It is my hope that each of you had a blessed Christmas.  It is also my hope that each of you have a healthy and prosperous New Year.
    I know most of you have the luxury and benefit of knowing the joy of giving to your friends, family, and loved ones.  It's a beautiful thing to feel you have helped someone.  Take advantage of the gifts God gave you, the ability to help, don't be stingy with them.  Keeping them to yourself is wasting them.
    Think about getting involved.  It doesn't have to be a large everyday involvement, but get started somewhere.  Attend a meeting; can't you give up a couple hours a couple times a year, on Tuesday nights?  Come on, who can't find time for that?
    The Nights at the Races start January 5, 2008.  Come see what we do, volunteer to work, it's fun: or just bring a couple friends and enjoy yourself.  You can do that can't you?

-Rich Patti, Commander

   The first of four "Night at the Races" will be Saturday, January 5, 2008.  Come on our and enjoy a meal prepared by Bob Emmert, and a lot of camaraderie with your fellow Legionnaires.  And, if you can help at the races it will be appreciated.  Just show up and we will find you a suitable job to do.  Try it you might like it.

Serving Our Country:
Care Packages were sent to:

SPC Randles, Richard
13 Btr L4 FA 1st BCT 3rd ID
APO AE 09381

PFC Cook, Jarod
HHC 2 BCT 31 D
Unit 4065 4 FOB HALSFU
APO AE 09312

M M Smith, D C
USS Harry S. Truman
CVS 75
WEPS 6-4 FPO AE 09524-0073

SPC Black, Cassandra S.
Medics/HHC, 1-327 INF
1st BCT, 1st AD FOB
APO AE 09393

Cpl Saurer Jr., Brente
VMM - 263
Unit 77062
FPO AE 09509-7062

Capt. Rodney, Baca
HQS MNC-I SJA
APO AE 09342

84 Packages sent as of this writing.

REMEMBER 9-11-2001
-Bill Matthews, 2nd Vice Commander

   There is still time to pay your 2008 dues.  The holidays are over, so it's time to relax and prepare for the New Year.  Take out your check book and send in your dues or drop them off at the post.

-1st Vice Dixie Witter
P.O. Box 34, Massillon, OH 44648

    ...to getting a free drink.  Did you know that if you're an S.A.L. member and you attend one of our meetings, you're entitled to a beverage of your choice?  No?  Well, know you know.  If you've missed out, here's a brief summary of what's been happening with the squadron.  We've sponsored two families for Thanksgiving and we sponsored two more families for Christmas.  We also raffled off our Wagon of Cheer for the S.A.L. (If you're one of those lucky people to get the Parade before the end of the month, buy some tickets!).  Bob is also planning another trip for those interested.  I hope everyone's year starts off right.  Remember to come to our next meeting on Wednesday, January 9th.

For God and Country,
-Ben Gutscher, Commander

    Those who attended the Early Bird Dinner saw the video "It's Who We Are".  The video informed us of many of the Legion's programs.
    I would like to use this column to comment on one of the programs that Post 221 participates in; the Brecksville Project.
    Each month, a very unselfish group of Legionnaires from Massillon Post 221 makes a visit to Brecksville VA Medical Hospital to try to make life a little better for the vets who make Brecksville their home.
    Taking usable clean clothes, toilet articles, magazines, books, games and bananas we go to Brecksville on the last Wednesday of every month.  Post 221 has a very good reputation at Brecksville due to our participation and your generosity.  For the veterans at Brecksville, Post 221 Massillon are "THE" banana guys.  The whole facility knows when we arrive; the word spreads and the patients are pleased when they get to talk to us.  Some have no one that comes to visit or talk with them; the banana is extra.
    In addition, twice a year (May and November), the 10th District Auxiliary hosts a Birthday Party for the Brecksville veterans.  They provide food, beverages, and entertainment suitable for the occasion.  The vets also receive a shoe box of personal comfort items to take back to their room.  Post 221 Legionnaires also stay for this event and help out with all the duties and activities.
    Wearing a Legion cap with Massillon Post 221 so everyone knows "who we are" doesn't hurt the Post's image at all.  Those few Legionnaires who make it a priority to go up each month deserve our thanks and support.  I personally am very proud of them and want to give them my thanks and appreciation.
    This is only a part of "Who We Are".

~C.R. Thatcher, Post 221 Adjutant

    We hope everyone had a blissful holiday season.  The Ladies Auxiliary was blessed with the opportunity to help many families in need.  This year, your donations & support to our "Wall of Warmth", Angel Tree, Gift Wrapping, Bell Ringing, etc. made it all possible.  Thank You!  You should be proud of the happiness & smiles you brought into the lives of others less fortunate.
    A "Special" Thank You to Terry Gulley.  Terry graciously donated his time to help make our "Santa's Auction" the huge success that it was.  We had a fantastic evening full of fun & laughter, it was great!  I feel sorry for those that missed it.
    Another "Special" Thank You goes out to the Legion Riders for their generous donations of children's toys, scarves & mittens to the Auxiliary.  We appreciate your support!

Have a Safe & Happy New Year,
~Gail Miller, Auxiliary President

    to the fine folks at Sunny Slope Orchard and Farris Produce for generously donating apples and oranges for our Legion Children's Christmas Party.  These two venders have willingly supplied fruit for the last (6) years that I know of; perhaps longer.
    Doors opened for the party this year at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday the 8th.  Legionnaire Clair V. Walters once again entertained the children making balloon animals, and members of our Auxiliary led carol singing.  At 2:00 P.M. Magician Mike Bishop took the stage and kept the children amused and amazed until it was time for the main attraction.  Santa Claus was (as usual), the man of the hour and the children lined up to sit on his lap, have their picture taken, and tell Santa what was on their "wish list".
    The party concluded as each child was given an age appropriate gift as well as a goodie bag filled with candy, a coloring book, crayons, fruit snacks, and an orange and an apple.

    If you like to ride and want to spend time with fellow veterans, call (330) 833-4545 for more information about the ALR Massillon Post 221 Chapter.

ATTENTION MEMBERS!  YOU MUST HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD WITH YOU TO BE SERVED ALCOHOL.  NO EXCEPTIONS!
NO CARD -- NO SERVICE!