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Commander's Corner
Where in the world has the time gone? It seems like yesterday we were
celebrating the 4m of July, and Thanksgiving has come and gone and now
Christmas is just around the corner. I read somewhere that "time flyers
when you are having fun". This has and continues to be a banner year for
our post. At the Department Convention held in Hampton, Virginia we were
surprised to learn that we had won third place for our History Book entry,
and was the recipient of the Departments Children and Youth Award for
2007.
Thanks to Art Dupay, our Service Officer, for sponsoring the Benefits and
Entitlements Seminar on November 17, 2007. The event was well attended and
the information imparted by the presenters was timely and useful. Among
the attendees, were the 17th District Commander William "Bill" Strawsburg
and 17th District Vice Commander Marv Rodney. See Service Officer's column
in this issue.
While our membership drive is progressing and we are meeting our monthly
goals, we still are well under my goal of at least 100% by the end of the
year. I will be mailing out Post Card reminders this month to those
members that have not renewed in an effort to motivate these members to
come in and/or send in their renewal applications. As you know, I have
been wearing these "Bibbed Overalls" at every function (the only exception
being the Benefits and Entitlements Seminar) and have vowed to keep them
on until we obtain at least 90% of our membership. I will not even go into
detail over some of the remarks people have said to me (jokingly, I hope)
about my bibs. Oh, the pain, your Commander must endure, GET THOSE
RENEWALS IN TODAY, enough said.
I would like to welcome back home Past Commander Steve Leo who has just
completed a tour in Bosnia/Kosovo. As I have so often remarked, our
members make Post 162 a great place and I sincerely hope this Holiday
Season is one of your very best ever. Rumor has it Santa is coming to town
and will be making a stop here at the post. Remember to keep a close eye
on the Website and the calendar for upcoming events for both adults and
children alike. Have a great holiday.
For God and Country Sam Ramseur, Cmdr.
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VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE
Public Affairs Officer
On Sunday November 11, 2007, at 11 am Lorton American Legion Post 162
conducted it's Veterans' Day Observance Ceremony at the Post Home.
Hayfield High School's Junior Reserve Officer's Training Cadets, Nelly
Abdul, Angela San-chez, Alex Hernandez, and Brandon DeBruler under the
supervision of Sergeant First Class Kenneth Smith, served as the Honor
Guard. Commander Samuel Ramseur welcomed everyone and spoke briefly on the
contributions of past, present and future of American Veterans.
Other distinguished guests in attendance were Mr. Paul Goodin, Past
Commander American Legion Post 162, Ms. Joetta O'Neil, and Mrs. Fran
Ricker, both Pass 17 District Auxiliary President, and Post Chaplin Victor
Graulau, and a special thanks to our bugler, Mr. Dewitt Duggar.
Following the ceremony the guests retired to the social quarters and
enjoyed refreshments.
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Your Service - Your Benefits
By Art Dupay, Post Service Officer
Members of Post 162 and guests were treated to excellent presentations
during the Benefits and Entitlements Seminar conducted during the General
Membership Meeting on November 17th. Laura Paul from the Army Retirement
Services Office (RSO), provided an outstanding briefing that included an
overview of the RSO mission and goals, a summary of the Chief of Staff,
Army Retiree Council top issues, legislative updates, summary of the
Combat Related Special Compensation program, ID cards, and Space "A"
Travel benefits. She ended with a special thanks to the "Still Proud,
Still Serving, Still Saluting" retirees.
Jason Williams from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, gave a
comprehensive presentation on the Agent Orange Health Registry Examination
process and overview of the support and services provided by his office.
Alice Ford , Director of the Readjustment Counseling Center, Department of
Veterans Affairs extended an invitation to the opening of the new Vet
Center on 6940 South Kings Highway in Alexandria. Ms. Ford also provided
literature on the mission of the Vet Center Program and offered her
support and that of her Vet Center staff to all future similar events. She
was accompanied by Domonicque Tatum, an Outreach Specialist with the
Alexandria Vet Center.
Post Commander Sam Ramseur awarded Legion Certificates of Appreciation to
each presenter.
Special thanks to Jennifer Cooper for the morning refreshments, to Helen
Voccio for her delicious carrot cakes, and to Karla Rosenthal for the
pictures.
To view the presentations of Ms. Paul and Mr. Williams go to the Post 162
Website and click on Benefits and Entitlements.
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A Day at the WWII Memorial
by Art Dupay
A brisk wind pushed low clouds quickly across the blue-grey sky and put a
slight chill in the air at the World War II Memorial on November 7th. The
cold appeared to have little effect on the hundreds of WWII vets who were
unwilling to change out of their commemorative windbreakers into something
more suited for the conditions. The occasion was the final Honor Flight of
the season and busloads of aging veterans arrived from Ohio, Colorado,
Michigan, Missouri, and North Dakota to see the memorial in their honor,
reflect on events of over 60 years ago, and pay their respects.
Shortly after the WWII Memorial was dedicated in 2004, retired USAF
Captain Earl Morse founded Honor Flight to provide WWII veterans the
opportunity to visit the memorial built on the National Mall between the
Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The six veterans Morse flew
on the initial flight from Dayton, Ohio in his own plane three years ago
has grown to a national organization that has provided the opportunity for
over 5,000 WWII vets and their family members to visit the memorial. Honor
Flight's goal for 2008 is to increase the participation to 10,000.
Under the leadership of our own Bill Strawsburg, local Legion posts
support the flight at the Memorial serving as greeters, lending a hand
with wheelchairs and scooters, and answering questions about the City and
the symbolism of the monument's architecture. What I found, however, is
that these outstanding Americans require very little support. They quietly
reflect on their service and their accomplishments after the war. They are
viewed with utmost admiration by family members and with dignity and
respect by on-lookers and tourists alike as they slowly make their way
around the Memorial stopping to reminisce at markers such as "Normandy," "Bastogne,"
"Anzio," "Iwo Jima," and "Guadalcanal."
I talked to Marines who assaulted the beaches of tiny islands in the
Pacific and flew P-41s in the skies overhead battling the Japanese Zeros.
I met soldiers who were in the Africa Campaign, served with Patton in
Italy, and were also there for the final invasion into France and
liberation of Europe. I had long talks with several veterans of the 8th
Air Force, who like my father, flew bombing missions in B-17s and B-24s
from the airfields all over southern England. There was no bragging, no
complaining, and no regrets. I was in awe as I shook their hands and keep
telling them how thankful I am for what they did for me and our Nation.
Never was the Will Rogers quote "We can't all be heroes... some of us get
to stand on the curb and clap as they go by " more appropriate.
Former US Senator and decorated Navy pilot Bob Dole was there for
most of the windy and chilly day. He greeted each bus as it arrived from
the airport and graciously posed for picture after picture. Some groups
conducted their own memorial service, while others simply used the time to
touch the markers or the bronze relief plaques that had a special
significance, or stand in front of wall with projecting 4,000 stars, each
representing 1,000 American service men and women who were killed in
action during WWII.
It was too cold to sit around and the groups came and went quickly. The
North Dakota group had flown in the night before and was at the Memorial
before 8:00. As they boarded their buses to leave, the Ohio and Colorado
groups were arriving. School groups and other organizations arrived and
became interspersed with the vets. All these other groups and the tourists
stood back, because even though they might not have known exactly who
these gentlemen were it was obvious they were entitled to some special
recognition and accord. Several local TV stations from the flights'
originating destinations were on hand to cover the event and ABC's "Good
Morning America" show aired a great piece on November 10th to a national
audience.
When Honor Flights resume in the Spring, I plan to be at the Memorial
again. It will not be too long before the final members of this "Greatest
Generation" pass into history. For more information on Honor Flight, see
the link on the Post 162 Website.
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Auxiliary News
Well
Ladies, it's that time of year again - The Holidays are on the way!! We
have all been very busy. 1 * with the closure of summer and helping with
the annual picnic, then the Halloween Party and the Children's Halloween
Party which was a great success.
We finally appointed a 1st Vice President - Sgt-at-Arms Janet officiated
and Mary Sturgill was presented by Past President Cindy for installation.
Please keep your thoughts with Sheila Grimes, who is at home with hospice
overseeing her care. She enjoys phone calls and visits.
Our girls state program is shaping up nicely. We will be sending at least
6 girls this year and possibly 7.
For those of you who have not renewed your membership as yet, please get
them in as soon as you read this article. We made 107% over the previous
year's goal are way behind those figures now.
We are still looking for a poppy chairman - Memorial Day will be here
before you know it. Please see President Beth if you are interested.
We held our Holiday VA Dinner on November 14th. We had 3 bus loads of
these VIP's attend. Thanks to all who brought deserts and to those who
helped put on a great show. Also, if you haven't made your donation to
LCAC yet this season, please do so, President Beth is collecting them.
In closing: We thank you, God, for strength to work, for minds to plan,
and hearts to appreciate the good things from the inexhaustible storehouse
of Heaven.
Linda
Salgado, Secretary
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POST 162 FAVORITE PERSON
by Commander
With so many outstanding members to choose from, the task of selecting the
Post favorite person gets harder each publication. But this time, we have
selected one who is well known and loved by all. Who you say? Well, no
other than our own, R. J. 'Shorty' Yoder, a.k.a. Betty Boop, a.k.a. Gator.
RJ. is from Chickasha, Oklahoma, and in addition to being one of our
tenured ABC Managers, she is also the Posts' resident expert gardener.
Next February 2008, RJ will celebrate 28 years of service to members of
our post and she is showing no signs of slowing down. She is the proud
grandmother of four grandchildren, and the Great Grandmother of two
others. Her favorite show is "Men In Trees" her favorite food is
chocolate, and she has her own Teepee, honest, loves nature and is without
doubt, a child of the Seventies. She says the person in her life that has
had the greatest influence on her is her Grandmother Bertha.
Come on by and say hello to RJ every Tuesday and Wednesday night; she will
be glad to see you.
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Post 162 Flag Disposal
Program Reminder
Public Affairs Officer
American Legion Post 162 has a program that enables people to properly
dispose of worn, tattered, faded or other wise unserviceable flags. As
President Wilson eloquently stated "The flag, which we honor and under
which we serve, is the emblem our unity, our power, our thought and
purpose as a nation. It has no character than that which we give it from
generation to generation." The flag code adopted by the U.S. Congress in
1942 clearly states that "when a flag is in such a condition that it is no
longer a fitting emblem for display it should be destroyed in a dignified
way, preferably by burning."
You may drop off your unserviceable flags at the Post home located at 8210
Legion Drive, Lorton Virginia or we have a solid metal repository, which
has the actual shape and look of an American Flag located at the Lorton
Fire Station.
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Chaplain's Call
by Victor Graulau
With the end of the year, means many functions and ceremonies for the
Chaplain and post officers. The month of November is very busy, with
Veteran's day observances, and those who have joined the Post Everlasting.
We also gave thanks in November, plus we look back at key period in our
history, where an American society were hoping that loved ones' overseas
would be home for the Holidays...
The Veteran's Day ceremony was very successful, as post officers and
members took time out on a cold, but clear Sunday, to remember veterans
from all conflicts. The JROTC color Guard from Hayfield Senior High saw to
the passing of the colors during the ceremony. Thanks for all who took the
time out to attend.
We saw two members of our post join the Post Everlasting: Charles "Tex"
DeMoss, who passed on November 16th . He had been a life member of the
Legion and was a one time post 162 Service Officer, a veteran of the U.S.
Army and the US Park Police. He is scheduled to be interred at Arlington
National Cemetery in January 2008. Although, I did not know him
personally, I can say that his presence was felt by many of our long time
members of the post, and he will be sorely missed.
Harold "Smokey" Grover, a long time member of the post, and a WWII Navy
Veteran, passed away on October 26th. Post Commander, Sam Ramseur, 17th
District Commander Bill Strawsburg, Service Officer, Art Dupay, and myself
went out to the Mullins and Thompson Funeral Home, to pay our respects and
perform the legion funeral service.
We also paid our respects to Ms. Gladys Byrne, mother of past member Jim
Byrne. Those who took part in her graveside Ceremony were, Post Quarters
General Manager, Ann Kuntz, Adjutant Alan Amos, Joe Malvorh and myself.
Family members were pleased to see that members of the post took time out
to see Gladys laid to rest. I want to thank Ann, Amos and Joe for their
attendance.
The month of December, we observe the Peal Harbor Day on the 7th of
December, the 18th anniversary of Panama "Just Cause" Operation. I also
want to take time to remember those who took place in the pivotal fights
during the Battle of the Bulge of December-January 1944-45, and the
Choisin Reservoir November and December 1950.
Let us also remember to celebrate the Christmas Holiday with reverence of
the birth of our lord. May everyone at Post 162 have a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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POST SPONSORS GOLF TEAM
Public Affairs Officer
Post 162 sponsored both a team and a hole for the Seventh Annual Joey
Andrews Memorial Tournament. Joey is the son of 'Mailman Joe' Andrews. He
lost his life to cancer almost 8 years ago. The tournament was held on
Friday, Oct. 12 at the Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club.
The tournament kicked off with a continental breakfast and ended with a
barbecue luncheon and silent auction. All proceeds from the tournament
went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Joey's name.
The American Legion Post 162 team consisted of Vie Graulau, Earl, Shack
and Brenda Tislow. Our team finished with a score of 81.... which,
unfortunately gave us a last place finish, but we all had a great time!
Brenda had a great tournament, receiving prizes for both the women's
longest drive and the women's closest to the pin.
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IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY
by Helen Voccio
Did you know we normally celebrate members' birthdays on the third Friday
of each month (following Ralph's World Famous Pizza)? So, let us know the
date of your birthday. Just ask the ABC Manager on duty for the Birthday
Notebook, sign up and join us for your party. Come early and enjoy Ralph's
Pizza. Why celebrate your special day alone. COME PARTY WITH US!
Birthday Party's for December and January are:
December Birthdays : 3 Aaron Parley, 8 Jody McCourtt,
16 Candy Mohaupt, 20 Roy Webb, 21 Dave Tutterow, 29 Bobby K, 31 Helem
Shemit
January Birthdays: 1 John Windsor, 2 Patricia Driscoll, 16 Jackie Reed, 20
Brian Reese, 22 Andrea Tucker
Any changes will be posted on the message board at the entrance to the
club.
IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY; IT'S A PARTY, HELEN BRINGS THE CAKE AND BETTY BRINGS
COOKIES.
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