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American Legion Commander's Message:
Happy New Year. Thank You to Jenny and her crew for your efforts in
putting together a wonderful New Years Eve party. 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.
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.
We will be starting a couple of projects to make our
post more comfortable. The SAL has agreed to help with renovating
the pump house. This is currently an eye sore and has been for
years. We hope to complete the project by end of February. We are
also going to replace the rotting roof out back. We hope to complete
this project by the end of March. Both of these projects are being
completed with our own member’s time and effort. Please be aware of
the surroundings while these projects are underway.
Now that the New Year is upon us I want you to start
thinking about the officer positions that will need filled. If you
have any interest in becoming an officer for the 2012-2013 year
please come to the General Meetings and express your interest. 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:
Happy New Year from your President!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of
you a Happy and Healthy 2012. We had a busy 2011 and we are
continuing to be busy bees in 2012.
On January 7th at 11:30 Jeanne
Kerens hosted a Lady Legionnaire luncheon at our post home; this
year’s menu was Chicken Coq au vin, salad and dessert. This function
was attended by our department President Diane Russo. Last year’s
luncheon was well attended and quite yummy. It was once again really
quite interesting to sit down and talk with these ladies.
November 12th we hosted a dinner
comedy show featuring the Funny Divas of Comedy. At this dinner we
drew the name for the Bradford exchange POW MIA train, the lucky
winner was our very own Dale Madrishin. Congratulations Dale.
At our December meeting we drew the
names for our annual cash raffle, 1st prize of $150.00, 2nd prize of
$100.00 and 3rd prize of $50.00, the lucky winners were Joyce Rine
who was drawn for 1st and 2nd prize and Gale Sonneville won 3rd
prize.
Our upcoming events and current
include the following: Mary Kelly-Perkins is currently holding a
raffle to benefit Girls State. Mary is raffling a beautiful Angel.
Contact Mary for tickets and your chance to win. We will soon begin
collecting new and gently used items for the migrant workers and
their families, items needed include sheets, blankets, sock for
young and old and long sleeve shirts. Anyone interested in donating
items may contact any Auxiliary member. We will be placing a box at
the post for collection. And as if that isn’t enough, it is that
time of year again. In March we will be holding our annual rummage
sale. Please start gathering your quality rummage for this sale.
More information will be available as the date nears. 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. A little
food for thought, take pen and paper (or such as in my case a lap
top) and write out what your membership means to you. Sounds easy
enough but trust me it isn’t. Please forward 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 and every
one of you that supported our Auxiliary in 2011, the things that we
accomplished could not have been done without you.
Yours in Service,
Sheryl Kinsler
President, Unit 152
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American Legion Chaplin's Message:
IN THE WHALE'S BELLY
Most of us know the Biblical story of Jonah being in the belly of a
whale. For those of you who do not know the story, the synopsis is
as follows. Jonah was instructed to go to the city of Ninevah to
preach the gospel to the people that lived there. He disobeyed and
tried to escape his mission by boarding a ship that would take him
far away from that city. While sailing the sea, a great storm arose
and the crew had to throw items overboard in order to stay safe.
Jonah ended up being one of those items! He landed in the belly of a
whale and was there for three days among the seaweed, smelly fish,
dirty water, and anything else that whale might have swallowed.
At first, and for quite awhile, Jonah complained, griped about his
circumstances. Held a pity party for himself, and cried, and became
quite miserable. Since none of this was helping matters any or
making things better, he began to look around and realized he needed
to be thankful that he was alive, that he had not drowned, and that
he was safe from the outside elements. He began to praise the Lord
for the little things in his life, and as the days passed, his
attitude was completely changed. Not long afterwards, that big old
whale spewed Jonah out onto a sandy beach, at the city of Ninevah!
Our circumstances, our surroundings, or our situations might not be
what we prefer or desire, but if we will begin to praise the Lord
for all the blessings we have our attitudes will change. Maybe we
don't like where we live; ever thought about those who live in
cardboard boxes for their homes? Maybe we aren't happy with our
vehicle we drive; there are millions that either walk or ride a
bicycle every day. Do we complain about the food we have to eat;
again there are countless millions who go hungry every day. Maybe we
all need to spend some time "in the whale's belly in order for us to
get our priorities and thinking straight. We might not have the
finest of all the things we want, but we are alive, most of us
healthy, we aren't exposed to the elements, we have something to
eat, and jobs where we can work. Let's be thankful and grateful for
those things we do have and bless others as much as possible.
Yours in
Service,
Bill
Scott,
Chaplain
Chaplainpost152@msn.com
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Service Officer Message:
Prescription Drug Disposal Update 02:
The below guidelines offer
safe disposal methods that protect water quality and human health.
If you are instructed by your doctor or pharmacist to finish
your medication, do so. If you do end up with unused medications,
follow the disposal steps below. Make sure you scratch out or
blackened-out any personal information on the label to protect
privacy, but ensure the drug name is visible. The containers are
chemically compatible and the caps are typically child-proof.
Capsules and Tablets in Containers
Add a small amount of water to at
least partially dissolve them.
Secure the cap on the bottle
Fully seal the cap with duct tape
to prevent breakage or leakage.
Double wrap the sealed containers
in opaque plastic bags, or put in another container with the lid
closed and wrapped in tape before putting it in the trash.
Blister-Packaged Capsules and Tablets
Wrap package with several layers of
duct tape, allowing visibility of the product name. This will
prevent blister pack from breakage.
Double bag the sealed pack in
opaque plastic bag, or put it in another container with the lid
closed and wrapped in tape to prevent leakage before placing it in
the trash.
Ampules, Vials and Needles
Do not open or alter the original
contents if possible.
Wrap in duct tape or other opaque
tape to minimize breakage.
Place in an opaque plastic
container such as empty yogurt or margarine tub. Ensure that the lid
is closed and wrapped in tape before putting it in the trash.
For needle disposal, see Nursing
Service for issuance of sharp container.
Liquid PPCPs
Add enough table salt, flour,
charcoal or nontoxic pungent powdered spice, such as nutmeg or
mustard, or a bitter tasting additive, producing an unsightly
mixture that discourages anyone from eating it. Kitty litter,
sawdust or an absorbing agents can also be added to the liquid to
repel animals.
Double bag the sealed packs in
opaque plastic bags, or put in another container with the lid closed
and wrapped in tape to prevent leakage before placing it in the
trash.
Some helpful tips to care for your VA
issued medicine are:
Keep your medicine in their
container.
Keep your medicine away from direct
sunlight and avoid exposure to heat.
Do not remove label for proper
identification of the medicine.
Routinely check expiration date of
your medicine.
Do not share your medication with
others since this was prescribed for your use.
Do not flush drugs down sink drains
or toilets because:
1) Wastewater treatment facilities
are not equipped to filter these chemicals out, so many drugs and
other compounds end up being discharged into our surface and ground
water.
2) The effects of most of these
products are unknown, antibiotics and other medications in a septic
system can destroy beneficial bacteria necessary for the system to
operate. Increased concentrations of antibiotics have produced
―super bugs‖; bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
3) The risks of long -term exposure
of these substances to humans, animals ecosystems are unknown.
4) Previous information campaigns
encourage consumers to ―flush‖ excess pharmaceuticals, but these
substances end up in our drinking water.
5) There is currently no national
guidance for the proper disposal of PPCPs.
To find out more about disposal of
PPCPs and water quality issues refer to http://www.ewashtenaw.org,
http://www.epa.gov/ppcp, and http://www.mi-marr.org. [Source: VA
Manila OPC Prescription Drug and Personal Care Product Disposal
Brochure Jan 2012 ++]
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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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