ALR Post 24 will ride in the relocation of over 50 Cavalry and Infantry Soldiers and dependents, from 1860 to 1884, to the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery’s new Historical Memorial Section. The time of departure from Post 24 is 0900 15 May 09.

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert

For any veteran who wishes to visit the WWII Memorial:

The Honor Flight Network will pay for a vet's flight to and fromWashington D.C. to visit the WWII memorial. For terminally ill vetsrequiring assistance, a sponsor may be assigned at no cost to the vetto accompany him or her to and from their home to the memorial.
To learn more:http://us.mc1108.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@honorflight.org www.honorflight.orgPhone # 937 521 2400 (9 AM - 5 PM EST)Honor Flight, Inc.300 East Auburn Ave.Springfield, Ohio 45505

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin

The next District 3 meeting will be May 9th (Saturday) at 11:30AM at Post 52 in Sierra Vista. Please attend as there will be nominations for District 3 Officers and then Elections.

Following the meeting there will be a picnic at the park across the street from Post 52. The Auxiliary members have been asked to bring deserts and other items not needing to be kept hot or cold.

Don’t forget that convention will be in Glendale June 19th thru the 21st. For more information on the convention check with your Unit President or call me at 520-457-3749.
God Bless America.

Marine Corps League
Bill Pakinkis

The Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League meets every 2nd Sunday of the Month, at 2:00 P.M, (Unless otherwise noted).

But, due to Mother's Day on 10 May, (the 2nd Sunday) the regular General Membership Meeting has been re-scheduled for 17 May, at 2:00 P.M.

Membership in the Marine Corps League is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, Former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen who served at least 90 days on Active Duty.
Associate membership is also available. For any additional information you can contact Detachment Commandant, Frank Sutherland at 249-2120, or Past Department
Commandant, Bill Pakinkis at 457-3511.

"ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE"

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS

Elections have taken place. Congratulations to the following officers; Commander Frank Molina, First Vice Michael Stout, Second Vice David Weed, Finance Officer Jim Burns and two year term Executive Committee Members Terry Weipricht and Ronald Cole.

A request from Justine Bayne for help with a school trip was approved. The following improvements have been discussed and approved; cleaning of the ramada, new exit signs, new stool in the ladies room, exhaust fan in the club room, repairs to the freezer and drip flashing in the kitchen and signs for the parking lot.

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY

Irma Escarcega May 10, Jerre Johnson and Kay Scott May 16, Gary Reroest May 20, Ronald Henry May 23, Ed Johnson May 26, Tom Kern, Jerry Goggins May 28, Mary Field and Jerome Richardson May 30.

A HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.

But what may be needed to return the solemn, and even sacred, spirit back to Memorial Day is for a return to its traditional day of observance. Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day. As the VFW stated in its 2002 Memorial Day address: "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

On January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced bill S 189 to the Senate which proposes to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of "the last Monday in May". On April 19, 1999 Representative Gibbons introduced the bill to the House (H.R. 1474). The bills were referred the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Government Reform.

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

http://www.usmemorialday.org/

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 May 28. 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.

Tombstone Old West Founders Day Parade

2009-04-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

American Legion Color Guard and Marchers

The American Legion Color Guard always leads the way in every parade.

Left to right, Russ Freeman, Mike McKay, Frank Molina, Chuck Klein, Don Aiton

Auxiliary Members Ann Bliss and Nancy Sperry.

Dierdre Nye and Barbara Klein

Tony, Mid and Dee Dee at the wheel

50 Years of Marching, Tombstone Old West Founders Day Parade

2009-04-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Don Aiton, Ernie and DeeDee Molina decorate the golf cart Tony Perotti will ride in the parade.

Tony, Mid Fox and Dee Dee Molina, ready for the parade.

April 2009 Newsletter

2009-03-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
APRIL 2009

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, April 1, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, April 8, 7p
ALR Meeting, April 11, 9a
Marine Corps League, No April Meeting
SAL Meeting, April 15, 6:30p
Post Meeting, April 22, 7p (Elections)

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

Shuffleboard Night, every Monday night @ 5:30p, except for Pot Luck night. Entry fee $3.

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.

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, Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

Tombstone Frontier Days will take place the weekend of April 4-5. Watch for the American Legion in the parade, held on Saturday April 4, from our Post front porch.

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well here we are again, the month of March has come and gone. Here comes April and it is election time. Don’t forget to vote for your choices for officers at our election on April 22.
Also, at this time, The American Legion Post 24 would like to offer our condolences to the family of our deceased member Eugino R Ramirez. And a special thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary and Nancy Sperry, Mary Jo Burns and Dee Dee Molina in particular, for all the great work they did for the Ramirez family. Thank you ladies! Thank you also to our color guard in assisting the US Air Force team from Tucson. Thank you gentlemen, Russ Freeman, Al Jepsen, Chuck Klein and Tony Perotti, job well done. For God and Country, Frank Molina.

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deidre Nye
March took with it another two of our Legionairs, Gary Garrard and Eugenio Ramirez, they are both missed terribly. Thanks to Memorial Chairman Nancy Sperry, the Memorial Committee and the very giving Auxiliary members there was plenty of food and refreshments.

Unit 16 in Bisbee lost a dear member this past week Lucille Russell, funeral service is Friday the 3rd of April at the First Baptist Church in Warren, with a reception and food to follow at the Church located at 500, Arizona Street. 520-432-4218. Let us pray that April will be a well month for us all.

Have you signed up for the Rose Parade Ladies? We will be marching. Let us meet at the Legion at noon, or for those that can only spare the time to march we will gather at 6th and Allen at 12.45 p.m.

For those that may be interested, Arizona's Congresswoman Gabriel Gifford, will be addressing The United Veteran's Councel at The Elkes in Sierra Vista opposite the V. F. W. Plan on being there early, start time is 8:00 am until 9:30. Plenty of time to make it back for the Parade at 1:00 pm.

The American Legion Auxiliary will have baskets of Easter eggs with prizes and surprises on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of April. A fun fund raiser for all. Thank you Sandi Freeman and Dee Dee Molina.

Pot Luck. This months theme is ham! Lots of room for new recipes.

Easter is on Sunday the 12th of April, there will be no Slingo on Easter Sunday.

It is not too early to think about the next Disrict Meeting. It will be in Sierra Vista, Post 52 at 1:30 pm. Let us show our support for 24's own Sencie Patchin for District President. There will be a barbeque following the meeting in the Park oppsite the Legion.

Happy Easter every one and God Bless.

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The next meeting of the ALR will be Saturday April 11, at 0900. A ride will follow.

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert
The biggest news this month is that within the recently passed stimulus plan is a provision for 18.7 million dollars to build a Veteran's Home in Tucson. Also, under the stimulus plan, if you receive Social Security Disability and/or VA Disability payments, you will receive a check form the government for $250 sometime in May or June.

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
The next District 3 Meeting will be held in Sierra Vista on Saturday May 9th at 11:30AM. Nominations for 2009-2010 Officers will be held with the election to follow. Following the meeting will be a picnic at the park across the street from Post 52. I will update the picnic information as soon as I find anything out. Don’t forget that the Convention will be in Glendale this year on June 19-21. Please contact me for information on Hotels and directions. Please keep your prayers going for all of our District 3 members who are ill at this time. Also keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers and if you meet up with an active duty solider shake his/her hand and thank them for what they do for our country, you will be surprised at their replies. God Bless America

Marine Corps League
Bill Pakinkis
ATTENTION ALL VETERANS: ON SATURDAY, 4 APRIL 09, REPRESENTATIVE GABRRIELLE GIFFORDS, WILL BE ATTENDING THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE GREATER SIERRA VISTA UNITED VETERANS' COUNCIL. SHE WILL BE OPEN TO QUESTIONS CONCERNING VETERANS ISSUES. THIS MONTHS MEETING WILL BE HELD ATTHE ELKS LODGE, AT 0800. THE LODGE IS LOCATED ON WILLCOX, IN SIERRA VISTA. ALL VETERANS ARE URGED TO ATTEND.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
The pool tables have been refurbished. Unfortunately they already have cigarette burns on them. PLEASE, take the cigarette out of your mouth and put it in an ashtray when you are shooting.

The Post has donated $500 to a needy veteran at the VA in Tucson. Two hundred dollars has been donated to the Children’s Welfare Foundation. And $200 has been donated to a member’s daughter to assist financing a basketball trip.

The report from the Nominating Committee is as follows; for Commander, Frank Molina, for First Vice Commander, Mike Stout, for Second Vice Commander, David Weed, for finance Officer, Jim Burns, and for the Executive Committee, Ron Cole, Russ Freeman, Danny Hope, Al Jepson and Terry Wiepricht. Anyone else interested in running for an office can contact any e-board member.

Happy April Birthday
Mike Stout April 1, Mary Jo Burns April 2, Edwin Smith April 4, Hillary Ciochetti April 10, Lenny Gilberg and Abraham Gonzales April 12, Dave Rockwell April 13, Claire Richardson April 15, Marty Towner April 16, John McCullough April 17, Dave Shahn and Dave Weed April 21, Judy Morton April 22, Evelyn Holder April 23, Anthony Molina April 26.

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 April 27. 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.

A History of April Fools Day
Unlike most of the other non-foolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring.

The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.

However, communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1. These “backward folk” were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.

This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international funfest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.

In Scotland, for example, April Fool's Day is actually celebrated for two days. The second day is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. It is called Taily Day. The origin of the "kick me" sign can be traced to this observance.

Pranks performed on April Fool's Day range from the simple, (such as saying, "Your shoe's untied!), to the elaborate. Setting a roommate's alarm clock back an hour is a common gag. Whatever the prank, the trickster usually ends it by yelling to his victim, "April Fool!"
Practical jokes are a common practice on April Fool's Day. Sometimes, elaborate practical jokes are played on friends or relatives that last the entire day. The news media even gets involved. For instance, a British short film once shown on April Fool's Day was a fairly detailed documentary about "spaghetti farmers" and how they harvest their crop from the spaghetti trees.

April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but a holiday on which one must remain forever vigilant, for he may be the next April Fool!

You Know What They Say About Fools...
It's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and leave no doubt. --Mark Twain

However big the fool, there is always a bigger fool to admire him. -- Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux
Looking foolish does the spirit good. -- John Updike

Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them, the rest of us could not succeed. -- Mark Twain
It is better to be a fool than to be dead. -- Stevenson

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year. -- Mark Twain
http://wilstar.com/holidays/aprilfool.htm

A Recipe Everyone Should Know
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Memorial Services for Gary Garrard

2009-03-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

A Memorial Service will be held at the American Legion, Tombstone Wednesday March 11th at 2.00pm for Gary Garrard. There will be an opportunity to sign a book of condolence and to celebrate Gary’s life.

Gary fought yet another courageous battle with cancer which he lost on March 4th 2009. He will be sadly missed by all his family and by many friends from both England and the United States.

Gary loved the people in Tombstone and felt extremely proud and privileged to be accepted into the American Legion community.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to:
Sons of American Legion Post 24
PO Box 247, Tombstone, AZ 85638

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS MARCH 2009 ISSUE

2009-03-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
MARCH 2009

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, March 4, 6:30p

District 3 Meeting, March 8, Benson

Marine Corps League, March 9, 7p
E-Board Meeting, March 11, 7p

ALR Meeting, March 14, 9a
SAL Meeting, March 18, 6:30p

Blind Vets, March 21, 10a

Post Meeting, March 25, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, March 2, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. This month’s theme is Irish, Corned Beef and Cabbage.

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.

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, Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

The Post will be hosting the Blind Veterans from the Tucson VA on Saturday, March 21. Join us at 10a for a rewarding day of volunteerism.

POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
February has passed and March is here and with her comes summer. Thank God! At this time I would like to thank our Post Adjutant Don Aiton for the wonderful job he did with his helpers delivering and setting up our new shuffleboard at our Post. Everyone is enjoying it! Also, a special thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for the wonderful job they did with the recent benefit and memorials for our passed members, in particular Ernie Escapule and Chiva Esquer. These things can’t be planned and the ladies always are able to jump in and provide a beautiful and effortless remembrance for the family’s of the deceased. Last but certainly not least a special thank you to our Post Color Guard and support team; Tony Perotti, Anthony Molina, Kim Scott, Al Jepsen, Chuck Klein, Don Aiton, Kenny Seifert, Russ Freeman, Michael Stout and Michael McKay and Frank Chadwick. Beautiful job men! “For God and Country.”

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Dierdre Nye
As February comes to a close, we are comforted not only by the fair warm weather but also by the warm friendship that has comforted us through a trying month. The benefit for Juan Esquer was a magnificent success. Our own Commander Frank Molina made a cameo appearance and played guitar. The music of Jay Bird and his friends was professional. Sandi Freeman and Dee Dee Molina worked very hard collecting donations, as always the town of Tombstone both the businesses and the Private sector came to the aid of another family in need. It makes one feel honored to live in a town that takes care of those in need, and a good few of this town are Legionnaires and Auxiliary.

Saturday the 21st of February was a special day for the American Legion Auxiliary in Cochise County. Roy Fourr Unit 24, hosted an initiation tea. District 3 President Sencie Patchin invited Units 11 from Douglas, 16 from Bisbee, 45 from Benson and 52 from Sierra Vista. There were 21 Auxiliary members initiated. The ceremony was indeed a wonderful experience. The last Unit 24 Initiation Tea was in 2004. Unit 24 President Deirdre Nye has suggested that Unit 24 have an Initiation Tea every year in February. This will honor in a timely manner those members that have contributed to the advancement of The American Legion Auxiliary programs and activities dedicated to God and Country, and to acknowledge with a certificate dedicated members that have been with Unit 24 for many years. Twenty three Continuous Member Certificates were written and called, for Unit 24 alone. District 3 President Sencie Patchin presented Certificates of Appreciation to Anna Graves, Chaplain, for both Unit 24 and District 3, for her unfailing mentoring and support throughout the years. A Certificate went to both Deirdre Nye and Susan Schubert for their work establishing The Veterans Outpost on South 4th Street. Unit 24 President Deirdre Nye presented Certificates to Susan Schubert, Mary Jo Burns, Sandi Freeman, Anna Graves, Evelyn Holder, Lillian Hritz, Sensie Patchin, and Dee Dee Molina. It was wonderful seeing Eve amongst us again.

Evening of the 21st. Mardi Gras. A GREAT SUCCESS, thanks to Sandi Freeman, Ann Bliss and Dee Dee Molina. Perhaps next year the House Committee will be able to be more involved. The Auxiliary has been working very hard to help the Legion, and it has been an honor. What a great job Decorating Committee.

Ann Bliss Unit 24 Sergeant at Arms is now also our Slingo Chairman, thank you Ann. Slingo has turned out to be the best fundraiser ever. Please ladies of our Auxiliary, can you sign up at least one day a month for two hours. It is as much fun working it as playing the game.

Nancy Sperry is now 24’s Memorial Chairman. It is indeed hard to step down as helping those that grieve is very dear to me. Nancy I know will do it well, and in the true spirit of our Unit we will all be there to help her in every way.

Monday the 2nd of March is Pot Luck. The theme is Irish, "corned beef and cabbage". Some of us may not know why God allowed whisky to be invented. It was to keep the Irish from ruling the world.

Saturday March the 7th, is The American Legion Auxiliary Rummage sale, it is the same day as several Churches sales so we hope to do well.

Have a magnificent month, and look for updated reports on the board between the bar area and the hall on the ladies bathroom side.

God Bless.

ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith
The next meeting of the ALR will be Saturday March 14 and then Saturday April 11, at 0900.

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert
Our biggest accomplishment this month was holding the first meeting of our spousal peer support group for spouses of veterans with PTSD and/or TBI. Darla Davies is doing a wonderful job as leader and we are looking forward to the group growing. If you'd like to attend, meetings are at the Veteran's Outpost (121 S. Fourth, next to the trolley stop) at 7pm on Mondays.

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT
Sencie Patchin
The upcoming District Meeting is on March 8th at 1:30PM in Benson at the Methodist Church. I hope that you can make the meeting. Nominations of district officers will be opened at this time. The Address for the Church is 636 S HWY 80.

Thanks to all Auxiliary members who attended the Initiation Tea, we sure did have a great time and I believe that there were 20 Auxiliary members initiated. A full report will be given at the District meeting and I did hear a lot of people saying that they would like to see it done again next year.

On Feb 23 Karen Smith, Sheerie Tucker, Ann Graves and myself visited the JROTC at Buena High School. What a nice time we had. We were in the classrooms with the students and were shown around the Area. Unit Presidents, have you been thinking how to raise money for the JROTC? Remember that it is the Department President’s special project.

Marine Corps League
Bill Pakinkis

The Wild West Detachment, MCL, will have its next scheduled meeting on Monday, March 09,2009 at 7:00PM at Post 24. Regular Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, or Former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsman who served more than 90 days on Active Duty. Associate membership is also available. For more information contact Detachment Commandant Frank Sutherland at 378-2120 or PDC/AZ Bill Pakinkis, at 457-3511. "ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE". On Saturday, February 21, 2009, Marines from the Wild West Detachment, participated in the 64th Anniversary Parade, in Sacaton, AZ on the Gila River Indian Reservation commemorating the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima, on February 23, 1945. The Wild West Detachment received a standing ovation from the crowd at the reviewing stand due to the fact that we were from Tombstone, Frank Sutherland was an Iwo Vet. and Bill Pakinkis was a new inductee to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, the same honor bestowed to Ira Hays, one of the Flag Raisers on Iwo.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
The pool tables will be refurbished. The Post has purchased the shuffleboard from the VFW in Sunsites. The TV on the west wall has been replaced with a new flat screen TV. All of these projects are funded by bingo profits.

The Post will interface with the Fort Huachuca Chaplin’s to see if there are any young GI’s/families that need help.

Volunteers are still needed for the Legion’s March 8 golf tournament. See Mike Stout if you can assist.

The Post will support the Tombstone High School spring sports poster in the amount of $128. The Arizona Benefits Program will sponsor a hole for $100 in the upcoming golf tournament. The Post is supporting a member in need, so she can visit her husband in the VA, Tucson.

IN MEMORIUM
Please remember the following members who have recently died, Ernie Escapule, Juan (Chiva) Esquer, Carol Herb (a friend of bingo), Laura Keeney, mother to Elaine Perry, Justin Mobley and Robert Cowan.

SICK CALL
James Perry (Gunny) is in rehab for speech therapy after suffering a brain aneurysm. Russ Freeman is recovering at home after successful back surgery. Ernie Molina was in the VA hospital. Ovieta Morgan is recuperating from a nasty fall and broken collar bone.

HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY
Jay Rodriguez Mar 4, Ben Jacobs and U.S. Navy Seals Mar 5, Frank Chadwick Mar 6, Anna Linn Mar 7, Jimmy Harvel Mar 9, “Grandpa” Van Curtis and Gwen Bennett Mar 11,
Gail Johnson and Daniel Short Mar 13, Jim Coder and William Workman Mar 17, Joe Huntsman and The American Legion Mar 19, Bob McKee and Jim Burns Mar 20, Mary Musich and Lisa Finn Mar 22, Al Jepsen Mar 24, Robert Gignac Mar 26, Carol Shaffer and Lu Proll Mar 27

Veteran Pensions Update
RAO Bulletin, Mar 1, 2009
If you are a wartime veteran with a limited income and you are no longer able to work, you may qualify for a Veterans Disability Pension or the Veterans Pension for Veterans 65 or older. Many veterans of wartime service are completely unaware of the fact that if they are 65 or older and on a limited income they may qualify for a VA Pension without being disabled. An estimated 2 million impoverished veterans and their widows are not receiving the VA pension they deserve because they do not know about it. The VA has had limited success in getting the information to them. Generally, you may be eligible if:

- You were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable, and

- You served at least 90 days of active military service 1 day of which was during a war time period. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (There are exceptions to this rule), and

- Your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law (The yearly limit on income is set by Congress), and

- You are age 65 or older, or, you are permanently and totally disabled, not due to your own willful misconduct.

With the advent of the Gulf War on 2 AUG 90 (and still not ended by Congress to this day), veterans can now serve after 2 AUG 90 during a period of war time. If your countable income appears to be near the maximum you should apply. VA will determine if you are eligible and notify you. If you do not initially qualify, you may reapply if you have un-reimbursed medical expenses during the twelve month period after VA receives your claim that brings your countable income below the yearly income limit (i.e. These are expense you have paid for medical services or products for which you will not be reimbursed by Medicare or private medical insurance). Countable income for eligibility purposes includes income received by the veteran and his or her dependents, if any, from most sources. It includes earnings, disability and retirement payments, interest and dividends, and net income from farming or business. There is a presumption that all of a child's income is available to or for the veteran. VA may grant an exception to this in hardship cases.

There is no set limit on how much net worth a veteran and his dependents can have, but net worth cannot be excessive. Net worth means the net value of the assets of the veteran and his or her dependents. It includes such assets as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and any property other than the veteran's residence and a reasonable lot area. The decision as to whether a claimant's net worth is excessive depends on the facts of each individual case. All net worth should be reported and VA will determine if a claimant's assets are sufficiently large that the claimant could live off these assets for a reasonable period of time. VA's needs-based programs are not intended to protect substantial assets or build up an estate for the benefit of heirs. The Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR) effective 1 DEC 08 for both living and deceased veteran’s surviving spouse/children cannot exceed the following:

· Veteran or widow/er with no dependents $11,830 or $7,933.
· Veteran with spouse and child or widow/er with a child $15,493 or $10,385.
· Veterans or survivor with additional children: add $2,020 to the limit for each child.
· Housebound veteran or widow/er with no dependents $14,457 or $9,696.
· Housebound veteran or widow/er with one dependent $18,120 or $12,144.
· Veteran or widow/er who needs aid and attendance and you have no dependents $19,736 or $12,681.
· Veteran or widow/er who needs aid and attendance and you have one dependent $23,396 or $15,128.

Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income). It's also important to note that your medical related expenses are considered when determining your yearly family income. VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit which describes your situation. This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar. You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation Or Pension. If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports). You can also apply on line through the VONAPP website http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. For More Information Call 1(800) 827-1000. [Source: www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/index.htm 12 Feb 09 ++]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICAN LEGION
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veterans organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.

Founding
The American Legion's Post Officers Guide recounts the organization's founding:
"A group of twenty officers who served in the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) in France in World War I is credited with planning the Legion. A.E.F. Headquarters asked these officers to suggest ideas on how to improve troop morale. One officer, Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, J ., proposed an organization of veterans. In 1919, this group formed a temporary committee and selected several hundred officers who had the confidence and respect of the whole army. When the first organization meeting took place in Paris in March, 1919, about 1,000 officers and enlisted men attended. The meeting, known as the Paris Caucus, adopted a temporary constitution and the name The American Legion. It also elected an executive committee to complete the organization’s work. It considered each soldier of the A.E.F. a member of the Legion. The executive committee named a subcommittee to organize veterans at home in the U.S. The Legion held a second organizing caucus in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1919.
As is confirmed by The National Library of the American Legion and its official supporting documents, the first post of the American Legion is George Washington Post 1 in Washington, D.C. Organized March 7, 1919, it obtained the first charter issued to any post of The American Legion on May 19, 1919. Originally, the post was named the “General John Joseph Pershing Post Number 1” in part to its members’ sincere admiration of Pershing as a man, as well as their appreciation for his career as a soldier in the United States Army. However, at the St. Louis caucus that same year, members decided that posts of the American Legion should not be named after living persons, and therefore the "Pioneer Post" was given its new and current name. The post completed the constitution and made plans for a permanent organization. It set up temporary headquarters in New York City and began its relief, employment, and Americanism programs.
Congress granted the American Legion a national charter in September, 1919. Among the founders was Ernest O. Thompson (1892-1966) of Texas, later Lieutenant General of the Texas National Guard, a member of the Texas Railroad Commission, and an expert on petroleum issues.

1910’s; The first national convention of the American Legion was held from November 10-12, 1919, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at which time the attendees adopted a permanent constitution and elected officers to head the organization. The original purpose of the Legion was to "preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the great war". Prior to World War I, few rural, working-class, or even middle-class Americans traveled to Europe. For a majority of urban Americans, their understanding of Europe had been acquired through the European immigrants they knew. Thus the 2 million Americans who had served in the American Expeditionary Forces had very different experiences than their families, friends and neighbors. The American Legion allowed these young men and women who had served "Over There" to re-integrate into their hometowns and to still remain in contact with others who had been abroad. The Legion served as a support group, a social club and a type of extended family for former service men and women.
Some Legion groups engaged in strikebreaking activities during this time and into the 1930s. In 1919, a new American Legion group in Washington was involved in the Centralia Massacre (Washington).

1920’s; The American Legion was very active in the 1920s. It was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Veterans' Bureau, now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Legion also created its own American Legion Baseball Program. Commander Travers D. Carmen awarded Charles Lindbergh its "Distinguished Service Medal," the medal's first recipient, on July 22, 1927. American Legion national convention was held in Paris, France in September 1927. A major part of this was drum and bugle corps competition in which approximately 14,000 members took part.
American Legion Politics
The Industrial Workers of the World had attempted to organize longshoremen, sailors and fishermen in the 1920s through their Maritime Workers Union. The largest strike, in San Pedro, California in 1923, bottled up shipping in that harbor, but was crushed by a combination of injunctions, mass arrests and vigilantism by the American Legion.

1930’s; In 1930, the American Legion Memorial Bridge in Traverse City, Michigan, was completed. In that year, the Traverse City city commission decided to purchase dedication plaques for $100 at the request of the American Legion.
By 1931, membership of the American Legion had reached 1 million.
The Sons of the American Legion formed at the American Legion's 14th National Convention in Portland, Oregon, on September 12-15, 1932. Membership is limited to the male descendants of members of the American Legion, or deceased individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during times specified by the American Legion. In 2007, The Sons of the American Legion celebrated 75 years of service to God and Country. The organization has more than 300,000 members.
According to congressional testimony in the 1930s, several of the American Legion's leaders, including its original bankroller Irénée du Pont, plotted a fascist coup against the Government of Franklin D. Roosevelt called the Business Plot. According to testimony, the plot was averted because Major General Smedley Butler warned Roosevelt of the plan.
In 1935, the first Boys' State (Premier Boys State) convened in Springfield, Illinois.
The American Legion's first National High School Oratorical Contest was held in 1938.

1940’s; In 1942, the original charter of the American Legion was changed in order to allow veterans of World War II to join. Throughout the 1940s, the American Legion was very active in providing support for veterans and soldiers who fought in World War II. The American Legion campaigned for the G.I. Bill, which was signed into law in June 1944.
The first Boys Nation program was held in 1946.

1950’s; The American Legion asked for a congressional investigation into the ACLU for their petitioning to end loyalty-oath laws for public workers such as school teachers during the red scare.
Veterans of the Korean War were approved for membership in the American Legion in 1950.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation was formed in 1954.

1960’s; On May 30, 1969, the Cabin John Bridge, which carried the Capital Beltway (I-495) across the Potomac River northwest of Washington, D.C., was officially renamed to the " American Legion Memorial Bridge" in a ceremony led by Lt. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, director of the U.S. Selective Service System.

1970’s; In 1976, an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia occurred among those attending a convention of the American Legion at The Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. This form of pneumonia became known as Legionnaires' disease, or Legionellosis. The bacterium that causes the illness was later named Legionella.

1980’s; After a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the American Legion launched and funded an unsuccessful campaign to win a constitutional amendment against harming the flag of the United States. The Legion formed the Citizens' Flag Honor Guard and it later became Citizens Flag Alliance.

1990’s; In 1993, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts renamed a bridge in the city of Chicopee to the "American Legion Memorial Bridge".
Also in 1993, two members of Garden City, Michigan American Legion Post 396 shared an idea that would bond motorcycle enthusiasts in the Legion from the idea of Chuck Dare and post commander Bill Kaledas, the American Legion Riders was born. Joined by 19 other founding members the group soon found itself inundated with requests for information about the new group. As a source of information a website was set up, and it continues to be a source of information worldwide.
In a letter to U.S. President Bill Clinton in May 1999, the American Legion urged the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia. The National Executive Committee of The American Legion met and adopted a resolution unanimously that stated, in part, that they would only support military operations if "Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy" and "That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people".

2000’s; The Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), announced that he planned to eliminate the annual congressional hearings for Veterans Service Organizations that was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In response, National Commander of the American Legion Thomas L. Bock had the following to say:
"I am extremely disappointed in Chairman Buyer's latest effort to ignore the Veterans Service Organizations. Eliminating annual hearings before a joint session of the Veterans Affairs Committees will lead to continued budgetary shortfalls for VA resulting in veterans being underserved."
By 2007, the American Legion Riders program has grown to over 600 chapters in the United States and overseas.

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 March 27. 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.

Carol "Crazy Annie, Kim Grieg and Sandi Freeman during Mardi Gras.

Mortgage Information

2009-02-19T05:00:00.001-08:00

If a veteran home owner is having difficulty meeting their mortgage AND there is equity in their home, they may qualify for a VA "Cash Out Refinance". Call 877-827-3702 for more information. The current loan does not need to be a VA Loan to qualify.

If a home owner is behind on payments, no matter what kind of loan, and regardless of equity, they may qualify for a HUD/FHA program to refinance with a rate as low as 4%. The program is called Hope Now. Call 888- 995-4673.

Interim Newsletter Updates

2009-02-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

Please remember the following Post and Unit Members in your prayers. They have recently passed away...

Ernie Escapule
Juan Esquer, better known to his friends as Chiva
Laura Keeney, mother of Elaine Perry
Robert Cowan

On another note...
The blind vets will be in Tombstone on March 21. If you would like to volunteer your time to accompany a vet through town, meet us at the Legion at 10a.

Feb 15, 2009 ROA Newletter

2009-02-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some interesting bits of information found in the Reserve Officer Association Newsletter, Feb 15, 2009....

The final stimulus package agreed to by House and Senate conferees was pared back from what both the House and Senate had passed earlier, but is still a massive $789 billion package that includes funding for a variety of initiatives that will affect the military community in one way or another. Following is a summary of selected provisions:
• Federal Income Tax Rebate: Working employees (including the self-employed) would see a reduction in federal income tax withholding and liability of up to $400 (single) or $800 (married filing joint return). This tax credit would be calculated at 6.2% of earned income, up to the capped amount. The credit would phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married joint return).
• Special Payment: Social Security annuitants, disabled veterans, and certain others would be eligible for a one-time $250 payment. Anyone who is eligible for this payment and also eligible for the federal income tax rebate mentioned above would have the $250 deducted from the latter in determining the end-of-year tax liability.
• Military Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP): HAP benefits (normally payable only at BRAC locations) are extended to certain military homeowners who bought homes before 1 JUL 06 and who sell the homes before 30 SEP 12. To qualify the person must have received PCS orders or must have incurred a service-caused condition during a deployment in that period that caused disability retirement. For a member who died during a deployment, the surviving spouse is eligible. The HAP authorizes the government to reimburse the homeowner for a loss on the sale up to 95% of the original value, or to purchase the home for up to 90% of the original value. Market values are determined by the Defense Department.
• Education Tax Credit: Taxpayers with college education expenses would receive a tax credit of up to $2,500 for the cost of tuition, books, and related expenses during 2009 and 2010. The credit would be 100% of the first $2,000 and 25% of the next $2,000. The credit would phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes above $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married).
• First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit: For 2009, the credit would be 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum for $8,000. The previous requirement for homeowners buying homes after January 1, 2009 to pay the money back would be removed, unless the house is sold within three years of purchase.
• Vehicle Sales Tax Deduction: Taxpayers purchasing a new car, light truck, RV or motorcycle in 2009 will be able to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the vehicle. The deduction will phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes above $125,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
• Incentives to Hire Unemployed Veterans: Businesses would get a tax credit of 40% of the first $6,000 in wages for hiring unemployed veterans who are within 5 years of leaving active duty and who have drawn unemployment compensation for more than 4 weeks during the year before being hired

VA HEALTH CARE FUNDING UPDATE 18: THE chairmen of the House and Senate veterans’ affairs committees took a major but far from final step 12 FEB in fulfilling the top request from veterans’ service organizations: They sponsored legislation (S.423) that would provide funding a full year in advance for Veterans Affairs Department health care. House Veterans Affairs Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA 51st) bill H.R.1016 is the corresponding house legislation. Having Filner and Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) on board does not guarantee the change in the budget process will take place, but it at least ensures the issue will receive high-level attention. It doesn’t hurt that President Obama said during the presidential campaign that he also supports the idea, which could help VA weather Congress’ near-constant failure to pass an annual budget on time. The support from Filner and Akaka comes as no surprise. The two chairmen announced in SEP 08 that they supported the idea, but there was not enough time remaining in the legislative session for their legislation to be considered then. The idea is to help VA avoid the uncertainty that comes from not having a budget approved on time. In 19 of the past 22 years, Congress failed to approve a VA budget by the start of the fiscal year on 1 OCT. On average, the final funding bill is approved three months late. The Filner and Akaka legislation would have Congress approve the 2011 veteran’s health care budget this year, when it also passes the 2010 budget. Then, beginning in with the 2012 budget, funding levels for veterans health care programs — but not the rest of the VA budget — would be finalized one year before the VA needs the money. Congressional aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said advanced appropriations would not make Congress get things done on schedule. Instead of approving health care budgets 12 months in advance, it is more likely funding levels would be approved nine to six months in advance — but that would still be an improvement over late budgets. But a change in budget procedures that would have the veteran’s health care budget approved before any other federal spending is not a sure thing. Proponents of other programs like education, agriculture and defense might argue that they also deserve advance funding, aides cautioned. “Everybody wants to think their program is the priority. Nobody wants to be second when it comes to dividing up the budget,” said a House aide. Veterans groups, however, are happy Filner and Akaka are backing their cause. “Finally, Congress is getting ahead of the curve and sufficiently planning the VA health care budget so that veterans are not left waiting,” said Paul Rieckhoff of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The legislation is a major priority for the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents VA health care workers. The union said that inconsistent funding for VA makes it difficult to hire doctors and nurses when necessary, or make long-range plans for the health care workforce. "We can't hire anyone [in the second half of the year] because we don't know what the budget's going to be," said J. David Cox, AFGE's national secretary-treasurer. "Then, we get our funding in February, and we need to hire everybody, but nurses aren't coming out of school then. They're coming out in May and June." The union also is planning to push for expanded collective bargaining rights for VA registered nurses, physicians' assistants, and dentists. Cox said the union would advocate strongly for both the funding legislation and the collective bargaining legislation. The National Federation for Federal Employees also is supporting the collective bargaining bill, saying that increasing workers' rights and input would improve conditions at VA. Congress and the Government Accountability Office have expressed concern about growing vacancy rates in the VA's health system, especially among certified registered nurse anesthetists, whose vacancy rate is 13%. At 43 medical facilities GAO examined nationwide, 15 said that 40% or more of their CRNA positions were vacant. [Source: NavyTimes Rick Maze article 12 Feb 09 ++]

VA EMERGENCY CARE UPDATE 03: On 19 FEB U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Veterans’ Emergency Fairness Act of 2009 (S.404). This bill would enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans enrolled with VA for the remaining costs of emergency treatment received outside of VA’s health care system if the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost. Under current law, VA can reimburse veterans or pay outside hospitals directly only if a veteran has no outside health insurance. “Because insurance may not cover all costs, a trip to the ER can leave insured veterans financially crippled. My bill would enable VA to fill the gap for veterans whose outside insurance does not meet their needs,” said Akaka. In addition to reimbursing veterans for future costs of emergency care, the bill would allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide retroactive reimbursements back to May 2000 when VA was first authorized generally to cover the cost of outside emergency care for veterans enrolled with VA for their care. [Source: Sen. Akaka press release 11 Feb 09 ++]

TAX TIPS 2008: Federal lawmakers simply cannot resist tinkering with the tax code. By one estimate, more than 500 tax law changes were made last year alone. Many of the 2008 changes were made in connection with the slowing economy in general and the housing crisis in particular. But many tax-law tweaks last year also were in areas that seem to get constant attention on Capitol Hill. Such revisions of existing laws often leave taxpayers feeling like characters in an IRS version of the movie "Groundhog Day," each year facing essentially the same tax challenges. The good news is that such "tax script" revisions are at least somewhat familiar. The better news is that these rewrites, as well as some totally new tax laws, offer ways to trim tax bills and provide a happier ending to your 2008 tax-filing circumstances. Among the most persistent recurring tax laws are those known as extenders. The name comes from the fact that these tax breaks technically are temporary. But Congress usually extends a handful of particularly popular provisions for another year or two. Last year was no exception. The laws that were given new life in 2008 include:• Tuition and fees deduction -- Up to $4,000 of qualified college tuition and fees paid last year can be deducted.• Educator deduction -- Teachers and other qualified educators can get a tax deduction for up to $250 spent in 2008 on classroom supplies.• State and local sales tax write-off -- If you paid more state and local sales taxes than state income tax last year, the option to deduct the sales tax amount as an itemized expense also was extended. Although these deductions are still temporary, when Congress renewed them in 2008, they also extended the tax breaks through 2009. So this year at least, we won't have to wait for Capitol Hill to rewrite this part of the usual tax script. In addition to the new 2008 tax code changes and prior year carryovers, many pre-existing laws have new dollar amounts this filing year, thanks to inflation adjustments. For details on these tax issues refer to "Old tax laws, new amounts." at http://www.bankrate.com/caf/itax/news/taxguide/20090130-changes-to-old-tax-laws-a1.asp?caret=1r . Last year's economic stimulus payments, or rebates as they were popularly called, actually were credits against 2008 income. And some people may be able to cash in on the rebates this filing season by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. This new credit, available only on 2008 returns, could help filers who last year did not receive the maximum credit of up to $600 for single taxpayers, $1,200 for married couples filing jointly. Changed tax circumstances, such as a new child in the family, also could get you a bit more rebate money on your 2008 return. The Recovery Rebate Credit can be claimed on all three versions of the 1040. You'll need to know how much you received last year in order to calculate what you're eligible for now. Some other changes you might review to see if they could impact on your 2008 tax liability are:• First-time homebuyer's credit• Standard property tax deduction• Surviving spouse home sale exclusion• Housing tax-break holdovers• AMT inflation adjustments• Zero capital gains• 'Kiddie' tax• Required retirement distributions[Source: ConsumerAffairs.com Bankrate's 2009 Tax Guide Kay Bell article 5 Jan 09 ++]

TAX TIPS 2008 UPDATE 01: The dismal housing market prompted lawmakers to create the following new tax breaks in 2007 and 2008: • First-time homebuyer credit: Thanks to the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, some first-time homebuyers can claim a credit of 10% of the home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $7,500. You could qualify as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in the three years prior to the qualifying purchase.There is, however, some limitations. The credit phases out for higher-income taxpayers. It is available only for primary homes purchased between 9 APR 08 and 30 JUN 09 and it's not a true credit. The tax break must be paid back, without interest, in equal payments over 15 years. The repayment period begins 2 years after the year in which you claimed the credit. Thus, if you claim the credit on your 2008 tax return, the repayment period begins in 2010 and you must include the first installment as additional tax on your 2010 tax return. If your home ceases to be your main home before the 15-year period is up, you must include all remaining annual installments as additional tax on the return for the tax year that happens. This includes situations where you sell the home or convert it to business or rental property. If you die, any remaining annual installments are not due. If you filed a joint return and then you die, your surviving spouse would be required to repay his or her half of the remaining repayment amount. Refer to Form 5405 for more details. Congress is considering expanding this first-time homebuyer credit.• Standard property tax deduction: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 provides a new home-related deduction for taxpayers who don't itemize their expenses. Up to $500 for single homeowners, double that for joint filers, can be added to the taxpayer's standard deduction amount. This option will help homeowners who don't have enough deductions to itemize, but who paid property tax for their personal residence in 2008. The standard property tax deduction originally was for the 2008 tax year only. However, as part of another tax bill enacted a few months later, the tax break was extended to 2009.• Home sale exclusion for surviving spouse: One of life's most difficult decisions is whether to keep or sell a home after the death of a spouse. It also often posed a costly tax dilemma for a widow or widower. Usually, a married couple can exclude up to $500,000 in profit on the sale of their home. When a husband or wife died, the house had to be sold in the year of death for that full exclusion amount to apply. Now, however, a tax law that took effect in 2008 will allow the surviving spouse to claim the $500,000 exclusion as long as he or she sells the home within two years after the spouse's date of death. The widow or widower must remain unmarried and all other tests, such as residency and ownership, also must be met.• Housing break holdovers: Don't forget a couple of real estate-related tax break holdovers that could save eligible taxpayers some money: foreclosure debt relief and deductible private mortgage insurance payments. In late 2007, the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act helped ease the double whammy of home foreclosure: losing a residence and then owing tax on any amounts of debt that were written off, or forgiven, by the lender. Now up to $2 million of that amount, known as cancellation of debt income, is not taxed. The law applies to home foreclosures, short sales or loan renegotiations from 1 JAN 07, through 31 DEC 12. Some homeowners who must pay private mortgage insurance premiums in connection with their loans also get a tax break. They can claim some of those costs as a deduction on their 2008 returns. This deduction began with the 2007 tax year and was subsequently extended to PMI on new mortgages issued from 2008 through 2010.[Source: ConsumerAffairs.com Bankrate's 2009 Tax Guide Kay Bell article 5 Jan 09 ++]

TAX TIPS 2008 UPDATE 02:• Alternative Minimum Tax Patch: The alternative minimum tax, or AMT, is a parallel tax system created 40 years ago to ensure that the rich had to pay at least some tax. Nowadays, however, more middle-class taxpayers find they are potential AMT payers because the tax is not indexed annually to account for inflation. To keep these filers off the AMT roll, Congress has approved temporary fixes for the tax which increase the amount of income that is excluded from the AMT. The 2008 patch raised the exemptions to $69,950 for a married couple filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers, up from $66,250; $34,975 for a married person filing separately, up from $33,125; $46,200 for singles and heads of household, up from $44,350. • Zero Capital Gains: Capital gains tax rates already are lower than ordinary tax bracket rates, but beginning in 2008 some investors will owe no tax on profits from the sale of long-term holdings. Effective 1 JAN 08 the 5% tax rate on qualified dividends and capital gains that applied to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets is zeroed out for some. While no taxes generally are good taxes, the zero percent rate does have some limitations. Some young investors are prohibited from taking advantage of the zero-percent option. Some older taxpayers might find untaxed capital gains could produce unexpected taxes on their Social Security benefits. • Required Retirement Withdrawals: The stock market downturn has caused problems for a lot of investors. Particularly hard hit are retirees who depend upon their investments to help meet day-to-day living expenses. Investors age 70½ or older also must factor in mandatory withdrawals, known as required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs or 401(k)s.To help these older investors weather the market downturn, lawmakers enacted a measure to remove the distribution requirement for 2009. They did not, however, extend the tax relief to septagenarians who had to make RMDs in 2008. Because tax rules allow for a retirement plan owner's first required minimum distribution to be delayed until 1 APR of the year following the one in which they turn 70½, some taxpayers will be making their 2008 withdrawals this year. Don't be confused by the law exempting 2009 required minimum distributions; your 2008 RMD, even if you take it in 2009, is still due. You do, however, get one break. Usually deferment of the first RMD means that you end up taking two distributions in the same year, the one you postponed until April and the current year's distribution due by Dec. 31. But with 2009's withdrawal suspended, you'll only have to take out the 2008 amount. • Kiddie Tax: Before 529 plans and other dedicated education savings accounts were around, parents used to open investment accounts in their children's names. It also provided a way for the earnings to be taxed at the child's lower tax bracket rates. That loophole came to an end with the creation of the "kiddie" tax. This levy kicks in when a child's account earns more than a certain amount ($1,800 in 2008, $1,900 in 2009) and requires that excess earnings be taxed at the parents' highest marginal tax rate, which could be as high as 35%. That rule lasts until the child reaches a certain age, at which time the youngster's lower rates then apply. Originally, the kiddie tax applied until a child turned 14. For the last few years, however, lawmakers have been pushing that age upward. For 2008 tax purposes, the parents' higher rates will be collected on investment earnings until the dependent child turns 19, or 24 if the youngster is a full-time student. Part of the reason for the change was to prevent wealthier parents from taking advantage of another 2008 tax-law change, the zero percent capital gains on lower-income investors.[Source: ConsumerAffairs.com Bankrate's 2009 Tax Guide Kay Bell article 5 Jan 09 ++]

ASBESTOSIS: This, a serious lung disorder caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that can develop into cancer. Once inhaled into the lungs, these fibers cannot be destroyed or expelled by the body. They remain embedded in the lung tissue and cause chronic irritation and inflammation. Over time, as this irritation continues, scar tissue develops and replaces healthy lung tissue. Scar tissue is inflexible and cannot contract and expand, which leads to symptoms of asbestosis. Symptoms begin to appear when lung function has been damaged by asbestos exposure. One of the first signs of asbestosis is when breathing has become noticeably difficult. Many asbestosis patients compare the symptoms they experience to those of asthma. Generally, the first symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath during physical exertion. As the condition worsens, shortness of breath may be experienced even when resting. Other symptoms of asbestosis include painful breathing and coughing. For further information on symptoms refer to www.asbestos.com/asbestosis/symptoms.php. People with asbestosis may also develop dangerous complications that occur as a result of reduced lung function. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, and buildup of fluid in the lungs. In addition, people who have developed asbestosis may be at risk of other asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma cancer. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of living veterans were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials during military service. Most military divisions utilized the caustic substance mainly for insulation purposes, but more than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military, primarily by the Navy from the 1930s through the 1970s. Every ship and shipyard built by the Navy before the mid-70s was fitted with numerous asbestos-containing materials. These materials were extensively used in engine and boiler rooms and other areas below deck for fire safety purposes. Navy personnel who worked below deck were heavily exposed to asbestos, but all sailors are at risk, as the deadly compound was used in navigation rooms, sleeping quarters, and mess halls. Products such as brakes, gaskets, valves, cements, adhesives, and floor and pipe coverings all contained asbestos. Thus, Navy veterans and shipyard workers are one of the most at-risk groups for developing asbestos-related diseases. More than 30% of Americans beset with mesothelioma (a rapacious cancer that attacks the internal lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart) were exposed to asbestos during military service. At www.asbestos.com you can review by state shipyards that used asbestos plus other job sites with a risk of exposure. Veterans with asbestos-related illnesses find themselves in a unique and troubling situation, as they virtually have no avenue to seek compensation through the current government system. Ailing veterans are prohibited by law to seek compensation from the U.S. government through the court system. Veterans are allowed to apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related diseases. If in doubt as to how to proceed the resources and staff (i.e. pro bono) at www.asbestos.com or 1-800-272-3786 can assist veterans in applying for benefits. You can also seek assistance from your local veteran service officer (VSO). Initially, a veteran must provide proof that their disease is asbestos-related and that exposure occurred during military service. If a veteran cannot prove their asbestos exposure is limited and isolated to their military service, they are advised to seek compensation directly from asbestos manufacturers. The VA does not presently recognize mesothelioma as a service-connected medical condition. Thus, even if a veteran has been diagnosed with mesothelioma (of which nearly 100% of all cases are caused by asbestos exposure), the VA may refuse to treat them - unless the veteran can provide proof that the cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos while in service. Diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases is difficult since many of the symptoms are indicative of other disorders. With symptoms ranging from respiratory problems to chest pain, asbestos-related illnesses are often misdiagnosed. The non-specificity of symptoms leads to mistaken diagnosis and consequently allows the diseases to fester and spread. For example, pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of asbestos cancers, demonstrates symptoms such as a persistent cough, night sweats, and fever. Early warning signs such as these are frequently misdiagnosed as pneumonia or influenza, affording the cancer the opportunity to develop and pervade the body. Mesothelioma treatment for asbestos-related illnesses varies depending on the condition. Due to the common late diagnosis of these diseases, treatment is often limited to making the patient comfortable, as curing illnesses caused by asbestos is very rare. [Source: Mesothelioma Cancer Center www.asbestos.com Jan 09 ++]

VETERAN LEGISLATION STATUS 13 FEB 09: Refer to the Bulletin’s Veteran Legislation attachment for or a listing of Congressional bills of interest to the veteran community that have been introduced in the 111th Congress. Support of these bills through cosponsorship by other legislators is critical if they are ever going to move through the legislative process for a floor vote to become law. A good indication on that likelihood is the number of cosponsors who have signed onto the bill. Any number of members may cosponsor a bill in the House or Senate. At http://thomas.loc.gov you can review a copy of each bill’s content, determine its current status, the committee it has been assigned to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it. To determine what bills, amendments your representative has sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d111/sponlst.html. The key to increasing cosponsorship on veteran related bills and subsequent passage into law is letting our representatives know of veteran’s feelings on issues. You can reach their Washington office via the Capital Operator direct at (866) 272-6622, (800) 828-0498, or (866) 340-9281 to express your views. Otherwise, you can locate on http://thomas.loc.gov your representative and his/her phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making. Refer to http://www.thecapitol.net/FAQ/cong_schedule.html for dates that you can access your representatives on their home turf.

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS FEBRUARY 2009 ISSUE

2009-02-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

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, February 4, 6:30p
Marine Corps League, February 9, 7p
E-Board Meeting, February 11, 7p
ALR Meeting, February 14, 9a
SAL Meeting, February 18, 6:30p
Post Meeting, February 25, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, February 2, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. This month’s theme is Polish.

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.

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, Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and 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 Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

The Post will be hosting a Valentine’s Day party on February 14 and a Mardi Gras Party on February 21. Check the bulletin boards for details. Music by Joe and Marilyn will be provided on both dates.

FROM THE ALR PRESIDENT
Michael Smith

Our next ALR meeting is 14 FEB and then 14 MAR. We also have a WEB page and the address is http://www.azlegionriders.org/
The application to join the ALR and the requirements are poster on the web page.

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION
Susan Schubert

In January, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation assisted the Good Neighbor Alliance to search for homeless veterans and others in the county. While the Marshall helped establish that there are no truly homeless folks within the city limits, thanks to the efforts of Ron Cole and his four-wheeler, 8 homeless were located living in encampments in the hills surrounding town. Ron is attempting to make contact with them so they can be directed to any needed assistance.

The repairs to the new veteran's outreach office are finally finished. Huge thanks to Gene Simpson who, with assistance from Jim Bugg, finished all the wall repairs and painted the walls and ceilings with paint he donated. It was an amazing transformation. And special thanks to Deirdre Nye who cleaned the space like a professional. There is a very short list of things still needed. 1 medium, light colored lampshade or, 2 medium matching lamp shades; a very small bathroom vanity (about 20"square); 2 small office trash cans; 2 tall bookcases; a jam box or other music player and copies of your favorite music; fabric for curtains for 2 windows, each 2'x3'; a mop, bucket, broom, dust pan and brush. If you'd like to donate any of these things, just call Susan Schubert at 255.1960.

In February, the outreach office will begin peer support groups for veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as a peer support group for spouses. The first meeting of the spouses group is scheduled for 7 pm, Monday, February 23. Meeting times for the veterans group will be announced shortly. If you or someone you know is interested in joining one of these groups, please call Susan Schubert at 255.1960

At this writing, it appears that the state legislature will cut the budget for benefits counselors at the Arizona Department of Veterans Services by 50%. If this happens, it will become even more important for groups like the American Legion to provide advocacy and services for our veterans. The organization, Vets4Vets, has offered to hold a weekend workshop for Afghanistan and Iraq vets in our area. The workshop will be held in a retreat type setting and is totally free (including transportation to and from the site) to any veteran of these conflicts who is having difficulty readjusting to civilian life. All we need to provide is a committment from 10 veterans to attend. Vets4Vets will do the rest. If you know of anyone who would like to attend, please call, or have the veteran call, Susan Schubert at 255.1960. You might also want to check out their website: http://www.vets4vets.us/

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Our annual golf tournament will be held March 8, 2009, at the short course in Benson. Volunteers are needs for this committee. See Mike Stout for more information.

IN MEMORIUM
Please remember Madeline Wyatt, who recently passed and Betty Roark who passed away last August.

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE and ABE
Presidents Day, February 16, 2009

George Washington, President, 1789-1797
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."
Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.

He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.

From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.

When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.

He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies--he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President.
He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.

To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.

Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.

Abraham Lincoln, President, 1861-1865
Lincoln warned the South in his Inaugural Address: "In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you.... You have no oath registered in Heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to preserve, protect and defend it."

Lincoln thought secession illegal, and was willing to use force to defend Federal law and the Union. When Confederate batteries fired on Fort Sumter and forced its surrender, he called on the states for 75,000 volunteers. Four more slave states joined the Confederacy but four remained within the Union. The Civil War had begun.

The son of a Kentucky frontiersman, Lincoln had to struggle for a living and for learning. Five months before receiving his party's nomination for President, he sketched his life:
"I was born Feb. 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. My parents were both born in Virginia, of undistinguished families--second families, perhaps I should say. My mother, who died in my tenth year, was of a family of the name of Hanks.... My father ... removed from Kentucky to ... Indiana, in my eighth year.... It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. There I grew up.... Of course when I came of age I did not know much. Still somehow, I could read, write, and cipher ... but that was all."

Lincoln made extraordinary efforts to attain knowledge while working on a farm, splitting rails for fences, and keeping store at New Salem, Illinois. He was a captain in the Black Hawk War, spent eight years in the Illinois legislature, and rode the circuit of courts for many years. His law partner said of him, "His ambition was a little engine that knew no rest."

He married Mary Todd, and they had four boys, only one of whom lived to maturity. In 1858 Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglas for Senator. He lost the election, but in debating with Douglas he gained a national reputation that won him the Republican nomination for President in 1860.

As President, he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization. Further, he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy.
Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. This he stated most movingly in dedicating the military cemetery at Gettysburg: "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Lincoln won re-election in 1864, as Union military triumphs heralded an end to the war. In his planning for peace, the President was flexible and generous, encouraging Southerners to lay down their arms and join speedily in reunion.

The spirit that guided him was clearly that of his Second Inaugural Address, now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.: "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... "

On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington by John Wilkes Booth, an actor, who somehow thought he was helping the South. The opposite was the result, for with Lincoln's death, the possibility of peace with magnanimity died.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

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.

The Blind Vets

2009-01-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Rita and the blind vets will be coming to Tombstone on January 17 at 10a. Please take a little time out of your day and assist our group tour the vets around our town. We visit the OK Corral, they take a stage coach ride and then visit the Bird Cage Theater. Lunch and dessert are provided. Join us for a most rewarding experience.

2008-12-30T18:06:00.000-08:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
JANUARY 2009

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 7, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, January 10, 9a
Marine Corps League, January 12, 7p
E-Board Meeting, January 14, 7p
SAL Meeting, January 21, 6:30p
Post Meeting, January 28, 7p
District 3, January 11, 1:30p, at Post 24

Pot Luck, Monday, January 5, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. This month’s theme is Soup and Sandwiches.

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.

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 beginning Sunday Jan 4, 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 Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

FROM THE POST COMMANDER
For God and Country
Frank Molina
Our Legionnaire Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is fast approaching. I would like to wish all Post 24 Members and their families, all veteran’s, in and out of uniform, and their families, Beautiful Holiday’s and a Very Happy New Year.

As all of you know, it is easy to be swayed from Peace and Goodwill as we hear about war in foreign countries and disagreements between people right here in our own Post. The fact is that none of us know, but we must have faith, not fear. We must favor love and not hate. And we must have Peace and Unity.

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
December allowed the sun to stay in our Cowboy Town. Isn’t Tombstone a great place to be, here in the high desert!
Our Legion looks wonderfully festive thanks to Chairman Sandi Freeman and the very artistic Decorating Committee, which seems to grow every month. It cuts time and work in half leaving more time to enjoy. Thank you all.

The Auxiliary has always kept a box in the bar area for small luxury items and toiletries to send to our Troops. This December we sent many packages to Tombstone’s own in Iraq including Anthony and David Lopez. The Wild West Detachment Marine Corp League have taken the "Twins" under their wing. Thank you Marines. There are now two boxes in the bar area, the Auxiliary will still be collecting for others in combat areas.

One thing I know for absolute, Unit 24 has the best cooks in Arizona. The deserts brought to the Early Bird dinner were magnificent. That is why we always have so many members at our Pot Luck dinners the first Monday of the month. Potluck in January is on the 5th. The theme is winter soup and sandwiches.

The Blind Veterans from the V. A. Hospital in Tucson visited on the 13th of December. It is always a pleasure accompanying them around our Town "Too Tough to Die". Every year at Christmas Time, The American Legion gives them a festive bag of goodies, hats, shirts etc., I think our Newsletter Editor gets as much fun buying their holiday favors, as they get receiving them. They always have so much fun they all want to return. If you have not had the pleasure of being with them yet, look out for the sign that says, "Rita and the Vets are coming, we know you will enjoy every minute with them.

The Children's Christmas Party on the 14th of December was a great success. Second Vice President Sandi Freeman waved her fairy dust and it was magic. There were so many members helping serve the Children of Tombstone, thank you so much everyone. We gave out 91 stockings and 91 envelopes with $5.00 in each, along with an eight foot table full of stuffy toys.

The sign up sheet for The Auxiliary's "Slingo" will be at the end of the side bar. Our first venture will be Sunday the 4th of January and every Sunday thereafter, God willing. We are told that we need at least 4 people. The Sons of The Legion have found it to be a great fundraiser, I am sure that we will also.

It has been wonderful getting to know and working with the great Members of Unit 24. I look forward to helping our Veterans and Community with those Members that can, and those that cannot, please let us know what we can do for you. Thank you all for CARING AND SHARING.

Have a Magnificent and Happy New Year and God Bless.

FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
We are please to announce the great success that Saturday SLINGO has given to us. Thank you for your support. Please volunteer 2 ½ hours of your time, just one Saturday every 4-6 weeks is all that is asked. You’ll have great fun too.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
The veterans outreach program, which got underway in July of 2008 is happy to report that it has presented six, long overdue, applications for benefits to the VA, as well as assisting numerous veterans gain needed access to the VA health care system. In addition, we have assisted many others with information, state benefits, and more. Also, because of your support, the new outreach office, tentatively named the Veterans Outpost, has nearly everything it needs to get underway. Thanks especially to Cary and Darla Davies, Donald Nye, Jim 'Cookie' Deichman, Barbara Klein, Yogi Bear, Sencie Patchin, Gene Simpson, Jim Bugg, and the Sacred Heart Thrift Store who donated both skills, strong arms, and stuff. The only thing we are missing is some type of floor covering. Thanks to everyone for your support and assistance in getting the word out.

WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
The Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 7p. Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, retired or former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Detachment Commandant at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant, Bill Pakinkis at 457-3511.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
New Key Cards will be available for $1 beginning 1/1/09.

Our annual golf tournament will be held March 8, 2009, at the short course in Benson. Volunteers are needs for this committee. See Mike Stout for more information.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Effective Jan 1, 2009
License Plate Holder Law - State law* requires that the state name at the top of Arizona license plates must be visible. Any license plate holder or cover that prevents the license plate from being clearly legible, is in violation of this new law.

Off-Highway Vehicle Decal - A new off-highway vehicle decal is required to be purchased each year for operation of any vehicle operated on unimproved roads, trails and approved use areas not suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicular travel. Examples include: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), trail motorcycles and dirt bikes. This does not apply to pickup trucks, SUVs, cars and other recreational vehicles.

DISTRICT 3 NEWS
Sencie Patchin
The District 3 Meeting in January will be held at Post 24 on Jan. 11, 2009 at 1:30PM. The Department Of Arizona, President Vicki Zwall will be making her official visit to District 3. Hope to see you all there.

On Jan 17th Unit 52 will be hosting a leadership workshop in Sierra Vista at post 24. It is an 8 hour course. From 8AM to 4PM. It is a worthwhile course and hopefully those of you who have not attended a leadership course will attend. Please call Sherrie at 458-6830 for more information or call Sencie at 457-3749.

On February 21, 2009 District 3 will be hosting an Initiation Tea at Post 24 from 1-4PM. Please call Sencie at 457-3749 for more information.

SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A shout out goes to Gary Garrard, Ralph and Evelyn Holder, Dee Lucas, Gary Case, Laura Keeney, and Mary Musich who is recovering from knee surgery. Take care of those ankles, especially Grace Steiner and Sue Furnas.

IN MEMORIUM
Thankfully, there is nothing to report at this writing.

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

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 February Newsletter will be January 29.

Please follow the Post News and photos on our blog at http://post24az.blogspot.com/ Check out the blog for Member party pictures.

Auld Lang Syne
The song Auld Lang Syne is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne."
- Robert Burns, Auld Lang Syne

Luck For The New Year
Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.

Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the New Year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.

Thank You E-Board Bartenders!

2008-12-28T11:21:00.001-08:00

E-board bartenders, left to right, bottom, Mike Stout, Frank Molina, Kenny Seifert, top, Jim Burns, Don Aiton, Terry Weipricht, Dave Weed. Absent, Mac McFarlan, Al Jepson

Christmas Day bar tenders, Dave and Kathy Weed and Jack Hess kept the bar open 10a-10p!

Pictures From The Member Holiday Party

2008-12-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Care Package

2008-12-15T11:16:00.001-08:00

WILD WEST DETACHMENT MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
TOMBSTONE
Bill Pakinkis PDC/AZ AVHOF/2008

There will be no General Membership meeting in January 2009

The Detachment is currently accepting donations to send Care Packages to the Lopez Brothers, currentlty serving with the United States Marine Corps in the Afganistan Theater of Operations.

Those wishing to donate towards these Care Packages can send their donations to the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League/P.O.Box 311/Tombstone, AZ 85638. Please make checks payable to the Wild West Det. MCL, Lopez Bros. Fund.

Post News and Views, December 2008

2008-11-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
DECEMBER 2008

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

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, Dec 3, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, Dec 10, 7p
Marine Corps League, Dec 8, 7p
ALR Meeting, Dec 13, 9a
SAL Meeting, Dec 17, 6:30p
Post Meeting, Dec meeting is cancelled

Special Events
Early Bird Dinner, Dec 7,
Blind Vets, Dec 13, 10a
Christmas Lights Parade, Dec 13
Children’s Xmas Party, Dec 14,
Club Xmas Party, Dec 24, 6-8p
Post New Year’s Eve Party, Dec 31, 8p-Mid

Pot Luck, Monday, Dec 1, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. Our theme this month is Baked Potato Bar. We will have door prizes too. Bring a gently used coat or blanket for an extra door prize ticket!

Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:15p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. The entry fee is $5. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.

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. SLINGO is a face 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.

Our own Café Legionnaire, operated by Jim and Brenda, is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.

Tombstone Happenings
Fort Huachuca Christmas, Walk thru historic homes decorated for the holidays, Dec 7, 1-4, on Post.
Tombstone Light Parade with Santa, Dec 13t, 7p. The post will participate in this parade. It will start on 6th and Allen.

FROM THE POST COMMANDER
For God and Country
Frank Molina
Well, here we are at the end of November. Thanksgiving is here and at this time I would like to wish all Post 24 Legionnaires and families a safe and happy thanksgiving. And to all of our service men and women and their families who are serving our country, happy thanksgiving.

Also, a special thank you goes to our Post 24 Color Guard and Legion Riders for the wonderful job they did on a very cold and windy Veteran’s Day parade day in Douglas, hosted by Post 11, SAL.

“Time To Remember”
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike.
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved ones tight.
Take time to say “I’m sorry”, “Please forgive me”, “Thank you” or “It’s OK”,
For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regret about today.

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
It is December and some of us are still in shorts. November was a great month. On the 24th of November we were given the keys to our Veterans Center, at the "Old Food Bank " at 121, 4th Street. Cleaning, repairing, painting etc., starts the 1st of December. If any one is interested in helping please call Deirdre Nye at 457-3752 or e-mail meat dnyednye@gmail.com .

It would be great to have many of our members at our December 3rd meeting. One of our executive board members has stepped down for personal reasons. We will be voting on a new E-board member.

The Legion has asked the Auxiliary to bring desserts for the December 7th Early Bird dinner. Drop off your favorite dessert by at least 3:45pm. Dinner begins at 4:00pm.

On December 8th at 9:00am the decorating committee will be putting up Christmas decorations at the Legion. All members are welcome to help and have fun.

On December 9th at 6:30pm the Auxiliary will be stuffing Christmas stockings for the Children's Christmas Party. All are welcome to help.

The Children's Christmas Party is on December 14th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. We are expecting at least 150 children and need many volunteers.....the more the merrier. The Ladies Auxiliary is asked to please bring finger food, cakes and cookies.

January 4th will see the beginning of the Auxiliary’s next fundraiser, "SLINGO". TheSons of Legion host SLINGO on Saturdays. The Auxiliary will be hostingon Sundays, 3-5p, at the Post in the bar. Volunteers are needed. We need 3-4 persons per week for about 2 ½ hours. Those who do not have a bingo background clearance, please ask Barbara Klein, Sandi Freeman or Deirdre Nye for information.

We thank the kitchen for the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and the Auxiliary members for the excellent deserts.

The Auxiliary wishes Post 24 and all of Tombstone residents a Merry Merry Christmas.

FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
We are please to announce the great success that Saturday SLINGO has given to us. Thank you for your support. Please volunteer 2 ½ hours of your time, just one Saturday every 4-6 weeks is all that is asked. You’ll have great fun too.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
We are extremely pleased to announce that the Tombstone City Council, at their November meeting, approved the Legion's lease of the front two rooms of the old food bank space for a Veteran's Outreach Center. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially Don Aiton, George Barnes, Jim Burns, Dusty Escapule, Frank Molina, Deirdre Nye, Bob Zohlmann, and all past and present members of the Tombstone City Council. We are busy now patching walls, painting, and rushing to get ready for a Grand Opening Ceremony.

We still need desks and other office furniture. If anyone wishes to donate something like that, just give a call to Susan Schubert at 255-1960. And look for the announcement of our opening ceremony.

WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
The Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 7p. Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, retired or former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Detachment Commandant at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant, Bill Pakinkis at 457-3511.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS

Dues are due for all members by 12/31/08. They can be dropped off at the Post or can be mailed in care of the American Legion, PO Box 247, Tombstone, 85638.

The Early Bird Dinner, open to all members who have paid their dues by 11/11/08, will be held Sunday December 7, 2008, 4PM – 7 PM. The dinner menu will include roast pork, red skinned potatoes with gravy, green beans, roll and butter. Please sign the sheet on the side bar by Dec 2 or call 457-2273. Our kitchen needs a rough count of heads. Guests may attend at a cost of $7.50. Please bring your membership card.

The Blind Veterans, from the Tucson VA will be visiting our Post and our Town Saturday December 13th, 10a. Trust me, volunteering to help with their visit will be the most rewarding time you spend during this season of giving and cheer. Help our Post make their visit a most memorable one.

Tombstone’s Christmas Lights Parade, with Santa, will be held Saturday December 13th beginning at 7p. Our own Color Guard and Legion Riders will be in the parade this year. Come down to town and cheer them on.

Our Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday December 14, 2-4p. Food, entertainment and presents will once again add joy to the children of our Post and community.

The Annual Post Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday December 24, 6-8p. As always, Post Members (no guests please) are invited to share holiday drinks and pot luck. Please bring in your favorite holiday appetizer, finger food or dessert.

Post 24 will be sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Party at the club. Snacks, hats, whistles and a DJ will be a part of the fun. Bring in the New Year with your friends and family at your favorite Post. The fun will begin at 8p. Look for more information at the Post and online at http://post24az.blogspot.com/ .

New Key Cards will be available for $1 beginning 1/1/09.

Don’t forget…Holiday Mail For Heroes http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/ . Cards should be postmarked by 12/10/08. Check out our blog or the Red Cross web site for more information.

The History of Christmas
Christmas, An Ancient Holiday
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.
The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Saturnalia
In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

An Outlaw Christmas
In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Irving Reinvents Christmas
It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

A Christmas Carol
Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.
As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

For more on the history of Christmas, visit the History Channel at http://www.history.com/

Myths and Lore of Mistletoe
Mistletoe and Christmas, what other holiday tradition brings such a smile to the faces of men and women of all ages? It wasn't always this way. For at least 3,000 years, mistletoe was gathered in midsummer and was burned as part of a Celtic ritual.
Mistletoe was considered sacred by virtue of its occurrence on oak trees (a rare occurrence in Europe), a sacred tree and a symbol of strength and immortality.
The plant was ceremoniously cut with a golden sickle by Celtic priests and caught on a white cloth so as to avoid touching the ground. This ceremony coincided with the winter solstice and thus began the winter celebration.

Mistletoe was also used to welcome the new year and to ward off evil. Mistletoe was hung over a baby's cradle to prevent theft from fairies, and it was believed that mistletoe promoted dreams that unlocked the secrets of immortality. When hung in the home, mistletoe symbolized purity and strength and promoted happiness, romance and peace. In fact, custom called for enemies meeting beneath the mistletoe to throw down their weapons and embrace.

Mistletoe also was believed to possess medicinal properties. When worn, mistletoe had the extraordinary powers of warding off demons and witches while protecting the wearer from fits, fever, tremors and poison. On top of all that, it was thought to promote fertility. It was even used as a treatment for convulsions and nervous disorders (even though mistletoe is very poisonous!). It also had some use as a vasodilator and sedative until the 1950s. Modern medical research has shown that mistletoe has promise for treating some cancers, hypertension, vertigo, epilepsy, palsy and cardiovascular ailments. Research has also confirmed that it is, in fact, very poisonous, so alternatives were developed and mistletoe--the miracle drug--disappeared.

Because of its association with pagan ceremonies, mistletoe was banned from Christmas ceremonies by the Church. A common medieval belief held that mistletoe was the wood used to make the crucifix. Cursed, mistletoe was no longer welcome on earth and was doomed to live as a parasite growing on trees. It was not until the 17th century that people became more open about their fondness for mistletoe. Kissing under the mistletoe came about because of the belief that mistletoe's curative powers would cure a broken heart and soothe the differences between quarreling lovers.

Mistletoe is primarily a tropical plant, some growing up to 30 feet tall. The mistletoe of Christmas tradition grows in Europe and Asia, and a dwarf mistletoe, one of the world's smallest vascular plants, can be found in some conifers of Western North America. In Tennessee, only one mistletoe species is common, Phoradendron leucarpum.
Mistletoe is a thief. It's scientific name, Phoradendron means "thief of the tree" in Greek. To understand why, look at the life of American mistletoe. Mistletoe is semiparasitic; that is, while it has green leaves that provide some energy, it meets many of its energy needs by sucking the lifeblood from its host, usually oaks, elms and poplars.
The roots of the mistletoe never reach the ground. Roots enter the host tree, robbing it of necessary water and minerals. Actually, mistletoe has developed a very specialized tissue with the shape of a bell (called a haustorium). This bell-shaped structure grows into the host tree and combines with the living tree. Mistletoe survives by starving the host tree, sometimes to death. For this reason, mistletoe is sometimes known as "the vampire plant."

In addition to a host tree, mistletoe needs a way to pollinate its flowers and a way to spread its seeds to the branches of trees. While insects pollinate mistletoe, spreading of the seeds is a most interesting process. In Europe, the mistle thrush bird carries the very sticky one-seeded fruits to other host trees. Then, after consuming the berries, it regurgitates the seeds into branch crevices--an excellent place for mistletoe seeds to germinate.

In North America, birds avoid the immature fruits which are bitter, hard and contain poisonous compounds. Instead, they eat and disperse the mature fruits which are still hard to digest. The resulting unharmed seeds take root in the new host tree.
In Australia, mistletoe fruit is winged and is dispersed by the wind. And dwarf mistletoe may have the most interesting means of seed dispersal of all. The fruit seems to be explosive; the sticky seed, shaped like a small missile, may travel up to 60 feet at speeds of up to 80 feet per second before sticking to a new host! In fact, a product called birdlime, a sticky substance smeared on trees to catch birds, is made from the berries of mistletoe. After the seed lodges in the new host tree branch, it grows into a yellowish-green plant up to three feet long. Its dense leathery oval- to lance-shaped opposite leaves (about two inches long) mask the small pale flowers that appear in compact spikes (male and female flowers are found on different plants). The plants grow slowly and generally survive as long as the host does.

Every year, mistletoe is collected and used as a Christmas ornament, and every year, children and family pets become ill from the poisonous berries. We don't use mistletoe to ward off baby thieves or to promote dreams of immortality anymore. For some reason though, kissing under the mistletoe has survived through the ages; it probably will for a long, long time, too.
By Andrea Brewer Shea and David Duhl

SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A special shout goes to Gary Garrard, who will be having more surgery, our dear Ralph and Evelyn Holder (we miss you so much), Dee Lucas, Gary Case and Laura Keeney.

IN MEMORIUM
Thankfully, there is nothing to report at this writing.

Happy December Birthday
Leroy Colomy and Evelyn McNabb Harrison, Dec 2, Kim Plett, Dec 4, John McDaniel, Dec 5, Katie Sherman, Dec 8, Juan Esquer, Dec 9, Cheryl Braden, Dec 15, Bev McCan, Dec 16, Ron Cole, Joseph Fox, Carol Leach and Dee Dee Molina, Dec 18, Tony Perotti, Dec 21, John Satterfield, Dec 25, Barbara Lanham, Dec 29, Mike McKay, Dec 30, Joe Harvey and Steve (Sha Na Na/Snake) Washburn, Dec 31.

WE NEED YOUR HELP
The frost is on the pumpkin and many kids in southern Cochise County will not have a coat to wear to keep them warm on the way to school.
Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting clean, gently used and new coats, all sizes, all ages, both genders, at the Monday Dec 1 Pot Luck.
We will deliver these coats to the Douglas Fire Department. Please help to keep our children warm this winter. Clean blankets will also be accepted!

FOR SALE
Fireball Model A, Compact Disk Jukebox…60 ½” x 35 7/8” x26”, 313 lbs. Output Power: 360 Watts, Protection: Short Circuit Shutdown 100°C, Frequency: 60Hz/50Hz, Maximum Power Consumption: Standby 300 Watts/Max 340 Watts.
No Warranty, No CD’s, Disk Changer is New, As Is-Needs Some Work (CD’s Skip), Best Offer. Contact Commander Frank Molina at the Post, 457-2273.

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 December Newsletter will be Dec 26.

Please follow the Post news and photos on our blog at http://post24az.blogspot.com/

Thanksgiving 2008

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The Post's Thanksgiving Dinner, open to all Tombstone residents and visitors, was a great success. We served about 150 people! Jim, Brenda and Kate, of Cafe Legionnaire, led the way along with a dozen volunteers. We missed Ralph and Evelyn but were happy to carry on the tradition.

Pictures from the Veterans Day Parade

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Our Post marched in the Veteran's Day parade, held in Douglas Arizona.

Our Color Guard and Legion Riders did a great job.

Holiday Mail For Heros

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Holiday Mail for Heroes

From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.

All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

Where to Send Phone Cards, Gift Cards and Care Packages:
Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with the holiday cards. Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to www.aafes.com, scroll down to "AAFES Community Connection" and click on "Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" in order to send such items.

No 'Care Packages' will be accepted at this address. Those wishing to send care packages should go to www.AmericaSupportsYou.com and click under "Homefront Groups" to find out how to send care packages.

For more information go to http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/

Early Bird Dinner

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THE AMERICAN LEGION
ROY FOURR POST 24
INVITES YOU TO ATTEND IT’S

ANNUAL EARLY BIRD DINNER

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2008

4PM – 7 PM

The dinner menu will include roast pork, red skinned potatoes with gravy, green bean, roll and butter. Please sign the sheet on the side bar by Dec 2 or call 457-2273.

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

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The American Legion Invites All Tombstone Residents, American Legion Members and Guests To:

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27
1 PM – 4 PM

THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 24
225 EAST ALLEN STREET
457-2273

The American Legion will furnish all of the food. Our kitchen will prepare the food.
Volunteers will be needed for various duties. A sign up sheet will be posted in the club.

December Pot Luck

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POT LUCK MONDAY
BAKE POTATO BAR

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 6:30P

POTATOES PROVIDED BY THE LADIES AUXILIARY

BRING IN YOUR FAVORITE POTATO TOPPING, MAIN DISH, SIDE DISH OR DESSERT OR $4.00 DONATION

BRING A CLEAN-GENTLY USED COAT OR BLANKET AND GET AN EXTRA RAFEL TICKET! WE WILL DELIVER THESE DONATIONS TO THE DOUGLAS FIRE DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 6.

Post 24 November Newsletter

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POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
NOVEMBER 2008

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

NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Auxiliary Meeting, Nov 5, 6:30p E-Board Meeting, Nov 12, 7p
ALR Meeting, Nov 8, 9a SAL Meeting, Nov 19, 6:30p
Marine Corps League, Nov10, 7p Post Meeting, Nov 26, 7p

Pot Luck, Monday, Nov 3, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.
Our theme this month is Turkey Fest. We will have door prizes too.

Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:15p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. $1.50 Hot Dogs with all the trimmings, for all. 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. And Friday Fish is back!
Introducing SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by SAL. Join the fast paced fun!!!

Tombstone Happenings –The Western Music Festival and Wings and Spurs are scheduled for Oct 31 – Nov 2.

Come in costume to the Post 24 Halloween Party, Saturday, Nov 1, 6p. Cash prizes and music!

Veteran’s Day, services 11/11/08, 11a, Post Porch.

FROM THE POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina

Well, as all of you know, Helldorado has come and gone. A special thanks goes to our Post 24 Color Guard, our own Unit 24 Ladies Auxiliary and Unit 11 Ladies Auxiliary of Douglas for the wonderful job they all did in the Parade. Thank you Color Guard; Mike, Chuck, Russ, Kim, Robert and Al. Thanks also to our door security volunteers and our bartenders. Thank you all, For God and Country.

Join us at our Post on 11/11 at 11a for Veterans Days Memorial Services. Look for posters indicating the date and time of the early bird dinner.

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye

October started out with Convention in Tucson. There was a contest between The Legion and the Auxiliary in The State of Arizona, as to who would have the most membership percentage before Convention. The Legion won. Oh my goodness!!! Have you ever seen a group of professional women dressed as clowns?. We came away with many laughs and much information.
The Auxiliary has made headway in helping our Veterans due to the tenacity of our V. A & R. Chairman Susan Schubert, or " Ace " as some know her. We thank The Legion for their support and financial help when needed. Thanks also to our Members From Post 24 and Unit 24 who have contributed generously.Members of Unit 24 have been busy helping the Community, most of the Volunteers at The Food Bank are Auxiliary Members, and there are many Members that volunteer that do not attend the meetings at Roy Fourr. Thank you all.
Saturday the 25th of October found some of our Auxiliary playing Slingo, and it was fun. The S. A. L. entertained us and there were many winners. We want to thank The Legion for inviting us also to host games on Sundays. The Commander of the S. A. L., Kim Scott, has invited the volunteers of The Auxiliary to see how they set it up and how it is played. So girls, lets have fun and help our Veterans and Community. We will all talk about our flyers at our meeting on Wednesday the 5th of November, and there will be a sign up sheet for all those that want to have fun helping.
The Children's Christmas Party is approaching quickly, the 14th of December is only six weeks away, Uncle Willy the Balloon Man will be back amongst other entertainment. Store bought cookies and treats can be donated at any time, we surely appreciate every thing our Members do, we also have lots of fun doing it.There are still " Support our Troops" Snowmen available, just ask one of our Officers and they will get them for you.
For our Juniors…In February we will be starting Drill Team lessons. Dance Instructor Leigh Carter will be teaching you how to do dance steps to a marching band, and wave those Stars and Stripes in unison. We hope you are all exited.
God Bless.

FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
Squadron 24 has received a very nice plaque, which has been placed on the east wall, for our efforts last spring in collecting donations for the Child Welfare Foundation. We were the top squadron in the state, raising more money for Child Welfare than Apache Junction, he largest Post in the State!! Thank you to everyone that was able to help us reach this goal. A special thanks to our bartender Lisa and Barb Klein for their avid efforts.
On October 25th we had our very first game of Slingo in the bar. It went very smoothly and everyone had a great time. We will continue to play every Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come and join in the game, the more players, the more fun it is!
Congrats to Jim Bugg, our new S.A.L. First Vice Commander.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert

The August 2008 Auxiliary Veteran's and Rehabilitation veteran's outreach made it clear that there are a large number of unserved veterans in the Tombstone area. To serve this need, a group of Post, Auxiliary, and Sons’ members have dedicated itself to learning the ins and outs of, not only the VA application process, but also the entire range of available benefits and services. Hopefully, with the approval of city council, this group will soon have a space downtown in which to interview veterans, provide peer counseling, and basically serve as an area veteran's center. For more information call Susan Schubert at 255-1960.

POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS

SLINGO, single line bar bingo, is coming to our Post! Join the fun and camaraderie, Saturday afternoons. You can play as many cards and as many games as you want. Each game is independent of the others. Come early or later, it doesn’t matter. Play one game or a few games or all the games…it’s up to you. A lighted number board has been placed on the wall near the kitchen for easy card marking. Raucous fun, TV watching, eating and drinking are encouraged. This is not your serious back room – Friday night bingo. Proceeds will support SAL projects. Members and their bona fide guest may join in the fun.

The Post has approved the purchase of a new flag for the Tombstone Fire Department.

The Post has begun planning for entertainment on New Year’s Eve. Keep the Legion is mind when scheduling your New Year’s Eve fun. And don’t forget our costume party on November 1, 6p.

Our Post will be sponsoring what has become an annual event, started by Ralph and Evelyn Holder: Thanksgiving Dinner at the Legion, open to our Community. If you would like to volunteer to be part of this annual event, setting up, serving and cleaning up, please contact Deirdre Nye or Sandi Freeman at the Post.

A special thank you to the Robert Schwing for his donation to Unit 24 on behalf of Kathyrn Schwing who passed away August 11, 2008. They were married 68 years. Also, a special thanks goes to Edey Engh, for her donation to the Post in memory of her husband Charlie. She especially noted that he was so happy in our town and with all of the people of the Post.

Congratulations are in order for new mother Amanda Divelbliss, Grandma Cindy and Aunt Kandyce on the arrival of Carlysa Marie, 10/10/2008, 6lbs 12 oz, 19”.

WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis

On Saturday, October 24,2008, at the EL Zaribah Shrine Auditorium in Phoenix, Post 24 Legionnaire W.F. "Bill" Pakinkis and nineteen other veterans from all over Arizona were formerly inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who have honorably served their country and have continued to serve and inspire their fellow citizens with deeds and accomplishments throughout their life time. Past inductees are 26 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor , Ira Hayes, Senator Barry Goldwater Legendary Arizona Lawman and Rough Rider William O. "Buckey" O'Neil, and Supreme Court Justice, William Renquist to just name a few. Arizona Department of Veterans Director, Joey Strickland presented the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Plaque to Bill, and Arizona Secretary of State, Jan Brewer, (Representing Governor Janet Napolitano) presented the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Medallion, which is the highest honor awarded by the Governor to an Honorably Dischared Veteran. Bill is also the 3-time Past Department Commandant, Marine Corps League, State of Arizona, the Forming/Past Commandant of the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League, Tombstone, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, and Chairman of the City of Tombstone Historic Districts Commission. Bill is also the 1st Legion member from Post 24 and the 1st resident of Tombstone to receive this honor. On Monday, 10 November 2008, the 223rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League, Tombstone will have their General Membership Meeting at American Legion Roy Fourr Post 24. Meeting promptly starts at 7:00 P.M. Before the meeting concludes for the evening, there will be a ceremonial cake cutting ceremony, saluting the birthday of the Corps, everyone in Post 24 are urged to attend the ceremony. The Marine Corps League membership is open to "all" active duty, reserve, former and retired Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Commandant Frank Sutherland at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant Bill Pakinkis, at 457-3511. "Once a Marine", Always a Marine".

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4!

A HISTORY OF VETERAN’S DAY

1918…World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War (no one could imagine any war being greater!), ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities—in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.

1919…November 11: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two (2) minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.

1920…On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.

1921…Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.

1926…Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.

1938…Congress passes legislation on May 13 making November 11 a legal Federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no ‘actual’ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The Federal government can in fact only designate holidays for Federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice the states almost always follow the Federal lead in designation of holidays.

1941- 1945, 1950- 1953…World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.

1954…On June 1, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day.

1968…Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law, which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.

1971-1975…The Federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin; 1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia; 1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming

1975…Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.

1978…Veteran’s Day observance reverts to November 11.

Thanksgiving and The Pilgrims' 1621 Celebration

The tradition of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving is steeped in myth and legend. Few people realize that the Pilgrims did not celebrate Thanksgiving the next year, or any year thereafter, though some of their descendants later made a "Forefather's Day" that usually occurred on December 21 or 22. Several Presidents, including George Washington, made one-time Thanksgiving holidays. In 1827, Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale began lobbying several Presidents for the instatement of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, but her lobbying was unsuccessful until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln finally made it a national holiday with his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

Today, our Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. This was set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941), who changed it from Abraham Lincoln's designation as the last Thursday in November (which could occasionally end up being the fifth Thursday and hence too close to Christmas for businesses). But the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving began at some unknown date between September 21 and November 9, most likely in very early October. The date of Thanksgiving was probably set by Lincoln to somewhat correlate with the anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod, which occurred on November 21, 1620 (by our modern Gregorian calendar--it was November 11 to the Pilgrims who used the Julian calendar).

There are only two contemporary accounts of the 1621 Thanksgiving: First is Edward Winslow's account, which he wrote in a letter dated December 12, 1621. The complete letter was first published in 1622, and is chapter 6 of Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.

Our corn [i.e. wheat] did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown. They came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom. Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.

The second description was written about twenty years after the fact by William Bradford in his History Of Plymouth Plantation. Bradford's History was rediscovered in 1854 after having been taken by British looters during the Revolutionary War. Its discovery prompted a greater American interest in the history of the Pilgrims, which eventually led to Lincoln's decision to make Thanksgiving a holiday. It is also in this account that the Thanksgiving turkey tradition is founded.

They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercising in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports.

The following is a fairly complete list of the foods available to the Pilgrims during the three-day Thanksgiving harvest celebration. As can be seen in the above two quotations, the only foods specifically mentioned by the Pilgrims are: "corn" (wheat, by the Pilgrims usage of the word), Indian corn, barley, peas (if any where spared), "fowl" (Bradford says "waterfowl"), five deer, fish (namely bass and cod), and wild turkey.

Foods Available to the Pilgrims for their 1621 Thanksgiving
FISH: cod, bass, herring, shad, bluefish, and lots of eel.
SEAFOOD: clams, lobsters, mussels, and very small quantities of oysters
BIRDS: wild turkey, goose, duck, crane, swan, partridge, and other miscellaneous waterfowl; they were also known to have occasionally eaten eagles (which "tasted like mutton" according to Winslow in 1623.)
OTHER MEAT: venison (deer), possibly some salt pork or chicken.
GRAIN: wheat flour, Indian corn and corn meal; barley (mainly for beer-making).
FRUITS: raspberries, strawberries, grapes, plums, cherries, blueberries, gooseberries (these would have been dried, as none would have been in season).
VEGETABLES: small quantity of peas, squashes (including pumpkins), beans
NUTS: walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, hickory nuts, ground nuts
HERBS and SEASONINGS: onions, leeks, strawberry leaves, currants, sorrel, yarrow, carvel, brooklime, liverwort, watercress, and flax; from England they brought seeds and probably planted radishes, lettuce, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Olive oil in small quantities may have been brought over, though the Pilgrims had to sell most of their oil and butter before sailing, in order to stay on budget.
OTHER: maple syrup, honey; small quantities of butter, Holland cheese; and eggs.

Some perhaps startling omissions from the authentic Thanksgiving menu
Ham. (The Pilgrims most likely did not have pigs with them).
Sweet Potatoes-Potatoes-Yams. (These had not yet been introduced to New England).
Corn on the cob. (Indian corn was only good for making cornmeal, not eating on the cob).
Popcorn. (Contrary to popular folklore, popcorn was not introduced at the 1621 Thanksgiving. Indian corn could only be half-popped, and this wouldn't have tasted very good.)
Cranberry sauce. (Cranberries were available, but sugar was not.)
Pumpkin Pie: (They probably made a pumpkin pudding of sorts, sweetened by honey or syrup, which would be like the filling of a pumpkin pie, but there would be no crust or whipped topping.)

Mayflower Web Pages. Caleb Johnson © 1999

SICK CALL

Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A special shout goes to Jake Gessner, Patti Malecki, Russ Freeman, Gary Case and Gary Garrard.

IN MEMORIUM

Our prayers and sympathy go out to the families of Kathyrn Schwing and Thelma Aasby. Kathryn passed away on August 11, 2008 and Thelma passed on July 21, 2008. May they rest in peace. Our sympathy also goes to the family and friends of Tom Schaller.

Happy November Birthday

Nov 1, Jim Downer, Nov 4, Kim Scott, Nov 9, Larry Condon and Laura Keeney, Nov 10, U.S. Marine Corps, November 11, Fleet Reserve Association, Nov 16, Barb Klein, Nov 18, Karen Goodman, Nov 21, Gary Case, Nov 23, Sue “Who” Hilligoss, Nov 24, John Blevins, Nov 28, Chuch Hiers and Deanna Gilberg.

EARLY BIRD DINNER

Look for an announcement on our bulletin boards. An email announcement will be broadcast as well. Dues must be received no later than 11/11/2008 to qualify as an early bird.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Soon, the frost will be on the pumpkin and many kids in southern Cochise County will not have a coat to wear to keep them warm on the way to school.

Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting clean, gently used and new coats, all sizes, all ages, both genders, November 1-11. Please place them in the back hall at the American Legion.

We will deliver these coats to the Douglas Fire Department on November 15. Please help to keep our children warm this winter. Clean blankets will also be accepted!

FOR SALE

Fireball Model A, Compact Disk Jukebox…60 ½” x 35 7/8” x26”, 313 lbs. Output Power: 360 Watts, Protection: Short Circuit Shutdown 100°C, Frequency: 60Hz/50Hz, Maximum Power Consumption: Standby 300 Watts/Max 340 Watts.

No Warranty, No CD’s, Disk Changer is New, As Is-Needs Some Work (CD’s Skip), Best Offer. Contact Commander Frank Molina at the Post, 457-2273.

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 December Newsletter will be November 27.

The President and 2nd Vice President of our Unit 24, seriously silly, dressed as sponges. That would be Deirdre Nye and Sandi Freeman!