Monthly Newsletter of The American Legion, J. B. Clark Post 149, Escondido, California

POST AND MEETING NEWS

      The Post Executive Board and General meetings were held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

      The Finance Committee presented their report to the Executive Board.  Projecting expenses through the end of the fiscal year in June, the Post expenses will be much higher than income.  We have lost much of our income from rentals this year and they are necessary to cover expenses.

      In other actions, the Executive Board approved changing the award to add “J. B. Clark Post 149, The American Legion” to the name of the award.  The amount of the Scholarship will remain at $2000.00 this year.

      After opening the Post meeting, regular business was suspended to conduct the “Post Everlasting Ceremony” for those members who have passed away during the previous year.  Following the ceremony, committee and officer reports were received.

      The Post approved the actions of the Executive Board.  The membership of the Post is now at 845 for the year which is 87.5% of our goal.  Six additional members were approved for membership.  Carl Asher reported that donations for the Law and Order program are lagging behind last year.  See his article in this newsletter for more information.  The Clubroom is planning a Super Bowl party on February 1st.  A Flag Disposal ceremony is planned for April 4th.

      The Post will be hosting the 5th Area Meetings on March 20 through 21.  Many activities are planned including a Chili Cook-off, raffles, and a Saturday night dinner and dance.

Commander – Joe Watt

      The New Year has got off to a great start for Post 149.  The New Years Party was a success with great food and a great band.  They really played it up.  The Christmas Party was a success.  A lot of gifts and children were there.  The Riders took home a 3rd place award and Henry Banks Post 149 Chili Specialists took home the pinnacle of the Peoples Choice Award for best chili at the 5th Area Chili cook-off.  A great time was had by all of the 149er Members present.

      Looking to the future the Law & Order Awards are on Feb 7th.  Come down and support this great event.  The 5th Area Fun Weekend is here at the Post 149 on March 20, 21 & 22, 2009.  Coming up later are the Legion Birthday Dinner, St. Patrick’s Day, and the list goes on and on.

      One last thing, if you haven’t been down to the Post lately, come on by for some food, drink and fun, and, if you know of another Vet, try to convince them to join us and help with the programs.

Chaplain – Harold W. Olson

      At this time I must report the passing of our comrade Edward Carmer on December 26, 2008.  A thought for the New Year: O wondrous provider, Thou caterer of life's feast, we find our table laden with the concerns of our day.  Nevertheless we give thanks for this life in its overwhelming fullness and demand.  And we give thee thanks for this American Legion.  Amen.

Law and Order – Carl Asher

      Comrades, the letters have been delivered to the Chief of Police and Fire Chief requesting inputs for the Annual Jimmie L Hayes Memorial Law and Order Awards Dinner and Program.  The recommendations for awards have been received and medals ordered.  There are 7 Hero, 8 Meritorious, and 10 Citizenship awards being presented to deserving Public Safety Officers and Citizens of Escondido.

      I had the opportunity to visit with then retiring Escondido Fire Chief Vic Reed.  Chief Reed has been and continues to be an ardent supporter of the Post Law and Order program.  From the time Jimmie Hayes approached him as the then new Fire Chief, Vic has been there.  The department may have not always provided an award recipient, but none-the-less; we had and have their support.  I wish Vic and Jamie Reed the very best and asked them to not be strangers at our awards dinner and program.  He promised continued support and to pass that support on to the new Chief, Mike Lowery, a Law and Order award recipient himself.

      Thanks to our latest Boosters: Sandi Spence, Alvin Stevens and Jack Barnhart, Unit 149, Howard & Marie Haworth, Richard Cross, Tom Kmetovic and the anonymous boosters, one and all.  Your generosity is appreciated and the funds will help by ensuring a successful event on Saturday, February 7, 2009.

      Please mark your calendars and plan on attending: dinner is $10.00 per person and all profits go to sustain the Post Law and Order program.  The dinner menu is: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf, Vegetable, Rolls, Dessert, and Coffee by Richard Cross and crew.  See Richard and sign on to assist.

Boys’ State – Carl Asher

      I have received confirmation from the Department’s Boys State Commission Chairman, Barne LaRue, that the fees for this year’s session have been increased to $280.00 per delegate.  Dick Shick, Transportation for SoCal, advises there will be no increase in transportation fees.  The transportation fees are $100.00 per delegate. 

      Now more than ever, our members, need to step up and support the Post, keep your dues current, attend the dinners and breakfasts as well as special events in order to continue to support this program as well as the many other worthy programs and efforts by your American Legion Post.  Hope to see you around the Post.

Rental Manager – Rene Cortez

      Hello everyone.  I hope this New Year has been good to all of you.  I just want to let you know that in February we have the hall being used on the 7th for Law and Order dinner and awards banquet.  The 14th, one of our own is getting married and having his reception in the main hall.  Congratulations.  In March the Post will be hosting the 5th Area meetings and Chili Cook off.  I'm in the process of securing a band for that Saturday night, the 21st.  Well, that's all for now, hope to see you at the Post in the near future.  If you need to rent the facilities please talk to me at your leisure.

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American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary Membership – Irene Gustafson

      Happy Valentine's Day!  February is Valentine’s Day.  Don't forget your favorite Honey.  It also is Americanism month and the month for our 4 Chaplains Ceremony.  It's 66 years since the USS Dorchester was hit by a German torpedo in the North Atlantic and approximately 700 aboard were killed, a very tragic event. 

      Now to Membership:  We made our Target # 3 goal by getting 80% of memberships in by January 20th.  However we still have 40 Seniors and 8 Juniors that are now delinquent.  If your card is not a 2009 card, then your benefits are in jeopardy.  Your membership dues are vital to the many programs that we support.  As I mentioned in earlier bulletins, we need to recruit new members as we are losing members each month through Illness, etc.  So if you are a wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Great Grand-Daughter or Great-Great-Grand Daughter, give it some thought.  The dues are $20.00 for Seniors and $3.00 for Juniors under the age of 18.  Thanks for the Memories! 

      A Thought to Remember: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift.  That's why it's called the present.

AUXILIARY NOTICE

      We are in need of a National Security Co Chairman to fulfill our coupon program for Military families overseas.  Last spring a notice was put into the newspaper about saving store coupons for Military families.  Each and every day private citizens send clipped coupons to the Post.  They need to be compiled in bundles and sent to Commissaries overseas where military families can save money on their purchases.  Our dearly beloved Auxiliary member, Edith Hill, who was handling this project, was taken from us due to a stroke.  Now we need someone to take over.  It is not a hard job, just a rewarding and time consuming task for someone that can do it leisurely.  If you are interested, please let me know and I will show you the details of what I know about it.

Chaplain – Elda Jones

      Well a New Year is upon us.  Hope all of you enjoyed your holidays.  We have had a lot of our members ill with the flu, colds, etc.  Keep them in your prayers.  Most of all take care of yourself so you don’t get sick.

      One of our long time members Doris Heard is celebrated her 104 year old birthday January 24.  She still drives and keeps busy.  Congratulations Doris!

      Stella Diaz fell and broke her ankle in two places.  She is in a lot of pain and has to stay off her feet.  Keep her in your prayers.

      “Life is not always fair but God is always faithful.”

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American Legion Riders

President – Chuck Faupel

      Hopefully everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2008 is behind us and now 2009 is ahead.  Most of us made our New Year’s resolutions and by now half had been broken.  How would I know that? Because I am guilty.  Commander Joe Watt hosted The New Years Eve event.  Thanks for everyone coming out for the New Years Eve Party put on by Cathy, Joe, Cyndie, Smoke and anyone I left out.

      We want to welcome aboard our newest members to the riders: Lyle “Wolfhound” Rife and Clyde “Boog” Powell.

      The ride that we went on January 2nd was successful. The family thanked us over and over for coming and escorting their Dad/Grandfather Navy Veteran Edward Lee Cobb.  That has served his country.  They had military honors for him and escorted him and family to Rosecrans Memorial.  Patriot guard riders headed out the event. Tom Slaughter from Patriot Riders led the way.  I, Dan, Patrick, Rick, Dave, Dave Caldwell, Mike, and his wife from Post 146 President joined us.  We went to breakfast after the event. I believe we have 2-3 more riders are going to join us. We are growing. The Family gave Tom the card and donated $100.00 which Pat gave it to us for the riders for donation. Thank you Patrick Hurley.

      Friday February 6th, Dave Cline and his wife Sandy will be putting on a dinner.  The menu will be Egg rolls, wantons, stir fry chicken with vegetables, rice and dessert.  Come down and support their event.

      We have our monthly ride on Saturday, February 21st taking us to Palm Springs Post 519 for their Annual Chili cook off. Even though you don’t ride a scooter, you can cage (auto) it. Come join us. Some may spend the night.

      On September 5, 2009 the 1st Marine Division Association is hosting the 1st Annual California Honor Run and the Legion Riders will be supporting it.  The Run is in Honor of SSGT Donald May Jr. KIA 3/25/03 Iraq.  The mission is to honor all who have served and raise money for Fisher House.  www.fisherhouse.org

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Editor - Art Lubben

            We mail about 1000 copies of this newsletter each month and the cost is to a significant amount.  In addition to printing the newsletter, it is also posted on our Post web site each month.  If you are able to access the internet and don’t need a copy mailed to you, please contact me or the Post Adjutant so we can mark your file to not get a copy mailed.  The on-line edition is usually posted prior to the mailing and no later than the 1st of the month.