2015 June Draft- V2.3 5-31-15
Transcription
2015 June Draft- V2.3 5-31-15
The Triple Nickel Published Exclusively for the Members of American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 Volume 2 - Issue 6 In This Issue National Commander 1 Commander’s Corner 2 Public Relations Adjutant Area 3 Judge Advocate Veterans Recognition 2nd Vice Commander 4 Post Information Oratorical Committee 5 Family Night Photos 6 Chaplain State Convention 7 1st Vice Commander 8 Memorial Day 9 Post 555 Baseball Boys State 10 District Meeting Officer Installation 11 Legion Riders 12 Memorial Week 13 June 2015 Post 555 Greet National Commander Commander Mike Helms was greeted upon his arrival at the Alabama National Cemetery by a contingent from Matthew Blount Post 555. Following introductions and media interviews by Birmingham New, Shelby County Reporter and Channel Six Fox News, Commander Helms was taken on a tour of the facility by Post 555’s 2nd Vice Commander and Director of the ANC. Following the tour, Commander Helms and Commander Blount visited the grave site of Post 555’s sake, Matthew Blount, son of Commander Blount. Commander Blount presented Helms with a Matthew Blount Post 555 coffee mug as a moment of his visit with Post 555. In turn Commander Helms presented Post 555 members with a National Commander hat pin. Helms group then departed to continue their tour of other Alabama Posts. Standing Meetings Where: Pelham Senior Center When:1st Thursday 7:00-8:00 pm Next Meeting June 4, 2015 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 Photos by Chic Cecchini - Post 555 Commander’s Corner Fellow Legionnaire, I want to thank you again for selecting me as your Commander for the coming year. I think the Lord is blessing us in so many ways. As we continue to grow (over 70 members now!) establishing an American Legion baseball team, sending 2 young men to Boy State and 2 young ladies to Girl State this year this was not something I thought was possible to accomplish in our first year, but the funds have been provided and we are able to us to pass on the blessing to others. We are fortunate to have the to be selected as host for the Destrict baseball tournament in Pelham this July for the American Baseball League. This means we will need your help to sell tickets at the gates! Contact 1st Vice Commander Kenneth Paschal, if you can help support this program. This is an excellent opportunity to serve our community with a fun, family supportive program. or discharge papers indicating honorable discharge on our members. If you do not already have one, you can request a copy of your DD-214 or discharge paper through the government. If you need help making the request, we will be happy to help. We need a Copy on file – be sure to mark out your Social Security Number on our copy. Also, please let your family know where your copy is filed should need arise if they (or you) need it to file for benefits with VA. That is the first thing the VA will ask for. We will be adding more programs or services so please step up and ask ‘what can I do’? We have several positions that we need help with! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our meeting Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 7pm. Barry K. Blount Commander This year we plan to begin programs that will identify benefits that you may be entitled to as a veteran. Stay tuned for more information. The Post has received a 501(c)19 tax exemption approval. It was made clear that if we are audited, the first thing they look for is a DD-214 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 2 Adjutant Area Public Relations Post 555 is about to close out its first year of existence , 2014-2015. I would like to express my thanks to all that have supported the Post and its activities by contributing many hours that have lead to the the success of our first year. The Post has gained 40 additional members since it received its charter and expect it to continue to grow. The membership is currently at seventy with a goal of reaching one hundred by the end of 2015. We have had a great beginning in meeting our mission with 32 events through May 2015 involving the community, veterans and youth. The major youth programs being Oratorical Scholarship, Boys State, Girls State and most recently, the Baseball program. The organization’s structure is in place with with all officer positions filled and thirteen functioning committees for now. All existing committees require additional staffing. We expect more to be needed as we work to expand our programs in the future. Those that want to get more involved, there are plenty opportunities to find a place to utilize your expertise, experience and gifts. Please review the organizational chart that is included in this mailing and contact either myself or Commander Blount if you find an area you would be interested in working. There will be seven of our ten allotted delegates attending the State Convention in June. The Post deadline was June 1, 2015 for registration, however, individual registration will be open at the event. Two articles were sent to the Shelby County Reporter in May. Article on Alabama Boys State was sent to The Shelby County Reporter and The Pelham City news on May 19, 2015. The article explains that Alabama Boys State is one of he highest honors granted to Alabama Students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities. Post 555 is sponsoring Drayton Cullen son of Jean Roberson and Lon Cullen of Pelham, Al. and Aaron Wilkes, son of Patricia and Wesley Wilkes of Pelham, Al. Both young men are juniors at Pelham High School. Article on the New American Legion Baseball Program was also sent to the Shelby County Reporter and The Pelham City News on May 27, 2015.The article was issued as a Press Release and listed first games to be played. The American Legion Baseball stands behind the traditional values upon which it was founded in 1925. American Legion Baseball teaches young Americans importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. Matthew Blount Post 555 Next meeting: June 4, 2015 7:00 pm Food provided by Nino’s Italian Resturant We are looking forward in carrying our past year’s momentum into the 2015-2016 year. Pelham Senior Center For God & Country Ron Koonce Adjutant Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL Web: www.alpost555.com www.facebook.com/alpost555 June 2015 Dates to Remember Judge Advocate’s Corner DD-214/Discharge Documents Required The National American Legion and the IRS requires all active Posts to maintain a copy on file of each if its members a DD-214 form or Discharge Documents in the case of WWII veterans. The most critical is the requirement of the IRS now that the Post has received a 501(c)19 Non-profit tax exempt status. The Post could lose this highly coveted status if in the event it is audited which is expected within the first 24 months of receiving the status. We urge each of you to submit a copy of the appropriate version that applies to your service served. Please mark over your SS number on your copy before submitting for security reasons. It is not used for identification. Submit your copy by: Email to: [email protected] Hard Copy mailed to : American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 Adjutant 50 Racquet Club Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124 Hard Copy hand delivered to: Ron Koonce, Adjutant or Barry Blount, Commander Where can I obtain the DD-214 form? If you do not have a copy of your DD-214 or Discharge documents, you can obtain one by contacting the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Their website for veterans to request a copy of your DD-214: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ Veterans Recognition Committee The following upcoming activities are on the Blue Star Salute calendar in the upcoming months. Triple Nickel members are encouraged to join the Blue Star Salute Foundation for the $25.00 membership fee and participate in any or all of these activities. #1SonRun – 10K Memorial Run-Leeds Memorial Park-13June USMC League Convention – Montgomery – 12-14June AMVETS National Convention – Birmingham-15-23August 2nd Vice Commander Program Report Special guest will be presented at the next meeting, Thursday, June 4th. Please come out and help us recognize and show our appreciation to Pelham's Police and Fireman of the Year. Also SSG David Lee will share his experiences from his recent motorcycle ride from Alabama to Washington D.C., to visit the Vietnam wall. Looking forward to seeing you there...invite a veteran. Food will be provided by Nino's. For God & Country Quincy Whitehead 2nd Vice Commander Chuck Kiser Judge Advocate Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 2016 Post Officers Chaplain Post Commander Barry Blount David Coram, Jr. 1st Vice Commander Kenneth Paschal Sgt. at Arms Geoffrey Eggleton Service Officer Rick Mazzone 2nd Vice Commander Quincey Whitehead Finanical Officer SSG. David Lee Items for publication are accepted on Executive Committee approval and available space. Historian Ron Koonce Adjudant Ron Koonce Judge Advocate Chuck Kiser The Triple Nickel is published monthly for members of Matthew Blount Post 555. 50 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-678-1375 [email protected] Executive Committee Richard Kaster William Wigginton Bill Midlik Submit articles prior to the 10th of the month for publication the following month. We reserve the right to edit any submission for the purpose of publication. Letters to the Editor must include name, address & telephone number. Names will be withheld upon request. Send email to Ron Koonce: [email protected] 205-222-4495 Copyright 2014 American Legion Post 555 50 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 Oratorical Committee The American Legion Mathew Blount Alabama Post 555 Post Commander Barry Blount and Oratorical Chairman Richard Kaster attended the Pelham City High School's Senior Awards night and presented each with scholarship money to the 1st Place winner Lindsey Jinright and 2nd place to Jacob McKinstry. Additionally, Post Commander Barry Blount presented the school with a wooden plague to commemorate the first American Legion Oratorical contest winner engraved name plate and several additional blank plates for future contest winners. The American Legion Oratorical contests are held annually for eligible high school students under age 20. The Oratorical contest presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nations laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Dates to Remember Post 555 Baseball June 3, 2015 Boy’s State May 31-June 6,2015 June 6, 2015 Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson -Bike Night Girls State June 7-June 13, 2015 June 14, 2015 Flag Day Pelham Civic Center June 19, 2015 Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson - Bike Night 2015 Depart. Convention June 19-21, 2015 Huntsville , AL Post Officers Report Due July 1, 2015 Barry Blount Rickard Kaster Jacob McKinstry Post Consolidation Report Due July 1, 2015 Post Fiscal Year 2016 Membership Dues July 1, 2015 Lindsey Jinright Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 Barry Blount Rickard Kaster May Family Night May 7,2015 Photography by Chic Cecchini Post 555 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 Just before flying away he says, “Now, you look like an Alice to me”. My challenge to us is that we examine our lives, seek the Lord and truly see if we are being the person and doing the things we were created to do. So that when our Heavenly Father looks at us, He can gladly say, “Now, you look like a (your name) to me”. Chaplain ’s Thoughts Alice and the Caterpillar I am sure you may remember the childhood tale of Alice in Wonderland. How she met many colorful characters throughout her journey through wonderland, and learned many lessons along the way. Recently, I was watching a modern remake of this classic story. In one of the scenes of the movie, Alice is having a conversation with a large caterpillar that is sitting on a mushroom repeatedly asking her, “Who are you”? Despite Alice’s attempts to identify herself to the caterpillar, he still keeps asking the question, “Who are you”? After one final attempt to identify herself to the caterpillar, the caterpillar finally responses with the statement, “You don’t look like an Alice to me”. This statement struck a chord with me. We were all created by our Creator for a specific purpose and a specific reason. Unfortunately, many times in our lives we try to act like someone else, or we try to follow the desires of our heart versus listening to the heart of God. I wonder if many times, He looks at us and makes the statement, “He does not look like the (your name) I created”. We are all human and by virtue of this fact, we are going to make mistakes in our lives. I once heard one of my commander say, “You are going to make mistakes, so go ahead and get them over with now so that we can move on to the mission at hand”. But the good news is we serve a Savior that loves us in spite of our mistakes and poor decisions, and gladly forgives us when we fail Him. So when we get off track all we have to do is turn and look to the One who created the track, and He will steer us back to Him. At the end of the film, Alice is once again in a conversation with the caterpillar. She is recapping everything she has learned during here time in wonderland.Upon completion of the conversation, the caterpillar is turning into a butterfly. Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL Remember He Loves You and So Do I!!! - Chaplain Coram Post 555 members will attend the Ninety Seventh Annual Department Convention of the American Legion, Department of Alabama, Inc., held in Huntsville, Alabama, Friday, June 19, 2015 through Sunday, June 21, 2015. PURPOSE: The Convention is called for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year, hearing and considering resolutions, and for the transaction of such other business as may be deemed necessary to come before the Convention and various officer training sessions. Post 555 has five delegate & five alternate slots assigned based on Post membership size. Post Registration deadline was June 1, 2015. Onsite registration available June 18th-20th. Attending: Barry Blount, Commander Kenneth Paschal, 1st Vice Commander Ron Koonce, Adjutant Chuck Kiser, Judge Advocate Rick Mazzone, Service Officer Richard Kaster, Trustee/Service Committee Frank Lakotich, Events Committee June 2015 7 Thanks to the 6 man crew that “Fired a Civil War Artillery” piece to honor our fallen heroes at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo. Volunteers were: Don Colvard, David Coram, Richard Kaster, Tom McDaniel, Kenneth Paschal, and Bill Wigginton. First Vice Commander We’re encouraging members be an active Legionnaire recruiter and invite one potential member to our next meeting in June. As we continue to grow our membership and presence in the community we must also grow in our efforts to secure a copy of everyone’s DD214. I would like to echoes from the Commander’s Corner in our May newsletter. In any successful organization, there’s always policies and procedures to follow. To be in compliance with the IRS requirements we must have members DD-214 on file. The DD-214 reveals Social Security numbers (block 3), dates of birth (block 5) and, in some cases, places of birth and medical information. The American Legion and IRS do not need this information; the information should be "blacked out or redacted" and a copy provided to the post for their file. The Legion and the IRS only need your name, dates of service and character of service. Documents with this information need to be kept securely. Awareness and presence: Thank You: • • • • • To Don Colvard and Quincy Whitehead for volunteering to serve on Post 555 Fundraiser committee. We would like to have 2-3 more legionnaire to join the fundraiser committee. Don is the Fundraiser committee chair. If you are interested in volunteering please email Don at [email protected]. Frank Lakotich has been very active in participating and volunteering for numerous Post events. He has volunteered to serve on Post 555 Event Committee. If anyone else is interested in volunteering on the Event committee please let me know. Our success will depend on other legionnaire’s participation. May 15th: Allison Moore, Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson Office and Event Coordinator for allowing Post 555 to participate in Bike Night and invitation to the June 6th Jambore. Post 555 participants during Bike night were: Richard Calnan, Chic Cecchini, Don Colvard, David Lee, Frank Lakotich, Quincy Whitehead, Kenneth Paschal, and Barry Blount. The commander and I met with Allison Moore and scheduled Post 555 first Bike Ride for September 19, 2015. Richard Calnan is the Post Legion Rider program chair and will be the lead on all future correspondences regarding Bike Night and the Bike Ride. May 25th: Memorial Day Observance – Thanks to the 6 man crew that “Fired a Civil War Artillery” piece to honor our fallen heroes at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo. Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL Special thanks to Barry Winn, Adam George, and Quincey Whitehead. Mr. Barry Winn, Sargent in the Alabama division of reenactors provided the Mountain Howitzer “Civil War Artillery” piece, ammunition, and training. Mr. Adam George owner, of Alterations, Embroidery, Screen Printing, & Banners By George in Helena donated the Cannon Crew tshirts. Quincey Whitehead, Director at the Alabama National Cemetery at Montevallo invited Post 555 to participate in Memorial Day Observance. • Nino's Italian Restaurant in Pelham will donate a snack tray to Post 555 during the June Post 555 meeting. The dish will be Baked ziti. Baked ziti is a baked casserole dish made with ziti macaroni and sauce characteristic of Italian-American cuisine. Thanks to David Coram Jr. for volunteering to pick up the tray at 6:00 pm. Upcoming opportunities in the month of June: June 6th: June Jamboree from 9am to 5pm at Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson in Pelham. This event will be a customer appreciation and will be during normal business hours of the dealership. It will be held in the front parking lot with the following attractions: Barber's Motorsports will display bikes, Food vendors, Merchandise vendors, Inflatable for kids, Bike washing by Hooter's, and Live music. We’ll need 4-6 volunteers to man the informational table. If you are interested in volunteering please email me at [email protected]. June 14th: Opportunity to setup and informational booth and table at Pelham’s Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge No. 1738, in conjunction with the City of Pelham, seventh annual Flag Day Celebration on Flag Day. The celebration will be held from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Pelham Civic Center. It is FREE to the public. We’ll need 2-3 volunteers to man the informational table. If you are interested in volunteering please email me at [email protected]. June 19th and each 3rd Friday until October: Opportunity to setup and informational booth and table at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealership in Pelham during their Bike Night. Event from 6-9 pm. 333 Cahaba Valley Pkwy N. Pelham, AL 35124. This is another great opportunity to enhance our membership campaign. If you are interested in volunteering and participating, please email Richard Calnan at [email protected]. Communication – the importance of belonging: We ask all members and their guests to greet each other and share one thing with each other during the next Post meeting. Direct contact with veterans is a guaranteed way to boost membership and find out the concerns and issues that they have, creating a cohesive environment. June 2015 8 Memorial Day Activities May 25, 2015 Photography by Chic Cecchini & Ron Koonce Post 555 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 9 Post 555 Begins Baseball Program On Wednesday, June 3rd at 5:00 & 7:30 pm, Matthew Blount Post 555 American Legion Summer baseball team will play their first games. It will be a doubleheaders at the Pelham High School baseball field, 2500 Panther Cir., Pelham, Alabama 35124. Tickets will be sold at the entry gate $5. The American Legion Baseball stands behind the traditional values upon which it was founded in 1925. American Legion Baseball teaches young Americans the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. The program is a promoter of equality, making teammates out of young athletes regardless of their income levels or social standings. American Legion Baseball is a stepping stone to manhood for young men to serve their country or community, raise families or play the sport at the highest level. Post 555 Sponsors PHS Students Post 555 is sponsoring Drayton Cullen, son of Jean Roberson and Lon Cullen of Pelham, AL and Aaron Wilkes, son of Patricia and Wesley Wilkes of Pelham, AL. Both young men are juniors at Pelham, High School. They will attend 2015 Boys State at the University of Alabama May 31st to June 6th. Both delegates were recognized and presented American Legion Certificates at the May 7, 2015 Post meeting. We invite the community, leaders, and legionnaires to attend and support the youth. Several games in late May was postponed due to bad weather. Rescheduled games are to be announced. Next Home games will be June 23rd at Pelham High School vs Bessemer Post 149 at 3pm, Bessemer vs Pickens at 5:30pm and Pickens vs Pelham at 8pm. Drayton Cullen Barry Blount Aaron Wilkes July 8-11 is the district tournament hosted by Post 555 at Pelham High School. Post 555’s Baseball support team needs two volunteers to help sell tickets at the gate. Volunteer arrival time: 4:00 pm Location: Pelham baseball field Game times: 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm Alan Phillips Baseball Chair Jim Hendley Aaron Wilkes Patricia Wilkes Jim Hendley Drayton Cullen Photos by Chic Cecchini - Post 555 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 10 Memorial Week Activities May 21-25, 2015 Matthew Blount Post 555 Hosts District Meeting May 17th at 2pm: Post 555 hosted the District 23 meeting at Nino's Italian Restaurant On Pelham ParkWay Post District attendees: 10 legionnaires and 5 Posts Clay Richardson Doug Foster Buck Thompson Rufus Hill Charles Duncan Tim Haney Tim White Barry Blount Chic Cecchini Jim Hendley Peggy Hendley Kenneth Paschal Post 47 West Blocton Post 68 Chlidersburg Post 68 Chlidersburg Post 68, Chlidersburg Post 131 Columbiana Post 131 Columbiana Post 343 Clanton Matthew Blount Post 555, Pelham Matthew Blount Post 555 Matthew Blount Post 555 Matthew Blount Post 555 Matthew Blount Post 555 Elected 2015-2016 District Officers Commander, Charles Duncan Post 131 District Vice Commander, Commander Blount Post 555 Post 555 Officer Installation May 7, 2015 The May Post conducted its first installation of Officers with the incoming 2015-2016 officers conducted by Division 2 Commander , Earl Hutchinson . The Ceremony was took place at the May 7, 2015 Post meeting to an audience of family and friends All family members of the Post were invited to attend . Dinner was served and provided by Chubb’s Grub Station in Alabaster. Matthew Blount 2015-2016 Officers Commander - Barry Blount 1st Vice Commander - Kenneth Paschal 2nd Vice Commander - Quincey Whitehead Adjutant - Ronald Koonce Chaplain - David Coram, Jr. Finanical Officer - SS David Lee Judge Advocate - Chuck Kiser Public Relations Officer - Tom Mc Daniel (not Pictured) Trustees Richard Kaster Bill Wigginton Bill Midlik Photos by Chic Cecchini - Post 555 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 11 Legion Riders Richard Calnan - Squadron Leader Post 555 Attends Local Bike Night May 15, 2015 Post 555 Riders are getting more involved with the local Biker community by having a presence at the monthly Heart of Dixie Harley-Davison Bike Nights through out the summer. Allison Moore, Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson Office and Event Coordinator, has also extended an invitation to Post 555 to participate in future Bike Nights and an invitation to the June 6th Jamboree. Post 555 leadership is working with Allison Moore in scheduling Post 555 first Bike Ride on September 19, 2015. Richard Calnan is the Post Legion Rider Program Chair and will be the leader on all future correspondences regarding Bike Night and the Bike Ride. Contact Ricard at: [email protected] Frank Lakotich David Lee Kenneth Paschal Don Colvard Richard Calnan Quincy Whitehead Photo by Chic Cecchini - Post 555 This is another great opportunity to enhance our membership campaign. If you are interested in volunteering and participating, please email me at [email protected] Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 12 Memorial Week Activities May 21 - 25, 2015 TAPS Ceremony May 21, 2015 Photo by Chic Cecchini & Ron Koonce- Post 555 Laying of Flags May 22, 2015 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 13 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 14 Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL June 2015 15