this issue - American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291

American Legion 

Newport Harbor 

Post 291 

215 East 15th Street 

Newport Beach, CA 92663 

Phone: 949.673.5070 

Fax: 949.673.9555 

Email: admin@al291.com 

Membership Eligibility 

WWI 

(4/6/17-11/11/18) 

WWII 

(12/7/41-12/31/46) 

Korea 

(6/25/50-1/31/55) 

Vietnam 

(2/18/61-5/7/75) 

Grenada/Lebanon 

(8/24/82-7/31/84) 

Panama 

(12/20/89-1/31/90) 

Persian Gulf War 

(8/2/90 until cessation 

of hostilities) 

SeaBreeze 

MONTHLY NEWS OF 

THE AMERICAN LEGION 

NEWPORT HARBOR 

POST 291 

Unit 291 President Kendall Madsen, 5th Area Vice CMDR Bob Carolan, 

Natl CMDR Fang A. Wong Dept of CA CMDR Hugh Crooks, Post 291 CMDR Jess Lawson, 

ALYC Commodore Floyd Sanford and Squadron 291 2nd VC Tomidan Jordan. 

this issue 

Commanders Message 3 

Sweetheart’s Ball / Car Raffle 7 

SONs News 8 

ALYC News 10 

Join Post 291 Legacy Corps 13 

Post 291 visits the Long Beach VA to bring clothes and gifts to the children of Veterans. 

January 2012 

VOLUME 45, NO. 1 

Holiday Photos 14

January 2012 · American Legion Post 291 · American Legion Auxiliary · Sons of the American Legion · American Legion Yacht Club 

AMERICAN LEGION OFFICERS 

Commander Jess Lawson 

1st Vice Commander Bill Dunn 

2nd Vice Commander Ken Widdall 

3rd Vice Commander Ken George 

Adjutant Brian Panning 

Judge Advocate Robert Wright 

Finance Officer Dave Lambert 

Service Officer Tony Arrigo 

Sgt-At-Arms Phil Benson 

Chaplain William Bennett 

Historian Carmen Williams 

Jr. Past Commander Steve Spriggs 

MEMBERS AT LARGE 

John Lindgren Joe Munday Mike Lipscombe 

Jon Reynolds Ken Ulrich Robert Wright 

American Legion Post 291 Meetings 

General Business 2nd Wednesday at 7:00pm 

Executive Committee 1st Tuesday at 6:00pm 

AUXILIARY UNIT 291 OFFICERS 

President Kendall Madsen 

1st Vice President Melveta Mason 

2nd Vice President Kathy Panning 

Secretary Barbara Boskovich 

Treasurer Deanne Tate 

Sgt-At-Arms Janis Smith 

Chaplain Susan DiFonzo 

Historian Wendy Meyer 

Marshal Kayla Canerdy 

Parliamentarian Joy Cernich 

Jr. Past President Karen Karanickolas 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

JoAnn Hayward Kim Philhart 

Wanda Nordstrom Jan Spriggs Patricia Wright 

Auxiliary Unit 291 Meetings 

General Business 3rd Wednesday at 6:00pm 

Executive Committee 2nd Thursday at 6:00pm 

SAL SQUADRON 291 OFFICERS 

Commander Matt Parsons 

1st Vice Commander Steve Porter 

2nd Vice Commander Tomidan Jordan 

Adjutant Jeff Hill 

Finance Officer Ben Jensen 

Chaplain Butch Rowe 

Historian Robert Thompson 

Sgt-At-Arms Brad Semonell 

Jr. Past Commander Rick Bradley 

Membership Committee Jeff Kingsley 

Donation Committee Howard Denghausen 

SAL Squadron 291 Meetings 

General Business 1st Wednesday at 7:00pm 

Executive Committee Last Wednesday at 7:00pm 

AMERICAN LEGION YACHT CLUB OFFICERS 

Commodore Floyd Sanford 

Vice Commodore vacant 

Rear Commodore Don O’Sullivan 

Fleet Captain Roger Henry 

Port Captain Larry Bulter 

Secretary Rosemary De Camp 

Treasurer Steve Byers 

Judge Advocate 

Chaplain 

Jr. Staff Commodore Frank Reinharti 

AMERICAN LEGION YACHT CLUB DIRECTORS 

Jack Butchko Steve Byers 

Rosemary De Camp Jim DeClerck 

Robert Goode Al Gussin 

American Legion Yacht Club Meetings 

General Business 1st Thursday of even months 

Board of Directors Last Tuesday at 6:00pm 

2 

DON’T FORGET!! 

Attend the General Meeting 

January 11, 2012 at 7:00 pm 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

January 21, ALYC Commodore’s Ball and Annual Meeting 

The SeaBreeze WINS 

“Best Newsletter 2011” 

by the Calfornia 

American Legion Press Assn. 

SeaBreeze 

The Official Publication of 

The American Legion 

Newport Harbor Post 291 


Newport Beach, California 92663 

Office 949.673.5070 · Fax 949.673.9555 

Legion Bar and Grill 949.673.1473 

www.al291.com 

Managing Editor Kendall Madsen 

Photographers 

Carmen Williams and Wendy Meyer 

Editorial Offices 

958 Capital Street · Costa Mesa, Ca. 92627 

Office 949.375.4543 

Email: info@studiokendall.com 

Editorial Policy Submissions to the SeaBreeze 

are due by the 10th of each month for publication 

the following month. We reserve the right to edit 

any submission for the purpose of publication. 

Letters to the Editor must include name, address 

and telephone number. Names will be withheld 

upon request. 

SeaBreeze awarded FIRST PLACE in 

“NATIONAL BEST PAPER” Contest 

1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 

1999, 2000 and 2006, 2010 by National 

American Press Assn. SeaBreeze 

named “BEST PAPER - Class 1” in the 

State of California: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2009, 

2010, 2011 by the California American Legion Press Association. 

Copyright 2011 by Newport Harbor Post 291. Published monthly, 

Non-Profit Postage Paid Newport Beach, CA. Circulation 3000. 

Change of address: Notify Post 291 of address change and furnish 

new and old addresses and current membership card number. 

Allow six weeks for address change. 

February 11, Sweetheart’s Ball 

March 3, Hoedown 

VETERAN RESOURCES 

Tony Arrigo, Service Officer 

Fellow Veterans, 

we have four local 

resources for our 

medical and veteran 

related questions such 

as benefits, health 

issues and burial. 

VA Hospital of Long Beach 

Dept. of Veteran Affairs 

Rex Jennings, Chief Voluntary Services 

Email rex.jennings@med.va.gov 

Tel 562.826.5715 

Riverside National Cemetery 

22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 

Tel 951.653.8417 · Fax 951.653.5233 

VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic 

25292 McIntyre Road, Laguna Hills 

Primary Care & Medical Health Services 

David Blunt, Clinic Administrator 

Tel 949.269.0700 

Santa Ana Veteran’s Clinic 

1506 Brookhollow 

Santa Ana, CA 92705 

Tel 714.825.3500 

Tony Arrigo, Service Officer 

Email: tonyarrigo@yahoo.com 

Tel 949.715.9756 

William Bennett, Chaplain 

Email: wmofgrove@sbcglobal.net 

Tel 714.251.1789 

Aluminum Can Pop-Tops 

Save Your Aluminum Can Pop-Tops And Bring them to the 

Post. For every 5 pounds of pop-tops, we can house a family 

for 24 hours at the Ronald McDonald House

Army · Navy · Air Force · Marine Corps · Coast Guard · Support Our Troops · Support Our Post · SeaBreeze 

NAVY 

newly returning Iraq and Afghanistan warriors who come back to one 

COMMANDER 

of the most difficult economic environments in history. It is critical that 

JESS LAWSON 

we support all opportunities that foster family and friendship support, 

medical attention, educational opportunities, suitable living conditions 

Comrades 

and jobs. Not an easy assignment. Thank you CDR Wong for your 

leadership. 

Here is wishing you a very Merry 

Christmas and a Happy and 

Bountiful 2012! In reading this 

article please take a moment to 

reflect on what an extraordinary 

year is coming to pass. Over the 

months in this column, you have 

read as much about Post events 

that space would allow. In recent 

review there were over fifteen 

events including the Hoedown, 

Welcome Home Vietnam Vets, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, 

Labor Day, Patriots Day, Air Force & Marines Birthday parties, Christmas 

Party, events for Children, SONs and Auxiliary events; all that in one 

way or another benefited our Veterans. In fact, during 2011, overall 

Post 291 donations to Veterans and Veterans programs and organizations 

was nearly $100,000. Add Legion Family and the total nearly 

doubled. 

If one singular event were to highlight December, it would be the Post 

291 visit by American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong. The 

National Commander’s travel schedule is wide and far reaching. To 

present the Legion story and fulfill his mandate, CDR Wong and his 

wife Barbara are on the ‘road’ more than 330 days during his Command 

Year. He visits many countries; meets with numerous world leaders. 

CDR Wong is regularly called to testify before the U.S. Congress 

concerning a myriad of Veterans causes and concerns. When he is able, 

his staff schedules time with Posts and Post members throughout the 

country. Post 291 was on his calendar this year and he and his staff 

attended a ‘Meet & Greet’ event, Dinner and Boat Parade Cruise on 

Friday, December 16. It was a momentous chapter in Post history! 

Invitations were sent to Department, Area, District, Post Officers and 

members. The response was noteworthy. In addition to National CDR 

Wong, his Aide Doug Malin and NEC Ed Landis, were Department of 

California CDR Hugh Crooks, Jr., Past Department of California CDRs 

Mark Foxworthy and Howard Darter, Department of California Vice 

Commander – 5th Area Robert Carolan, Department of California 

Adjutant Bill Siler III, Department of California Sgt-at-Arms Ed Grimsley, 

Department of California Chaplain Phil Heller and Department of 

California Service Officer Scott McKee. Also in attendance were 29th 

District CDR Bill Sandlin, many 29th District Officers and members and 

25th District CDR Chirs Corchado. Additionally, Post 291 Officers and 

members enjoyed the festivities and ‘photo-ops’; too many to name. 

In his comments, CDR Wong continues steadfast in his agenda to ensure 

that the President and Congress understand the commitment and 

sacrifice our veterans have endured. This message is for all veterans 

and beyond the physical and mental discomfort, special concern for 

3 

To the recent Boat Parade, special thanks to Sons of the American Legion 

Squadron 291 CDR Matt Parsons for an outstanding event and 

naming only a few among the many including Matt’s wife Kelly, Tomidan 

Jordan, Robert Thompson, Steve Porter, Josh Eling, and Chuck Hiedebrink. 

The balancing act required bringing hundreds of enthusiastic 

parade revelers to the Post, feeding them and making sure they 

are happy for two-plus hours is not easy. They sure had a great time, 

thanks again. And, what would the Christmas Season be without the 

Auxiliary Unit 291 sponsoring events like the Children’s Christmas Party 

that saw nearly 100 children welcoming Santa & Mrs. Claus to the 

Post arriving waterborne in a Duffy; “you gotta make due when there is 

no snow”! Unit President Kendall Madsen has gone well beyond in her 

support for our veterans. In addition to motivating her staff and crew 

at the Auxiliary she works closely with Carmen Williams Post Historian 

in taking pictures at most Post events and meetings. Thank you Kendall 

and Carmen. 

The SeaBreeze will now be available in a modified format. This is being 

done to achieve wider distribution and provide more hands-on information. 

Each month, the newsletter will be posted on the website, as 

it always has been. In addition, starting in January, (every-other month 

thereafter) a copy of the newsletter will be printed and mailed to all 

Post members. So, in January, you can read the SeaBreeze online and 

you will receive a printed copy at your address of record. In February, 

SeaBreeze only available online. In March, online & mailed to your address. 

And so on throughout the year. You will find this a valuable tool 

to keeping up with Post programs, events and activities. 

For God & Country 

Jess Lawson 

Past Dept CMDR Howard Darter, Natl CMDR Fang Wong, Dept of CA CMDR 

Hugh Crooks, Past Dept of CA CMDR Mark Foxworthy and CMDR Jess Lawson


AIR FORCE 

1ST VICE COMMANDER 

BILL DUNN 

Comrades, 

I wish you all a blessed, safe healthy, 

happy prosperous New Year. I hope 

everyone had a wonderful holiday 

season. Now it is time to get started 

and involved with membership this 

year. 

We cannot operate without volunteers. 

I’m asking everyone to become 

a recruiter for the Post. We need you to go out and bring in one new 

member to the Post this year. I would like to go to Redding CA in June 

with a full contingency of delegates at convention. It is not a difficult 

task, as most of you have friends or relatives who have served in the 

military, but just haven’t signed up yet. I have has people say to me 

“no one has ever asked me to join the American Legion” Believe me, 

we have so much to offer at our Post. We are truly blessed. Just have 

a prospective member meet you at the Post and show them our facility. 

The only American Legion Post with a Yacht Club and a beautiful view 

of Newport Harbor. We have a first class restaurant with a great staff. 

If someone you know many have a need for a meeting place, wedding 

or a special occasion, our patio , fireside room, and great hall are 

always available to be rented to a member at a discount rate. We are 

the Largest Post in California, and with your help we could even grow 

to become the largest in the nation. For your convenience, we have 

Membership forms and we even take most credit cards on line. Just go 

to AL291.org and follow the easy instructions. Please remember this 

important information. 

THE PROSPECTIVE MEMBER MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 

To qualify for membership, you must have served a least ONE day of 

ACTIVE DUTY during the periods shown on the form. Another important 

item is that you MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THE DD214 AS EVI- 

DENCE OF YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN. 

THIS INCLUDES TRANSFERS AS WELL AS NEW MEMBERS. If you do not 

have a copy of the DD214, you can go online to the following address 

to receive one: www.vetrecs.archives.gov. If you need additional help 

with this, feel free to contact our office at the Post and they will be 

happy to assist you with any questions you may have. 

For God and Country, 

Bill Dunn 

4 

Monica RuggieRi 

949.300.8600 

Monica@monicaruggieri.com 

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Over 30 Years Experience 

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the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.


ARMY 

2nd VICE COMMANDER 

KEN WIDDALL 

I have just returned from the V.A. 

Hospital in Long Beach where we distributed 

nearly a thousand articles of 

clothing and 200 gifts to the children 

of vets recently returned from Iraq 

and Afghanistan. Officers from the 

Legion and Auxiliary had gone together, 

as they had done many times 

before. ‘Lotta smiling faces and a few 

tears as well. It made for a long day, 

but the reward was well worth it, as I 

was reminded of why we’re here. 

Second vice is responsible for fund raising activities, and at Post 291, 

that includes Friday and Sunday entertainment as well as the six big 

parties of each year. How we all get along and help one another affects 

our fund raising, so this year I’ve resolved to bring the Legion 

families a little closer. One of the best ways to do that, I think, is to address 

friction and a few personality conflicts that persist among those 

folks who spend a lot of time here at the Post. 

I recently had a discussion with one of those barstool philosophers 

who insisted that everything was better “back in the days…”… Apparently 

he meant “back in the days” when he and his friends made 

their own rules. He complained about the parking lot guys requiring 

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5 

that he bring his I.D. He complained about the rising prices, and he 

complained that his drunken, foul-mouthed friend was asked to leave 

the post. I had witnessed that incident, and can attest that the ejection 

was long overdue. We’ve got more than six thousand members from all 

walks of life, and that Wild, Wild West ethos just doesn’t fly anymore. 

He furthermore accused the post,.. I guess that means all of us,… that 

we did nothing to help the vets. These were curious accusations from 

a fellow who hadn’t left his barstool since I met him five years ago. 

I encouraged him to check the Post website and the newly updated 

“Who We Support” page which shows the 45 organizations that the 

Post supports, - 28 of which are directly supporting veterans and servicemen. 

Last year alone we not only donated almost $100,000, but 

also hosted events for others and our members visit the VA hospital 

every month and on the holidays as well. Of course I’m referring to 

the one percent, but as a Post, we’ve got much to be proud of, so when 

you meet with Bobby Barstool, and there dozens of them, ask him/her, 

“What have you done for the Post lately?” 

Some folks kind of forget why the American Legion exists. It’s not just 

a drinking club, nor a poor man’s country club. We’re here to support 

the veterans. That’s job one, and your years of membership are wildly 

irrelevant if you’re not active in the Post support activities. So as we 

start a new year, ask yourself whether this Post is active and vibrant 

and forward-looking, and whether you want to take part. The enemy 

is apathy. 

Ken Widdall 

2nd VC 

2915 Newport Blvd 


(949) 933-1581 www.lidovet.com


AUXILIARY PRESIDENT 

KENDALL MADSEN 

Ladies, 

First and foremost, our monthly 

general meeting time has 

changed. Our General membership 

Meetings are still on the third 

Wednesday of each month, but 

now we will start at 6:00pm. 

Our Auxiliary was very busy during 

the holiday season. First, was our Annual 

Children’s Christmas Party. Over 

90 children attended and were treated to crafts and games, pizza and 

face painting by Ann Reigle and crew, thank you, thank you. A very special 

visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus via duffy boat no less (Thank You 

to Larry Asmus and Karen Bozarth). Smiles were everywhere and big 

thanks to Janis Smith who has really made all of our Children’s Events 

special. 

Then some of our Auxiliary along with Post officers and members visited 

the Long Beach VA hospital and handed out clothing and toys, hugs 

and laughter and brought such joy to so many. All is all, it is because 

of the volunteering we do, the fundraising programs we work, and the 

simple asking of donations that really makes the holidays and every 

other day of the year important. To see the faces of families we is truly 

heartwarming. 

Next up is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our Auxiliary, The Sweetheart’s 

Ball! The ball is the venue for our largest raffle of the year, and 

this year it is a 2012 Ford Fiesta. You may have seen the car in the 

parking lot or under the canopy. The Sweetheart’s Ball sells out quickly, 

so be sure to purchase your tickets early. And, we have lots of extra 

car raffle tickets to sell. You can pick more up in the office and sell to 

your co-workers, neighbors and friends. Each ticket is only $10 and all 

proceeds goes to support our veterans, and for only $10, you could win 

a car. Can’t beat those odds! 

Also, if you have not renewed your membership, your dues have lapsed. 

Please mail in or drop off your $80 renewal check to the office so your 

gate card can be reactivated. 

If you are NOT receiving e-mail blasts to help volunteer please send your 

e-mail address to info@studioKendall.com. You can also get up-to-theminute 

information about the post on Facebook. Just direct your browser 

to facebook.com and search for Newport Harbor Post 291. 

Happy 2012 and I hope to see you around the Post! 

Kendall Madsen, President 

For God and Country, In support of The American Legion Family 

Join us at our next Auxiliary meeting 

on January 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm 

6 

Auxiliary Unit 291 hosted the Annual Children’s Christmas Party. 

Auxiliary member Evelyn Holicky-Puhala and her niece Olivia Rasla 

enjoyed a great day. 

Unit 291 President Kendall Madsen brought backpacks and sleeping bags to 

Los Alamitos Post 716. The backpacks and sleeping bags were provided 

by Unit 291 Treasurer Deanne Tate of Veterans First and were distributed 

to some of the Homeless Veterans at the LBVA PIER Center. 

The Newport Shores Christmas Home Tour is organized by Kennie Jo Rizzo 

and Barbara Thibault and supported by the rest of the community. They 

raised $1635 for Unit 291 to support our troops.


American Legion Auxiliary Unit 291 proudly presents 

The Sweetheart’s Ball 

Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 

Black Tie/Cocktail Attire 

Cocktails 5 pm · Dinner 6 pm 

Dancing to Nick Peper 7-11 pm 

$50. per ticket 

Tickets going fast - buy today 

Call the office at (949) 673-5070 for reservations 

(You don’t need a date to attend - 

come with friends and meet new ones) 

Proceeds of the Sweethearts Ball will go to the Edna Cannady Scholarship Fund 

7


SQUADRON COMMANDER 

MATT PARSONS 

SAL Membership 

Qualifications 

Are you a male descendant (includes 

stepsons and adopted sons) of a 

member of the American Legion or 

a deceased veteran that would have 

otherwise qualified for membership 

in the American Legion through service 

in one of the designated Wars or 

Military Conflicts (i.e. World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam 

War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War). 

What do you need? Copy of your family members American Legion 

membership card or DD-214 (honorable discharge paper from the military), 

complete SAL application, check for the necessary dues ($120) 

made out to SAL 291, and a copy of the death certificate (if the veteran 

is not a member of the American Legion). You can turn your paperwork 

in to the American Legion office or mail it in. 

Contact us at: Squadron 291, mailing address – 215 15th Street, 

Newport Beach, CA 92663, Phone – 949-645-4401, and/or E-Mail – 

salmembership@sbcglobal.net. 

Squadron 291 in Cyberspace 

Squadron 291 is on Facebook! That’s right ladies and gentlemen you 

can follow the activities, programs, and community involvement on 

the SAL Squadron 291 fan page. I urge all who are on Facebook to 

“Like” SAL Squadron 291 and stay in tune to what is going on with 

all things Squadron 291. In addition, Squadron 291 is on the web at 

www.sal291.com. There are links to important pages and the other 

groups within the Post 291 family. Please check out all of Squadron 

291’s social media aspects to stay abreast of all the happenings. 

Squadron 291 is wrapping up its year and 2011 was very good to the 

Newport Harbor Sons. We became the undisputed largest Squadron 

in all of the land with 1,326 members edging the Shiloh, PA Squadron 

who seemingly has had a strangle-hold on that title for the past dozen 

years. But this was the year that Squadron 291 finally got over the top. 

Thanks in large part to the efforts of Membership Chairman Jeff Kingsley 

whose tireless efforts to ensure that all of our members are well 

taken care of. Rick Bradley’s leadership was instrumental in us achiev- 

Support your Squadron and attend the 

General Meeting on 

January 4, 2012 at 7:00 pm 

8 

ing this goal and it was his goal that he set and we thought he was 

nuts, well as it turns out he was dead on the money. Great job guys! 

Donations have been flying through the Squadron and getting to needy 

causes. To be specific, the Squadron has donated $35,377.96 to Veterans 

causes and Youth programs in 2011. We have seen these donations 

do a ton of good in our Community, State, and Nation making a 

positive influence on the lives of those who are in need and suffering 

from want. These efforts were spearheaded by Donations Chairman 

Howard Denghausen who took an already strong system and re-tooled 

it to be as efficient as possible, streamlining all aspects making sure 

that our charitable dollars reach those who need it most in which our 

contribution can make a big splash in the lives of those who need it. 

Thank you Howard for everything you do for the Sons and your efforts 

have gone a long way to making your Community, State, and Nation a 

better place from which you found it. Keep up the great work! 

Squadron 291 is represented extremely well at the Detachment (State) 

level of the Sons. 2nd Vice Commander Tomidan Jordan is the Chaplain 

of the Detachment of CA and continues to be available for more 

opportunities within the Detachment. Dan Swett currently serves on 

the VA & R commission and is using his influence to help make a big 

difference in the lives of our Veterans. Paul Mesmer is the Jr. Past Commander 

of the Detachment of CA and continues to serve on many committees 

that will shape our State for the future. Bob Bedell is a Past 

Commander/Past NEC man/Past Finance Officer of the Detachment of 

CA and continues to serve on many committees as well. David Doum 

is the Judge Advocate for the Detachment of CA and is very focused on 

making sure things are done correctly and according to the established 

Constitution and By-Laws. In the near future, the task at hand will be 

the re-formation of District 29 Sons. This is a must and should happen 

within the first few months of the new year. 

December 7, 2011 was the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor 

which signaled the subsequent advance of the United States into 

World War II. 70 years has gone by and within that time the United 

States has had much to celebrate and further established itself as the 

super power in the world that we know and love. Thanks in large part 

to the faithful service of our military men and women who have fought 

to preserve and afford us the freedoms that we know and love. In 

honor of the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and in an effort 

to pay tribute to all our military Veterans and Active Duty, Squadron 

291 sent a floral wreath display to the site of the Pearl Harbor Memorial 

Celebration over the USS Arizona on December 7th. Our wreath 

was proudly delivered to the depths of the Memorial by the Sons of the 

American Legion National Commander Jim Roberts. Below is the picture 

of Commander Roberts with Squadron 291’s wreath. Thank you 

very much for your inspiration and efforts Jim! You make our Nation a 

better place with your service!


Jim Roberts, National Commander of the Sons, presents the 

Squadron 291 wreath at the Dec 7th Pearl Harbor Ceremony 

The 2011 Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce Boat Parade ran 

from Wednesday December 14th to Sunday December 18th in which 

was a knock down drag out prize fight of volunteer service. In which 

every night Squadron 291 was bay side cooking soup and slinging hot 

dogs to about 200 patrons per night. The Sons were helped in this effort 

by Jr. Member Joe Parsons who lended his mom Kelly’s service to 

take and organize every phone call, request, question, and reservation 

for the Boat Parade. This is no small task and during the 3 weeks leading 

up to the Boat Parade she spent approximately 70 hours returning 

phone calls and taking e-mails and setting up all the reservations and 

food for our 5 nights of service. So from the bottom of my heart, thank 

you for everything you did to help the Sons make our Community a 

brighter and happier place. There were a vast number of volunteers 

that came out to help the Sons pull off the Boat Parade, I would like to 

highlight a few that were there virtually every night of the Boat Parade. 

2nd Vice Commander Tomidan Jordan, you made it very easy to get 

things done and I always knew you had the patio under control. Your 

positive attitude and outlook on life is a very helpful inspiration to us 

all. Historian Robert Thompson and Kim, thank you for taking pictures, 

getting everything organized, and bringing down the extra volunteers 

9 

repeatedly to help the cause. 1st Vice Commander Steve Porter, thank 

you for making my job easier and a lot more fun. Josh Eling, thank 

you for the dedication and sacrifice you displayed. You are my right 

hand man and my brother from another mother, you helped make the 

5 nights fly by with a lot of fun and hard work. And lastly the pots 

and pans man, Mr. Chuck Heidebrink, your service to the Community 

always comes shining through around the holidays and demonstrates 

that you have one of the biggest hearts in all of Newport Harbor. There 

were a ton more volunteers, too many to name, you know who you are 

and without all of your service we would not have been able to succeed 

and facilitate service to over 1000 patrons! 

SAL Joe Parsons helps out with the 

shopping for the boat parade 

In closing, I would like to say Happy Holidays and wish everyone in the 

Post 291 family a happy and prosperous New Year. Hopefully this year 

will be marked with abundance and will see our economy and government 

get back on track. We have gone to great lengths to make our 

Community, State, and Nation a better place from which we found it. 

Let us never lose sight of the reason we joined the American Legion 

Family and ever be watchful of the honor of our Country and Comrades 

alike. It is imperative that we continue working together to make 

our little slice of paradise within the Newport Harbor Post 291 family 

the great Veterans service organization that our forefathers worked so 

hard to build and remember that this is the reason why we are all here, 

not to build the best country club in all the land. I wish you all success 

and joy in the coming New Year, cheers! 

Please do your part to make your Community, State, and Nation a better 

place. 

For God and Country in Support of the American Legion Family 

Matt Parsons 

Squadron Commander


NAVY 

ALYC COMMODORE ALYC 2012 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS 

FLOYD SANFORD 

ALYC members, 

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and 

enjoyable Holiday Season. I wish you 

all a Happy, Healthy and Successful 

New Year! 

The new yacht club board hopes you 

all come out this year, either at a board 

meeting or general meeting, to say hi 

and give us your input on what you 

think could make a better club for us 

all. As a member of ALYC, you gain many benefits. You are eligible for 

reciprocal privileges at yacht clubs around the world. You can sail on 

the club’s boats in the harbor. You can participate in the club’s many 

quality events and activities. Please feel free to contact me or any of 

our Board Members. 

We will kick off the year on Saturday, January 21, with the Commodore’s 

Ball featuring the Z Bops for a little 50’s fun. This popular event 

fills up quickly, so make your reservations early. 

The Commodore’s Ball will be followed by many quality events throughout 

the year, such as: Opening Day Celebration, Youth Sailing Program, 

Harbor and Ocean Races, July 4th Old Glory Boat Parade, Electric Boat 

Rally, and Sail for the Visually Impaired. Check our website for dates. 

We are working hard to improve our General Membership Meetings 

(GMMs). These meetings will be friendly, informal and interesting. Potlucks 

will follow these programs and will be hosted by our indispensable 

Seagals who support many of our activities throughout the year. 

This year GMMs will be held at 6:00 pm on the first Thursday of each 

even numbered month in the American Legion Yacht Club “HUT.” This 

includes the months of February, April, June, August, October and 

December. 

I appreciate the opportunity to be your 2012 Commodore. Let’s make 

this an active and successful yachting year! 

--- Floyd Sanford, Commodore 2012 

ALYC Commodore’s Ball 

Saturday, January 21, 2012 

6:00 pm Cocktails 

6:50 pm Ceremony 

7:30 pm Dinner 

Dancing to the sounds of the Z-Bops 

$45.00 

Call the office at 949.673.5002 for reservations 

10 

Commodore Floyd Sanford 

Vice Commodore (Vacant) 

Rear Commodore Dan O’Sullivan 

Fleet Captain Roger Henry 

Port Captain Larry Butler 

Jr. Staff Commodore Frank Reinhart 

Directors 

Jack Butchko Steve Byers 

Rosemary De Camp Jim DeClerck 

Robert Goode Al Gussin 

American Legion Yacht Club Racing 

2012 Commodore Floyd Sanford along with 2011 Commodore Frank Reinhart 

present Natl CMDR Fang Wong with an ALYC jacket and 

an honorary ALYC 2012 membership 

SCYA “Club of the Year” Winner 

1994-1995-1996-1998-1999-2003-2008-2010


Compassionate Care 

at Home 

Home Helpers Orange Coast 

(949) 475-5588 

www.HomeHelpers.CC 

Home Helpers provides 

non-medical and personal 

in-home care to: 

• Seniors 

• Recuperative Care 

• New Moms 

• Continuing Care 

Making Life Easier SM 

Barbara Johns, Auxiliary Member 

Flexible care plans 

tailored to fit your needs. 

Caregivers are bonded 

and insured. 

11 

ORANGE COUNTY SALON 163 

cordially invites you to our 

Annual Fashion Show Luncheon 

“HATS OFF FOR OUR SPECIAL CHILDREN” 

Saturday, February 04, 2012 

11:00 a.m. No Host 

11:45 Lunch 

$20.00 / person 

Fashions by: 

Bella Terra and Draper’s & Damon’s 


th 

215 15 Street, Newport Beach 

For Tickets: 

Wanda Nordstrom (949) 419-5084 

or 

Legion Post 291 Office (949)673-5070 

Checks PAYABLE to SALON 163 

All proceeds go to Children & Youth and Nurse’s Scholarship programs


The professionals at Morgan Gold are ready to 

help you understand how adding gold to your 

IRA or former 401K is portfolio insurance for 

you and your family. Gold will help protect your 

IRA against the effects of the swelling National 

Debt and protect you from rising inflation and a 

weakening dollar. 

This is IRS approved with no tax consequence. 

Morgan Gold is a direct supplier of gold coins 

and gold bullion and one of the most trusted 

names in the industry. For more information, 

call us at 800.450.9386 or visit us at our website, 

www.morgangold.com. 

Gary Allen 

U.S. Marine Corps 1972-1974 

Proud Member 

American Legion Post 291 

19900 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 150 

Irvine, CA 92612 

12 

We can convert your paper IRA 

into a physical gold IRA 

Include precious metals as part 

of your retirement planning 

It is easy and Morgan Gold 

will take care of all the details 

It will be in your account, in 

your individual lock box at an 

IRS approved depository 

Over One Billion Delivered Since 1963 | 800.450.9386 | www.morgangold.com 

10% 

Military 

Discount 

Not to be combined 

with any other offer


Join the Post 291 Legacy Corps 

and Make a Difference! 

Charitable Gifting to The American Legion 


“Still Serving America” is the motto of the American Legion. 

The American Legion is composed of veterans who continue their service 

to America by still serving their communities. 

Make a difference where it counts: in the lives of Orange County military veterans and their families. The 

funds gifted by the Legacy Corps members are designed to enhance the Posts abilities to carry on our 

community projects and to reconstruct our existing facility. In addition, the funds will go to support our 

local veterans and community. This exciting program will serve as the Post’s major source of income for 

decades to come. 

A Few of the Ways You Can Give: 

~ Outright Gift: giving money, automobiles, boats, transfer of securities or other items of value. 

~ Outright Gift of Appreciated Property: really assist the Post by giving a gift of appreciated property. 

~ Charitable Gift Annuity: supplement income with fixed annual payments. 

~ Charitable Lead Trust: reduce gift and estate taxes on assets passing to heirs. 

And many more options are available 

For more information, contact Ken Ulrich, Chairman at (562) 430-5338 

The American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 

215 E. 15th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 673-5070 · www.al291.org 

13


HOLIDAY CHEER FROM POST 291 

1 2 

6 

7 

14 

5 

4 

3 

1. D29 1st VC Steve Spriggs, 

D29 2nd VC Barbara Hallett 

with Legionnaire Bob Dugan 

hand out stockings at the 

VA hospital. 2. CMDR Jess 

Lawson, Dept Membership 

Chair Karen Karanickolas, 

2nd VC Ken Widdall, ALA 

members Pam Saunders and 

TIna Bright raffle off items 

during the Christmas Party. 

3. Auxiliary juniors Madison 

Asmus, Devon Burton and 

Hailey Asmus having a great 

time during the Children’s 

Christmas Party 4. Santa 

and Mrs Claus with SAL 

1st VC Steve Porter and his 

wife Linda Porter with their 

grandson Robert. 5. Legion 

officers sing the 12 Days of 

Christmas during the Annual 

Party. 6. Bob Dugan, 

Samantha Aguilar and 

GySgt Joseph Aguilar. 7. Al 

Yarrington, Jack Rhines, Jess 

Lawson, Don Oldis and their 

family and friends enjoy the 

Legion Christmas Party.


SQUADRON 291 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE 

CHRISTMAS DAY AT THE POST 

15 

Photos by robertthompsonphoto.com

January 

February 

American Legion Post 291 



SUPPORT 

OUR 

TROOPS 

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 

1 

Happy New Year 

No Band 

2 3 

SAL Mtg 7p 

4 

Couples 

Dancing 6:30p 

5 

Dinner/Dance 

Band: 

Z-Bops 

6 7 

Band: 

Nick Peper 

Band: 

Dave Alcantar 

Band: 

Nomads 

Band: 

Retros 

Band: 

Don Ross 

Band: 

Daze of Blue 

Band: 

Surftones 

Band: 

Z-Bops 

8 9 10 

Legion E-Brd 6p 

11 12 

Aux E-Brd 6:00p 

13 

Dinner/Dance 

14 

Dance Lessons 6:15p Post Gen Mtg 7p Couples 

Band: 

Taco Tuesdays 4-8p 

Dancing 6:30p Retros 

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 

Dance Lessons 6:15p 


22 23 24 25 26 27 28 



29 30 31 

ALYC Bridge 6p 



AMERICAN LEGION BAR & GRILL RESTAURANT (949) 673-1473 

Lunch: Wed.-Fri. 11:30 am - 3 pm · Dinner: Wed.-Fri. 5 pm - 9 pm · Sunday: 10 am - 4 pm 

Taco Tuesdays 4 pm - 8 pm · Burn Your Own Every Day 

1 2 3 4 

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 

Legion E-Brd 6p 

Aux E-Brd 6:00p Dinner/Dance Sweethearts 

Dance Lessons 6:15p Post Gen Mtg 7p Couples 

Band: 

Ball 


Dancing 6:30p Full Spectrum Nick Peper 

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 



Aux Gen Mtg 

NEW TIME 6pm 

SAL E-Brd 7p 

Honors Rifle Squad & 

Color Guard Mtg 6pm 

SAL Mtg 7p 

Aux Gen Mtg 

NEW TIME 6pm 

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 



26 27 28 29 

ALYC Bridge 6p 



SAL E-Brd 7p 

Honors Rifle Squad & 

Color Guard Mtg 6pm 

Couples Dancing 

6:30p 

NO Couples 

Dancing 6:30p 

ALYC Gen Mtg 6pm 

Couples 

Dancing 6:30p 

Couples Dancing 

6:30p 

Couples 

Dancing 6:30p 

Dinner/Dance 

Band: 

Michael Chain 

Dinner/Dance 

Band: 

Dream Duo 

Dinner/Dance 

Band: 

Daze of Blue 

Dinner/Dance 

Band: 

Don Ross 

Dinner/Dance 

Band: 

Grumps 

ALYC 

Commodore’s Ball 

Z-Bops

this issue - American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291

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