American Legion
Post 305

Citizens Flag Alliance

The Post 305 Bugle

July 2006

Volume 2, Issue 6

COMMANDER'S CORNER

I had a great time at my 50th reunion at West Point. I didn’t remember that my class had so many old men in it. Of course 50 years does things to a person.

July marks the start of a new year for the Legion. As a result, we have a new slate of officers whose names will appear at the end of this newsletter. You will also be getting the first of four offers to send in your membership dues for 2006-2007. We had a very successful year in membership last year, exceeding our goal by sufficient margin to be called a Hall of Fame Post. Next year will not be as easy, as the goal will be based on how many old members we retain, not on how many new members we recruit. This has been the criteria in the past. Therefore, we need all of you to send in your renewal as quickly as possible, so we can know where we stand and get off to a fast start.

July will get off to a fast start because we have a parade on the 4th of July to get ready for. We have a float that we decorate in the parking lot of The Woodlands First Methodist Church on that morning. The Church is just off Grogans Mill at Lake Robbins Drive. We will be decorating from 7:30 a.m. to parade time at 9:00 a.m. Those who want to participate can ride on the float, or can walk along with the float. The Color Guard will march in front of the two convertibles and the float. If you are participating, you will need to be there about an hour early because the parking lot fills up fast and the police may reroute you. Remember our Comrades who are fighting to preserve our way of life and help us protect their benefits be being an active Legion member.

For God and Country, Jim Bolin

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MEETING EVENTS

Prior to the meeting we had a Flag Disposal Ceremony in which we retired several worn and faded American Flags. Always a moving ceremony, but not watched by many members.

The meeting was different in that we conducted little business, but spent most of our time on awards and Installation of Officers for 2006-2007. Awards were given to DeKrisha Kyle (scholarship), members achieving multiples of 5 year membership (about 10) and the following for various service to the Post: Chuck Suhr, Dayton Denton, Pat Turner, Jerry Mulvihill, Jerry Bradshaw, Ray Shubert, Emery Heuermann, and Brad Wall. We are lucky to have these and many other selfless members who contribute so much to the Post.

Pictured left to right: Butch Sparks, DeKrisha Kyle (2006 Scholarship Winner) and Jim Bolin

Installation of the new officers for next year was conducted by C. W. (“Butch”) Sparks, Past Department Vice Commander and Candidate for Department Commander at this years Department Convention. Many thanks to Butch and we wish him well in his new position. The new officers are listed at the normal place in the newsletter.

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MEMBERSHIP

ACTIVITIES

We still have a few coupon books that have not been spoken for. If you want one, contact Emery Heuermann. If you have one, and haven't turned in the money for the book, please do as soon as possible.

The National Emergency Fund is used in meeting the needs of both the community and individual Legion family members in the wake of a natural disaster. Any current year paid member of the American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion is eligible to apply for temporary financial relief for losses sustained in a declared natural disaster.

Since October 1989, the National Emergency Fund has provided over $4,000,000 in direct financial assistance to Legion family members and Posts. All contributions made to this fund are deposited in a special account and are used exclusively to meet our members most urgent needs.

One of the newer members of Post 305 is Private Patrick Bannon, son of George and Sue Ellen, having become eligible for the Legion by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Patrick is now a “dual member”, since he had already been a member of The Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 618 in Willis, for several years. Patrick completed his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK, as a howitzer crewman, in May. George and Sue Ellen attended Patrick’s graduation and George was the guest speaker. Patrick is currently assigned to a 155-millimeter self-propelled howitzer battalion of the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany. That will only be for a month, or so, since his unit had already deployed to Iraq and he will join them there after some additional training. Since large-scale combat operations have been over for a while, there is very little call for the firing of artillery, so his unit performs convoy security, patrolling, and similar missions in Iraq and Kwait.

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VETERANS ADVOCATE

In a further response to the theft of VA records with personal information on 27 million veterans and active force members, Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) has introduced a bill (H.R. 5520) to establish a new VA office to adjudicate claims and compensate affected members who are harmed financially by the unauthorized use of their personal information.

If the bill were enacted, Veterans would have 2 years to file a claim, and the claim would have to be adjudicated and any proven claims paid within 180 days of submission.

Reimbursement would be limited to actual financial damages; award of punitive damages would be prohibited. VA payments would be reduced by any other payments or settlements the veteran received from any other source relating to the matter. VA decisions would be subject to appeal and resolution by arbitration.

MOAA supports H.R. 5220, which has 106 cosponsors so far. Visit MOAA's website at http://moaaonline.org/ct/cd1Ji4p1yROS/ to send a suggested message urging your representative to become a cosponsor.

House bill 4992 “The Veterans Medicare Assistance Act of 2007” which would provide Medicare reimbursement to VA health Care Facilities that treat Medicare eligible Veterans is up for house action.
MY OPINION: We need this bill. It’s been defeated a few times before - call or e-mail your Legislators and get their support on this.

The House has approved funds for 10 VA Outpatient Clinics throughout the country, including Conroe . There are reportedly 87,000 veterans living in the Conroe catchments area. These clinics are long over due and truly needed.
MY OPINION: Thank you Representative Kevin Brady (R Woodlands) for your assistance. Veterans let’s get on our Senators to follow suit.

The purpose of the Children and Youth program is to: strengthen the family unit, maintain well-rounded youth programs, and support other organizations, which serve children and youth. This is done by the following activities.

• National Family Week A nationwide program to encourage family activities each day during the week of Thanksgiving in November.
• Child Health. Our new alliance with the Children's Miracle Network underscores The American Legion's mission and reputation as a caretaker of America's future, - its children.
• Teenage Suicide Prevention. The American Legion actively supports programs of prevention and awareness and has published the brochure "Warning Signs: Suicide Prevention."
• American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. The Foundation is unique, in that all contributions are awarded in grants to non-profit organizations for projects designed to assist children.

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POST ACTIVITIES

• May 2006 (as a web page)

• April 2006 (as a web page) - April 2006 Newsletter in Adobe Acrobat PDF format

• March 2006 Newsletter (as a web page) -- Click here to download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format

• February 2006 Newsletter (as a web page) -- Click here to download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format

• January 2006 Newsletter (as a web page) -- Click here to download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format

• December 2005 Newsletter (as a web page)

• November 2005 Newsletter (as a web page)

• August 2005 Newsletter (in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format)

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