ONLINE UPDATE

Please check out the web site below for the latest information on The American Legion programs for last year (2010).


Click HERE for the link.


The year-end update for 2010 is at this site.

ELK SEX

 

Two rednecks are drinking in a bar. 

 

One says, "Did you know that elks 

have sex 10 to 15 times a day?"
 

"Aw crap..," says his friend, "and I 

just  joined  the American Legion!"

LEGION HONORS FELLER

Legion honors baseball 

icon Bob Feller

Bob Feller signs autographs during the 2009 Legion Baseball
World Series banquet in Fargo, N.D.

Nicknamed “The Heater from Van Meter,” “Bullet Bob” and “Rapid Robert” because of his blazing fastball, Hall-of-Famer and American Legion Baseball icon Bob Feller passed away Wednesday evening (December 15) from a battle with Leukemia. He was 92.

Feller, a farm kid from rural Iowa, found his calling on the mound at age 13 while playing American Legion Baseball in Van Meter - a small town exactly 17 miles west of Des Moines, as he was known to note. It was here that he began a career that carried him to greatness in the nation’s pastime, earning eight all-star selections as a professional and eventually making it to Cooperstown in 1962 as a Hall of Famer.

In his golden years, he was a great ambassador to the game of baseball. In his younger years, he was fanning batters and hurling no-hitters in Legion Baseball leagues. He often recalled his days of playing Legion Baseball as the fondest of his life, saying the experience not only gave him a start as a baseball phenom but taught him how to form lifelong friendships, deal with letdowns in athletic competition and be discovered as a pitcher.

In 1936, Feller was discovered by scout Cy Slapnicka, who, as the legend goes, signed the 17-year-old to play for the Cleveland Indians for $1 and an autographed baseball. During his 18-season career with the Indians, Feller won 266 games and threw 2,581 strikeouts, crediting his arm strength from years of baling hay, picking corn and milking cows as a child on his family’s farm. Known as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Feller is the only major league player to pitch a no-hitter on an opening day, which he did in 1940 against the Chicago White Sox. Because it was the first game of the season, every opposing player left with same batting average (.000) they had when the game began - a trivia fact that Feller was known to use to stump baseball enthusiasts.

Just when his baseball career was in its prime, it came to an abrupt halt on Dec. 7, 1941 with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The following day, Feller enlisted in the Navy - the first major league player to do so - and served as a gun captain on the USS Alabama for four years, earning five campaign ribbons and eight battle stars. After missing four seasons of baseball from serving in World War II, Feller made his comeback in 1946. Skeptics wondered if he could return to form. He emphatically proved them wrong, pitching 348 strikeouts and 10 shutouts in one of his best seasons as a pro. He went on to help the Indians win the World Series in 1948.

Though many speculate Feller may have earned more than 3,000 strikeouts in his career had he not left for war, the legendary Feller is still recognized as one of the game’s all-time great pitchers. In 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., becoming the first American Legion Baseball alumni to be inducted. The Legion presented Feller with a plaque recognizing him as the first Legion Baseball graduate to achieve the remarkable feat, although Feller later mentioned he should be giving the Legion a plaque for giving him an opportunity to play organized ball.

Despite his active life, Feller remained a constant figure in Legion Baseball by attending many Legion World Series games and signing countless autographs free of charge. During the 2009 Legion World Series in Fargo, N.D., Feller spoke during the pregame banquet to Legion players and even, at the age of 91, threw out the first pitch in front of thousands of standing and applauding fans.

Because of his unending support, the Legion established the Bob Feller Pitching Award in 1978. The award is granted to a Legion player who earns the most strikeouts in a regional and national competition.

As the baseball fans remember a legendary player and a war hero, The American Legion calls to light his excellence on the field and off from an article that Feller wrote in June 1963 for the Legion Magazine.

PATRIOTIC WEB SITE

SOURCE FOR VIDEOS AND STORIES

Click HERE for patriotic articles and videos.

USA Patriotism! recognizes David Griffith for his noble patriotic efforts!

David Griffith was severely wounded in Vietnam while serving his country with the Marines  and now must rely on his wheelchair and walker for his mobility . . . and a computer terminal for his window on the world.


So, in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, David Griffith, ignoring his ongoing pain, started a patriotic tribute at his site,  pouring out his love of country every day that includes writing poetry all intended to lift up our brave troops, encourage all Americans, and preventing our troops  from being forgotten or scorned as was done  during the Vietnam War.
Recently, from the confines of his home as a shut-in, he organized his fellow senior citizens having his medical attendant deliver them to the local post office for mailing at his own expense.
Moreover, David Griffith currently keeps in contact  (by email and mail) with over 150 Marines in Iraq from his bedroom desk every month. His reply to why is . . . "I don't want these kids coming home to a cold and unforgiving country this time like we did from Vietnam."  (His reason should ring true to all Americans.)

And while three bullet wounds in Vietnam ended David Griffith's active Marine role after 11 years and 5 months,. this true American patriot has remained a Marine at heart, breathing his love of the US Marine Corps everyday . . . and wishing that he could have served a full career as a Marine.
Semper Fi ... David Griffith for exemplifying love and pride of America as a Marine and your ongoing noble patriotic efforts!

I have visited this site and have been amazed at the amount of material that is presented here. There are innumerable music videos, NASA videos, personal experiences, etc. Truly a great site to visit and enjoy by all veterans and anyone who is patriotically inclined. Five stars is what I give it.

THE THIRD ROW ! ! ! ? ?

Can this be right?


Click HERE to see video.

Commentary: Where is our country heading???

VETERANS DAY IN NYC - 2010

Amazing faces NYC Vets Day Parade

Just received this e-mail recently from our Oswego County Commander. I had to include it in my blog. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Delos Rowlee







Fellow Veterans,

I never made a you tube video before. But I recently had an experience that I recorded through my camera lens that I'd like to share with you.  

I was at the NYC Veterans Day parade and I saw in the men and women who served our country an indelible grace that caused their faces to exude a radiance. A shining so evident, so beautiful, so deserving of our appreciation. And our love. 

But it didn't end there.

The faces of the young and old who came to honor them, the faces of the marching bands who came to play for them, the faces of the toddlers who were so awed by them was evidence of an Amazing heart, an Amazing grace. I was moved by it. I was awed by it. 
So I simply had to share it with all of you. I hope you get as much out of my humble camera effort as I did.

Love to all.
God bless America.

Lee


Click below to see video.

http://www.youtube.com/user/leeretiree

PEARL HARBOR DAY

December 7, 2010

American Legion Post 486, Minetto, NY. 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

Tribute and TASM 

Coin Presentation Ceremony.

Photo: Peter Allen, Executive Director of Thank a Service Member presents a community "veterans appreciation poster" signed by the students of the Volney Elementary School to Joe Wallace, Commander of the American Legion Post 486 in Minetto

The December 7th ceremony, held at the American Legion Hall in Minetto, included a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute and the presentation of a special Thank a Service Member medallion which was given to the American Legion Members in honor of their service to our country. Thank a Service Member is an Oswego based, non-profit whose mission is to honor the service and support the needs of military veterans and their families. For more information contact Peter Allen at 315-402-5915 or visit the Thank a Service Member website at www.ThankaServiceMember.org 

Peter Allen Executive Director
Thank a Service Member, Inc.
"Honoring Their Service | Supporting Their Needs"
391 W. 1st St. Box 1010
Oswego, NY 13126
315-436-2515

CALL FOR SOCKS

SOCKS FOR AFGHANISTAN

Hi Gerianne, 

Pat forwarded your email address to us in the hopes that you can help us get our nephew's Marine unit some socks over in Afghanistan. He's told us that the troops are cutting up t-shirts to wrap around their feet to keep them warm. He's requested "cushy socks in brown, black or grey" and we are trying our best here and in his hometown in New York to help them out. We've shipped out a couple of dozen already, but we know they need more. He has not able to give us the names of other soldiers due to security, so we send all our packages to him and he acts as mailman. His address is: 

LCPL Casey J. Congilosi 
3/5 MARINES H&S CO ENG PLT 
UNIT 40380 
FPO/AP 96427-0380 

Thanks in advance for any help you can give us and thanks for your service. 

Joe & Sue DiPasqua 
sdjd@sccoast.net



Just got this from the department office in Albany. 

They need socks over in Afghanistan and are seeking help in getting some over there.

C'mon Legionnaires and Auxiliary members, let's get these Marines some warm socks for their feet. It's the least we can do. Let's show them we are thinking of them at this Christmas season. 

Thanks for anything you can contribute.

NATIONAL COMMANDER VISITATION

5th DISTRICT VISIT

The National Commander Jimmie Foster will be making the 5th District Visitation and Dinner on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in Watertown, NY.

The commander will be staying at the Best Western Carriage House with dinner being hosted in the hotel banquet room. A cash bar reception will begin at 6:00 P.M. with dinner being served at 7:00 P.M. sharp. Cost of the dinner is $25.00 per person with your choice of either:

Herb Crusted Chicken or

Roasted Pork Loin

Bruschetta

House Salad

Green Beans Almondine

Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls & Butter

Coffee, hot tea and Decaf

Chocolate Cake w/whipped cream

Reservations for dinner choice along with Guest Name and payment must be received by James Brassard, 41735 Clear Lake Road, Theresa, NY 13691 no later than 15 March 2011. No reservations after that day. Make checks payable to Jefferson County American Legion. Tickets will be given out at the door.


A block of rooms have been set aside for the Legion at the Best Western. The cost of the rooms is Single $84.00 ; Double $94.00 which includes breakfast. Make your reservations by calling (315) 782-8000 no later than 14 days prior to this event. You will need a copy of your tax exempt form when you check in.

Booster sheets should be available at your Post to get names for the Program Book to help defray costs. Each name will cost $1.00 and please PRINT so that the typist can read them and print the correct spelling of your names.


We hope that you will attend this event and greet the National Commander. Each County Commander and Post Commander, County Auxiliary Presidents and Unit Presidents, Sons of the Legion Commanders as well should feel obligated to attend this celebration. Even though money is very tight this year, remember that you can use Bell Jar funds for this. Let's make the Commander glad that he came to the 5th District of New York.

James Brassard, Distinguished Guest Chairman
(315) 486-1490

4Troops BIOS

Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Ron Henry retired from the Army after a twenty-year military career; his last seven years were spent traveling unprotected roads in Iraq in the dangerous position of Transporter and Transportation Manager. Influenced by Gospel music, Ron delivered stellar performances in the first season of Military Idol, a show that featured military contestants in the popular American Idol format. He went on to lead the successful Army singing group “Transportation Express,” lifting the morale of those families whose military parents were serving multiple deployments back to back.

Former Cpt. Meredith Melcher spent four years in the Army as an officer in the Medical Service Corps where she was deployed in support of the first Operation Iraqi Freedom. While on the front lines of Iraq her ambulance platoon successfully evacuated hundreds of injured Americans and Iraqis to higher levels of medical treatment. Upon her return, she was cast in the 2004 U.S. Army Soldier Show and performed for audiences of military personnel and civilians worldwide. 

Former Sgt. David Clemo – who was in Basic Training, getting his first ID on 9/11 – initially deployed to Afghanistan where he provided communications support for major logistics and fire bases. His second deployment, from November 2004, was as a team chief for communications and fiber optic cable installations in Iraq. Following that, David spent a number of fulfilling years as Assistant Director of the U.S. Army Soldier Show, touring and entertaining his fellow soldiers and their families.

Former Sgt. Daniel Jens, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was attracted to becoming a musician/singer after seeing Elvis and The Beatles perform and hearing the adoring screams of their female fans. He was inspired to join the Army and serve his country after the events of 9/11. In October of 2007 he deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division as a crew member of the Field Artillery Cannon. Jens sang at everything from Prayer Breakfasts to Talent Nights at the U.S. Embassy. Upon his return, Daniel went on to become one of the top twenty acts in season three of America’s Got Talent.

To visit the 4Troops web page, click here.

4TROOPS UPDATE

4TROOPS donates $12,500

to American Legion 

 scholarship program

 Washington (Dec. 2, 2010) --  4TROOPS, The American Legion’s official vocal group, took center stage Nov. 29 on the popular TV game show “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” when they won the top prize of $50,000 for the charities of their choice.

The group has announced it will donate $12,500 of their winnings to The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship fund, which awards college scholarships to children of servicemembers who have died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
 
4TROOPS sang the correct lyrics to “Larger Than Life” by Backstreet Boys, “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw, “Apologize” by OneRepublic, and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” by Great White. But it was their lyrical knowledge of “This Love” by Maroon 5 that bagged the $50,000.
 
All four singers – David Clemo, Ron Henry, Meredith Melcher and Daniel Jens – are Iraq war veterans and members of The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization.
 
Clemo served in the 18th Airborne Division, providing communications and logistics support in Afghanistan. Henry served with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq. Melcher was a platoon leader in Iraq, overseeing ambulance evacuations of wounded Americans and Iraqis. Jens enlisted after 9/11 and served one tour in Iraq; as a civilian, he went on to become a finalist on NBC's "America's Got Talent."
 
4TROOPS performed a live concert last August at The American Legion’s 92nd annual convention in Milwaukee. The group has also appeared on “Fox & Friends,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” CNN’s “Larry King Live,” and CBS’s “Early Show.” Their first album, “4TROOPS,” went on sale May 11.
 
To learn more about 4TROOPS, go to www.4troopsmusic.com.

ACTION NEEDED NOW!

Tell Congress to vote NO on the DREAM Act
Commander Foster Asks the Legion Family to Help Stop this Illegal Immigrants Amnesty Bill
(November 30, 2010) The American Legion, by resolution, is unalterably opposed to illegal immigration and opposes legislation that would result in the granting of amnesty and legal residency, in any form or by any name, to illegal immigrants currently in the United States. National Commander Jimmy Foster therefore urges The American Legion family to call both their U.S. Senators and Representatives and ask them to vote "NO" on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act or DREAM Act coming up for a vote in the next two weeks in the House and Senate. The DREAM Act, if enacted, provides a pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens younger than age 36 who were brought to the United States as children; who have lived here five or more continuous years; and who meet the eligibility requirements by either attending an institution of higher learning or serving in the military for at least two years. This bill also allows the States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and provides for higher education assistance. The American Legion opposes this legislation for the following reasons: This bill provides amnesty for the children of illegal aliens who were brought to this country by their parents. This bill provides a pathway to citizenship for these illegal aliens in contrast to current immigration law. It would also allow these children to serve as 'anchors' for citizenship for other family members thus allowing these illegal aliens a citizenship pathway as well. This bill would allow the States to provide a benefit to persons who reside in the United States illegally. States should not have the right to allow illegal aliens the right to in-state tuition nor should the States be forced to provide illegal aliens in-state tuition. There is no public policy reason for the uniformed services to recruit or to allow entry into military service illegal aliens residing in this country. The military should not be used as a pathway to citizenship by those who entered this country illegally. If the proposed law passes, illegal alien students would have the right to financial aid such as student loans and work-study grants. The American Legion opposes any such financial aid to illegal aliens. If this bill passes it will create an 'incentive' for foreign nationals to cross our borders illegally and obtain citizenship through the use of their children. Equating two years of college with two years of military service minimizes the sacrifices of those who have served. Commander Foster requests The American Legion family contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives now and encourage them to vote against the DREAM Act. Please call the Capitol Switchboard at 800-828-0498 or 877-762-8762 and ask for your elected official's office. Ask for the staff person following this bill. Identify yourself and tell the aide you request the elected official vote 'No' on the DREAM Act bill and would like to leave a brief comment why you do not support the bill.

AUXILIARY COLLEGE OF NY

American Legion Auxiliary College of New York, 

Class of 2011
Cazenovia College - June 3, 4, 5, 2011

The 2011 session of the American Legion Auxiliary college of New York will be held at Cazenovia College in Madison County from June 3 - June 5, 2011. The College will give Auxiliary members an opportunity to take a three-day comprehensive course of study on the American Legion Auxiliary. The College will address many programs and issues facing our organization.

The College will be very structured with little time between classes. Students will work in teams to solve problems they may encounter back home in their own Unit or County. Each team will have an opportunity to present their solutions to the entire college. Attendees will be required to be active participants in all classes in order to graduate. Auxiliary members who expect to profit from the experience and contribute to the future success of our organization are encouraged to apply. Some may have been active members for many years and have significant leadership experience. However, we also want to encourage  newer members to apply!

Upon completion of this college, participants will have not only a better understanding of the mission, goals, and programs of the American Legion Auxiliary, but also the confidence to become active, knowledgeable shapers of its future.


Notes of importance:

 1. The application must be completely filled out (printed or typed) to be considered.
 
2. Only one person per application.
 
 3. Tuition of $200 per student must be included with your application.
 
  4. The tuition of $200 includes two nights lodging in college dormitories (double room) and all meals, from Friday evening through Sunday morning, as well as all program materials.
 
 5.Students must arrive on time, stay on campus, and attend all classes in order to graduate.
 
 6. Application deadline is April 1, 2011. Acceptance notices will be sent out in early May.
 
 7. Tuition may be paid by individuals, Units, Counties, or Districts. Bell Jar or Bingo Funds may be used.
 
 8. After you have been accepted and your tuition has been received, there will be NO REFUNDS for non-attendance. However, a substitute may be submitted for consideration.

WOUNDED WARRIOR THANKSGIVING

American Legion helps make Thanksgiving 

happier for wounded warriors

        WASHINGTON (Nov. 24, 2010) – American Legion teamwork and the generosity of a Connecticut-based non-profit organization are making this Thanksgiving a happier day for a great number of wounded warriors. 
  
      The American Legion has distributed $60 gift checks to 2,000 wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  The funds were provided by the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (CSAH), a non-profit organization that identifies itself as “the leading non-governmental provider of emergency financial relief to wounded soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and their families.” 
 
        The Coalition partners with corporate sponsors, individual contributors, and volunteers “to provide a simple and meaningful way for individuals and corporations to help these veterans and their families rebuild their lives.”

        Verna Jones, director of the Legion’s veterans affairs and rehabilitation division in Washington, said the Legion’s involvement began with a call from the Coalition to D.C. headquarters offering gift money for distribution to wounded warriors. “We, in turn, passed the word along to our network of department adjutants, commanders and service officers, asking them to identify veterans who would most benefit from a holiday gift.”  

        National Guard and reserve units, the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center were also asked to participate. “The response was overwhelming,” Jones said, “with literally thousands of emails and phone calls pouring in.” 

        The American Legion’s national headquarters in Indianapolis administered the preparation and mailing of the gift checks, each with a letter attached from Roger Chapin, president and founder of CSAH, who explained:  “In 2005, the Coalition started distributing checks and gift cards to severely wounded service members just before special holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

        “These can be especially difficult times for disabled veterans who are struggling to make ends meet,” he continued. “Thanksgiving, in particular, is all about spending time with family, so we wanted these veterans and their loved ones to be able to truly enjoy the occasion and be reminded of how much their sacrifices are appreciated by the American people."
 
        Chapin continued, “We are delighted [that] The American Legion is assisting us in the distribution of the holiday checks. This will make them appreciated even more since our veterans hold the Legion in such high regard.” 

 Chapin says, as of this season, 10,000 deserving disabled servicemen and women will have been awarded holiday checks or gift cards worth collectively more than $2.3 million.

A SOLDIER IS A HERO

This is a reminder of what we should be thankful for this Thanksgiving and every day of the year. Hope you enjoy it.

Check out the presentation below.

A Soldier Is A Hero

GOD BLESS THE USA

FISHER HOUSE

The Fisher House Program

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House program serves more than 11,000 families, and have made available nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!

 In addition to constructing new houses, Fisher House Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses and help individual military families in need.

Click HERE to find videos on Fisher House.

76 FREEDOM CAR

76 Freedom wraps up successful season
By James V. Carroll - November 15, 2010

Driver Jerick Johnson completes successful 2010 ARCA race season, prepares for 2011 opener at Dayton International Speedway Feb. 12. James V. Carroll

The 2010 ARCA racing season for driver Jerick Johnson and The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car ended much like the way it started — in frustration due to a series of brake and mechanical failures. But overall, Johnson is satisfied and grateful regarding his 2010 season results.

“We competed in a little over half of the 20-race season,” Johnson said. “We qualified for all the televised races except Daytona and ran in two or three short track races. Given those facts, we did pretty well. We finished 18th out of 140 drivers competing in all or part of the races, and we were second to 2010 ARCA series Champion Patrick Sheltra in the Hard Charger competition. The Hard Charger trophy was ours to take right up to the last race, but we came up a bit short.”

Johnson’s opportunity to claim the coveted Hard Charger trophy was during the season-ending race on Oct. 9 at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. While he only needed to finish 19th or better to claim the trophy, Johnson unfortunately nursed his brakeless car to a 26th place finish.

“Brakes and tires hurt us a lot this season, “Johnson said. “We were in the position to crack the top 10 in a number of races when we blew a tire or lost the ability to brake. Pitting under a green flag run to change a flat tire pretty much ruins your day and losing brakes is even a worse situation.”

Even though Johnson and his crew faced many challenges throughout the racing season, not all of them stopped Johnson in his tracks from finishing in the top 10. For instance, during a weeklong series of races at the quarter-mile track in New Smyrna near Daytona, Fla., Johnson and his crew braced bitter cold temperatures, fog delays and an accident that sent the nose of his car bouncing across the track. Despite these obstacles, the 76 Freedom Car managed an overall 9th place finish for the week.

“I’ve gone around and around a lot of tracks at a lot of places,” Johnson said, “but I have never been in a race halted by fog until New Smyrna. That was a new one. Quite an experience and quite fun though.”

Johnson also had a top 10 finish at the Salem Speedway quarter-mile track in Salem, Ind.
“That (Salem) was a race we didn’t plan to compete in at the beginning of the season,” Johnson said. “We decided at the last moment, and it was a good decision. I’m disappointed we didn’t pull out a few more top 10 finishes.”

ARCA kicks off its 59th year of competition on Feb. 12, 2011, with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. The race is 80 laps on the historic 2.5-mile superspeedway oval and will air live on SPEED at 4 p.m. (EST). Until then, Johnson reflects on his success and prepares for a new season.

“The success we have had this season – and every season – would not have been possible without the support of The American Legion family and the David Law Firm,” Johnson said. “We at Team Johnson Motorsports worked hard all season, but the Legion and David Law Firm sponsorship made it possible for us to be competitive and have a legitimate chance at the Hard Charger. For that we are forever grateful and honored.”

Excellent Piece of Work!

THE STATUE

DO YOU  KNOW WHAT THIS IS? 

OR WHERE THIS IS?

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi  palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division.    It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort  Hood , Texas

The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named  Kalat, who for years was   forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad

Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country;  he melted 3 of the heads of the  fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors

Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.  

To the  left of the kneeling soldier is a  small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort  as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

Do you know why we don't hear about this in  the news?   Because it is heart warming and praise worthy.   
 
The media avoids it because it does not have the  shock effect.   But we can do something about it.  
   
We can pass this along to as many people as we can in honor of all our brave military who are making  a difference.

And please pass this on!

RING OF FREEDOM

Let us remember and be thankful for our veterans - young men and women who are placing their lives on the line for our freedoms. 


To view the video of Oliver North speaking on Veterans Day, click HERE


Pray for our troops and let them know we are thinking about them and caring about them, even after they return from their duty stations. 

Remember their lives are affected by the battle scenes that they have viewed and had to take part in over there. It is difficult for us to imagine what their lives are like on the front lines and even other places. 


When they return home, make them welcome and bring them into your post as a guest, invite them to become a member of the largest wartime veterans group in the world. 


Tell them of the many programs that The American Legion offers to them and their families to make their lives better, more manageable and enjoyable.


God bless them and keep them safe.

VETERANS DAY 2010

NOVEMBER 11th, EVERY YEAR..........
 

We need to show more sympathy for these people.
    * They travel miles in the heat.
    * They risk their lives crossing a border.
    * They don't get paid enough wages.
    * They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.
    * They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.
    * They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day ~ every day.

 I'm not talking about illegal immigrants ~

I'm talking about our troops! 

Doesn't it seem strange that many Democrats and Republicans are willing to lavish all kinds of social benefits on illegals, but don't support our troops, and are even threatening to defund them?

 Please pass this on; this is worth the short time it takes to read it & forward it.

Happy Veterans Day - 

If you love your freedom, thank a Veteran today!

If they are alive, thank them.  If not, remember them...

4TROOPS Visits Indianapolis

4TROOPS tours Legion

Click here for article.

4TROOPS

NEW YORK MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN

This is our day, a day to reminisce and be grateful for the opportunity that we were able to serve this great country of ours. 

We are not alike in many ways, however we have a common bond in that we will always be connected through our service to our God and our Country.  We will emulate our founding fathers of The American Legion as we are "Serving America's Veterans Every Day".   Have a Great Veterans Day, you deserve it, you served.  "Just Ask" a Veteran to join today, they want to belong" All you have to do is "Just Ask!"

 

 

 

For God, Country our Veterans and their Families,

 

W. Michael Bowen, DMC, NY

 

Please forward this to your contacts.

 

Thank you for your service and God Bless!

HONORING OUR VETERANS

KISS on USO tour

 Can't think of a better way to observe Veterans Day.  

I always thought Gene Simmons & the band "KISS" were strange, but it seems I have been wrong.
This was filmed in Iraq at a USO tour of a US Marine Base.  Play it and spread it to every single person you know. 


Click to view music video here.

OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS HONORED

MLB World Series honors Oklahoma players

The American Legion - November 8, 2010

 

 For Legion Baseball team Midwest City, Okla., “Outlaws” Post 170, Oct. 27 meant more than the opening game of the Major League Baseball World Series in San Francisco. Prior to the San Francisco Giants defeating the Texas Rangers 11-7 at AT&T Park, the Outlaws were recognized in front of 43,000 baseball fans and Major- Leaguers for winning the 2010 American Legion World Series in Spokane, Wash.

The Legion’s relationship with the MLB dates back to 1926 – the year MLB began recognizing the Legion Baseball national championship team prior to Game 1 of the World Series. Since then the recognition has continued, and this year the spotlight was on the Outlaws.

As the team’s players and coaches stood on the field to be honored, Hall of Famer and former Legion player Frank Robinson presented the team with a World Series Champion plaque and even held the championship flag alongside the players. Other former Legion baseball players watched from the sidelines, including Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner and catcher/first baseman Gerald “Buster” Posey.

After the game, the team enjoyed San Francisco’s famous sites such as Fisherman’s Wharf and the cable cars.

CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION

 November 4, 2010


Child Welfare Foundation

100% Per Capita Banner Program
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation is continuing the incentive program for the award year 2010-2011.

Each post, unit, squadron or salon donating at least one dollar for each member during the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation’s award year will receive a beautiful banner/streamer.  The banner/streamer is suitable for display in your meeting room or it may be attached to your organization colors.

For more information or Banner Request Form contact Bob Caudell at rcaudell@legion.org or 317-630-1202.

With your help, the Foundation will continue working “for the betterment of all children.”

  

NY Commander V. Jim Troiola Visits - Part 3

The evening festivities began with a social hour at 6:00 PM at Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Post 858 in Cleveland, NY. Before going inside, there was a beautiful red sunset over Oneida Lake.

The members of the post presented the Department of New York Commander V. James Troiola with a memorial brick engraved with his name and year of service which will be installed in their memorial walk in front of the post home.

Commander Troiola holds his "special" brick.

Inside the post tables were set up with colorful arrangements  and the head table had several floral arrangements as seen in the following pictures.

Legionnaires mingled and chatted as they awaited the dinner proper.

 

Past District President Betty Rowlee (currently Oswego Co. Membership Chairman) welcomes Karen St. Hilaire from Onondaga County as they discuss membership problems and solutions .

 

Oswego County Auxiliary President Elaine Johnson at the head table.

 

One of the honorees of the day was Corky Winn Senior who is a 65-year member of Raymond-Faulkner-Cook Post 858 in Cleveland, NY. He was a very active member in the past.

 

Part of the head table.

 

Left end of head table.

Auxiliary dignitaries at the head table.

 Commander Rogers described the sons agenda for the year.

County president introduces 5th District President Carolyn Farnsworth.

5th District President Carolyn Farnsworth introduced the Department of NY Auxiliary President Nancy Kurk. 

American Legion Commander Troiola listens as Dept. President Nancy Kurk gives her speech on the programs of the American Legion Auxiliary for the year of 2010 - 2011.

Oswego County Commander Richard Palmer introduces the 5th District Commander Jamie Brassard for the purpose of an introduction.

5th District American Legion Commander Jamie Brassard introduces 5th and 6th District Vice Commander Michael Michalski for the purpose of an introduction.

Department Vice Commander Michalski introduces NY Commander V. James Troiola for his presentation to those attending the dinner.

Department Commander Troiola gives his report on the projects of the American Legion for the coming year.

A plaque was presented to Dept. President Nancy Kurk from Oswego County President Elaine Johnson which read: "All My Friends Are FLAKES!" This brought a great smile to Nancy's face as well as the Department Commander.

Many posts presented checks for the Commander's project which is the National Emergency Fund of The American Legion. Funds are used to help Legionnaires in the case of storms, and other emergencies.

A fine meal was enjoyed by all including ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, tossed salad, dessert and beverage. There was plenty of tasty food and everyone thanked the kitchen staff for their fine meal.