COMMANDER'S NEWSLETTER
Here it is August already. Our first meeting of the post was a short 2 years ago this month. Remi, my wife, the District Commander, and myself were the only ones at that first meeting that lasted about 5 minutes. Today we are up to 47 members and more are coming in. WOW! Our growth couldn't be accomplished without all your help. We are always looking for members that would like to be in our Honor/Color Guard. Contact Dave or myself if you are interested. It is really fun and can be quite rewarding.
Post 39 performed the entire memorial service for Paul Paxton at the State Veterans Cemetery. His widow was extremely greatful for the excellent service and especially the playing of "Taps" by Brad Spencer and "Amazing Grace" by Ron Lopez of the Boise Highlanders. Our own Chaplin, Ivan Smith, officiated with Dave Freeman giving a wonderful eulogy. A US Navy detail handled the flag presentation.
The turnout for the parades was great. I was really suprised, especially in Star. The Star Hometown Celebration dinner wouldn't have been as successful without the help of Post 39. The members and spouses, 7 in all, that showed up served over 1200 dinners in less than 2 hours in 95 degree heat. What a bunch of troupers. We also might get Gov Butch Otter to transfer to Post 39 from Meridian Post 113. He joined Post 113 because it was the closest post several years ago to Star. Since Post 39 is now considered the post for Star, he is willing to transfer. I just have to get the transfer form down to him at the Capitol.
We had to reschedule the post picnic in August due to threatening weather and it was HOT. However, we still had a great turnout for our regular post meeting. I have set the date for our post picnic. It is listed on the "Events" page, but here it is: Sunday, Sept 12 from 1400 to 2030 at Juniper Ranch. I talked to Stan that owns Juniper Ranch and he suggested that we start earlier in the day and make a fun fishing day out of it. There are still around 200 huge trout, some bass and blue gills in the lake ready to be caught. This is a private pond that was stocked with trout from Clearsprings Trout in Hagerman. Therefor, no license is required. Bring your spouses, tackle with at least 8 pound test line, a cooler for the fish you will catch, and a dish to pass for the picnic. Also, bring your own drinks (non-alcoholic) and table service. Dave and I are supplying the hamburgers, buns, and condiments. There is plenty of parking and a regular bathroom (flush toilet and running water) on site. The place is beautiful. Stan has also installed 2 horseshoe pitches. This should really be a super fun event. This will not replace our regular September meeting. The picnic is for fun and comradery.
The following weekend is the Veterans Olympics on the VA front lawn. I will be asking for help as the American Legion does the hamburger and hot dogs. I will cover this at the picnic. Please keep Sept 18 open for this event.
August and September will be the months that we will get the Auxiliary started. Please talk to your wives and then give my wife, Janis, a call or drop her an e-mail as she wants to get the wives together. She is requesting all women spouses of members to check out the Unit 39 web site and consider starting and joining the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 39. An American Legion Post isn't really complete without an Auxiliary. We really need you ladies.
2011 dues can be paid now. Please consider sending in your $35 to Dave while you are thinking about it. Granted, they don't have to be paid until the end of the year, but it would be great to be at 100% long before that. It also helps the funds for the post.
An Official American Legion Uniform hat can be ordered through the American Legion Emblem Sales web site or you can contact Dave Freeman. We use the "Post City" style. You just need the proper size. Hats run about $35. You can also contact Adjutant Dave or myself and we can supply you with an order form to send in with a check. Normal delivery time is about 4 to 6 weeks, but lately we have had new hats back in around 2 weeks. If you have transfered from another post, you can have your existing hat re-lettered for around $10 at "AA Logos," 228 E Plaza Ste H1, in Eagle, 939-9346. They are located across from Albertsons in the same plaza as Starbucks and Wells Fargo Bank. Turn around time is usually 1 or 2 days. This sure beats buying a new Legion uniform hat. Remember, get it cleaned first.
Doug Foote - Commander
Aug 5, 2010
