The American Legion

Post 13 – Valdosta
1301 Williams Street       P. O. Box 1005
Valdosta, Georgia 31603
(229) 242-7616

“For God and

Country…”

 NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

 US POSTAGE PAID

VALDOSTA GA

August 2009

Fellow Legionnaires,

  Anyone who missed the meeting on 13 July really missed a treat. Phil Youngblood installed our officers, and then we presented a Flag to the young ladies from Girl Scout Troop 514. It was very moving to see these young people excited about their country and just taking time to be with us. After the reports were read, we voted on the 2009 – 2010 post budget. I think Rap nailed the budget process for the Post. He’s certainly given us a very realistic look at the cost of our doing business. At the beginning of my first year as Commander, I had to break a CD in order to meet operating expenses. We’ve been able for the past year to operate on just our interest and on income from renting the Post hall. My goal is to gradually put the money back into the CD. I went to the Sheriff’s Department and applied for a raffle license. Our intention is to use the raffle to raise money for our community efforts and to replace lost funds from our CD’s sinking interest rates. We need ideas for the raffle, so if you have one, share with us! Poppa Joe gave an update on the Legion Legacy Run. The Riders are taking donations now. Next month, they’ll take the money and turn it in to Legion National Headquarters. Remember, this money is used for our fallen comrades' children’s college education. If anything is a truly worthwhile effort, this one is! We also recognized Rap Brown with the Post Legionnaire of the Year Award for his tireless effort and hard work in taking care of our Post finances. He’s done a fabulous job for the past almost three years. We also recognized Ernie Florig with an Honorary Life Membership from the Post. This is well deserved for all the hard work Ernie has done as the Adjutant for the past three years also. He has done an amazing job keeping our reports and membership information straight. Jimmy Traynor received a Certificate of Meritorious Service for Recruiter of the Year. Not only has Jimmy done a great job as a recruiter, but he’s kept the Post hall rented and making money! I mentioned it before in the last newsletter that April Welter won First Place in the Post History Book award. I’d like to reiterate that this is the first time the Post won this award…EVER! Please take a look at the book before it goes off to National for further competition. We closed the meeting with another outstanding meal by Miss Betty and the Kitchen Krew-- Super Job, Miss Betty! The Executive Board discussed one big goal for the upcoming year. It’s our 1300 For Post 13. This means that we are shooting for 1300 members by the end of the year. We have 637 now. The highest membership we’ve ever had was right at 1000. We have 18.500 veterans in our area. Surely, we can find another 700 to join our ranks. Let’s try. One incentive is that for every 5 new members recruited, the Legionnaire bringing them in will receive an American Legion golf shirt with the embroidered emblem. So, let’s get out and beat the bushes. I picked up 16 at Moody last week, but no shirts….If you know an active duty person, we can get them in under the Reconnect Program. I’ve already notified the Adjutant and Finance Officer that the Post will pay the first years dues for anyone under the Reconnect Program. If we can get more members, we can get more participation. I’d like to see American Legion on the billboards and in the newspaper doing events and giving to the community. Our youth programs can bring our entire city and county together and reinforce our motto: For God and Country! The Veterans Hospitals and Clinics need help and I believe we can be the catalyst for making it happen! I’ll step down off my soapbox for now. As always, you’re invited to attend our Post Executive Board 17 August at 5 pm, unless there’s a change. Please call the Post for any change to the meeting. The Post Executive Committee and I, thank you for your continued support.
 

 "For God and Country,"  Ed Kent