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VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL ** AMERICAN LEGION POST 639

 THE VETERANS VOICE

 NEW YORK — Oil prices fell slightly Thursday after reaching a record high above $72 a barrel, as traders locked in profits and Shell said a key oil platform damaged by Hurricane Katrina will resume production earlier than had been expected. But U.S. pump prices continue to rise. The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline rose to $2.825 a gallon, up more than 2 cents from Wednesday and more than 60 cents from a year ago, according to AAA's daily fuel gauge report. Analysts say oil prices are likely to climb higher in the weeks ahead as concerns mount about how Iran, a major oil producing nation, will react if pressured further to halt its nuclear program. Rebel disruptions of oil production in Nigeria also pose a risk to world supplies. With gas prices on the rise, it's not uncommon to search for a bargain at the pump. Now, finding a  deal can be as easy as logging on to your computer. There are two websites you can check out: www.gasbuddy.com and  www.lexingtongasprices.com .  Gas prices seem to jump every week or two by about .20 - .30 per gallon, and then fall slowly in ensuing days. Nathan Hoy is one of many people who contribute to the lexingtongasprices web site. He submits the highest and lowest prices he sees on his way to and from work to the site. "This is a nice grass roots effort to get people the lowest prices," said Hoy. While the site points out where to find the best bargains, that doesn't mean they won't change by the time you arrive. The websites also compares prices from last year. As of Thursday, Lexington is up 56 cents per gallon compared to last year's average.  With the price of crude oil soaring, the restaurant industry — already the nation's largest single employer — could make a serious contribution to the fuel supply if most of its waste cooking oil can be recycled as biodiesel, industry and renewable fuel experts say. "It really does hold long-term benefits, not only for the restaurant industry, but for the environment on a national basis," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the National Restaurant Association. At the Burgerville restaurant in Vancouver, Washington,  Wurtz towed his portable pump to the deep fryer, opened a steel cabinet door, turned a valve and started the oil flowing into the low-slung tank. When he had a big sample, he towed the pump to the back of the restaurant to transfer the old oil into a tall, stainless steel holding tank. The big tank is fitted with a hose coupling that feeds through the back wall, where a truck from MRP Services, a family-owned plumbing and drain service company, can drive up, connect another hose, and drain the tank. MRP, in turn, takes the oil to SeQuential Biofuels in neighboring Portland, where it is converted to biodiesel. Used vegetable oil has been either waste or the stuff that restaurants had to pay to haul off to a rendering company that could transform it into raw material for pet food, soaps or cosmetics. Rising fuel prices, however, are pushing a switch to converting the used cooking oil into renewable biodiesel fuel as a routine part of the restaurant business. "Waste oil is the largest byproduct of our business, and we use that byproduct to make something of value and contribute back to local communities," Harvey said.

THIS MONTHS

MYSTERY PICTURE

Last months winner was Bill Seelye The first member to tell the editor where this picture was taken in the Post       wins a free drink at the bar. No employees of Post 639 or past winners will be  eligible.  

COMMANDERS MESSAGE

Here it is.  Remembrance Day, May 20th is the celebration.  I'm so proud and thankful for all the men and women that have put so much effort in to this celebration.  This is our 25th anniversary as a Legion Post.  Our heads are high, so come see the pride that's shown all over.  It all starts at 10 AM. Nominations for election are under way, several positions are still open.  Get your name on the list...

Remember it’s WE  that gets it done.

Phil Richardson

ADJUTANTS MESSAGE

Elections of new Post Officers will be the 1^st Tuesday in June. Nominations for officers start in the month of March during the general 
meeting. You must have a membership card for 2006 to vote or run for any of these  offices . There will be a nomination list posted on the bulletin board at the bar. Thanks for all the help and support as member of Post 639 for making the goal for membership set by State. We are at 102.8 % paid for 2006.  Thanks very much Job well done.    

J. C. Ponder

CHAPLAINS REPORT

It’s so good to see Spring with all the flowers!!!  Our rose garden is starting to bloom thanks to Sam. Esther Bay’s mother passed away this month,  Larry Hannah was in St. John’s in ICU and still needs your thoughts and prayers.  Tom Mabrey had surgery last month and is doing well. Dennis Brown  Passed away this month and Sam McGowan has had a pacemaker installed. Jay D’Andrea had his second neck surgery and is doing better.  Keep our men and women in the military, our POW’s and MIA’s and also our nation’s leaders in your prayers.

Bob Carroll

LADIES AUXILIARY

Well April is almost gone.  The Easter Party went well.  The children were great.  Lots of good things happened, enjoyed by all.  We had winner's on our bikes Thanks to the Special Bike group, Lance, Dea,Lenny and Richie T.  Children: from 0-3 Girls Miss Kaitlin, Boys Master Diamber, 5-7 Girls Miss Shelby, Boys Master Miles, 8 & up Girls Miss Taylor, Boys Master Seeley. The Baby Back Rib dinner on the 23rd went well. I want to Thank the Lady's in the Aux. for all their help with the Easter Party and the Dinner. As we all know the 20th of May is getting closer, with lots of things going on for that Day.  It would be great to see all of our Members at the 25th Silver Anniversary Party.  Please try and come and enjoy.  Thanks for all the help that has been put into getting ready for this.  Sam's is a good leader and the girls did a great job.  But of course they always come through for everything.  Our Vets will be in our house on the 20th please come and make this a great day for them.  Lots of things will be going on for all ages 1-90.  Let's make this a day to Remember.  Let's get the Post back to good times.  I want to thank Leonard for getting the sign started and every one that took it up and got-er done. Our Bobby is putting her Pampers on and getting the soda and water for the 20th.  But I'll bet when she gets this done she will be in pull-ups. If anyone wants to set up a booth on the 20th you are more than welcome, please call the post to get this arranged 882-8639. Don Wallace Welcome to Post 639, Love Ya! Well as always say something special today and every day.
Beverley Miller-President

FROM THE EDITOR

April has been a very busy month and it looks like May will be the same way. May is going to hold something special for the Ladies Auxiliary but it can’t be revealed at this printing. As you all know, Remembrance day is on May 20th and the committee would like to make sure everyone knows about the great time you’ll miss if you decide to stay at home. The new road sign will be up as soon as Mick can locate a boom truck and a trencher that he can HOTWIRE. Way to go MacGyver! Mick Dunn has been a great asset to our Post so if you see him, thank him. The new stage is making progress but we need more tickets sold on the guns in the display case to help benefit the stage. You need to stop in and see them. Sunday April 23rd was a great day for a BBQ. Tennessee, Sam and Merle came through with the best ribs on the planet and the tater salad and beans were fantastic thanks to Peggy & Elva June. Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for their support in this and all the Post functions. Bingo is doing good and thanks to Bill Seelye, and all the workers for doing a tremendous job of generating income for our Post. Please support our bingo by helping or by playing. There is some big money to be had.  Karaoke will be on May 6th at 8:00 pm so come-on-out for a fun time of music & singing. Remember to support your candidates for the election of Post officers. If anyone has pictures or articles of ANY functions at Post 639 in 2006, , please contact me at 417-865-5579 or E-mail me at... oldkaraokeguy@yahoo.com  I will be putting together a yearbook of the events of our Post in 2006 and would appreciate any help. Anyone wanting to help with  our Remembrance Day event, Please be at the May 10th meeting at the Post at 6:30 pm. Pizza will be provided for the committee and helpers. PLEASE ….submit newsletter articles NO LATER THAN the 24th of May. thanks

GENE BEATTIE

  May 20th,2006 is our 25th Anniversary celebration and you are invited to help us commemorate this event.  Special events are planned to show how much we want to thank our members, past and present, and the people of the Springfield community for their support. Please join us for the day for this promises to be an event that will be remembered well into the future. Activities start at 10:00 am  Grand Prize Drawing 5:00 pm-GRAND PRIZE FREE DRAWING-ROUND TRIP AIRFARE  FOR 2 TO LAS VEGAS - SPONSORED BY Allegiant Air-Hourly Door Prize Drawings-Kerry Joe Miller-Stage Shows Begin At 12:00 Noon-Booths From Local Law Enforcement, Fire Dept. & Vendors-BLACKHAWK Helicopter Fly In And Landing-Listing of KIA’s From MISSOURI-T-Shirt &Hat Sales-Crafts

Meal Service at 11:00 AM-Military Representatives’ Booths-Clowns & Children’s Games-Dunk Tank & Prizes-Cash Bar (Inside & Outside) (With IDs ) Secured  Parking-Eastern Dancers( Sarrab School Of Dance) Bands (The Flying Blue Cubits-The Lucky Boys & The Rockin’L’s) Motorcycle Displays-ALR, Chapter 9 Road House Cycle-Pool Competition (Inside) & Raffles through-out the day. For information or to volunteer to help, call the Post at 417-882-8639

The Lance Shockley Stage

I would like to thank everybody that has supported the stage project. The stage is nearly completed and will be finished by our silver anniversary. The roof portion is going to be delayed for a short period of time. W0W, Tennessee, what a job you did on those ribs for the stage fund raiser!  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who donated food, time, and cash to help us reach our goal.  I would like for the members of this post, their families, friends, and the public to come out on May 20th and enjoy the kick butt party that your Remembrance Day Committee has put together for our silver anniversary.  Thank You  

Sam McGowan

May Birthdays

3rd.....Dave Williams

5th…..Phil (Grumpy) Richardson

11th…...Jesse Stafford

28th…..Sharon Richardson

My name is MIA

My name is MIA I am eternal. I've fought in every war since the beginning of time. Most often I have been found and taken home. But in Korea I was not. I was marched in the bitter cold and the snow. I was taken to North Korea where I was brain washed and lost my way. Yet I know I am different from those around me, but I do not know my name. I was taken to China to be slave labor, they have forgotten we were once allies and tried to save their land. I fell and could not get up and they shot me where I lay. I fell, got up and continued my work. I was taken to Russia  to the cold Siberian snows. There I perished, but they will not tell you where I am. In Vietnam I was again lost. I was kept in a cage in the dark wet jungle. I also was killed and buried in that same jungle. I was marched to Hanoi where  I was used as a propaganda tool. I was taken to the killing fields of Cambodia. I was again taken to China as slave labor. In the Middle East I was found. In Bosnia I was found. But in Korea, as in Vietnam I still remain.
My name is MIA
I want to come home!!
-by S.O. Bailey copyrighted 1999

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship,
support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty and Freedom."                                                                                              

 UP AND COMING EVENTS

May 6……..Karaoke With Gene 8:00 to Close

May 14……Mothers Day

May 20……Remembrance Day, Armed Forces Day

May 30……Memorial Day

Check The Calendar for times

Check with Pat , Bobby, and Shiela for “Happy Hour” prices on your favorite drinks

NEW SPECIALS EVERY DAY !

Ask About our Food Menu Items

How Will We Know If You Want Something If You Don’t Ask?

AMERICAN LEGION POST 639

WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

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-

If you can’t help work BINGO come out & play!

Letters to the Editor

SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS

 MASONS FISH FRY

Gene,  just a little thank you from Billings Masonic Lodge for your hospitality and camaraderie for a great Day spent at Post 639 Vietnam Memorial American Legion Post 639

Thanks to everyone at the Post for their hospitality and help in making our Annual Fish Fry the success that it was.   We sincerely appreciate it!  All things going as we hope, the Lodge and The Lucky Boys will be back next year. Thanks again!!!   

Billings Masonic Lodge 379.

5/06  Richmond Raceway                   FX/MRN  7:00 pm

5/13  Darlington Raceway                  FOX/MRN   6:30 pm

5/20  NEXTEL All-Star Challenge     FX/MRN  7:00 pm

5/28  Lowe's Motor Speedway           FOX/PRN   5:00 pm

NEWS FLASH!

If you see someone that you don’t recognize at our Post…...Introduce yourself. Yes dear heart…... There is a “WE” in

Welcome!

MOTHERS DAY

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England.  During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration. People began honoring their mothers as well as the church. In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year.  In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia. Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was so successful that by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.  While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.