Adjutant's Corner

December Article

2009-11-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Greetings! So here we are, ringing holiday bells & getting ready to make the move to 2010. I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving Dinners didn’t leave all too full for this Holiday Season! Also, let me say “Thank You” to all who attended the Veterans Day Events at the Chula Vista Bowl last month. From our ladies sporting their new uniforms as color guard to our rifle squad looking sharp & firing together as one & the many other proud ceremonial events of the day, it all really reminds us of the meaning of the day & the sacrifices paid to live in a free country. Thanks again to all who participated! Now, onto business: First, friends, I owe you an apology. A few months ago, I mentioned that I submitted an article to our local newspaper & was assured it would make it to print. Well, it’s been 3 months. After nearly 6 broken promises from the editor, it looks like the article won’t make it to the Chula Vista Star News after all. You know, many senior members already told me that the local paper doesn’t generally cover must American Legion Post events. Regardless, I was very hopeful. You see, my 1^st major in college was journalism & I’ve written for newspapers, radio, & TV in my past, believe it or not. So, I thought it was good enough for print. Anyway, the article was to inform our community about our annual scholarships to area seniors, recognize our area winners, & let others know about the year around efforts Post 434 does to help area youth succeed. Despite all, I still remain optimistic & undeterred! The effort was there & it won’t be the last one I write. Next, our dental & vision plan. It’s true that we have a very competitive plan. However, I must report that the plan is undergoing some changes that hopefully will make it better in the upcoming year but currently causing some delays in administration. Earlier this year, Safeguard, our provider, merged with MetLife. Recently, the merger was complete & as a result, the plan was split into two separate plans: MetLife Dental & Safeguard Vision. This just happened. The good news is that the current prices (same for the last several years) & the coverage remains the same at this time. I have & will continue to work with both companies to ensure that all goes smoothly. In the meantime, for anyone enrolling, canceling, or making changes during this period, I thank you in advance for your patience. Once the transition is complete, we will have a better program. There will be more to report next month. Next, membership renewals. Since this is the last month of 2009, we hope to see our remaining membership renewals coming in. I ask that you get them in early. I, like many others, will be away for the holidays. Finally, as you attempt to select a New Year’s resolution, I offer that the Post has many areas where your time, effort, and contributions help those in need, our community, & our fellow members. Just tell yourself, “I will volunteer to help the Post for (at least) one event this year.” Something to think about! See you at the Post! Facebook.com fans & LegionPost434.org visitors, see you online. Cheers!

November Article

2009-11-16T22:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Here we are in November looking back at this past year taking inventory of our efforts for our next set of annual adventures just around the corner. Most already know we’ve been in full force this year! One thing is for sure in this month of Thanksgiving; it is that we have much to be thankful for here at Post 434! Most of which is the ability we have to assemble & the fruits of our association together. But, instead of focusing on where we’ve been, let’s look at where we want to be. For some, that question is simple: Right where we are now just enjoying benefits of membership (great friends, low-priced drinks & meals, trips, national benefits, & social events). Hey, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all. We’ve definitely earned it, friends! However, for others, the question seems a little more complex: Along with great benefits of being a legionnaire, what can we do to make the community around us a little better? I actually get that type of question a lot. Where can I help? What can I do? There are lots that each member can do & most are pretty simple. Believe it or not, just attending an event to show support is a weight worth more than gold. Sincerely, there is no event at Post 434 that doesn’t contribute to a cause. Dinners & Dances are examples. What social event can you go to & get a modest priced meal knowing each & every time that it is benefiting children, wounded warriors, or another community cause? Or, maybe you can donate for the cause of your choice. If you want to make a donation (cash or check), you give it to the bar & let them know it is for “Children & Youth,” “Wounded Warriors,” Veterans Stand Down,” etc. Or, if you are interested in a specific area supported by one our Committees, then seek out the Chairperson & let them know that you want to help. As committees develop, they are sincerely looking for like-minded folks interested in helping. Also, these specific events come to mind this month. Annual Veterans Day events are being hosted on November 11^th by our brothers & sisters of the Fleet Reserve Association. We will gather at the Chula Vista Bowl downtown at 11:00am for o fficial ceremonies & FRA will host a reception afterwards. We’re all members of an elite group, American Veterans! Don’t forget to dress with pride, fellow Vets! I know we live in a metropolitan area like San Diego & there are many places where Veterans Day events take place. This one is Chula Vista’s very own. We gather to not only recognize our fellow veterans, but to support our community. Also upon us, we begin collecting for our Annual Winter Shelter Clothing Drive for Veteran Homeless starting November 15^thuntil the first week of January 2010 when we will take all that we gather to the Veterans Village of San Diego Winter Shelter. As Economic Committee Chair, I have asked our Homeless Task Force Rep. Tony Christians to spearhead efforts this year. If you have questions, please contact him at the post or at (619) 322-8629. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you here at Post 434. This Thanksgiving, I hope your table is plentiful & hearts full! Facebook.com fans & website visitors (LegionPost434.org), see you online. Cheers!

October Article

2009-11-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

Greetings, Friends! Many reflected on September 11^th last month. Eight years removed, the effects still carry as a reminder of the importance of our national defense & the resilience of our great nation. If ever we find ourselves wondering why we served, why we continue to serve, & why we so vigorously support those who serve now, just remember 9/11. I hope all continue to find solace knowing that we are doing our part at Post 434 to make the world a better place. To business: A reminder that the Paid-Up-for-Life (PUFL) rates go up 1 October. These rates are set at a National level & the reasons stem from costs associated with the new monthly payment plan to let applicants pay small amounts for 36 months among other costs. We tried to find a way to ease the transition. We negotiated a “reduced rate” leading up to the 1 Oct. Unfortunately, we were only able to put it out in meetings, posters, & word-of-mouth due to the time allotted & approval process required. Next, our committees continue moving forward developing, taking charge of their areas, & gradually taking action. Everyone here is a volunteer & as volunteers, we must remind ourselves that in order to reengage these areas after not being in place for over a decade, it takes vision, time, commitment, & patience. For Children & Youth (C&Y), many efforts are underway. The James Rollins book signing on 22 September & events also with the WeeCare Pre-School & Zorbas Restaurant that, by time this is published, will have generated more for C&Y. Working with Auxiliary, this month’s Post 434 Halloween Safety campaign provides over 300 brochures to area schools for children & parents. For Americanism, an article was submitted to the local paper about our yearly education efforts & celebrating our ability to help send several seniors to college. We scrambled together with Auxiliary & SALs to provide $1000 to the Chula Vista Parkview Little League to help ease the costs of families traveling to see our World Series Champs win this year! We sure are proud of our Chula Vista boys & the way the community rallied to recognize their win. Was that great, or what! Also, National Security Committee contributed to September’s National Disaster Preparedness Month by passing out safety literature. Now, they are gearing up for the Law & Order Dinner this month. These are just a few mentions. Soon, you will start seeing their reports and their articles just letting us know what is going on & how we can help them. Lastly, a brief note about a “movement” online.=2 0Not everyone is into computers, but there is a large majority that are. To be where our members are, the Post is on the social networking site, Facebook! Post 434 on Facebook is growing rapidly. If you are interested, check it out free by searching for “American Legion Chula Vista Post 434” within Facebook.com (or just go to the website at www.LegionPost434org and click the Facebook picture). We’ve been leading the charge online because many young & older members are already there. Now, others are getting into the picture including Dept & National. We can always say, “We were there first!” Cheers! See you at the Post!

September Article: Committees, Final Standdown Report

2009-09-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

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!

Facebook 4-3-4 Continues to Grow!

2009-06-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

->Click Here to Join Us on Facebook.... it's FREE!<-

Everyone is invited! Whether you are a Post member, Auxiliary member, or Sons of American Legion (SALs) member considering becoming a member, or just keeping up... joins us!

July Article: What is a Legion Year?

2009-06-26T13:47:00.001-07:00

Greetings, 4-3-4 Family! Of course, I must kick this month’s report off with a last ditch, quick effort in support of Veterans Standdown. We continue to seek your support in 3 possible ways: 1) A gracious financial contribution (just let the bartender or Post Officer know you are “Donating to VA Stand down”); 2) Your old (or new) TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS for our annual clothing drive to meet this year’s needs (we stop on 15 July); or, 3) sign-up/participate for the American Legion Day on July 17th where join other posts to serve food to the homeless. We are merely looking for a good showing to help those less fortunate. OK! July is annual dues renewal time. When these hundreds of renewals come in, I remind all that I am one guy, working hard to get your cards to you as fast as I can, but bear with me. Regarding membership, here’s some info for new folks. While membership runs January 1st to December 31st, the “Legion Year” actually goes from July 1st to June 30th at the Department, District, and Post levels. At National Headquarters, it runs from the end of the National convention (in late August) until the new National Officers are elected. Since our Post, District, Area, & Department budgets are set for the Legion Year (as well as elected officer’s periods of service), likewise, the budget for the officers runs during that period. That means we need to collect money during that period to expend funds for our important Legion programs & services in order to remain on track with all of our capabilities to help those in need & provide the best services possible to our community & membership. That’s why we start collecting the next year’s dues on July 1st. It gives members 6 months (and 2 or 3 reminders) to renew before their membership expires on December 31st. I remind all, that renewal notices come from National & can take more than a month to take a person off the list for receiving those mail renewals. I hope that this helps new folks (and others) understand how things work. Cheers! See you at the Post!

June's Article: VA Standdown!

2009-05-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Friends! First, Congratulations to New Post Officers recently elected. A special THANK YOU to our Commander Jim Lafarlette! Jim gave me my start here & I am very appreciative of that. We’ll keep it going for you, Jim! Also, Thanks to everyone for their contributions to the Heroes to Hometowns/Wounded Warriors event. We brought in $777 & general membership agreed to kick in $223 to make it an even $1000 to help the Wounded Warriors. Great job to all who helped put it together or attended. WAY TO GO, POST 434! Well, June is at our door. That means this year’s Annual Veterans Standdown is near. In fact, it is being held July 17th, 18th, & 19th at the San Diego High School Football Field. If you are new, that is our event when the Entire San Diego Community helps homeless veterans by providing food, clothing, medical/dental care, social services, veteran’s benefits, & more. Post 434 provides a TRIFECTA in support: 1) Financial support. Along with the other San Diego posts, we provide funding to District 22 for food & supplies. 2) Clothing. With our annual drive, we are the largest supporters of clothing to the event. We’ve made an impact, giving more than $10,000 in clothing over the last 2 years! Thanks to Cliff Stohlberg, we have a storage place & are able to take all donations NOW – until 15 July. Just drop them by the post. The VA Standdown Committee says the need is TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS. 3) Service. We give of ourselves by supporting the American Legion Day on July 17th where all San Diego posts join together to serve food to the homeless. We really have struggled to encourage members to physically participate at this event. We are the 4th largest Post in the State of California & we’ve been unable to get more than 8 people to attend (and that is all together over the last 2 years). It is up to you to make it happen. I am in hopes that we break those numbers and really show our post strength and heart. There will be a sign-up sheet at the post & if you need transportation, you will be able note it there. Even if you can’t attend, I challenge you to remind those who can that we really need them. Thanks for understanding! I have more online at my Adjutant’s Corner (http://www.LegionPost434.org). Cheers! See you at the Post!

May 2009: Participation is Highly Encourged!

2009-04-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings! As the Commander has mentioned, this year’s elections are underway. Nominations were held at the last General Meeting & there are a few positions that are still open. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these positions are not only important to the Post, your community, & the American Legion, but also very rewarding volunteer service opportunities in which you have the ability to drive how they are accomplished. Sure, meetings take place, but the schedule is manageable, the team understands, & all are very forgiving when faced with schedule conflicts (as long as the job gets done & communication is there). During Executive Board (or “E-Board”) meetings, we get to the heart of the matter quickly & take care of business. When you look at it, we accomplish a great deal in a short time. Also, I remind all members that the General Meeting is held at 6:00pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month. You don’t have to be a Post Officer to attend nor to participate. If you are passionate about an issue that affects the Post, other Veterans, or even the community or merely want to catch up, be there. If you get your info via others, you may get the “filtered” version, as it is just normal that info is lost each time the story is told. There is nothing as accurate as being there in person. And, of course, if you try to get the info via the meeting minutes, remember, no person can scribe all that is said. You know, when I started in the American Legion as a younger man than today, I, myself didn’t feel that I was eligible to contribute or that my voice was even heard. Let me tell you, this Post encourages participation from ALL ages, ALL former services, & ALL walks of life. Each person has earned their right to be a member based on their service to our country & each member has the ability to shape this Post in a manner where “we belong, respectful of others, & ALL feel at home.” Many folks work very hard to see to it each day! Please set July 17th on your calendar, as it is our Annual Day to support the San Diego Veterans Stand Down. We need your support!!! We will be serving food to the homeless veterans that day. We historically have a small showing. We’ll try a sign-up sheet at the Post… more to follow. Also, we start collecting clothes beginning June 15th to July 10th. See you at the Post, friends!

April's Article: Nominations are near...

2009-04-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Well, the 1st quarter has come and gone. 2009 is moving along, the economy still resurrecting under new management; new bills in the mix for our legislative leaders to act upon for our active duty, veterans and their families; and your Post 434 here is still alive and well raising money and taking action to help our members & the community. Phew! It sure is a busy time! Each month, the Post receives requests from worthwhile organizations reaching out for our support, either financially or volunteers. This is the role of your elected Post Officers & your elected Executive Board members to take these requests and ensure that they are legitimate, within our means, in the best interest of our post and community, and within the spirit of our American Legion By-Laws & traditions. We receive requests, discuss them at Executive Board meetings and make recommendations for final approval at the Monthly General Meeting by those members in attendance. Now, I bring this up for a few reasons.

1) to inform our new members;
2) invite all members to come and join us at the Monthly General Meeting; and
3) remind ALL, as we near post elections this year, how vital these positions are to keep the post thriving & working for the membership. Nominations begin at next month’s meeting.

Be there on April 9th at 6:00pm and nominate your choice leaders. What Post Officers positions are open? All of them. That's why they are voted on each year. From Commander to First, Second, Third Vice Commanders to Executive Board members and others. Some current holders will run again and that is a good thing. And, others will cherish their year of years of service and decide to move on to other endeavors. So, that's why the positions last only a year and that's why all post members have the ability to choose their leaders. It's the democratic way and our rights as post members. It takes votes to vote anyone in the position, even the incumbents! Don't you just love this country! So, get involved fellow members.

Next , because of the size of our post, we have an exclusive benefit just for our members and their families. That benefit is the Dental and Vision plan. Every person has unique needs and whether this plan is for you starts by looking at the brochures. We keep copies behind the bar for the asking. If you don’t sign-up, please return the brochures. I’m at the Post every Tuesday and Thursday evening and can answer questions. First Vice Commander, Herb James, is also available to answer questions as well. He is at the post most mornings. He has been with the program since it arrived to the Post 434 list of benefits.

You know, I’ve been receiving emails from active duty members who have found us on the web. The most recent are Sailors, at sea, on the USS NIMITZ looking for a place where they can help the community. I told them this is the place! So, the website continues to work for us!

Next, Don’t forget about are our Annual “Thanksgiving in April” Dinner for Heroes to Hometowns (H2H) on April 17th benefiting our Wounded Warriors! I will be selling raffle tickets and serving, so if the event doesn't quite win you over, then you may want to show up just to see me slaving away and peddle the wares.

Veterans Stand Down is approaching and it is time to chart it on your calendar. Also, we begin collecting clothing for the 2009 Annual Veterans Stand Down on 15 June thru 10 July. Last year, we collected 40 thirty gallon industrial size bags of clothing and were mentioned in the Department of California Legionnaire Newsletter for our contributions. Let's do it again this year! The Stand Down is July 17 - 19, with that Friday (July 17th) being our American Legion Day to help serve food. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that we’ve struggled over the years to encourage our members to attend. So, I ask well in advance for you to please, please, look ahead & help us by donating your time. Let’s turn that around t his year! If you have any ideas on how we can encourage more participation at this annual event, please share your ideas! This single event provides more of a direct impact to our area veterans than nearly any event or program that we participate in each year. Last year's event fed and clothed nearly 10,000 veterans. It is a worthwhile event worthy of our time and attention! Let's band together and make this year's event a great one!

See you at the Post! Cheers! Tony

March 2009: Does Everyone Really Know?

2009-02-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Hey, let me kick this month off by saying “Thank You” to all recent members who’ve taken the time to ensure their address is up-to-date and thanks for your patience while we are still merging several databases into one easy-to-use system.

Next, you know sometimes when dealing with a large group like our 1000 (plus) members, it never hurts to back up our members & families with refresher info on occasion. The one thing (among the many) that I’ve learned over the years in multiple jobs is that every time you come across something that most think, “everyone should know,” there is many either who really don’t know or haven’t got the word at all. Times change. People change. Technology changes. Rules change. And sometimes, unless we take the time to refresh or check our notes, on occasion, memories can change too. It is a scientific fact. That's why the armed services that we all served in to be eligible to be a legionnaire are always training and reinforcing their information and practices through constantly revisiting the "things everyone knows." This is why communication is important. So, I challenge each fellow member, from Post Officer to general membership, from Post to SAL to Auxiliary, to take a step back when you think there is something that “everyone should know” & take the time to ensure we’re all on the same page. If in doubt, don't be embarrassed or hesitate to check things out with others. If in doubt, ask questions & keep asking until you get an answer. Ask a Post Officer. If they don't know, then rest assured that they have access to the answers, are willing to help, and took an oath to do so.

When speaking to young vets, the message received is that many don’t know what Legion benefits exist or even what questions to ask & when they do ask not everyone knows the answers that most think, “everyone should know.” Recruiting new folks is not always easy, but the task that is even harder is keeping them. As we bring new folks in, it’s important that we continue to interactive with them, take the time to see if they have questions, & get the answers they need. It also helps circulate the right answers as well. Remember, we’re often introducing new veterans & their families to American Legion as a whole & all that comes with it. Let this veteran tell you, for a new veteran, there is just as much misinformation out there as there is information. And, as most may remember, when Uncle Sam has made all your choices for so many years, some guys have a hard time adjusting to life after. That is one of the reasons why the American Legion is here... to help cut threw the fog for our fellow veterans and to collectively help take care of each other.

OK, and now, a little business: Whether you are a new member or renewing, please limit your “Leave Card at Bar” requests. Mailing it is just as easy, actually saves time for the bartenders & myself, & saves clutter from behind the bar. There are many cards that wind up behind the bar for a great while. It’s only a courtesy. So, if you leave a note, we’ll leave it there for 1 week ONLY, and then mail it. The bar is not a mail exchange and the bartenders are not postal workers. There are a few select items that are left behind the bar as a part of business, but let's limit the cards.

Lastly, if you haven’t checked out the Legion Post 434 Website lately, you may want to do so. It continues to expand & gain momentum. The one constant regarding the post website comments we receive is that everyone who takes the time to visit it (believe it or not, from ALL ages), is they are shocked at how much we actually have there. And, there is potential for more. If you would like to contribute or help with the site, let me know. It just might be the ticket for young vets who are already online a majority of the time. If you haven’t done so, check it out at Http://www.LegionPost434.org . From the “Morning Coffee” section, my “Adjutant’s Corner, ” the “Post Pit” bulletin board with Salutes, Vet2Vets Classified, Legion Laffs, Sports Chatter, Car Talk, Health Matters, Money Matters, & more, to online photo albums, the latest VA news, Healthcare info, and too much to print here. These are just a few! So, Pass the word & Make suggestions to Adjutant@LegionPost434.org! It’s your site & it’s there for you!

By the way, if you read the article here, then feel free to drop me an email or just say "Hey" at the post... I always love to hear that another person has taken the time to check out my monthly rant. After all, believe it or not, I don't do it for me, brothers and sisters. I am here for you!

Until next time, see you at the Post! Cheers! Tony

February 2009: The Full Article

2009-01-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I hope this finds you well and in the best of spirits for 2009! I’ve been serving as Post Adjutant and District 22 Adjutant for over 6 months now and it has been a great time!

As Post Adjutant, I’ve been part of all 2009 membership processing. With over 1,000 membership cards under my belt, I’ve learned a lot and would like to think I’ve brought some new techniques as well. After 20 plus years as a Navy Admin type, it is kind of hard not to review old processes and look for ways to make them easier and serve the post more. After all, I did relieve a team of two people. So streamlining without taking shortcuts is job part of the mix.

One important element is steady communication! So, let me kick off by pointing out a few items. First and most pressing, is that it is VITAL that members REPORT their address changes PROMPTLY and ACCURATELY. Simply put, it doesn’t get updated until I get the word. This has caused a lot of problems recently because the local post office has recently started re-enforcing policies and adding surcharges after years of not doing so. So, this has never been an issue until now. Just my luck, huh?

More specifically, it is regarding the Legion Lite. The Legion Lite is actually mailed out by our Clubroom Manager who has maintained an address database of her own to make this happen. She has done a stunning job of it because up until recently there has never been a system in place that combines all of our Post 434 Family including Post, Auxiliary, and Sons into a comprehensive database. Recently, the Chula Vista Post Office had a changing of leadership where a decision was made that for every “bulk rate” mailing the standard “Address Service Requested” is added to the mailing. This is a standard postal practice that we were able to previously get a pass for in the past. So, with the “Address Service Requested” annotation, the post office is tasked to track down addresses for those that are incorrect in order to ensure they get mailed properly. Along with that, they charge the post $0.50 for each item and then they send us back a copy with the new address for our records. Although, it hit us in a big way with nearly 100 plus addresses that I had to investigate, I look at objectively in that it is helpful to let us know when addresses change. Some of the address information was on the records incorrectly for YEARS. So, I look at it as we are fixing a longstanding issue. Chris and I are working out the kinks for us to use a unified process and we hope to make things smoother and more accurate this year. We can only do that if YOU REPORT YOUR ADDRESS changes.

Anyway, I’ve worked it out so that I can make address changes AT ONE TIME to local, Cal Dept, and National ONLINE. So, let me know and let’s get them fixed. You can leave a note at the Bar, call in at 422-9309, or email me at Adjutant@LegionPost434.org. If you have made it to this web page, you are probably internet and email savvy. Therefore, I will tell you that I juggle a lot of duties among different organizations, the Navy, and a few businesses and email is the best form of communications for me.

With a legion post family network of nearly 2,000 emails and internet have arrived. Second, there are many checks and balances to ensure that everything is well documented. That way when I get a message that a card didn’t arrive, there are many ways to verify it; because sometimes WE ALL need that to back us up. For starters, each check and cash dues paid are logged, the actual act of new member sign-up and/or renewals are logged in handwritten ledgers, info is updated on the computer (verifying accurate payment, years current, membership numbers, and other forms of data), and the membership card stubs (where your cards come from) are annotated accurately and mailed with a transmittal as well. This all happens right before the cards are mailed and they are done in the same evening. If you’ve paid and you haven’t received your card in a couple of weeks, then I ask you to not only let us know, but also ensure that you have your receipt (if you paid at the bar) or a copy of your check from the bank to show the funds as paid. I just think it is important that we all know these “inner workings” to provide a little comfort that we are taking care of “your” programs. Let me add, that by sharing this information, I in no way am addressing any pending issue or addressing anyone in particular, but just sharing information. I DO NOT take ANY question personally and my goal remains the same at all times:

“TO HELP MY FELLOW MEMBERS, TO SAFEGUARD THE POST, AND TO REINFORCE AND HELP LEGION PROGRAMS THRIVE”

So, if you don’t get a card, DON’T WORRY! Just let me know and I will get to the bottom of it. Duplicate cards are easy to make if a card does get lost in the mail. It does happen. This is not new. It’s just a good time to remind everyone.

I need to remind also that it is still the easiest and the best way for me to get the membership cards out by MAILING them. Leaving things behind the bar, makes the bartender become a Postal person and the items do start piling up. If you come in everyday, then let whomever takes your payment ensure that they note “Pick Up at Bar” if that is your desire. Otherwise, it will get mailed. Take it from the guy that does the job, it is easier when managing over 1,000 memberships.

Lastly, I am here to help. I hope my efforts to inform you and make things better NEVER gives off a vibe that I am not here to help. To the contrary, I have been accused of many things and the one I am most proud of at the Post is “doing more than before.” It is how I operate. So, start with the notion that I am working for you and the post in all efforts. Because, friends, I truly am.

As most know, I have a day job as Admin Dept Head for the Navy SEAL/SWCC Training Command that keeps me occupied during the day, but you can always call me at home (397-0064) in the evenings, stop by on my Post Nights (Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5pm – 9pm), or leave me a note at the bar. Want to know more and don’t want to wait a month? If you have a computer, you can check out the full version of my article and more from the post website at http://www.LegionPost434.org click on the “Adjutant’s Corner.” (of course, you know that, because you are here, huh?)

Got a suggestion for my article? Let me know!

Cheers! Tony

New Look Coming for 2009!

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As Post Adjutant, there are many functions that I work with that is best served by getting the word out! Coming soon, this will be my home online to do so. Due to the short length of the Legion Lite, I am only able to provide half mentions, half notes, and shorter, less explanatory versions of my monthly articles. You deserve more and more thorough information. Here is where I will provide that info to you. Keep checking back! Coming soon, my first article for 2009 posted in the Legion Lite with the expanded version here! See you soon!

Post Membership Eligibility

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If you are on active duty today, anywhere in the world, or have served during any eligible war eras, you are a veteran and you're eligible to become a Legionnaire! We're veterans just like you, nearly 3 million strong, who care about America, veterans and their families and our nation's youth. The Legion is a power voice in Washington dedicated to preserving the rights we've all earned - and were promised - by service to our nation in uniform.

Download the Post Membership Application (to the Right)
and mail (or drop off) at:
The American Legion Post 434
Attn: Adjutant's Office
47 5th Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

We invite you to join us now. Membership brings an impressive array of benefits. The American Legion is always there for you and your family - in Washington and nearly 15,000 local posts throughout America and abroad. Just like you, we're "Still Serving America!"

Eligibility Periods:
World War I - April 6th, 1917 to November 11th, 1918
World War II - December 7th, 1941 to December 31st, 1946
Korean War - June 25th, 1950 to January 31st, 1955
Vietnam Era - February 28th, 1961 to May 7th, 1975
Lebanon/Grenada - August 24th, 1982 to July 31st, 1984
Panama - December 20th, 1989 to January 31st, 1990
Persian Gulf - August 2nd, 1990 to Present

If you are eligible to become a member of The American Legion, feel free to print off an application form by clicking here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Post 434 at (619) 422-9309.