POST 44
American Legion NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2013
PO Box 1073 – 1005 Hwy. 195 – Elephant Butte, NM 87935
575-744-4144
WEBSITE – americanlegionelephantbutte.com
click to download Pdf for printing
COMMANDER – Roy Lucero – Commander & Newsletter Editor
This month marks the tenth year the Post has made its home in this facility.
Plans are underway to celebrate the tenth Anniversary on February 16th. Former commanders have been invited and a host of memories will be on display. Come share your memories and reminisce with old and new friends and comrades.
While we look back on how we got to where we are, let’s not forget to look forward and concentrate on the many things we can do for our veterans and the organizations that provide support and assistance to service members and their families.
It’s important that we all get out and recruit new members and get current members to come in and participate. We always need volunteers and we are always looking for new ideas.
I have been informed by our American Legion Newsletter co-coordinator, Carmen McCleery, that she will no longer be our Newsletter Co-coordinator as of the end of May 2013 after the June Newsletter is published. She says that 4 ½ years of wearing the news lettering hat is long enough and she is ready to pass the hat on to a new head. If anyone (male or female) is interested in taking over effective in June to start the July Newsletter, you may contact Carmen at 505-250-7260 and she will be more than willing to instruct you on what she does to accomplish the job.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Post
Vice Commander – Tom Cleveland
Another month has passed and the post is looking forward to a very busy February. Hope all members and their guests take advantage of the many activities planned for the month. Don’t forget to come to the Tenth Anniversary celebration on Saturday the 16th. It will be an all day affair with a lot of fun things planned.
In case you haven’t heard the good news, our Post Commander and his lovely lady Ginny have tied the knot. They were married at a small family ceremony in Albuquerque on Saturday, January 26th. Congratulations to both of them.
Finance Officer Dr. G. Vincent Barrett
Although the Post has been operating smoothly the underlying financial condition continues its downward slide. The Post has seen continuing monthly average losses for the last six months that total slightly in excess of $20,000 by the end of December 2012. The loss is attributable primarily to the decline in gaming revenues and to a lesser extent declines in bar revenues as well as rising cost of operations. The losses have been eating into our hard-won reserves which will be all but exhausted in a few months. The Executive Committee will be meeting in a special meeting called for February 11, 2013 to discuss this issue and no other issues. Actions taken will be announced at the next General Meeting on February 16, 2013.
Adjutant – Bob Nellis
Keep your membership dues coming in.
Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal)
This year brings lot of new events and fun activities! Our post is 10 years in the making! We hope to see everyone here! Watch for the flyers and suit up and show up for the fun on all our great events.
The Fun Pool has been awesome, thank you Bob Acre for the great idea! For those who don’t know, Fun pool is every Friday at 4:00 pm, come one come all!
We would like to introduce 9 ball tourney on Wednesdays at 4. We have another pool idea in the works, watch for the flyers and hope to see you here! Thanks again Bob Acre, you’re the best.
February Events
Feb. 1 5:30 Elaine’s Grill, Karaoke by: Bob Acre
Feb. 3 3:00 Super Bowl Sunday- pot luck, drink specials and prizes
Feb. 4 2:00 Decorate the post with Liz
Feb. 6 5:30 Mardi Gras Party, Cajun Dinner & music by: Black cat trio
Feb. 8 5:30 Elaine’s Grill, Karaoke by: Bob Acre
Feb. 9 9:00 Post All you Can Eat Breakfast
*Feb. 13 5:30 Valentines Prime Rib Dinner, music by: Sue Barr
Feb. 15 5:30 Elaine’s Grill, Karaoke by: Cindy
Feb. 16 all day Post 44 10th Anniversary party, DJ by: Bob Acre
Fish Fry, games and prizes!
Feb. 20 5:30 Chicken & Dumplings Dinner, music by: Jim Corrons
Appreciation for the Cedar Cove Crew
Feb. 22 5:30 Elaine’s Grill, Karaoke by: Gene
Feb. 24 5:00 Oscar Sunday
Feb. 27 5:30 Indian Tacos, Music by: Cactus Flats
* Wednesday, February 13th, we are having a Valentine’s Prime Rib dinner for $8.00 per person. The cut-off is at 100 people and the signup sheet is filling up fast, so be sure to sign up soon to get in on this great deal!! Broadway Florist has graciously agreed to provide flowers & candy treats, for your sweetie, to purchase at a discount
Hope to see you at the Post! Remember to wear your Red on Fridays to support your deployed!
Sons of the American Legion – Bill Nenno
The Sons of the American Legion Post 44 held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2013.In attendance were Gene Hill, Bob Nellis, Donnie Polstin, Deone Harty, Billy Laswell, Tillman Smith, and Bill Nenno.I would like to thank those in attendance and to make a personal plea for more S.A.L. members to get involved in the administration of our Sq. Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the SAL/Post a success. Most of the jobs that are performed to keep the SAL/Post running, and successful, are not glamorous nor do they carry a lot of recognition, so to all of my fellow “worker bees” congratulations on a good year. Your work does not go unnoticed, even if it often goes upraised.
Membership: It seems like I have been harping on membership for months…. no wait, I actually have been. I guess it’s time for me to toot our horn. I received a letter from Detachment listing all of the American Legion S.A.L. Squadrons in the State of New Mexico. We are accredited with 60 cards received out of the 84 members that we carry on our roster. This is 71.43 percent of our target goal. We are fourth in terms of reaching our target goal. The three Squadrons that have a better percentage have 9, 14 and 13 members respectively. It’s probably a little easier for them to reach their target. This means that, of the larger Squadrons, we have the highest percentage of renewals. When the January transmittal goes in we will officially have 68 members, so our percentage will jump to 81%!!Congratulations to all the members who have paid their dues for 2013.We really do appreciate your support.
I would be remiss if I did not point out that we still have 16 members or 20% who have not renewed their membership. If it’s is an oversight, and your resolution to renew was lost in the shuffle that happens at the end of every year, let me suggest you renew as soon as possible. If not renewing was a conscious decision, I respectfully ask you to reconsider your decision. The need for recognition and the struggle to maintain veteran’s rights is ongoing. Help us do our part by keeping our numbers strong. Thank you.
A couple of things in the Detachment letter surprised me. Of the 30 S.A.L. Squadrons listed we are the eighth largest, with 84 members. Membership runs from a high of 240 for the Alameda Squadron (with the next 2 largest also Albuquerque Squadrons with 150 members each) to a low of 9 members listed for Las Cruces. Eleven of the 30 squadrons have fewer than 20 members while only five have triple digits. Statewide, total S.A.L membership is 1732.Currently, 46% of this 1732 have renewed their membership for 2013.All of this is apropos nothing, but I found it interesting.
Membership Dues: According to a missive I received from Department, during the 2013 Detachment Convention to be held February 8, 2013 there will be a resolution proposing a $2.00 increase in dues. It was voted that, regardless of how this resolution turns out, Post 44 S.A.L will absorb this increase and NOT increase our dues.
Finances: Gene Hill gave a financial report and I am pleased to announce that our finances are in good shape. If anyone ever wants to know exact numbers all you have to do is come to one of the meetings!! This information is public record at all of our meetings.
Recognition: We received thank you letters from the New Mexico State Veteran’s Home, the Sierra County Cancer Society, the Child Welfare Fund, Youth and Children for our December donations.
Post 44 10th Anniversary Celebration: Come one, come all. Step right up and have a good time. The Post will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on February 16.The celebration will be highlighted by a fish fry dinner in the evening. This will be free to members with a nominal fee for non-members. Slide show presentations will run all day long and finger food will be available during the day. Come by and help us celebrate 10 years of service to the veterans and our local community. The S.A.L. voted to donate $200 to help defray costs.
Post 44 Donation: Every year the S.A.L makes a donation to help defray administrating costs incurred by the Post. This includes stationary, photocopying, web site; etc. the S.A.L voted to donate $120.
9/11 Tribute Flag: Thanks to Donnie Polstin and Deone Harty for a special donation. They donated a plaque and 9/11 tribute flag to the post. The tribute flag has the names of every individual that died on that terrible day. Let us resolve to never forget their sacrifice and let this flag be our reminder.
S.A.L Dinner: Thanks again to Donnie Polstin and Deone Harty for offering to put on another dinner as a S.A.L fundraiser. Their enchilada dinner November 18 was a big success. Not to rest on their laurels, they have offered to put on another dinner. This one will be oriental sweet and sour. Tentatively this is scheduled for the first Saturday in March. Keep an eye out for this event on the calendar and let’s make it another great success. It is events like this that keep our post alive, fun and vibrant.
Flagpoles: After months of thwarted attempts, it would appear that we have re-established communication with our supplier of flagpoles and flags. The S.A.L voted to purchase another batch of each and they should be available in the next few weeks.
Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb.19, at 6:30 PM at the Post. The S.A.L. meetings are always held on the third Tuesday of the month and all are invited to attend.
As always, remember that organizations are not really organizations, they are just people. Help out when you can and when you see them, thank those that do help out and let’s all work together for the common good.
Thanks for supporting our club, our community and most of all —the veteran
Legion Riders- American Legion Riders Chapter NMALR 5:
Jim Coslin, President
(Written by Craig Pierson, Secretary):
Elephant Butte, NM 87935
Membership: We currently have 33 members and 2 prospective members.
Calendar: Next Riders meeting will once again be the first Tuesday of the month: February 5th at the Post at 6:30pm.
Rider Activities 2013
2013 officers: We are sad to report that Don Michelis has moved from the area vacating the office of Chaplain. Carolyn Mayfield has agreed to accept the responsibility and will perform the duties of that office this year.
President: Jim Coslin
Vice President: Jerry Garlow
Secretary: Craig Pierson
Treasurer: Vince Barrett
Road Captain: Chuck Druce
Sgt. At Arms: Bob Duff
Historian: Vacant
Chaplain: Carolyn Mayfield
Unscheduled Ride: On the 23rd six members of Chapter 5 took advantage of the beautiful weather the area has been experiencing to go for a short ride down the Old Highway to Hatch. While there the riders had a delicious lunch at the Pepper Pot restaurant where once again the establishment lived up to its reputation “No fast food served here”. Never-the-less, the food and weather were great and we even had a parking place right out front.
Parking space right out front
Up-coming Events: The Riders plan to host a table at the “Cosmic Talent World Expo of T or C”. This monthly event will be held at the Lee Belle Johnson Senior Center in the early evening of the second Saturday of the month directly after the regular Art Hop in downtown T or C.
The event is intended to provide an extended stage / showcase for local talent and it will run for five months beginning in February. A fund raiser raffle, to benefit the Veterans Home and the winner of the talent contest, will be held in conjunction with the other events.
The intent for the Riders, in addition to raising funds for the Veterans home, is to provide an opportunity to conduct a membership drive for Post 44 and Chapter 5, increase our public visibility in a casual setting similar to the Luminaria walk and to do some general PR work.
We intend to display our United States, New Mexico, Post 44 and NMALR flags and the Post 44 banner. We also intend to set up a POW/MIA table complete with an explanation of the ceremony and our OWW tri-fold to continue educating our neighbors about the mission of the Legion.
See our facebook page at @ http://www.facebook.com then go to Search (type) American Legion Riders NM5, then click on the Logo – all our pictures/comments are posted there for the last and previous rides or see Chuck, he has them on his computer. If you are computer-savvy, you can download them for yourself
If you are interested in being in the ALR but don’t have a bike – we have a place for you. Ask any ALR Officer or Member for details – membership is $15 plus vest and patches.
Auxiliary President – Sharon Pierson
AUXILIARY JANUARY EVENTS
Blue Star Banners: We were proud to present Blue Star Banners and certificates to 5 families at this month’s membership meeting on the 19th: 1) Maida Sanders received a 1 star banner in honor of her nephew Ronnie Huff. 2) Jerome & Nancy Fladung received a 2 Star Banner in honor of their granddaughter Whitney Smith and their grandson Kevin Smith. 3) Bob & Truda Melton received a 2 star banner in honor of their two grandsons Blake Middleton and Chase Middleton. 4) Steve & Kim Weiss received a 2 star banner in honor of their two sons Stephen Weiss and Nicholas Weiss. 5) Becky Nazarenus received a 3 star banner in honor of her great grandson Jimmy McGee, her great granddaughter Lindsey McGee and her grandson Whitney Macaulay. Becky proudly shared a recent photo of Whitney on the day he graduated from the Naval Academy and so I thought I would share the handsome young man’s photo with you.- Guest Speaker Craig Cummins: Mr. Cummins is the Sierra County Superintendent of Schools and he and his teenage son (and techie advisor) Logan, gave us a Power Point presentation on the Municipal Schools Bond Issue which is coming up for a vote on February 5th. He left informational brochures with us so if anyone would like a copy please contact Ginny Ashley.
- Bountiful Baskets Food Co-Op: Linda Amdal presented us with a new program available to Sierra County which began on Saturday January 12th. This Co-op purchases high quality produce at wholesale prices and makes them available every other week. You can purchase an organic basket for $25 or conventional (non-organic) for $15. Orders can be placed online at www.bountifulbaskets.org. The pickup site is the Louis Armijo Sports Complex Family Park. For additional information please contact Kathy at (505) 720-9077.
- Girls State Bake Sales: Arlea Hadley (Girls State Chairman) held a bake sale at the Post on January 12th to raise funds for Girls State and made $71. Plans are to continue these bake sales each month on the 2nd Saturday, in conjunction with the All You Can Eat Breakfast. The exception will be February since the second Saturday falls on the same weekend as Mid-Year conference. Please bake if you can. Contact Arlea if you would like to bake or help man the tables for the sales.
- Poppies: We now have a New Mexico Poppy maker, Clarence Haimes from the NMSVH. Clarence is 96 years old and a real go getter – making 500 Poppies in less than a week! Joyce Hudgens & Linda Nenno (Poppy Co-Chair) got the approval of the membership to purchase Poppy seeds and distribute them amongst local business owners to see if we can do our part for “Poppy Fields Across America”. Joyce & Linda are also working with the NMSVH to get Poppies planted around the Veteran’s Home.
- Membership: Linda Nenno tells us we are at approx 83% of our goal. We currently have 341 members for 2013 and our goal is 414 before June 2013. If you know anyone who has not renewed their membership for this year please encourage them to do so, and of course we always welcome new members.
- Americanism Essay Contest: We are currently in the process of holding our local contest. Visits were made to all Sierra county grade schools encouraging participation. The last of the essays will be picked up by January 30th. Then begins the process of reading and judging the essays. If anyone would like to participate in the judging of these essays please contact Sharon Pierson or Arlea Hadley.
- Cards for the Troops Challenge: During our monthly meeting Nancy Palladino told us of the challenge issued to all New Mexico Units, by Logan Unit, to send cards to our troops, regardless of location. If each of us could pick up a pack of 15-20 cards for each Holiday from now throughout the year (at Wal-Mart or Dollar Stores) and sign and send them out we might well be able to win this challenge. Please keep track of how many you send. Anyone wanting further information please contact Sharon Pierson or Nancy Palladino.
- Valentine’s Cards: We are currently in the process of making handmade Valentine cards for each resident at NMSVH as well as for the 70 Care Packages going in February. We’ll have an assembly line working to put them all together on Saturday, Feb 2nd. Any and all are welcome to come join and help. Any questions please call Sharon Pierson at 740-3639.
- Constitution & Bylaws: A committee was formed to review and recommend changes to our Constitution & Bylaws which were subsequently read to the membership at the January 19th meeting. They are as follows:
Pg. 5, Article III, Section 2: The annual Junior membership dues of this Unit shall be $3.00
Change to: The annual Junior membership dues of this Unit shall be $4.00
Pg. 6, Article V, Section 2: add the following sentence:
A slate of officers shall be presented to the membership at the April meeting.
Pg. 6, Article V, Section 3: The Unit meeting held in the month of April of each year
Change to: The Unit meeting held in the month of June of each year
Pg. 6, Article V, Section 3: Installation of said Officers shall be in May or no later than the June meeting
Change to: Installation of said Officers shall be during the June meeting
Pg. 6, Article V, Section 4: The Junior Past President, (Outgoing President) shall be the first Delegate
Change to: The Outgoing President shall be the first Delegate
Pg. 7, Standing Rules, 2: Anyone paying their dues before November 11
Change to: Anyone paying their dues before September 30
Pg 7, Standing Rules, 5: There will be an allowance for up to a $10.00 gift
Change to: There will be an allowance for up to a $25.00 gift
Pg 7, Standing Rules, 7: A committee of three (3) will be appointed by the President or District 7 Officer may
be asked to do the audit.
Change to: A committee of three (3), not to include the treasurer, will be appointed by the
President. A District 7 Officer may be asked to do the audit. The Unit Treasurer must
be present for the audit.
Pg. 8, Standing Rules, 14: The Unit will reimburse Officers of the Unit that attend the annual convention. A
maximum of $100.00 will be reimbursed . . .
Change to: The Unit can reimburse Officers of the Unit who attend the annual convention,
depending on the availability of funds and a vote of the membership prior to
convention. A maximum of $100.00 can be reimbursed . . .
These changes will be read again at the February 16th, 2013 membership meeting and a vote will be taken to approve/disapprove said changes.
Auxiliary Membership Report – Linda Nenno
Membership is going well. We are at 341 paid members, but we still need 73 renewals or new members to meet our 100% goal. Remember, your card expired December 31, 2012, so get those renewals in so that you can enjoy the post in the coming year. Your orange key card is no longer good for the door. You will have to obtain a new one from the bartender and you will need a current membership card to do so. I also urge you to talk to your friends who might be eligible for membership and let them know what a great organization we are and how much fun we have at the post. Every member who brings in 3 new members will have their name entered to win an Auxiliary jacket.
The Chaplain’s Corner – Marty Novak
PRAYER FOR THE MILITARY: Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.
GET WELL WISHES: Papa Vince, Jim Ridens, Sofio Trujillo,Butch Walters, Bob Shuey, Rita Seiler,Jerry Light (Maida’s nephew), and Liz Foster
OUR CONDOLENCES: Our condolences to Rose Ann Smith and family on her husband, Delbert’s passing. Condolences also go out to Warren and Johanna Roberts on Warren’s brother’s passing
MAY GOD GIVE YOU…..
For every storm, a rainbow…
For every tear, a smile…
For every care, a promise
And a blessing in each trial…
For every problem life sends
A faithful friend to share…
For every sigh, a sweet song
And an answer for each prayer.
CARE PACKAGES AND CELL PHONES: We sent 62 Care Packages in January. Thanks to all who helped. I was sick and unable to help but our wonderful crew did an excellent job and all the packages got packed and sent off. What a wonderful crew we have! Thanks too to the people who donated supplies to help fill the boxes, and to Gene Barton for bringing us playing cards from the Casino in Ruidoso. And of course, thank you to all the generous people and to the Post and the community for their monetary help with this project.
It’s getting cold and we could use helmet liners. I want to thank who ever left the helmet liners for the Care Packages. There was no name with them so I don’t know who to thank. We certainly appreciate them and I’m sure the Troops do also. Next Care Package day is February 13. We begin packing at 11AM and anyone is welcome to join us. We are an official collection site for cell phones that are no longer being used. These are sent for recycling and provide calling cards for the soldiers. We have sent in 120 cell phones this year and received 730 calling cards for the Troops. The calling cards are sent in our Care Packages. There is a collection container just outside the door of the Post.
What is a Veteran: A Veteran…whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve…is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount of “up to, and including his/her life.” That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that act..