| The American Legion Herbert Griffin Post 19 Columbia, Tennessee |
The minutes of each meeting will be posted to this web site. This will enable those members unable to attend the meetings to stay current with Post 19 activities. The minutes will be followed by photos of the meeting when available. Minutes from February, 2012 The American Legion Post 19 met on February 7th, 2012. Prior to the start of the meeting, Commander Stephenson introduced Katie Davis, a Field Representative for Senator Bob Corker. Ms Davis spoke to the Post about how their office can help veterans with any VA issues. After the presentation and the opening ceremonies, Commander Stephenson called the meeting to order at 6:43 PM. There were 72 members present. READING OF THE MINUTES: Adjutant Roger Gilliam read the minutes from the January, 2012 meeting and they were approved as read. FINANCIAL REPORT: Finance Officer Donny Walters presented the financial report and it was made part of these minutes by attachment. NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS: New Legion members Jim McVeigh, Morley Levine, Hal Holcomb and Ray Lofton were welcomed. Also Charles Harrison, Jack Henry and Bud Rutherford from Legion Post 5 and Reverend Robeshaw were welcomed as guest. COMMITTEE REPORTS BASEBALL: Baseball Chairman Donny Walters reported that the annual baseball banquet is scheduled for Saturday night, February 25th at Post 19. The featured speaker will be Phil Fulmer, former UT football coach. BOY SCOUTS: No report FLAG FOLDING: Robert McAdams reported that the Flag Folding Detail folded 7 Flags since the last meeting. HOUSE COMMITTEE: Gary Fisher provided the following report of activities currently scheduled by the Legion for February: February 10th – Ballroom Dancing February 11th – Fruit of the Vine Valentine Party February 13th – Legion Oratorical Contest February 14th – Ladies Auxiliary Spaghetti Supper February 23rd – Red Cross Blood Drive February 25th – Junior Auxiliary Book Sale February 25th – Baseball Banquet MEMBERSHIP: Larry Daum reported that we currently have 599 members that have paid their dues for 2012. He also said that the Membership Committee plans to have membership tables again this year at Wal-Mart with the first one being the first Saturday in May from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. VETERAN SERVICES: James Patterson reported that the Veteran’s Service Office had another good month in January, 2012 by providing assistance to 562 veterans/spouses/children of veterans. He also sent in request for 17 grave markers and made 4 assisted living home and several nursing home visits during the month. He continued to report that: The Department of Veterans Affairs has deployed 20 additional Mobile Vet Centers to increase access to readjustment counseling in rural areas. The Department of Veterans Affairs has changed the regulations on payments for emergency care and estimated that the new rules will cost an estimated $44 million dollars per year. James participated in a conference call on veterans’ benefits on January 27th with a field representative of Congressman DesJarlais office and his Washington D.C. office. James recovered some World War 2 graves markers that were in a dilapidated building and is in the process of finding out where they should go. He will be in Washington DC from February 22 to the 29th for the National VA&R meetings. The 1st annual Women’s Veterans Summit will be held in Nashville on April 28th. There will be a benefit luncheon for the York Hospital Fisher House on Saturday March the 17th. James also reported on a program that provides insurance coverage for anyone that has to be transported to the hospital by helicopter and reminded everyone that it is still possible to purchase a brick in someone’s honor at the new department headquarters in Nashville. SICK CALL: Post Members on sick call are Pee Wee Johnson, Don Richardson, Fred Chappell, Ralph Ussery, Joe D. Johns, Howard Brown, Steve Secrest, Wayne Hartsfield, Sylvia E. Inman, Donald Cooper, Ralph Reed, James E. Bridges, W.J. (Bill) Smith, Jim Parnell, Rex Lemay, Charlie Bates, and Albert M. Scribner. POST EVERLASTING: Albert Lentz and Bedford Lockridge UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Roger Gilliam reported that the “Paint the Tank” committee had sent out a request for funds in the newsletter and also posted the letter to the Post 19 Website. Donny Walters reported that he has already received several donations for this project and will provide an amount at the next meeting. R.C. Stenberg again addressed the membership on behalf of the Southeastern Guide Dog program and thanked everyone for their help in this effort. Member Rich Crawford moved that Post 19 contribute $200 to this program, the motion was 2nd by Robert McAdams and passed. NEW BUSINESS: Commander Stephenson explained the “no cost” life insurance program available to Legion members and mentioned that the details of the program can be found on the Post 19 website. Reverend Robeshaw addressed the Post and presented Post 19 member Ed Holton with a belt buckle that represented the flag raising on Iwo Jima. Also, Commander Stephenson recognized Member Harold Davis for being on Iwo Jima as well. Commander Stephenson reported that the District Oratorical Contest will be held at Post 19 on February 13th at 2:00 PM. He asked for volunteers to act as escorts and encouraged everyone to attend. Donny Walters reminded the membership of the next ham breakfast and encouraged everyone to sell tickets. James Patterson reported that the Legion districts are being “relined” and that District 7 will lose Fairview and Franklin and gain Savannah and Saltillo. GOOD OF THE LEGION: Commander Stephenson reminded the Post of the computer training classes that are being held at 6:00 PM each Monday night. He reported on the successful Super Bowl Party held in the club on February 5th. He also announced the details of the next District Meeting that will be held in Pulaski on March 1st and asked for a number of Post 19 members that plan to attend. Finally, Commander Stephenson explained his plan to make the SAL Squadron a more active part of Post 19. CORRESPONDENCE: Adjutant Gilliam read “Thank You” cards from Ellen Groomes, Don Cooper and Annie Harwell. There being no further business, Commander Stephenson adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM |
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Photos from February Meeting at Post 19
Post 19 World War 2 Vets