By USVCP Staff Writers
September 12, 2019
In the past, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was adamant it did not have to pay emergency room medical bills for veterans who sought out treatment at civilian hospitals. Now, all veterans who were forced to pay out of pocket hospital bills from non-VA emergency rooms recently received a major reprieve.
On September 11, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) ruled that the VA is responsible for reimbursing veterans who spent money in non-VA emergency rooms.
The court found the VA's 2018 reimbursement policies to be in violation of the Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2010 which requires VA to reimburse veterans if they have to pay out of pocket for emergency room expenses at a non-VA facility.
According to the U.S. Court of Appeals, the VA has wrongfully been denying veterans’ claims while also misrepresenting a regulation that entitles them to reimbursement veterans.
*Reprinted from U.S. Veteran Compensation Program website
All Saints Quilters & American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136 Quilts of Valor award presentation and luncheon for veterans.
(L-R Back Row) Fred Timmons, Richard Gross, Robert Crawford, Donald Rose, Joseph Brant, Thomas Boggs, Ernest McGrew
Merwin & Rosemary Horner
The members of American Legion Post 136 are grateful for the generosity of All Saints Quilters for the beautiful quilts awarded to the veterans pictured above. This award ceremony was unique in that a married couple was each a recipient of a quilt. Thanks to the American Legion Auxiliary for the planning of the event and the wonderful lunch.
Additional photos will be inserted on the American Legion Auxiliary page.
Legion wins Bladensburg memorial Supreme Court case
By Henry Howard
JUN 20, 2019
The Bladensburg World War I Veterans Memorial isn’t going anywhere.
In a landmark victory for The American Legion, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 on June 20 that the 40-foot memorial can remain on public land in Prince George’s County, Md., where it has stood since 1925.
“This was not just about a single cross,” American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad said. “This was about the right of a community to honor its fallen heroes. And that’s why the World War I veterans of Bladensburg sacrificed their lives, to protect the freedom of others.”
In 1925, The American Legion and Gold Star Mothers erected the memorial as a tribute to 49 Prince George’s County veterans who died during World War I. The cross shape was selected by the Gold Star Mothers to represent their sons’ resting place in Europe.
For decades, the memorial stood peacefully until the American Humanist Association (AHA) filed suit, claiming the memorial violated the First Amendment. The Bladensburg memorial was funded privately and the property where it stands was in private hands when it was erected. However, now it sits on land owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a governmental agency.
“The American Legion does not consider these crosses which honor so many veterans to be religious memorials,” Reistad explained. “But even if it were, freedom of religion is also a cherished right protected by our First Amendment. Americans can feel more confident today that veterans memorials, cemetery headstones and patriotic monuments throughout our country are safer as a result of this ruling.”
The American Legion was represented at the Supreme Court by the legal teams at First Liberty Institute and Jones Day. Aligning with them was the state of Maryland, which owns and maintains the memorial.
“This is a landmark victory for religious freedom,” said Kelly Shackelford, the president, CEO and chief counsel to First Liberty. “The days of illegitimately weaponizing the Establishment Clause and attacking religious symbols in public are over. Our founders would have been appalled at this attempt to make the government hostile to our religious heritage, history and symbols. The attempted perversion of our Constitution is now over, and every American now has more freedom than they have had in decades, with a government no longer hostile to people or expressions of faith.”
Michal Carvin, lead counsel for The American Legion, partner at Jones Day and First Liberty network attorney, said, “We are grateful for this historic victory for the First Amendment. This decision simply affirms the historical understanding of the First Amendment that allows the government to acknowledge the value and importance of religion.”
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote the majority opinion.
“The cross is undoubtedly a Christian symbol, but that fact should not blind us to everything else that the Bladensburg Cross has come to represent,” he wrote. “For some, that monument is a symbolic resting place for ancestors who never returned home. For others, it is a place for the community to gather and honor all veterans and their sacrifices for our nation. For others still, it is a historical landmark. For many of these people, destroying or defacing the cross that has stood undisturbed for nearly a century would not be neutral and would not further the ideals of respect and tolerance embodied in the First Amendment.”
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., Justices Clarence Thomas, Stephen G. Breyer, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh also were in the majority. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented.
The ruling was cheered by Amber Longoria, a post-9/11 Navy veteran who is a member of American Legion Post 5208 in Denver. “We have bigger fish to fry than where a monument is located,” she said. “This shouldn’t have been an issue to begin with.”
The Supreme Court victory means that Legionnaires from that area can continue to hold Memorial Day and Veterans ceremonies at the site. In November, Phillip Holdcraft, past commander of Post 131 in Colmar Manor, Md., will be there, along with a strong contingent of Legionnaires from the Department of Maryland.
“There will be a sense of relief,” he said earlier this year of what a victory would mean. “It will be a sense of relief for veterans here in Maryland and all over the United States.”
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Accessing Your DD Form 214 Online
Gaining access to your DD Form 214 has never been easier. This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of the DD Form 214 for employment purposes NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. This statement is reprinted from the U.S. Veterans Compensation Programs website.
If you need assistance please contact Jim Riggins, Post 136 Adjutant, at (843) 566-4080.
Click here to request your DD Form 214: https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html
You can also download a 24 page VA Welcome Guide (Free) at:
https://www.va.gov/WelcomeVA_Guide_print_version_final.pdf
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Kenneth Smith Anderson, Jr. (November 27, 1925 - May 28, 2019)
Mr. Anderson was born in Utica, NY, and graduated from Chateaugay High School in 1944. While serving in the US Army in 1962 he married Christel Wollesky in Raunheim, West Germany. Captain Anderson served over 20 years in the Army and retired in 1966. He returned to college and obtained a master's degree in education. He retired from teaching in 1985 and moved to Mount Pleasant with his wife and son. He will be missed by his wife and family and all that knew him.
========== Air Force - Army - Coast Guard - Marines - Navy ==========
Clyde Ray Lane (August 25, 1939 - May 20, 2019)
Mr. Lane was born in Townsend, Georgia, in 1939. He was an Air Force veteran and later the owner of Lane Pile Driving, Inc. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing. Mr. Lane was a member of The American Legion for 29 years. He will be missed by his wife Maryanne, his family, friends and all that knew him.
Mr. Lane was born in Townsend, Georgia, in 1939. He was an Air Force veteran and later the owner of Lane Pile Driving, Inc. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing. Mr. Lane was a member of The American Legion for 29 years. He will be missed by his wife Maryanne, his family, friends and all that knew him.
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The American Legion Oratorical Contest
Five contestants competed in the quadrant level of the 82nd Annual Oratorical Contest at Trident Technical College Mount Pleasant Campus.
All competitors are to be congratulated for their preparation in a highly skilled contest. The remarks from the judges and the audience at the conclusion were very complimentary for all contestants.
The contest was developed primarily to instill a better knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States in high school students. Other objectives include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship.
Contestants are required to deliver a prepared oration on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States. The oration must be 8 to 10 minutes in length and delivered without any notes.
After the prepared oration is completed a 3 to 5-minute presentation on an assigned topic follows.
All American Legion posts can sponsor a contest with schools in their area and the winning student advances to the district contest. In turn, the district winner advances to the quadrant level. The winner of the quadrant level advances to the state contest. Students are competing for scholarship awards at the state and national contests.
Jessica Scannell, an 11th-grade student at Berkeley Mille College High School, was the winner of the quadrant level and advances to the state competition in March.
Jessica proudly displaying the Department Award
Jessica Scannell - Dept. Contest Chairman Jennifer Beilstein
(L-R) Lucca Venturini - Clayton James - Edward Maxted-Sorenson - Jessica Scannell - Hannah Reilley
Jessica with parents and District 6 Commander Jim Kvam
Update: Jessica Scannell competed in the state contest on March 9th and although the other competitors were well prepared, Jessica was chosen by the judges as the winner. The next stop for Jessica is the national contest on April 6-7 in Indianapolis.
The American Legion Commemorative Coin
The information below is reprinted from The American Legion ONLINE UPDATE.
Set to go on sale March 14, coinciding with The American Legion’s 100th birthday, the silver dollar pays tribute to the organization’s Paris founding. The coin’s heads side or obverse has the American Legion emblem surrounded by oak leaves and a lily; the reverse has crossed U.S. and American Legion flags under a fleur-de-lis, with the dates 1919-2019 and the inscription 100 YEARS OF SERVICE.
In addition to the American Legion silver dollar, the Mint will sell a $5 gold piece and a clad half-dollar. The gold coin’s obverse features the Eiffel Tower and a V for Victory in World War I, with LIBERTY and 1919-2019 encircled by the outer ring of the Legion’s emblem. On the reverse side is a soaring bald eagle and the American Legion emblem. The heads side of the half-dollar has two children, one wearing her father’s American Legion cap, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance; the reverse shows a billowing U.S. flag and American Legion emblem above the words … OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Passed by Congress on Oct. 6, 2017, Public Law 115-65 allows the Mint to strike and issue 50,000 of the gold coins, 400,000 of the silver dollars and 750,000 of the half-dollars.
At the Legion’s 100th National Convention in Minneapolis last August, U.S. Mint Director Davide Ryder said sales could raise up to $9.5 million for the organization’s programs and services.
To be added to the mailing list for updates, go to legion.org/coin (http://www.legion.org/coin). For prices and other ordering information, go to usmint.gov (http://www.usmint.gov).
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A tradition that will continue
American Legion Post 136 & VFW Post 10624 donated 5 bags of toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in December. This is a tradition that will continue with Post 136.
Toys for Tots makes good use of your donation
Once again, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation achieved a 97:3 ratio of a program to support service expenses in 2018. That means over 97% of every dollar donated - that's 97 cents of every dollar - went to our mission of providing gifts to less fortunate children and only 3 cents to fundraising and overhead costs.
Toys for Tots Fun Facts:
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Donation to Charleston Fisher House
Art Horn presents a check to Vicki Johnson
Post 136 Commander Art Horn presented a check for $250 to Vicki Johnson, Director of Charleston Fisher House. The check represented a portion of funds raised at the American Legion Post 136, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136, VFW Post 10624 and VFW Auxiliary 10624 annual Toys for Tots Christmas Party.
Mark Nadobny received a TV from the Yorktown for a donation to a veteran that was in need. The TV was delivered to the Charleston Fisher House and is being donated to a veteran and his family that lost all of their belongings in a house fire.
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Edward Yaman (November 23, 1944 - February 4, 2019)
Mr. Yaman will be missed by all that knew him. Jim was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and attended Penn State University and was a varsity football letterman. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart and was a recipient of a Bronze Star. He retired from PPG Industries after 30 years and after retirement, Jim formed James E. Yaman and Associates Consulting Firm.
Russell Allen Whitlock (September 30, 1948 - February 7, 2019)
Mr. Whitlock will be missed by all that knew him. Rusell grew up in Liberty, SC, and attended Clemson University and Anderson College. He was an avid Clemson fan. He retired from the Department of the Navy where he traveled around the world as an electronics technician and served in the US Army National Guard.
Carlton Julian Poulnot, Jr. (July 17, 1937 - January 23, 2019)
Mr. Poulnot will be missed by all that had the wonderful opportunity to share time with him. Carlton was a member of Post 136 and his name appears on the original charter issued by the National Organization. Carlton served in the Navy Underwater Demolition Team 21 from May 1959 until June 1967 when under the Kennedy Administration it was reclassified as the Navy Seals. He served as a member of Seal Team 4.
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This is a thank you that is long overdue. For the 2018 joint Christmas Party (American Legion Post 136 and VFW Post 10624) we had a menu that was unbelievable; appetizers included meatballs and shrimp cocktail followed by a green salad and then the main course. The main course included roasted turkey and stuffing with gravy, sliced beef w/gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes w/marshmallows, and dinner rolls. Dessert included cookies, cheesecake and carrot cake.
Annie provided assistance with the stuffing and mashed potatoes while Jean and Rosemary provided an assortment of Christmas cookies.
The bulk of the chef work was courtesy of Steve Mosgo and Merv Horner. They planned the menu, purchased the food and begin preparation and cooking several hours before dinner. Then, after dinner, they begin the process of cleaning with Rosemary Horner and Joanna Mosgo offering assistance. Gentlemen, the food was rated a five star by all attending.
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Annually on Pearl Harbor Day Glenn L. Jeffers VFW Post 10624 conducts a ceremony on the USS Yorktown to honor and remember the hundreds of brave military members that lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The tossing of the ceremonial wreaths is observed by hundreds of visitors. Each year the number of school children attending the ceremony increases. These children are truly learning that freedom is not free.
The total number of military personnel killed was 2,335, including 2,008 navy personnel, 109 marines, and 218 Army. Added to this were 68 civilians, making the total 2403 people dead. 1,177 were from the USS Arizona.
L-R Hundreds attended the ceremony. Jim Riggins & Robert Mastrion AL Post 136 Donna King & Bill King VFW Post 10624
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The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
Hundreds of visitors attended the Expo on Thursday, September 27th. Members Merv Horner, Bob Mastrion, Jim Riggins, Art Horn, Bill Peppard, Bill Ferguson, and Fred Timmons represented Post 136 at the event.
Fishing Tournament Director Bill Ferguson and Commander Art Horn at the MPCC Expo.
Bill Ferguson and Merv Horner manning the display table. The new table cover for use at Post events.
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The membership of Post 136 is increasing monthly at a pace that is equal to any post in the Nation. Although forms state "membership", it should say Veterans because we are an exclusive organization. Without military service to our country, no one is eligible for membership. Our members are also renewing membership at a record pace. Fact: As of today, 55 members have paid their 2019 dues. That is 36% of the total membership. Thank you Veterans, let's continue to grow.
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Manning the Table
Bill Ferguson manning the table at the Summerville Palmetto State Armory. Bill gave flyers to about 80 customers at the Summerville Armory. The flyers contained details of the American Legion Post 136 & VFW Post 10624 Fishing Tournament.
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Coffee service at the VA hospital
(left to right) Jim Riggins and Tom Mefferd preparing the coffee and bagels for the early morning arrivals at the VA hospital. This service requires 3 people. Tom has been a member of the team for several months and the veterans appreciate the work he is doing. About 100 cups of coffee and dozens of bagels are served. After the service is completed the men clean all equipment utilized and prepare the small kitchen space for the next morning.
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The Aircraft Carrier USS Essex CV-9
(Photos & copy from Wikipedia)
USS Essex (CV-9) in 1943, prior to any modernization
USS Essex (CV/CVA/CVS-9) was an aircraft carrier and the lead ship of the 24-ship Essex class built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was named after the town and county of Massachusetts and was the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in December 1942, Essex participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning the Presidential Unit Citation and 13 battle stars. Decommissioned shortly after the end of the war, she was modernized and recommissioned in the early 1950s as an attack carrier (CVA), eventually becoming an antisubmarine aircraft carrier (CVS). In her second career, she served mainly in the Atlantic, playing a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. She also participated in the Korean War, earning four battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation. She was the primary recovery carrier for the Apollo 7 space mission.
She was decommissioned for the last time in 1969, and sold by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) for scrap on 1 June 1975. [1]
The modernized Essex with an angled flight deck, seen in heavy seas in 1960.
Please click on the URL below for a compelling video from the USS Essex CV-9. Footage donated by CriticalPast.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpt6Bvr.2L-s?rel=0&controls=0&showinf
GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA
The U.S. Receives Fallen Service Members’ Remains From North Korea
The United Nations Command, with support from U.S. Forces Korea, repatriated 55 cases of remains of fallen U.S. service members returned by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea.
United Nations Honor Guard members carry the remains during a dignified return ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Friday. Members of the command and the Osan community were on hand at the arrival ceremony. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kelsey Tucker.)
United Nations Command Chaplain Army Col. Sam Lee performs a blessing of sacrifice and remembrance on the 55 cases of remains returned by North Korea at Osan Air Base, South Korea, July 27, 2018. Army photo by Sgt. Quince Lanford
GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA - GOD Bless the USA
USS Ralph Johnson Commissioning Ceremony
The top two photos were taken at the commissioning ceremony. The photo of the destroyer was taken by a member of the American Legion Auxiliary as the ship passed Sullivan's Island.
Saturday was a special day for an estimated crowd of 6,000 that attended the commissioning ceremony for the USS Ralph Johnson destroyer. This event will not soon be forgotten by those attending.
On the morning of March 5, 1968, in the Quan Duc Valley of Vietnam, PFC Johnson's 15 man reconnaissance patrol was attacked by a platoon-sized enemy force. As his team valiantly defended themselves against the enemy, a grenade landed in his fighting hole. Without hesitation, PFC Johnson yelled a warning and hurled his body to shield his fellow Marines from the blast. He was killed instantly, but his actions saved his fellow Marines by preventing the enemy from breaching the perimeter and allowed his team to fight on. The naming of a destroyer formally recognizes him as one of our great Navy and Marine Corps heroes.
PFC Johnson was born and raised in Charleston, SC. His bravery earned him The Medal of Honor posthumously.
General Robert Neller, Marine Corps commandant said “This ship (the USS Ralph Johnson) was designed to fight. It’s here to go fast and in harm’s way, and that’s what we expect ….. As long as we have citizens like Ralph Johnson, we’re going to be just fine.”
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Veterans Identification Card (VIC)
The Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015 was enacted on July 20, 2015. The Act requires VA to issue an identification card to Veterans upon their request. The Veterans Identification Card (VIC) will not take the place of a healthcare enrollment card, a Choice Card, or any additional identification card that confers VA benefits upon the cardholder – the card would simply confirm Veteran status and is intended to be used to obtain discounts from retailers.
VA will begin issuing the cards in November 2017. Veterans must log into www.vets..gov/ to apply for the card. If eligible, the Veteran will receive the card in the mail within 3 weeks.
Q1. WHEN WILL THE NEW ID CARDS BE AVAILABLE?
A1: VA will begin accepting applications for the Veterans Identification Card in November 2017.
Q2. IS THE NEW VETERANS ID CARD THE SAME AS THE ONE I HAVE FROM THE VA MEDICAL CENTER?
A2: No. The new ID card does not confer access or authorization to any VA benefits. It simply verifies the Veteran status of the individual.
Q3. HOW CAN THE NEW VETERANS ID CARD BE USED?
A3: The new VIC cards will serve as proof of service in the Armed Forces and can be used to obtain discounts on goods and services offered to Veterans from retailers.
Q4. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THE VIC?
A4: In order to qualify for the VIC Veterans must present a copy of their DD-214 or other official military personnel file that describes service and have a character of discharge of other than dishonorable.
Q5. ARE RESERVISTS AND NATIONAL GUARDSMEN ELIGIBLE FOR THE VIC?
A5: Individuals that served in the Army Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air Force Reserve, the Coast Guard Reserve, the Army National Guard of the United States, or the Air National Guard of the United States may qualify for a VIC.
Q6. WILL VA CHARGE A FEE TO ISSUE THE CARDS TO VETERANS?
A6: Veterans will not be charged a fee for the VIC. VA has partnered with Office Depot to cover the cost of printing and shipping the ID Card directly to Veterans.
Q7. WILL THE VIC GIVE ME ACCESS TO ANY OTHER BENEFITS, GOODS, OR SERVICES THAT I DON'T ALREADY GET WITH MY STATE-ISSUED ID WITH VETERAN ENDORSEMENT, VETERAN HEALTH IDENTIFICATION CARD (VHIC), OR DOD RETIRED IDENTIFICATION CARD?
A7: No, if you have a driver's license with a Veteran designation, a VHIC card, or a retirement card issued by DoD, you do not need to apply for the VIC. The VIC does not qualify you for additional benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and does not serve as proof for any benefits to which you may be entitled.
Q8. HOW DO I APPLY FOR A VIC?
A8: Veterans must log into vets.gov to apply for a VIC. If eligible, you will receive your ID card in the mail within 3 weeks. For more information please go to: https://www.vets.gov.
Q9. IF I DO NOT HAVE A VETS.GOV ACCOUNT; CAN I STILL APPLY FOR THE VIC?
A9: No, you must have a vets.gov account to apply for the VIC. If you do not have a vets.gov account, you can create one by selecting "Register" on https://www.vets.gov/.
Q10. WILL THE VIC ALLOW ME TO ACCESS MILITARY POST OR INSTALLATIONS?
A10: No, the VIC will not grant access to military installations.
Q11. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS ID CARD AND THE ID CARD GENERATED IN EBENEFITS?
A11: Unlike the card generated in eBenefits, the VIC will contain the Veteran's photograph, as well a unique identification number. A graphic representation of the card is provided below:
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The seven photos below were taken at the July and August 2017 monthly meetings. Beginning with the September meeting photos will feature members that are attending our meetings. Many Posts with a membership of 200, 300 and even 400 and above do not have as many members attending their meetings as we do at Post 136. Thank you for making our Post active and helping us grow in membership.
L to R - Dwight Cargile (Past District Commander), Bill Ferguson (2nd Vice Commander) & Mark Nadobny (1st Vice Commander). Bill is a new officer and Mark previously served as the Membership Officer.
Just a few of our great members at the August meeting.
L to R - Past District Commander Dwight Cargile swearing in officers at the August monthly meeting. Fred Timmons (Finance Officer), Joy Datta (Sergeant at Arms) and Bob Mastrion (Judge Advocate)
L to R - Jim Riggins (Adjutant), Fred Timmons (Finance Officer), Bob Scherer (Past Department Commander), Art Horn (Post Commander) and John Valin (Membership Officer) accepting an award for an increase in membership. Post 136 was 4th in percent of an increase in 2016.
A photo of the Certificate of Recognition presented to businesses and home-owners in Mount Pleasant that display the American Flag.
Jimmie Bartee accepts a Certificate of Recognition from Dwight Cargile.
L to R - Dwight Cargile (Past District Commander), Hal Freeman (Eggs Up Grill). Michael Cochran (Glasspro), Bob Scherer (Past Department Commander). Mr. Freeman and Mr. Cochran accepting Certificates of Recognition for their businesses displaying the American Flag.
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Third Grade Students Learning Respect for Veterans
Post 136 extends our appreciation to the staff from James B. Edwards Elementary School for their assistance. The three above photos indicate the eagerness of the children to begin placing flags. Members of Post 136 enjoyed working with the children and will do it again. Thank you Robert Mastrion, John Valin, Mike Ketchum, Tom Mefferd, Wes Greavu, and Bill Peppard. Special thanks to Patrick (Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens) from all of us. The video above doesn't show the heavy rain that suddenly started falling but does show the children seeking shelter inside and enjoying the treats provided by Patrick.
Click on the link below and allow a few seconds to load. You'll love the beautiful children.
thank you - our children are the future of our country - our children are the future of our country - thank you
A visit to James B. Edwards Elementary School
Notice the hands raised as fifth-grade students listen intently and then ask questions for Mr. Greavu.
(L-R) Art Horn, David Taylor, Wesley Greavu, Fred Timmons
Students examining wristbands with the seals of U.S. military branches.
Mr. Wesley Greavu Mr. David Taylor
On Veteran's Day 2017 the fifth grade class from James B. Edwards Elementary School met members of The American Legion at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. The weather was brisk that morning but the children had a mission and were eager to begin. Their mission was to place U.S. flags on the graves of military veterans. The fifth graders finished the work in short order and the only disappointment was the shortage of flags.
Post 136 had wrist bracelets to give to each student but didn't account for a large number of children participating. Art Horn, Commander of Post 136, mention to Ms. Nancy Platt that a member of the Post would deliver more bracelets to the school. Ms. Platt suggested that a better time would be in March when the students were studying the history of WWII.
Ms. Platt followed up and arranged for four members of the Post to visit and speak to the students. The members included Wesley Greavu and David Taylor, two members of the Greatest Generation that served in the war. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Greavu were excited about the opportunity and prepared for the visit in advance.
It was a great time for the students and Legion members. Sadly, there were questions still to be answered at the end of the hour. Following the meeting, Mr. Greavu and Mr. Taylor were in agreement that the students were very interested in U.S. history and had thought of questions to ask prior to the visit.
Thank you Principal Fountain, and the entire staff at James B. Edwards for the invitation to attend. Parents should know that their children are in capable hands. We have another group of great Americans on the way.
------- U.S. Air Force - U.S. Army - U.S. Coast Guard - U.S. Marine Corps - U.S. Navy ----------
Quadrant Oratorical Contest
Nakel Pinckney, Preston Strenth, Matthew Finney, Jim Kvam (Quadrant Chairman), Emily Wilson, Jessica Scannel
The American Legion Quadrant Oratorical Contest for 2018 was conducted in Mount Pleasant in February. Post 136 appreciates the cooperation from Trident Technical College Mount Pleasant Campus in providing an excellent venue for the contest.
Contestant preparation for the contest, which is based on the U.S. Constitution, requires each student to deliver an eight to ten-minute presentation without notes or prompts on some aspect of the Constitution. Additionally, each contestant must be ready for a three to five-minute presentation on one of four amendments. A random drawing determined the amendment.
Five contestants competed from the area: Emily Wilson, Nakel Pinckney, Matthew Finney, Preston Strenth and Jessica Scannel.
The winner is based on the aggregate score of five judges. The judges were: Bill Gilden, Fred Lesinski, Bonnie Mefferd, Chris Jackson and Donna Doughty. Judges had a difficult task and their involvement was certainly appreciated. It should be noted that Donna Doughty accepted the invitation at 10:00 pm the night before the contest. Fortunately, Donna is a former school teacher and was familiar with the contest.
The winner was Jessica Scannel, a sophomore from Stratford High School. Jessica advanced to the Department (State) Contest and received the 1st Place award. The National Contest is the next destination for Jessica.
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Inaugural Auction Event
Post 136 received tremendous support from our community for the Inaugural Auction Event.
Special recognition is given to:
The businesses in our area that donated merchandise, services, and gift certificates.
Supporters of veterans that purchased tickets for the auction and bid on the items.
Post 136 members and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136 members that worked at the event.
A total of $3,200* will be used to support veterans at the VA hospital and homeless veterans. The first purchases have been made and delivered to the VA. Included are:
8 - $10 Gift Cards (Taco Bell) $80.00
8 - $10 Gift Cards (Hardees) $80.00
9 - $1 Bottles of Lotion (Dollar Tree) $9.81
11- $1 Bottles of Lotion (Dollar General $11.99
CARTA bus passes $1,700.00
5 – Queen Sheet Sets (Walmart) amt below
10 - $10 Gift Cards (Walmart) amt below
5 – Jogger Pants (Walmart) $245.55
2 – Jogger Pants (Walmart) $15.13
11 – Knit Caps (Kohl’s) amt below
14 – Sweat Pants (Kohl’s) $302.80
10 - $10 Gas Cards (Speedway) $100.00
21- Pair of Flip Flops (Walmart) $22.43
4 – Knit Caps (donated by member)
Total purchases to date: $2,547.71
Balance remaining: $652.29
*Very Important Note: All purchases are made from an urgent need list provided by the VA.
thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou
Post 136 Receives Award for Surpassing Membership Quota
Fae Casper (National Vice Commander) Robert Scherer (Department Commander) Fred Timmons (Past Post Commander)
Members of Post 136 can be proud of the growth in membership. This is the second consecutive year that the post has surpassed the quota assigned by The American Legion Department of SC. Signing new members is a job for all current members and if the Post is to receive an award three years in a row, the time to start recruiting is now.
The above photo is Fred Timmons accepting the award on behalf of members of Post 136.
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Post 136 Member Receives Certificate of Appreciation
John Valin, Post 136 member, and Finance Officer received a certificate of appreciation from the VA hospital for reaching a level of 2500 hours of volunteer work.
Based on a 40 hour work week the 25oo hours represents an equivalent of over 62 weeks of service. Yes, a remarkable milestone indeed.
John is the first to say, "it's a source of satisfaction for me to give back to those that have served our country."
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Certificate of Recognition
Mike Able, Betty Rosenberg, Patsy Bannon, John Valin (Finance) Henriellen Quail, Mark Nadobny (Membership)
All members of Post 136 can submit names of friends, neighbors or businesses in Mount Pleasant that fly the American flag on a regular basis. Our only requirement is this: individuals selected must attend a monthly meeting to receive the certificate.
The certificate serves to honor patriots that show their support for our country. Displaying the flag instills a positive message to our children and encourages them to love, honor and obey.
Mark Nadobny, our Post Membership Officer, is currently working on a program that will enable teachers to educate students pertaining to the Korean War. The name of the organization is Korean War Digital History Project. You can view the website at http://www.kwdhproject.org.
Remember, lest we forget history will repeat itself.
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Our Live and Silent Auction
November 4, 2017
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU2BYRm03bo
Click on the above link to see Jim Richards, auctioneer, in action.
The live and silent auction was successful and our Post must thank all of the businesses that contributed to the event. With support from the members of our community attending, the Average Savage Band and the Rusty Rudder, Post 136 will be donating over $3,000.00 in products to the veterans in the VA hospital and to homeless veterans. The Post was fortunate to have Jim Richards, auctioneer, and his wife Liz present. Jim had made a commitment to handle the auction and drove up from Orlando to honor that promise.
Eddie and Jerri Adair Art Horn, Fred Timmons & Mark Nadobny
(L-R) Joanna, Rosemary, Susan, Patsy Membership Table
Joe & Fran Murphy
The assortment of items for the auction was large and varied. A table-top griddle is displayed above on the left and a 1902 railroad pocket watch was an item that will be treasured for decades to come. The American Legion Auxiliary did a fantastic job of displaying product information on the auction items.
Two bikes were auctioned plus ammunition and a basket of holiday spirits.
A series of 3 prints referencing Americana, a collection of eight Pepsi bottles notating awards given to NASCAR's Richard Petty and a cute table-top model of a 1976 VW.
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Welcome New Members
Our National organization provided the Post with a huge register of recent members that joined The Legion but didn’t have a home Post.
We welcome all of the members that have transferred to Post 136 and want them to feel at home when attending our meetings and other events. Post 136 is fortunate to have such a large group and their new ideas are always appreciated.
The members are:
James Barrett Anthony Capehart Ronald Fazio
Jacob Gregory Arthur Horn Stephen Karinshak
William Ketchum Glen Lozier John Marrs
Carl Meynardie Cliff Poole Peter Reddy
Albert Steichen
More new members to welcome:
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Dinner to honor our members from the Grenada, Lebanon, Panama, the Persian Gulf and the continuing war on Terrorism eras of military service.
Saturday, March 4th was a perfect evening to share with fellow Legion members.
We had a full house with fifty-five present to honor veterans from the eras mentioned above. It was especially pleasing to have several members attending a Post event for the first time. They certainly weren’t disappointed and I’m sure we’ll see them at our next event. The function gave members an opportunity to mingle prior to dinner, which, without question, was excellent according to all the comments.
Judy Hennis, Department Senior Vice-President of the American Legion Auxiliary, was invited to speak pertaining to the involvement of the ALA and the commitment to veterans and the community. Several guests completed a membership application and Mount Pleasant could have a post active within weeks. Ten members are required in order to receive a charter.
Joy Datta, Post Events Officer, will begin planning a Family Fun Day for our next event.
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February Recipient of Certificate of Recognition
Mary J. Hofmeister was presented with the Post Certificate of Recognition at the February monthly meeting.
Mrs. Hofmeister spoke of her father’s service to our country in World War I and of her late husband’s service in the Korean War.
It was a pleasure to have Mrs. Hofmeister in attendance and Americans of all ages should follow her example of patriotism.
Finance Officer John Valin presenting the Certificate to Mrs. Hofmeister.
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January recipients of the Certificate of Recognition are pictured below.
The Certificate of Recognition is awarded to citizens that show patriotism in displaying the American flag. It is not awarded on ideological views but on love individuals have for our country. Patriots will be identified and invited to attend our monthly meetings.
The Post’s January meeting gave us an opportunity to get off to a good start by thanking patriots in our community. Going forward, we will identify residents in areas where our members reside.
In late October the Post Commander received an e-mail from Judy Biggie that read “Can you tell me where I can take our old flags to be disposed properly?” That resulted in an exchange of e-mails and subsequently an invitation to Bill and Judy Biggie to attend our meeting.
A Post member recommended a certificate be presented to Danny Causey (Causey’s Barber Shop). Mark, our member, said that he drove past the shop daily and the flag was an inspiration.
Mr. Causey commented on how the flag was moved higher as necessary when obscured by plants and then a tree. Today, the flag is illuminated and is displayed around the clock.
Having Bill, Judy, and Danny Causey in attendance was a pleasure and we certainly hope to see more of them at our events.
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Judy Biggie Bill Biggie Danny Causey
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Christmas Party & Toys for Tots 2016
And a good time was enjoyed by all . . .
Many children on Christmas day will wake up excited thanks to the generous toy donation by the guests. The number of toys surpassed the expectations of all attending.
At the beginning let me say thank you to all that assisted in making the Christmas Party a huge success. Post 136 members continue to amaze me with their dedication and resourcefulness.
Joy Datta, Post 136 Events Officer, did a fantastic job in selecting the Harbor Breeze Restaurant for the party.
The number of members, family and friends attending was more than expected and we thank all for their support. While we tried to get photos of everyone with 75 people present it was impossible.
The food was excellent and the choice of entrees ensured a favorite for all. Likewise, the beverage selection was great and the service was second to none. Yes, we'll do it again next year.
Merry Christmas and GOD bless all!
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Our Dinner to Honor Our Vietnam War Era Members (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)
I want to thank all of our members that attended to say “Welcome Home” to our Vietnam War veterans. It was a wonderful evening and making it even greater was the opportunity for each Vietnam veteran to speak of their service to our country.
Special thanks must be given to Merv Horner who donated the food (which, by the way, was excellent) and to Steve, Merv’s son-in-law, who served as the cook for the event. By the time I arrived at 4:30 pm, Merv had the table set and the grill heating.
As we go forward it would be a pleasure to have all members of Post 136 attending functions. All those attending enjoy socializing with fellow members and our guests add so much to the success of the events.
Standing L/R - Chuck Hernanskey - Ron Herzog - Joe Brant - Pete Yearout - Bob Mastrion - Steve Henderson - Carl Cole - Ernie Melin Seated L/R - Bill King - Marcus Googer III - William Gideon - Merv Horner
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An evening honoring our Korean War era Veterans (March 23, 2016)
America’s veterans are in a class of their own. That’s an opinion shared by millions of Americans and millions more from countries throughout the world. It’s absolutely amazing that our veterans have faced enemies motivated by hatred and brain-washing (that their countries deserved to control all mankind) and yet the U.S. and allies have always prevailed.
Our dinner to honor the Korean War ear Veterans was an opportunity for the men to reflect on their days, months and years serving in the military. Not one man boasted of their service in terms of bitterness but rather the training they received and where the service took them from the U.S. to places around the globe.
Soon our post will be scheduling a dinner to honor our men and women that served in the Vietnam War era. Meanwhile, keep all veterans in your prayers and especially those that are currently on active duty in areas where lives matter so little.
This beautiful cake was courtesy of our member John Berlinsky, Jr. All the surrounding pies, cookies and brownies were provided by our member Dennis Smith. The salad, bread sticks and main course was donated by our member Merv Horner. Thank you gentlemen.
Dan DiCarlo John Flinn Bill Wilkerson Legrand Guerry Harry Shoeplin Bob Young Eugene Lenga
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Evening to Honor Our WWII Members (December 9, 2015)
Posted on 14 Dec 2015
Wednesday, December 9th gave members of Post 136 an opportunity to thank the brave men that served in WWII. Without these men the histories of our nation and the entire world would be changed. The freedom we enjoy would have vanished and civilization destroyed.
Thousands paid the ultimate sacrifice to save the world against evil and we must remember them in our prayers, not just on Veteran's Day but throughout the year.
Truly, the men and women that served in WWII are the Greatest Generation.
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