MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Thanks to all who enjoy this blog. 
I will try to make it more interesting in the New Year.

This being Christmas Eve, the night of the star, I am including O Holy Night for your enjoyment.


I hope you all have a great New Year and you and your family prosper and thrive.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Please click on O Holy Night for your greeting!

WHAT WE NEED - - -

Columbine Student's father 12 years later

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. 

 

 

They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness... 

  

The following is a portion of the transcript:

 

 "Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women.  We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence.  The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain.  Their blood cries out for answers. 

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field.  The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. 

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA.  I am not a hunter.  I do not even own a gun.  I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death.  Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended.  If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. 

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies!  Much of the blame lies here in this room.  Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.  I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. 

> Your laws ignore our deepest needs, 
> Your words are empty air. 
> You've stripped away our heritage,
> You've outlawed simple prayer. 
> Now gunshots fill our classrooms, 
> And precious children die  
> You seek for answers everywhere, 
> And ask the question "Why?" 
> You regulate restrictive laws, 
> Through legislative creed.. 
> And yet you fail to understand, 
> That God is what we need! 

"Men and women are three-part beings.  We all consist of body, mind, and spirit.  When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc.  Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history.  Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries.  This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation?  We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence.  And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA.  They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties We do not need more restrictive laws.  Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors.  No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre.  The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school.  I defy any law or politician to deny him that right!  I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools.  Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.  Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him.  To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge...Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!

 

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen again.      

Darrell Scott

 

Do what the media did not --- let the nation hear this man's speech. Please send this out to everyone you can.
God Bless

SPRING EVENT

Walk For Veterans Walk-A-Thon
"They Marched for Us, Let’s Walk For Them"

The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion in New York State are proud to announce the 4th Annual Walk-A-Thon to benefit the 13 Veterans Administrative Medical Centers in New York State, the 5 New York State Veterans Homes, the Fisher House in Albany, New York and help support the need of veterans returning from areas of conflict from across the globe. The Walk-A-Thon will take place on April 14, 2012, in a city near you.

This Walk-A-thon will benefit the Veterans residing at each of these facilities, assist in their care and meet some of the needs of their family members while they are visiting. These funds will help voluntary service departments purchase personal hygiene products, board games, home computers, DVD’s, coffee makers, movies passes, tickets to sporting events, phone cards, along with renovating and upgrading recreation and therapy equipment. Funds are always needed for the upkeep of the Fisher House. The Fisher House provides veterans families a place to stay at no charge while their loved ones are receiving medical care at Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center. The New York State Veterans Homes are assisted living homes for veterans. Recreational and social donations are always welcomed and improve the quality of life for our Veterans residing there.

With the amount of veterans returning from active duty from the conflicts in the Middle East these young men and women need the services provided at our VAMC’s in New York State and  their families need help adjusting to their loved ones medical condition suffered in our time of war. Let’s not forget our aging veterans who have served our country in the past. They with no doubt deserve the best in recreational and socialization programs that can be offered to them.

This Walk-A-thon will be held all across New York State on April 14, 2012. It will take place in all the major metropolitan areas as well as other cities and towns in New York State. The public is encouraged to participate. Please seek out the support of community organizations such as Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, local 4 H organizations, college fraternities and sororities for example. We have a goal of raising at least $120,000.00 during this day which can be obtained by pledges, donations from individuals and business.  With your support and love for our country this figure can easily be doubled. All donations and pledges need to be sent to: Detachment of New York Sons of the American Legion, 112 State Street, Suite 1300, Albany, New York 12207. Please make out all checks payable to Detachment of New York Sons of The American Legion and put in the memo line Walk-A-Thon.

Any questions can be answered by contacting:
 Robert Cox at 315-685-4871, e-mail at bobcox47@msn.com

or Diane Gerber at 718-273-4769 , e-mail icannone@aol.com 
We thank you in advance
for your support and please remember
“Our Veterans Are Our Greatest Resource”.

Military Tribute

Here is a timely video of our military service people. 

Click below to see video:

http://www.tvkim.com/watch/649/kims-picks-a-christmas-tribute-to-our-military

Please keep our military in your prayers at this Christmas season when many are separated from their families. May God bless and keep them safe to return home soon.

 Long may our flag wave over our great nation.

God Bless the USA

 

EAGLE SCOUT AWARDS

On Wednesday, November 16th, the following Eagle Scouts were presented with their Good Citizenship awards at Fuller-Taylor Post 915, the American Legion. Sadly, many boys were not able to be present for the presentation. Each Scout described their Eagle Scout project when they came forward to receive their award.

Oswego County American Legion Commander Fred Waters

assisted Scouting Chairman James Ellis 

in presenting the awards.

Oswego County Scouting Chairman James Ellis

 The first award recipient was JUSTIN A. ARMOUR, 

a member of Troop 888

STEPHEN A. ASHLEY - Troop 723 (absent)

GAWAIN Z. GERMAN - Troop 709 (not present)

Award presented to his mother.

JAMES W. IRELAND - Troop 715 (absent)

NICHOLAS J. LaFLAIR - Troop 709 (absent)

MARC W. LaPOINT - Troop 709 (absent)

DAKOTA M. MALONE - Troop 780 (absent) 

MATTHEW J. MARTIN - Troop 723 (absent)

BRIAN M. MUNROE - Troop 735 (absent)

MICHAEL J. RADFORD - Troop 734 (absent)

 

DUSTIN J. ROBINSON - Troop 709

GUILE I. SCRIBER - Troop 856 (absent)

STANLEY J. SKOTNISKI - Troop 829 (absent)

MICHAEL WALCZYK - Troop 3112 (absent)

 ADAM WILCKENS - Troop 724

MATTHEW R. WROBELL - Troop 723 (absent)

KALEB F. ZEDACK - Troop 825 (absent)

Following the presentations, there were refreshments for all those present.

 

Delicious Cake honoring Eagle Scouts

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

A must See Video ... Ending is fabulous!  When you are done, PLEASE pass it on too, I think it’s important...

Just click on the line below and have your speaker on!

    Http://www.nragive.com/ringoffreedom/index.HTML

 God bless our troops!

ONE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL

FW: Hill Family Episode This Friday

Just a quick reminder of the November 4 episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition will feature a new home built for the Sgt. Allen Hill family.  Sgt. Hill is a combat disabled veteran and a member of The American Legion.  Just prior to the reveal of his new home he was extremely nervous and wasn’t certain he could appear before everyone who had a hand in providing his family a new home….that is until he was told The Kansas American Legion Riders were there to escort and support him.  The KS American Legion Riders, many of whom assisted in the build, are expected to be featured at the beginning and end of the program.  

 This program airs on Friday, November 4, 2011 on ABC network at 8 PM eastern time, 7 PM central time. 


American Legion Riders take part in the program.

THANK A SERVICE MEMBER

Prior to the monthly meeting of American Legion Post 486 in Minetto, NY, Peter Allen, Ceo & founding member of" THANK A SERVICE MEMBER" presented Medallions to members Carl Shappee, Carl Allen, Fred Dumas, Andy Bardin, Delos Rowlee, Fran Tuttle, Huey Falls & Lloyd Rushford. Tony Barone was also presented a medallion at his home where he is confined due to a medical condition 

 Peter Allen,  (top right) presents Thank-A-

Service-Member  medallion to Carl Allen 

while seated Post 486 Legion  members 

Fran Tuttle and Fred Dumas look on.

Peter Allen presents medallion to Fred Dumas

as past Oswego County Commander

Carl Shappee studies his 

Thank-A-Service-Member Medal.

Peter Allen (center) greets past post

commander Lloyd Rushford (at left) 

and past Oswego County Commander 

Delos Rowlee looks on. At right is post

486 member Carl Allen.

Peter Allen presents medallion to Delos Rowlee,

past Oswego County Commander 

as post adjutant Andy Bardin (standing)

comes forward for his.

Peter Allen (left) greets Post 486 American

Legion member Hugh Falls as he presents

the Thank-A-Service-Member medallion.

American Legion Post 486 Chaplain Anthony Barone

holds his Thank-A-Service-Member medal which

was delivered to him by Post Commander 

Joe Wallace. Tony has been laid up with

medical problems and is a very 

active member of the post.

    For more information on this program, check out their web site at www.thankaservicemember.org  

Below is the face and back of the "Thank You" medallion which the above members were presented with.

Face of the medallion

Reverse side with seal of each

of the branches of the United

States Armed Services.

EAGLE SCOUT AWARDS

Each year, the Oswego County American Legion presents a program of awarding Eagle Scout Awards to the scouts who have acquired this level of scouting. Good Citizenship medals and Certificates are presented to each one. These are a few pictures from past year's programs.

From the 2002-2003 year:

 

Good Citizenship Award

Each Eagle Scout get a Good Citizenship Award signed by the Oswego County Commander and the Oswego County Boy Scout Committee Chairman.

 

James Ellis, Boy Scout Chairman, Richard Palmer, County Commander

present award to Nicholas H. Tomaino in November 2002

Scouting Chairman Jim Ellis, Commander Palmer 

and Mark Vliet

After the presentations, there are refreshments which usually include cake and soda and coffee. Parents are urged to attend and if their son can't be present, his award will be presented to either a parent or a scout representative.

In the year 2002-2003 Emily Meade was the Oswego County Commander and proudly pinned the badges on the scouts.

County Commander Emily Meade pins medals on Eagle Scouts.

2002 Eagle Scouts with Awards and Certificates

Each year Oswego County awards 10 to 20 of these awards in recognition of the dedication of these Eagle Scouts. It is a proud moment for both parents and scouts. Scouting was one of the first children and youth committees which the American Legion originally sponsored and devoted much time to caring for the veteran and his or her family.

The future leaders of our great country

the United States of America!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

COMMANDER'S VISIT

Department Commander W. Michael Bowen made his official visitation to Oswego County on Monday, October 17th, 2011. Traveling with the New York Commander of The American Legion was NY Auxiliary President Ann Geer and Detachment Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Dr. Greg K. Gibbs.

NY Department American Legion

Commander W. Michael Bowen

Commander Bowen is a lifelong resident of Waterloo, NY. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1967 at the age of 17. He served from 1967 until 1971 in Europe and the Mediterranean area. He is a 42-year life member of Warner-Van Riper Post 435, Waterloo, NY.

He is self-employed and the owner of a local general contracting business. Mike and his wife Patty have four children: Jonathan, Brandi, Lori, and Jenny Sue, one grandchild Brandan Michael and three step grandchildren: Alex, Ian, and Brett.

Commander Bowen has served as Commander of Warner-Van Riper Post 435, Commander of Seneca County, Commander of the 7th District, Department Vice Commander and Membership Chairman. At the national level, he served as Consultant to the National Membership and Post Activities Committee.

Department of NY American Legion

Auxiliary President Ann Geer

Ann joined Joyce-Bell Unit 578 in Otsego County in 1981 through the eligibility of her husband Stephen, a Viet Nam era veteran. She went on to serve as the Unit President for 6 years.

Ann was elected Otsego County President and served in that capacity from 1988 to 1990, and again in 1994 through 1996.

At the District level, Ann served as District Membership Chairman, District Chaplain and Color Guard captain. In 2003 she was elected Sixth District President.

In 2005 Ann chaired the Department Education Committee, receiving the National Award for Outstanding Department Education Program and in 2007 she was asked to chair the National Security Committee receiving the National Award that year for the Outstanding Department National Security Program.

Ann has lived in Unadilla for 30 years and is active in the community. She is a founding member of the Recreation Commission, which established a community athletic field. She has two grown children: Peter, a computer program designer residing in Brockport, and David, an artist living in Unadilla.

Detachment of NY Sons of

the American Legion Commander

Dr. Greg K. Gibbs

Dr. Greg K. Gibbs is a twelve year member of the Hamburg Squadron #527 in Erie County, NY. Doc gets his eligibility through his deceased father Richard C. Gibbs who served honorably in the US Marine Corps during the World War II Pacific Campaign, serving in combat on Iwo Jima, Tinian and Saipan.

Greg has served at the squadron level including a four-year stint as Commander and served as Erie County Commander for one term and as 8th District Commander for two years. He helped begin the District 7 & 8 Sons ROTC Scholarship Award named in memoriam for Past Eighth District Commander William P. O'Connell. The scholarchip is now in its sixth year.

At the Detachment level, Gibbs has served as the Chairman of the Legislative Commission helping to organize On-the-Hill Days in Albany and Washington and as a Member of the Training and Development Committee, while also serving as the Sons VAVS Representative for the VA Hospital in Buffalo. Doc received a national award for Outstanding Service from National Commander Paul Morin. 

A 2011 graduate of American Legion College, he was one of the first Sons to attend. Doc is supported by his wife Pam and his two children, Kristen and Kirt. Kristen in active in the local Auxiliary and Kirt is also a Sons member. In his daily life, he is employed as a professor at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York and holds a Ph.D. degree.

 

Master of Ceremonies was past County Commander James R. Ellis, currently serving as 5th District American Legion Sergeant-at-Arms. He led those present in a salute to the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer was given and the POW/MIA remembrance prayer was read. After the introduction of the head table, dinner was served.

Chairman of the day's activities was John Young, Oswego County Vice Commander.

Programs were produced by past County Commander David Potter II.

DD214 FRAUD ALERT

DD 214 FRAUD ALERT

It has come to our attention that there are people advertising to obtain a veteran's DD 214 for a fee when this service is free.

Do you need a copy of your DD214 or a family member’s DD214?  

Do you know someone who does?

Go to web site: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

There are two ways to request your DD214: online and by mail/fax

1)    To request your DD214 online: click on ‘Launch the eVetRecs System to start your online request’. Follow the instructions in the pop-up window. The DD214 will be mailed to you after completing the form.

2)    You can also download a form to mail or fax your request for your DD214 by clicking on the ‘Download form SF-180 to Mail or Fax your request’. Click the link ‘Download form SF-180 to mail or fax your request’ to download a PDF of SF-180 to your computer. The return addresses for the completed form are located on page three (3) of the form.

Remember, a DD214 Record of Military Service is always free to obtain for the member and family members.

For more information about U.S. Army Human Resources Command, visit: www.hrc.army.mil

FLAGS ON FACEBOOK

AmericanLegionFlags hits Facebook
The American Legion - September 29, 2011

AmericanLegionFlags.com has launched a Facebook page that will give people who ‘Like' it a chance to win free flags. In addition to contests, the page's primary purpose will be to encourage others to support The American Legion's programs with their flag purchases.

AmericanLegionFlags.com is the Legion's hub for selling flags of all types: U.S. flags, Blue Star Banners, military and state flags, and other flag accessories. All purchases benefit Legion programs such as Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance,The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, Operation Comfort Warriors and more.

The American Legion's Emblem Sales division facilitates sale of the flags and operates the website and corresponding Facebook page. All flags are made in the U.S. and are from top-name brand manufacturers. Satisfaction is guaranteed on all purchases.

Click on "a Facebook page" above to go to the site.

OSWEGO COUNTY MEMBERSHIP

OSWEGO COUNTY MEMBERSHIP

PLEASE NOTE: 1st Vice Commander JOHN YOUNG (also Membership Chairman) has resigned his office.

PLEASE send all future PINK sheets with names of members paid to:

GROVER BRITTON
426 STATE ROUTE 104
WILLIAMSTOWN, NY 13493

Phone is: 298-4910

Thank you.

SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP

Samsung American Legion Scholarship

Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea's aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount. In 2010, 10 $20,000 scholarships and 88 $1,000 scholarships were awarded.

Eligibility
Scholarships are restricted to high school juniors who complete either a Boys State or Girls State program and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. - or a legally adopted child of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
 
Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration.
 
Deadline
Usually, applications are submitted to program staff upon participants' arrival at Boys State or Girls State.

Nine students to receive $20k Samsung 
American Legion Scholarships

        INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 13, 2011) -- The American Legion National Committee on Education recently selected nine students for the 2011 Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Each student will receive a $20,000 scholarship for undergraduate studies.
 
        The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is available to high school juniors who participate in and complete the Boys State or Girls State programs and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung Scholarship must submit a completed application to program staff upon their arrival to Boys State or Girls State. 

     Recipients of the scholarship must use the funds for undergraduate studies (e.g., room and board, tuition and books), and each applicant is selected according to his or her school and community activities, academic record and financial need.
 
        To date, the scholarship has awarded more than $4 million to nearly 1,500 applicants, making it the largest college scholarship the Legion awards.
 
The 2011 Samsung Scholars are:
 
Alex Jolley – Cedar City, Utah; Cedar High School
 
Jessica Ziniel – Iowa City, Iowa; Regina High School
 
Troy Cunio – Titusville, Fla.; Titusville High School
 
Andrew Lawrence – Ponca City, Okla.; Ponca City High School                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
 
John McCallum – Farmerville, La; Cedar Creek High School
 
Marie Goerger – Wyndmere, N.D.; Wyndmere High School
 
Lauren Wheeler – Bridgeport, W. Va.; Notre Dame High School
 
Steven Spellmon – Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; Waynesville High School
 
Summer Stout – Hurricane, Utah; Hurricane High School

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT

American Legion Auxiliary
State President Ann Geer
to visit Oswego County

 Department President Ann Geer will visit on Monday, October 17th with an appearance at William S. Monaghan Post 268 in Oswego for a luncheon.


Then she will  travel to Prior-Stock Post 1552 in Hannibal for the evening meal and a social hour at 6:00 pm.

She will be joined by

American Legion Department of NY

Commander W. Michael Bowen.

 

and Sons of the American Legion

Detachment of New York

Commander Dr. Greg W. Gibbs.

 

Ann Geer has selected as her project the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), a not-for-profit organization that helps make a difference in the lives of families that have a child who is in need of a life-saving transplant. COTA has been in existence for more than 25 years, and all funds will be used to assist children in New York State.

COTA never takes a fee for its services. All funds raised are deposited in a trust account that is for the benefit of the child. Expenses are submitted by the child's family and paid within two weeks. The trust remains with the child throughout his lifetime. It does not stop when the child turns 21. It will always be there to assist with ongoing treatment, medical costs and associated expenses.

COTA volunteers remain with the family throughout the transplant process and continue to support the child and family after the surgery.

SOCK HOP @ CICERO

at the Cicero 

American Legion Post 787,

5575 Legionnaire Drive,

Cicero, NY

Saturday, November 5, 2011

7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

$8.00 per person

Music by: Smokin

Hosted by the Cicero American Legion Auxiliary

Best Dressed Contest

 Hula Hoop Contest

Bring a pair of socks for the Troops

Tickets available at the bar.

Cash bar, soda and snacks, music.

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

American Education Week

is Nov. 13-19

The American Legion encourages posts to participate in the celebration of the National Education Association's (NEA) 90th American Education Week, Nov. 13-19. The American Legion has a commitment to education, believing a strong education program is vital to instill a sense of personal obligation and responsibility in today's youth. The Legion highlights in its electronic 2011 American Education Week brochure many ways posts can support the NEA's annual tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." Furthermore, posts are encouraged to share the brochure with schools, educators and prospective volunteers within their communities.
 

The following are a few examples of ways Legion posts can support American Education Week:
 

 Decorate store windows with Americanism and Legion youth program items.
 

 Provide a speaker and a program for the students on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
 

 Honor educators by hosting a banquet or social hour, or by presenting a certificate of appreciation.
 

 Exhibit student work and special projects within the post.
 

 Sponsor a poster, art and essay contest for students.
 

 Volunteer during a school's open house and distribute American Legion youth materials.
 

 Write news releases on activities taking place within the community during education week.
 

 Announce American Education Week through posters, street banners and billboards.
 

Additional ideas on ways to participate in American Education Week can be found on the NEA's website.

Kindergarten students at Mt. Vernon Community School in Alexandria VA read a thank you note to their favorite education support professional during National Education Association's American Education Week ESP Day November 17, 2010.