If only it were that easy; just put a membership application in front of an eligible Veteran, get them to sign it and join.  It may have been easier years ago, but today it is a challenge.

    We are doing pretty well with our membership goal for the year, but we always do early on, as most of those who pay their dues each year get on board and enjoy the entire year of membership.  Then the year grinds on and it becomes a dental extraction exercise.  The new members and those who just joined last year are slow to accumulate.  It slows to a trickle.  We are there.  We need to dig deep to make the goal.  It gets harder each year.

    Membership is the lifeblood of any fraternal or social organization.  It is everyone's job, not just the First Vice Commanders'.  That includes me.  I would first ask that if you are receiving this and have not paid your dues, please do so.  We need you.  The Legion has political clout in DC and the larger the numbers we have the more influence we have.  HELP PROTECT YOUR VETERANS' RIGHTS AND BENEFITS!

    We generate members by asking Veterans to join us, they are not going to raise their hands and ask if they can join!  Take some initiative, open your mouth, talk to people, and ASK.

    Yes I know and understand there are fewer and fewer Veterans out there; get over it, that is the hand we are dealt.  We simply have to try harder.  We have to LOOK for them, they are recognizable.  How so?

    Some of them have a short neat haircut.  Some of them have tattoos.  Some of them have military vanity plates on their cars.  Some have military bumper stickers.  Some of them use military jargon.  Some of them wear military ball caps or jackets.  Some of them talk about their military tours and experiences.  The question is, are you looking and listening for these things?  More importantly, when you are alerted to them do you approach and act on it?  Or do you, like a shy little schoolgirl, let the opportunity pass to meet someone new, someone that has the common bond?  Come on show me what you've got.

    Get past your fear!  Ask someone, a neighbor, friend, relative, or dare we, even a stranger to join.  We are giving them a $10.00 break on the first year dues; it is a very good selling point, as is the fact that we have 4-5 very nice dinners each year THAT DO NOT COST A MEMBER ANYTHING.  It's a deal, sell it!  Thank you and good luck.

    If everyone who was a member last year paid their dues this year we would only need about two dozen NEW members to make quota!  Just ask ONE new member to join.  You can do that can't you?  The worse case would be they don't say yes...but they might!

-Rich Patti, Commander

    February "Night at the Races" had a large crowd and a lot o fun was had by all the race fans and Texas Poker players.

    The Winners Pool was $168.00, the 50/50 was $300.00, Dinner Ticket Pool $101.00, $25.00 and two bottles of whiskey were given away and some great door prizes were drawn throughout the evening.

    Of course, all this would not be possible without the volunteer workers and door prize donors that we have at every race.  Thanks a lot it is very much appreciated.

    More about our great door prize donors later.

    Serving Our Country:

S/Sgt. Mark Griesel
FSC 1-8-INBN
Unit 43180
FOB Liberty APO AE 69344

Pvt. Roy J. Clarke
2nd Trans. Co.
2nd PLT
APO AE 09366

William J. Bleakley
186 ECES/CEF
APO AE 09855

LCPL Grisez, Brandin
1/8 B 4th PIT
Unit 73210-2310
FPO AE 09509

    88 packages sent as of this writing.

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

   We are all aware of the ever increasing stresses & difficulties of everyday life.  The cost of living constantly rises; yet our incomes don't.  The soaring cost of medical care, gas, food, insurance, etc. has become overwhelming.

    Due to desperation, more & more decent, hardworking people are forced to swallow their pride and ask for help.  The Auxiliary regularly gets requests for help from families, our veterans, and the community.  We take great pride in our ability to help those less fortunate in their hour of need.

    Unfortunately, our funds are quickly dwindling as the requests continue to grow.  Fundraising has become increasingly difficult.  It's very disheartening; after putting all the time, hard work, & money required into planning a fundraiser event ~ to only have a few members come to participate.  We really need your help to continue the rewarding experience of helping others.  We need your fund-raising ideas & participation.

    Currently, we are raffling a spring basket of flowers with Easter eggs containing $50.00 in cash.  Please show your support & take a chance ~ it's only $1.00.  Also, we would like to start offering tip boards at the Friday Night Fish Fry for a variety of great gifts, but we need volunteers to help.  Please give us your support.

-Gail Miller
Auxiliary President

    We still have a few members that have not renewed their dues for 2008.  If you are one of those people, please stop in and pay them.

    The squadron is sponsoring a trip to Rising Sun on June 8th and 9th.  If you have not been to Rising Sun, you are in for a treat.  Seats are going fast so make sure you sign up today.

    Welcome new member Lovell Jett to our squadron.

    Our next meeting will be March 12th at 7pm.  Please try to make a meeting and give some of your time to help out the less fortunate.

-Bob Emmert

    Any items that come in during my absence will be listed in next month's post parade.

    From Richard Kettler:  One pair of Army boots (Made in China?)

    From John Cassidy:  One Army stretcher used by medics.

DID YOU KNOW?

• June 12, 1775 - United States Army established

• October 13, 1775 - United States Navy established

• November 10, 1775 - United States Marine Corps established

• August 7, 1789 - Department of War established

• August 4, 1970 - United States Cost Guard established

• April 30, 1789 - Department of Navy established

• March 16, 1802 - U.S. Military Academy founded

• October 10, 1845 - U.S. Naval Academy founded

• 1876 - U.S. Coast Guard Academy founded

• 1916 - U.S. Army established Reserve Officers Training Corps

• May 14, 1942 - Women's Auxiliary Army Corps established

• September 18, 1947 - United States Air Force established

• July 26, 1948 - U.S. Armed Forces officially desegregated

• August 10, 1949 - Department of Defense created

• April 1, 1954 - U.S. Air Force Academy founded

• March 15, 1989 - Department of Veterans Affairs elevated to cabinet level

• January 2003 - Department of Homeland Security established

-John Tsocheff

    Each year the American Legion offers the High School Oratorical Scholarship Program.  Post 221 had two local high school students compete in the District, or first phase of the contest, held Sunday February 17, 2008 in East Canton, Ohio.

    We are proud to recognize that Kevin Hidas was, for the second year, the District first place winner and was awarded $250.00.  He is the son of Mike and Sheilah Hidas.  Kevin is a senior at Jackson High School.

    Additionally, Andrew Bowling was the third place winner of the competition.  Andrew did well as this was his first attempt at the competition and was awarded $50.00 by the District.  He is the son of William and Brenda Bowling.  Andrew is a senior at Northwest High School

    Both will be awarded a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond by Post 221 for their efforts.

    Congratulations to both Kevin and Andrew.  We are proud of how they have represented our Post and the school communities in our area by way of their successful performance at the competition.

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