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The Triple Nickel Published Exclusively for the Members of

American Legion & Matthew Blount Post 555

Volume 4- Issue 10 October 2017

In This Issue

Officer Reports 2-3Member Renewal

ANC Events 4-5

Post Information 6

Auxiliary 7Chaplain

Whitehead appointment 8Commander ’s Corner Riders 9Post Commendation

Wreaths X-America Form 10

Flag Education 11

Disaster Preparedness 12-13

Presentations 14

“In God We Trust” Post 555 Recognizes Veteran

Post 555 Flag Team conducted a flag ceremony on September 2, 2017 at a Clanton, AL Park in honor of SFC (Retired) Ocie M. Williams, Past Commander of The American Legion Post 343, Clanton, AL and Past Commander of Alabama District 23.

Over 35 legionnaires, friends and family celebrated and recognized his service to the country with the raising of a new flag dedicated in his honor.

See more photos at- https://alpost555.smugmug.com/20170903-Flag-Raising-Ceremony-in-Clanton/

Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL September 2017

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Adjutant AreaThe focus in September was the relief efforts for hurricane Harvey victims. Many thanks to those 555 Family members that worked on this project.

The Post Family respective branches received 100% Family Ribbons signifying 100% membership in each of it’s Family areas, Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and Legion Riders during 2016-2017. Great job!

With your help we can accomplish this again in 2017-2018. The Legion is at 79% with the Sons at 100%.

However, we still have a ways to go to meet our goal of 100% by December 31, 2017. Do not wait. Sending your renewal in early will benefit the Post.

Submit your renewal to 1st Vice Commander, Richard Kaster, at the monthly Post meetings or mail to the Post Address. Dues remain at $45 payable to: Matthew Blount Post 555.

Both the Legion and the Sons welcomed additional members in September.

For God and CountryRon KoonceAdjutant

Second Vice Commander

The speaker for the October 5, 2017 Post meeting will be Jeremy Hogan, CEO, of Saving Forgotten Warriors foundation.

SFW was founded to provide veterans from all eras a place to call when they feel they have been forgotten. They provide veterans, caregivers, and immediate family support when times are tough. They give them hope that they will once be able to live the American Dream they fought to protect. Saving Forgotten Warriors has a boots on the ground mentality and a passion to help as many veterans they can through support such as; help preparing their VA benefits claims, transportation to and from the VA hospital, financial assistance during the hardest times, Home repairs, housing, career counseling, and help with mobility issues; like ramps, lifts for vehicle and home, peer to peer mentorships, group meetings, and mobility scooters.

Anita Bennett, SecondVice Commander

2018 Post Membership RenewalBegan July 1,

Please be aware that your 2017 membership expires on December 31st, 2017, and your Post privileges will be suspended on January 1, 2018 if you do not renew prior to this date.

You can submit your dues directly to the Post or renew online via www.Legion.org The Post has your new 2018 membership card and it will be forwarded to you once your 2018 dues are received by the Post. The National Headquarters will forward your 2018 credentials if paid online.

Annual Dues remain at $45 payable to : American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555

You may submit your payment at the monthly meetings or mail your renewal payment directly to :

American Legion Matthew Blount Post 55550 Racquet Club ParkwayPelham, AL 35124If you have any questions about membership renewal, email your questions to Ron Koonce at: [email protected] or call 205-222-4495.

Goal: 100% renewals by December 31,2017

http://www.legion.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.legion.org



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Judge Advocate Corner Chuck Kiser

EMERGENCY & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS We continue to seek Post members who are interested in working with us to get this effort off the ground.

In previous months I began to identify the top 20 things you should have gathered for your personal emergency kit. Those items previously covered included: 1) 72 Hour Kit; 2) Non-perishable food; 3) Water; 4) Water Filter, 5) Portable Toilets, 6) Multi-Fuel Stove, 7) Weapons, 8) First Aid Kit, 9) Copies of Important Documents and 10) Extra Cash, 11) Garden Seeds, 12) Flashlights, 13) Warm Clothes, 14) 2-Way Radios and 15) Insulated Tent.

In this installment of information for each one of us to prepare personally for an emergency I will continue to identify the top 20 things you should have gathered for your emergency kit.

16. Rain Gear – When clothes get wet, it is hard to stay warm. Dry clothes will also prevent you from getting sick.

17. Sleeping Bags & Blankets – Make sure to choose a sleeping bag that insulates your body heat and can also withstand extreme temperatures.

18. Survival Guide Books – Having a book or handout to reference will help calm you and those who are also placed in a stressful situation.

19. Chocolate (or other sweets) – Some of us already turn to chocolate and other sweets when faced with stressful situations. Why not store a little for “just in case”?

20. What do you think your #20 should be?

I have also attached to this newsletter a copy of an article published by The Ready Store which outlines the Important documents to keep on hand during an emergency. Be Prepared!! (See Page 13 )

PLEASE, GET OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR POST IN 2017!

To be continued …………..

Veterans Recognition Committee

Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery (SCALNC) and Blue Star Salute Foundation

The Activities calendar for the Blue Star Salute Foundation and Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery is attached. Please look it over and try to participate in at least two activities during the remainder of 2017. ( See page 4)

SCALNC & Blue Star Salute Meetings –Held monthly at Liberty Hall – American Village in Montevallo.

Don’t forget the Wreaths Across America drive to raise donations for this important event. As indicated previously, if you or someone you know are interested in donating for wreaths, use the attached donation form and give to me along with a check made out to Matthew Blount Post 555 with Wreaths Across America in the memo line at any Post meeting and we will consolidate donations and provide a total check from the Post. (See page 10)

Your assistance and participation in Veteran’s Recogni t ion events dur ing 2017 would be appreciated.

Chuck KiserCommittee Chair

November Meeting NoticeThe Matthew Blount Post 555 2017 Thanksgiving Family Night Dinner will be November 2, 2017 during the November Post meeting.

Location: Pelham Civic Complex Meeting HallTime: Meal begins at 6:00 pm.Cost: Complementary to Post members & family

RSVP is required: Please send your member name and the total number of attendees in your party to Barry Blount at [email protected] or phone 205-531-4131 by October 20th.




Activities calendar for the Blue Star Salute Foundation and Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery


November

11 (Saturday)

10:30 am 1:30 pm

World Peace Luncheon & National Veterans Day Parade

Birmingham OPEN TO PUBLIC SC will have Float in Parade

December

11 (Monday)

10:00 am WAA Statehouse Ceremony

Capitol Building Montgomery

OPEN TO PUBLIC

December

12 (Tuesday)

6:00 pm VA Christmas Caravan VA Med Center Birmingham

Sponsored by AL Dept of American Legion

December

13-15 (Wednesday -

Friday)

10:00 am 3:00 pm

Wreaths Arrive for WAA program on one of these dates

SCALNC Storage Bldg. ALNC

Volunteers needed. SC will notify 24 hours in advance.

December

15 (Friday)

9:00 am Put up Avenue of Flags ALNC Volunteers welcome

December

16 (Saturday)

6:30 am 8:00 am

Preposition wreaths Set up chairs, etc. for WAA

ALNC Volunteers welcome

December

16 (Saturday)

11:00 am Wreaths Across America

ALNC OPEN TO PUBLIC (Free Adm.)

December

18 (Monday)

9:00 am Take down Avenue of Flags


January 10,

2018 (Wednesday)

2:00 pm SCALNC Membership

Meeting

American Village Liberty Hall

OPEN TO PUBLIC

January 12 (Friday)

9:00 am Removal of Wreaths at ALNC


February 24 (Saturday)

6:00—11:00 pm

2nd Annual Patriots Ball Stone Bridge Farm, Cullman

SC is Co-host and will have display table

Type to enter text

Activities calendar for the Blue Star Salute Foundation and Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery


Matthew Blount Post 55550 Racquet Club Parkway

Pelham, AL

Meets first Thursday of the month.Next Meeting October 5, 2017

Fellowship- 6:15 pmMeeting 7:00 pm

Welcome to Post 555 Newest Members

Laudon Williams

Cody Bennett

Post CommanderTom McDaniel

1st Vice CommanderRichard Kaster

2nd Vice CommanderAnita Bennett

Adjutant Ron Koonce

Judge AdvocateChuck Kiser

Financial OfficerRon Gofourth

ChaplainChris Vonderau

Sergeant-At- ArmsRon McGriff

Post Service OfficerRobert Davis

Historian Jackie Lucas

Public Relations Officer

Jim Billings

Post TrusteesDavid Coram, Jr. Frank Lakotich

Ray Adams Auxiliary President

Stephanie Monday Sons Commander

Will HayesLegion Riders

DirectorJeff Monday

Honor Guard CommanderJerry McClainWebmasterDavid Blount

Triple Nickel EditorRon Koonce

PhotographyChic CecchiniJim Billings Ron Koonce

Eric Fort

Coming Activities to Remember

Post 555 Meeting October 5, 2017 6:15pm

Thanksgiving Family Night Dinner

November, 2, 2017 6:00 pm Pelham Civic Complex

RSVP Required Contact Barry Blount [email protected]

205-531-4131

Post POW/Mia Ceremony November 11, 2017 Texas Roadhouse

Pelham, AL

Wreaths Across America December 16, 2017

Alabama National Cemetery

VA Christmas Caravan VA Medical Center

December, 2017

The Triple Nickel is published monthly for members of

Matthew Blount Post 555.50 Racquet Club Parkway

Pelham, AL 35124205-678-1375

[email protected] for publication are accepted on Executive Committee approval and

available space.Submit articles prior to the 10th of the

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 & telephone number. Names will be withheld upon request.

Send email to: [email protected]

205-222-4495Photos by Chic Cecchini /Ron Koonce/

Jim Billings/Eric Fort- Post 555

Copyright 2017 American Legion Post 555

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Post Leadership






Chaplain’s Thoughts

The Bible tells us - Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.

Who was the Bible talking about? David? Solomon? Neither. 2 Kings 22 - 23 tells the story of Josiah, a king who came on the scene 330 years AFTER David! He's the king who found God's Word after many many years.

I love what Josiah did when he found God's Word. HE READ IT!!! And it changed him. Want to know God? Know His Word. Turn your eyes to the cross of Jesus Christ my brothers, we are one day closer to home!Your Chaplain,Chris Vonderau

The Pancake Breakfast was a success thanks to all that supported the event. A special thanks to Boys Scout Troop 404 for their hard work serving meals and performing other support tasks.

Auxiliary Unit 555

September 23, 20178:00 am - 10:00 am Applebee’s : Hwy 119 : Pelham

Please join us for good food and

fellowship in support of the veterans!

Tickets $5.00

& can be purchased

at the door.

American Legion Auxiliary Matthew Blount Unit 555

The Matthew Blount Post Family, Department of Alabama partnered together to help provide aide to our brothers and sisters in the State of Texas. Hurricane Harvey left a historic path of destruction. Post 555, Auxiliary Unit, Sons and Riders made and gathered donations.

Post members loaded the trailer at Matthew Blount Post 555 on Saturday September 2nd . The Triple Nickel Riders escorted the items to the rally point at Post 255 Fultondale, AL. Items were reloaded into trucks that departed Sunday September 3rd to be delivered to the Department of Texas by the Department of Alabama team Directed by Greg Akers, Department Adjutant.

Thank you all that donated and helped with this project.

Post Family Provides Texas Storm Aide


Commander’s CornerFriday September 22nd and 23rd I

attended the Leadership Conference held in Montgomery Alabama. This training wasfor committee, member and officer training. The first dayemphasis was put on membership. This is something all of you will hear about in the coming days. Remember membership is everyone’s responsibility to build and grow The American Legion.

Also on the first day they went over the upcoming Oratorical Contest. Richard Kaster has done a great job in getting off to a good start. Look for the opportunity to participate or just attend this event. You willbe greatly enriched by watching our local high school students and what they can do. Richard will be asking for help in this program and look for his announcements.

The second day I attended the Post Service Officer Training session with our new Service Officer Robert Davis. This was a very important session as Robert and I learned quite a lotabout what a Service Officer does and their responsibilities. The class was given by Dan Lawless, American Legion Claims Reviewer/ Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. This is aposition we needed filled for a long time and I sure Robert will do a great job. Robert will be available to all post members if you need any information.

Thank you all for your continued desire and help to make our American Legion Post better.

Tom McDaniel Commander

Ms. Quincy Whitehead has been selected as the Director, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, effective October 15, 2017. Quincy is an experienced leader having served as the Cemetery Director at Alabama, Barrancas, Quantico (Assistant) and Wood National Cemeteries. As the Director of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Quincy will be responsible for leading all administrative, burial and maintenance operations at one of the busiest cemeteries within NCA.

In January 2002, Quincy was accepted into the Cemetery Director Intern Program and served her internship at Leavenworth National Cemetery. She also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Navy Reserve. She is a member of The American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 in Pelham, AL where she served as Second Vice Commander in 2015. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Park University in Missouri in December 2000. She received a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University in 2005.

We wish her well in her new assignment.

Quincy Whitehead to Head Up Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY!

Please continue to stand with the American Legion in supporting fellow veterans, today’s service members, their families,communities

and our nation.


Triple Nickel Riders Post 555 participated for the second year in the Hangar Music Festival as a fundraiser. The Post sold tickets for an electric guitar signed by all band members performing at the festival to be given away as a door prize.

More than 500 attended the event. The Legion Triple Nickel Riders were on hand to manage the parking for the event and man the Post tent along with legionnaires and members of the Sons of The American Legion.

See more photos :https://alpost555.smugmug.com/Hangar-Fest-II-9232017/

Join the American Legion and the Triple Nickel Riders Contact Jeff Monday, Director, [email protected]

Matthew Blount Post 555Receives Commendation

September 28, 2017 Post 555 Family representatives attended a presentation ceremony where Governor Kay Ivey signed a Commendation in meeting The American Legion mission with over 170 events through its first 36-months of existence, involving veterans, youth and the community.

See more photos: https://alpost555.smugmug.com/Post-555-receives-Commendation-from-Governor-Kay-Ivey-9-28/

Join the American Legion Family

Helping Veterans and TroopsServing the Community and Youth

Matthew Blount Post 555visit our website

alpost555.comfacebook.com/alpost555

Back row L-R: Ron Koonce, Adjutant, Ron McGriff, Sgt.-At-Arms, Will Hayes, Commander Sons of The American Legion, Josh Vandiver, Legion Riders, Richard Kaster, 1st Vice Commander, David Coram, Jr., Trustee, Front row L-R: Mary Adams, Auxiliary, Anita Bennett, 2nd Vice Commander, Tom McDaniel, Commander

https://alpost555.smugmug.com/Hangar-Fest-II-9232017/


http://alpost555.com

http://facebook.com/alpost555

https://alpost555.smugmug.com/Hangar-Fest-II-9232017/


http://alpost555.com

http://facebook.com/alpost555


Flag Education - Part 4Honor the FlagDisplaying the American Flag

When the flag is carried in a procession with another or other flags, it should be either on the marching right (the flag’s own right) or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

Never display the U.S. flag from a float except from a staff, or so suspended that its folds fall free as though staffed.

Never Dishonor the Flag

Here are some things to avoid when handling a U.S. flag. Never:

1. Dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.

2. Display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.

3. Let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.

4. Fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.

5. Place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.

6. Use it for holding anything. 7. Use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. 8. Use it on a costume or athletic uniform

(however, a flag patch may be attached to the

uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters).

9. Use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

10. Use it for decoration of any kind. Use bunting of red, white and blue stripes instead.

11. Use it for advertising.

Saluting the American Flag The personal salute may be rendered by the full military hand salute by members of the police, fire departments and military members out of uniform and honorably discharged veteran’s military veterans.

Regarding the salute to the US Flag. The US Flag may be dipped to another flag, as on the high seas, to another US Flag or the flag of another nation friendly to the US. The two flags are dipped at the same time, and raised at the same time. State flags, corporate flags, or personal pennants are always dipped, held at the dip until the US Flag returns the dip and is raised. Then the pennant or state flag is raised. The inferior flag should salute the US Flag. The US Flag is not required to salute.

These guidelines are from Section 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq), but they are completely voluntary. Violating these guidelines for political reasons has been ruled by the Supreme Court to be protected by the First Amendment. There are no fines or penalties if these guidelines are not followed.

Continuing series……


Post 555 Family Recognized for Membership Accomplishments

The leadership of all four branches of Post 555 Family accepts a National 100% Family Ribbon that signifies accomplishing 100% Membership for 2017. L-R: Stephanie Monday, Tony Berenotto, Tom McDaniel, Ron Koonce, Jeff Monday. More Photos at: https://alpost555.smugmug.com/Post-100-Family-Ribbon-Presentation-9-7-17/

Post 555 Supports New Pelham Library

Mary Campbell, Director of the Pelham Library accepts a check and application from Commander Tom McDaniel for a paver brick inscribed with the Post’s name to be placed in the plaza of the new Library. Funds for this project was donated by individual Post members to show their appreciation for the support it has received from the City of Pelham.