Winter 2006 Issue

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Commander's Message
Feature Article
Post 281 Committee Reports
Post 281 News and Announcements
Post Calendar
Coming Events
Auxiliary Unit 281 News
SAL Squadron 281 News

 

 

   Commander's Message:

First of all, I would like to wish all our Legion Family members and their families a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

The last 2 months, with everyone showing a true holiday spirit, was a busy and rewarding time for all. Veterans Day was a huge success, allowing us to take pride in our individual service and remembering all our comrades from all the past wars, from WW2 to Desert Freedom. I would also like to thank the ladies from our Auxiliary Unit 281 for the delicious spaghetti dinner they made for all the veterans that day.

That event was followed by our annual St. John of God Christmas dance for our special guests. Watching them, I realized that they were giving more to us than we were giving them. Those who attended came away with a new perspective, a feeling that no problem was too big to handle. Many thanks go to Jerry, Unit 281 and the SAL’s for another job well done. A special thanks goes to our SAL Commander, Tim Stillman, aka Santa Claus.

We wrapped up the holiday season with our children’s and adult’s Christmas parties. As always, Don Mitchell and the ladies from Auxiliary Unit 281 did a superb job. The smiles on every child’s face spoke volumes of the success of this event. And as always, Santa made his usual appearance, and every kid’s eyes lit up and couldn’t wait to tell Santa what he or she wanted for Christmas.

Our adult’s Christmas Party was a lot of fun, with great music and food. This is a great annual event where we all come together, not just to party but to share special friendships and remember our comrades who are no longer with us.

Time and space do not allow me to list every event and program of the past year and the dedicated people who work hard behind the scenes. But I would like to take a moment to thank all our dedicated Legion family members for helping make this a memorable year. If you are an active member, you know that every day, something special happens at our Post, from the morning coffee klatsch, to watching a football game together or just listening to good music. You know who these involved members are, so be sure to take a moment to say “thanks!”

The next couple of months at the Post will be filled with fun events. In particular, don’t miss our annual Super Bowl and Chili Bowl Parties, these events are great, as you watch our sports experts and food connoisseurs debating back and forth, all in jest, of course.

Our Legion is strong and continues to grow because of our dedicated members who get involved in the decision-making process. Please consider getting involved by attending our monthly meetings, the first Wednesday of each month. Make some new friends and find out what’s happening on the local, state and federal level as it pertains to Veteran’s affairs.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider wearing a Post 281 Legion cap, available at the Post. Let’s work together to make 2006 a great year for Post 281. 

For God and Country,
Fran McGovern
Commander Post 281
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Feature Article:

APOLLO 11 REVISITED
July 16-24, 1969

First, a few moon facts…
• Diameter: 2,160 miles.
• Surface Area: about equal to the surface of Africa.
• Average Distance from Earth: 238,857 miles.
• Rotation period: 27d, 7h, 43m.
• Revolution period: 29.5 days.
• Gravity: 1/6 of earth’s gravity.
• Tilt of Axis: 6.68°
• Mass: about 1/80 that of earth.
• Mean Daytime Temperature: 250° F.
• Mean Nighttime Temperature: -260° F.  
• Number of Moon Landings: 6– Apollos 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17

The first person ever  mooned: A caveman in what is now the Middle East, 215,793 BC, name unknown. Name of first mooner also unknown. 

Famous Moon names: Moon Unit Zappa, Blue Moon Odom, Wally Moon.

The Journey of Apollo 11
The Moon. La Lune (French). La Luna (Spanish & Italian). Tpokuniwi Gischuch (Lenape). Der Mond (German). Måne (Swedish). Regardless of the language, the moon conjures up images of romance, lunacy, werewolves and many other things humans have learned to love or fear. How many times have we said “It must be a full moon tonight! All the lunatics are out.” Both the words “lunatic” and “lunacy,” by the way, come from the Latin word for moon, meaning someone has been “moonstruck.” That could either mean deeply in love or just plain crazy.

The Moon. Monday is named after it, the day we have all learned to hate because it means we all have to go back to work. John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas even felt so moved to write “Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day.” And of course the word “month” means moon. It takes the moon 29.5 days to revolve around the earth. Just about a month.

We all know the ocean tides are made possible only by the effects of the moon, and because the human body is comprised of about 70% water, it is believed that the moon has an effect on humans and it may even have an effect on women's menstrual cycles. Hmmm…

Without the tides caused by the moon, many ecosystems and the wildlife they support would be extinct. The moon is not just “there.” It is needed.

For over a million years, our human ancestors had looked up at the nighttime (and daytime) skies and knew the moon was there but never knew just what it was. When it “vanished” during lunar eclipses, they were fearful that the whole world would end, beating drums and shouting at the moon to return. Of course it always did.

What our ancestors didn’t know about the moon made them afraid. But what they definitely did realize was that it was totally out of reach. That is, it was out of reach until 1968.

The Apollo 8 crew of Frank Borman, Jim Lovell & William Anders was the first mission to the moon in December, 1968, as they orbited the moon but did not land. Apollo 10 visited in May, 1969 but it was the Apollo 11 crew of “Armstrong, Aldrin & Collins” that made the first moon landing. As Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the moon’s surface in the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module), poor old Michael Collins had the unenviable job of orbiting the moon in the mother ship, the CSM (Command-Service Module). But I envied him– I envied them all.

Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio on 5 August, 1930. He was an Eagle Scout and later fought in the Korean War as a US Navy pilot, completing 78 combat missions in an F9F-2 Panther, attached to the USS Essex (CV-9). In the late 1950s he became a civilian test pilot and in 1962 became an astronaut for NASA.

Armstrong later commanded the Gemini 8 mission in March, 1966. But the big mission in his career, Apollo 11, was to come in 1969.

Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey on 20 January, 1930. He is a graduate of West Point and graduated 3rd in his class in 1951. Also a Korean War veteran, Aldrin flew 66 combat missions in F-86 Sabres as a member of the US Air Force and shot down a MiG-15 aircraft.

In 1963, Aldrin was selected as an astronaut for NASA and later served as pilot on the Gemini 12 mission.

“It suddenly struck me that this tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn’t feel like a giant. I felt very, very small. NEIL ARMSTRONG July, 1969

Michael Collins was born in Rome on 31 October, 1930. A 1952 West Point graduate, Collins, like Aldrin, also flew F-86 Sabres for the US Air Force, and also like Aldrin, became an astronaut in 1963. His first spaceflight was on Gemini 10.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced that a major goal of the United States was to land a man on the moon before the decade was out. Finally, after testing out the lunar lander’s (LEM) technology on Apollos 9 & 10, Apollo 11 was ready to make its voyage.

Leaving Cape Kennedy on 16 July, 1969, I was one of those kids glued to the TV watching that historic launch. I wanted to be an astronaut then — but when I ended up being 6’ 6”, that was the end of my aeronautical aspirations…

Once in lunar orbit, with Command Module pilot Collins left behind to orbit the moon, Armstrong & Aldrin crawled into the LEM (Eagle), detached from the CSM and descended to the moon. It was already predetermined by NASA who would walk on the moon first– Neil Armstrong was given that honor.

Many people don’t know that the first lunar landing on 20 July, 1969 almost proved fatal to the crew on the LEM. Armstrong & Aldrin landed on the Sea of Tranquility with less than 30 seconds of fuel to spare. They almost didn’t make it.

After touchdown, the first “unofficial” words from the moon were uttered by Aldrin when he said “Contact light.” Then Armstrong said “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” The more famous words by Armstrong, “that’s one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind” were uttered when he first set foot on the moon. Aldrin soon followed to become the second human on the moon, a Jersey boy. Their stay on the lunar surface was just 21½ hours, both in and out of the LEM.

Safely making it back to the CSM, joining Collins, the Apollo 11 crew made it safely back to splashdown on earth on 24 July, 1969. Some trip.
Tom Lowe
Newsletter Editor
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Committees and Reports:

Welcome New Post 281 Members

William Colfer	Walter Croak, Jr.	Joseph McLeer
Anthony Sciarillo	Warren Menewisch

Taps

Charlie Charlton

Joseph Hopkins

Jack Wetton

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Service Officer's Report
Below is a taken from a recent letter written by Dept. of NJ Service Officer Vincent Bevilaqua:

“…The 4.1% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is the largest benefit increase in 10 years.This reasonable rate increase must be due, at least partially, to the fact that the 2006 election will include 435 members of the House of Representatives, and a significant number of US Senators.”
   “The good news is welcome, especially in a year which has witnessed grossly inadequate VA Health Care budgets, to the degree that the VA admitted in July that the fiscal year 2005 budget was not adequate to meet the demand for medical care for our veterans. An increased demand by Veterans of the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq was blamed for the shortfall, when it was in fact due to the current administration disregarding the suggestions of veterans organizations regarding adequate VA health care funding. The Legion has joined with several other veterans organizations calling for the VA Health Care budget to be funded as a mandatory, rather than a discretionary budget item. Had that been enacted, there would have been no embarrassment to the administration about that budgetary shortfall. The National Commander of the American Legion is calling on Congress to enact that change to the budget process in the next Congressional session, which commences January, 2006. Let us hope they will finally listen to reason…”
  Signed, 
Vincent S. Bevilaqua 
Kenneth G. Connors
 (Asst. Dept. Service Officer)

Jerry McAllister
Service Officer
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Chaplain's Corner
We have come to the end of another year. I hope the passing year has left you in good health and happiness.

Again, another holiday season has passed, a time we celebrated with friends and family in the exchange of gifts, a time mixed with joy and friendship. It is up to you to carry on the Christmas spirit into the new year and have it last forever. Here is something I want to share with you:

The Greatest Gift
by Grace E. Easley

The greatest gift at Christmastime
Is one we all may give.
A friendly smile that helps to make
Life easier to live.
A kindly thought, a helping hand,
To show someone we care,
To let them know how much it means
To us to have them there.

The greatest gift at Christmastime
Costs not a cent to buy.
It’s being a good neighbor
As days and months go by.
It’s offering a shoulder
When someone needs a lift,
And so I pray this Christmas Day…
That this may be your gift.

Enjoy your life. Have a healthy and happy New Year.   

Lou Heck, Chaplain
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Canteen Report
“Sometimes, when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this beer they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think “It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true, than be selfish and worry about my liver.”          
Babe Ruth

“An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with fools.”
Ernest Hemingway

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.” 
Packer Great Paul Hornung

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” 
Ben Franklin

“Remember, “i” before “e” except in Budweiser.”
Professor Irwin Corey

“To some it’s a 6-pack, to me it’s a support group. Salvation in a can.” 
Leo  Durocher

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.”
President Lyndon Johnson
(The only intelligent thing LBJ ever said)

“24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.”         
H.L. Mencken

“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go as well with pizza.”
Dave Barry

“When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So let’s all get drunk and go to heaven.”
George Bernard Shaw

“Beer: Helping ugly people have sex since 3000 B.C.”
W.C. Fields

“I think that I shall never hear, a poem as lovely as a beer.”
Alfred E. Newman

One night at “Cheers,” Cliff Clavin explained his Buffalo Theory to buddy Norm: “Well ya see, Norm, it’s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.”

“In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers!”

With all that said and done, stop by the Post and have a cold beer, the latest new drink, or a martini. We have ‘em all! (But no Cliff Clavin — sorry).
Ron Spriggs, Glenn Pickell and Charlie Donohue
Bar Chairs
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Post 281's Veterans Day Ceremony
On Veterans Day, November 11, 2005, Post 281 held its annual Veterans Day dinner and ceremony, an affair Post 281 has always been proud of. After the Auxiliary prepared and served a great spaghetti dinner to veterans and their families, the ceremony began promptly at 7:30. The ceremony was well-attended, with at least 90 on hand.

After the posting of colors, Past Commander Jim Barrett spoke about the MIA table that was on stage, reminding everyone of its significance, as a constant reminder of those who never made it back.

Next, Commander Fran McGovern spoke of the current situation in Iraq, eloquently reminding everyone that we are still at war. He said, quoting President Calvin Coolidge: “We should never forget our defenders — they are the backbone of America.”

Honored guests at this affair included Camden Co. Commander Sean McCormack, Commander Bob McCord of VFW Post 2714, Auxiliary President Leslie O’Neill, SAL Commander Tim Stillman and a very special guest, Specialist Brian Kofsky, U.S. Army, 250th Signal Battalion, a member of our Post and a veteran of the Iraqi War. Brian served in Iraq at a place referred to by the Yanks as FOB Summerall, near Bayji, about 100 miles north of Baghdad from December, 2004 to November, 2005. Evidently, he had just returned from his deployment.  

As most modest soldiers would do, Brian downplayed his contributions to the war effort, but his base did endure mortar and rocket fire from the enemy while he was there. Yes, he was in danger all right. Brian didn’t make any speeches at the ceremony, but just having him there in uniform was a reminder that yes indeed, we are still at war. And we are proud of men like Brian Kofsky.

Other speakers included Unit 281 President Leslie O’Neill, Senior Vice-Commander Ken Bausinger, Finance Officer Bill Holmes and Past Commander and Adjutant Charlie Donohue.

The spirit of the ceremony was serious, sober, honorable and somber– somber for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and didn’t make it back alive. There were musical interludes which included the music of Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Some Gave All” and an instrumental called “This Is My Country.”

John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Field” was then read by Al O’Neil, Tim Stillman, Leslie O’Neill, Len Wolff and Ron Spriggs. With the lights out and the readers using small flashlights, this lovely, pertinent and very appropriate piece gave the ceremony a spiritual aspect not lost on those listening in from the other side… Post 281’s awesome Honor Guard & Firing Squad then fired 3 volleys in the front of the building, reminding the living that the dead are not forgotten.

A recording of “God Bless the USA” was then played before Chaplain Lou Heck gave the closing prayer. Lou, emotional, verbally eloquent and as philosophical as always, walked over to the US flag during his remarks, held it up and mentioned how beautiful our flag is. He remarked on its visual beauty but also its symbolic beauty and reminded us all what it stands for. He asked those present to remember those who didn’t come back alive, those who couldn’t enjoy the freedom under our great flag. But those were the ones, he said, who made that freedom possible. 

So ended another great Veterans Day ceremony at Post 281. It made me proud of my chosen organization. It made me proud to be a veteran, even though we all bitched and groaned while we served. That’s the thing — we served. We should be proud.
Tom Lowe
Editor
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St. John of God Christmas Social
Your Legion Family pulled it off once again, and for the most part, it was the official start of our Christmas Season. Oh, and for the record, and all of our politically-correct leaders, I did say Christmas!

While Commander Tim’s SAL’s were busying themselves in the kitchen preparing the meal, our guests started to arrive and the rest of us were on hand to greet them. All our special guests were dressed to the nines (whatever that means). For the most part, it was the same group of folks from previous years, and they were as glad to see us as we were glad to see them.

As usual, they came to party and that’s just what they did. DJ Dan Sullivan officially welcomed them all to the “V.F.W.” Boy, he won’t live that one down for a while. Our guests then helped themselves to some tasty appetizers and the dancing began. A short time later, the main course was served and we all enjoyed a great meal prepared by the kitchen crew. After some belt-loosening, the music once again began, and so did the serious dancing. There were some great impersonations of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Yup, Sandy & Danny were there in mind and spirit, singing and dancing to some of the music from Grease. I know for certain that President Leslie’s dance card was filled all evening, along with with the other ladies from the Auxiliary. I’m not quite sure who welcomed Santa the most, our guests or our girls, whose arrival gave them all a chance to grab a short rest and cool their heels. As a back-up, we also had 2 members of the Rescue Squad on tap to help out and be on hand in case the dancing became too intense.

Santa made his much-anticipated grand entrance to the appropriate tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus.” He spent time with everyone and presented each guest with a gift. This year, he decided to give out a really great Flyers hat to everyone, and from the smiles it generated, the gifts were evidently well-received by all.

Santa then performed his traditional and now legendary dance with the guests, and then he went on his merry way. Next, it was time for the dessert table, which was filled with all kinds of goodies donated by our great Auxiliary and a line was once again forming at the ever-popular punch bowl, its ingredients a closely-guarded secret handed down from Santa’s elves.

Dan did a great job as DJ/MC and the dance floor was crowded all evening. Before we knew it, the evening was coming to a close and we ended it in typical American Legion fashion, with everyone joining hands on the dance floor to sing “God Bless America.” And if that doesn’t put a lump in your throat, I don’t know what will.

After spending an evening with our extended Legion Family, there was no way one could walk out of there and be upset with anyone or anything. It makes any problems we may have seem trivial. You have to leave with an uplifted spirit and a different outlook on life. Probably all the world’s problems could be worked out right in the hall in their company. Like the song we all shared that night, my feelings are “yes, God bless America, God bless our friends from St. John of God and God bless all the people who participated that evening in whatever capacity.”

I am looking forward to working with you at next year’s party, which is already scheduled for December 8, 2006. If you would like to help us then, just tell us and we will be sure to inform you of the meeting schedule. We are also open to suggestions for next year’s gifts and ways to make the affair even more entertaining.

In the meantime, please check out some of the photos of this year’s party on our website. It is definitely worth the time and effort. Our website address can be found on the masthead of this newsletter.

We look forward to another big bash next year and another opportunity to make our special guests happy once again.
Jerry McAllister
Service Officer
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Department of Veterans Affairs on the Web
In these modern times (haven’t they always been modern?), finding out the latest news and benefits is sometimes just a mouse click away. All you have to do is tap into www.va.gov and you’re into the Department of Veterans Affair’s official website.

On the site’s home page is a “chapter” section where you can tap into information on healthcare, benefits, burials, VA Jobs, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Public Affairs, Congressional Affairs, Business Opportunities, Partners, Veterans Data and even a Kids Page. The website is very well-organized and laid out in an easy-to-use format.

There is a Special Programs section that enables you to get data on Disabled Veterans, Homeless Veterans, Minority Veterans, Women Veterans, Veterans in Service, the Military Services, Section 508 Accessibility and a section on the VA’s 75th Anniversary. A Veterans Benefits Booklet can be downloaded from the site and Medicare Drug Coverage is explained in detail.

You veterans out there– you did your part. Now let Uncle Sam do his part. The most efficient and easiest way to understand what your benefits truly are is to tap into the VA’s website and take it from there. If you have any more questions, use our Post Service Officer to answer any questions you may have in person.
Tom Lowe
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Post 281 News and Announcements:

Post 281 Dues Increase
Post 281’s annual membership dues will increase from $20 to $25 starting July, 2006, with the issuance of 2007 membership cards. In 2004, the Dept. of New Jersey raised the per capita tax on each member by $7, leaving the Post with only $2.50 out of your $20. Many posts at that time, in response to that increase, raised their dues, but Post 281 decided to hold the line as long as possible.

With the recent escalation of insurance premiums, utilities, and the general overall increase of operating expenses, a motion was made at the October regular meeting to raise the dues. The motion was approved unanimously by the membership.

We conducted an informal survey of some Legion Posts throughout New Jersey, and we found that we still have one of the lowest, if not the lowest membership dues in the state. This could also be an opportune time to consider the option of signing up for a “Paid-Up-For-Life” membership. You may call Sr. Vice Cdr. and Membership Chairman Ken Bausinger at the Post for more information, or you may check your rate at the National American Legion website by going to: http:/www.legion.org/pdf/pufl2004_chart.pdf

If this increase is a financial burden for you, please contact the Post.
Charlie Donohue
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Membership: the Heart of the Matter
No one likes to be constantly reminded about things, but the American Legion and other veterans organizations are, besides other things, a lobbying group. What gives us clout in Congress is membership, pure and simple.

The dependence on military veterans to just walk into a nearby American Legion Post and ask to sign up on their own will simply not result in a large membership for the Legion, although that’s exactly how I became a member in February, 1983. Most veterans join after being recruited. I can’t tell you how many Legionnaires have told me through the years how they always wanted to join but never took the time to do so until another Legionnaire took the time to explain the benefits of Legion membership.

If you take advantage of the “free car program” explained on this page, or just want to sign up a veteran the old-fashioned way, is your prerogative. But please act. It hurts to say that nationally, thousands of veterans are dying every day, and many of them are Legionnaires. We need new blood. We need good men and women to pick up the slack from some of the older Legionnaires who just can’t do all the work at the Posts anymore.

Please consider picking up a few membership recruiting forms in the Post’s main office. Sign someone up. Keep us strong.
Tom Lowe
Editor
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The American Legion, Department of New Jersey
2006 New Member/Recruiter Challenge

WIN A NEW CAR!!

Rules:

1. All members who are in good standing are eligible to enter the DRAWING ONCE FOR EVERY NEW MEMBER THEY SIGN UP.
2. All new members who are signed up by a member in good standing are eligible.
3. A new member is a member who has never held membership in the American Legion or has not held membership in the last 3 years or longer.
4. Entry form will be distributed to county membership chairmen to be distributed in local posts.
5. Entry form must be completed in its entirety. No blanks.
6. All completed entries to be forwarded to Department by the Post membership chairman.
7. This challenge shall run from July 1, 2005 and end at the end of the business day, Friday, May 19, 2006.
8. The first round of drawings will take place at all DEC meetings. Ten names will be drawn at the membership meetings except for Wildwood. This will take place after the DEC meeting and entered into the second round drawing.
9. The second round drawing will take place at the end of the first day of the business session at the Wildwood Convention. Ten names will be drawn to have the chance to pick a key.
10. At the end of the convention on Friday, the ten finalists will be given turns to pick a key out of 200 keys to open and start the car. The first person who starts the car will be the winner. There will be only one possible winner. Only one key will open and start the car.
11. The ten finalists will take their turn to draw for a key in the same order as their name was drawn from round two.
12. All finalists must be present to have their chance to draw for a key.
13. The American Legion is not responsible for any fees and costs that might be encountered. All fees and costs are the responsibility of the winner.
14. The winner agrees to all reasonable publicity the American Legion and car dealer requires.

If interested in this program, or just to sign up a new member, ask an officer for a membership challenge card, available in the office.   

 

Best Website Prize for Post 281
The National American Legion Press Club, at the National Convention in Hawaii this past September, awarded the inaugural George Hooten Award to Stetser-Lamartine Post 281 for achieving excellence in website content and overall design. The contest was open to all SAL, Auxiliary and Legion Posts throughout the country that have websites and are members of NALPA.

Congratulations are in order to Carolyn Bausinger. Carolyn, who is also the editor of the Auxiliary Newsletter, does a wonderful job maintaining and updating the site. If you have never visited your Post’s website, just type in the address dress on the masthead of this newsletter and you’re in. See for yourself the excellent job Carolyn has done. There is a wealth of information to be found: Post, Auxiliary and SAL meetings, calendar of events, programs, photos of special events, scholarship information, canteen, hall rental info, and useful links to the VA and other veteran-related topics. 

It isn’t every day someone wins a prestigious award like this. Just think — tops in the country!!! Congratulations Carolyn Bausinger! Hard work does pay off after all…
Charlie Donohue, Sr.
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New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center, located in Holmdel, NJ, has been for quite some time now trying to get all the veterans of that era to register with them. They have just recently converted over from paper files to a computer-based program. If you haven’t already done so, you can visit their website at www.njvvmf.org. Elect the Veterans Locator link, then choose Create a Profile. It is just a matter of filling out the on-line form, and then mailing in a copy of your DD-214. You will then be sent a confirmation of receipt and a user name and password to confirm the information contained within your profile.
Jerry McAllister
Service Officer
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A Soldier on the Front Speaks his Mind
Back in 1943, our own Jim Henry was serving overseas in World War 2. He was hearing about things back home that didn’t sit too well with him, so this caring individual wrote a letter to the Courier-Post. This is his letter:
How It Feels
To the Editor:
I am receiving the Courier-Post overseas. My special page is the Mail Bag Corner. It sure burns a soldier up to read about these strikes going on back there.

I hope you will publish this letter of mine. Maybe it will touch the hearts of those slackers. They all talk about how they want the war over soon. They don’t say how can it get over soon with the vital material laying in some factory corner.

This letter was recently received by a friend. It speaks for itself: “Dear Dick: I’ve wanted to write you for some time, but for the past 10 days, our gang has been in hell. We chased the enemy across the river and held our ground against mortars, dive bombers, artillery, snipers, bayonets and belly knives.

Eight of us had to lay in swamp slime up to our mouths for a whole day because the enemy had the bead on us from 2 sides. Charlie, next to me, whispered, ‘I think I can make it,’ and raised his head for a cautious look. I saw him as he drew his Garand forward. That was all. Thank God he died instantly. But his blood oozed out over the slime, mocking at us in waving fingers that nearly drove us mad.

A mortar almost got us when a shell exploded about 40 feet away. We practically dug our graves that time. I spit blood for an hour. After nightfall, the 7 of us quietly slithered out of that stagnant pool like crocodiles. About the time you fellows on the on the swing shift were knocking off to go home, we hooked up with our platoon again, and gave the Captain the exact position of the enemy. A runner crawled to the rear and in 15 minutes our artillery finished off the enemy.

Yep, this is quite a war. You live your life in split seconds lots of times. Sometimes I wish every fellow I know could spend just 1 day and 1 terrifying night out here with us. There would be more aching bellies and not so much bellyaching. Wish there was more to write about, but there isn’t. Remember me to the gang. I’d write soon if I get the chance. So long and good luck.”

P.S.— “Was just talking with the pilot of a B-17 that arrived from the States less than an hour ago. He said that all there was back there was strike after strike at shipyards and other defense plants.”

 I wish he hadn’t told me that. I think the government should send them all to the front. Why strike to murder someone’s sons?   
Tom Lowe
Editor
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A Lighthouse by any other Name
I’m a “newbie” in the American Legion, having joined but 5 years ago when Ron Spriggs introduced me to the Post. I’ve been active for the past 2 years, spending many an afternoon in the canteen, talking to friends that I know mostly by nicknames, occasionally by first name, but hardly ever by last name. On more than one occasion, someone will mention “Concrete Joe” or “Airport Ron,” “The Chief,” “Turnpike Bill,” “Two-Fingers” or “The Admiral.” When I pose the question as to the person’s last name, invariably I get an answer such as “Gee, I don’t know, we always call him that,” even though he’s been coming to the Post for about 20 years.

About a year ago, I wrote an access database for the Post that includes information about our entire Legion family and it’s now accessible on our Post computer. There are over 1,000 members in the database, and it’s very easy to type in the person’s last name in the “find” box and that’s person’s data will immediately emerge on the screen with such info as home address, telephone number, etc.

One day, “Lighthouse” came into the Post and I was wondering if I had entered all of his personal information into the database. I entered “Lighthouse” in the last name field and told the computer to find him. Of course there was no “Lighthouse.” There were several people standing around at the time, watching me, as “Lighthouse not found” emerged on the screen and they began to laugh. I didn’t know why until I found out that Lighthouse was Jim Conway. I had never heard him called either Jim or Conway.

I have since found it necessary to modify the database so that we can search for an individual by the person’s nickname. Now I find it every time!
AL  O’NEIL

Lighthouse Part 2 – Who do you know?
Acky
MUA Bill
The Admiral
The Owl
Airport Ron
Polack Mike
Bill Gear
Red
Bones
Roy Boy
Cemetery Man
Skip
The Chief
Sonny
Chip
Tanker
Concrete Joe
Tex
Ducky
Tonymo
Fireball
Turnpike Bill
Homie
Two Fingers
Jay Bird
Uncle Leo
Laughin’ Jimmy
Whipp
Luigi
Whitey
Mr. “D”
Wingnut
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Newsletter Deadline
All articles and reports for the Spring edition of the newsletter are due on March 21. We issue the newsletter on a seasonal basis, and the best way to remember the deadlines is to keep in the mind the first day of the season. but you don’t have to wait until then, get them in early!
Tom Lowe
Editor
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Happy Birthday
If you know someone special turning 80 or older, the White House Greetings Office will send him/her a birthday card on behalf of the President. Just submit your request in writing 4-6 weeks before the special day. Include name, salutation (Mr., Mrs., etc), birth date, complete address of the recipient and phone number of the person requesting the card. Mail requests to:
White House Greetings Office
OEOB, Rm. 39
Washington, DC 20500
Or fax to (202) 395-1232
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Renew Your 2006 Dues Now!
Renew your dues for 2006! Send them is ASAP and remain a member of the best Post in South Jersey!
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Visit our Post Canteen...
...the food is great and the camaraderie is too. And the jukebox is awesome! It has a cool selection of “The Hollies,” “Eagles,” “Bob Dylan,” “The Beatles,” “The Rolling Stones,” “Fleetwood Mac” and others. Treat your ears to some great tunes and maybe drown out that obnoxious dude yakkin’ your ear off.
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U.S. Flags are For Sale at the Post
US Flags are for sale at the Post. Order some new flags for the front porch, after they have taken a beating all Winter. Fly a new flag, not an old one.
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Post 281 Calendar

All functions are at the Post unless otherwise noted.
FEBRUARY 2006
Date	Time	Event
Feb. 1	7:30 PM	Regular Post Meeting
Feb. 5	12:00 PM	Super Bowl Party
Feb. 7	5:00 PM	Regular SAL Meeting
Feb. 8	7:30 PM	Regular Auxiliary Meeting
Feb. 12	10:00 AM 1:00 PM	County Oratorical Contest Annual Chili Bowl
Feb. 15	7:30 PM	Honor Guard Meeting
Feb. 16	7:30 PM	Post 281 Initiation Ceremony
Feb. 22	7:30 PM	Executive Board Meeting
Feb. 23	7:00 PM	County Auxiliary Meeting
Feb. 26
MARCH 2006
Date	Time	Event
March 1	7:30 PM	Regular Post Meeting
March 4	11:00 AM	Annual Bar Room Olympics, Day 1
March 5	12:00 PM	Annual Bar Room Olympics, Day 2
March 7	6:00 PM	Regular SAL Meeting
March 8	7:30 PM	Auxiliary Meeting
March 15	7:30 PM	Honor Guard Meeting
March 17	8:00 PM	St. Patty's Day Party
March 21	8:00 PM	Articles due for spring newsletter
March 22	5:00 AM	Executive Board Meeting
APRIL 2006
Date	Time	Event
April 2	10:00 AM	Jr. Oratorical Contest
April 4	7:30 PM	Regular SAL Meeting
April 5	7:30 PM	Regular Post Meeting
April 9	1:00 PM	SAL Children's Easter Egg Hunt
April 12	7:30 PM	Regular Auxiliary Meeting
April 19	7:30 PM	Honor Guard Meeting
April 20	7:30 PM	American Legion County Meeting at Post 281
April 26	7:30 PM	Executive Board Meeting
April 28	7:00 PM	Annual Awards Night

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Coming Events :

New Member Initiation
Post 281 will hold its annual initiation ceremony on Feb. 16, 2006 at 7:30 PM. This ceremony is intended to acquaint new members to the origins, traditions and purposes of the American Legion. All new members and recent transfers are urged to attend.  Call the Post at 856-228-9869 for details. Refreshments will follow.  
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Notice for Nominations and Elections
1st nominations for post officers — March 1
2nd nominations for pos officers — April 5
Elections for post officers — May 5
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    Auxiliary Unit 281 News:

The Auxiliary Unit 281 newsletter is available as a pdf download.

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   S.A.L. Squadron Commander's Report:

I hope everyone had a great Holiday season. I would like to thank all of my fellow SAL members who had volunteered their time to all the Post 281 events. I know that all the veterans of the Post appreciate what you do.

2005 had been a great year for the SAL’s. Our membership is growing, but we need more involvement from our current members. As we start off 2006 and all of the great events that are planned, I would like to take this time to thank a number of people who make Post 281 the best Post in New Jersey. Thanks goes to the bar staff made up of Dottie, Wendy, Laura, Mary & Michele who work very hard at the Post. I would also like to thank the Bar Chairmen, Ron, Glenn & Charlie for keeping the Post Canteen running so smoothly. A special thanks once again to Chip Roach for all of his guidance through the year, being the Post Veteran and SAL liaison.

I look forward to working with Commander Fran and President Leslie in 2006 to make Post events bigger and better.

Please remember that 2006 SAL dues payments are now due. Senior Vice Cdr. Phil Boyd will mail you your card if you cannot make it to the Post. If I can be of any assistance
Tim Stillman
SAL Commander
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