ONE OF OUR OWN DECEASED

Yesterday, our Legion Post honored a member of 56-years, Arthur Faucon, during his funeral at the Trinity Lutheran Church, and at his burial. Arthur passed away on Thursday, March 1st. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Korean War on the LSD-class ship USS Shadwell.

Burial followed the church service at the Trinity Lutheran Church cemetery, where our Color Guard consisted of Joe Amigoni, Dick Livingston, Willard Surratt and Bob Wolfe. The Rifle Squad, firing three volleys, were Mike Adams, Gary Beenders, Garry Colcalsure, John Dust, Jerry Hasler, Bob Isaia and Joe Mecagni. Dick Craps played Taps on our electronic bugle and Sergeant-At-Arms Ron Behnke was in charge of the full detail. Presentation of the American Flag to the family was handled by John Dust and Jerry Hasler.

A MOMENT IN TIME #5

In this posting of a "moment in time" about the Legion as its 93rd birthday approaches, the question tackled is: "Which U.S. publishing pioneer was one of the first editors of The American Legion Magazine?"

Harold Ross, an early editor of The American Legion Weekly was born in Colorado in 1892. Ross knew as a teenager that he wanted to be in the newspaper business, and spent several years crisscrossing the country as a reporter for different publications.

He served in the Army in France during World War I and eventually rose to become the editor of Stars and Stripes. He attended the Legion's Paris Caucus in March 1919, serving on the American Expeditionary Force Executive Committee and the Committee on Constitution. It was fitting, then, that he should be hired as editor of The American Legion Weekly in 1920, after a weekly newspaper Ross had launched for returning veterans was absorbed by the Legion. Ross stayed in the position until 1924.

For part of the that time, the editorial as well as the business/advertising offices of the Weekly were in New York. He, and his first wife, Jane Grant, who he had met in France, lived there and was a member of many famed organizations and literary ventures. But Ross developed lung cancer and died in December of 1951 after an operation to remove a tumor. He was 59 years old.

MARCH'S REGULAR POST MEETING

The regular monthly meeting of Post 463 was called to order tonight at 7:00 PM by Senior-Vice Cmdr Ken Nelson in the absence of Commander Helsel. After proper opening ceremonies, Adjutant Dust read the minutes from the previous month's meeting, followed by Finance Officer Remmer's report. It showed a net drop in funds from last month by $3,566, all due to the remodel of the bar project. There was no bar report due to the Bar Manager Ratliffe's extended vacation but there was no known change in funds in the account. The breakfast report for February was given by Jr-Vice Isaia, showing 316 were served, consisting of 284 adults, 21 children and 11 workers.

The VAC report from last month was given by Adjutant Dust due to Service Officer Aeschleman being on vacation. It showed 4 veterans or their family were helped with $633.55 and their were 14 in-office visits and 2 out-of-office visits. Sick Call Report consisted of Richard Burton, Gerald Gerardi and Frank Schirer. Adjutant Dust then gave the membership report, showing 152 paid members and 10 members now delinquent in their dues for a total membership of 162. Paid members are at 91.6% of the Department of Illinois goal of 166.

Adjutant Dust gave the SAL report, again in absence of SAL Advisor Ratliffe, and explained that the SAL would be having a meeting on the third Tuesday of this month to determine whether they will pull their charter to put the Squadron into "inactive" status. Hopefully, as many SAL members as possible will plan to attend to make this determination. Either Advisor Ratliffe, Cmdr Helsel and/or Adjutant Dust from the Legion will attend that meeting too.

Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Sr-Vice Cmdr Nelson read a complimentary email from Ted Lang, Sr-Vice of the Dept of Illinois, in regards to our Post's Blog. He also read a thank you from one of the Veterans in the nursing home who had received gifts through our Gifts for the Yanks program.

Under Old Business, Mecagni gave a summary of the workers on the bar project and a review of the items that were completed. Adjutant Dust added that the project came in $300 under the budget allotted by the membership.

Under New Business, the upcoming bank breakfast was discussed and a role of help was made by Jr-Vice Isaia. Then, Adjutant Dust reported on the representative that had called on the Post in regards to switching our electricity provider and the $300/year it would save us. After discussion, a motion was made, seconded and passed to switch to this supplier for a one-year contract. Adjutant Dust also brought forth information he had researched in regards to the very negative rating one of the veteran's charities had received due to so little of their funds going towards helping veterans. After discussion, it was moved, seconded and voted to remove this organization from our donation list.

There was also discussion in regards to putting a special "paint" finish on the floor in the bar room to test out its durability and make the room look better. There was also a mention of replacing the counter top between the kitchen and main room, but both subjects were tabled until next month. Prior to having to report to the Dept of Illinois, it was decided to leave the time & day of our regular meetings the same as well as leaving our dues at $25/year for next fiscal 2013.

Luncheon after the next meeting will be handled by Joe Mecagni and the Pot of Gold drawing was won by Ken Nelson. After proper closing ceremonies, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:04 PM, followed by refreshments at our newly remodeled bar, as well as a luncheon taken care of by Dick Craps.

ACCOMPLISHED, COMPLETED, DONE, FINISHED, WRAPPED

The bar project is put to bed. This morning the "crew" finished the last three items of blinds in the window, the bottle holder mounted on the new sink, and the installation of the new American Legion Post 463 sign on the wall. In a few days over seven weeks, from start to finish, the bar remodel project is finis. So, why not come to the Legion meeting this Thursday evening and enjoy a cold one afterwards? Check it out yourself!!!

Left photo shows when a project begins to look like a government road crew - one working and three just watching - you know it is getting near the end. Right photo is picture of the finished bar area. (Click on either photo to see in full size)

POST'S DONATION FOR FEBRUARY

Our American Legion Post 463, beginning in 2011, decided to make a donation each month to an organization that either supports Veterans (on active duty or now out of the services) in some capacity or to the community for those that are in need. Last month's funds went to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (see previous postings here for more information on the organization) and this month's donation goes to the Disabled American Veterans. For more information on this organization, you can go to www.DAV.org but below are a few paragraphs copied directly from their web site:

The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families. The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I to represent their unique interests. In 1932, the DAV was congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans.

With our brave Americans leaving the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the DAV’s services and advocacy are as relevant and critical today as in any time in our nation’s history. Annually, the DAV represents more than 200,000 veterans and their dependents with claims for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.

The DAV’s Voluntary Services Program operates a comprehensive network of volunteers who provide veterans free rides to and from VA medical facilities and improve care and morale for sick and disabled veterans.

The DAV’s 1.2 million members provide grassroots advocacy and services in communities nationwide. From educating lawmakers and the public about important issues to supporting services and legislation to help disabled veterans, the DAV is there to promote its message of hope to all who have served and sacrificed.

A MOMENT IN TIME #4

In this posting of a "moment in time" about the Legion as its 93rd birthday approaches, the question tackled: "Which person from the Legion founders is considered a grandfather of the CIA?"

William "Wild Bill" Donovan, born in Buffalo, NY, to a working-class Irish family in 1983, Donovan got a law degree from Columbia University before the outbreak of World War I. As part of the famous "Fighting 69" infantry regiment, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Germany. He would later receive the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal and the National Security Medal - the only American to earn all four.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Donovan served as assistant attorney general under President Calvin Coolidge and oversaw the FBI. He was also engaged in intelligence-gathering operations around the world, building a reputation as a master of the game. In June 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt (a classmate of Donovan's at Columbia) sent him to Britain to analyze the country's intelligence system and their chances against Germany. He came back with both information and an idea for an organization in charge of intelligence gathering for the United States that would be under civilian power, not military bureaucracy.

Roosevelt asked Donovan to set up a civilian intelligence agency in June 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor's attack, but urgency then forced the president to combine it with military functions. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was founded on June 13, 1942 - about six months after Pearl Harbor. Donovan was placed back on active duty and made a brigadier general. The OSS engaged in everything from maintaining moles at the highest levels of Axis governments, to parachuting behind enemy lines to distract Axis forces, to engaging in psychological warfare, to maintaining a section of the office for gadgets such as plastic explosives that could be cooked into pancakes - a la James Bond.

After the war, President Harry Truman dissolved the OSS, concerned that it could gain too much power in a democratic country. But associates and supporters believed in Donovan's vision of a civilian intelligence-gathering power, and in 1947, Congress created the National Security Council and the Central Intelligence Agency. Donovan was not tapped to head the CIA, but he stayed busy. He served as the assistant to the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials, and as ambassador to Thailand in 1953. Donovan died in February 1959, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

SENIOR-VICE PUSHES US OVER 10K?

Your Adjutant just received an email from Ted Lang, the Sr-Vice Cmdr of the 4th Division of Illinois, and he copied a number of others - probably as a motivator for their Post to also attempt to get more communications out to their members - which gave great exposure for our Post and Blog. Anyway, yesterday the Blog went over 10,000 total visits, possibly helped along by Mr. Lang's email. The contents of his correspondence follows:

Post 463,
Your newsletter is GREAT! Communications at its best. Very interesting articles and information for all to read. Also shows just how good your Post is doing for your community. Each of you certainly have something to be proud of. May you all have fun as you continue to move forward. It was a pleasure to see & read.
Many thanks,
Ted Lang, S/V
4th Division

TUESDAY'S THINGS - ON THE RADIO

This past Sunday morning, on the 67th anniversary of the invasion of Iwo Jima during World War II, your Adjutant, in his role as local volunteer guardian for Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, along with his LLHF volunteer partner, were guests on Peoria's 1350 WOAM Radio. They were there to speak and answer questions about the Honor Flight program, that takes WWII Veterans to Washington, DC, free of charge to see their memorial, along with other monuments. They were followed by three WWII Marines who fought on Iwo Jima during the opening days of the battle, with all three receiving a Purple Heart for wounds during the taking of the island. It was a great experience, a great opportunity to get the word out about Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, and a really great honor to stay afterwards and listen to these senior Marines tell their story. (To read more on the Iwo Jima Battle, you can go to last year's Blog posting by clicking HERE).

Top left is your Adjutant "radio star" and his co-partner LLHF volunteer. Top right is the three WWII Marines who followed and was really the reason for the show. Bottom left is the Midwest Central Young Marines, our next generation of soldiers, saluting as The Star Spangled Banner was sung. Bottom right is the cake that was cut with the Marine sword of a young U.S. Marine there who was also celebrating his birthday. (Click on any photo to view in full size, then use Internet back arrow to return to the Blog).

ANOTHER BAR UPDATE

Didn't think would be posting a bar update this soon but the "crew" that worked on Monday really got a fair amount done so thought would throw up a few more photographs for you to view.

Top left, Joe measures for shelves between the two new cabinets behind the bar. Top right, the cabinets and shelves installed. Center left, Terry works on installing the box for the beer tappers. Also, note floor base is installed. Center right, Russell tacks and glues end panel on to back cabinets. Bottom left, the cabinets in place. The left one will hold the compressed tanks for the bar tappers and the right cabinet is for coffee supplies for breakfasts. Bottom right has Bing painting floor behind the bar. (Click on photo of choice to view in full size - use Internet back arrow to return)

A MOMENT IN TIME #3

In this posting of a "moment in time" about the Legion as its 93rd birthday approaches, the question tackled is "Why was Gen. John J. Pershing in 1926 made an honorary national commander of The American Legion?"

General Pershing actually facilitated the creation of The American Legion by permitting Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr, and three of his line officers of the American Expeditionary Forces, to call upon their comrades to gather in Paris in March 1919 to consider ways to improve morale among troops still stationed there, months after the armistice that ended WWI.

One of history's most celebrated military leaders, Pershing proved to be one of The American Legion earliest and most stalwart supporters, not merely of the caucus he authorized but also due to the spirit behind it. His words appeared on the cover of the first issue of The American Legion Magazine, published on July 4th of 1919. "The Legion is destined to be of tremendous value in fostering the ideals and purposes for which we fought, and in spreading among our people the lessons learned in the war period."

At the eighth American Legion National Convention in Philadelphia, Pershing received a rare honor. He was named an honorary national commander. Legionnaires cheered his name, a band played and he was called forward. Not normally willing to speak before large crowds, the general made an exception as he told the crowd "Legionnaires, it is a great pleasure to be here, and I want you all to know you can always count on me as one of you, as standing shoulder to shoulder, as we did together during the war. We are not a political organization, but political affairs must interest Legionnaires because they stand for the things that are right, they stand for good environment everywhere. But it is especially important that you interest yourselves in your local communities to see that your representatives are fine, upstanding, alert, honest men, intelligent and efficient, and not slackers nor demagogues."

The American Legion Resolution #334 easily passed and conferred upon Pershing, the commander-in-chief of the AEF, the title of "Honorary Commander of The American Legion".

BREAKFAST BREAKDOWN

Our monthly Legion Breakfast this past Sunday came in around 315 total the last your editor heard. That includes children and workers so not sure of the net adult attendees but believe around 280 or so. It definitely begin slow, with fewer attendees during the first shift but then continued to grow second shift, with a steady stream right up to the noon cut-off. We struggled a little that last hour - a few more workers would have been nice - but everything worked out.

This is the second month since we had to increase our adult price to $7.00 from the $6.00 we held for five years and so far the public have been very supportive. There were a couple attendees last month and again a couple this month that did not understand that these breakfasts are the Post's main source of income to cover our expenses and to support our programs for Veterans and the community. (In fact, a portion of proceeds from this breakfast goes to the Disabled American Veterans organization and last month a portion went to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight program). They also did not do the math of what all is included in our breakfast, plus the fact that drinks, sales tax & tip is included in the price. They also apparently did not understand this is a quality fundraiser as opposed to one of those cheap buffets. But, those people will always exist.

However, on a more positive note, one item we forget to remember often enough and should thank them more often is the volunteers that help us that are NOT members of The American Legion. Whether it is wives of Legionnaires, or members of the SAL, or just "friends of the Legion", it is greatly appreciated and hopefully all Post Legionnaires will make a point of saying "thanks" whenever they encounter our non-member volunteers.

Left is Sharlis & Shirley who handle the order/cashier desk during second shift. And, right is Curt and Jim, who volunteer to work the grill. And, "thanks" to all those not pictured.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Crank up your sound and click center arrow to hear from Chief Gunnery Tech Drill Sergeant Maxine...