Sept 05

Will a Membership Increase Help Our Post ?

I am afraid the word motivation means many different things to many different people. So let’s begin our first article on motivation with the New Webster’s Dictionary definition of Motivate (Motivation) – to furnish with a motive; to impel; to induce.

Some people say motivation is knowing where you want to go (your goals and objectives) and how you’re going to get there (your plan). The word motivation is derived from the combination of the words: motivate and action (toward your goals).

Motivation is not a big rally, although a rally can sometimes be used to stimulate motivation. Motivation, simply stated, is to set your goals and establish and work the plan which will enable you to accomplish those goals. Perhaps the late Will Rogers summed it up best when he said; “Ladies and Gentlemen, in order to be successful in selling or any other activity, you need to know what you’re doing, love what you’re doing and believe in what you’re doing.”

We know our National Membership Goals for this year and we know the goals of our Departments, Districts, Counties and Posts. In order to continue the progress and inroads The American Legion has made in programs for Veterans, widows, orphans and the many programs for our community, state and nation, our membership must continue to grow. Membership is the life-blood of The American Legion. Perhaps that last sentence is motivation enough for us to attain our goals. As we discussed in our membership workshops throughout the various regions of The American Legion, we must have PRIDE and COMMITMENT toward attaining our mission. We at National Headquarters are committed to support and assist each Department, District/County and Post, in meeting their part of the membership challenge. We are all PROUD Legionnaires and will be even PROUDER of The American Legion and our own membership when we exceed our target for this membership year. This is what is needed:

Define Goals
What is your goal?
Timetable/Plan of Action
Commitment/Organization
Hard Work/Organization
Positive Mental Attitude
Determination
Team Work

If you leave out just one of the above ingredients, your chances of making your goal will be less. Like a good recipe, all of the ingredients must be there in the right amounts and everyone will savor the flavor. Include all of the ingredients in your membership programs, and we will savor the flavor – SUCCESS. “I believe that what is being said here is….not only do we need 100% membership, we need 100% of the membership to be involved with what is going on at our Post. We have great potential here...LET”S USE IT.” Parts of this article were taken from the American Legion Website.

The Editor Gene B.

A Joke Page Is On The Back Of The Calendar

12 Come Home From Vietnam

The remains of 12 servicemen listed as missing in action during the Vietnam war have been identified and are returning home, 37 years after they died in a fierce battle near the Laos-Vietnam border, the Defense Department said Tuesday. The 11 Marines and 1 Army soldier are the largest group of MIAs identified since the war according to the military. “Now we don’t have to wonder anymore,” said Steven Fritsch of Cromwell Conn., who will bury his older brother on Sunday in Cromwell. He said the news has been “bittersweet” for his parents. Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas W. Fritsch and four others will be buried by their families. The other seven will be buried as a group in Arlington National Cemetery in October said Larry Greer, a spokesman for the Pentagon’s missing personnel office. The Marines were killed during a 10-hour battle on May 9^th, 1968 on a football sized area in South Vietnam, Greer said.
Associated press article

Book Signing

Steve Newton, author of the old Sergeant, will be at the Post on September 17th to promote his book from 4:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. He has allowed us to print up one of his short stories and leave it at the Post. The story is called PUPPY LOVE . It will be on the Ladies Auxiliary case by the front door.

From the Commander

Thanks to Gene for doing Karaoke on the 1st Sunday of the Month, and the members that are participating. Attendance is growing, and the Auxiliary is providing a meal for $4.95 each (all you can eat). This is not a bad deal because it keeps the boss out of the kitchen and the dishwasher empty. There is some talk about changing from the first Sunday to the first Saturday, .so if you have not been coming out, try to do so. Look at the calendar to make sure. This helps support the Auxiliary and the Post. Make sure you sign up for Micks Golf Day. See the poster at the Post

Phil Richardson

Adjutant’s Report

The 2006 Membership cards are in. You can mail your dues in to the Post or if you wish you can pay at the bar when you come in. You can leave your dues with the Bartender, or If I’m present I will help renew your dues. Let’s make 100% in membership before Jan. 1^st. Sept. 24 will be the early bird party, so you need to get the early bird stamp on your membership card to make it in time for the party!

J.C. Ponder

Ladies Auxiliary

Well on August 2^ndI became the President of the Ladies Auxiliary and I will do my best not to let anyone down. I have a lot of good people standing beside me so I feel I’ll be fine in the coming year. You might say that I’m going into this with Pampers on but I’ll be graduating to Depends in no time.

The dinner and birthday party on the 7^th of August was great. Bobby’s son Braxton turned (1) year old and all the children that were there had a great time. All the ladies in the Auxiliary did a very good job with the dinner and the spaghetti was enjoyed by all. How about that new girl on the block! Dea did a great job on the tables also a big atta boy to Jay for making the meat balls.

On Friday, September 9^th we will be drawing for the crocheted tablecloths. There will be two to pick from so get your tickets soon. The drawing will be held at the Bingo Hall on Bennett Street with the proceeds going to the Ladies Auxiliary. Thanks so much to Verla Robertson for making the tablecloths and also thank you Richard for teaching her how to crochet. Only kidding! Well I have a heavy heart about something that I feel is very important to all of us. The barrel that is by the front door of the Post is for our men and women in IRAQ and it seems to be empty. This has been talked about for 5 months and still we have very little to send. On July 3^rd it was brought up about new D.V.D’s and Gameboy 2 games in sealed wrappers. There were only 18 - 20 DVD’s donated and I think we can do a lot better than that. What is wrong? Are we that busy that we’re going to forget about this AGAIN?? Let’s think about it and get this barrel full so we can get our package on its way to Iraq. Remember we have green grass, pretty roses, freedom and can have dinner with our loved ones. They have sand, bombs, no sleep and are very lonely. For us to be free to live our every-day lives is because of them so let’s give something back to them that they might enjoy. Stop and look back to where we’ve been. Let’s look into the future and make it better than it was in the past.

There will be a Mexican Dinner on the 10^th of September from 4 pm to 7 pm and Karaoke with Gene from 7 pm to close. The Early Bird Party will be Sept. 24^th with a band so get your 2006 membership card and make sure it has the bird stamp on it. Let’s make 100% enrollment for the Post. I want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me with a lot of things in this last month. You are all very special people to me. We would like to thank Katie’s friend Margie Brown for doing the dishes on the Aug. 7^th dinner. It was very thoughtful and extremely appreciated. Thanks. There are lots of things going on in October, November, and December so watch that newsletter. Remember to say something nice to someone today and every day.

Beverly Miller-President

The Veterans Voice Page 3

Chaplain’s Report

August starts a new year for Post 639. We are looking forward to completing our Commanders goals. This will be easy to do with our excellent attitude. Below is an article written by Charles Swindoll with a few minor changes by me:
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home...or a legion post. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with our post...we are in charge of our attitudes."
Keep our Commander in your thoughts and prayers, Phil is having tests on his legs and back. We hope everything turns out OK. If you know of anyone having health problems give me a call at my home phone 881-6246. Please don't call after 9 PM, it's past my bedtime and I'll be asleep in my recliner.
As always please keep our military men and women, POW’s and MIA's in your thoughts and prayers.

Bob Carroll

Bar & Kitchen Report

I would like to start out by thanking all of you who helped with and attended Gene’s surprise birthday party. Ladies (you know who you are) thank you for getting this started. Without ALL of you this would have been another ho hum birthday. For those of you who were unable to attend, you missed a REALLY GREAT time. This place has the most wonderful people in the world! Please, pay your dues and come to the Early Bird Party so you can see for yourself that I’m not exaggerating. Remember, you’re more than welcome to bring in your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers any night of the week. So please invite them to meet you out here or bring them with you. We’ll keep the coffee pot on for those of you who prefer coffee. We also have a variety of sodas and juices on hand. The bar is recycling aluminum cans and the proceeds are being split between the rose garden and postage for the newsletter. If you would like to donate your cans please give them to your bartender. Until next time…keep on smiling! (: It makes people wonder what your up to.:)

Pat Beattie-Manager

Please Support Our Bartenders

Thanks for the Party

I would like to thank all the people who came to my SURPRISE birthday party. I almost didn’t have a clue about it. It’s really great to find out you have as many friends as you do who really care. The food was great, and the Wild Turkey was great (at the time). Ask Merle if you don’t believe me.

PLEASE….If there are any Birthdays or Anniversaries or anything that needs to be in the newsletter, call me at 865-5579 and leave a message or send me an E-Mail me at oldkarokeguy@yahoo.com

Please get all announcements and articles to me by the 23rd of the month to have it included. Glance at the calendar for all the functions this month because there are a lot of things going on.

Gene Beattie

Beverly Miller...Aug. 22nd

Rick Tracy….Sept. 2nd

Peggy Baker Sept. 24

I’m sure someone will be left out but that is only because no one told me!

OCTOBER RIB DINNER

On October 1st there will be a rib dinner from 4 to 7 pm. The cost is $5.00 and the Ladies Auxiliary & the Sons will be providing the sides. Leonard Meese has donated 90 pounds of meat that will be cooked by the GUYS so please join us. Karaoke w/Gene will follow from 7:00 to 12:00

UP AND COMING EVENTS

Sept. 3 ……Karaoke With Gene

Sept. 6 ……Post Meeting

6:00 PM Dinner

7:00 PM Meeting

Sept. 10….. Mexican Dinner 4 to 7 pm

Karaoke With Gene 7 to 12 pm

Sept 11 …...District Meeting

1 to 3 pm
Sept. 16…....Fish Fry Friday

5:00 PM until ?

Sept. 17 …..Book Signing

Steve Newton -4 to 6 pm

Sept. 18…...Mick’s Golf 8:00am

Sept. 24…...Early Bird Party 4:00pm

Sept. 26… E-Board Meeting

6:30 PM

Don’t forget the Ribs on Oct.1st

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

What Ya Wait’in For

COME ON IN !!!

American Legion Post 639

Every Friday night

Pull Tabs starts at 4:30

Early Bird starts at 6:30

Guaranteed Payout 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-

Having passed the enlistment physical, Jon was asked by the doctor, "Why do you want to join the Navy, son?"
"My father said it'd be a good idea, sir."
"Oh? And what does your father do?"
"He's in the Army, sir."

Old Guys

I'm over 50 now (well over) and the Armed Forces say I'm too old to track down terrorists. You can't be older than 35 to join the military. They've got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year-olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn't be able to join until you're at least 35. For starters: Researchers say 18-year- olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy. Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier. If we can't kill the enemy we'll complain them into submission. "My back hurts!" "I'm hungry!" "Where's the remote control?" An 18-year-old hasn't had a legal beer yet and you shouldn't go to war until you're at least old enough to legally drink. An average old guy, on the other hand, has consumed 126,000 gallons of beer by the time he's 35 and a jaunt through the desert heat with a backpack and M-60 would do wonders for the old beer belly. An 18-year-old doesn't like to get up before 10 a.m.. Old guys get up early every morning to pee. If old guys are captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd probably forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser. Boot camp would actually be easier for old guys. We're used to getting screamed and yelled at and we actually like soft food. We've also developed a deep appreciation for guns and rifles. We like them almost better than naps. They could lighten up on the obstacle course however.. I've been in combat and I didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic training. I can hear the Drill Sergeant now, "Get down and give me...er...one." And the running part is kind of a waste of energy. I've never seen anyone outrun a bullet. An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him. He's still learning to shave, to actually carry on a conversation, and to wear pants without the top of his butt crack showing and his boxer shorts sticking out. He's still hasn't figured out that a pierced tongue catches food particles, and that a 400-watt speaker in the back seat of a Honda Accord can rupture an eardrum. All great reasons to keep our sons at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off to possible death.. Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten cowards who attacked our hearts on September 11. The last thing the enemy would want to see right now is a couple of million old goats with attitudes.

The problem with the Iraqi army is that they were using Russian defense tactics:
1. Engage the enemy.
2. Draw him into your territory.
3. Wait until winter sets in.

Top Ways The Army Is Trying To Boost Recruiting
8. Military transport flights now earn you Delta frequent flier miles
7. Where else can you shoot guns and get awakened in the middle of the night by loud explosions besides New York, Chicago and Detroit?
6. Get rid of all those creepy "Richard Simmons Wants You" posters
5. Intelligence spy satellite may be used to watch television 24 hours a day
4. Superiors may now be addressed as "Dude"
3. Make it so every hand grenade has a creamy nougat center
2. Next mission: all-out invasion of Temptation Island
1. New slogan "Army of One" replaces "Hope You Like Scrubbing Latrines!"

The Pentagon announced today the formation of a new 500 man elite fighting unit called the US REDNECK SPECIAL FORCES (USRSF). These North Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Tennessee boys will be dropped into Iraq and have been given the following facts about Terrorists:
1. The season opened today.
2. There is no limit.
3. They taste just like chicken.
4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music or Jesus.
5. They are DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

This mess in Iraq should be over IN ABOUT A WEEK!!!

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Phil Richardson

Old Guys