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