December 2016

From the Commander:

Dear Members,

November was a month of Honor and Remembrance for all of America’s Veterans. Just because the month is over doesn’t mean everything is OK for our Veterans, there are homeless, sick and lonely Veterans all over America that still need our help and prayers. With the Christmas season upon us let’s give an extra prayer or gift or a donation to the Veterans Home or the Indianapolis Domiciliary.

During the month of November in 1943, thousands of American and allied forces were fighting their way ashore on the island of Tarawa, one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific theater, so give thanks that we could spend our holidays the way we chose to, because of these Veterans.

December is loaded with activities at the Post.
Sunday the 4th is Santa with the kids,
Annual Chili Cook-Off and the Army/Navy Game is on the 10th
Post Christmas Party on Dec. 23rd
New Years Eve snack pitch in party on the 31st.

Lots more going on between these dates so check the message boards at the Post.

Wishing each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas
And a huge Thank You for all your support  through 2016!

Thank you.
For God and Country
Bart Colvin
Commander


From the Auxiliary President:

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:

Veteran Homelessness is Painful

Having a safe place to live remains at the top of my gratitude list each day.

Seeing a homeless veteran standing on a corner at an intersection causes sadness.  Do you ever have that feeling as you drive past a homeless person that you could do something more?  There, another weathered person with uncertainty etched in the his/her face stands holding a sign saying: “Anything Will Help.” Do you ask yourself; “What’s his/her story, why are they there, or I wonder what will happen to them?”  It has been said that 40% of the homeless go one or more days without eating.

Many reasons affect homelessness.  Some Veterans returned from active duty desperately recovering from their visible and invisible wounds suffered while deployed and no family to greet them nor home to lay their head; others are harshly displaced after a heart wrenching divorce; there are those who lost their job of twenty plus years and have no way to support themselves or their dependent family; some veterans are released from prison with no permanent place to go.

Homelessness impacts a person like a fierce storm.  Imagine the feelings of despair, fear, humiliation, hopelessness, cries for health and dental care, physical pain from being exposed to the ruthless abuse of thugs or the severity of inclement weather!  The struggle to survive has ambushed the American dream.  Let’s not forget their children too.

CHOOSE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT HOMELESSNESS – Write it on the calendar

  • Learn more about homelessness (search websites, visit shelters)
  • Volunteer to help at shelters
  • Collect and Donate items
  • Raise and donate funds
  • Request a Guest Speaker to present their mission

Peter Marshall once said; “Small things done are greater than great deeds planned.”  One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness because it usually finds its way back to you (copied).  Doing small things with great love makes a difference.  Make a difference today by Lifting the fallen – Mending the broken – Comforting the downtrodden.

Take a moment to thank God for waking up with a protective roof over your head, having something readily to eat, warm shower and clean clothes.  All which hundreds of Indiana veterans long for each day.  Homeless people are not sub-human; they are human beings just like you.

At your service,
Rick Baum

From Post Adjutant:

Minutes from Joint Meeting:

Minutes from November Meeting

God Speed,
Mic Woodrun
Director of Post 79 ALR

 


From the Club Manager:
 
 Dates to Remember:
2nd – Legion Pizza Night 5-8pm
4th – Children’s Christmas Party 2:30pm – Santa arrives 4pm
6th – SAL Meeting 6pm
9th – SAL Steak & Catfish Dinner 5-8pm
10th – Chili Cookoff & Army/Navy Game – 12pm
12th – Legion/AUX meeting 7pm
20th – ALR Burger/Pork Chop Dinner 5:30-8pm
23rd – Legion Christmas Party and Pitch-in
27th – ALR Meeting 7pm
31st – New Year’s Eve Snack Pitch-in 6pm

Final Note
A Soldier’s T’was the Night Before Christmas
 
T’was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of  plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand,
and on the wall pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sobering thought came to my mind.
For this house is different, so dark and so dreary,
the home of a soldier, now I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
“Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my corps.”
The soldier rolled over and soon drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
and we both shivered from the cold evening’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas day, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
“Merry Christmas my friend and to all a good night.”