Commander's Corner

As you read this issue I am happy to report that the upgrades to our kitchen have been completed and we are now able to rent the hall with full service.

We contacted Thompson & Greenspon, an accounting firm out of Fairfax City to perform our audit. They will begin the process on 31 December, 2004 and look over our shoulders for all of calendar year 2005 and give us a formal audit with recommendations and certification in January 2006.

This has been a good year at your Post. Many persons have stepped forward and answered the bell. While there are too many members to personally thank, I would like to thank our Committee Chairpersons and our employees. These folks make me look good.

I want to wish all of you a very great holiday season and may the blessings of life be with you all the year to come.

For God and Country

Steve Leo, Cmdr.

 Membership

I am happy to report that the Auxiliary has already reached 96.0%!!  Thanks ladies.

The Sons of the Legion are at 70.9% and the Post is at 80.4%.

If you have not renewed, please get your dues in now. After 31 December, you must have renewed for entrance into the social quarters.

But more importantly, every member we have in the American Legion means that many voices are heard in the Congress.

Club News

The end of the year is here and I would like to thank everyone for their help in getting our weekly functions going. We are off to a good start for next year. I hope that we will continue to work together to make our Post a fun place to come and enjoy ourselves.

I would also like to thank all of the committees for all of their support this past year. Working with you was a pleasure.

It is that time of the year for locker dues to be paid. The rental is $12.00 per year.  Please pay the bartender. On the envelope, put your name and locker number. If you would like a locker, there will be a sign up sheet behind the bar.

I hope you all had a great holiday season and I wish you all a joyous New Year.

"Ann"

LCAC Holiday Outreach

The Lorton Community Action Center annually uses our hall to accept donations for their Outreach program on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

They gather in donations and sort them out to needy families in the Lorton Community and volunteers deliver a lot of these items to families that don't even have transportation.

Annually, Post 162 donates $1,000.00 for this endeavor. This is just another example of your Post working to make the Lorton Community a better place to live.

Post 162 Flag Disposal Program

American Legion Post 162 has implemented a new 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."

The Post with a contribution from Ray Harrigan Associates, have purchased a Flag Depository, which finally makes it easy for people to drop off unserviceable American Flags. With the actual shape and look of an American Flag, this solid metal container protects the flags until removed and kept until the time of the disposal ceremony.

On Saturday November 20, 2004, immediately preceding our monthly General Membership meeting a dedication ceremony was conducted.  Department Vice Commander Ken Knight 8s District Vice Commander Bill Strawsburg, 17 District, and Post Commander Steve Leo along with members from the community, Lorton Fire Station, and members from Post 162 attended the ceremony. All members of the community are encouraged to bring their unserviceable flags to the Flag Depository

Sam Ramseur, Public Affairs

Auxiliary News

Way to Go Ladies!!! We voted in 9 new members over the last two meetings.  That gives us a total of 119 towards our goal of 124 for 96.0%!!! 5 more will put us at 100% I know we can do it.

Our Treasurer, Kelly Leo and her husband Steve became the proud parents of a new baby boy on 20 December. 7 Ib and 14 oz.  Mother and baby are doing fine.

Leona Jones will be ordering Poppies after the 1st of the year. The unit donated $250.00 for the Children's Christmas Party at the Post;

$75.00 to our Lady Veterans overseas; $200.00 to the McGuire VA Home; $200.00 to the Salem VA Home; $200.00 to the Hampton VA Home and we will be donating $500.00 to our favorite DC VA Home.

If you are signed up for a committee, Kelly Leo made up folders - sort of a D-I-Y kit.  Please be sure to pick yours up.
Our unit would like you to remember all of those who cannot be with their friends and families this holiday season because they are deployed with their military or naval units. Unit 162 salutes these brave Americans and wishes them God Speed in returning home.

Birthdays:

Leslie Berry-7 Dec

Kathy Nourse-12 Dec

Aileen O'Heam-31 Jan

Happy New Year everyone

Linda Salgado

Unit Secretary

NASCAR Club

It seems like last season just finished yesterday and already we're looking at a weeks worth of racing at Daytona.  Dennis has retired from the Club.

Dewitt and Bill will keep the green flag flying (maybe with a couple of yellows until we get it down). The first drawing will be on 15 February. All club members are strongly urged to be present so as to be able to discuss any rules changes and provide maximum input. Good luck to all the members this season.