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THE VETERAN’S VOICE

Volume 26 Issue 2                                  www.post639.com                                 February 2006   

MY APOLIGIES

An article was written by Tennessee for last months newsletter and due to a computer crash (I hate it when that happens) it was left out so….Here it is.  Sorry Phil.

1st Vice Commander

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elva June, Peggy Baker, Beverly Miller, Merle Belt, Greg Carr and Phil Richardson  for all their excellent help in the kitchen for the Thanksgiving dinner. The Ladies Auxiliary members were wonderful as always and prepared side dishes and fantastic deserts. Also a big thank you goes out to Bob Carroll for a great ham. DEEP-FRIED is the only way to go. Get-Er-Done  Tennessee

You Might Not Ever Guess

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76, which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27.) His death reminded me of the following story. Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery . His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here's   a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck  does he rate burial with these guys? Well, here is the answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences. In a time  when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to  be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero.  He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima . There is only one higher Naval award...   the Medal of Honor.  If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery. Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was Lee Marvin.  Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima ...and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded." "Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting' shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo   I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got the cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach.  Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life. That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, where'd they get you Lee?' Well Bob... if you make it home be fore me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!"  Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew. The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo." On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name.  He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and The only publicity shot with Mr. Rogers and Captain Kangaroo bic eps.  He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat.  After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos a nd his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.  America 's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best.  They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy.  Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you'd  least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened. Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers.

The American Legion Riders...

Is alive and kick-started. Harvey Williams is arranging for the first meeting to get everyone going and establish the officers. This group is going to be a great asset to our Post so if you RIDE….you might want to check this out. Want more information...Look at the big board just inside the front door or see Harvey                             

Page 2                                                                                                                                                          The Veteran’s Voice

From the Commander

2006: What's in store for us?  I was very pleased with 2005.  We accomplished a lot, the Sub is in place and dedicated. The Post has improved in Membership and,  a can do attitude.  Our 2006 membership still needs a little work so if you have not renewed, please do so soon.  We are coming up for election nominations.  It's time you started thinking about who you want to lead us through the 2006-2007 year.  The nominations will start in March and the election will be in June. Up coming events will be, the Valentines Dance for our sweethearts, (scheduled on the calendar), and the big one.  The 3rd annual Remembrance Day scheduled for May 20th.  We are going to need lots of help... Rick Stephens is the Entertainment Chairman and, if there is anything you can do to help, please sign up.  This event will celebrate our 26th Anniversary. I would like to thank my Executive committee for the excellent job that they have done implementing all the progress of our Post.  Thank you gentlemen.

 Phil Richardson-Commander

Adjutant’s Report

Membership is looking good but we still have lot of members  who have not paid for 2006 dues. The post needs your help if the post wish’s to make 100% in membership . This newsletter may be your last if you have not paid for 2006.

J.C. Ponder-Adjutant

Ladies Auxiliary

December 31st, ringing in the New Year! From what I heard through the grapevine, it was a good start for Jan. 1st. We have started the New Year on the right foot! Let's make a resolution to make this Post the best it's ever been! The January birthday party went great! All had a great time!Karaoke with Gene and lots of good foodonly end the evening in success! Most importantly, a lot of good friends were together. It's great when Pat Cocks is in the house with her friends. They're super! They sure are a Hoot! It looked great having the Post full of fun people. And Harvey , I want to say you're a great guy, no matter what they say! And Dolores, what can we say? You were there for the little guy!

January 21st...Connie, Connie...you're half way there before the big 100! What a party! But, we will all be there for that one also, ha! It was good seeing the smile on your pretty face, Connie! Thanks to everyone who brought food! Anne, you're great! Connie, get rested up for the 100th party! You’ll need it.

February 11th....We are looking forward to our Valentine's Party. Howard Gale will be in the house to entertain us. Lot 's of snacks and dancing going on! Well fellas, get your dancing shoes out and get ready to dance with that special lady. Present her with a prettyand go from there. A big thanks to Phil for the right decision. The basket will be super. Lots of nice things and goodies. Almost everything for that special night. Big thanks to our special Dea for doing so much! She's a keeper! Get ready folks, NASCAR is coming our way! A special thanks to Teri! I would like to ask something of some people. We need to start supporting our bingo on Friday nights...It's your post, it would be great if you'd help out. Play bingo or come and help if you can. We need your help.  Steve Johnson passed to Post Everlasting on January 22nd and Gary Wayne passed on January 24th. We all hope Lance is healing well from his surgery as well as Dean Agnew, (the pipe man).  Well, as always, say something special to someone today and everyday.

Beverly Miller-Your President

Chaplain’s Report

February - the month that will bring us Valentine’s Day.day to express our love for that special person in our life; mother, daughter, father, son, husband, wife, brother, sister or that special friend - who sometimes try our patients - but we still love them. Did you know that there is a LOVE chapter in the bible?is called Corinthians, Chapter 13, versus 4 to 7: "Love is patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude.does not demand it’s own way.is not irritable or touchy.does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.you love someone you will be loyal to him/her no matter what the cost.will always believe in him/her, always expect the best of him/her, and always stand your ground in defending him/her." Take time to call that special someone, tell them that you love them.are some of most important people in your life. Please remember our military men and women, our POW’s , MIA’s and the families of Steve Johnson and Gary Wayne in your prayers.

Bob Carroll Chaplain

American Legion Riders

We have recently formed the Post 639 chapter of the American Legion Riders Association and are officially designated as Chapter 9 under the ALR Dept. of the State Of Missouri . The state director, James David, was present for an informal informational meeting on Sat. January 14th with myself and 7 prospective members. Our 1st official meeting will be held on Feb. 1st at 1800 hrs and the first Wednesday of each month thereafter. Agenda for the first meeting will be the election of officers, organization of chapter business, and event planning for 2006. Membership requirements will be addressed pursuant to guidelines set by the Dept. of Missouri and initiate the amount of Chapter 9’s members dues. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.

Harvey Williams

Editors Report

Our new road sign is under re-construction at this time. I would like to thank all who have played a part in this project but especially to a few people who helped a lot.  G.L.Moore Tire-Mick Dunn and Mark Moore, Purcell Tire- Randy Conlon, Carrier Services-Tom Kolara, Designer Fabrications-Bob Carpenter, Thomas Concrete-John Thomas, also Gary Bockman, Spook, Leonard Meese, Sam McGowan, and Bill Carroll. Karaoke will be on Feb. 4th this month so come out at 8:00 PM and have some fun.

Gene Beattie-Editor 

The Veterans Voice                                                                                                                                                    Page 3

Bar & Kitchen Report

Great News...Sales are up a little, and we have had a great 2006 so far. We have had some fantastic parties with lots of people and tons-o-fun. We now have daily drink specials so come in and see if yours is on the board. Please help us to support our Post and if you already are….THANK YOU.

Pat Beattie-Bar Manager

FEBRUARY  BIRTHDAYS

3rd-  Mr. Maurice Walls

15th-Pat Cocks

I’m sure someone will be left out but that is only because….. It wasn’t on the calendar or no one told me!  

Gene B.

When Did This Start ?

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity.He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius.Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him.In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers.There was often a social gathering or a ball. In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards.Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised.The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14.The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

 MONEY MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Primerica Financial Services educates consumers about money management. We believe it’s getting tougher every day to decide where to put you money to make it work more effectively for you. This seminar is designed to help you find the right answers. This seminar will be on Wednesday February 1st,  at the Post, at 7:00 PM. It will cover; 1. A savings plan that makes sense, 2. Lower your monthly cash outlay,     3. Cut your insurance cost. There is limited seating so please call in advance. Casey Coring  882-4001. This is a great opportunity to get information on how to improve your cash flow. This seminar will be of special interest to retirees and soon to be retirees. Take part in this and give them a chance to open our eyes to some areas of management that we may not have looked at yet.  This seminar brought to you by Post 639 and...

 

A Military Quote

"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices it on a daily basis."

Chocolate Kiss Bars

Made with chocolate kiss candies, these brownie-like bars are quite good.

INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 sticks margarine, softened * 1 cup brown sugar, packed * 2 eggs * 2 tablespoons milk *  2 teaspoons vanilla * 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1/4 teaspoon baking soda * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1-3/4 cups Chocolate Kisses Candy * 1 cup chopped nuts.  PREPARATION: Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan. In large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate kisses. Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle nuts over top; press into batter. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.  Cut into bars.February 19th - Daytona 500 Party! Sons of the Legion Wild Game Feed! Be there, be there!!! 11am - ?

Lance Shockley-SAL Commander

Letter To The Editor

In reading the Jan. newsletter I was very disheartened. I am a new member and I keep hearing that you want to improve the Post, make changes, and make the Ladies Auxiliary more accessible to families. The Post should offer classes on sewing, crafts, woodworking and other ideas. (free for the kids) Babysitting could be provided by the Ladies Auxiliary and this might make a little extra money for the Post. We might be able to start with making stepping stones for the rose garden. They are easy to make and very durable. Please give me some input on these thoughts.  Thank You - Ph. 417-368-0667 

SUSAN TINGSTROM

Page 4                                                                                                                                                              The Veteran’s Voice

The Veteran’s Voice

Vietnam War Memorial

American Legion Post 639

2660 South Scenic

Springfield , MO 65807

417-882-8639

UP AND COMING EVENTS

Feb. 1st..Money Management Seminar -7PM

Feb. 7th..General Meeting

         6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Meeting

Feb. 5th..Super Bowl Sunday

Feb. 11th..Valentines Party-7:00 PM

Feb. 18th..Karaoke With Gene 8 to 1:00

Feb. 19th..Weed Wackers 8:00 am at Horton Smith (weather permitting) Daytona 500 Party! Sons of the Legion Wild Game Feed! Be there, be there!!! 11am - ?

Feb. 17th..Fish Fry Friday Starts at 5:00 PM

Feb. 27th..E-Board Meeting  6:00 PM

Check with Pat for “Happy Hour” prices on your favorite drinks

NEW SPECIALS EVERY DAY !

You’re Not Here Yet…!!!

American Legion Post 639

WE SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS

 American Legion Post 639

Every Friday night

Pull Tabs start at 4:30

Early Bird starts at 6:30

Guaranteed Pay-out will be $ 3,600

Plus

Progressive & Pull Tabs

The Bingo Hall is located at

2032 West Bennett Street

(Just West of Kansas Expressway)

-Across from The Post Office-

Page 5                                                                                                                                                            Calendar Back

If Your Name Is On This List, Your 2006 Dues Have Not Been Paid.
This May Be Your Last Newsletter! ... (If Your Dues Were Paid...Please Ignore!)

This Will Be Your Last Newsletter!

JACK ACTON

HUGH ADAMS

RUSSELL AGEE

JOSEPH ALLEN

STAN ATKINSON

DON BARTLEY

KENNETH BAUER

ZANE BENEFIED

ROBERT BENNETT

ROBERT BORDERS

JIM BROCKMAN

ROBERT BROWN

BRANDON BROWN

DON BRUNK

RAYMOND BUCKNER

TRACY BURTON

DOYLE CHILDS

DEBRA CLEMON

THOMAS DAILY

FRED DAVIDSON

CARON DAVIS

FRANK DENNY

ROGER DESAUTELS

LARRY DICK

GENE DOVE

MIKE DOWNING

MIKE DYER

JERRY EUBANKS

MICHAEL FAGAN

OWEN FAUST

WILLIAM FEE

LARRY FOSS

DONALD FRANCISCO  III

D. FRICKENSCHMIDT

NORMAN GARDER

FRANK GARRISON

RODNEY GATEWOOD

JOHN GOMES  JR

LEE GRASSLEY

DAVID GRIMES

GEORGE GUNN

LARRY HANNAH

CHRIS HANNAH

JEFFREY HANNAH

NILES HANSON  III

JAMES HARE

GARY HARLAN

JAMES HARP

RICHARD HEIDRICK

STEVAN HIGHT

RODNEY HOSKINSON 

JACK HUBBARD

LLOYD HUBBARD

JAMES HUNSAKER

ROBERT HUTCHISON

BRYAN INMAN

OBIE JORDAN

CHARLIE KADEN

BRIDGETTE KELLY

SAMUEL KELSO

PAUL     KINGSLEY

MARK KRUEGER

MIKE KYNION

RANDY LANDERS

RANDALL LEA

MICHAEL LEDBETTER

THOMAS LEE

DAVID LENTZ

JOEL LEON

DENNIS MAHAN

BENNY MAHAN

RICHARD MAKOSKI

GREGORY McELWEE

EDWARD McKINZIE

FLOYD McNAIR

ANTHONY MELLO

JOHN MIDDLEMAS

DAVID MILLER

JOHN MONTGOMERY

TIMOTHY NIELSEN

NORRIS NIMROD

MICHAEL OLIVERAS

JONATHAN O'NEILL

BUCK ORVEY

DAVID PENDERGRAFT

ALVIN PLUNKEIT

BANDY PRATER

DAVID PRESLEY

FRANK RANEY JR.

DUANE REA

MICHAEL RICHARDS

RANDAL RICHARDSON

JERRY RIDDLE

DAVID RING

JERRY ROE

STEPHEN SASSE

EDWARD SCHNEIDER  JR.

E. SCHUENEMEYER

ROBERT SEELEY

CHARLES SEELY

CHUCK SHEPHERD

LARRY SIMMONS 

GEORGE SNIDER

DAVID SPENCER

GARY STAFFORD

JESSIE STAFFORD

GARY STAMPLER

FRANCIS STEPHENS

CHRISTOPHER STORY

CHARLEY STRONG

CHARLES THOMPSON

BRENDA TOMPKINS

JACK TURMAN

AL TURNER

GARY TURNER

JAMES TURNEY

WILLIAM URBAN

JOHN VANDENBERGH

SHANE WALKER

ROY WALTON

KURT WATSON

DAVID WEBSTER

CRAIG WHITE

TODD WHITESCARVER

EDD WILKINSON

CHARLES WILLIAMS

CHRIS  WILLIAMS

LEONOR ( LEE )  WOODS

DAVID WOREL

MARGARET WYLIE