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Month: September 2025

Membership Cards

Written by Bruno Padovani on . Posted in Announcements.

This is Bruno Padovani, the post adjutant. I have mailed 2026 membership cards to everyone who was a member of the post as of April 2026, and who renewed their memberships for 2026. I have NOT mailed out 2026 membership cards to new Legion members, or existing members who transferred into Post 281 after April. If you fall into either of these categories, are paid up for 2026, and wish me to mail you a 2026 membership card, please email me at bspadovanipost281mj@gmail.com.

REGULAR POST MEETING MINUTES – Date: 9 September 2025

Written by Bruno Padovani on . Posted in Minutes.

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJ Bruno Padovani 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 9 September 2025

Reviewed By: CMDR Ward, POST 281, DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE      

CONVENED:  1804hrs.    ADJOURNED:  hrs. 1934

MEMBERS PRESENT: 23   VISITORS: 9      POST OFFICERS: 7     TOTAL: 39

ASSEMBED

At 1700 hrs., doors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC) were opened. Sgt-at-Arms Mike Adamsprovided Pizza and soft drinks.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

  • Frank Michanowicz, a WW2 USN veteran with whom we celebrated his 100th birthday with cake, and a short speech.
  • David Brewer, 5th District Commander who spoke to the post on a number of issues including but not limited to American Legion Riders, recruiting more women into the AmLegion, standing up a 5th District finance committee and the need for a 5th District Boys State coordinator.
  • Oliver Brown, MJHS student who attended 2025 Tennessee Boys State under post’s sponsorship. Oliver shared his experience with the post and was awarded a medal and certificate by post commander Ward.
  • Robert Loftus, Boy Scout Troop 150 leader who spoke to the post about Ethan Brinley’s Eagle Scout project, and also about Troop 150 activities. Mr. Loftus presented Commander Ward with a certificate of appreciation for Post 281’s ongoing support.
  • Wilson County Mayor Hutto who was scheduled to visit needed to reschedule.
  • Two additional visitors who might become members: Eric Bronco (US Army) and John Morton (AmLegion member at large).

OPENING CEREMONY

At 1804 CMDR Ward called the Post to order and Chaplain Rolus Smith offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Mike Adams.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

PAST COMMANDERS & DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

Lew Hightower.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

Joanne Carlon, Dale Attarian, Manny Fuentes, John Morgan

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Motion proposed by Cmdr Ward, seconded and passed to approve meetings from August post meeting.

OFFICERS REPORT

  • COMMANDER – Terry Ward
    • Cmdr Ward thanked all post members who helped at the Wison County/Tennessee State Fair.
    • New members recognized & welcomed (see
    • Other TBD
  • 1ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly
    • Chaplain’s update given by 1st Vice (Chaplain Hale on vacation).
  • 2ND VICE – Brandon Adderholt
    • Halloween In The Park to be held on 8 October from 1100-1500
    • Post Picnic to be held at Charlie Daniels Park on 25 October from 1200-1400 at Pavillion 4. Participants are asked to bring SMALL (for 6 people max) side dishes.
  • ADJUTANT – Bruno Padovani
    • Update on membership renewals (18 additional renewals since the last post meeting).
    • All members whose memberships last through 2025 are urged to renew for 2026 & beyond. Members can renew online through their MyLegion.org accounts. Alternatively they can renew by check, by Venmo & Paypal and with cash.
  • FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
    • Post financial update. Current bank account (not including CDs) is $ $11,781.00.
    • The post received a $5000 check from the West Wilson County Exchange Club for our participation in the 2025 Honoring America’s Flag event.
    • The post’s Christmas banquet will be held on 9 December. Cost will be $25-$30 per person.
    • At the October post meeting, financial contributions will be used to purchase candy for the Halloween In The Park event.
  • SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
    • Service Officer informed post that the old blue military ID cards are no longer valid & need to be updated.
    • Post members who are NOT retired US military were also urged to update their VA cards.
  • CHAPLAIN – David Hale
    • SICK CALL was read by 1st Vice Jeff Mattingly
      • David Hale is recovering from minor surgery
      • Chaz called in with an update. Surgery went well.
      • Max & Gloria Wix have been sick.
      • Jim Simpson broke his leg and is recovering.
      • Other TBD
  • SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Mike Adams
    • No announcements

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
    • No report. Steve Wren on a cruise
  • Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Dan Rhame
    • No report
  • American Legion Riders – Director Bob Ramsey
    • No report
  • Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
    • No report

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • None

NEW BUSINESS

  • None

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

  • John Herko updated the post on Quilts of Valor
  • Bob Snuck briefed the post on the POW/MIA efforts of the Tours Of Liberty organization

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Chaplain Rolus Smith.  The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 1934 hrs. 

Left to Right: John Herko, Frank Michanowicz, 5th District Commander David Brewer, Post 281 Commander Terry Ward
Oliver Brown, MJHS student, Boys State attendee sponsored by Post 281, receives good citizenship award
from Post Commander Ward.
Robert Loftus, Boy Scout Troop 150 leader presents Troop photo to Post Commander Ward as in               
appreciation of Post 281 support.
John Morgan, new member, receives post ball cap from Post Commander Ward

Dale Attarian, new member, receives a post ball cap from Post Commander Ward

Manny Fuentes, new member, receives post ball cap from Post Commander Ward.
Joanne Carlon, new member is welcomed into the post by Post Commander Ward.
WW2 veteran Frank Michanowicz shares his 100th year birthday cake with the post.

VA Scams & Fraud Update

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements.

Thanks to Patti Whitmore our Post Service Office for passing this along.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to protecting you and your benefits from fraud and scams. We monitor the latest fraud and scam trends and share this critical information with you.

Overpayment Scam:
Beware of anyone contacting
you pretending to be VA 

Have you received a call, text or letter from someone pretending to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs alleging you have a substantial VA debt due to overpayment? It can be a scam! 

The scammer uses high pressure tactics to insist the debt must be repaid immediately via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other non-traditional payment methods. VA will never demand Veterans repay their debts in full up front, as VA offers many flexible payment plans at no additional cost. Official VA Debt Management Center (DMC) communication will provide specific details about the debt, offer secure payment through www.pay.va.gov,and your appeal or waiver rights.

If you are suspicious of a communication alleging to be VA, you can verify authenticity with VA at 1-800-827-1000 or contact the DMC at 1-800-827-0648. Never share sensitive information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information, when responding to unsolicited requests.

New Scams:

Bad actors continue to come up with new fraudulent schemes, from unpaid toll texts and fraudulent mailing messages to bereavement scams exploiting families after the loss of a loved one. 

  • Bereavement scams: Scammers exploit the vulnerability of grieving family members while contacting them to gather personal information or extort money with claims of fake debts owed by the deceased, inflated funeral expenses, processing fees, or unpaid insurance premiums.
  • Mail scams: Involve text messages alleging to be from shipping companies or the United States Postal Service attempting to make a delivery, demanding delivery fee payment, or with a gift offer.
  • Unpaid Toll Texts: Individuals receive a text notification indicating they have an excessive outstanding unpaid toll fee, and immediate payment is demanded to prevent driver privileges from being permanently revoked or arrest. The messages appear to be from companies such as EZPass, SunPass, PeachPass, and FastTrack, among others. The messages usually instruct the victim to click on a link to issue a payment for the outstanding fees.

Natural Disasters Fraud:

In the wake of natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes, it’s important for Veterans and their families to know VA is here to help.

Scammers prey on vulnerability resulting from natural disasters and often exploit the chaos and desperation of homeowners in disaster-stricken areas. To alleviate financial stress, which can heighten vulnerability, we recommend that Veterans enroll in  direct deposit to receive their benefits.

Likewise, scammers also seek to exploit generosity with charity scams to divert donations from genuine causes. For resources to help manage fraud or to file a report, call 833-38V-SAFE.

Protect Your G.I. Bill Benefits From Scams

Unfortunately, some non-accredited educational institutions and programs employ deceptive practices and make embellished promises regarding the value and earning potential of their degrees.

It is crucial for Veterans and their families to be well-informed when using their G.I. Bill benefits and to make wise financial decisions related to their education  to avoid student loan scams. Protect your benefits by only choosing G.I. Bill approved schools. At VA, we are committed to empowering Veterans to make the best financial decisions related to their education. Therefore, VA encourages Veterans and their beneficiaries to familiarize themselves with education fraud warning signs.

Let’s stand united as fraud fighters to safeguard the
well-deserved benefits of our nation’s heroes.

If you miss a VA benefits payment, identify a discrepancy in payments, or find suspicious activity with your direct deposit account, contact VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000. If you suspect you have experienced fraud, you can find resources to file a report to the appropriate agency by visiting vsafe.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE

Learn More

If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1.

Kroger Community Rewards #2

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements.

Quick Update: We’re up to 14 participating households. We’ve earned $40.43 between 1 June and 30 August without lifting a finger! Fantastic Right!? We just need more of you to sign up.

If you’re having trouble signing up, reply to this email and let me know when I can call to help.

Most everyone has one of these. That is an account with Kroger that allows you to take advantage of their discounts and accrue fuel points or other rewards.

Other Rewards?

Other Rewards like Community Rewards!

You may remember some past postings here titled, “Almost Painless“. Well, I’ve been asked to take a few more steps to help you get signed up.

Start the Kroger App on your phone. 5 more steps and we’ll be done:

Step 1: Click Head & Shoulder Icon, Top Right ________

Step 2: Click on three bars to the left of “My Account”

Step 3: Select “Rewards” Step 4: Select “Community Rewards”

Step 5: Select “Change Organization” if needed,_______

Or Search for (Find an Organization) DSxxxx and Select “Enroll” and you’re done!

Alternatively you can search for American Legion and several listings will be displayed. Please pick 281!

That was Almost Painless wasn’t it?

Agenda for Legon Post 281’s  regular meeting, 09 Sep 2025  ……..BRING CANDY for Halloween in the PARK….!!!

Written by Terry Ward on . Posted in Announcements.

Charlie Daniles Park, Community Center, Room B – Conference room, food and social at starting @ 5:30 pm, regular meeting starting NLT 6:00 pm      

BRING CANDY for Halloween in the PARK….!!!

Regular meeting primary agenda events: 

Meeting protocol :  Welcome guest and all members in attendance

Guest:  Recognize Former CDRs present

Adopt minutes as posted on the website 7 Sep @  https://www.mtjulietalpost281.com/latest-news

Recognize WWII local MT Juliet veteran  Frank Michanowicz hitting his 100th  BD, with a special time for Cake and a few WWII war stories if he feels inclined to share.     

Recognize MJHS Oliver Brown,   Boy State attendee/just finished Army Basic and starting his senior year/ his parents/ Oliver addressing the post:

Recognize Troop 150 member Ethan Brinley,  who will introduce his Eagle Scout Project and Troop leader Robert Loftis.

CDR:     Discus Wilson County Fair Veterans Booth coverage , good bad and ugly, thank those who worked both the booth and for the VVA/food trailer

                Flag display at entrance to fair grounds

                Bigger Plans for 2025

                Recruiting results?   (as discussed at the last meeting)

                New post “Business Card” coming our way

Officers/Reports:  1stV/2nd V/Adj/FO/SO/CH-sick call/HG/ALR/POW-MIA/Aux

Old Business:  

CDR / New Business: 

Halloween in the park discussion.   18 OCT

Picnic/Social  25 OCT

Recruitment ….new focus on getting members

Next meeting :  14 OCT

Post Meeting Minutes August 2025

Written by Bruno Padovani on . Posted in Minutes.

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJ Bruno Padovani 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 12 August 2025

Reviewed/Approved  By: CMDR Ward, POST 281, DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE      

CONVENED:  1750 hrs.    ADJOURNED:  1931 hrs.   

MEMBERS PRESENT: 25  VISITORS:  13      POST OFFICERS:  8    TOTAL: 46

ASSEMBED

At 1700 hrs., doors of Mt. Juliet Community Center were opened. Member Bridgette Passatore provided sandwiches and soft drinks starting at 1730.  

OPENING CEREMONY

At 1750 CMDR Ward called the Post to order and Chaplain David Hale offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Mike Adams.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

Past Commanders and Distinguished Guests

Lew Hightower and Pat Unger.

New members welcomed:

“Cap” Wallington. Additionally, Manuel Fuentes, currently with MS Post 106 attended and will be transferred to TN Post 281.

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Minutes were posted on the post’s website on 9 Aug 2025, and available for review by membership. Commander Ward proposed that the minutes be approved, the motion was seconded and then approved by a voice vote.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

  • Boys State participants from MJHS & GHHS, sponsored by the post shared their experience and were awarded medals, selection certificates and a pocket US Constitution at the end of the presentation time. Participants were:
    • Nicholas York
    • Nikodemos Hailu
    • Arvin Otoukesh
    • Tanish Bangerea
    • David Constantin
    • Dyson Lewis
  • Nancy Britt from the MJ Exchange Club briefed the post on this year’s HAF event and presented the post a check for $5000. It was communicated that we would be using some of the flags to adorn the Wilson Count/TN State Fair.
  • Vincent Lenning from Burdine Supply was awarded a post plaque for his continued financial & material support of the HAF event, which benefits the Exchange Club & our post

OFFICERS REPORT

  • COMMANDER – Terry Ward
    • The post’s new recruitment competition was revealed to the membership,  see new business comment below.
    • Date of Christmas dinner set for 8 December and held at the Rutland Center on Rutland Road, Mt. Juliet.
    • Discussed Wilson Cnty Fair veteran’s booth coverage and handed out gate passes to those who had signed up.
  • 1ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly
    • Need help revising the post handbook
    • The Auxiliary is holding their 19 September gala. Price of attendance is $60/person and will include a silent auction.
  • 2ND VICE – Brandon Adderholt
    • Picnic will be held in October. Date TBA. 2nd Vice & Service Officer will run it but need volunteers to step up.
    • Candy in the Park event will be on 18 October from 1100-1500
  • ADJUTANT – Bruno Padovani
    • We are in renewal season.
    • Current status is: Total Roster = 249.  107 people have renewed membership for 2026/27.  99 people are current through 2025. The remainder are classified as expired, including 23 people who are paid up through 2023 and will fall off the roster at the end of the year.
    • Membership can be renewed online (most preferred), by cash (least preferred) or by check, and by Venmo & PayPal.
    • 2026 membership cards were distributed.
  • FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles on vacation. Cdr Ward filled in for him.
    • Cdr. Ward reported for Stephen Isles who is on an excused absence. The post bank balance is $7, 148 A/O 31 Jul 25. 
  • CHAPLAIN – David Hale
    • SICK CALL was read by Chaplain Hale
      • Max Wix continues to soldier through his chemo treatment. Gloria Wix is experiencing memory issues.
      • Jim Simpson is recovering from his broken leg and expects to return home from McKendree care facility upon a wheelchair ramp being installed. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren on vacation. David Hale filled in for him.
    • On Monday 18 August the Honor Guard will attend the burial of a WW2 Marine.
    • The HG has conducted over 530 services since their inception in 2014.
  • Sons of the American Legion – SAL Squadron Adjutant and former Post Commander encourage all members to pay their dues, which are $20.00 per year. 
  • American Legion Riders – Member Phil Friedli
    • Post ALR members will be participating in a run for the wall ride on 13 Jul,  

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • None

NEW BUSINESS

  • Commander Ward put forth a Recruiting Challenge. Here’s how it works:
  • Bring FOUR new members to our post and your 2026/2027 membership will be paid.     
  • If a person recruits five new members, they receive a $50 dollar gift card too.  
  • If they recruit six new members, the gift card will be $60.00, seven recruits earn a $70.00 card, and so on,
  • 10 recruits earning a $100 gift card and paid membership. 
  • If a member brings 2 new members, they get $20 off our Christmas banquet ticket; 3 new members earn $30 off the banquet ticket. If you bring 1 new member, At-A-Boy, We really do appreciate you!
  • This contest will start immediately and ends November 28th.    The winner will be announced at our December Christmas banquet.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

  • None

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Chaplain Hale.  The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 1731 hrs. 

Cdr. Ward presents post ball cap to new member “Cap” Wallington

Boys State attendees receive medals from Cdr Ward.A group of people shaking hands AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Vince Lenning of Burdine Supply receives post appreciation plaque from Cdr Ward. Nancy Britt in center.

American Legion Auxiliary GALA – REMINDER

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in Announcements, Post 281 Auxiliary.

I think I heard or read somewhere that the 8th is the last day that you can purchase tickets.

Please let me know if that’s incorrect: FEEDBACK

American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Tennessee, GALA

Friday, September 19, 2025. Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 5:30pm-11:00pm

$60.00 per person,   Dinner, Music, Silent and Live Auction.

Some auction items have already been donated: Various Venues in Pigeon Forge a very nice motorcycle backpack and home decor items.

This is just a sample!

More donations are coming in every day..

Please contact Gwynne Queener for tickets:

ALA@mtjulietalpost281.com

615-218-9452

As more information becomes available and the date gets closer we’ll send out updates. Please check the Events Calendar (9/19/25) to easily add this to your personal calendar.