THE SNIPER
AMERICAN LEGION T.H.B. POST 187
ELMHURST, IL
www.americanlegionthb187.org
100th Year Anniversary, September 26, 1919 – September 26, 2019
November, 2019
Contributors and Advisors to The Sniper and Website:
Peggy Krihak, Dan Bruno, Catherine Gray
John Scudder, Bill Shanklin, Leigh Holzwart, Sean Gaertner
Website Editor: Mark Snider
WE NEED UPDATES, ARTICLES, AND CURRENT INFORMATION!
All contributors who wrote articles previously, and any new contributors, are asked to submit articles now.
Without your help, these topics will not change. You may drop them off at the Post in Cafe 187, or email
us at fairfield1923@yahoo.com, or mail it to the Post via US Mail. Please put a contact number or
email address in your email for confirmation. Spam will be deleted. Thank you.
THE SNIPER
Section 1
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2019 - 2020 T.H.B. POST 187 OFFICERS
COMMANDER ....................................................... John A. Scudder
SR. VICE-COMMANDER ......................................... Rus C. Strahan
1ST JR. VICE-COMMANDER ............................... Peggy D. Krihak
2ND JR. VICE-COMMANDER..................................... Jim Kleinow
ADJUTANT........................................................... Robert T. Blewett
RECORDER ............................................................... Mark J. Snider
FINANCE OFFICER .......................................... Albert M. Bertolani
CHAPLAIN/SERVICE OFFICER ....................... Matthew J. Kramer
HISTORIAN ......................................................... Leigh E. Holzwart
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS ..................................... William R. Shanklin
T.H.B. AUXILIARY UNIT 187 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT ........................................................... Peggy D. Krihak
1ST VICE-PRESIDENT ............................................ Catherine Gray
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT ......................................... Donna F. Fischer
TREASURER ...................................................... Cher Smith-Conrad
SECRETARY .............................................................. Patricia Nacyk
HISTORIAN ....................................................................... open.......
CHAPLAIN ............................................................. Rene' Trajkovich
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS .................................................... Judy Keinz
ASSISTANT SERGEANT-AT-ARMS......................Teddie L. Mitchell
SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION OFFICERS (T.H.B. SQUADRON 187)
COMMANDER .......................................................... Mark J. Snider
SR. VICE-COMMANDER ................................ Charles J. Ostrowski
JR. VICE-COMMANDER ...................................... David J. Novotny
ADJUTANT............................................................ Robert T. Blewett
CHAPLAIN ..................................................... Wayne M. Rutkowski
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS ......................................... C.A. "Bud" Jason
POST, S.A.L., AND AUXILIARY MEETINGS:
Post and Sons of Legion Meetings are held together at 7:00 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month:
January, February, July, August, September, October, and November.
There is not a meeting in December.
In March, April, May, and June, Post and S.A.L. meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday
of each month at 7:00 pm.
Post Corporation meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
Auxiliary Unit Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the second Monday of February, March, May, June,
September, October, and December.
The regular Auxiliary Board meetings are held the second Monday of March and October at 6:00 pm,
and the last Monday of August at 6:00 pm.
In the event of illness or death, please contact the Post Home at (630) 833-7800, or one of the appropriate officers listed below. Commander: John A. Scudder (630) 935-8489, Chaplain/Service Officer: Matthew J. Kramer (630) 279-6404, Auxiliary President: Peggy Krihak (630 654-8099, S.A.L. Chaplain: Wayne M. Rutkowski (630) 953-2183.
THE SNIPER
Section 2
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MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY DATES:
World War I: April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918.
World War II: December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946.
Korean War: June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955.
Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975.
Lebanon/Grenada: August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984.
Panama: December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990.
Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities.
All Service Personnel: 1990 until Present.
100 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES, 30TH BIRTHDAY, 2018 and 2019, 4th ANNUAL MILITARY BALL
Ocotber 1, 2019
T.H.B. Post 187 is honoring 100th annivcrsary dates in 2018 and 2019. The first three Elmhurst World War I residents, Ernest Timrott, killed in action June 3, 1918, Marines; Richard Hintz, killed in action July 19, 1918, Army; and Kinsley Buck, killed in action June 19, 1918, Marines; had 100 year anniversaries in 2018.
In September 2019, the 100th anniversary birthday of the Post occurred. T.H.B. Post 187 was named after the three men, and the Elmhurst Legion was chartered on September 26, 1919.
On April 23, 2018, the current Post building had its 30th birthday. See a building history of the T.H.B. Post 187 on page 4 of our Post History tab on this web site.
Our 4th annual Military Ball was held at the Post on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7:00 pm. The Guest of Honor was none other than our own Bill Shanklin, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Post. He discussed the 75th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy, France. Plus, his parachute jump at Normandy on June 5th to honor the same. Master of Ceremonies was Wes Becton, and Brigadier General John Wendell lead the Invocation and Benediction.
Please look for updates in The Sniper and on the www.americanlegionthb187.org website for upcoming memorials and events that may be planned.
As always, we are looking for volunteers for any upcoming anniversaries, holidays, and events. If you are a family member of a past Auxiliary President or Post Commander, we would especially appreciate your contributions. We ask Post members, past Officers, and the public to provide assistance as well. Stop by the Post or call us at 630-833-7800.
-- Ed.
THE SNIPER
Section 3
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COMMANDER’S MESSAGE - UPDATE NEEDED
Dear Post and Auxiliary Members:
New Year 2017 has begun and it brings with it some great projects which will enhance our Post Home. The Legion will be partnering with Home Depot in remodeling the Normandy Room from top to bottom. This project will include wallpaper, paint, carpeting and a dance floor. We have already installed new LED lighting. These renovations will allow us to market the room with an updated image which will showcase the capabilities of our banquet room for weddings, other special events and large meetings. Bob Blewett is the "ramrod" on this project. Thanks, Bob!
Next on our list is a new digital sign which will replace our out-of-date ones and the various banners facing Butterfield Road. The multi-colored message board will advertise various Legion events, Blue-Plate Lunch specials, upcoming entertainment, Friday Nite Fish Fry and wedding information. This is a 21st-century means to get our messages across to the public.
Our Thanksgiving Day festivities hosting the recruits from Great Lakes Naval Training Station were outstanding. About 45 recruits were treated to a homecooked turkey dinner with everything imaginable on the tables and the meal was served family-style so they would not have to stand in yet another line! My sincerest thanks to all those who volunteered part or most of their holiday time to make this annual event take off like a rocket!! A special thanks and shout-out to Cher Smith Conrad (our own military "mother hen") for putting it all together. Heaps of thanks, also, to "Chef Janice" for volunteering to cook the turkeys, hams and veggies for the feast. Baking coordinator was Past-Commander, Bob Daniels. As always, Bob, everything was great! Past-Commander, Peggy Krihak, did an outstanding job in putting everything in place. These people deserve all the kudos the Post can give them.
Last, but certainly not least, a HUGE round of applause to the Elmhurst Public Library for the use of 15 laptops for the "boots" to communicate to loved ones around the world! It was a great sight.
Out of a membership of over 500, we have just 15-20 men and women who actively get the job done at T.H.B. Post 187 - volunteers for Fish Fry; the Scholarship Committee; the Table Set-Up Crew; our newsletter, THE SNIPER - 15-20 people cannot continue to carry the load. Please remember to support your Post!!
-- John Scudder, Commander
THE SNIPER
Section 4
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ADJUTANT REPORT: UPDATE NEEDED
Nov. 18, 2017
Normandy Room- I would like to personally thank all the volunteers that helped remodel the Normandy room. The Home Depot Foundation provided not only the funds for the project but Volunteers. They not only helped remodel the room but also cleaned and replanted and removed trees outside of the Legion. Home Depot also provides All Veterans a 10% discount. We had a few Post members help. I would also like to thank the Local Carpenters Union 1185, they stepped up and laid all the flooring. Thank you one and all.
Dues Notice Alert!! The dues notices are sent out by the by the State. Sometimes the notices cross in the mail. Feel free to contact me if you believe there is an error so we can fix the issues.
We are in need of new members! Our membership is declining due to the passing of our comrades and others not renewing their memberships. Members are men and women who share not only a common past but also help our Veterans get and keep the benefits they need and deserve. Do you have any relatives, friends or neighbors who might be eligible to join the American Legion? Ask them to join or transfer to our Post. We will welcome them! If any Post member brings in a candidate for membership at the regular dues price of $40.00 - and that person is eligible and has all the proper discharge information - the Post member will receive a gift certificate for our Friday Night Fish Fry dinner.
Volunteers are needed. As you know our post needs volunteers to make activities more successful so if you have one day or evening a month to spare, we could use your help at Fish Fry, Wednesday Night Bingo or any of the various parties we have, or on various projects around the Post Home. Please give me a call, or stop by the Post during Fish Fry or attend any of our meetings and talk with us.
Post and Sons of Legion Meetings are held together at 7:00 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month: January, February, July, August, September, October, and November. There is not a meeting in December. In March, April, May, and June, Post and S.A.L. meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Check the calendar on the website tab, "Events Calendar", for meeting dates. If you are present, you could find yourself leaving a bit richer from our “Split the Pot” door prize or the Membership Attendance Drawing (worth $200) if your number is picked. S.A.L. members are most welcome to attend all Post Meetings.
Post Corporation meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
IMPORTANT !! Please send in your DD-214s if they are not already on file with us. We need them in case your family cannot find your original. It will be needed to ensure you receive every benefit to which you are entitled when you pass away. This has become a problem when members transfer in. If you need to order a copy, you can go online to http://vetrecs.archives.gov or call the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis at 1-877-827-9026.
Honor Flight Chicago … Is taking applications for those Veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I do have the applications for those who are interested. Honor Flight also will take applications for Volunteers. This is a FREE trip for those veterans. There is a cost for the Volunteers.
-- Bob Blewett, Post Adjutant 815-822-0779
THE SNIPER
Section 5
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS: UPDATE NEEDED
As of November 1, 2019
New members:
S.A.L. Members:
Transferred in:
Welcome to you all !!
Get Well Soon:
To our members who have been out ill, in the hospital, or recuperating from injury/surgery:
Joe Kieras, recovering at Oak Brook Care Facility, Oak Brook, IL
Wishing all of you the very best from the Post!
DUES PAYMENTS:
We have received many questions regarding dues payments. We do not send out notices; they are mailed from the Department of Illinois and may cross in the mail with your payment. If paying online, we do not receive those dues until they are processed by State, so please bear with us.
It has come to our attention that some members have problems paying their dues because of circumstances beyond their control. It could be a matter of food, heat, or medicines. Some of these individuals are long-time members. If you would like to help them out, add a donation to your dues payment or make an outright donation to members’ dues. If you know of someone in need, or if you wish to pay someone’s dues, please notify Bob Blewett, Post Adjutant at 815-822-0779.
THE SNIPER
Section 6
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ELMHURST VETERANS MEMORIAL:
Do you have a loved one, neighbor or friend that you would like to honor with a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park? If so, now is the time to reserve a date to do so. However, to have the date you would like to reserve on the 2020 schedule, apply now to be sure it’s available. There is no charge to honor a deceased veteran. If there is someone you would like to honor during a Sunday afternoon ceremony, please contact the Veterans Memorial Commission at the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 North York Street, (630) 530-3000, to obtain an application form. Forms may also be picked up from the display rack in the Doug Chant Room at the Post Home. Complete the information requested, then submit it, along with a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 (or Enlisted Record & Report of Separation), to the Veterans’ Memorial Commission at the Elmhurst City Hall. The Veteran you wish to honor does NOT need to be a member of the American Legion. The only requirement is that he, or she, be honorably discharged.
-- Rosemary Draine - Member, Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission
IN MEMORIAM: UPDATE NEEDED
November, 2019
THE SNIPER
Section 7
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SATURDAY AFTERNOON LUNCHES:
February 9, 2018
Because we have only one cook (me) for most all of the lunches, future lunch menus will be posted on the bulletin board near the restrooms in the Legion Cafe 187 lounge. If you wish to volunteer to cook on any Saturday, please contact me at 630-833-7800, or sign up on the aforementioned board. Plan to cook for about 25-30 people. Anything you wish to cook is fine. You will be reimbursed for expenses.
Since September, 2015, the Saturday Afternoon Lunches have generated enough funds to purchase the following equipment for the Legion amounting to a value of $8,163.00. Besides the purchases in past reports, we have recently purchased a commercial kitchen range and bar beer bottle cooler totaling $2,598.00. We have bought 24 items prior to these that I won't list for lack of space here. The list is available on request.
These items were able to be purchased because of the people who have come in for a good lunch on Saturday (usually just $5.00), and also attended brunches. We hope to keep up the lunches, but I need time off to do home projects too.
Thanks to all the people who come regulary for our lunches!
-- Bob Daniels, Past Commander
CORPORATION AND POST NEWS:
September 25, 2019
Annual Post Officer Installation / Corporation Board Member Vote- T.H.B. 187
The Officer Installation program and Corporation Board of the Legion had their 2019-20 installation meeting, and
membership vote and ratification on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.
The Corporation Board Meeting for the election of their officers occurred after the regular Post Meeting at 7:00 PM.
A quorum of 15 members were present to vote. The new Board and Committee make up is listed below.
Corporation Board 2019-2020
President Rus Strahan 1 year, 9-20
Vice President Bob Blewett 3 years, 9-22
Secretary Jim Kleinow 1 year, 9-20
Secretary Al Bertolani 3 years, 9-22
Treasurer Bill Shanklin 2 years, 9-21
Board Member Matt Kramer 3 years, 9-22
Board Member Dan Bruno 2 years, 9-21
Board Member Mike Mis 1 year, 9-20
Board Member Bob Daniels 2 years, 9-21
Post Commander John Scudder ----
Committee members (3 each) were also elected for Indoor, Outdoor, and Bar oversight.
Indoor Outdoor Bar
Al Bertolani Matt Kramer Rus Strahan
Bob Blewett Jim Kleinow Bob Daniels
Mike Mis Dan Bruno Bill Shanklin
Thank you to the members above for your participation.
--Bob Blewett, Adjutant
NORMANDY BANQUET ROOM WINS AWARD
Press Release
Normandy Room Banquet Receives 2019 Best of Elmhurst Award
Elmhurst Award Program Honors the Achievement
ELMHURST July 31, 2019 -- Normandy Room Banquet has been selected for the 2019 Best of Elmhurst Award in the Banquet Hall category by the Elmhurst Award Program.
Each year, the Elmhurst Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Elmhurst area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 Elmhurst Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Elmhurst Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About Elmhurst Award Program
The Elmhurst Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Elmhurst area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Elmhurst Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: Elmhurst Award Program
CONTACT:
Elmhurst Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@company-award-2019.com
URL: http://www.company-award-2019.com
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-- Bob Blewett, Adjutant
NORMANDY BANQUET ROOM AND CAFE 187 RENTAL INFORMATION
If you are planning an event such as a birthday, wedding or anniversary party, please consider renting one of the rooms at your Post Home. The Normandy Banquet Room is ideal for large gatherings, it can accommodate 220 people. Cafe 187 can accommodate 75 people. Packages are available for buffet or family-style dinners, or dinners "by the plate".
As a Legion member, you will also receive a discount off the cost of the regular room rental. For details and menu items, click our website tab "Normandy Banquet Room Rental Information." Or, call the Post at (630) 833-7800, or stop in any weekday and speak to Pat Klouda, Banquet Manager, for information and to see if the date of your event is available.
-- Peggy Krihak, Past Corporation President
THE SNIPER
Section 8
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PODCAST: etownlowdown
Sept. 21, 2018
The Elmhurst podcast site, etownlowdown, recently brodcast an interview on August 31st with our own Commander, John Scudder, Sergeant at Arms Bill Shanklin, Military Ball Chairman Mark Mallon, Alderman Mark Mulliner, and Cool Cars Under the Stars Director Paul Mason. It is a very informative, interesting, and sometimes humorous interview about the Elmhurst American Legion, the upcoming Military Ball on October 27th, and Cool Cars Under the Stars.
You are welcome to listen to it or download it at this link:
https://etownlowdown.podbean.com/e/great-things-are-happening-at-the-elmhurst-american-legion-post/
-- Ed.
BASEBALL - ELMHURST AMERICAN LEGION T.H.B. POST 187 MUDDOGS BASEBALL
October 6, 2019
MUDDOGS 2020 SEASON STARTS NEXT SPRING
For more information on the teams, see the "BASEBALL" tab on this website, or go to the Muddogs Facebook or web site pages.
www.facebook.com/MuddogsLegionBaseball
http://www.htosports.com/teams/?u=muddogslegionbasebal&s=baseball
Baseball gear is now available- Support our teams! Shop for your Muddogs gear for friends and family, or yourself, at our Muddogs Team Store.
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/
2019 season results:
http://htosports.com/teams/default.asp?u=MUDDOGSLEGIONBASEBAL&s=baseball&p=schedule
-- Ed., with thanks to the Muddog's webmaster and coach, Mike Biondo.
"IN APPRECIATION"
MUSIC FRIDAY/ KARAOKE 50-50 RAFFLE:
The raffle ticket fishbowl
Come join us each Friday for our Friday Night Fish Fry followed buy our weekly band or karaoke and participate in our voluntary 50/50 Raffle. The donated money raised from these raffles helps the Post pay for the entertainment we’ve been enjoying each week, and gives attendees a chance at the jackpot.
Our annual Halloween Bash with Flash Baxter happened on October 25, 2019. We had a costume contest in which fish fry dinner prizes went to the top 3 costumes. Not only that, a large jackpot went to the winning number and was worth $190.00.
Flash Baxter
The winning number on ticket 441935 went to John S. John had already left for the evening, but was contacted and told of his winnings. Please remember to put your name and phone number on the back of your tickets in case you leave early as John had done. Congratulations on the jackpot! Flash Baxter will return to the post on May 22, 2020.
____________________________________________
The Route 66 Band returned to the Post on October 18, 2019 and was well received by the crowd. We had a jackpot of $102.00 for the winner.
Route 66 Band
Our winner that night, Ron, had departed for the evening but had winning ticket number 441572. Our emcee, Dan Bruno, was able to contact him and congratulate Ron on his winnings. The Route 66 Band will return to the Post on December 27, 2019, January 24, 2020, and April 17, 2020. Stop by and check them out!
Congratulations to our winner(s)! Please note that winnings can be made into donations to honor birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, to the Post, or any other special event that you wish to remember.
If you haven’t been around lately, why not come on down to the Legion Post Home to enjoy a delicious Fish Fry or other dinner, purchase a few raffle tickets, or enter the Queen of Hearts Fundraiser drawing? Perhaps YOU will be our next lucky winner! Many thanks to all donors for your continued support of these fundraisers.
-- Ed.
QUEEN OF HEARTS FUNDRAISER GAME:
October 12, 2019
Now at the Elmhurst American Legion.... come try out our Queen of Hearts game at the Post! You might just win some $$$$ and help the Legion too! A new game started October 10, 2019. Tickets can be purchased at the bar in Cafe 187. Drawing is weekly on Wednesdays during BINGO at approximately 8:00 pm.
QUEEN OF HEARTS GAME RULES
The game consists of a standard deck of cards with 2 (two) jokers for a total of 54 cards. Cards are shuffled, numbered 1 through 54, and placed face down in the locked cabinet. Tickets are sold for $1.00 (one dollar) each. Print name and phone number on each ticket, then place in the large drum. If the person does not plan on attending the drawing, he or she must write a number of one of the remaining cards on the front of the ticket. If that ticket is drawn, someone from the Post will pull the corresponding numbered ticket from the board.
On drawing day, a random person will pull one ticket from the drum. If present, the person who has the winning ticket will pull a number from 1 to 54. The corresponding numbered card on the board will be pulled. If that number is the Queen of Hearts, then that person wins. If not, the game continues until the Queen of Hearts is pulled. But, if both Jokers are pulled before the Queen is found, the rest of the cards will be removed and a new deck of cards will be put in its place and the game continues. All other tickets in the drum will be discarded. Drawings will be held on Wednesday evenings at about 8 p.m.
Payouts are 60% of the money to the winner, 20% back to start the next game, 20% to the Post for improvements to the Post or towards benefits the Post gives out. Payout is in the form of a check from the Legion. Tax requirements are the responsibility of the winner.
GOOD LUCK! Questions? Call the Post at 630-833-7800.
-- Ed.
THE SNIPER
Section 9
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October 23, 2019
YORK HIGH SCHOOL VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST, ASSEMBLY- November 9 and 11, 2019
Veterans Day Breakfast- November 9, 2019
Come and celebrate the holiday with the York High School Student Council and enjoy a wonderful breakfast.
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
Time: 9-11 am
Cost: Free for veterans and their friends/families
Where: York Community High School Cafeteria, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL *please enter through main entrance door.
RSVP: Student Council Advisor Matt Moran at MMoran@elmhurst205.org or 630-617-2400 x7285. Please leave a message with how many people will be attending. Information will be used to gauge food preparation. Return phone calls are not anticipated.
Veterans Day Assembly - November 11, 2019
York High School will be holding its annual all-school Veterans Day assembly on Monday, November 11th. Any interested veterans are invited to come and be honored in front of the students in the York Campbell Gym. The assembly will include speeches from U.S. veterans and York students/administrators.
Date: Monday, November 11, 2019
Time: 8- 9 am (veterans are encouraged to arrive at 7:15 am in the York Commons for coffee, donuts, pastries, and bagels).
Where: York Community High School- Campbell Gym, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL *please enter through main entrance door.
RSVP: Student Council Advisor Matt Moran at MMoran@elmhurst205.org or 630-617-2400 x7285. Please leave a message with how many people will be attending. Information will be used to gauge food preparation. Return phone calls are not anticipated.
--District 205 Website
October 3, 2019
LEADERSHIP SEMINAR November 23 (Chicago area) or November 2 (Downstate)
Greetings Fellow Sons,
Now that we are into the 2019-2020 membership year, and we look forward to the future of our organization. It becomes a top priority to search out and train and support dedicated members of our organization. With that in mind the Department Leadership team has developed a training that will assist current squadron officers who want to take on new and exciting roles within the American Legion/Sons of the American Legion.
The leadership seminar will consist of training for Commanders, Vice Commanders, Adjutants, and Service Officers. We believe the American Legion Family will benefit from training the leaders of tomorrow. We encourage all squadrons to participate in these training sessions. If these are not in your area, you could request one from our Leadership and Training Commission Chairman Ed Cavanaugh. His email is broncoe44@yahoo.com
On Saturday November 23, at the Evergreen Park Post #854, 9701 South Kedzie Ave. Evergreen Park, Il. Cost is $10 to cover donuts and lunch. The post will open at for coffee and donuts. The seminar will start promptly at 10am. Please RSVP to 8th District Commander Rickie Mitchell by email @
The 5th Division is hosting a training on November 2, at Post #128 in Salem. 1001 E Main St. Salem, Il. The session will begin at 10am. Please RSVP to Wayne Madson @ madsonwsr@gmail.com or by phone at 618-806-1408.
Is your squadron hosting an event that you would like to share with the Detachment? If so please reach out to me at eugenegort@yahoo.com so we can tell the stories of what our squadrons are doing.
The Drive is Alive,
--Eugene Gort, Public Relations Chairman
October 14, 2019
THANKSGIVING RECRUITS DINNER- November 28, 2019
We are pleased to announce we are again hosting Thanksgivng Dinner for the Great Lakes Naval Station recruits this year, November 28, 2019. If you'd like to greet the recruits in our flag ceremony when they de-board the bus, you are welcome to show your support. The buses will arrive between 9:00 to 9:30 am, so plan to be at the Post by 8:30 am.
Anyone wishing to allow usage of their cell phone for recruits to call home on Thanksgiving Day is appreciated. Also, due to lack of storage space for food, we are only able to accept donations in the form of cash or checks.
We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation.
--Ed.
Nov. 2, 2019
HONOR FLIGHT CHICAGO
Honor Flight Chicago brings WW II vets out to Washington D.C., at no charge to them, to visit the World War II Memorial. It is a great organization doing a great job honoring our troops from the Big War. In 2020, Honor Flight Chicago will fly veterans to Washington D.C. Please click on the link below to find out more about their organization and how you can be put on the list for a visit.
www.honorflightchicago.org
Below is from the Honor Flight Chicago website:
Highlights from our 95th flight, Oct. 2019
About Honor Flight Chicago
Honor Flight Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s senior war veterans by providing all-expense paid trips for these heroes to visit the Washington, D.C., memorials built in their honor. Founded in 2008, Honor Flight Chicago is the largest hub in the national Honor Flight Network and has flown more veterans than any other hub.
--Editor's note: If you have not been to an Honor Flight depature or arrival at one of our airports, it is a real treat. All should try to attend a welcome and greet event for our veterans at least once. Here are pictures at Midway Airport on September 18, 2019. Most Vets arriving back from this trip were Vietnam, and some Korean veterans. The Navy was the welcoming branch for the Vets on this trip.
--Ed.
CAFE LIBERTY- VETERANS CULINARY TRAINING PROGRAM
January 2019
The Elmhurst American Legion is proud to announce that The Dan Gibbons Foundation has organized a program for veterans called Cafe Liberty. The foundation is best known for the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot here in Elmhurst on Thanksgiving Day. They have started Cafe Liberty, a veterans culinary training program for veterans who are unemployed or underemployed and looking to enter the culinary field.
This 11 week program, offered four times a year, will professionally train participants for a lifetime career in the food service industry, and/or serve as a bridge to an advanced culinary institution at no cost to the veteran. Whatever direction you choose, it is Cafe Liberty's goal to see you suceed.
If you are a veteran, or know of one who may be interested, please visit their website, www.cafeliberty.org for information or to apply. You may also call 630-868-3003 for information. The Dan Gibbons Foundation website may be viewed at www.dangibbonsfoundation.org .
-- Joe Kieras, Post 187 Member
"PACKAGES ABROAD" PROJECT: UPDATE NEEDED
THE SNIPER
Section 10
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AUXILIARY NEWS -
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT. . .
October 14, 2019
DESSERT BAR HOSTESS WANTED, FRIDAYS:
We are requesting someone volunteer to take over the Friday Fish Fry Dessert Bar starting in October. Hours on Friday are 6:00-8:30 p.m. From June until October there is no dessert bar. Call Peggy if interested at 630-654-8099.
October 23, 2019
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH SANTA
On December 14, 2019, from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm, all Post Members and their kids and/or grand kids up to 12 years old are invited to our Christmas Luncheon. Door will open at Cafe 187 at approximately 10:30 am. Luncheon will be served. At some point, Santa will arrive with gifts for the kids.
Due to limited seating, reservations are requested and will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis. We look forward to a good turnout for this event. Stop by the Post or call 630-833-7800 to make your reservation.
GIRLS STATE:
Applications for Girls State are available from Judy Keinz. Please call her at 630-364-8774 to get an application.
OTHER INFO:
Membership dues for the coming year are $28.00 for senior members and $5.00 for junior members. The increase is to cover a department increase.
Don’t forget … if you are in need of transportation to any of our functions or events, please call the post ahead of time and we can make sure you have a ride.
-- Peggy D. Krihak, Auxiliary President
AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIPS:
May 28, 2019
The 2019 scholarship application process is now closed.
This year's scholarships were due on May 1, 2019.
Now is the time to remind those college-age students in your family to think about applying for an Auxiliary or Post Scholarship. There are several scholarships available ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to qualified Post and Unit family members.
The Auxiliary has scholarships available for American Legion and Auxiliary members, their children, and grandchildren. To qualify, an applicant must be related to or be a member of T.H.B. Post 187 and be enrolled in good standing at an accredited high school, college, or university. Applications are available on line at our Post website: www.americanlegionthb187.org. Click on the "Auxiliary Scholarship" link and follow the prompts to complete, print, and mail to the address on the application.
--Ruth Valentino, Scholarship Chair
Attention: Scholarship Committee Volunteer Members wanted to assist in application review.
Please contact Peggy Krihak at the Post, 630-833-7800, if interested.
SUNSHINE AND MEMORIAL: UPDATE NEEDED
BASKET RAFFLE: UPDATE NEEDED
THE SNIPER
Section 11
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AUXILIARY CALENDAR 2019
Dates to remember:
October 13: - Craft Fair Show, 10:00 a.m.
October 14: - Auxiliary Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
October 14: - Auxiliary Unit Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
December 9: - Auxiliary Unit Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Christmas Party
Every Friday: - Fish Fry, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Dessert Bar is January to June, and October to January.
AUXILIARY BIRTHDAYS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEMBERS !!
Congratulations to all Auxiliary members celebrating their birthdays during this month! We hope you are able to enjoy your "Special Day" in whatever manner pleases you most.
For November our best wishes go to: UPDATES NEEDED
100th Year Anniversary, September 26, 1919 – September 26, 2019
Please visit The Sniper again soon.
www.americanlegionthb187.org
You may print this newsletter for personal use by veterans, friends, and family
who might not have computer access.
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