this issue - American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291

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