December 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 1

AMERICAN LEGION POST #175

PO BOX 105

SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146

TELEPHONE: 410-544-2066

Who’s who—Post, SAL and

Auxiliary Leadership…….

American Legion Post 175

Post Commander: Dan McDonald

1st Vice Commander: Carl “Buddy” George

2nd Vice Commander: John Fuller

3rd Vice Commander: A.J. Rush

Adjutant: George Jamar

Finance Officer: Bob Niederstadt

Chaplain: Dale Strait

Judge Advocate: George Lucas

Historian: Danny Byrd

Service Officer: Jim “Sonny” Amos

Sgt. at Arms: Bob Martin

American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary President: Pat Rabeau

1^st Vice-President: Barbara Mallonee

2^nd Vice-President: Rosemary Gurick

Secretary: Betty Gentile

Treasurer: Phyllis Gordon

Chaplain: Debbie Collins

Historian: Eva D’Ambrosio

Sergeant-at-Arms: Peggy Williams

Color Bearers: Betty Kline

Vacant

Executive Committee: Sue Connor

Linda Freedenburg

Pat Wachter

Sons of American Legion

Commander: Mike Clutz

1^st Vice: James George

2^nd Vice: Dan Jordan

3^rd Vice: Larry Doran

Finance Officer: Dave Dulin

Adjutant: Vacant

Historian: Justin Byrd

Chaplin: Brad Kelly

Sergeant At Arms: Jerry Heath

_______________________________

Legionnaire News

Message From Your Commander

The past couple of months have been busy. The Auxiliary held the annual Children’s Halloween party. The Post hosted Cub Scout Den 11 in the hall and conducted a “ Flag Retirement Ceremony”. Then we went on the road to Cub Scout Pack 450, we talked about our time in service, and ended the two-hour discussion with a “Flag Retirement Ceremony”. On 11 November the Post conducted our annual “Veterans Day “ service. On 13 November the “Early Bird Bull and Oyster Roast” was held. The Post held our annual ‘Thanksgiving Day” dinner on 25 November.

As you can see we were very busy and we could not have done this without VOLUNTEERS. To everyone who helped with these events THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Buddy George our 1^st Vice needs your help with membership. The Post needs 99 more members to pay their 2005 dues to reach our goal. If you have not paid yours, please do so now. If you know of any member who has not, ask them to do so now.

While we are on subject of dues, at our January meeting we will be discussing a possible dues increase. The Department of Maryland is asking for a $2.00 increase starting with the 2006 dues.

The Post will close at 8pm on 24 December {last call will be 7:30 pm}, be closed on Christmas Day, and will re-open 10am on 26 December. The lounge will close on 31 December at 7pm [last call 6:30 pm]. For those who are attending the “New Years Gala” the hall entrance will open at 7:45pm. The Post lounge will open at 12 noon on 1 January.

As the Holiday Season approaches, I would like to wish everyone, a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Remember our service members who are serving all around the world and at home in our prayers.

Dan McDonald
Commander

_______________________________________

Message From the 1^st Vice

As I sit here getting ready to write my newsletter article I am thinking of all the help I received in getting the Early Bird Bull and Oyster Roast together and having it turn out to be a huge success for our Post. To all those who helped me in anyway, I THANK YOU. To all those who supported it, the Post Officers and myself thank you. Now onto my report and the reason for having the EARLY BIRD BULL AND OYSTER ROAST, early membership. Several awards can be obtained for the Post, the Commander, the First Vice Commander and even members. At this time I am concentrating on the award of OUTSTANDING COMMANDER, which is obtained by being a FOUR STAR POST by JANUARY 5^TH, 2005. In order to do this we must collect and send into DEPARTMENT ninety nine more paid memberships. They can either be renewals or new members, so as you can see I need your help. I have told my Commander I will do this, PLEASE DON’T MAKE ME EAT CROW. A list of unpaid members is on the bulletin board if you get a chance take a look at it if you know someone who hasn’t yet paid their dues give him a call and ask WHY NOT. If they have a problem please let myself or the Commander know about it, perhaps we can resolve it. To all who have paid their dues, I thank you.

Carl “Buddy” George

1^st Vice Commander

___________________________________

Message from the Adjutant

The Annual Charity Luncheon will be held Thursday, December 9th from 11:30AM to 1:30PM.

There will be a variety of delicious hot food, desserts and an OPEN BAR for those members who make a Tax Deductible donation of $35 or more.

This event has been a tradition at this Legion Post for many years. It has been called the Round Table Luncheon, for those unfamiliar with our local language. Its' purpose is simple: It is intended to bring smiles, nourishment and essentials to 10 local, needy families. The names of the recipients are kept confidential and anonymous. They will receive cash certificates redeemable at local grocery stores.

We have depended on the generosity of our individual post members to provide the luncheon food; the generosity of our principle organizations, Post 175 Legion, Auxiliary, and SAL to provide the cash donations that will go to these families. Individually and collectively, WE make a difference. The more money we collect, the better we perform this worthwhile service. ALL net proceeds go to the intended purposes and a receipt for tax deduction will be provided. Please provide a cash donation to support this program, even if you do not intend on coming to the luncheon.

Donation by check or cash can be presented at the Post Lounge. Make checks payable to the American Legion Post 175 with a memo note on it to say "Charity Drive".

We invite all post members who wish to provide food for the luncheon to contact me in advance.

Let's make this year's generosity be something we can be proud of. For additional information: see Reed Brown or call the post at 410-544-2066.

George F. Jamar, SR.

Adjutant

Message From the Chaplain

Fellow Legionnaires, I’m sorry to report comrades Edward A Ramsburg and John P A Stewart have been called to Post Everlasting. Please remember these fallen comrades and their families in your prayers.

Please keep comrade John Ellis in your prayers at this time of loss and uncertainty for him.

Veterans Day was celebrated on 11 November 2004. This is a special time when we remember and honor all who have given their lives for their country. Thanks to all who participated and attended this moving ceremony. Now, as young men and women again place themselves in harm’s way in defense of our country, and us we honor them and pray for God’s blessing and protection.

Roma and I hope all of you and your families had a safe and happy holiday season.

Please let me know of anyone in the hospital or ill at home. Thanks.

Dale Strait

Chaplain

_______________________________________

Message From the Historian

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor.

On December 9, 1861 Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced S. No. 82 in the United States Senate, a bill designed to "promote the efficiency of the Navy" by authorizing the production and distribution of "medals of honor". On December 21st the bill was passed, authorizing 200 such medals be produced "which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the present war (Civil War)." President Lincoln signed the bill and the (Navy) Medal of Honor was born.

Congressional Medal of Honor

1. Has a woman ever been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor?

Dr. Mary Walker was the only woman awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at Bull Run on July 21, 1861.

2. Who was the only Coast Guard Congressional Medal of Honor recipient?

Douglas Munro was the only Coast Guard recipient. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, on September 27, 1942.

3. How many Air Force Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are there?

Since the formation of a separate Air Force in 1947 there have been seventeen recipients. Prior to 1963 members of the Army Air Corps and the Air Force were awarded the Army Medal. In 1963 the Air Force acquired its own MOH design.

4. How many double recipients are there?

There are nineteen double recipients.

5. Is it required to be a U.S. citizen in order to be awarded the Medal of Honor?

It is not required to be a U.S. citizen, but you must be in the U.S. military in order to qualify for the Medal of Honor.

6. Who was the first recipient?

The earliest actions for which the Medal was awarded took place before the Civil War had even begun, February 13-14, 1861 in what is now Arizona. Bernard J.D. Irwin was an Assistant Surgeon in the Army when he voluntarily led a command of troops to relieve a surrounded detachment of the 7th Infantry. Irwin’s Medal was not awarded until January 24, 1894, over 30 years after he had performed his deed. But on March 25, 1863 Pvt. Jacob Parrott was the first of a group of 6 men awarded the Medal for their actions in "The Great Locomotive Chase" in April 1862. They were the first ever to wear the Medal of Honor.

7. Who was the first African-American recipient?

William Carney was the first African-American recipient. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 18, 1863 at Fort Wagner, SC.

8. Is the Medal of Honor only awarded to enlisted personnel?

Originally the Medal of Honor was only presented to the enlisted, but on March 3, 1863 this was extended to officers as well.

9. Is it illegal to sell the Medal of Honor?

It is illegal to sell, wear (by other than the awardees), or manufacture any decorations or medals authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States.

In General. - Whoever knowingly wears, manufactures, or sells any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title (18 United State Code) or imprisoned not more than six months or both.

Title 18 United States Code. Sec. 1001, entitled "Statements or Entries Generally," June 25, 1948, ch. 45, 62 Stat. 749.

10. What are the guidelines for which the medal could be awarded?

On July 25, 1963 Congress established a set of guidelines under which the Medal of Honor could be awarded:

a.) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

b.) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or,

c.) while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

11. What was the last action in which the Medal of Honor was awarded?

The last action in which the Medal of Honor was awarded was Mogadishu, Somalia on October 3, 1993. The Medals were awarded posthumously to the families of Gary I. Gordon and Randall D. Shugart. They were members of "The Delta Force" aka Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta.

12. How many minority recipients of the MOH have been awarded (African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American and Native-American)?

There have been 87 African-American MOH Recipients.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/e-books/mohE_black/index.html

There have been 41 Hispanic-American MOH Recipients.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/e-books/mohE_hispanic/index.html

There have been 31 Asian-American MOH Recipients.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/e-books/mohE_asian/index.html

There have been 22 Native-American MOH Recipients.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/e-books/mohE_indian/index.html

The first award of the Medal of Honor was made March 25, 1863, to Private Jacob Parrott, and five others. Since then there have been:

* 3,459 Medals of Honor Awarded

* For 3,454 separate acts of heroism

* Performed by 3,440 individuals (including 9 “Unknowns”)

* Today, there are 129 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor.

* 51% of the living Recipients earned their Medals more than 50 years ago while serving in WWII (48) or Korea (18).

* of the 49 Recipients from WWII, more than 35 are over the age of 80.

* Six recipients are now at least 90 years old.

* The oldest Recipient is John W. Finn, age 95.

* Of the 63 Recipients from Vietnam, less than 30 are under the age of 60.

* The youngest Recipient is Gordon R. Roberts, age 54.

The last awards of the Medal of Honor, in a conflict following Vietnam, were awarded posthumously to Army Sergeants Gordon and Shughart for action in Somalia in 1993. There were no awards of the Medal of Honor during Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, or Desert Storm.

Since 1993, 41 other Medals of Honor have been awarded to correct past errors, follow up on lost recommendations or were the result of new evidence. Of those 39 Recipients, 13 were living at the time the Medal of Honor was presented.

Danny Byrd

Historian

___________________________________

Message From the Editor

Note: It is up to each member to keep us informed of all address changes. Address changes can be submitted to the Editor via the Internet using

the newsletter@legionpost175.org E-mail address, or mailed to the Post address listed at the beginning of the Newsletter. Please indicate on the front of the envelope "ATTN: Editor".

Bill Corkran

Editor

_______________________________________

News from our Auxiliary

From the President

Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year to everyone! Here are some upcoming events to look forward to. The Annual Charity Luncheon is being held on Thursday, December 9. Please join us for some tasty food and help support those in need. The Children’s Christmas Party will be held Sunday, December 12. See Michele Jordan’s article for details. The jointly sponsored Post Christmas Party is on Saturday, December 18 and to end the year and welcome in the New Year, join us for the New Year’s Eve Party Friday, December 31. Don’t forget our Breakfast on Sunday, December 19 and Bingo at Future Care on Monday, December 20.

The Children’s Halloween Party was fun thanks to Pumpkin Man, Jim Corkery; Michele Jordan and helpers.

Our Super Sundays were fine and all had something good to eat. Thanks to Paula Fuller, her husband John, and all the rest of the creative cooks who donated their time and food.

Thank you Linda DiPaula, Linda Freedenburg, Liz Richard, Barbara Smith and many more who helped with the Ellis Luncheon and the Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Some of the volunteers who helped at the Early Bird Bull and Oyster roast were Betty Gentile, Roni Goughenour, Michele Jordan, Evelyn Merson, and Patti Smith. Thanks to all.

Please keep our service men and women in your thoughts and prayers.

Pat Rabeau

President

_______________________________________

Chaplain's Message

I would like to wish any members born in December and January a Happy Birthday. I would also like to extend sympathy to John Ellis and family. Lillian passed away in November; she will be missed.

I would like to wish everyone joyous holidays and a happy and healthy New Year.

My home number is 410 544-5820 and my email is dcollins276@comcast.net.

Debbie Collins

Chaplain

_______________________________________

Membership

In order to make our membership goal for 2005, we need 304 members. As of November 11, we have 220 members paid. As you know, our theme this year is “Play Ball, Bat Them Home”. We in Southern Maryland District are the “Crazy Crabs” team. As membership chairman, I need your help to reach “Home Plate”.

Are you a member that has everything? If so, have a family member pay your 2005 American Legion Auxiliary dues for you at Christmas. Each of you is a key player in getting this done. For those who play the game well, there are exciting rewards. Any member of the Legion Family who recruits at least three new Senior Auxiliary members will qualify for the National President’s Award, an enameled baseball lapel pin. Also, any Senior member who has recruited a new member will have their name submitted for the “Recruit One” drawing for $100.00. If you recruit ten new Senior members, you are eligible for $500.00 and there will be five $200.00 winners.

Our senior dues are $13.00 per year to belong to the greatest women’s organization in the world. You can sign up your daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters under the age of 18 for only $3.00 a year. Won’t you put your heart into the game and win it for the American Legion Auxiliary?

Get up to bat now, don’t wait. Hit a “Home Run” and bring them home. Thank you.

Barbara Mallonee

Chairman

Cake Wheel

My thanks to everyone who donated baked goods for our cake wheel at the Early Bird Bull and Oyster Roast. There were thirty-five cakes donated as well as many cash donations. Please try to remember to put your names on the cakes so that we may identify who contributed them.

We would also like to thank Dorsey Cakes & Donuts of Hanover, Md. who donated a cake brought in by Susan Coates, which was used as a special raffle at our last Cake Wheel in September.

Thanks to Evelyn Merson who helped me on the wheel; I couldn’t have done it alone.

Betty Gentile

Chairman

Children’s Halloween Party

The Children’s Halloween Party was a great success. Even Mother Nature could not dampen the spirits of the main guests, our children, nor dull the level of enjoyment had by all who attended. A big thanks goes to all the persons who volunteered their time and services to make it happen.

With that being said, I remind everyone it is time to look to the future. Right around the corner lurks that Jolly Fat Man in the red suit. That means we will start preparing for the Children’s annual Christmas Party. This year it will be held on December 12^th from 1 to 3PM. Please sign up your children that will be attending no later than December 7^th.

There is a lot of work to be done to help Santa prepare for this event. As always, volunteers’ help is appreciated. Parents and Grandparents can help by watching over their own children. We thank you for your assistance.

Please remember that attendance at Children’s Parties is limited to children and grandchildren aged ten and under of Post members only. There is no smoking allowed in the hall at anytime and drinking alcoholic beverages is never permitted at children’s parties.

Michele Jordan

Chairman

Super Sunday

Thank you to the following people who gave their time and donations of food: Barbara Smith, Nancy McDonald, Sue Connor, Delores Miskowski, Frances Clarke, Alice Martin, Roni Goughenour and my husband, John Fuller. Thanks to all the people who supported Super Sunday. Hope to work with you next year! I had a good time with you all!

Paula Fuller

Chairman

___________________________________

SAL NEWS

From your Commander

No Article Submitted.

Mike Clutz

Commander

___________________________________________

Planned Post Activities

______________________________________

Bingo

The Unit holds bingo on the third Monday of the month at 7PM for the residents at Future Care Nursing Home on College Parkway. If you would like to join us, call Barbara Mallonee at 410-757-1540. Help is always needed. Thank You.

_________________________________________

Breakfast

Breakfast is served the third Sunday every month until summer break. Adults-$6.00, Children 7 and under-$3.00, Omelets to order-$.50 extra. Hours-8:30 to 11:30AM. Any questions, call Pat Kloes at 410-647-3756.

Service Patches

Thank you to Linda DiPaula for adding the Service

Patches that some of you have turned in to be added to the banner in the lounge area. If any of you need the services of a professional seamstress, call Linda at Sew & Sewforth, 410-647-5236.

Go Ravens!

Ravens Roost #33, which meets at the Post, invites

Post members who are football fans to join the Roost. It is one of 50 Roosts that work together to promote football and local charities in addition to cheering for the Ravens. Roost members have fun watching the games, but we enjoy other activities throughout the year. We hold our annual convention in Ocean City. In February, members participate in a bull roast that is attended by Brian Billick and Ravens players. Membership dues are $15.00 per year plus a $15.00 Initiation fee. For more information, please call Dave Schultz at 410-757-5505.

__________________________________________

Happy Hours

Very Happy Hours...Mon-Friday 4- 6 PM, Saturday 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM.

New!! New!! - Happy hour Club - New!! New!!

Donate a dollar a week and have a Happy Hour surprise on Wednesdays. See Kathy for details.

__________________________________________

Daily Lunch (Monday - Sunday)

Daily lunch items, usually a secret until that day, but always a pleasant treat to the taste buds. Often it’s a guarded /secret recipe. The lunch crowd is now nearly as big as the Friday night howlers.

Organization Meetings

Executive Board meets last Monday of each month. [Dec 27^th – Jan 31st] at 7:00 PM.

SAL Unit meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.

[Dec 14^th – Jan 11^th] at 7:30 PM.

General membership meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month. [Dec 8^th – Jan 12^th] at 7:30 PM.

Auxiliary Unit meets the 4th Wednesday of each month. [Dec 22nd – Jan 26th]

NEED SOME FLORIDA SUNSHINE?

The Severn River Lions Club, a service organization, sells select Florida citrus each month from November through April. All proceeds of the sales go to charities and school scholarships. The club offers premium fruit shipped directly from the orchards to Severna Park. Ruby Red grapefruit is offered each month. In December navel oranges and tangerines are also available. In January, Temple oranges are offered. Frequently navel oranges are also available in January. Grapefruit costs $10 for a 2/5 bushel box and $18 for a 4/5 bushel box. Navel oranges run $11 for 2/5 bushel and $20 for 4/5 bushel. Cost of tangerines and Temple oranges is not yet available. If you are interested in enjoying some Florida sunshine right here in Severna Park this winter while contributing to charity, call Dale Strait at 410-987-4879. Thanks.

Internet Access

Post WEB Site is available for your use. We are already receiving a significant number of “hits” (accesses) to the various topic areas included. The Web site will continue to expand to include many more areas of information and interest to both Post members and outside inquirers. This growth will be largely based on members’ suggestions.

The Webmaster is Gail Helm of our Auxiliary. Thanks Gail for all your superb efforts in getting this excellent communications tool available to us.

The web page may be accessed under www.legionpost175.org

Please let Gail know through the web page response section (hyperlink at bottom of Web Page) what your thoughts are for articles/access methods/format changes that you feel you would like to see included.

One thing we will be able to do is to inform every one of changes /omissions/errors from the Newsletter in a timely manner, as opposed to waiting for the next bi-monthly issue of the Newsletter.

The web page can present things that the Newsletter cannot. Such as, COLOR pictures from events at the Post, hyperlinks to articles of interest from National and Department etc. etc.

Please feel free to access the web page NOW.

CONTINUE to use the process below to send

E-mail to the email addresses listed.

Please remember the Post E-mail is intended for Post business. This includes any correspondence requesting information from the Post or to notify the Post of information.

When sending e-mail to the Post, if you don’t know who to send it to use the INFO@LegionPost175.org Address.

Please include: Your Name

Brief description of subject

Please, if you have an e-mail address please let us know what it is.

Please submit via (E-mail, Regular mail, phone, or give it to the bartender)

Name: ___________________________________

Email: ___________________________________

Phone #: __________________________________

General Post E-mail is Info@legionpost175.org

Phone # in case of questions only. Not required.

General Information

General Information info@legionpost175.org