SPOTSYLVANIA POST 320

 

"For God and Country"

 

News Letter & Information

 

 
Visit our Website: spotsylvaniapost320.org
September 14th 2023
Check Out Our New Facebook Page

 

"For God and Country"
Upcoming Events
September Events:

September 17th - Poppy Distribution CANCELLED

September 22nd - Post Friday Dinner

October Events: 

October 14th - Bike Show/Fall Festival

November Events:

November 9th - Memorial Brick Ceremony to honor Craig Apolonio and Linda Rose @1pm


 
Recurring Events
BINGO EVERY THURSDAY
STARTS AT 5:30 PM
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 



EVERY FRIDAY 6PM-9PM
SOCIAL HOURS WITH JERRY
OPEN TO MEMBERS
MUSIC, DRINKS, GAMES, AND A GOOD TIME WITH FRIENDS

 
AMERICAN LEGION COMMANDER
Presentation of the Post 320 Baseball Trophy at the Post General Meeting on September 5, 2023:  The Post 320 Junior baseball team will present their award winning trophy to the Post membership starting at 7:00 PM.  Caleb Garland a long time member that is actively engaged with American Legion baseball and our community is invited to join the celebration.  Please join our baseball players, coaches and the American Legion team that supports our Post programs.  Thinking about having some snacks…


Renew your 2024 Membership!

The American Legion membership year runs from July through June and it is time to renew your 2024 membership!



Post members can renew on-line at www.legion.org using their membership number or mail their membership fee to American Legion Post 320 P.O. Box 51, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.  



Members can print their membership cards from www.legion.org by logging into their accounts and clicking the Membership Card tab under MEMBERSHIP.



Questions regarding memberships?  Contact David Bennett at vaalpost320cdr@gmail.com or Mike Downing @ vaalpost3201stvice@gmail.com.



Dual Membership and the Sons of the American Legion as a Legionnaire:  

The Sons of the American Legion are achieving great success with American Legion members and male descendants of a member of the American Legion are joining Squadron 320.  The male descendants (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who served during World War I or any period from December 7, 1941 to today are joining Squadron 320 as members and Dual Members.  Complete the Sons application and see Jim Kelley, the Squadron Adjutant or contact Tim Fincher, the Squadron Commander @ squadron320commander@gmail.com.

   

Post 320 3rd Annual Fall Festival and Bike Show October 14, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM: 

We will have vendors, a bouncy house and fun!  Kids can bring their best costume and candy bag.  The Bike Show is sponsored by Harley Davidson of Quantico, i Garage Classic Car Restoration, Extreme Kustom Cycles, CMA and more.  All proceeds go to local veterans of Spotsylvania.  Contact for the Fall Festival is Jenny Ferguson at 540-841-4913 or vaalauxiliary320@gmail.com.  Contact for the Bike Show is Hope Boggs at 540-388-4916.



Spotsylvania Post 320 website:  Janel Perkins that serves on our Executive Committee is updating our website!  The site contains information on upcoming events, Post contact information and more.  We are working to update other media sites to reach our members and the community.


Department of Virginia Fall Conference October 27-29, 2023:  Any Legionnaire, Auxiliary member or Sons can attend the conference.  You can register for the Fall Conference in Williamsburg, VA for $15.00.



Legislative:  On August 11, 2023, The Department of Virginia recognized Steve Robertson as the member of the week for demonstrating exceptional grassroots activism by meeting with/contacting their Congressional Representative/Senator to advocate for veterans.  Efforts like these truly male a difference and give veterans a voice in Congress.



Americanism:  “A couple of questions were asked concerning the Legion cap, emblem, facilities and political donations.”  



(Article II, Section 2, Constitution of the American Legion) 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.  The American Legion as an organization is prohibited from contributing, helping or endorsing a candidate.



However, an individual – as a private citizen and not representing the organization – can employ whatever legal and ethical means to advance his or her candidate.  The Legion cap is considered

the official Legion uniform.  It is not the decision of an individual decision on the appropriate usage of the cap and emblem.  If attending a political event, the American Legion cap, or any

clothing with the emblem visible should be removed so as not to imply endorsement by the American Legion.  When using post facilities to host candidates, the post should remove the emblem and American Legion flag to avoid any impression of endorsements.  Candidates for all parties must be presented equal opportunity at the same time to use the facilities on the same

terms and conditions as other competing candidates.



A Legionnaire is considered to be in uniform if wearing the American Legion cap, therefore it is not proper to wear a Legion cap while eating a meal at an official Legion function, civic luncheon or dinner.  The left side (emblem side) of the Legion cap cannot contain other than the official American Legion emblem, and lettering as set forth in the Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies.



Female Legionnaires should wear their caps in the same manner as when they were in the armed forces. By American Legion tradition, a female Legionnaire may leave her cap on during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, prayer and meals.



So, with that said, some of our Legionnaires should take a good look at their caps!  Consecutive membership insignia, membership stars and/or decorations (authorized American Legion or military services) must be attached to the right side of cap.  Fraternal or civil organization insignia cannot be used on American Legion Caps.



Legionnaires of Virginia are required to have the “cardinal emblem” embroidered on the front of their caps.




Commander’s Corner

 

Reminders:

 

14, 21 & 28 Sep:  Bingo on Thursday night!  Volunteers are welcome…the doors open at 5:00 PM and Bingo starts at 6:30 PM.

 

15, 22 & 29 Sep:  Canteen is open at 6:00 PM.  All new members get their first choice of beverage for FREE!  Come and enjoy the military humor and stories!

 

21 Sep:  Looking for one member that is interested in attending the Foreign Relations Committee Zoom meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  This meeting is the second in a special two-part series to discuss updating The American Legion's Resolution on Foreign Policy.  

 

This month’s guest speaker is William Ruger. Will is the President of the American Institute for Economic Research, veteran of the Afghanistan War and an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Ruger was nominated by President Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and was a prominent advocate for ending America’s participation in the war there. He will present the case for a less activist U.S. approach to international relations.

 

Please contact David Bennett at vaalpost320cdr@gmail.com for Zoom meeting ID and passcode.

 

22 Sep:  Come out and enjoy some great food and friendship at our monthly member meal at the canteen at 6:30 PM.  The Chef is preparing goulash and salad!

 

26 Sep:  Executive Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

 

Middle School Essay Contest and the High School Oratorical Contest:  The Post needs some volunteers for program support.  Please contact David Bennett at vaalpost320cdr@gmail.com for more information.

 

The Middle School Essay Contest is open to all accredited Middle School Students at participating schools, Public, Private, or Parochial within the sponsoring jurisdiction of established American Legion Posts in the Department of Virginia. Home schooled children are eligible to compete provided the Division Superintendent, his/her assistant or other designated person of the public school system certify on the attached Declaration Form, the students grade level and their adherences to contest rules. It shall be the responsibility of the home schooler’s parents to contact the sponsoring American Legion Post and have above certifications completed.

 

The Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students.  Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

 

The Post will need at least five judges, three tabulators and various support positions, such as; time keepers, and greeters.

 

Renew your 2024 Membership!

The American Legion membership year runs from July through June and it is time to renew your 2024 membership!  

 

Post members can renew on-line at www.legion.org using their membership number or mail their membership fee to American Legion Post 320 P.O. Box 51, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.  

 

Members can print their membership cards from www.legion.org by logging into their accounts and clicking the Membership Card tab under MEMBERSHIP.

 

Questions regarding memberships?  Contact David Bennett at vaalpost320cdr@gmail.com or Mike Downing @ vaalpost3201stvice@gmail.com.

 

 

From Alex Carlson:  Unsure if we have any vets/members interested but Spotsy HS Boosters are looking for volunteers for Friday night.

 

This 👇🏻 from their FB page:

 

“Hello Knights!!!!

Guess what is in 2 days???? Our first Varsity Football Game of the Season!!!!

Who is ready????????

We cannot wait for this home game, but we will need all hands on deck for concessions! We are expecting a lot of people at the game and will need help in concessions!

 

If you are able to volunteer, please comment on this post, send us a message, or email us at spotsylvaniaboosters@gmail.com

 

We hope to see everyone there!!!”

 

 

David R. Bennett
Commander
American Legion Post 320
Spotsylvania, VA
Email: vaalpost320cdr@gmail.com
Post Voicemail: (540) 548-8069

 

SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION
Squadron,
    This month we have reached beyond our membership goal and we’re sitting at 33 members, which puts us at 110%. We have a bunch of outstanding members yet to pay that are existing members. We have about 80% new members to our roster. Welcome to the Squadron to our new and dual members. We are rocketing forward with membership and we’re not done! We may be past our goal, but we are nowhere near done. It’s time to renew! That means that a majority of our existing members haven’t renewed yet. Do your part and renew to take us to new heights! Together we can achieve 200% by the end of the membership period. Let’s put our heads together and take this squadron to new heights!

On the Squadron level we have passed and ratified the new Constitution and Bylaws. Copies are available by request, but a communal copy is available in the canteen. We also have developed a new packet to track your miles and hours! Let me know if you want a copy. Every hour you volunteer is worth $25 an hour in our reports. Wearing SAL apparel? Have an American Legion/SAL or Legion Family sticker on your car? Discuss the American Legion with someone? You can count these hours, miles and your donations to charities as part of your membership with the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion. You’re donating twice, both for good causes. Please keep track, to some degree, on all of this and turn it in by April 30th of each year. It will help us with our mission!

    National has released the Sons of the American Legion app for mobile devices. This allows you to see recent news from National leadership as well as find a post near you if you’re traveling. That way you can take advantage of the benefits of being a member of the SAL. There are other features on the app as well. I encourage you to take a look for yourself. You can find information and where to download it here: https://www.legion.org/mobileapps/sons 

    When it comes to Squadron events, we have a few upcoming. We plan to staff the upcoming Card show on 30 September via the kitchen to provide some basic hot off the grill items, as well as the usual snacks and drinks. 14 October we plan to assist the Legion Riders and the Auxiliary as best as possible and as needed for the Bike Show and Fall Festival. November 11 we will be having a veterans day dinner. More details to come at the October meeting. 9 December the Auxiliary is hosting a Christmas party for children and youth who are underprivileged wherein they can receive gifts and participate in themed crafts. 

    Have an event idea? Have membership questions? Contact me at squadron320commander@gmail.com and I will respond as soon as possible. Let's get the ball rolling on some events and help the community! Until next time; stay safe and God bless.


Timothy Fincher
Commander
Sons of the American Legion
Squadron 320, Spotsylvania VA
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
Salutations!

As the Fall Festival and Bike Show grows closer, we are collecting deposits for our vendors and spreading the word to the county. I am very excited to see the turn out for this event.

In September, we had a Poppy distribution scheduled for Sept 17th, but unfortunately it has been cancelled. At the October meeting, we will discuss rescheduling for November to commemorate Veteran's Day.

In sadder news, prayers are asked for our Secretary and Treasurer Lisa Byrd and her husband, Jimmy. Their house was severely damaged after a bad storm and they are not able to live there for the moment. Please send out prayers and reach out to me if you would like to donate to them in the meantime.

Lastly, 2024 cards have arrived! Please send in your membership to receive your 2024 card. If you have not received your 2023 card and have paid your membership, please contact me so we can get things settled. 
To pay for your membership, you can send a check to PO Box 51 Spotsylvania VA 22553, pay online, or meet with me at the monthly meetings to give cash or a check.

We are going to meet our goal this year and build a stronger unit!


Thank you!


 
Please contact me at:
Jenny Ferguson
540-841-4913
vaalauxiliary320@gmail.com
A Word From the Honor Guard
The Post Guard has been quiet over the summer with very few commitments in our local community.  
1.  The Post Guard will once again present Colors at the Salvation Army's Music by Moonlight concert at Hurkamp Park in downtown Fredericksburg.  This is a free concert open to all.  
2.  The Post Color/Honor Guard will switch to the Winter uniform, Long Sleeve shirts effective on Monday, 2 October.  
Again, if any Post member desires to join the Guard, please see me at one of the monthly meetings or contact me via email at my Legion Post email address: vaalpost320adjutant@gmail.com
Bruce Mogensen
Captain, Post 320 Color/Honor Guard
CHAPLAINS CORNER

Exodus 3: 1-15
Three Essential Questions
(1)Who is God (2) Who am I (3) Why Am I Here, Knowing these truths will renew an reenergize your commitment to the Lord

 

Amen.

Chaplain Dan Wheeler
540-220-6613
dansro@verizon.net

 

 

FEATURED MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Steve Robertson
 

I recently transferred my Legion membership from Stafford American Legion Post 290 to Post 320. I have been a Legionnaire for 42 Continuous Years. I was commission via AFROTC at Louisiana Tech University upon graduation in 1973 and served for over 12 years on active duty. I enlisted in the DC Army National Guard in 1988 in order to finish my military career. In 1996, I entered Retired Reserves and finally retired in 2010 from the US Army.

I worked for The American Legion in the National Legislative Division for 22 years as a Federal Registered Lobbyist. For 17 years, I was the Legislative Director and enjoyed a wonderful relationship with any distinguished Virginia Legionnaires (to include three Past National Commanders). When I retired from the National staff, my next job was working in the US Senate as a professional staff member, which included serving as the Majority Staff Director of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, before retiring in 2016.

At Post 290 I served as Post Service Officer for five years and recently served as Post Commander. I have served on the VA Boys State Staff at Radford University and served as Chair of the Department's Boys State Committee. Recently, I helped to update the Department Constitution and Bylaws. I currently serve on the National Legislative Council working specifically with Representative Spanberger.

A fun fact about me is that I played on the All-Air Force Basketball Team in 1976 and 1977. One of my former teammates was Greg Popovich, who was recently inducted in the National Basketball Associate's Hall of Fame.

I am also an Auxiliary member (my wife is a retired US Air Force Officer) and a Sons Member (my grandfather was a World War I veteran and my father was a World War II veteran).

After living in South Stafford for over 26 years, my wife and I now reside in Fawn Lake.

AMERICANISM AT POST 320
 
I was fortunate to be invited to Harrison Road Elem school on Monday, 21 Aug to present the Americanism Flag Program to the school's 5th grade classes.  Approximately 85 students were in attendance for this program.  I was also invited to present the program at Wilderness Elem on Friday, 25 Aug where approximately 80 students were in attendance.  Upcoming will be a visit to Berkeley Elem on Tuesday, 13 Sept.  
Bruce Mogensen
Post 320 Adjutant




 
 
SEPTEMBER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Below are photos from the September 2023 meeting at the Post.