Dear Members,
March is gone and we are looking at a very busy spring and summer.
During March we have shown solidarity, strength and compassion.
The outpouring of support from the community and from our legion family during the Deputy Jacob Pickett tragedy shows our true heart.
A very special thank you to DeeDee and her crew for taking care of all the food.
Spring cleanup day is quickly approaching and would like to see a huge turnout, we have numerous things to do.
We will be closed on Easter Sunday.
Don’t forget the happenings in April,
Of course, April Fool’s Day, Tax Day (seems to go together)
And on the Third Monday in April
Some people know little or nothing about Patriot’s Day. To New Englanders, it is a big, big day. In the states in New England, it’s a holiday with a day off of work. Banks, schools, post offices, and businesses have the day off.
Patriot’s Day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This battle began the American Revolutionary War. It also honors the “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”, that evening when Paul Revere rode through town warning the colonists that “The Red Coats are coming!”
We have several new members so if you see a new face, make them feel welcome.
Have a good month and, See you at the Post
Thank you.
For God and Country
Bart Colvin
Commander
Mission Statement:
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service-members and veterans.
From Vice Commander:
Hope everyone is looking forward to warmer weather and are keeping our fingers crossed for NO MORE SNOW!! I am sure we are passed that by now.
If you are a member of the Legion, SAL or Auxiliary, you should have received a letter or email talking about the survey we are conducting with our members. This is a short 11 question survey to let us know how you see Post 79. This is very important that you take a few minutes to complete it as we will be using this information as we move forward with the future of our Post.
Thank you to all who have taken the time to do this. We greatly appreciate your efforts.
Thank you and God bless The USA.
Stuart Konija
1st Vice Commander
From the Auxiliary President:
April showers bring May flowers and hoping for no more snow!
Happy Spring all!
By now you should have received either an email or letter if you are a Legion, SAL or Auxiliary member, regarding a survey we are conducting. It is a short survey and your input is extremely important. Please take the time to respond. Thank you.
Our Post will be set up at the Sponsor Village at Lions Park for Zionsville Little League on opening day Saturday, April 14th. Opening Ceremonies are from 9:30 – 10:30 with games starting at 11:00. The Sponsor Village is set up on either side of the walk path between fields 1 and 5. Plan to come see us and enjoy some little league baseball. We will have poppies for donation, copies of the monthly lunch menu/events schedule, basket raffle and some give away items. Drawing for basket and giveaway winners will be held at the Post at 4:00 that day. Hope to see you there!
Our meeting last month was a busy one. Those in attendance voted on, and passed, to raise our annual dues to $30.00. Junior members’ dues will remain the same at $10.00. Also, we will have a kid themed basket for the Sponsor Village, please have donations for this basket at the Post no later than Wednesday, April 11th. We will also have a Mother’s Day themed basket in May. Please bring your donated items to our meeting April, 9th.
Reports are due on April 15th. We will be filling out our reports on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. If you have any volunteer hours that need to be reported, you will need to bring them to the Post or email me so we can send in all our volunteer hours. These reports are very important because the information eventually ends up on the Congress floor and helps to determine Veteran needs/benefits.
Our fall/winter bowling league has ended. Thank you to all who participated and remember the bowling machine is available all summer as well and part of the proceeds from the machine stay at our Post. Hope everyone had fun and look forward to the next league in the fall.
Have a wonderful April and see you at the Post!
God Bless our Troops past, present and future
Rita
Mission Statement:
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
From Post Service Officer:
You May be Eligible for VA Benefits
The VA estimates that nearly 1/3 of our nation’s veterans are potentially eligible for federal veterans’ benefits. Such benefits are provided on behalf of a grateful nation, honoring those who served. Unfortunately, many of these veterans do not know what benefits they are eligible to receive, or how to apply for them.
A veteran does not necessarily have to serve in combat, or during a time of war to receive benefits.
As a Post Service Officer, I assist any eligible veteran and their dependents, even if they are not a member of the American Legion. Our Indiana American Legion (accredited) Veterans’ Service Office files (at no cost) an average of 500 claims a month for Hoosier veterans and their dependents. According to the 2016 GDX, 463,000 veterans reside in Indiana. The American Legion continues to serve as a strong and effective advocate, not only in filing claims, but also lobbying for legislation to improve the quality of life of our veterans and their families. Your dues support these efforts!
Approximately 3,790 veterans reside in Boone County. That means Post 79 can provide claims services to our local veterans. This service is free, and a good segue for inviting these Guardians of Freedom to become a member of our great veterans service organization. More than $18,000,000 in compensation and pension benefits are paid to Boone County veterans and their families.
The VA has two roles: serve the veteran and guard the taxpayer’s money. Nothing is ever final in the VA’s system because all cases can be reopened, and new material can be reviewed. The veteran has the right to appeal a decision if the VA is perceived to be in error. The American Legion helps with such appeals.
Consider pursuing VA benefits. Also, do you know a veteran in the area who wishes to receive VA benefits? Have them contact me through the Post. I am here to help.
Lastly, my heartfelt thanks go to those of you who volunteer at the Roudedbush VA Medical Center.
At your service,
Rick Baum
From Post Adjutant:
Minutes from Joint Meeting:
Regular Meeting March 12, 2018
- Commander Colvin opened Meeting in due form.
- Rita reported that the Aux District President Judy Morris was in attendance. Little League first Day is 4-4-18. They are asking for vendors to set up 9:30 to 10:30, Rita wants to know if we can give away Pizza Certificates on raffle only will give away pizza bread stick dinner.
- Last Pizza Night we did 132 pizza’s.
- Cheryl Johnson thanked everybody that showed up for Bob and Eva Celebration and a special thanks to Rick Baum who did a wonderful job speaking on about Bob.
- Bart said Shultzie will be honored at the first Indiana’s game 4-6-18.
- Bart thanked everyone that put flags out on the funeral Route and that the Pickett Dinner will be this Thursday.
- Bart says again to everyone please stop using the kitchen door as a pass through please go around.
- We will be presenting Bill Shoemaker next meeting with his 60 year award. Steve King says they need help on clean up after pizza night.
- Rick reports that March 29th is National Vietnam Veterans Day.The Vietnam Veterans Wall will be at Fort Harrison May 31st to June 4th.
- Stuart reports new member Robert Streeter – Army Veteran.
- Motion to except minutes and financial report made by Stuart seconded by Tom.
- No new people on sick call.
New Business
- Install new pipe out by Memorial and Flag Pole.
- Adjutant sends in new paperwork to be able to have drinks anywhere on the property.
- Bart submits paperwork to have a tank placed out on property Randy was concerned about kids climbing on the equipment.
- Mick Witte reports that food truck will start in May, Aug, Sept if not good in May they will scrap the idea. Motion was made to let them do this event.
- Rick passed out Survey paper to fill out and turn in.
- Tom hands out a survey to see what people think about post.
- Nominations for Officers will be next month.
Meeting adjourned 7:50pm
From the ALR Director:
From the American Legion Riders
The ALR hopes everyone had a good Easter this year without eating too many Peeps, or chocolate Bunny’s.
In March, the ALR had several different discussions and idea for this coming year. Of course we still are wanting to do the Pro- Am Vet golf event, so keep looking for the date.
We will be participating in a Ride for Cody event. It starts here at Post 79 and ends at post 79 while traveling to various American Legion posts on April 21, 2018. Kick Stands Up is at There will be dinner at 5:00 with a Raffle, Bake Sale, and Silent Auction. Proceeds will go to Cody to help with her fight with Breast Cancer.
Don’t forget to come out to the ALR Hamburger, Pork Chop dinner on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 8:00. Good food for a low price. Bring your family and friends. All are welcome.
Also don’t forget to come out and support the other entities of the post on Fridays, for dinner, and come out for lunch here any day for good food and friends.
Thanks
American Legion Riders response (motto)
We, your American Legion Riders, ride for God and Country, the American Legion Family and Allied Veterans everywhere. Protect those that protect us. Amen
God Speed,
Andy Ricketts
Director of Post 79 ALR
From the Club Manager:
Dates to Remember:
3rd – SAL Meeting 6pm
6th – Legion Pizza Night 5-8pm
7th – Richard Kinnett Celebration of Life – 2pm
8th – Prime Rib Dinner 4-7pm
9th – Legion/AUX meeting 7pm
13th – SAL Steak & Catfish Dinner 5-8pm
14th – 2 Man Band in the bar
17th – ALR Burger/Pork Chop Dinner 5:30-8pm
21st – Cody’s Ride & Fund Raiser, Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner 5-7pm, Ride, KSU @ 1:30
21st – 1 Man Band in bar
22nd – Prime Rib Dinner 4-7pm
24th – ALR Meeting 7pm
27 – Karaoke in the Bar 7-11pm
28th – Broasted Chicken Dinner 4-7pm