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AMERICAN LEGION CLINTON POST 259

AUGUST 2021 NEWSLETTER

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COMMANDER’S CORNER

Dear Legion Family, As soon as it looked like the country was on the right track of returning to a state of normalcy, a new variation of the coronavirus emerged that has reversed the downward trend of cases and we are now seeing an alarming rise in COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates around the country. This new Delta variant, which is the predominant strain in the U.S., has been determined to be the most infectious and is highly contagious; i.e., nearly twice as contagious as previous variants. Given what we know about the Delta variant, getting vaccinated and the continued wearing of masks will reduce transmission and help stop this epidemic. Let’s continue to do our part in protecting our Legion Family by following all COVID-19 guidance. Protect Yourself and Protect Others by Doing the Right Thing! As we move forward into the new operational year, it is time for our Post members to “Level Up” and take committee participation and involvement as well as volunteerism to the next level. Over the past several years, the work of many of the Post committees has been non-existent primarily due to the lack of involvement and engagement by its members. This is one area we need to do better. The work of committees is very important and essential to the success of any organization in meeting its goals and objectives. Each year, volunteers are identified to serve on these committees, but nothing is accomplished. Volunteering is a serious commitment that comes along with certain expectations such as carrying out the associated tasks and committing the time to get the work done. A focus area for this year is improved performance by all Post committees. As the subject of volunteerism is touched on, continued calls will be made throughout the year for volunteers to help with various projects as efforts are ongoing to conduct much needed cleaning and organization of many areas of the Post. When the call is made, will you be one who will answer the call? A shoutout of thanks to Ray Carmichael, Jerome Davis, Murray Hall, and David Savoy for their assistance last Friday (08/13/2021) in moving excess furniture out of the meeting hall. Let me emphasize and clarify that this call for volunteerism is extended to all three entities; i.e., Legion, SAL, and Auxiliary … for we are “One Family, One Team.” Yours in Legion Service, Willie E. Evans Commander

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

2021 – 2022

Commander Willie E. Evans

1st Vice Commander Helen Smith

2nd Vice Commander Eugene Murray

3rd Vice Commander George Martin

Adjutant Glenda Sturdivant

Judge Advocate Anthony Hinnant

Service Officer James Woodland

Finance Officer Richard Switzer

Historian Linda Poulson

Chaplain Charles Johnson

Sergeant at Arms Kenneth Weathers

Executive Committee Members-At-Large

Ray Carmichael

Ronald Dickens

Walter Harvey

Barbara Smith

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Auxiliary Officers Legion Rider Officers S.A.L. Officers

President: Freida Skaggs Director: Darryl Fielder Commander: Dave Desmarais

Vice President: Marilyn Thomas Asst. Director: Murray Hall 1st Vice: Michael Thomas

Secretary: Parnice Green Secretary: 2nd Vice: Kenny Hendrix

Treasurer: Michele Davis Treasurer: Finance Officer: Dave Desmarais

Historian: Lisa Cephas Chaplain: Sgt At Arms: Lou Montgomery

Chaplain: Shay Brown Adjutant: David C. Hutchinson

Sergeant At Arms: Marie Vanness Historian: David C. Hutchinson

Executive Advisory Board: Cheryl Batie Donna Queen Pam Streeter

Chaplain: Gary “GJ” Shafer

Advisor: Eugene Murray

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Message from First Vice Commander Helen Smith

Membership Goal for 2021 - 2022:

833 Total Financial Members by 05/21/2022 (Armed Forces Day)

New Members approved at the July 2021 general membership meeting: Karen Arikpo New Navy Persian Gulf Cheryl D Curry New Army Lebanon/Grenada Ruth Ford New Army Persian Gulf Arnold E Graham New Army Persian Gulf Dominique Keels New Marines Persian Gulf Danny R. Kelly New Army Lebanon/Grenada Kimberly Kilson New Army Persian Gulf Robert C Rochester New Air Force Lebanon/Grenada Douglas D Stevens New Air Force Persian Gulf Melvin Woodard New Air Force Lebanon/Grenada “Welcome to Clinton Post 259”

Buddy Check Please continue to use the “Buddy Check” in reaching out to our veterans. We are encouraged to use this method to check on our veterans and find out any concerns they may have that we can aid that would improve their well-being. We encourage every member to take the time to reach out and let them know we are thinking about them.

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Todd Traynham, the Senior Vice Commander and Service Officer for VFW Post 9619 in Morningside, MD, attended the July 26, 2021, Clinton Post 259 General Meeting. Comrade Traynham, who is also a

member of Clinton Post 259, provided information to the Post, which is given in the above flyer.

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BINGO IS BACK!!!! AT CLINTON POST 259!!!

VOLUNTEERS/BINGO TEAM – FIRST MEETING AUGUST 30, 2021 @ 6:30 IN BINGO HALL

PG COMMUNITY - COME BACK AND PLAY

POST MEMBERS - VOLUNTEER

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BINGO CHAIR TONYA FORD@ (301) 661-6149

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Recognition Awards for Two Legionnaires

The July 26, 2021 General Meeting gave two awards to Clinton Post 259 members for their service in positions once held.

Marie Vanness served as Second Vice Commander during 2020-2021 administration.

John Jackson served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Post for 25 plus years, the longest of any Post member.

Jackson’s Service Award was read as the following: “To John T. Jackson, in appreciation for 25 years of loyal and dedicated service as Clinton Post 259 Sergeant-at-Arms.”

Jackson’s outstanding service was also recognized by being named “Sergeant -at-Arms Emeritus” with honor; which was voted on and approved. Applause followed by those in attendance.

Sergeant-at-Arms is defined as “an officer of an organization (such as a legislative body or court of law) who preserves order and executes commands.” It was first known in the 14th century. (Merriam Webster)

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 23 August 2021 (7:30 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 27 September 2021 (7:30 pm)

District Six Council Meeting – 24 October 2021 – Jameson-Harrison Post 238 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 25 October 2021 (7:30 pm)

Southern Maryland Region Council Meeting – 07 November 2021 – Wheaton Post 268 (1:00 pm)

Veteran’s Day – 11 November 2021

Department Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting – 14 November 2021 – Edgewood Service Post 17 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 22 November 2021 (7:30 pm)

Children’s Christmas Party – 12 December 2021

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting/Adult Christmas Party – 18 December 2022

District Six Council Meeting – 23 January 2022 – Harry White Wilmer Post 82 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 24 January 2022 (7:30 pm)

Super Bowl – February 2022

Southern Maryland Region Council Meeting – 13 February 2022 – College Park Post 217 (1:00 pm)

Department Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting – 20 February 2022 – Greenbelt Post 136 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 28 February 2022 (7:30 pm)

American Legion Birthday – 15 March 2022

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 28 March 2022 (7:30 pm)

District Six Council Meeting – 24 April 2022 – Clinton Post 259 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 25 April 2022 (7:30 pm)

Southern Maryland Region Council Meeting – 01 May 2022 – Severn Post 175 (1:00 pm)

Department Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting – 15 May 2022 – Dewey Loman Post 109 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 23 May 2022 (7:30 pm)

Memorial Day – 30 May 2022

District Six Council Meeting – 12 June 2022 – Randolph Furey Post 170 (1:00 pm)

Flag Day – 14 June 2022

Southern Maryland Region Council Meeting – 26 June 2022 – Cheverly Post 108 (1:00 pm)

Clinton Post 259 General Membership Meeting – 27 June 2022 (7:30 pm)

Department Convention – (13 - 15 July 2022) – Ocean City, MD

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“Shrimp Night” Every Wednesday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Come out and place your order!

Menu

Shrimp

Hush Puppies

French Fries

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Reminder: Football Super Season Payments are due August 31, 2021!!

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AUGUST 2021 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

SAL Meeting

(6:30pm)

Shrimp Night

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Shrimp Night

15 16

17

18

19

20

21

Exec Committee Meeting (6:30pm)

Shrimp Night

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25

26

27

28

General Membership Meeting (7:30pm)

Legion Riders Meeting (6:00pm) Shrimp Night

29 30

31

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NEWS BRIEFS

• Talking about Afghanistan - https://www.health.mil/

• DOD Tracks Deadliest Week - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/08/18/dod-records-deadliest-week-of-coronavirus-pandemic-five-service-members-lost.html

• Howard University Offers Loans to Student Vets in Limbo - https://www.military.com/daily-

news/2021/08/17/howard-university-offers-loans-student-vets-limbo-after-school-lost-gi-bill-eligibility.html

• Post News. District Six Council First Vice Commander Murray Hall stated Clinton Post 259 had achieved 92% renewal for Legion year 2021. He also stated that two American Legion Posts in Prince George's County, Brandywine Post 227 and Cheverly Post 108, achieved 100% membership renewal. He thanked the post for their $500.00 donation for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. He stated the total amount raised was $64,000 from the state of Maryland. He stated while attending the Department of Maryland American Legion Convention, the Charlotte Hall Veteran Service Officer informed him that veterans who were 100% permanently disabled can reside at Charlotte Hall at no cost to the veteran.

2021 American Legion Baseball

2021 American Legion Baseball awards announced

https://www.legion.org/baseball/253436/2021-american-legion-baseball-awards-announced#.YR2-7swmGUQ.gmail

2021 American Legion World Series

https://americanlegion.sportngin.com/2021alws

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POST EVERLASTING

The funeral service for Legionnaire Arthur J. Stewart, Sr. was held on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Not About Me Ministries located at 3106 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD. The viewing started at 10:00 am, the Legion Memorial Service was performed by Clinton Post 259 at 10:30 am, and the funeral service began at 11:00 am followed by the interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Comrade Stewart passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at the age of 85. He served in the Army and was a Korean War veteran with 18 years of continuous membership with The American Legion.

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Clinton Post 259 Legionnaires in attendance were Commander Willie Evans, Chaplain Charles Johnson, Past Post Commander Murray Hall, and Historian Linda Poulson. Comrades Evans, Johnson, and Hall were part of the Legion Memorial Service.

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Legionnaire Gonza L. Kirksey, Sr. transferred to Post Everlasting on Friday, 13 August 2021. Comrade Kirksey was 81 years old, served in the Army during the Vietnam War, and had 15 years of continuous membership with The American Legion. Funeral arrangements are still being determined at time of this writing.

Legionnaire Billie B. Shaddix transferred to Post Everlasting on Friday, Wednesday, 11 August 2021. Comrade Shaddix was 90 years old, served in the Navy during the Korean War, and had eight years of continuous membership with The American Legion. Below is the obituary taken from the Washington Post:

BILLIE B. SHADDIX (Age 90)

Of Fort Washington, MD passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Billie was born in Pyriton, Alabama on August 7, 1931, to Albertis Lee and Thelma Duncan Shaddix. He served 22 years in the US Navy as a photographer and had the honor of serving seven presidents in the White House as Director of White House Photographic Services. Billie married Lucy E. Shaddix "the love of his life" September 16, 1954. They had a daughter, Billie Jennean in 1958. Their hearts were broken in 1962 when Jennean passed from Leukemia. He is survived by his wife Lucy and his sisters, Erma Joye Adams, and Martha Clara Sims. A private interment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Rest in Peace.

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Stay Safe-Stay Connected

The American Legion

Clinton Post 259

9122 Piscataway Road

Clinton, Maryland 20735

Phone: 301-868-2550 Website: www.post259.org

I welcome your news, ideas, suggestions, comments, or questions for future issues.

Forward to Editor Linda Poulson at

poulin515@gmail.com

(subject to change)

Clinton Post 259 Newsletter is published monthly