December 04

Merry

Christmas

Merry Christmas to all the members of Post 639 and their families and loved ones.

One of our members (Tim Kelly) suggested we honor past military leaders on the pages of our newsletter. When the research started there was one that just jumped out not just because he was a legendary leader during WW I, but also because he is from Missouri. The first leader to be honored is John J. (Blackjack) Pershing.

World War I Commander and General of the Armies John J. "Black Jack" Pershing was born just prior to the start of the civil war in a shanty on a farm, near Laclede, Missouri. His father was a tenant farmer and also worked for the North Missouri Railroad as a tracklayer. John started out as a teacher and had no leanings toward the Military, but at the urging of his family, he took a competitive examination for an appointment to West Point since it represented a “free” education. He succeeded in securing the appointment and finished number one in the exam. At West Point he was an above average cadet and was awarded the distinction of becoming a Captain of Cadets. After graduation, he served with the Army during the Indian campaigns against the Apache and Sioux tribes as well as in the Spanish-American war. He also was in charge of an expeditionary force that went into Mexico chasing the allusive bandit Poncho Villa. During this period Pershing suffered a major personal tragedy when his wife and three daughters perished in a fire. His only son Warren was the only family member to survive the fire. He was a commander during the “Charge up San Juan Hill” and Teddy Roosevelt, after witnessing the charge said that “Blackjack” was the “coolest man he had ever seen under fire”. He received notoriety when he commanded forces that defeated the feared Moro tribesmen (Muslims) of the Philippine island of Mindanao. After many successful postings in the United States including as an instructor at West Point, and having completed his law degree he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General by congress at the request of President Roosevelt. He was placed in command of the American expeditionary forces sent to Europe during WW I. He refused to allow the American army to be assigned to separate commands under foreign generals and they remained a strictly American army. His doctrine of mobility was accepted and this strategy was successful in breaking the stalemate of men in the trenches resulting in driving German troops from French soil resulting in the Armistice. The conclusion of the war brought him a promotion to the rank of General of the Armies, a rank previously held only by George Washington. Retired and ailing at the advanced age of 88, he was admitted to Walter Reed Hospital where he died. He had personally selected a plot near the graves at Arlington of many of the soldiers he had commanded in World War I. He was laid in state in the rotunda of the Capitol Building where thousands paid their final respects. Pershing's coffin was placed upon a horse-drawn caisson and transported to Arlington Cemetery with thousands lining the route. The caisson stopped on the plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in tribute to the anonymous World War I soldier who probably had served under Pershing's command. A memorial service was conducted in the Amphitheater attended by President Harry S Truman who had also served under General Pershing in France. He was interred in Arlington according to his wishes. A standard white government headstone was erected at his request. In an adjoining grave, his grandson, 2d Lieutenant Richard Pershing, was buried after he was killed in action in Vietnam.

Here are some quotes attributed to “Blackjack” Pershing:

"We never really let the Germans know who won the war. They are being told that their army was stabbed in the back, betrayed, that their army had not been defeated. The Germans never believed they were beaten. It will have to be done all over again...." This was his prediction in 1923.

"We came American. We shall remain American and go into battle with Old Glory over our heads. I will not parcel out American boys." This was his feelings about keeping his units under US commanders.

Here is a story that has made the rounds of the Internet, but it has not be verified, so it may or may not be true:

“Just before World War I, there were a number of terrorist attacks on the United States forces in the Philippines by Muslim extremists. So General Pershing captured 50 terrorists and had them tied to posts for execution. He then had his men bring in two pigs and slaughter them in front of the now horrified terrorists. Muslims detest pork because they believe pigs are filthy animals. Some of them simply refuse to eat it, while others won't even touch pigs at all, nor any of their by-products. To them, eating or touching a pig, its meat, its blood, etc., is to be instantly barred from paradise (and those virgins) and doomed to hell. The soldiers then soaked their bullets in the pig blood, and proceeded to execute 49 of the terrorists by firing squad. The soldiers then dug a big hole, dumped in the terrorists' bodies and covered them in pig blood and entrails. They let the 50th man go. And for the next forty-two years, there was not a single Muslim extremist attack anywhere in the world.”

Not much exciting going on this month except for the change in the bar area, Toys for Tots Motorcycle run on the 1st Sunday, December the 5th, a Christmas Party for the children on the 18th, New Years Eve Party on the 31st with Champaign and Breakfast, eggs to order (scrambled), Biscuits and Gravy. Come out and see the changes. Entertainment will be provided by the Lucky Boys for the Toys for Tots and the Rockin' L's for New Years Eve. should be a great time for all. The Halloween Party was super, most of the participants came in costume and pictures will be posted in the entry way, sorry if you missed it.

Special thanks goes out to Harvey Williams and the Building and grounds crew for the excellent job in rearranging the walls and expanding the bar area. Great job guys. I would also like to thank the many members that donated money to purchase the new chairs for the tables we had.

The Walter Swope Bench was installed November the 9th and the names added to Post Everlasting.

Welcome back...if you remember, last month this column discussed the role of the Executive Committee in an effort to answer the question, who is running this show?

Section 1. The administrative affairs of this post of the American Legion shall except as may otherwise provided by the By-Laws, be under the supervision of an Executive Committee which shall consist of 3 members in addition to the officers of the post. The term of office of members of the Executive Committee shall be for one year. This post, by its By-Laws, may provide for such other standing committees as the business of the organization may require. Now that we have read this article of the constitution a few times, it seems to suggest there is more going on than the administrative affairs of the post. I think we should look at that last sentence a little closer. What other "business of the organization is required?" and what are standing committees? The constitution article states "This Post, by its By-Laws may provide for such..." Let's see what the by-laws do say...

Section 1. The post commander, immediately upon taking office each year, shall appoint the following standing committees: Americanism, Ceremonials, Children and Youth, Economic, Finance, Foreign Relations, Graves Registration and Memorial, House and Entertainment, Legislative, Membership, Public Relations, Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Sons and Daughters of the American Legion, and Visiting.

Such standing committees shall consist of such members and the chairman thereof, as shall be designated by the post commander.

Section 2. For description of the duties and responsibilities pertaining to such standing committees, see

Post Officers Guide Book. (NOTE: Before we proceed let me address the committee titled Sons and

Daughters of the American Legion. It is common knowledge, and American Legion directives, that "daughters" will be part of the Auxiliary Unit. The words "and Daughters" should be deleted and the committee be called, Sons of the American Legion. This misprinting will be corrected.)

Now, back to our discussion. The American Legion Officers Guide list of committees that a post normally has is much like the ones our by-laws provide for. The Officers Guide does recognize that each post is different and states "Your Post constitution and/or your Department (State) constitution may require additional committees or may have other names for some of the committees, and the list is not intended to be mandatory or complete for every American Legion Post." It also states "No Post can stand still.

New programs are needed from time to time, and old programs may need to be changed, revitalized, and in some cases, dropped." Commander Richardson has exercised this option by adding the Accountability Committee during his term in office. To include it as a standing committee would require a by-law amendment by the membership. Yet, it is within his power, and, responsibility to the needs of the

Post, to make this addition, and up to the membership to decide its worth. As we explore the question, who runs this show?, I hope to expand your knowledge of the responsibilities of the Officers, Executive Committee, Standing Committees, and Membership.

I also hope you are beginning to see the scope of the activities and programs, Post 639 has chosen to support. Each committee will be addressed in this column. I hope, YOU may find one of interest that, YOU, can get involved with. Yet, with that said, and in closing this month’s column, I want you to realize as I do, wishing and hoping does not do much for successful results. Like the wise saying we all have heard, a journey of a thousand miles begins with the effort of a single step. It is usually one of the standing committees that provide the effort for that first step. Quoting a line from one of my favorite recording artist James House, he suggests, "You don't get where you are going, in this life, by leaps and bounds...it's a small victory, just to be, making ground." Let us celebrate our small victories, and never lose the belief that "little by little" we, together, will continue to make ground, and hold it securely, for the Veterans of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. See you next month.....topic....committees...a closer look.

Well the children’s Halloween Party was great. The kids looked good in their costumes, and we had 6 winners in the contest. Winners by age group: 0-3 was Miss Lindsey Davenport & Mr. Lucas Schmoele – age 4-7, were Miss Caitlin Barron and Mr. Cale Fanning – age 8 & up were Miss Tiffany Casper and Mr. Ricky Baldwin. There were lots of treats, no tricks. Ms. Katy did some crafts with the children and Ms. Connie put some neat tattoos on the children. Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for their help. There were 20 children and their parents/guardians that attended and a good time was had by all. Of course the grown kids had a Halloween Party of their own on October 30^th and their costumes were “oh, well what can I say, so FUNNY”

What a great day for a parade (11/6/04). The sun was shinning and the Mt. Vernon Veterans enjoyed coffee, juice and donuts at 8:00 AM, and then went to the parade at 10:30 AM. When they returned they watched the “Young Marines” do their drill and then the Young Marines served the Veterans lunch with the help of the Ladies Auxiliary. We would like to thank the cooks (Jose, Jose jr. and Louis Rojas) and the other members that were involved in helping serve the Veterans. The raffle for the quilt was held and won by Marty Rodgers. Remember that the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Dinner will be December 13^th, if you can attend, please RSVP. I hope to hear from all of you, and don’t forget the ornament exchange.

On 11/6/04 I left 2 pieces of pie, 1 lemon and 1 pumpkin, while I did some business. Two of my FRIENDS decided they really needed them, so — they took them off of my table and devoured them. I just wanted them to know I still remember, “be very afraid”.

Much has been accomplished since the last Building and grounds report. The bar expansion project is complete with the exception of a few minor details that will be worked out soon. We were able to increase seating in the bar area to twenty-four and have extra chairs that can be utilized for even more. Donations efforts have been very successful, to this point we have raised a total of $1,485.00. The membership has been extremely generous toward our effort contributing money (from $20 to $200) and their time and effort to make this project a success. We purchased seventeen new chairs with a three-year full replacement warranty totaling $1003.00, which leaves an overage of $482.00 for further improvement. A full report will be made available for review regarding expenditures prior to the December general membership meeting. I have had much positive feedback concerning the project and I believe our efforts will be rewarded with increased revenues and a much more comfortable, positive environment for your benefit. Thank you all for your support. Please come out and check out our progress and support the Post.

The post membership just keeps growing at a very good pace. November membership total is at 533 strong. We have received 15 new members for the months of October & November – George Mason, Dennis Mahan, Donald Watkins, Dennis Donaldson, Raymond Buckner, Amanda Todd, John Middlemas, Joan Werner, Thomas Lee, George Gunn, Shane Walker, Chris Hannah, Howard Shaffer, William Dean and Jeffery Hannah. Please join me in welcoming these new members to our Post.

This has been a very busy month for our post. For our post update – Congratulations to Tim and Bridget Kelly who had a baby boy, 7 lbs. 2 oz., 21 inches tall and also congratulations to Harvey and Delores Williams who are married legally and NOT by your Chaplain. Josephine Mabrey was in Cox South and is now going through physical therapy; Verla Robberson’s husband is going for a check-up. Bill Evans was in St. John’s for tests twice this month and will be going back for repairs, Bill wanted to get this done under warranty, but there were too many miles and the time had expired. Ruth Carroll was in St John’s for one week same time as Evans (what’s up with that?). Ruth is back home now giving orders, so everything is OK!

Condolences to Larry Hannah whose mother passed away November 12^th and Gary Creed on the passing of his father Donald.

December brings us Chanukah December 8^th, the first day of winter is December 21^st at 7:42 AM EST and Christmas is December 25^th. Last year we had several good comments about my Christmas story. This year let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and that is the story of LOVE. We all know John 3:16 in the Bible, so as we go about giving gifts, what ever they might be, a diamond necklace or a pair of socks or a jar of olives, these gifts are given in love and fun.

Also, remember the men and women in our military and their families. This is a very difficult time for them.

We wish you a Merry Christmas to everyone at Post 639 from Bob & Ruth Carroll and thank you for the opportunity of being your Chaplain.

We are still getting a lot of hits on the web site, if you haven’t done so, check it out. I’m in the process of putting together a Christmas page that hopefully will be published prior to 12/25/04. Well, since the publication is running a little longer than normal, I’ll just say “from the web, keep clicking”.

Here are a couple of pictures of the new bar expansion project. The pictures don’t print and copy very well, so please check them out on the web site or come by the Post to check them out in person.

Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 11:42 AM
To: forum@post639.com
Subject: Where the Helicopters are!
I’ve caught myself saying this to a number of people when telling them about Post 639. Yes it is a good way to point out the location of the post, but is that all there is? Hell NO. I would be willing to bet that 40% of the members have no idea of what really goes on at our post. It’s not just the Bar area or the free dinners or the Bingo. It’s the warmth and friendship of Post 639 that has brought Pat and I back, time after time. (I’m not going to mention Grumpy at this time) HA. I have gotten to know many wonderful people and veterans here and will be attending meetings and helping wherever I can. Being an only child, I have never been one to join in and I have most of the time been a loner but Post 639 has fired me up to the point of saying something about it. All I’m really saying is, SUPPORT OUR POST. This means 100%, not 10%, of the membership. We are not just another bunch of drunks in a meeting hall. We have community involvement and a large number of very intelligent and giving people here. I understand that we all have lives too, but if some of the members who are not involved could just donate a little time with bingo or anyplace needed, our post would flourish. It’s time for me to climb down off my soapbox and get involved. Will you join me? Bring a friend to our Thanksgiving dinner and let them get to know us. See Ya There. Gene Beattie

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