MEMBERSHIP:
    We have some good news from our 1st Vice Commander, Richard Patti.  For the first time in several years we have met, and in fact exceeded, our membership quota.  Reaching quota has been difficult the last few years because we have lost so many of our older members from the World War II and Korea generation.  The other difficulty comes from members who simply do not renew their memberships.  I would like to thank and congratulate Rich and all the other members who have pushed so hard to recruit new members, and thank those members who sent in their dues early.

EMPLOYMENT:
    On Saturday, March 31st, Post 221 will be hosting a Veterans Job Search seminar conducted by our own Ben Wolfe.  Those who know Ben know that he is absolutely committed to serving veterans and helping them find employment.  This will be an all day program teaching the participants the skills needed to look for and obtain the jobs they want and deserve.  It is open to all veterans and their immediate families.  Space is limited, so if you are a veteran in need of this service, or know one who is, please call the Post and reserve your spot.
    We know that by the time you receive the Post Parade the 31st will almost be here, making it difficult to plan ahead for this seminar.  We are planning to run additional seminars, so keep watching your paper or the Post Parade for future sessions.  We believe that providing this information to our returning and older veterans is absolutely essential given the horrible state of the job marked in northeast Ohio.

-Mark Weldon, Commander

   Today is St. Patrick's Day and we're getting ready to leave for the Post to enjoy corned beef, cabbage, and good fellowship.  One of our Color Guard members turned 50 this week and we're planning a "surprise" party for him as well.  Seriously, we work hard but we still take time to have fun.  If you haven't come in for a Wednesday special or a Friday fish-fry you don't realize that we have good food at the Post and everyone is friendly.  Come in and see!
    So before I leave to have fun, let me take time to mention a couple of important items:

>    I'm just back form (5) days in Washington, DC.  Every year members of the Legion family gather to "march up the Hill" and talk to our senators and representatives about the things that matter to veterans and what we would like to see accomplished.  Our Legislative Priority Sheet included passage of the Flag Amendment and of the Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA); we pushed for mandatory funding of the VA and total repeal of the Disabled Veterans' Tax.  We asked hard questions about the Walter Reed situation, and in return the congressmen were candid in their responses.
    I think it's important that you realize how much clout the Legion brings to bear on our government leaders.  We come to town representing more than 3 million voting Americans - and they listen.  Before we arrive, the Legion National Commander has met personally with the President and addressed a joint session of Congress.  During the time we are in Washington we hear form a number of political leaders (including the President) bringing us up to date on issues ranging form "a day in the life of a soldier stationed in Iraq", an update on the status of POW/MIAs, and the Immigration situation.

>    April has always been considered Children and Youth month in the Auxiliary.  One of the founding principles of the American Legion Auxiliary is to provide care and strive to improve conditions for all children.  We do this best by working cooperatively with other public and private community agencies and organizations.  This year, the American Legion Auxiliary has joined with America Supports You to promote April as the Month of the Military Child.  We want to make the month of April a magical time for our one million-plus military children.  Three Saturdays in April (the 14th, 21st, and 28th) have been designated as "Make and Take" project days.  Craft and hobby stores in hundreds of communities are being encouraged to participate in this program, and companies such as Crayola, K & Company Scrapbooks and others have developed projects to help local military children express their feelings and communicate with deployed family members.

>    Another important event that will take place in April is the nomination of a slate of officers to lead our Unit in 2007-2008.  The election of officers will take place on the first Tuesday in May.  If you are interested in running for a specific office, please contact either Dixie Witter (833-4545) or Peggy Bigler (830-7720).  Or, plan to attend the April regular meeting where nominations can be made from the floor.  As a current (or prospective) member of Massillon Unit 221, your opinion and input to the selection of officers is vital.  Please call or attend and let your voice be heard.

Hope to see you on April 3rd.

-Martha Lee Thatcher, Unit President

    We have made our quota for the year.  Our membership goal was 707 paid members and we now have 716.  I am happy to say we are at 101% and a hearty thank you to all that signed up new members and those that joined us as new or transferred members.  SO NOW WHAT?
    Well, I would think the next logical thing is to make these new members feel welcome, comfortable, and that we value any skills, talent, ideas, and willingness to be involved in any of the things we do, at whatever degree they choose.  Remember if we ask someone to do something, they just might do it.  As seasoned members we should take the lead, offer up opening dialogue, introducing ourselves, and drawing out those that will hesitate because they are new.  We all know how intimidating new situations and environments can be.
    If you haven't been to the Post, consider coming to a meeting.  We are here each 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, in the fireplace room.  At least come by sometime and try your new key card to see if it opens the door.  The door is through the tavern door, down the steps and to the left.  The meetings are at 7pm, last about 45 minutes, and then we will buy you a soda (or whatever) get you a free bite to eat and make you feel at home.  After all, you will be at your group home... so to speak.
    Please welcome our newest member, TONY SHIPLETT - U.S. Navy, recruited by Harvey Witter.

    And please welcome these newly transferred members:
 

-Rich Patti, First Vice Commander

   Will the snow ever go away?  Sometimes I wonder.  Anyways, I would like to wish a safe trip for those who are going out to Belterra, and I hope you all enjoy it!  (And make a lot of money too, that's always a good thing).  I want to say that I am proud of an organization who makes many contributions to many needy charities such as the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Brecksville VA Hospital, Children's Miracle Network, Special Olympics, and Boys and Girls State.  Make sure you all come out to our next meeting, which is scheduled for April 11th, 2007

For God and Country,
-Ben Gutscher, Commander

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

    The March 3rd "Night at the Races" was a huge success!!!!  It was one of our best nights ever.  I also want to thank the workers that helped move tables and help run the show.  This would not be such a success without your help.  To anyone that has not been to one of our race nights, you will have your last chance this year on April 7th.  State regulations permit us to hold these events only 4 times a year.  This date will be the last one for 2007.  It has been a learning experience for me, one that has helped me greatly.
    Again, thanks to everyone for the great March.  Here's to another great night on April 7th.  Please join us for one more "post time."

    Each year Massillon Post 221 awards monetary scholarships to sons and daughters of Post 221 members.
    The applications for these scholarships are available in the Legion Tavern or you can contact Jack Bigler at (330-833-7720) to obtain one.
    The completed applications must be received by the scholarship committee no later than April 30, 2007.
    You may turn them in at the Legion Tavern or mail them to:
        American Legion Post 221
        P.O. Box 757
        Massillon, OH 44648

    A local family experienced a fire recently and lost everything except the clothes on their back.  We want to surprise and assist them by collecting a huge basket full of necessary household items.
    Suggestions for items are:  Cooking condiments, various types of storage & garbage bags, first aid supplies, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, paper products, small appliances, or anything else you can think of?

    Please place your items in the box in the tavern anytime between now until April 15th.  Any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated.  Putting a smile on their faces is what we are all about!

Thank You,
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 221

    From Ed Lynch - The Army Personal Affairs Handbook - March 1961.  Handbook titled:  "Things That The Individual Soldier Should Know."
    One large box of old newspapers from 1985 to more recent.  I am sure there are many articles in the papers that should be in the History books for the years that the newspapers are from - one may have them, or not - I don't know who left the box.

Self Mastery is...
    Seeing wealth without coveting it.
    Seeing happiness without envying the happy.
    Seeing rejoicing without sneering at the joyful.
    Seeing honor without being cynical.
    Being insulted without retaliating.
    Being ignored without worrying.
    -JT

DID YOU KNOW?

Terrorist acts against the United States.

1986- Two U.S. Soldiers are killed and 79 service members are injured in a Libyan bomb attack of a nightclub frequented by U.S. military members in West Berlin, West Germany.

1988- Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins is kidnapped and hanged by Hezbollah terrorists while serving with the United Nations in Lebanon.

(continued next month)

-John Tsocheff

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

WEDNESDAY SPECIALS FOR FEBRUARY