Newsletter – July 2016

COMMANDER – Al Norton

I want to give great big thank you to the Sons of the American Legion. Our walk-in cooler quit working this month. The cost to repair it was 2166.23, that could have set our patio project back some. The SAL stepped up and gave a $1000 to help with the repair costs. You guys are great!

The outside door to the patio will be installed on 7/2/16. All of the labor is free, thanks to Jonathan Mendoza, Bob Nellis, Donnie Polstin and Deone Harty. We will be looking for a firm estimate on the cover this month.

I attended the Department Annual convention June 25 th & 26 th . It was interesting and informative; we also elected the new department officers.

Our new officers for Post 44 were sworn in at our June meeting they are:

  • Commander-Al Norton
  • 1st Vice commander – Neil Thornton
  • 2nd Vice Commander – Becky Burcher
  • Adjutant – Tom Cleveland
  • Financial Officer – Bob Nellis
  • Sgt at Arms – Bill Conklin
  • Judge Advocate – Bob Acre
  • Chaplain – Vince Hadley
  • Trustees-Warren Rainwater, Richard Kouldelka, Brian Nikiforow

Our term is from July 1st 2016 to June 30th 2017. We need to start looking for next years officers right away. As a reminder this is my 3rd and final term according to our bylaws. All organizations need leadership. Step up and help us, we now have 2 open positions, Historian and Service Officer.

God Bless all of you. God bless America.

Charity & Education 
May Charity:  Charity donations for May, provided by gaming proceeds was $3,534.07.  Recipients include: American Legion Department, $635.07; T or C Veterans Memorial Trust, $450; Auxiliary for care packages, $269.00; SCCA, $250 for cancer patient transportation; Sierra County Swim Team, $200; and Bountiful Babies of Sierra County, $200. $1500 was allocated for upcoming scholarships.

Any requests for charity funds must include name of organization/individual, mailing address, phone #, reason for request (how funds will be used) amount requested & who check should be payable to.  New Mexico Gaming Control Board has strict policy regulations that limit payments to individuals & special circumstances apply.  Youth sports, non-profit groups (501C3), scholarships and field trips are authorized, pending availability of funds.  To ensure consideration, requests should be submitted 2 months in advance.

Finance Officer- Bill Conklin
No report

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal

Thank you, Gene Hill, for fixing the fluorescent lights in the Post!!  Let there be light!  Also, congrats to you for being selected as our volunteer of the month!  Snuck that one by you!!  You Rock! And thanks for all you do at the Post!

Congratulations to Melanie Millsap for being selected as our Volunteer of the Quarter!!  We all appreciate everything you do!!

A special open house is scheduled for Thursday, July 14 th , from 9 to 12 for Veteran’s Benefits information.  This is sponsored by the state to provide medical and special programs information for our rural veterans. Watch the newspapers for more specifics, as the date draws nearer.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Arnold Jarvis on Saturday, July 23 rd at 2:oo p.m.  The Legion and Moose Lodge 2050 will be officiating.  There will be a pot luck following the service.

Sunday, July 24th we will be having a “Christmas in July” craft fair and yard sale.  Contact Linde Polstin at the Post Monday through Wednesday or watch for flyers.

Thank you for supporting our activities; we look forward to seeing you at the Post!!