Gator Express American Legion Post 166

116 Howe Hall Road/P.O. Box 147 Goose Creek, SC 29445

843-553-5454 www.alp166sc.com

*POST COMMANDER COMMENTS* To all Legion Members, Subgroups, and Associated Groups, we are coming through this COVID-19 Pandemic fairly well with minor positive infection rate. With this new variant spreading quickly, please be safe and use caution in your interactions outside of family contact. The July 3rd picnic was well attended, and fun was had by all who attended. Thank you to all the personnel who assisted from the gate to the canteen, to the cooks, the music etc, we could not have pulled it off without you. KUDO’s all around. We have a number of evolutions around the Post in the next couple of months from special dinners, Auxiliary and Riders Dinners etc. Please come out and support some or all if you can, it would be greatly appreciated. New membership cards are in. Please renew as early as you can. Early Bird renewals by 30 September gets you a FREE BREAKFAST on October 16th. Take advantage of it. What other organization gives you a FREE MEAL? Renewing early also puts us on good footing for 100% Membership Award. For God & Country Dean Nimocks, Post Commander

AUGUST

2021

2021-2022 OFFICERS Commander - Dean Nimocks; 1st Vice Commander - Open 2nd Vice Commander - Lee Swerczek; Chaplain - Bill Streuber ; Post Service Officer - Dennis Shelters; Judge Advocate - Derrel Morgan; Sergeant-at-Arms - John Nance; Historian– Mike Thomas; Adjutant - Rick Bernard

*MEMBERSHIP*

*LEGIONNAIRES*

*TIME TO RENEW*

Yes, it is that time again to renew your membership for the 2022 year. Your new membership cards are now available, renew before 30 September 2021 and receive your EARLY BIRD stamp for a free breakfast on October 16th. Let’s get a jump on getting 100% this year.

Remember, you can renew by check, cash, money order, credit card or go on line at:

MyLegion.org. Lets go for a repeat and get 100% membership again this year. Our dues are still $55.00 a year. No change from last year. Your membership whether you come to the post or not helps with the programs of the American Legion we support. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the post (843-553-5454) or see me around the post. Thank you in advance to your attention in this matter. .

Rick Bernard

Adjutant

*AUXILIARY REPORT*

Membership Report for August 2021 We welcome Valerie Fitzgerald, Robin McKeown, and Joyce Willis to Unit 166 It is time to renew your membership for 2022. Renew by September 30 to receive the Early Bird Stamp for your free breakfast on October 16. Renew by December 1, 2021, for a chance to have your 2023 dues paid by the Unit. Drawing for the prize will be held at January meeting. You can renew your membership by cash, check (ALA Unit 166), or online at: www.legion-aux.org. Dues are $35.00 for Senior and $10.00 for Junior members. Membership Chairman, Louis Dixon 843-343-1483

President’s Report for August 2021 Well hello August !! How is everyone ?? Happy and well, I hope. Our Unit signed up and voted to donate 15 backpacks and a list of supplies to the VA for local military fami-lies. So I would like to thank Nina Waddell, Chairman, Shelagh Lammers, Louis Dixon, Margie Miers and Debra Travis for meeting at the Post and assembling them. And to Miss Nina for delivering them to the new VA Clinic to Matt of Voluntary Services. Job well done ladies and I thank you! We are having to step back on our request for dates on the calendar so we can have an equal time, but we are still planning several fundraisers in the coming months. So, our first one is September 21st when we will be having our Baked Goods Auction along with another Silent Auction! So, my wonderful people that were there last time PLEASE put that on your calendar. These proceeds will be going to the Fisher House. We are gathering materials to make wheelchair blankets, walker caddies and bed caddies. We will be meeting at the Post on Wednesday during craft time to make these so if you would like to participate, please don’t hesi-tate to “come on down”. We are needing people with portable sewing machines that are willing to come and help also. If you can/are willing please contact us. Please contact us if you would like to join our Unit. Stay safe and well and we will see you at the Post. Gloria Evans-Hill, President geh2995@gmail.com 843-343-4212

“ A SINCERE THANK YOU” TO All MEMBERS WHO HAVE

*VOLUNTEERED* TO HELP MAKE OUR

*POST*

*BETTER* Dean Nimocks, Post Commander

SHOW YOUR PRIDE* WEAR A POST SHIRT/HAT

ORDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE

CALENDER BOX ON THE CLUB SIDE.

ALL ORDERS ARE PRE-PAID.

*CRAFTS GET TOGETHER*

We will meet each Wednesday 11-2PM

You need not to be a member to join us, Just bring along your craft or hobby to sit with us.

Shelagh Lammers

843-871-6546

JUNE’S FINANCES

Income $24,679.00

Expenses $28,871.00

Net Income -$4,192.00

*BLESSING BOX*

A Blessing Box has been set up in front of the Post next to the Flag Retirement Box. This box is for anyone who would like to donate a nonperishable items for those in need in the local community. Items can be put in the box anytime. Let us show the community the American Legion Post 166 real-ly does care.

Dean Nimocks,

Post Commander

*CONGRATULATIONS*

The following Legionnaires have achieved mem-bership milestones for the 2022 membership year.

30 Years

William L. Floyd

35 Years

Arthur A. Voss

Your support of the Post is most appreciated by all of us.

Dean Nimocks

Post Commander

*BBQ PORK BUTTS*

The Tin Can Sailors are offering whole pre-cooked BBQ pork butts for $30.00 each. Weight of these delicacies will be 10 to 12 lbs. each. Butts will be available by advance or-ders only. Cut off order date will be Sunday September 12th in order to make sure we have enough. FREE LOCAL DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OF 3 OR MORE PORK BUTTS. You will be able to pick up your or-der on Saturday, September 18th during the Tin Can Sailor’s BBQ dinner fundraiser. If you would like to place an order for one of these pleasing perfections please contact Rick Ber-nard, here at the Post at (843) 553-5454 and leave your name, phone # and quantity that you would like to order.

“V.A. HOSPITAL VISITS”

ARE BACK !!!!

1st Visit - Wednesday August 4th

2nd Visit - Wednesday August 11th

Meet at 6PM at the Post, travel to hospital, back by 9PM.

Everyone is welcome to join us.

Bill Streuber, Chaplain, VAVS Director

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AT:

AMERICANLEGIONPOST166

GOOD INFO TO BE HAD.

*ATTENTION PATRONS*

FREE POOL IS NOW ON

SATURDAYS &

SUNDAYS 1-6PM

SUNDAY CANTEEN HOURS

12-6PM

( Management

*SAL Squadron 166 NEWS* Next Squadron meeting to be held August 4th at 7 PM.

At this time SAL Squadron would like to recognize a couple of members of the Post who are doing a GREAT job at keeping up our ground’s maintenance. They are Brian Rogers and Dave Cliborne. Next time you see them around or at the Post give them a THANK YOU. Without them our Post wouldn’t look as TIGHT as it does, GREAT JOB GUYS.

With the success of the SAL fundraiser, it was decided at the last meeting to make a donation to the Post roofing fund. With the times being what they are right now every little bit helps to keep the Post financially stable. Give what you can, participate in the fundraisers and visit the Post for breakfast or the Canteen.

If you know of someone who wishes to become a member of SAL let them know that we can help them to get started. Help such as inquires for their fathers or grandfathers service records, awards, discharge records and DD214 forms. Drop by the Post and leave a note in the SAL mailbox at the office or send us a note to the following:

American Legion Post 166

SAL Squadron 166

P.O. Box 147

Goose Creek, SC 29445

You might also be surprised at what you will find out about them that you didn’t know.

The process can take some time to complete but remember the first step is a start.

Members who sign up starting July thru September are marked as EARLY BIRDS. This entitles a member to a free breakfast on October 16th.

In the coming months everyone will start to receive their 2022 membership renewal reminders from national. Due to a myriad of issues with the new enrollment system, please renew as soon as possible so that any cor-rections needed can be worked on in a timely manner.

Just a reminder for members, you now have access to your membership information thru MyLegion.org.

It is recommended that you start with MyLegion.org and go to the – Resources - drop down on the front page then select - How to use MyLegion.org. Scroll down and select - MyLegion.org Video Training Series. The first two videos are a good starting point to familiarize yourself on the new system and help with regis-tration.

Clyde Chandler Patrick Clucas

Squadron Commander Squadron Adjutant

*TAPS*

It is my duty to report with great sadness that Legionnaire:

LORENZ A. RATHE

Has reported to the Supreme Commander. The Legion family greatly grieves the loss of this Comrade. May Al-mighty God give this family comfort and strength during this period of need. The Legion family sends their love and support during this time of grief.

Dean Nimocks

Post Commander

*WELCOME NEW MEMBERS * Welcome to our new members: Anthony V. Liuzzi,

Joseph W. Harley, Robert E. Koscianski, Jon D. Houze and Lance L. Boeding.

Thank you for making Our Post, your Post and being part of one of the Largest Posts in the State of South Carolina.

Attending the General Membership Meeting, 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM is a great way to get involved with your Post.

Rick Bernard

Adjutant

*DONATION BOXES*

Donation boxes have been set up in the ballroom and club side of the Post to col-lect donations for:

*ROOF REPAIR FUND*

All donations collected will be put strict-ly for said fund. Let’s show how gener-ous Post 166 can be.

Donations can also be mailed to the Post at:

P.O. Box 147, Goose Creek, SC 29445

*THANK YOU*

Dean Nimocks, Post Commander

*BE AN EARLY BIRD*

Renew your 2022 MEMBERSHIP by

September 30th and get a

FREE BREAKFAST

Sat. Oct. 16th 8-11AM

*ATTENTION*

THE AUXILIARY ASKS YOU TO PLEASE BRING COUPONS TO SUPPORT

MILITARY FAMILIES OVERSEAS

*BOX IS IN THE BAR*

*WANTED*

ALUMINUM CANS; PLEASE BRING YOUR EMPTY ALUMINUM CANS TO THE POST FOR RECYCLING. THEY

SUPPORT OUR JROTC PROGRAM.

*NEW KITCHEN HOURS*

*COMING*

LOOK FOR

“UPDATES SOON”

*HONOR GUARD* I, like many other Legion members, have started to receive the endless number of envelopes from the Ameri-can Legion harping on membership renewal.

Since I know that I already intend to renew, they usually go right in the recycle bin as my small contribution to the landfill problem. This time I decided to open it to see if there was anything worth reading in it. One of the pamphlets caught my attention, it is the "Reasons to Renew Today".

Because together, we make differences, it goes on to say, then gives examples of how we make those differ-ences.

As an Honor Guard member for many years one of the reasons caught my eye. Reason #3 states "Honor Guard services and memorial tributes for our fallen comrades"

I do not know how many American Legion Posts actually have their own Honor Guard, (we certainly do as well as a couple of others locally who actually do anything), but it was nice to see that the Legion recognizes the importance of our work.

This brings me to my next point... do YOU see the importance of our work? You probably do if you have lost a loved one or friend and attended their funeral where Military Honors was conducted. Most people just expect that Military Honors just happens... it doesn’t.

At the time of death, a grieving family member is making arrangements, half dazed and confused but doing the best they can. Some are familiar with Military Honors and, of course, all want their departed loved one to receive all the accolades so deserved by their service in the Armed Forces.

The trouble is what you think they should get and what the military does is a huge difference. People expect a beautiful hearse, military pall bearers, a flag folding team, a bugler, and many rifles for that '21 Gun Sa-lute'. (that’s for the President)

Now for reality:

The Department of Defense (since 2000) says your loved one has earned a flag fold (if requested) the sound-ing of taps even if it’s with a recording. That’s it.

If your loved one gets a rifle salute (by the way, it's 3 shots for your Veteran with a minimum of 3 rifles), it’s because a volunteer group of Veterans took time out of their day to dress up in uniform and spend their free time waiting in a cemetery for you to get there. Their time. They practice, drill, and wait.

Sometimes 2-3 funerals a week, sometimes none. But the funeral homes know where to find us.

Now... if we do not have enough people who think this is important enough to volunteer as members, we cannot perform and your loved one gets no rifle detail.

If you think it's important for your loved one, perhaps it's important enough to volunteer to make sure some-one else's loved one gets the same honor.

If you are physically unable, then donate so we can train and outfit someone who is. We take donations on our Facebook page (search Honor Guard of American Legion Post 166) and also, by mail (AL Post 166 at 116 Howe Hall Road, Goose Creek, SC 29445.) We are our own tax-exempt Veterans 501c3 organization so we can give you a receipt.

Please help us by doing your part either way, and if you want to attend a drill and see what we do, just email us at honorguard166sc@gmail.com or text 843-901-1651 for more info.

We are always looking for a few good members!

For the Guard,

L David Coates

Honor Guard 166

*Post 166 Chaplain’s Report*

V.A.V.S. Report

1. Ralph H. Johnson VAMC

a) Voluntary Service

· Occasion volunteers are being allowed to come back.

o Ten or less volunteers per group

o Only one allowed to visit per room at any one time

o Only pre-packed food may be given out

o Masks required

b) Ralph H. Johnson VAMC

· North Charleston Clinic open for business

2. Volunteer Report

a) Patient’s Visited: 0

b) Volunteer Hours: 15 (Hospital Visits: 0 / Voluntary Service: 15)

c) Miles: 210 (Hospital Visits: 0 / Voluntary Service: 210)

d) Donations: $750.00 (Hospital Visits: $0 / $750.00 in CARTA Bus passes (Forty &

Eight)

Chaplain’s Report

1. Sickness and Distress

a) If you are in need of the Post Chaplain, please contact Bill Streuber at (843)469-8154 or

westreuber@homesc.com.

2. Cards Mailed Out

a) Sympathy: 0

b) Get Well: 7 (Roger Bond (2), Dale Brannen (2), Bruce Richburg (2), Frank Pellegrini (1)

c) Thinking of You: 1 (Frank Pellegrini)

William E. (Bill) Streuber

V.A.V.S. Chairman

*40 & 8 REPORT*

July was a great month to be a 40&8er. Don, Bill and myself took little Toot to vacation Bible School at Miles Road Baptist Church. We gave rides to over 50 kids and a few adults. Don't know about the kids but we had fun. We hosted Grand Promenade with Bat and had alot of visitors even from N.C !

Don cooked a fantastic meal. We gave Bishopville the city of the year; you really need to visit there.

Awarded officer and cadet of the year.

We have lots to do in the future so come out and get involved. Time to start paying dues again so come out and visit and pay your dues.

Bobby Horne Chef de Gare

*TIN CAN SAILORS*

Shipmates,

Another month has come and gone. This year is flying by. We will be doing another BBQ on September 18 in conjunction with a State A.L. Riders Meet and Greet, which and will run from 1200-1600 instead of our normal 1100-1500. Will need volunteers to assist as we expect a good crowd. First round of nominations for 2021-2022 officers will be held this month, time to start thinking about our next Skipper and other officers, that’s all for now.

As always please check our website at www.tincansailorsofgoosecreek.org for additions or suggestions to make it better.

Thanks

Dean, Skipper

*2nd Vice Commander’s Comments*

The July 4th picnic was a lot of fun, a big thank you to all who worked that day to make the event successful. I hope you also came out and enjoyed Mike Clair’s Chicken Alfredo on the 16th, the Indian Field Creek band made for a nice night of dinner and music. Never to be out done, Don Pace manned the kitchen for the Ron Keel concert and served his Chicken Fried Steak to a hungry crowd of concert goers. Did you get a chance to hear Kat Strickland on the 31st of July? If you weren’t there, you missed quite a performance.

July proved to be a great month of entertainment, so how do we build on that? Well for start-ers on 13 August we will be serving a Filipino themed family dinner on the bar side from 6-8, come out and enjoy Adobo, Luchon, Pancit, Fried Rice and Lumpia. One of the best meals you will get for $12.95 anywhere in the low country. The last Friday of August we will be serving Chicken Fried Steak and the Indian Creek Band will be in the house. Starting on 28 August the bar TVs will be tuned to your favorite College Football game, kicking off at noon, plan to come out and watch a game with fellow fans. Looking ahead to September and Octo-ber, we are planning a Labor Day weekend picnic, Oktoberfest dinner, a Mediterranean Din-ner and the Praus (warhorse) competition.

Lee Swerczek

2nd Vice Commander

*POST SERVICE OFFICER* Big THANK YOU ! to the passage of Veterans Health Care & Benefits Improvement Act of 2020…..

This Bill contains many provisions and improvements to VA healthcare for women, relief for student veter-ans facing difficulties, a new Covid-19 reporting requirement for state veterans homes, and a revision of the official start date of the Vietnam War-era veteran, from Feb 28, 1961 to Nov 1, 1955.

Other accomplishments included are as follows:

$3.7 billion was the amount in VA benefits secured for veterans during 2020 with free assistance from ac-credited American Legion department Service Officers. The compensation included dependency and indem-nity claims, death benefits and pensions. I can attest to seeing and being involved in many of these situations during my own tenure as Post Service Officer. It is so invigorating helping someone get their much deserved benefits !

A total of 3,527 VA benefits decision appeals granted in favor of veterans in 2020 through free representa-tions from national American Legion staff claims specialists.

Here is another impressive note…. 275 vehicles were donated, through the American Legion’s Charitable Auto Rides Services program. The donations produced about $141,500 for American Legion programs and services.

Lastly, $186,000 was the amount of assistance provided to local American Legion Posts adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through Jan 14, 2021. Mission Blue Post Assistance grants provide up to $1,000 for posts in good standing that need help paying rent, mortgage, utilities or insurance due to revenue prob-lems caused by the pandemic.

We owe passage of this bill to U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, from Tennessee, also a member of Kings Mountain Post 24 in Johnson City, Tenn. On the passage and Jan. 5 signing of H.R. 7105.

THANK YOU SIR !!

Dennis R Shelters, Post Service Officer

*LEGION RIDERS*

To start off with, I want to thank Mike McCann and Billy Dennis for what they did when I was out of commission last month. I want to say "Thank Y'all" to the members of the ALR Post 166 for the outstanding job on the Christmas in July Ride to the Patriots Villa. Thanks to the members of Post 166 that donated stuff to the Patriots Villa. Moving on to

August. The Legion Riders that are going on the Pre-Legacy ride, contact Billy Dennis (our Road Captain), about time and place to meet. The Pre-Legacy ride is on the 28-29 of August. I want to invite all of the members and friends to come out and support the ALR Spaghetti Din-ner on the 19th of August. We start serving at 6:00 PM. Last but not least our Legion Riders meeting is on the 21st of August on the bar side at 9:30AM. If you are new to our post, come on to our meeting and see what we are about and join.

Bruce Richburg

Director, ALR Post 166

*CABANE –1067*

News from Cabane 1067

Hello Members of Post 166, Voiture 1067, and Cabane 1067!

So far it's been a hot and busy summer with lots of rain and humidity that our Lowcountry is so famous for! But we've been able to continue our work for veterans as restrictions due to Covid seem to be loosening up. In June, our Voiture and Cabane held our installation of officers and enjoyed a night out at Perkins' Restaurant. The highlight of the night was the presentation of a new podium to the voiture from the cabane to show our appreciation of all those guys' hard work. It was made right here in Goose Creek with carpentry by Jason Simano and the finishing and art work by Michele DeJonghe-Hill. The voyageurs were really surprised and appreciative of the gift. In July, several of us visited the Grand Promenade and Grande Rendezvous in North Carolina. It was a fun and informative weekend and we appreciate their hospitality. We held our Grand Promenade and Grande Rendezvous here in Goose Creek on the 23rd and 24th and elected new officers for 2022. The incoming Grand Chef is Dave Caulderhead from Murrells Inlet and Grande La Presidente is Ruby Phillips of Rock Hill. We celebrated accomplishments that we managed to pull off in spite of Covid!! Now as we start to plan our work for the coming year, we're looking forward to Promenade and Rendezvous Natio-nale in Springfield, Missouri, where we will learn what others have managed to do during the past year, give awards for outstanding work, and have some fun doing it with dear friends that we haven't seen in a year. Hopefully, we are all on a path of great accomplishments as we work for the betterment of our veteran com-munity and celebrate being in a free country.

En Service,

Joyce Willis, Cabane 1067 La Presidente

COLLEGE

*FOOTBALL IS BACK*

STARTS SAT. AUG.28TH COLD BEVERAGES/FOOD

KITCHEN OPEN SATs 12-4PM

*COME JOIN US*

*NEWSLETTER*

Hard copy of the newsletter by mail is available by request only. You can contact the Post at:

843-553-5454

And leave your name and address and you will receive your newsletter in the mail.

Please pass this on.

Thank You

Rick Bernard

Adjutant

*HONOR GUARD NEEDS YOU*

4th of September End of Summer Picnic

2PM UNTIL ???

FOOD/MUSIC

*DONATIONS OF $5.00 PER PERSON*

*REQUESTED*

*WRIST BAND WILL BE

* REQUIRED* *AGES 8 & UNDER FREE

CORN HOLE /HORSE SHOES/POOL/DARTS

50/50 RAFFLE, COLLEGE FOOTBALL IN THE BAR

DRINK SPECIALS *ROOF RAFFLE SWEEPSTAKE *

*WINNER ANNOUNCED*

STILL TIME TO PURCHASE TICKETS SO HURRY

GRAND PRIZE IS $1,000.00 !!!!

POST 166 PRAUS TOURNAMENT

DATE: 16 Oct 2021

TIME: 1400 hrs.

LOCATION: Post 166

WHAT: The Praus tournament is a competition of eight 4-person teams that pit their skills of Darts, 8

ball Pool, horseshoes, and turkey shoot against other competitors. This single elimination tournament is

designed to find the team who has the best skills on all four facets of the competition.

HOW IT WORKS: Each team will select an individual to represent them at the various stations, i.e. your

best pool player will compete at pool and best dart player at darts for the entire competition. Ideally

each team will be made up of members that represent the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines and

members of the Riders, SAL, TCS, and 40 & 8 for a total of 32 competitors representing 8 individual

teams.

• All contests will start at 1400 hrs.

• Teams will draw a number (1-8) out of a hat and that will be their team position in the

tournament. i.e. team 1 will compete against team 8, team 2 against 7 and so on.

• All heats will be single elimination

• Each heat of the tournament will have 30 minutes to complete, if winner is not decided within

30 minutes, whomever is currently ahead will be declared the winner.

• Each team will select a member of the team to represent them at horse shoes, darts, pool and

Turkey shoot. Note: All events will be simultaneously played so choose your best player for each

event

• If a member of the team is knocked out of their individual event the team is allowed to

substitute that player into one of the other events

• 5 points will be given to the overall winner of each event, 3 points for the runner up.

• If there is tie, post trivia will be used to declare the winner of the competition

WHATS AT STAKE: Bragging rights and the Praus Trophy. For a year, the winning teams name will

be displayed on the Warhorse trophy the Post trophy case.

Team Entry Fee is $20 per

team. Cash and Prizes given

out to teams finishing 1st, 2nd

and 3rd place.

If you are interested in

forming a team or helping

the day of the event, please

contact Lee Swerczek at the

Post.