American Legion
Town & Country Memorial Post 152

11211 Sheldon Rd, Tampa FL 33626   (813) 920-3282

Lounge Hours:   Mon-Thurs 11:00AM-11:00PM   Fri 11:00AM-1:30AM

Sat 10:00AM-1:30AM   Sun 11:00AM-10:00PM 

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American Legion Commander's Message:

 

Thank You to Jeannie York and her crew for your efforts in putting together a wonderful Oriental Dinner. Thank You to the Legion, SAL, and Ladies Auxiliary as well as all the people that brought donations for our Valentine Prime Rib Dinner and Auction. My voice is finally recovered. Thank you to all that participated in the chili cook off. Thank You to George and Jeannie for a great Saint Patty’s day Dinner. Thank you to all the teams that put our meals together for us without you we could not be providing these meals. We are still in need of a Breakfast crew, and a Dinner crew. We need to have one person stand up to take charge for each meal the rest will fall together.

We made great progress with the pump house clean up effort. Thanks to Cowboy and Erin for all their hard work. It looks so much better. Thank you to the whole crew that helped with the roof project. Special thanks to our crew chiefs Scotty and Cowboy. We could not have done it without you two.

Please keep an eye on the calendar for the Building and Grounds Maintenance day. It will be on a Sunday or two each month. We can use your support to keep the building and Grounds looking good and maintained. This is everyone’s building and it does need to be maintained regularly.

With all the special events over the last couple of months we have put a really good dent in the Sewer fund. We are down to less than 10K left to pay. Please keep supporting the special events as they come up. It will feel really good to get this monkey off our back.

Elections are on the way, if you have any interest in becoming an officer for the 2012-2013 year please come to the General Meetings and express your interest. See Patrick Maguire, Cliff Zimmerer, or myself for any suggestions. We need the support of a great team to keep this post running smoothly.

 

Thank you,

 

Troy O Pazos

Commander Post 152

 

American Legion Auxiliary President's Message:

     

     Greetings to all. I only have a few things to report. At our last meeting we installed several new members, Mary McColgan was our installing officer, Mary thank you for attending our meeting and installing our new members, we appreciate your help. On March 6th our unit once again went to James A Haley to host a bingo. It warms your heart to help these men and women; a couple of small hours mean so much to these folks. 

     It’s that time of year again where we must choose and elect officers for the coming year. Please think about running for an office, it’s something that does not take up too much of your time and with the work that we do, you can help a lot of people. If you are a little scared because it is something that you have never done before, no worries. We have many women that have done it in that past and are there to help you along. All I can say is just do it!

      Our upcoming events and current include the following: on April 21st we are hosting a SPRING FLING with U Cook Em steak, potato, salad bar and rolls. Dinner will be 15.00 per ticket or 2 for 25.00 presale dinners will be served at 6:00 PM, tickets purchased at the door will serve at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets early, speaking of tickets……. We are raffling a beautiful Bradford Exchange Eagle. The raffle will be drawn at the spring fling dinner. We will have some fun silliness going on and hope that you will put this on your must do calendar. We will post the information on Facebook; just search us out at American Legion Post 152, Tampa FL.

     I would like to invite or re-invite new and inactive members to get involved and support your Auxiliary. Your contribution does not have to be huge but we simply cannot continue to do the wonderful things that we do without you. I would like to remind you that I am looking for you fine folks to send me the meaning of you membership, please send it to me at lovinlife7906@aol.com using “My Auxiliary Membership” as the subject line it may appear in a future newsletter, anonymously of course.

     I would like to thank each end every one of you for your continued support and hope to see all of you soon, the things that we accomplish cannot be done without you.

Yours in Service,

 

Sheryl Kinsler

President, Unit 152

 

American Legion Chaplin's Message:

 

                                     CIVILIAN FRIENDS vs. VETERAN FRIENDS                 

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you’re too busy to talk to them for a week.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

 

CIVILAIN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.

VETERAN FRIENDS: keep your stuff so long they forget it’s yours.

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that’s what the crowd is doing.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowd’s a__ that left you behind.

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of.

 

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you’ve had enough.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say,” You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!” Then carry you home safely put you to bed.

 

CILIVIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock the hell out of them.. for using your name in vain.

 

We all have some very precious civilian friends I know I do, but there is just something different about Veteran friends.

 

Yours in Service,

 

Bill Scott,

Chaplain

Chaplainpost152@msn.com

 

Service Officer Message:

 

Florida House of Representatives Unanimously Approves

August 7 as Purple Heart Day in Florida

 

Veterans’ bill heading to Governor Rick Scott for signature -

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation establishing an annual Purple Heart Day in Florida, beginning in 2012.  The legislation, which designates August 7 of each year as Florida Purple Heart Day, now goes before Gov. Rick Scott for signature.  

“The Purple Heart Bill represents Florida’s outstanding commitment to veterans both past and present that have made sacrifices on behalf of our great nation,” said Washington Sanchez, state commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  “We also salute those Purple Heart recipients throughout our history who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  They will never be forgotten.”

Sen. Maria Sachs sponsored the bill (SB 276) in the Florida Senate, which passed unanimously in that body last month.  Its companion, House Bill 469, was sponsored by Rep. Jimmie Smith.

The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington, in 1782, is the nation’s oldest military decoration still in use.  The contemporary Purple Heart, reestablished in 1932, is a combat decoration awarded to military and civilian members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who were killed in action or die from wounds received in action.  According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, there have been about 1.7 million Purple Heart recipients in the nation’s history.

Once signed, Florida would join seven other states in commemorating the annual observance.

 

Message From The Tampa Bay Thunder Drum and Bugle Corps:

The Thunder's trip to DC and the Baltimore area was a very exciting and busy tour with 5 parades, 1 contest, and the laying of the wreath at Arlington Cemetery. Our journey began on June 30th at 11:30 pm on two charter busses to Manassas Virginia after a two day camp at the Tampa Florida Fair Grounds. We arrived late afternoon in Manassas  (July 1st), practiced until sunset and then bedded down for the evening. On July 2nd, we participated in an evening contest against other drum corps and placed 3rd. Thanks to the organization of Dave Hobbs, the Thunder was able to place an honor guard on the field of competition consisting of the American Flag, State Flag, and the American Legion 152 Flag. No other drum corps there had an honor guard on the field!

 

On July 3rd, It was an early wake up call to prepare for our trip to Arlington National Cemetary. The ceremony was at 9:00 am and was a very humbling experience for the Thunder to participate in. Our honor guard consisted of five members..Taylor LeMay, Nancy Mingle Meyer, Kyle Chubb, Ali Thorsen, and Dave Hobbs. The members that layed the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers were...Brandon Lesando. Ashley Gillam, Bryce Nickelson, and Alex Gonzalez. The Thunder then traveled to Havre De Grace Maryland for a parade in which afterwards, the corps had some free time at the local carnival and celebration.

 

On July 4th, The Thunder participated in 4 parades in the greater Baltimore Maryland area in which the American Legion Flag was represented in all activities along with the American and State Flags. We then loaded the busses and traveled back to Tampa arriving back at 5:00PM on July 5th. I attached one picture showing the honor guard in one of the parades and I understand that Dave already sent you pictures of us at ANC and if you require more, please contact me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Adams

Tampa Bay Thunder

 

News from your Boy Scout troop 246

 

2010 -  Two boys earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Russell Page and Frank Marion III.  Russell organized a drive to provide backpacks and personal aids (like soap, tooth paste etc) for the homeless in the Town n Country neighborhood.  Frankie organized and implemented the repainting of the Post 152 social hall as well as giving the floors a complete stripping and re-wax.

 2011 -   Two boys, Travis Stark and Daniel Marion have finished the requirements for Eagle Scout and expect to be receiving that award before the end of the summer.  Travis installed new shelving and storage racks for the Alonso High School Orchestra and Chorus practice room.

        -   Daniel implemented a Youth Craft activity for the children of family’s attending the annual Sober Stock gathering in Odessa.

June 2011 - 16 boys and 5 adults attending Boy Scout Summer camp at Camp Boxwell in Lebanon Tennessee.  A Grand time was had by all.

 

All of the parents, scouts and leaders appreciate the support and opportunities that come with having American Legion Post 152 as our Chartered Partner.

 

From the Tent of

Karl H. Tramer B.S.A.

Chairman Friends of Brorein

Chairman T-246 Chartered Representative T-246 

 

Community projects:

Sometimes we lose sight of what the American Legion is all about.  Here is a partial list of community activities, charities and functions the Post 152 family is involved in.  How many are you involved in? 

Boys State – an American Legion sponsored program which teaches boys for an intense week about government, held in Tallahassee. Held in the Capital building and recognized by the governor.  

Girls State – an American Legion Auxiliary sponsored Program which teaches girls for an intense week about government, held in Tallahassee. Held in the Capital building and recognized by the Governor. 

Blood drives 

Faces of Courage – nonprofit cancer patient support organization with a primary goal of helping the cancer patient navigate their way through the treatment process and to thrive as a survivor. 

Sponsor Boy Scout Troop #246 

Operation Helping Hand – help with returning wounded veterans and their families 

Project Gratitude – R and R for Chaplains who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. 

Liberty Manor - home for Veterans who have served our country but fallen victim to homelessness.

 

The National Child Welfare Foundation - The Auxiliary donates $500 per year.

 

St Francis House – a Catholic organization that helps individuals and families through the AIDS crisis.

 

Alpha House – a home for pregnant teenagers helping them through their pregnancy and placement of child if desired.

 

Hope Children’s Home – home for physically, mentally and sexually abused children.  We help them financially and with supplies for the home.

 

Tools for Hillsborough Schools – warehouse of supplies for teachers to pick supplies for underprivileged children.

 

Ronald McDonald House – a house for parents and relatives to stay while children are being treated and cared for during hospital stays.

 

Angels Unaware – a home for mentally challenged children and young adults.

 

Paws for Patriots – help with funding and training of Guide Dogs for disabled veterans.

 

Freedom Foundation – a government learning experience in Pennsylvania. Chosen by submitted essays about America.

 

Thanksgiving dinner – held at the Post for veterans and other members of the community. 

 

Support 7 VA Clinics – Fort Myers, Sarasota, Daytona, Oakland Park, Tallahassee, New Port Richey and Jacksonville. Fund the representative of the American Legion Auxiliary at each facility.

 

Support 8 VA Medical centers – Bay Pines, Lake City, Miami, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Gulf Cost (Pensacola). Fund the representative of the American Legion Auxiliary at each facility.

 

Support 6 VA Nursing Homes – Daytona, Lake City, Land ‘O Lakes, Port Charlotte, Pembrooke Pines and Springfield. Fund the representative of the American Legion Auxiliary at each facility.

 

Fisher House – fund 3 West Palm Beach, Bay Pines and Tampa. Fund the representative of the American Legion Auxiliary to buy needed supplies.

 

Special Olympics – Officiated some of the events and sent donations.

 

4 Children’s Hospitals – fund All Children’s Hospitals, Northview Community Center, Mailman Center, Florida State Hospital and Northeast Hospital. Funding is sent to help the American Legion Auxiliary representative projects and programs.

 

Creative Arts Program – fund supplies for VA hospital for Recreational therapy used to bring veterans back into the main stream or life.

 

Stand down for homeless Veterans - includes medical exams, food, bus passes to get to local VA Hospitals, counseling and clothing.

 

Christmas Baskets - for needy families. Last year over 300 families were provided with Christmas dinner and other staples.

 

Held a fund raiser to purchase beds for 3 little girls that were sleeping on the floor.  Also gave them a gift certificate to purchase shoes so the girls would have new shoes for school.  We will be playing Santa for this family.

 

Purchase Spinoza bears  - to donate to sick children.  Sick children will not tell an adult all of their problems because they blame themselves.  These bears have a recorder, the children can play the recorder and the bear talks to them or it records what the child tells it.  The doctors can listen to the recordings and learn a lot that the child will not tell him. 

 

Supply the V. A. Medical Centers with lap robes and ditty bags (carry personal items to and from bathroom). 

 

MEMBERSHIP:

 

I am sure you have heard varying excuses for not renewing your dues…..i.e.: I don’t go there much anymore. I’ve lost interest. I don’t know any of the members, etc. But, what Legionnaires fail to realize is that there are 3 reasons for paying your dues.

 

1. Dues support programs of the American Legion such as Children and Youth, Americanism, Flag Education and other.

 

2. Dues afford benefits for Legionnaires such as Travel Discounts, Free Insurance, Medical and Dental Insurance and others.

 

3. Perhaps the most important of all is the fact that by paying your dues every year, Washington politicians can’t cut the VA Budget and decrease veterans’ benefits. We need to hold steady or increase our 2.7 million membership.

I thought you ought to know.

 

Yours in Service,

 

Bill Seemann

Past Commander

 

                             THE FINAL INSPECTION

                           

                             The soldier stood and faced God,

                             Which must always come to pass.

                             He hoped his shoes were shining,

                             Just as brightly as his brass.

                            

                             "Step forward now, you soldier,

                             How shall I deal with you?

                             Have you always turned the other cheek?

                             To My Church have you been true?"

                            

                             The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

                             "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

                             Because those of us who carry guns,

                             Can't always be a saint.

                            

                             I've had to work most Sundays,

                             And at times my talk was tough.

                             And sometimes I've been violent,

                             Because the world is awfully rough.

                            

                             But, I never took a penny,

                             That wasn't mine to keep...

                             Though I worked a lot of overtime,

                             When the bills got just too steep.

                            

                             And I never passed a cry for help,

                             Though at times I shook with fear.

                             And sometimes, God, forgive me,

                             I've wept unmanly tears.

                            

                             I know I don't deserve a place,

                             Among the people here.

                             They never wanted me around,

                             Except to calm their fears.

                            

                             If you've a place for me here, Lord,

                             It needn't be so grand.

                             I never expected or had too much,

                             But if you don't, I'll understand."

                            

                             There was a silence all around the throne,

                             Where the saints had often trod.

                             As the soldier waited quietly,

                             For the judgment of his God.

                            

                             "Step forward now, you soldier,

                             You've borne your burdens well.

                             Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

                             You've done your time in Hell."

 

 

 

~Author Unknown~

 

If you know someone who might have been exposed to Agent Orange In Vietnam, please check out Silver Rose Home Page

 

SPC Kelly, Marilyn

CoC228FSB 2-28BCT 

APO AE 09362-9997

 

Dear Members of American Legion Post #152,

 

I thought I would take a moment to introduce myself. I joined your (our) post 5 years ago while in Tampa on a visit to my dad. My father is a member there. He is a former Marine in during the Korean War. I joined based on my time served during the Panama Conflict. 1989-1990. After 9/11, I felt the need to serve again and enlisted in the PA National Guard in Nov 2002 where I am a combat medic. Last Nov we found out, we were getting deployed in Jan of this year. Right now, I am currently in Ramadi, Iraq serving the people of the great United States with pride and dignity. I’ve been receiving my newsletter here in my care packages from home.

I just wanted to send a quick note to let all of you know that the future of the American Legion across the country will continue with all the great servicemen and women I have met along the way during my deployment.

 

Sincerely,

 

SPC Marilyn D Kelly

 

No Hero:

 

Thank you Sir and Madam, but,

Please don’t call me a hero.

I only did my job.

I was part of a group of men

Who went where we were sent.

And did what had to be done.

We put our personal plans on hold

So that we could assist others

In building a new life or

Securing a more stable life.

So, please don’t call me a hero.

I only did my job.

 

Thomas R Bubb

US Navy Retired

 

A Man Named Paul

 

A wall of black stone: how could this cause pain,

     and make the strongest of men weep?

A man, tall and robust, determined to walk past this

     black stone to say a farewell to old friends.

The tears flow without control as a stranger

     boldly embraces the man named Paul.

First tears after 23 years, hiding behind his wall

     of pain, doubt, questions, and fears.

As he shares his burden with someone who knows

     the tears rush to freedom.

Knowing that a healing has started in his heart

     so long broken and frozen in time.

Walks down the lonely walk, erect and proud,

     undefeated by the wall of back stone.

 

        - Marilyn L. Baker

 

 

 

This site was last updated 03/26/12

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