Post Commander – Tom Cleveland
January flew by with so many activities and events happening at Post 44. I personally want to thank all the members and guests who continue to support the Post. Extra thanks to Renee Cantin for volunteering to post events on the outdoor signboard.

There is a very special event being planned that I hope you can attend on Saturday, February 25th.

I know that time flies but it’s hard to believe that twenty years ago this month we opened the doors to our facility here in Elephant Butte and began a new chapter in the life of the Gaines T. Evans American Legion Post 44. A committee of volunteers has planned a Fish Fry at 4:00 plus other things are in the works. Stay tuned for more information.

Sad to report that we lost another brother. Tommy Pearce passed away in late January. RIP Tommy.

I want to welcome Heidi O’Connell to our office staff. Heidi will be providing office support to the Post on Thursdays and Fridays. If you see her, say Hi.

Additionally, Mitzi Claassen is now a licensed Notary Public. She can now provide that service to all members of the Legion Family during regular office hours Monday-Wednesday.

The Post continues to operate on sound financial ground thanks to the dedicated efforts of the officers, members and staff. I’ll continue to welcome all suggestions and ideas for activities and improvements to our Post. Remember that the success of any organization is only as great as the support put into it by the members.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Post! In closing, stay focused on our mission – serving veterans, their families and our community.

Post Commander – Tom Cleveland
Ready for a new year? You better be because, ready or not, it has arrived. Hope all reading this message had a wonderful Holiday Season; it looks like an exciting year is ahead of us.

Remember we are all members of the Legion Family, so please be ready to step up when needed, to do anything that is asked of you for the good of the Post.

On the sad side of this letter, we have lost several members of the Legion Family. Past Officer William “Bill” Conklin, Frank Kapela, and “Brother Art” Carmona will be dearly missed!

Bright side of the news is that on Dec 17th the Elephant Butte Fire Department and several members of the Post retired all the soiled American flags that have been accumulating for about four years. A big thank you to Chief John Mascaro and his crew! If you see him out in the community, be sure to thank him for his help.

I want to thank all who worked so hard putting together our annual Christmas Party. What a great job! We had a great turnout and I think everyone had a wonderful time. Thanks to the bartenders for a good job and working the party so all could enjoy the evening.

I’ll close for now but looking forward to a great year and continued growth in the Post. Thanks for all the support the staff and I have received from you members. We will end 2022 on a sound financial base because of your participation in all our many functions and events. I’ll continue to welcome all suggestions and ideas for activities!!

Remember to stay focused on our mission—serving veterans, their families and our community.

Notes from the Office
A volunteer is still needed to take charge of posting calendar events on our outdoor letterboard a couple times each week. It’s easy and doesn’t take much time. See Mitzi if interested.

It’s time to renew your membership dues for 2023. A current membership card is required to access the Gaming Room – receipts are not acceptable – so please plan ahead as our Membership Chairpersons are volunteers and need a few days to process your card. You need a 2023 Post 44 membership card or paid receipt to get your new green door card for the outside entrances.

Red door cards will no longer work beginning January 1.