<strong>January</strong> <strong>2011</strong> · <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> <strong>Post</strong> <strong>291</strong> · <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> Auxiliary · Sons of the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> · <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> Yacht Club SQUADRON COMMANDER RICK BRADLEY <strong>Legion</strong> Family Members: The members of Squadron <strong>291</strong> wish you and your family a very merry Christmas, happy holidays and a very happy and prosperous New Year. As we wrap up another great year here at <strong>Post</strong> <strong>291</strong> we can take some time to reflect on the year that has been and that passed so quickly. In the year 2010, Squadron <strong>291</strong> grew in numbers and in donations to our charities. Squadron <strong>291</strong> is by far the BEST Squadron in the land and we are very close to being the largest. We will be striving to make <strong>2011</strong> is our break through year. Squadron <strong>291</strong> put on several FANTASTIC events here at <strong>Post</strong> <strong>291</strong> this year. Besides the usual events including Surf Fest, Radio Days, and the Christmas Boat Parade, we were honored to participate in Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies. The Boat Parade proved to be extra challenging this year with the weather and all but the Squadron came through and despite all the adversity, made it a fun and profitable event. The Squadron also had DAVE MASON right here on stage at <strong>Post</strong> <strong>291</strong>. The concert benefited Work Vessels for Vets and raised several thousand dollars to help our returning veterans get back into a prosperous civilian life. The Squadron hosted “Heroes Night” a memorial benefit in honor of Sergeant Major Cottle and Lance Corporal Centanni. The benefit, which the Squadron organized and hosted in three short weeks, raised $14,000.00. The Squadron continues to attain our goal to assist Veterans programs, and children and youth projects. All in all, this year Squadron <strong>291</strong> raised and donated over $60,000.00 to our Veterans and children of our community. The Squadron could not have reached this fantastic level without the assistance of the members of the <strong>Legion</strong> Family. We thank each and every one who helped with or attended the Squadron events. As always, when giving thanks around the holiday table and at family gatherings, say a special prayer, give a special thanks, and keep in your memory all those who have served and are currently serving our Country. Theirs is a gift that cannot be repaid. Theirs is the gift of FREEDOM for all of us. God bless each of them and their family, watch over them and bring them home safe. From all of Squadron <strong>291</strong>, God Bless you all. Happy Holidays For God and Country, in service to the Sons of the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> Rick Bradley, Commander 6 MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY If you meet the eligibility requirements for membership in the Sons of The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong>, we’d love to have you join our ranks! To be eligible, you must be a male descendant (includes stepsons and adopted sons) of a member of The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong>. You are eligible to join the Sons of The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War (see specific time periods for service during these conflicts listed below). You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died subsequent to his or her honorable discharge from service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War(see specific time periods for service during these conflicts listed below). You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Legion</strong> if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died subsequent to his or her honorable discharge from service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War(see specific time periods for service during these conflicts listed below). Active Duty Service Eligibility Dates for Membership World War I: April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918 World War II: December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946 Korean War: June 25, 1950 - <strong>January</strong> 31, 1955 Vietnam Era: February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975 Lebanon/Grenada: August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984 Panama: December 20, 1989 - <strong>January</strong> 31, 1990 Persian Gulf: August 2, 1990 - (until cessation ends) Applications are available online at www.al<strong>291</strong>.com and look for the SAL tab. Honorable discharge papers (DD-214) information is available online at www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/
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