COMMANDER – Al Norton

Our progress report for this month is another big happy face.

The patio is moving along well. We have to manufacture some parts we couldn’t get, but no problem.

We have all new toilets in the restrooms. New tile project is under way. Starting with the ladies room.

We have a cook trailer donated by Richard Kouldelka. It is in the process of being rebuilt by Tommy Pearce. Thank you Richard and Tommy!

Our Kitchen help is all volunteers since our cook left us. Thank you to the many people who have stepped up to help.

All of our projects that are in process, the work is being done by volunteers. We have a great group of people here at Post 44. One small set back, the refrigerator in kitchen has retired without notice. A new replacement is required.

September is jam-packed with events so watch the calendar & join in on the fun. Please join us for the 9-11 Memorial Ceremony with the City of Elephant Butte at 12 noon at the City’s Event Center.

God Bless this great country and everybody that supports her!

Charity & Education
Total funds distributed from Charity and Education for August were $4,013.86. Recipients include: American Legion Department $750.73, Auxiliary Care Packages $349.70, Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest (sports complex project) $500.00, Sierra County Cancer Assistance (cancer patient transport) $250.00, Post 44 (Operation: Help Rural Veterans expenses) $64.89, Post 44 (Arnold Jarvis Memorial Expenses) $264.82, Post 44 (World War II Veteran Memberships) $680.00, Auxiliary Girls State Delegate Tuition $400.00, Moose 2050 Golf Fundraiser $100.00, Post 44 (Johanna Roberts Memorial Expenses) $153.72, United Military Women of the Southwest (Monument to honor Women Veterans) $100.00, Post 44 (Elephant Days BBQ Fundraiser) $150.00, T/C Elementary (3rd Grade Rewards Program) $250.00.

Finance Officer- Bob Nellis
July was the start of our fiscal year. What a start it was . Revenue was up in every category. The biggest increase came from gaming where we saw an increase of over $3,000.
The material for the roof and sides of the patio are in and construction should start soon. We already have several table and chairs to furnish the patio when it is completed.
The surveillance system is up and has 5 cameras activated and can be expanded to 8 when required.The cost of these two projects has already been covered.

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal
Boy Howdy!! August was full of awesome volunteerism!! Many, many Thanks to: Bill Laswell for installing our new toilets!! And Bob Nellis for going to get them!! Rose Ann & Earl Smith for donations to the Post & kitchen!! Richard Koudelka for buying a cook trailer for the Post and Al Norton & Bob Marino for storing for a year & a half!! Tommy Pearce for refurbishing it, Mel Hedrick for delivering the steel flooring & Jeff & Sandy Fairchild for procuring the steel & donation for its completion! What a group effort!! We are anxious to have it ready to roll soon!!

We can’t forget our cooks in the kitchen for Wednesday dinners & Friday Grill!! When you get a meal, please be sure to thank those working in the kitchen! They are all currently volunteers and doing their best to provide you with good vittles! We are also so grateful for our guest chef from New Orleans, Aurora Manuel, who prepared an awesome Jambalaya for us on the 24th!

Busy month ahead…on Sat, Sept 10th, be sure to come in for breakfast (8-10, special hours) prior to the Elephant Days parade, then go vote for Gene Hill in the Elephant Days BBQ Cook off!! Go Gene!! Sun, Sept 11, there will be a ceremony at noon at the EB Event Ground in honor of 9/11.

Sat, Sept 17th is our 5th annual golf tournament & Brisket Lunch (about 2 pm). If you’d like to join in the lunch, you may purchase tickets from the bartenders for $8.00. Golfers’ lunches are included in their green fees.

Anyone interested in learning the current status of the New Mexico Gaming Control Board / vs/ our Pull Tab License, you are welcome to attend a VFNP (Veterans-Fraternal-Non Profit) Meeting, Tuesday Sept 20. Lunch at noon, meeting to follow. Brats, Beans & Potato Salad will be served.

Deone Harty, please stand up and take a bow!! You have been selected as our volunteer of the month!! You have been instrumental in providing your expertise and humor in a number of projects & activities that include participation in installing the patio door, patio design and being Chef Boy-Are Deone in the kitchen, just to name a few. Thank you!! And enjoy your new parking spot!!

Because of the golf tournament, the general meetings will be Thurs, Sept 22 at 10:30. Please see the calendar for meals and other events. Thanks to all for your support of our Post!! Look forward to seeing you here!!