www.post32nh.org 

 

 

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Exeter, NH 03833 772‐0396 

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Pre‐need counseling is 

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Come Visit, then become a Member

Please visit our website www.post32nh.org where we will be posting this newsletter, calendar of events, important links to benefits and discounts and other news.

Legion Officers

Commander: Wilbert Brown

Senior Vice Commander: Open Position

Junior Vice Commander: Preston Shaffer

Chaplain: Arthur Marshall

Adjutant: Larry Heath

Finance: Larry Heath

Sargent at Arms: Open Position

Child and Youth: Open Position

Service Officer: Open Position

Historian: Open Position The Trustees of the Legion are: Senior Club Trustee: Larry Heath Trustee: Preston Shaffer

If anyone is interested in volunteering for any open Legion position, please contact Larry Heath at 642-8601 or fill out an application and bring it to the Legion.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Please note that the Post will close at 6 PM Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas.

Legion Statement

“Our goal is to help veterans and their families, educate our community’s children, keep our community safe, and lend a helping hand to those in need”.

For more information on why you should join, visit

http://www.legion.org/membership/99511/why-you-should-belong

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

To all soldiers and their families, past and present…your commitment to our country’s integrity and freedom is so greatly appreciated. You make our world a better place. Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season and a peaceful New Year!

American Legion

 

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Adjutant Report

This year is almost done and your Post is going strong. We have been in operation for nine months now and doing well. We welcome Arthur Marshall as a Legion Officer in the position of Chaplain. This has been a good year for our Post and we are looking for a more successful year next year.

As you now, we reopened the Post in April with a slow start but we are growing. We found a company to install a pool table, jukebox and the Lucky 7 ticket machine. We’ve had a Post picnic, Saturday night dances with a DJ or a band, a children’s Christmas party on December 17th, followed by an adult party with a delicious prime rib dinner.

Our Post has its own Newsletter published four times a year and a website with the calendar of events. And some more good news - just a few weeks ago, we installed a new smoke eater and has it made a big difference.

We have recommended two young men for the American Legion Baseball Scholarship and are looking forward to our State Oratory Contest - more on this later.

Things to remember for the coming year:

The Legion’s meeting time has changed to the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00PM

The Canteen is open Sunday thru Saturday - hours are posted on the door and the website

Saturday is the Lobster roll and Meat Roll Off

Sunday is the Ace of Hearts

We are looking forward to seeing you at your Post! Have a very Merry Christmas and safe and healthy New Year!

Our Post has the opportunity to sponsor a young man for this year’s Oratorical Contest. If you can offer assistance in helping him prepare for debate, please contact Will Brown, Commander at the American Legion, Post 32 Exeter, NH - Phone No. 778-0165.

What is the Oratorical Contest?

“A constitutional speech contest”

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.

Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.

 

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The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.

Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

For more information: oratorical@legion.org

Larry Heath Post 32 Adjutant

Monthly Meeting Nights

E-BOARD – 2nd Tuesday each month – 6 PM

LEGION – 4th Tuesday each month – 6 PM

SAL – 3rd Thursday each month – 7 PM

AUXILIARY – 4th Tuesday each month – 6 PM Please note that Post 32 Legion and Auxiliary meetings have changed from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Upcoming Events:

The Dave Berry Band, January 21st 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

February – Kowboy Karaoke – TBD Watch the calendar on the website for additions to our schedule.

Past Post Events:

VETERAN’S DAY NOVEMBER 11th

It turned out to be a very interesting day. It was cold, kind of dreary, overcast and windy. Larry pulled up at Gill Park and found no one there. He and Will had agreed that they would do the ceremony even if it were just the two of them.

Will walked down the street with a couple of veterans; so, there would be at least four attendees. As Larry walked toward the statue, another veteran stepped out of his car, then another. By the time the ceremony started, there were twenty-five, including a mother and her two children. Present were Veterans from Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, the Legion Auxiliary and others. Will gave a wonderful speech on Veterans who served in the different wars.

When the ceremony was complete, all were invited back to the Post for a potluck lunch of wings, beans & hotdogs, Swedish meatballs, apple and squash pies, brownies and so much more.

We are humbled to join people throughout New Hampshire and across the country in honoring the selfless service of our Veterans, and in recognizing the eternal debt we owe them and their dedicated families.

 

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Dancing with Kowboy Karaoke – November 19

Everyone loves a night with Kowboy Karaoke and this night there was a lot of laughter, singing and dancing. Be sure to join us in February!

Post 32 Christmas Parties – December 17

In spite of bitter cold and snow, the Children’s Christmas party was held on December 17th. The children were treated to a pizza lunch and games…then jolly ol’ St. Nick flew in for gifts for them all!

In the evening, the adults enjoyed a fantastic prime rib dinner and after, singing and dancing with Kowboy Rick.

We thank Dot’s Flower Shop in Exeter for their very generous donation of the beautiful centerpieces for the dinner tables. These were raffled off at the end of the evening. Please keep Dot’s in mind for you floral needs!

Legion Pool League

Post 32 valiantly played the fall session in last place, but during the final tournaments pulled out a fourth place finish! Congratulations to our players and good luck in the winter session, which begins January 5th and plays on Sundays through May.

So far, players for the next session are Donna (Captain), Mike (co-Captain), Bobby, Harvey, and Preston. If interested in joining, please contact “ODonna” at the Canteen.

152 Front Street Exeter, NH 03833 772‐2121    

http://www.dotsflowershop.com   

DOT’S FLOWER SHOP 

 

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Officers

Commander: Michael H. J. Collins Senior Vice Commander: David Bosworth Junior Vice Commander: Craig Goodwin Adjutant: Open Position Finance: Michael H. J. Collins Child and Youth: Open Position Sargent at Arms: Kenny Thibodeau Adjutant: Open Position Chaplain: Open Position Historian: Open Position

Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. S.A.L. members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 4.2 million.

Although Sons has its own membership, the organization is not a separate entity. Rather, S.A.L. is a program of The American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in S.A.L.

Become a member of the SAL! Online new membership application form: https://www.members.legion.org/CGI-BIN/lansaweb?webapp=EDMS+webrtn=DMS_CHECK+ml=LANSA:XHTML+partition=TAL+language=ENG

New Members

The SAL welcomes three new members to our

Post:

SAL Events

The SAL holds a meat raffle every Saturday with

the drawing held at 6:00 PM. Come on down,

relax, sip your favorite beverage and GOOD

LUCK!

Tickets on sale all week.

Join the SAL/Auxiliary for their weekly Lobsta’

Roll held every Saturday at 3:00 PM.

Come to Post 32 for the Super Bowl Party

on February 5thbeginning at noon! There

will be a potluck dinner and raffles

throughout the day.

The SAL is proud to announce that they

donated $100 for the Exeter Elementary

School Thanksgiving, and donated to the

St. Vincent’s Church pantry. It is important to

us to help our local community.

Sons of the American Legion

 

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Officers

President: Valerie Hilton

Senior Vice President: Open Position

Junior Vice President: Erica Raymond

Chaplain: Denise Raymond

Secretary: Anita Shaffer

Treasurer: Eve Koerbel

Sargent-at-Arms: Donna Johnson

Historian: Cheryl Archambeault

Letter from the Secretary

Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is more than paying dues and having a place to meet up with friends. It’s an opportunity to selflessly give back to those veterans that have served this nation and us, and to help those in need in our own community. There is so much that can be done…raising money to help homeless veterans; organizing campaigns for winter jackets and clothing for the homeless and less fortunate; donating to our local food pantry. And there is so much more including family support programs and youth development. Coming to our monthly meetings affords the Auxiliary with fresh ideas and opportunities on how we can get involved. Please join us every fourth Tuesday at 6:00 PM and help us help those in need!

If you are reading this and not yet a member, please take a moment to click here, for the application and join the American Legion

Auxiliary or go to https://members.legion-aux.org/ALAMIS/Custom/ALA/NewMemberRegistration.aspx today!

Sweet Tidings

Thanks go to Cheryl Archambeault, Dave Jenson and Lindt Chocolate for putting together a basket of 1,100 Lindt chocolate balls given to veterans for the holidays at the Manchester Veterans Hospital!

New ALA Discounts

For new discounts for ALA members, go to

Regal Entertainment Sam’s Club Firestone Godiva Jiffy Lube 1-800 Flowers Much more!

American Legion Auxiliary

 

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Join your friends for some fun and

relaxation at the Canteen!

Come on over on Sundays at 2:00 PM, for a fun

game of The Ace of ‘s! 50/50 pot split!

Tickets sold at the Canteen all week and are

$1.00 for one and $5.00 for six.

Besides rousing games of pool, we now have a

few new games for your enjoyment!

Chess Checkers Triominoes Chinese checkers Backgammon And, of course, cribbage!

Canteen Hours

Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM

Monday – 2 PM to 7 PM

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 2 PM to Closing

Saturday – 12 PM to Closing

Enacted by the Trustees June 2, 2016

Bar Manager: Donna Johnson

The Canteen

 

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Proper Disposal of the U.S Flag

The Post has several unserviceable flags in the basement. 0n Flag Day, June 14 2017 at dusk, we would like to teach the Boy and Girl Scouts the proper and respectful way to dispose of them. The ceremony below was reprinted from the American Legion website.

We are of the opinion that The American Legion’s Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is a dignified tribute to the U.S. flag and to its symbolism. We therefore conclude that this ceremony is both legal and proper, and that it is an effective instrument for promoting enhanced respect for the U.S. flag. Following is the entire ceremony as it appears in the “Manual of Ceremonies.” We encourage your use of the ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, on an annual basis. By doing so, you will enhance respect to the flag in your community and provide a much-needed service to those who have flags needing to be retired.

Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags The post assembles in meeting, out-of-doors, at night. Members are aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. Officers are at their stations. A small fire is burning opposite the commander and beyond the rows of members.

Sergeant-at-Arms: “Comrade Commander, we wish to present a number of unserviceable Flags of our Country for inspection and disposal.”

Commander: “Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, advance with your detail and present the Flags for disposal and inspection.”

(Sergeant-at-Arms calls his detail to attention. They form at the Post of the Sergeant-at-Arms, take the Flags, which are to be inspected march abreast down center until opposite the Second Vice Commander, turn right and halt two paces in front of the Second Vice Commander. The

Sergeant-at-Arms steps one pace forward and salutes.)

Sergeant-at-Arms: “Comrade Vice Commander, we present these unserviceable Flags for your inspection.”

Second Vice Commander: “Is the present condition of these Flags the result of their usual service as the Emblem of our Country?”

Sergeant-at-Arms: “These Flags have become faded and worn over the graves of our departed comrades and the Soldier, Marine, Sailor, and Airman dead of all our nation’s wars.”

Second Vice Commander: “Present these Flags to the First Vice Commander for his inspection.” (The Sergeant-at-Arms salutes, about faces, commands the detail), “About Face,” (crosses behind the detail and takes his post at its left, commands) “Forward March.” (The detail marches to within two paces of the First Vice Commander, halts and proceeds as before.)

Sergeant-at-Arms: “Comrade Vice Commander, we present these Flags which have been inspected by the Second Vice Commander, for your further inspection.”

First Vice Commander: “Have any of these Flags served any other purpose?”

 

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Sergeant-at-Arms: “Some of these Flags have been displayed in various public places.” First Vice Commander: “Present them to the Commander for final inspection and fitting disposal.”

(The Sergeant-at-Arms salutes, about faces, commands the detail), “About Face,” (crosses behind the detail and takes position on its left commands), “Forward March.” (The detail marches to center, turns left, halts within two paces of the Commander, Sergeant-at-Arms steps one pace forward and salutes.)

Sergeant-at-Arms: “Comrade Commander, we have the honor to present for final inspection and proper disposal these Flags of our Country.”

Commander: “Have these Flags been inspected by the First and Second Vice Commanders?”

Sergeant-at-Arms: “They have.”

Commander: “Comrade Second Vice Commander, what does your inspection show and what do you recommend?”

Second Vice Commander: “Comrade Commander, since these Flags have become unserviceable in a worthy cause, I recommend that they be honorably retired from further service.”

Commander: “Comrade First Vice Commander, what does your inspection show and what do you recommend?”

First Vice-Commander: “Comrade Commander, since these Flags have become faded and worn in a tribute of service and love, I also recommend that they be fittingly destroyed.”

Commander: “Comrades, we have presented here these Flags of our Country which have been inspected and condemned as unserviceable.

They have reached their present state in a proper service of tribute, memory and love.

“A Flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but its real value is beyond price for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our comrades have worked for and lived for, and died for - a free Nation of free men, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.

“Let these faded Flags of our Country be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites and their places be taken by bright new Flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of our soldier or sailor dead be unhonored and unmarked. Sergeant-at-Arms, assemble the Color Guard, escort the detail bearing the Flags and destroy these Flags by burning. The members shall stand at attention.”

(Color Guard forms. The detail about faces. Preceded by the Color Guard, the detail marches down center to the fire. National Colors cross over and take position on the right of the fire, facing the Commander. Post Standard takes position on left of fire. The detail lines up behind the fire, which is burning low.)

 

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Commander: “The Chaplain will offer prayer.”

Chaplain: “Almighty God, Captain of all hosts and Commander over all, bless and consecrate this present hour.

“We thank Thee for our Country and its Flag, and for the liberty for which it stands. “To clean and purging flame we commit these Flags, worn out in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may Thy Holy Light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion to God and Country. Amen.”

Commander: “Hand salute.”

(Color Guards present arms. Post Standard is dipped. All officers and members except those on the Flag detail salute. Members of the Flag detail dip the condemned Flags in kerosene and place them on a rack over the fire).

(Bugler sounds “To the Colors.”)

Commander: (at conclusion of “To the Colors”) “Two.”

(The Color Guard shall resume its station and detail is dismissed.)

(Color Guard advances down center and places Colors. Members of the detail resume their places among the members.)

 

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Article of Interest

A Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan wrote this poem. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable ... “PLEASE. Would you do me a thoughtful favor of sending this poem to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities”.

T'was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give And to see just who in this home did live. I looked all about a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kind A sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, so dark and dreary, I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. I heard stories about them, I had to see more So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping silent alone, Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home. His face so gentle, his room in such disorder, Not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan, I soon understood this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight. Soon ‘round the world, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, my life is my God, my country, my Corps." With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still, I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head. And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black, With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside. I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure, "Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure." One look at my watch, and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!

 

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Laughter

(Reprinted from http://www.military-quotes.com/jokes/military-jokes-3.htm)

Rank Recognition Afloat ADMIRAL: Leaps tall buildings with a single bound, is more powerful than a locomotive, is faster than a speeding bullet, walks on water amid typhoons, reviews policy with God.

CAPTAIN: Leaps short buildings with a single bound, is more powerful than a switch engine, is just as fast as a speeding bullet, walks on water if sea is calm, talks to God.

COMMANDER: Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds, is almost as powerful as a switch engine, is faster than a speeding BB, walks on water in indoor swimming pool, talks to God only if a special request chit is approved.

LT. COMMANDER:

Barely clears Quonset hut, loses tug-of-war with switch-engine, can fire a speeding bullet, swims well, is occasionally addressed by God.

LIEUTENANT: Makes high marks by trying to leap buildings, is run over by the locomotive, can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury, dog paddles, talks to animals.

LIEUTENANT JG:

Runs into buildings, recognizes locomotives two out of three times, is not issued ammunition, can stay afloat if properly instructed in the Mae West, talks to bulkheads.

ENSIGN: Falls over doorstep when trying to enter building, says look at the Choo-Choo, wets himself, plays in mud puddles, mumbles to himself.

CHIEF: Lifts buildings and walks under them, kicks locomotives off the tracks, catches speeding bullets in his teeth and eats them, freezes water with a single glance, makes policy and enforces it. HE IS GOD.

A guy was telling about this girl Sue who disguised herself as a man and joined the army. "But, wait a minute," said his friend, "She'll have to dress with the boys and shower with them, too, won't she?" "Sure," replied the guy. "Well, won't they find out?" The guy shrugged. "Who's gonna tell?"

 

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Informative Links

Visit our webpage www.post32nh.org to click on links.

Medical Services

All veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA Health Care System. To begin the process, please complete an Application for Health Care Benefits. You can submit the form online, or you may print the form and mail it to us at:

VA Medical Center Business Office - Eligibility VA Medical Center 718 Smyth Road Manchester, NH 03104

For more information, visit VMAC Manchester, NH

For information on the Portsmouth VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic :

Benefits Questions

Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. While the majority of a service officer’s work involves application for VA disability benefits, these compassionate professionals also provide information, referrals and resources on education, employment and business, death benefits and other important topics.

Service officer representing New Hampshire:

GARY W WAYMAN NORRIS COTTON FED BLDG 275 CHESTNUT ST RM 519 MANCHESTER, NH 03101

Phone: 603-222-5784 Fax: 603-222-5787

Send an e-mail to Gary

The American Legion Department of New Hampshire: State of NH American Legion

Below are links to the various American Legion, Department of New Hampshire Programs:

o Baseball o Auxiliary o Boys State o NH Boys State Program o Scholarships and Awards o Immigration and Naturalization o Children and Youth o Honor Veterans o Legion Riders o Oratorical Scholarship Program o Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation o National Convention o National Security o Oratorical Contest o Scouting o Shooting Sports o Sons of the Legion o VA Volunteer Services o Washington Conference o Wounded Warriors o Youth Programs Alumni o Legion College o Veteran Families o Oratorical Rules