September Article: Committees, Final Standdown Report

Greetings, Fellow Legionnaires! I’ll start with a little business & then some info. First,the Final Report for Veterans Stand Down: 1) Financial: $1000 donated by the Post, 2) Clothing: 102 boxes & five 30 gallon bags, 3) Participation: We blew the doors off this year! 20 people showed up to support the event (the most of any post) & we gave 207 Community Service hours for Veterans Stand Down this year! Thanks to all the support to help turn this around! Way to go Post 434! Next, membership is coming in strong. As I write, we’re over 700. Since renewals have picked up, we’ll be able to focus on bringing in new members. Don’t forget to carry an application with you for that friend who would like to join. OK. As you can see by the Commander’s article, this is kicking off to be a busy Legion year. Let me share some points about the committees being established. Many are no more than what already takes place at the post. A few are tapping in to new areas. In the Post Officer’s Guide, these 10 basic areas of focus are set: Americanism, Children & Youth, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Membership & Post Activities, Public Relations, Legislative, Finance, Economic, & House Committees. Within each are Sub-Committee or additional actions that support these 10 areas. Throughout this year, the goal is to re-establish these areas. Doing so will help reinforce the fundamental principles of the American Legion, navigate with a clearer vision, develop & strengthen our efforts in these areas over time, & allow the post to tap into resources already available to “help our community.” Also, this provides a more focused roadmap for community service. How many of us have interests, talents, or desires to help, but just don’t want to be put into a situation where they are asked to take on something huge with no solid expectations, guidelines, or support system. Well, that’s one of the ways these committees help & let us get max benefit without having to re-create the wheel. Take Vets Stand Down, for instance. It’s part of the homeless efforts of the “Economic” Committee. There’s a good example of how much fun a group of people can have while still focused on helping others. And many want to come back next year! It took a committee of key players to make it happen. Many Post Officers will reintroduce each of us to these areas & probably solicit your help. The more help, the less strain on individuals & more fun while getting things done! I’m committed to The more help, the less strain on individuals & more fun while getting things done! I’m committed to help make this a reality because it is the right thing to do! Thanks, in advance for your support as well! Cheers! See you at the Post!

August Article: PUFL, DD-214's, and more - oh my!

Greetings! What a summer going on here! As I write this, Veterans Stand Down on 17 July is days away. Here’s how our TRIFECTA stands: 1) Clothing Drive: On 26 June, my wife, Teri, with John Chambers & I took 2 truckloads (76 boxes) to Veterans Village of San Diego. We have another truckload for the event. 2) Financial: Post donated $500 & SALs donated $500 for $1000. 3) Participation: One week before the event, 24 people signed up. Way to go Post 434! Next, membership has really kicked in quickly this year. Just 2 weeks into July, we are already at 458 for 38%. I seem to be keeping up, so keep it coming! By the way, each summer, there are an increasing number of members whose dues are already paid for the following year & for every year thereafter as long as they live. These members have voluntarily chosen to become Paid-Up-For-Life or PUFL members. To qualify, a member must be in “good standing” defined as having a valid membership for the current Legion Year (which begins 1 July). PUFL is not a discount membership. The American Legion National Constitution & By-Laws are very clear that “there shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership, and dues shall be paid annually or for life.” If you are interested in a PUFL membership, please contact our 1st Vice, Herb James. Want more? OK, I often see confusion about separation documents (DD-214s, etc.). I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone say that you can go online & get your DD-214 immediately. This is not the case, friends! To explain, the DD-214 is what you received when you got out of the military containing dates of your service, medals, schools attended, & other useful info. Most vets & their next-of-kin can get copies of their DD-214 (& other records) several ways. To “apply” online, visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/militaryservice-records/. It normally takes about 2 weeks to receive the document, but can take longer. It is FREE, but you do have to go through a process to make sure you are authorized to request it. If you need help, our Service Officer, Bob Herring can help. Lastly, the Annual Picnic is upon us & it will be a hoot! Our 2nd Vice, Ken Greenawald, Chris Holtry, & the crew are putting together what should be a great “hillbilly” event. So, Ya’ll, come on down fer the picnic fun, hear!' Ha-ha! See you there! Tony. Cheers! See you at the Post!