COMMANDER – Al Norton
May has been a pretty fair month. We can tell summer is coming because business is starting to slow a bit.

Mothers Day brunch was excellent. Thank you Master Chef Gene Barton, head cook Neil Thornton for your outstanding performance. We had plenty of food. About 40% prepared was left over. We do need volunteers from the Legionnaires for the 2nd week of every month in the kitchen. Instead of splitting tips each person gets a free meal or 2 drink chips, which could be more then the tips.

Post 44 was able to give out seven scholarships for $500.00 apiece to very deserving students. A few of the students already have over 40 college credits before graduating High School. This is pretty awesome!

The Department of Veteran Affairs Rural Division is putting on a benefit fair on July 14th 2016, 9:00 am to noon at Post 44. We are hoping to have at least 15 vendors who provide services to Veterans here. I urge all vets to attend; there could be services out there that we aren’t aware of. The American Legion Service officer from Albuquerque is expected to be here.

Remember participation & socializing with friends at Post 44 is our life blood.

God Bless everyone and God Bless America

Charity & Education:
May distributions from Gaming proceeds to the community were $2,914.45. Recipients were American Legion Department, T or C Veterans Memorial Trust, Post 44 Auxiliary Care Packages, SCCA, Moose 2050, American Legion District 7 for Oratorical Contest Prizes, Elephant Butte Anglers for Kid’s Fishing Tournament, Hot Springs High School JROTC Scholarship Fund and T or C Community Theatre.

Finance Officer- Bill Conklin
No report

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal
Many thanks to all that helped clean up the cemetery! The many hands made for lighter, faster work. It looks so much better!

Sat, June 4th, the SAL will be cooking up brats, potato salad and sauerkraut as a fundraiser starting at 5 p.m.

Check out the new T-Shirts for sale! They are awesome and only $12.00. We also have new koozies available at the bar for only $3.00.

Congrats and many thanks to Melanie Millsap as our June “Volunteer of the Month!” Mel has helped with breakfasts, Wednesday & Friday kitchen duties & has brought in lots of goodies to share with members and employees! Thanks, Mel, for all that you do!

Sat, June 18th, we will be celebrating Frank Kapela’s 75th birthday! Come on in to help him celebrate!

Father’s Day, Sunday June 19th, the Post member father’s will be treated to a complimentary pot roast dinner @ 5:00. All other guests will be $8.00. The scotch doubles pool tournament will begin that day @ 3:00.

Heads up for July – Fireworks will be on Sat, July 2nd on Rattlesnake Island. We are also making noises about doing a “Christmas in July” Craft Fair on Sat, July 23rd. Watch for further info or contact Linde Polstin at the Post.

Thanks for supporting our Post and we look forward to seeing you there!!