Comrades:, allow me introduce myself, I am Comrade William (Bill) Lyles, and I am Proud, Fortunate and Horned to have been elected Commander of this outstanding Post for year 2003-2004. Serving you is my job and my obligation. I look forward to working with all Veterans and their families, Comrades of Post 509, Ladies Auxiliary and the Community. Please attend meetings and give my staff and me your input as often as possible. I will always be willing to converse with you so feel free to call me at (609) 261-4755. We are looking forward to your participation in the many events now and in the future. MEETINGS: Our regular meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month, at 10:00AM, at our Post Home, 781 Rancocoas Road, Westampton, New Jersey. We do not meet during the month of August. ELECTION OF POST OFFICERS: Election of Officers for the year of 2003 - 2004 was held during our regular meeting on April 19, 2003. Officers were installed at the regular meeting on May 17, 2003. The following Officers were elected or appointed. Commander William L. Lyles, Senior Vice Commander Marcia Thibeault, Junior Vice Commander Antonio Diaz, Adjutant James E. Davis Jr., Finance Officer Samuel D. Hayes, Chaplain Rev. Mark Stevens, Service Officer Samuel C. Barner, Historian John W. Bostick, Judge Advocate Russell C. Stokes, and Sgt-At-Arms Edward S. Roberts. MEMBERSHIP: Due to the hard work of our Membership Chairman, with assistance of other members, our current membership now stands at 184. This is an increase of 31 members from last year. LEGISLATION: (Survivor Benefits Bills would equalize paid-up status, eliminate DIC offset.) SAXTON, BROWN REINTRODUCE SBP. On April 2, Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) introduced H.R. 1653, a bill that would accelerate the date at which long-term Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Enrollees may stop paying premiums for coverage. In 1998, MOAA and our military coalition partners were successful in winning enactment of legislation to allow long-term SBP enrollees in stop paying premiums After 30 years. However, for cost reasons, legislators pushed the implementation date back to Oct 1, 2008. This meant that retirees who signed on when the program first started in 1972 would bear the heaviest burden, with many paying SBP premiums for 36 years. H.R. 1653 would change the implementation date of the Paid-up provision to Oct 1, 2003, thus easing the financial burden for retirees who have been paying in for so many years. More information will be forthcoming. FUNDRAISERS: The Post held a money raffle on June 20, 2003. It turned out to be a great success. The winning number was 262. Thanks to all who participated. Post T-Shirts are currently on sale for $12.00 each. The color is royal blue with gold lettering. Contact (FO) Hayes, at (609) 261-0163 for size and delivery of T-Shirt's.) The Post conducted a yard sale on May 3, 2003, which was a success. We are planning our next yard sale for the fall. The Post is currently accepting small items for our next yard sale. Please call Commander Lyles or FO Hayes to arrange drop off of items. NOTE TO REMEMBER: We are still recycling aluminum cans. This has been a success in the past. All cans may be dropped off inside the fence at the Post. Call Finance Officer Hayes at 261-0163 if you need the cans picked up. We cannot take soup cans, cat food cans, vegetable cans, etc. Aluminum cans only. SCHOLARSHIPS: There are a number of scholarships available for eligible students. There is an American Legion Scholarship, Lutherman Memorial Scholarship, Stutz Memorial Scholarship and many others. For applications, please call Senior Vice Commander Thibeault at 267-3174. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: The Post sponsored a boy again this year from June 15 to June 20 to attend Jersey State Boys State, which was held at Rider College in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. This year the candidate was Gerson Raines. Other programs we sponsor are a Coloring Contest and Safety Essay Contest at the Westampton Schools. Coloring Contest 1st place winner was Jennifer Mehling, 2nd place- Corinne Gontowicz, and 3rd place Khushboo Bhatia. In the Safety Essay Contest, Ryan Brophy won 1st place at Post & County and 2nd place at State level. Mathew Szukics placed 2nd at Post level and Karla Fabritz placed 3rd. We are sponsoring an Indoor Soccer Team again this year with the Westampton Recreation Department. In addition, we are sponsoring two Little League Baseball teams in Mount Holly. THE LADIES AUXILIARY UNIT: The Unit is actively working to increase their membership. To all Ladies who are interested in joining, please call President Anna Jones at 267-4272 or Past President and Membership Chairman Elizabeth Jones at 267-8979. THE AMERICAN LEGION 85th STATE CONVENTION: The Convention was held at Wildwood, New Jersey from June 12 to June 14, 2003. Key speakers were National Commander Ronald F. Conley and New Jersey Governor James F. McGreevey. One of the most important items of business was that the delegation voted to increase the per-capita tax from $2.50 to $7.00 per member effective October 1, 2003. The vote was 587 for and 265 against the increase. Our Post delegates voted against the increase. This means an increase in our dues. Please renew your 2004 membership prior to October 1, 2003. SICK CALL: The following members are recovering from their illness, operation or injury. Julian Cheek, VA Nursing Home, Phila... PA. Frank Donald, Ancora Hospital, Frank Thomas Jr., recovering at home. Notification of illness, operation or injury of a member is most important. Whatever your needs are, please have your spouse, family member or friend notify the Commander at (609) 261-4755, or Chaplain at (609) 893-4882 or Service Officer at (856) 234-1273. POST EVERLASTING: During the past year the Supreme Commander of us all, call to everlasting rest, Fred R. Alden, Walter F. Hayes, Albert R. Woolston, Sam Reynolds and David M. Hannah. May their souls rest in peace?. WHAT ARE OUR MEMBERS DOING? Please let us know your status at this time. Our membership would like to keep up with you. PLEASE SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY NATIONAL GUARD & RESERVE ARE ELIGIBLE The National Guardsman / Reservist must have served at lease one day on federal active duty during any delimiting periods, and either have an honorable discharge or currently be serving either in the Guard / Reserve or on Federal active duty. Please make checks payable to: Westampton Memorial American Legion Post 509, P.O. Box 123, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. |
