Encroachment:  Advancement beyond the proper, original, or customary limits, the intrusion upon the rights of another.

    The Constitution of the American Legion is very clear.  "Article II:  Nature, Section 2.  The AMERICAN LEGION shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment."  You can see it for yourself on the national website.

    We are a tax exempt, non profit organization.  This status is very desirable from a tax, revenue, expense standpoint.  But it comes with parameters, or if you will, rules of the game.  Violation of the rules results in penalties, or could.  That would not be very desirable.  You just read some of the "rules" in our Constitution.

    There is another perspective to consider here.  The last two Presidential elections were very close.  That would suggest, to reasonable people, that the country is pretty equally split between the political parties.  We at this Post are a microcosm of our country.  If we, in open forums, endorse a particular politician, political party, or political position, we are likely alienating half of our members; dues paying members.

    That's wrong.  It is a violation of our National American Legion Constitution, it is offensive, it is unethical, and it is unprofessional!  Those people knew what they were doing when they wrote the Constitution in 1919.

    I feel it is my responsibility as Commander to enforce this issue.  I can't knowingly allow the endorsement of candidates or political partisanship in our open forums such as meetings or the Post Parade.  The potential costs are too high.  That behavior will not go unchallenged, so let's all please refrain from doing so.

    We are not Democrats, Independents, or Republicans here.  We are all Veterans and Legionnaires; in our meetings and the newsletter.  To act otherwise divides us.

    So after further review, the play stands as called.  No loss of down.  Let's continue the game but let's play without penalizing ourselves.  Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in official Legion functions.  Now let's move on.

-Rich Patti, Commander

   What a Night!  January 5th was the first Night at the Races this year.  We had a large crowd and everybody in attendance had a great time.

    The 50/50 was won by Brannon Whitmore, the Dinner Drawing was won by Karen Wenzel, and the Winners Pool was won by Paul Barnett.  A Grand Total of $327 was won.  Congratulations.

    Plus, we had raffles for tools and a flower arrangement and a basket full of all kinds of goodies.

    The flower arrangement and basket was donated by Stephanie's Garden of Eden, 8519 Navarre Rd. SW, Massillon, Ohio.

    A special thank you to all Legion volunteers who gave up their Saturday night to work at the races.  You all did a fine job.  Hope you will be at the races February 2, 2008.  THANKS AGAIN.

Serving Our Country:
    No packages have been sent as of this writing, but I have addresses of service personnel and packages will be sent soon.  84 packages sent as of this writing.

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

   Thanks to all who helped by ringing bells for the Salvation Army on December 22.  We beat the Legion again this year by raising $1,065.60.

    Your squadron also helped make the Christmas season brighter for two local families.  Thanks to all squadron members who worked all year to raise needed funds so that we can be of assistants to our Legion and our community.

    The winner of the "Wagon of Cheer" was Mac McCarty.  If you seem him pulling Pat around town, make sure you give them a wave.

    There are still a few who have not yet sent in their dues.  If you are one of them, please stop by or send them in.

    Our next meeting will be February 13th at 7:00pm.  Meetings are always the second Wednesday at 7:00.  Come to a meeting and be proud to be a member of our fine organization.

-Bob Emmert
Finance Officer

    Things seem a little quiet now; but it's nice to take a breather after all of the hustle & bustle of the past few months.  Spring is right around the corner.  It's time to start planning a "Spring Fundraiser" for the Auxiliary.  We are looking for some fun & unique ideas.  So write down a few of your ideas and join us at our meeting ~ Feb. 5 at 7pm ~ to share them with us.  I know a lot of you have some great ideas; we can work together to make them happen.  You just have to come & share them.  I know we will be excited to hear them.

-Gail Miller
Auxiliary President

    Don't hesitate its 2008 and there are still a few who have not renewed their membership.  There is still time so please take a moment and send them in or stop by the Post.  Those who have paid, thank you, and thank you in advance to those who are still thinking about it.

1st Vice Dixie Witter,
PO Box 34 - Massillon, OH 44648

From Dan Webber:  Book, The Torch is Passed - The story of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  100 pages of the 35th President 1961-1963.

Booklet - Four Dark Days in History - Nov. 22, 23, 24, 25, 1963

Booklet - The Liberty Collection.  Also 5, 10 inch records - We're in the Army Now, There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere, Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition, The Christmas Spill, Song at Midnite, How Could You, are just some of the titles.

Did you Know?

Community Service & Safety Activities
    One of the most lasting Legion contributions to American life is in making American communities a better place to live.  Community service is a major American activity.  Several projects completed add strength and better service to the community.  It will be a great satisfaction in later years to look over worthwhile institutions in a community and be able to say; "The American Legion started that is this area".

John Tsocheff

    Your Honor Guard had a busy and very eventful 2007.  Military honors for a deceased veteran are the last thing we, as comrades, can do to show our respect for their service to our country.

    We try very hard to accommodate the wishes of the family.  The protocol we follow at the service is as simple and dignified as we can make it; hopeful that it shoes the respect intended.

    We had two very high profile events for our active duty fallen heroes this past year; Sgt. Cory Endlich and Spc. Zach Grass; both killed in Iraq just days apart in June.  Active duty honors are provided by the Army, and are an impressive farewell.  Post 221 was well represented at both of these funerals.  The full honor guard and many post members, including Legion Riders Patriot Guard, were at the cemetery entrance; our final salute to our comrades.

    The total numbers for 2007 should be an indication of the commitment our Honor Guard has to our Post and community.

    Military Honors performed - 119
    Volunteer hours to duty - 1,560
    Miles driven to cemeteries - 10,226

1st Sgt. Honor Guard,
C. Richard Thatcher

    Regarding BUCKEYE BOYS STATE/GIRLS STATE Class of 2008

    You have read in this paper about Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State.  This is a wonderful program sponsored by the American Legion / American Legion Auxiliary, offered only to students in their junior year of high school.  It is a week long, hands-on opportunity to learn the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

    IF YOU HAVE A SON OR DAUGHTER (GRANDSON OR GRANDDAUGHTER) WHO IS CURRENTLY IN THE JUNIOR CLASS OF THEIR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL THAT WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THIS OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT MARTHA LEE THATCHER (330) 477-9844 OR FRANK HART (330) 830-9252

    THIS IS A WONDERFUL PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS.  DELEGATES WILL BE SELECTED BY THE END OF FEBRUARY.  PLEASE ACT NOW.

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