1st Vice Commander: Carl "Buddy" George

2nd Vice Commander: John Fuller

3rd Vice Commander A. J. Rusk

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

Details of the election voting are posted on the Bulletin Board near the front entrance.

As this is my last newsletter as your Commander let’s do it right. I think it only proper and befitting to thank each and every member and nonmember who helped me and our Post in any way during my two years of Commandership. My hat is off to each and every one of you. Let’s keep up the good work and continue to support our new Commander in his endeavors to run our Post and support the American Legion and it’s programs in a proper fashion.

I must at this time say I was very disappointed at the lackluster enthusiasm when it came to our elections.

We have a wonderful democracy in America, let’s not become a dictatorship. Elections are held to give us a choice of candidates to select and vote on, but when there are no candidates you have what they call a shoe in election. All throughout history shoe in elections have led to the downfall of many countries and organizations. Let’s not let it happen here. Next year do your duty of citizenship to YOUR post, come to the election night meeting and vote for the best possible candidate.

Just so you all know, we have not forgotten the Fourth of July holiday. We will have our customary "All American Dinner" (Apple Pie, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs) here at the Post. We are intending to participate in the Severna Park Chamber of commerce celebration parade again this year. If you will be home over the holiday plan to attend as a spectator or participant. As soon as we get some information on where the parade will be starting from and the time and level of participation we will be posting the information around the Post lounge.

As I finish, my mind lies heavily on our fellow veterans serving and giving the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, we must remember they are serving their country just as we served her when we were called upon. Whether we agree or disagree with the war in Iraq we must always support our fellow veterans in any way we possibly can and we must always remember them and their families in OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. GOD BLESS AMERICA

Membership for 2004 is 630 members, which makes our post a " FOUR STAR POST" Thanks to everyone who helped to get us to where we are. We made every goal that was given to the post from Southern Maryland District and the Department of Maryland. The only one we missed was the one goal that the Post set for itself, which was to reach 100% by January 2004. I have been your 1^st Vice Commander for the past three years and I have seen your membership grow. We have reached Four Star status two out of the last three years and this years total is an all time high. I hope everyone will give your new 1^st vice the same support that you have given me. Again thank you.

Elections were held in May, we have a full slate of officers for 2004-2005. Thanks to those who have volunteered to hold office. The disappointing thing was that there were only 27 members who voted. I understand when there is only one person running for a position there is not a lot of interest but there should be. First to show support to those who stepped up to the plate and second to show concern for how your Post supports the goals and objects of the American Legion. A goal of mine will be to get a better turn out at next years election, both in the number of voters and the number of people willing to run for office.

The Cannon is back out in front of our Post Home. I would like to thank Harry Carroll, John Fuller, Joe White and a host of others who helped with this project. The Ravens Roost for their donation to the project.

A special thanks to Mat Anderson of Anderson Painting, a SAL member who volunteered his personnel and equipment to power wash our Post Home.

Come and join us on 14 Jun [Monday] at 7pm for the Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags. [Flag Day]

Please remember all our service members serving our country all around the world and at home.

We are in the process of organizing a Post 175 Horseshoe League. We are in need of players and volunteers to help organize and run the League. A sign up sheet will be placed on the post bulletin board near the front door.

A Word from the Chaplain

By the time you read this, Memorial Day weekend will have come and gone. I hope you took some time to reflect on the sacrifices so many have made for our great country, especially the veterans of World War II. On Saturday, 29 May, the day the National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, your Post held a prayer breakfast to recognize those patriots who served their country in that Great War. Many thanks to Legionnaire John Fuller and his crew that provided a wonderful breakfast. And thanks to many others that made the breakfast possible.

During that great conflict one in nine citizens of our country served in the armed forces. Over 400,000 were killed and over 670,000 were wounded. Every person in the country had a close friend or family member in the service. The war effort was very up close and personal. We are again engaged in a great conflict, but less than one in one hundred of our citizens are in uniform. These fine young men and women need our support and prayers for they are engaged in a very dangerous and uncertain conflict. May God protect and guide our men and women in the armed forces.

The need for blood remains urgent. The next blood drive is Monday, 14 June 2004. Please put that date on your calendar. If you can’t give, perhaps family members, friends, or business associates can. Every pint of blood given can benefit up to three people in need of life saving plasma, platelets, or serum. Please give the gift of life by signing up on the bulletin board near the front door. Give until it helps.

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

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If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in

which "Taps" were played; this brings out a new

meaning of it. Here is something every American

should know. Until I read this, I didn’t know, but I

checked it out and it’s true:

We in the United States have all heard the haunting

song, "Taps." It’s the song that gives us that lump in

our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you

know the story behind the song? If not, I think you

will be interested to find out about its humble begin-

ning.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War,

when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with

his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The

Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow

strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe

heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded

on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or

Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life

and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.

Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the

Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling

him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally

reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a

Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his

breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he

saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The

boy had been studying music in the South when the

war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy

enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked

permission of his superiors to give his son a full

military burial, despite his enemy status. His request

was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if

he could have a group of Army band members play a

funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was

turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they

could give him only one musician. The Captain chose

a bugler. He asked the bugler to a play a series of

musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the

pocket of the dead youth’s uniform. This wish was

granted. The haunting melody, we now know as

"Taps"… used at military funerals … was born. The

words are …

Day is done…Gone the sun…

From the lakes…From the hills…From the sky...

All is well…Safely rest…God is nigh…

Fading light…Dims the sight…

And a Star…Gems the sky…Gleaming bright…

From afar…Drawing night…Falls the night…

Thanks and praise…For our days…

‘Neath the sun…’Neath the stars…’Neath the sky…

As we go…This we know…God is nigh…

I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but

I have never seen all the words to the song until now.

I didn’t even know there was more than one verse.

I also never knew the story behind the song and I

didn’t know if you had either, so I thought I’d pass it

along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song

than I did before.

Remember those lost and harmed while serving their

country. And also those presently serving in the Armed

Forces.

The number of breaths we take does not measure life;

but by the moments that take our breath away!

---------E-mail reprint

Congratulations to the Post and Sal Officers for the year 2004-2005!

Regina Bachman has decided, after eleven years of faithful and dedicated service, to retire as Membership Chairman. She has done a superb job and has our heartfelt "Thank You"! Barbara Mallonee has accepted this position and is ready to begin as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition.

Stacey Milot, our Chaplain, has done a great job this year but her family and work responsibilities require her full attention. Therefore, the Office of Chaplain will need to be filled for the coming year. Thank you Stacey for a job well done.

Our Texas BBQ turned out well due to the efforts of Rosemary Gurick, Michele Jordan, Roni Goughenour and Barbara Bellerby. A special thank you to Mike Clutz and the "pit crew" for their outside work. I also thank everyone who attended, donated cakes, and bought raffle tickets. However, these big events need support from everyone and not just a loyal few. Their purpose is to raise money for use in our different programs, which directly benefit Veterans, and for Post improvements. The work is done by volunteers who spend a lot of time and energy putting on a good event to be enjoyed by all for a reasonable price. When attendance is low, the profit margin goes way down and it takes a joint effort just to clear expenses leaving little or no profit with which to carry through our programs. We regret that due to low attendance, this affair may have to be dropped from our list of activities.

We are happy to tell you that we have accepted a proposal to remodel the ladies room in the hall. This will make it Handicapped Accessible as well as enhancing its appearance. Construction will begin as soon as possible. Thanks to Pat Wachter for bringing this proposal to our attention.

To all the Officers, Chairmen, Volunteers, Bartenders, and Friends of our organizations—Thank you for your help, support, and hard work this past year.

Some other "Thanks" are in order as this administrative year ends. To Roni Goughenour for a great luncheon at the District Meeting and Betty Gentile for making the "sombrero" centerpieces for the tables. Michele and company did a good job on the Children’s Easter Party.

Again, I am grateful for your support of our fund raising efforts .We can’t do it without you! This past year we were able to get a good computer for use in our new jointly shared office and to end the year with the remodeling of the hall ladies room to make it accessible to all.

These efforts require work and dedication. You, the members and friends of our organizations, are the basis, which supports our activities. Many, many thanks.

The WWII dedication on May 29^th brought to mind those valiant and courageous efforts of our soldiers, sailors, and those on the home front during that particular period of our history. We owe you a debt of gratitude and respect for all you did.

Let us remember our service men and women who are currently engaged in hostilities in other parts of the world. Freedom is precious and the price of freedom is vigilance.

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Our Auxiliary has been blessed with months filled with the celebration of birthdays. Happy Birthday to all of our Auxiliary members who celebrated! We have also had members that were under the weather or have lost a loved one. Our thoughts are with you. We hope that you keep your spirits high and are feeling well soon.

Some words to remember…

Our membership has grown some this year. We are a 4-STAR Unit thanks to all of you.

In the month of July, we will be receiving notices for dues for 2005. Try to pay early, as we can all be "Early Birds".

It is very important to continue to belong to the largest women’s organization in the world. The number of members is very important when our Legion representatives go to Congress to get help and funding for our service people and their families.

Welcome to our newest members: Kelly Anna, Leanna Bradley, Elaine Graham, Stephanie Graham, Celeste Graham, Deborah Martin, and Rita Schlossman.

I have served as your membership Chairman since 1993 and I have enjoyed every minute of it, but now that my health is not the best, I must call it quits. Thank you all so much for all your help. It has been a pleasure to serve you.

I hope you all have a wonderful and SAFE summer. Please pray for our service people to be safe and come home soon.

Hope everyone had a good time at the Texas BBQ. Good food, good friends, what more can you ask for. Thanks to the AMERICAN LEGION & SAL for ALL their help in getting this event off the ground, it’s called teamwork. Also thanks to all the ladies who donated cakes for the cake wheel. Once again Barbara Smith came through with a great window raffle, thanks Barbara. The winner of the Texas BBQ Raffle was Kathy Beall.

Once more, thanks especially to the SAL for all their help with this affair.

This year’s Americanism Essay Contest was, once again, a huge success. The title of this year’s essays was, "Every Heart Beats True for the Red, White, and Blue---Old Glory". The judging has been completed, and the Auxiliary would like to announce their Unit Essay winners.

Group I (grades 3 and 4)

1^st Place—Craig Hocking-- Windsor Farm Elementary

2^nd Place—Nolan Zemanski "

3^rd Place—Chris Kiehne "

Group II (grades 5 and 6)

1^st Place—Raine Wagner—Windsor Farm Elementary

2^nd Place—Celia Stein "

3^rd Place—Christine Cushley "

Group III (grades 7 and 8)

1^st Place—Cory Berg—Severn School

2^nd Place—Jonathan Gren "

3^rd Place—Kelsey Carper "

We would also like to announce that one of our 1^st Place Unit winners, Cory Berg of Severn School, placed First in District and received her awards on April 25^th at the District Awards Ceremony. It was also announced at this ceremony, that Cory’s essay had won 3^rd Place at the Department level. It was a very exciting day for Cory and her family, not to mention a proud day for those unit members who were present at the ceremony. Our congratulations go out to Cory Berg and all of our unit essay winners. We commend all of these students for their heartfelt patriotism and their superb writing.

The Unit will be hosting their own Essay Awards Ceremony on Sunday, June 6 at 2PM. in the Post Hall. An open invitation goes out to all of our members who would like to attend. Stop by, we’re sure you’ll be impressed with these talented students!

The Auxiliary Unit holds bingo at Future Care Chesapeake on the third Monday every month at 7PM except in July. We can always use volunteers plus prizes such as candy bars, cookies, deodorants, powder, jewelry, and items for men.

On May 12^th Future Care held a Volunteer Dinner for members who helped this year. Several of our members attended.

Ladies, thank you very much for your hard work and dedication you gave to the residents at Future Care this past year. I know they really look forward to seeing us every month.

Girls State will be held the week of June 20^th—25^th, 2004 at Frostburg College. The Unit will sponsor four students from Severna Park High School: Sarah Anderson, Katherine Turner, Christine Van Hover, and Natalie Williams.

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Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Perry Point V.A. Hospital held its annual clothing bazaar on April 17^th, 2004. Thanks to everyone who donated clothes for this event. The veterans look forward to this every year. There were two hundred men and women Veterans who attended this affair. Many left with several bags of much needed clothing. Clothes left over were sent to shelters or where ever needed.

Once again, the annual Poppy drive was a huge success! My thanks to all the volunteers who helped make it possible. I will submit a complete report in the August newsletter.

I’d like to start by thanking all of the members and non-members who have helped the S.A.L. to achieve a very successful year. A special thanks goes out to Dave Dulin for doing such a fine job, THANKS DAVE. I’d also like to thank the auxiliary of our post for all of their dedication to our organization; without you, we would not be as successful!

Elections were held at the last meeting and the new officers are as follows:

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

The Crab Feast is set for September 18^th from 1pm til 6pm. So come out and have a good time! Get your tickets early. Tickets go on sale July 8^th.

The S.A.L. Friday night shrimp is going great!!! A special thanks to our cook and legion member Roger Scarborough.

__________________________________________

Remember your father on his day. The Breakfast Crew suggests a great way for the whole family to celebrate with Dad would be to treat him to our famous Breakfast Buffet. Plus, the "crew" is offering all dads a dollar discount.

Please note this is our last breakfast until September. The "crew" needs to take a well-deserved break for the summer. We hope to come back Sept. 19, 2004, well rested and ready to cook up a storm.

Thanks for all your support—we aim to please! The "crew"—Pat Rabeau, Betty Gentile, Bill Lowery, Bill Johnson, Jerry Heath, Linda and Bob Freedenburg. Our "Loyal Subs"—Paula and John Fuller and our "Super Set-Up Man" Dan McDonald.

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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 or Lil Ellis at 410-757-7924.

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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.

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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.

Executive Board meets last Monday of each month. [June 28th – July 26th] at 7:00 PM.

SAL Unit meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.

[June 8th – No July Meeting] at 7:30 PM.

General membership meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month. [June 9th – No July Meeting] at 7:30 PM.

Auxiliary Unit meets the 4th Wednesday of each month. [June 23^rd—No July Meeting]

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.

Phone #: __________________________________