Winter Park Memorial Post 112

4490 North Goldenrod Road Winter Park, FL 32792

See Bob to sign up!

Do you

Friends and members another year is almost be-hind us and it’s time to start preparing for Santa. This year our Post will again be celebrating Christ-mas on December 17th at the Elks club (BPOE) lo-cated on Primrose Ave. near Robinson St. Beef or Poultry will be served at our tables for a fee of $17.00 each. This includes the Meal, Cover charge, Gratuity, Dessert and Live music for your dancing pleasure. Activities start at 5:30 PM (17:30 Hrs) and terminates at 11:00 PM (23:00 Hrs.) Come out and enjoy the evening with Friends and fellow Legionnaires Hope to see you there. For those of you who bowl, This year’s bowling tournament will be held again at COLONIAL LANES on Jan. 31st. Start time is still to be an-nounced. If interested, and we hope you are, con-tact Gerry Dress at 407.212.6587 or 407.671.6404 or myself at 407.678.2330 or 407.222.0915. One team has been entered but there is room for more. All proceeds will be used to support the Boys State agenda. A Golfing tournament is in the planning stage, (T time is to TBA soon). Location will be at Clermont on HWY 50 on your way to Groveland. Stand by for more on this. Lets not forget that our Department of Florida Fall Conference begins Nov. 19th.thru 21st. at the Wyndham Hotel located at 8001 International Drive. Classes are conducted daily and all Legion Members are encouraged to attend any and all classes of your choosing. Hope to see you there. Richard (Dick) Padgett Commander

COMMANDER’S MINUTE 2010-2011

Officers

Commander Richard (Dick) Padgett

1st Vice Cmdr. Richard Derwinis

2nd Vice Cmdr. Gerard (Jerry) Dress

Adjutant Bob Colbert

Finance Officer Dyke Shannon

Sgt. at Arms Tim Healy

Judge Advocate John McCormick

Asst. Judge Adv. Terry Brown

Service Officer Mike Dixon

Chaplain Tom Roberts

Historian Ted Costello

Sea Cadet Liaison Richard Meredith

Newsletter Editor Nell Colbert

Inside this issue:

Reports from the: 1st Vice Commander 2nd Vice Commander What’s Up—Auxiliary ? Chaplain’s Report Boosters

2 2 9 10 11

Birthdays Sea Cadets Flag Etiquette

3 4 4

American Legion Fight for Gold Star Mothers

9

Thought for the Day Support our Sponsors

10 11

Calendar Officers Contact Info

12 12

Special points of interest: • Citizens Bank Program—p6

• Shower for Homeless Veterans—p8

• Lake Highland Prep Program—p5

• 6th District Bowling—p7

November-December 2010

Volume 3, Issue 6

1st Vice Commander’s Report

Page 2 Newsletter Title

I’ve called a number of Vets about transferring to the 112 and happily, some of them showed up at the October meeting. Prior to the meeting, two or three signed up to be members. A reminder to those who haven’t paid their 2011 dues, please do so ASAP. Thank you. Hope to see you at the November 9th meeting! - Richard Derwinis

2nd Vice Commander’s Report The past two months have been busy with our functions, especially our Arts and Crafts Yard Sale. Thanks to all who helped to make this a success. Without your help, it would not have happened!

On the 11th of November (Veteran’s Day) when we see a Veteran, let’s all stop, shake his or her hand and say “Thank You” for our freedoms. See how good this will make you feel.

On November 20th we will have out Burgers ‘N More. Please tell all your friends and neighbors to stop by and enjoy lunch with our veterans. It’s only $2.00 for a burger with all the extras. Drinks are $.50. Such a deal!!

Thanksgiving Day is November 25th. Let’s all go to church and thank our Savior for all that we have.

Then on Saturday, the 27th, stop by the Post from 8am ‘til 11am for our breakfast—only $3.00.

December 11th will be the 6th District Quarterly meeting at Post 80 in St. Cloud. Let’s have a big turn out and let them know how wonderful Post 112 is.

On December 17th we will have our annual Christmas Party at the Elks Lodge on Primrose Avenue. Get your reservation slip with check sent to the Post by December 10th. The cost is $17.00 per per-son.

Check the calendar on the last page of the newsletter for a listing of events.

If you have any ideas for an event, please let me know at 407.671.8616 or 407.671.6404.

Historian: Ted Costello I apologize for my lackadaisical attitude with regards to the Post Historian responsibilities. I have other things on my mind, but want to get things up-to-date soon. If anyone has pictures, articles or any information regarding the post either past or present please get the information to me via the post. I would also ask that someone think about taking this position who has time and mobility to do a much better job, I am really not capable of doing that. Think about it!!!

tion, once this is completed then they will be given one of four Amendments in which they will prepare and give a three to five minute speech on the spe-cific amendment.

As you can see this is very challenging task how-ever the reward potential is great. I am asking as many members please place December 7 on your date for this competition. Your assistance and pres-ence will make a lasting impact on these students.

Thanks to the Post leadership in allowing me to par-ticipate in this adventure.

It is my honor to serve our American Legion Post as a representative for the High School Oratorical Contest for this year. As of this writing I have visited the fol-lowing schools: Oviedo, Lake Howell, Winter Park, Masters Academy, and Trinity Prep.

Each counselor has been requested to provide a stu-dent from the educational institution for the Oratorical competition. We have set the date for the Post con-test on December 7, 2010. How great it would be to have a District, State or even a National winner from our Post.

The students have the task of coming up with a 8 to 10 minute speech on an aspect of the U.S. Constitu-

Oratorical Contest: Billy Dover

Happy Birthday to YOU! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear ____. Happy Birthday to YOU!

NOVEMBER: 01 Adams, William P, Jr 03 Train, Lawrence D 04 LeFevre, Daniel J 11 Berthold, John K 12 Eckrich, Robert F 15 Butler, Virgil A 16 Burns, James J 26 Day, Robert J 27 Saul, David 29 Shannon, Dyke E

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Page 3 Volume 3, Issue 6

DECEMBER: 03 Sanabria, Ambrosio 05 Coleman, Robert J 07 Gagne, Ronald S 08 Rhinehart, David 09 Larson, George E 15 Rowland, John R 23 Vazquez, William 27 Thomas, Robert J 31 O’Donnell, Kevin Remember, if you have a birthday in November or De-cember and your name is not shown below, it is because we do not have it in our re-

cords. See, call or email the Adjutant with that information and we will have it in next year’s listing.

Boys State: Ted Costello We are soon approaching decision time for the 2011 Boys State. We have always asked for an over-quota of one to send three (3) boys to the program in Tallahassee. I think you will all agree that the quality of young men have always exceeded our expectations and that we should approve the money to send three (3) boys again. We need to make this decision soon as the money is due to department by the end of Decem-ber 2010 to lock-in the dorm in Tallahassee.

Sea Cadet Update: Richard Meredith

Page 4

dets executed multiple scenarios that required them to plan, execute, and debrief missions based on intelligence information provided. The cadets had ample opportuni-ties to practice their land and Zodiac navigation skills both during the day and night while trying to avoid the opposing force. Overall the weekend was a success and the Centurion Battalion did a great job of showing the Mayport Division the ropes. In October we focused our attention on getting our new cadets up to speed with their military drill in preparation for the Orlando Veteran’s Day Parade on November 13th. Our car wash fundraiser on October 2nd was a great success the cadets raised $760.00 in just 4 hours of washing their cars and appreci-ate all of the American Legion members that came out and supported them. Our November drill will once again be focused on improving our cadets ceremonial drill in preparation for the Veteran’s Day parade, so please come out and support the Centurion Battalion in Orlando on November 13th.

The Centurion Battalion continues to see positive growth in recruiting and de-velopment of our cadets. In September we had a joint field training exercise with the Mayport Division from Jacksonville, where we took 75 cadets into the Ocala National For-est. Fortunately we did not lose any cadets in the forest and unfortunately we had

one broken arm, but that cadet was truly dedicated as he returned from the emergency room with a cast and fin-ished out the weekend with the rest of the cadets. Our cadets push themselves harder and harder each training as they truly want to be the best cadets in the Na-tion. During this three day two night adventure the ca-

Flag Etiquette Sometimes we have questions about the proper way to fold, dispose of or display the flag. The American Legion has opened a support link for this kind of information. You can now go to http://www.legion.org/flag and there are answers to hundreds of questions PLUS a link to ask the question that you have that isn’t answered on the site.

Protocol: By Tim Healey Here are a few things I learned at last years Department of Florida Fall Conference, in the Sgt.-at-Arms Class, regard-ing the American Legion Uniform Cap:

1.) When eating, remove your cap and place it Orange Emblem up on the table. 2.) There should be nothing on the left side of your American Legion Cap. 3.) During the Chaplain's Prayer and the reciting of The Pledge of Allegiance, your four right hand fingers should be placed inside your Cap, with the Orange Emblem facing out and held over your heart. 4.) Wearing the Legion Head Gear is only appropriate at American Legion Events. When wearing your Head Gear, there should be a "break" along the top plane. Baseball type caps with the American Legion Insignia may be worn at outside affairs such as sporting events, Yard Sales etc. 5.) ALL elected Officers should show respect for the American Legion Uniform PROTOCOL by wearing, at least, an American Legion Post # 112 shirt and cap. Hopefully, this will encourage other members to join in. We used to look SHARP in our Military Uniforms and I can see no reason the same respect should not be observed at ALL Post Busi-ness Meetings when guests and outside dignitaries may be present. 6.) The easiest way to make sure your cap order is correct is by going to the Department Hqs. on Lee Rd. for assis-tance. Also, Officer Status Pins, ie. 1st Vice, Adjutant pins can be purchased at the upcoming Fall Conference, Novem-ber 19 -21st. I suggest you go right to the Legion Store upon arriving, as items sell out quickly.

I highly recommend anybody who has not attended The Legion Institute Class on Friday, November 19th at 8 a.m. do so. There is a lot to learn about the History of the American Legion. I plan on attending for the second time.

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

vember meeting. Please see the flier on the preceding page. The Auxiliary will get your donations to the fall conference.

And what is November and Vet-eran’s Day without Poppy’s. Our Poppy’s are here and we’ll have them available at the November Post and Unit meetings. Remem-ber, all monies raised from Poppy’s go to support the rehabilitation of wounded Veterans. Please be gen-erous.

For more information about join-ing Auxiliary Unit 112, please contact Nita Padgett, President or Nell Colbert, Secretary-Treasurer. We’d love to have you join us.

Our Auxiliary Unit continues to be very busy. Since our last newsletter, we held a very successful FUNd-raiser at the UCF Friendly’s in early October. This was so much fun that we’re planning to do others through-out the year. Please join us on No-vember 17th at the UCF Friendly’s Restaurant from 5-8pm and help your Auxiliary earn the money we need for our programs.

Also in October, our ladies held our annual planning conference to out-line the programs that we will do this year and we taught the Safety Pa-trols at Cheney Elementary how to properly raise, lower and fold our American flag. And on October 3rd we held out annual Membership

Luncheon at the Winter Park Olive Garden. We had a great time as we got acquainted with our new mem-bers.

Our unit has also begun it’s annual food drive to support military fami-lies and the community. Please re-member to bring your donation of non-perishable food items to the post in November. We need sup-port from both Post and Auxiliary members to make this project successful.

We are also supporting the 6th Dis-trict “Shower” for Homeless Vet-erans. Please bring your dona-tions of personal hygiene items and laundry supplies to the No-

What’s Up With the Auxiliary?

Page 9

The American Legion Wins Long Fight Congress awards state veterans home privileges to all parents of fallen warriors WASHINGTON (Sept. 21, 2010) – After a decades-long campaign waged by The American Legion and sympa-thetic advocates, the U.S. Senate last night cleared legislation that will grant state veterans home care privileges to all Gold Star mothers and fathers; parents who have lost sons or daughters during military service. Heretofore, since the post-Civil War era, only parents who had sacrificed all of their children in service were eligible for veterans’ home resi-dency. The passage by unanimous voice vote followed overwhelming passage of similar legislation at the end of June.

“To lose one’s child to the service of our country is the ultimate sacrifice a parent can make,” said Tim Tetz, Direc-tor of The American Legion’s Legislative Division. “We owe them much more than a debt of gratitude. It is heartening to see that Congress is now making an honorable payment on that debt.”

Tetz, formerly the Executive Director of the Nevada Office of Veterans Services, was among those who urged Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.) to introduce enabling legislation into the Senate making that state one of the prime driv-ing forces behind the move to open veterans’ home care to more Gold Star parents. Tetz credited Ensign as being “hugely supportive” of the Senate measure. Nevada’s Gary Bermeosolo, Legislative Chairman of the National Associa-tion of State Veterans Homes, also offered his thanks by saying “(we) appreciate the efforts of Senator Ensign and Con-gressman William “Mac” Thornberry of Texas (who introduced the House bill in late January) to correct the inequity cre-ated by the onerous definition requiring Gold Star Parents to have lost “all” of their children to wartime service in order to be considered for admission to a state veterans home. We prayed that they would be successful with their efforts.”

The American Legion’s effort to honor all Gold Star parents with much deserved care goes back many years. It was a special project of Paul Morin, who served as the Legion’s National Commander in 2006-2007 and was superintendent of a veterans home in his native Massachusetts. “The contribution of Commander Morin and fellow American Legion movers and shakers in correcting this inequity cannot be overstated,” concluded Mr. Tetz.

The House and Senate bills will now be presented to a joint conference committee for reconciliation of any differ-ences with the final version to be forwarded President Obama for his signature.

A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacri-fices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Ameri-cans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who sup-ports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming foot-ball game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by ex-ample.

Will You give this to my Daddy? Recently at the Atlanta airport, sev-eral people began to clap and cheer. Those at the airport witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. There were probably 30-40 soldiers being applauded and cheered for! Those looking on soon realized that they were not alone – they were not the only red-blooded American who still love this country and support our troops and their fami-lies – these young heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

A young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...' The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this sol-dier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her hus-band was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daugh-ter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the sol-diers huddled together for a brief sec-ond... Then one of the other service-men pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying “your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.”

The mom at this point was crying al-most uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom.

As the soldiers began to leave, head-ing towards their gate, people re-sumed their applause. There were very few dry eyes. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

Chaplain’s Report : Tom Roberts

Page 10 Newsletter Title

* hospital

Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.

If you know of a member who is ill or in the hospital, please let me know.—Tom

Abraham Lincoln said “We shall bare the burden of the widows and children of those who gave their last full meas-ure.” We don’t have to do that but out obligation is to help all veterans.

Sick call and hospital:

Alan Padgett* Russ Kauffman * (Santa Claus) Marian Roberts* Tom Roberts* Rob Calderwood* Chris Costello* (Ted’s bride) Jim Bray

Page 11 Volume 3, Issue 6

BOOSTERS

D & D Enterprises of Sanford

Dyke Shannon

300,000 Promotional Ideas

Shirts Caps

Screen Printing Embroidery

Since 1988 www.DDPromo.com

TommY's Accordion 407 ­ 678 ­ 0943 Winter Park, Florida 

Learn to play the piano accordion Lessons for Beginners Only 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

Our Boosters roll reverted back to zero as of January 1, 2010. If you would like to support your Post by making a financial contribution or you would like to make an in-kind donation of materials to the post, please contact any of our officers. The starting amount is $25 to be listed as a Booster. The levels are; Bronze at $25, Silver at $50, Gold at $75 and Platinum at $100. The amounts will be cumulative through the year, so that it is easier to attain the next level. At the end of the year, everyone starts over. The Boosters listed below reflect contributions made since January 1st, 2010. Bronze— $25 Bob and Nell Colbert Silver— $50 Gold— $75 Platinum— $100+

•Chuck Kuhn •Stan Kalmowitz

No new contributions were received since the July—August newsletter.

Winter Park Memorial Post 112

4490 North Goldenrod Road Winter Park, FL 32792

Winter Park Memorial Post 112 PO Box 910

Goldenrod, FL 32733

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER: 1 Executive Board Meeting—7pm 9 Monthly Post & Auxiliary Meeting 11 Veteran’s Day 20 Burgers and More (11am—2pm) 17 Auxiliary FUN Night at Friendly’s (5-8pm) 19-21 Department of FL Fall Conference 25 Happy Thanksgiving 27 Post Pancake Breakfast (8-11am) DECEMBER: 6 Executive Board Meeting—7pm 11 6th District Legion Meeting at Post 80—9am 14 Monthly Post & Auxiliary Meeting 17 Post /Auxiliary Holiday Party 25 Merry Christmas

OFFICER’S DIRECTORY

Commander: Richard (Dick) Padgett 407-678-2330 – rpadgett2@cfl.rr.com

1st Vice Cmdr: Richard Derwinis 407-671-9477 – rpderw@aol.com

2nd Vice Cmdr: Gerard (Jerry) Dress 407-671-8616 – dress5@aol.com

Adjutant: Bob Colbert 407-619-9611 – bcolbert@usa.net

Sgt At Arms: Tim Healy 407-260-0779 – timh-yikes@cfl.rr.com

Chaplain: Tom Roberts 407-657-4608 – tomar2@cfl.rr.com

Newsletter Editor: Nell Colbert 321.303.7445— necolbert@usa.net