THE SNIPER
AMERICAN LEGION T.H.B. POST 187
ELMHURST, IL
www.americanlegionthb187.org
Second Division, District 11
100 Years of Service - September 26, 2019
July 2020
Corona virus update:
Volunteer 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 - 2021 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 YEARS OF SERVICE
January 2, 2020
T.H.B. Post 187 honored its 100th anniversary 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 Bill Shanklin, Sergeant-at-Arms at the Post. Bill 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, Post 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
WEBSITE ADVERTISING DONATIONS:
July 3, 2020
If you are a local citizen, business entity, or organization, and would like to advertise on our website, please contact the Post at 630-833-7800. We will have someone get back to you. We will work with you on donation rates, publication terms, and on what category you'd like to appear in (see below), the size of copy (partial page shared with others, or full page self standing), and whether it is in color or black and white. We can also include links to your own website. Per the Legion website administrator, Legionsites.com, the copy should be in a jpeg format for the best appearance on the site.
You may also may wish to be a sponsor or booster of the Post. See tab "Advertising, Supporters" for our three categories of recognition: Advertisers, Boosters, and Sponsors. Existing organizations taken from the discontinued print version of The Sniper will be contacted to upgrade their copy to a web format if they wish to do so.
Thank you in advance for your interest and support of T.H.B. Post 187!
--Mark Snider, Website Editor
THE SNIPER
Section 5
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS:
As of July 1, 2020
New members: No change
S.A.L. Members: No change
Transferred in: No change
Welcome to you all !!
GET WELL SOON:
July 1, 2020- UPDATE NEEDED
To our members who have been out ill, in the hospital, or recuperating from injury/surgery:
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
July 2020
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:
June 5, 2020
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. In compliance with the April 17, 2020 letter at the top of the Sniper, all terms are
being extended until 2021 due to the extended suspension of Legion activities relating to Co-Vid19.
The new Board and Committee make up is listed below.
Corporation Board 2019-2021
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, Post Adjutant
ELMHURST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS BILL SHANKLIN
January 31, 2020
The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry inducted T.H.B. 187 Sergeant At Arms Bill Shanklin into the EECI Civic Hall of Fame on January 31, 2020 at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel. HOF Committee Chair Ken Bartels (left), of the Elmhurst Community Bank presided at the induction. Congratulations to Bill (right), for being a member of our Post, and on receiving this prestigious and well deserved honor from the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
--Ed. (photos from (l.) ECCI website; and (r.) Elmhurst Independent Newspaper, Dee Longfellow, photographer.)
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, Post 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: The E-town Low Down
February 9, 2020
The Elmhurst podcast site, The E-town Low Down, broadcast an interview on December 24, 2019, with our Post's Sergeant at Arms, Bill Shanklin. Bill shared his experience jumping over Normandy in June, 2019, as a tribute to those who did so on D-Day, 75 years earlier. Shanklin, serving the Army Special Forces in the 1960's, made this most recent jump at the age of 75.
You are welcome to listen to it or download it at this link:
https://etownlowdown.podbean.com/e/septuagenarian-shanklin-jumps-in-the-lowdown-hot-tub/
-- Ed.
BASEBALL - ELMHURST AMERICAN LEGION T.H.B. POST 187 MUDDOGS BASEBALL
June 21, 2020
2020 American Legion Baseball regionals, World Series cancelled, general season to resume
As the coronavirus pandemic is creating unpredictability worldwide with its duration and public health regulations and restrictions across the nation, The American Legion is facing an improbable situation.
The Americanism Commission, in consultation with National Commander James William “Bill” Oxford, announces cancellation of all 2020 American Legion Baseball national tournaments. This includes all eight Regional Tournaments and the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C.
Many baseball coaches are unable to complete prerequisite league play scheduled between May and July due to the closure of schools and playing facilities across the nation. In August, more than 500 players, coaches and volunteer staff are scheduled to travel and participate in eight regional tournaments and the American Legion World Series, collectively attracting thousands of fans and spectators. Many of these individuals are of a high-risk demographic.
The awarding of American Legion Baseball scholarships for 2020 have been suspended.
The decision to cancel was extremely difficult but deemed necessary, first and foremost in the interest of health and safety, and in the face of uncertainty. Americanism Commission Richard Anderson noted, “These times are unparalleled. And while it is distressing to think of all those youth across the nation who are disappointed to learn of the cancellation of American Legion programs this year, it would be a much, much greater tragedy if even just one of those youth were to fall ill during a program.
“The Americanism Commission feels this is the right thing to do.”
And, although the nationals are cancelled, the 2020 season for the Muddogs has been resumed. So we will have some baseball this year! Schedule is below.
https://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=MUDDOGSLEGIONBASEBAL&s=baseball&p=schedule
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/
-- Ed., with thanks to the Muddog's webmaster and coach, Mike Biondo.
"IN APPRECIATION"
May 30, 2020
MUSIC FRIDAY/ KARAOKE 50-50 RAFFLE:
The raffle ticket donation 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.
As we look to the fall and understand how our entertainment will be held in the future, we thought we'd present some pictures of the bands, in no particular order, who regulary perform at the Post. Remember to come back to the Post and support these bands through the raffle contest when we resume the entertainment program.
Johnny Johnson- Karaoke (promo photo only)
Peaches Beach Party
Johnny Gray
Sling Blade
Flash Baxter
The Rt. 66 Band
Swing Forward
SHOWTIME
Roxanne
McLennon Band
Liz Goss
New band: Zazz Band
Congratulations to our past winners! 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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May 23, 2020
MEETING DATES- 11TH DISTRICT and SECOND DIVISION
2nd Division Meeting Dates
New meeting dates commencing after September 30, 2020 will be posted here at a later date.
June 11, 2020
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. Please click below to find out more about their organization and how you can be put on the list for a visit.
Below is from the Honor Flight Chicago website:
https://youtu.be/9s7Q3VZL0yc
Update On Our 2020 Flight Season
It is with deep regret and the utmost respect for the health, safety and well-being of our senior war heroes, volunteers and partners that the Honor Flight Chicago Board of Directors has elected to suspend flights to Washington, D.C., for the entire 2020 season.
As we have said from the beginning of the current pandemic, our mission to Honor, Thank and Inspire our senior war heroes will continue. We will fly again when the time is right.
For the remainder of the 2020 season, our focus shifts to making certain that our veterans – both our alumni and those who still await their deserved Day of Honor – feel the appreciation, respect and love that they earned through their service to our country during a time of war.
Our volunteers have already been active in their communities by checking in on our veterans, launching card-writing campaigns, organizing and participating in socially distant car parades, and more. Their passion and creativity know no bounds, and we are excited to step up to the challenge of honoring our heroes in a safe and responsible manner until we are ready to begin flying again in 2021.
Highlights from our 95th flight, Oct. 2019
We did it! With the completion of our 95th flight this month, the 2019 season is officially in the books. On a dark and rainy day in D.C., 101 veterans traveled to Washington, including a season-high 16 from World War II! Twenty-four Korean War veterans and 61 Vietnam War veterans rounded out the flight.
For the year, we honored 701 veterans – more than 100 per flight! Our final totals: 58 WWII, 263 Korean War and the first 380 Vietnam War veterans in Honor Flight Chicago history.
We are proud of how our volunteers rolled with change this year, especially as it came to construction at Midway. Our partners at the airport were phenomenal to work with, and our various teams were ready to adjust at a moment’s notice. To the veterans themselves, everything went like clockwork. We know because so many of them told us so in their after-flight impact surveys. In fact, of the 298 impact surveys we have received so far this year, more than two-thirds of them specifically mention our volunteers or how well-run the day was!
The October flight was a microcosm of the season in terms of change. The rain chased our itinerary inside, and all adapted quite well. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Women in Military Service For America Memorial for allowing us to host our ceremony indoors in their auditorium. We also owe extra thanks to the Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center for allowing us to take our veteran group portrait inside in front of the SR-71 Blackbird.
The “word of the flight” as per one of our stalwart bus captains was “camaraderie.” This flight featured 28 members of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad flying as honored veterans. Those flying with their comrades were especially close, and it showed throughout the day, particularly at the Memorials.
We had one veteran on this trip who became ill and was not able to return home with us. During what turned into a multiple-day hospital stay, our Washington D.C. guardians took turns visiting him and keeping him company until he was able to be discharged on Saturday. One of our Chicago red-shirts flew out early Saturday to escort him home, but before their flight our D.C. guardians stepped up again with a personal tour of the Memorials that he had missed on Wednesday. He then received a small welcome back at Midway. Tears flowed easily for him Saturday. It was yet another example of our volunteers coming together and going above-and-beyond for our heroes in such a selfless way.
When we began the season, a little more than 2,000 Vietnam veterans were on our waiting list. As we conclude, that number has swelled to 2,309, meaning that we have added nearly 700 names to the list in just eight months. There is so much more ahead of us and so many veterans still awaiting their Day of Honor!
The first step toward the 2020 season began at our Bourbon Street fundraiser on Sunday, November 10, in Merrionette Park. Tickets and more information were available at honorflightchicago.org/bourbonstreet.
For additional information or to secure an Honor Flight Chicago veteran application, call 773-227-VETS (8387) or visit https://www.honorflightchicago.org/how-to-apply/veteran.
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
THE SNIPER
Section 10
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AUXILIARY NEWS -
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT. . .
CAFE 187 IS RE-OPENING!
July 5, 2020
Cafe 187 dining room is back! On July 7, 2020, the American Legion will be opening the Cafe 187 dining room at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with our lunch service. We will be following all guidelines recommended by the CDC in regards to social distancing and cleaning procedures. We look forward to serving you in Cafe 187 again. If you are not comfortable with dining in, carry-out of the entire menu will still be available.
--Sean Gaertner, Cafe 187
"PACKAGES ABROAD PROJECT":
February 2, 2020
Cher Smith Conrad will be hosting another care package, the Packages Abroad Project, for active duty troops in March. If you have toiletries, books, playing cards, etc., and you would like to donate for these boxes, please put them in the Doug Chant Room. A complete list of items needed is on the bulletin board in the bar area. You may also make a monetary donation to help cover the cost of mailing these boxes. Each box costs $19.00 to send. Contact Cher at 630-640-5771 with any questions, or to let her know you'd like to volunteer to help pack the boxes. Exact dates for packing and shipping will be forthcoming.
--Peggy Krihak, Auxiliary President
DESSERT BAR BAKERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, FRIDAYS:
May 27, 2020
Joanne Shulz or Leslie Uher are in need of bakers for the Dessert Bar at the Friday Fish Fry this fall. Please call Joanne at 630-833-8249, or Leslie at 630-935-2329 if you can bake a goodie for the Dessert Bar once the coVid-19 virus has passed. The dessert bar dates each year are from January through May, Fridays, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. From June until October there is not a dessert bar. October through December Friday hours resume from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm.
POPPY DAY MAILINGS SENT:
You should have recently received our Poppy Day mailer for this year's fundraiser drive in June. This drive was abbreviated this year in that we only sent out donor letters to Post, Auxiliary, and Sons members in June. The Post is sending out letters to members as we have in the past, encouraging donations. If you have not donated yet, please consider donating now due to the havoc created by the corona virus. Contact Corrine Popelka at 708-531-9496 for more information, or if you'd like to volunteer.
GIRLS STATE: CANCELLED
The Illinois American Legion Auxiliary has unfortunately cancelled this years program due to the corona virus. The dates this year were to be June 21-27, 2020. What is Girls State, you ask?
American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State is a week long program at Eastern Illinois University dedicated to providing training for young women in city, county, and state government. They are placed into a two party system and will run for office, campaign, vote, and write legislation pertinent to American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State as well as the state and nation.
For information regarding the program and cancellation, visit the link here: https://www.alaigs.org/
OTHER INFO:
The next Auxiliary Meetings from now until Septemebr 30, 2020 are cancelled due to corona virus. The Auxiliary Executive Board meetings are cancelled as well. The next Auxiliary meeting and Executive Board meeting are scheduled for October 12, 2020.
Membership dues for the coming year are $28.00 for senior members and $5.00 for junior members.
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:
June 21, 2020
The 2020 scholarship application process has now closed for this year.
This year's scholarships due dates were extended from May 1, and were due on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.
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 scholarships available ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to qualified Post and Unit family members.
--Ruth Valentino, Scholarship Chair
Attention: Scholarship Committee Volunteer Members wanted to assist in reviewing applications.
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 2020
Dates to remember:
Auxiliary Meetings
Monday, February 10: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Monday, March 9: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Monday, May 11: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Monday, June 8: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Monday, September 14: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Monday, October 12: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Monday, December 14: Auxiliary Meeting, 7:00 pm.
Executive Board Meetings
Monday, March 9: Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
Monday, August 31: Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.
Monday, October 12: Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.
ALL STRIKETHROUGHS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS
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 July our best wishes go to: UPDATES NEEDED
100 Years of Service - 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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