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Month: November 2025

2025 Christmas Banquet , December 9th

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

Ladies & Gentlemen!

The moment is fast approaching for our annual Christmas Banquet to take place. Come for a great time and to celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Season with the members of our post. American Legion Post 281 of Mt. Juliet would cordially like to invite you to attend our 15th annual Christmas banquet, being held on December 9th, 2025, at the Rutland Senior Center, 435 Northwest Rutland Rd., in the center’s banquet room. Doors will open at 5:30 PM and the banquet and festivities will begin at 6:00 PM .

If you would, please take a moment to visit the RSVP link below. Our deadline for ordering the food for the evening is the end of the month (30 Nov) which is quickly approaching. You can pay online when you make the reservation at the link below, or just pay at the door.

Rick Bell, the Mayor of Lebanon, is our speaker for the evening, He will be sharing stories about Castle Heights Military Academy and stories about Wilson County Veterans that have made their mark. We will also have some door prizes to give away and we’ll sing a few Christmas Carols as well.

RSVP

Wreaths Across America

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

Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America program is in full swing!

Results 2025 So Far

9,123 Wreaths Sponsored
63.4% to Goal
5,277 To Go!

Please join us for Our Wreaths Across America Remembrance and Honor Program at the Cemetery Chapel on December 13, 2025 at 11:00 am.  Wreath Placement will follow immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony and TAPS is sounded by the bugler.

To sponsor wreaths for our location, please visit: Wreathsacrossamerica.org/ and scroll down this page to the supporting Sponsorship Groups. Purchasing via one of these groups provides a larger impact for your donation. For more information email abrownwaatn@gmail.com

Agenda for regular post meeting, 11 Nov 2025

Written by Terry Ward on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News.

Agenda for Legion Post 281’s regular post meeting, 11 Nov 2025 Charlie Daniels Park, Mt. Juliet,  Community Center/Conference Room Bravo, food and camaraderie at 5:30 PM, meeting starts at 6:00 PM

Meeting protocol:  Welcome guest and all members in attendance

Two Quilts of Valor Presentation ,   WWII Vet Joe Reosenski and former post CDR Hightower.   Family members are invited.   The presenter will be the Tennessee Coordinator for the QOV Foundation — Ginger Fondren, assisted by member John Herko.

Guest Speaker, VVA Chapter 1089. Disabled Veterans Mobility Chairman Assistance Chairman,  Phil LaPrad,  to be primary Speaker.  

CDR:   Discussion

6 DEC Wilson Warriors Special Breakfast at the Lebanon National Guard Armory, 0800.   Post 281 HG to receive special recognition for their service to the community.   NO COST, but donations will be accepted

9 DEC Annual Post Banquet at the Rutland Center, starting at 6:00 PM, Speaker is Lebanon’s Mayor, Rick Bell .    Doors open at 5:30 PM

13 DEC Mt. Juliet Cmas Parade,  

20 DEC, Wreaths Across America,  David Hale to update. 

Post Officers Reports:

1st Vice/2nd Vice/ADJ/FO/SO/Chap-Sick Call/HG/ALR/

OLD Business

Next meeting :   9 DEC  Annual Christmas Banquet. Rutland Center,   

Veterans Day Ceremony Invitation

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

Maristone of Providence would like to invite Post 281 to join and participate in our Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11th at 2:00 PM.

We would be honored to have your presence as we celebrate and recognize our resident veterans.

We’re located at 140 Providence Trail, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

P.S. I apologize for the short notice. This one almost fell through the cracks. JM

Post Meeting Minutes (14 October 2025)

Written by Bruno Padovani on . Posted in Minutes.

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJ Bruno Padovani 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – 14 October 2025

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

CONVENED:  1815hrs.    ADJOURNED:  1931hrs.   

MEMBERS PRESENT: 24   VISITORS: 7      POST OFFICERS: 3     TOTAL: 34

ASSEMBED

At 1800 hrs., doors of the Charlie Daniels Mount Juliet’s Parks and Recreation Headquarters, Room B were opened for fellowship. Barbecue was provided by Mission Barbecue.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

  • Randall Hutto (Wilson County Mayor) updated the post on what’s going on in Wilson county.
  • Zabrina Shay (Wilson County Veterans Support Services). Zabrina announced that the county’s Veteran’s Ball to support the “No Vet Left Behind” program will be held on 1 November. All veterans are welcome to sign up.
  • Major (R) Adriano and 1SG (R) Castillo , new GHHS JROTC introduced themselves and updated the post on the school’s JROTC program
  • Melissa Sandon (Director of Activities, Mount Juliet Sr. Activity Center) notified the post about the Senior Center’s annual Spaghetti Dinner and urged post members to attend.

OPENING CEREMONY

At 1815 2nd Vice Commander Brandon Adderholt called the Post to order and Chaplain “Chaz” Spampinato offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Don Barnes (who filled in for Sergeant 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

Max Wix (Past Commander)

Lew Hightower (Past Commander)

Randall Hutto (Wilson County Mayor)

NEW MEMBERS WERE WELCOMED

None

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Motion proposed by 2nd Vice Adderholt, seconded and passed to approve meetings from September post meeting.

OFFICERS REPORT

  • COMMANDER – Terry Ward (Not present, on vacation).
  • 1ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly (Not present, on vacation)
  • 2ND VICE – Brian Adderholt
  • Post picnic on 25 October
  • Post Christman banquet on 9 December. Admission will be $25-30 per person
  • ADJUTANT – Bruno Padovani.
  • FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  • We still have challenge coins available for purchase, at $7 apiece
  • The post received $480 from the VVA for helping out in the food truck during the Wison County Fair
  • Members are urged to sign up for the Kroger Community Rewards Program, naming Post 281 as the recipient.
  • SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore.
  • Volunteers needed to assist with the Auxiliary’s 18 April Tree Sale fundraiser.
  • CHAPLAIN – David Hale (Not present, recovering from surgery). Nothing to report.
  • SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Mike Adams (Not present, recovering from surgery).

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
    • Captain Wren reported that the post Honor Guard completed its 524th service since its inception.
  • Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Dan Rhame
    • None
  • American Legion Riders – Director Bob Ramsey
    • Ride scheduled to the Veterans Museum to support Zabrina Shay’s programs.
  • Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
  • 5th District Oratorical competition to be held on Saturday 14 March at St. Stephens RC Church in Old Hickory.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • None

NEW BUSINESS

  • None

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

  • John Herko announced that Joe Rodynski, a WW2 vet will receive the next Quilt of Honor from our post.
  • John Herko announced that “Buddy Checks” will begin in November
  • Veterans Day activities:
  • Post Honor Guard will be active, either at Mission Barbecue where David Hale will sing the National Anthem, or at Del Webb.
  • The Del Webb Veterans group will celebrate the day

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by “Chaz” Spampinato.  The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 1931 hrs. 

11 NOV , Veterans Day, a day full of activities.

Written by Terry Ward on . Posted in Announcements.

Wilson County Veterans Day Parade starts at 10:15  AM

Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the Veterans Plaza, Lebanon, starting 11:00 AM.

Post 281 Honor Guard conducts a rifle volley during the ceremony

12:00 NOON, 281 member David Hale sings National Anthem at Mission BBQ, Opry Mills. 

 Free sandwiches for Vets.

Agenda for Legion Post 281’s regular post meeting, 11 Nov 2025 Charlie Daniels Park, Mt. Juliet,  Community Center/Conference Room Bravo, food and camaraderie at 5:30 PM, meeting starts at 6:00 PM

Meeting protocol:  Welcome guest and all members in attendance

Two Quilts of Valor Presentation ,   WWII Vet Joe Reosenski and former post CDR Hightower.   Family members are invited.   The presenter will be the Tennessee Coordinator for the QOV Foundation — Ginger Fondren, assisted by member John Herko.

Guest Speaker, VVA Chapter 1089. Disabled Veterans Mobility Chairman Assistance Chairman,  Phil LaPrad,  to be primary Speaker.  

CDR:   Discus

6 DEC Wilson Warriors Special Breakfast at the Lebanon National Guard Armory, 0800.   Post 281 HG to receive special recognition for their service to the community.   NO COST, but donations will be accepted

9 DEC Annual Post Banquet at the Rutland Center, starting at 6:00 PM, Speaker is Lebanon’s Mayor, Rick Bell .    Doors open at 5:30 PM

13 DEC Mt. Juliet Cmas Parade,  

20 DEC, Wreaths Across America,  David Hale to update. 

Post Officers Reports:

1st Vice/2nd Vice/ADJ/FO/SO/Chap-Sick Call/HG/ALR/

OLD Business

Next meeting :   9 DEC  Annual Christmas Banquet. Rutland Center,   

Veterans Day Program

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

Correction: Our previous email/post had the assembly point for the parade as the Library. In fact, according to Bill Moss, POC for the event, “The parade will originate from First United Methodist, 415 West Main Street, at 10:00 AM and proceed up West Main Street, go around the square and terminate at the Veteran’s Museum, next to the Wilson County Courthouse.”

Additionally, we now have an agenda for the program beginning at 11:00 AM.

  • Welcome – Chris Beadle, Commander American Legion Post 15
  • Master of Ceremonies – Bill Moss, Commander VFW Post 5015
  • Devotion/Prayer – Jeff Luttrell, Deacon First Baptist Church, Watertown, TN
  • Pledge of Allegiance – ZaBrina Seay, Director, Wilson County Veterans Service Office
  • National Anthem – Denise Michelle Johnson, Singer/Songwriter
  • Recognition of Anniversaries of Ending of Wars
  • Recognition of Branches of Service – Mike Myer, Commander VVA Post 1004
  • Speaker – Kevin J Croteau, LTC (Ret), USA
  • Rifle Volley – Honor Guard American Legion Post 281
  • Taps – American Legion Post 281, Mt. Juliet – Terry Ward, Commander Post 281

Of coarse, this is subject to change.

Our Riders and Upcoming Events

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

Phil Friedli has some information to share. Some old, some new.

On October 18th our Riders were out supporting the Wilson County Veterans Ride which was formerly known as the Bernie Ash Memorial Ride.

Yesterday, November 1st we were supporting riders and members of Post 75 Portland, TN. In observance of the passing of Aubrey “Ollie” Olive, a founding member of the riders chapter with the post. “Ollie” was a member of the legion for many years and he will be missed by many who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Upcoming events:

November 11th we will participate in the Lebanon Veterans Parade. Approximately 30 units will begin assembling at the First United Methodist, 415 West Main Street at 9:30 a.m. for the parade which will begin at 10:00 a.m., featuring color guards, high school bands, scouts, public service and military vehicles, motor cycles, horses, JROTC units, National Guard, all Veterans organizations, vets marching and riding, trollies and many other units. Leading the parade will be 100 year old WWII vet T/Sgt Elmer Marler of Watertown just received France’s highest honor, the Legion of Merit at the Tennessee State Capitol in October. The parade will turn from S. Hatton onto West Main Street, to the square, counter clockwise to East Main Street to the Veterans Park and Museum.

The Veterans Day ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. in compliance with the signing of the armistice ending WWI in 1918, and lasts for approximately one hour. The ceremony will consist of patriotic music, posting of the colors and wreaths to our war dead, raising of the service flags, recognizing all branches of the military and veterans. Gold Star Mothers, POW MIA. Color Guards and our American Legion Post 281 Honor Guard rifle volley preceding taps which ends the ceremony. The featured speaker this year is 1st Lt Norman F. Weber who as a child and as an American citizen, was held hostage in Hitler’s Germany and later served in the 82nd Airborne Division United States Army and the Air Force Reserve. Hot dogs and drinks will be served following the ceremony by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1004. The event is sponsored annually by: American Legion Post 15, the City of Lebanon and Wilson County. https://lebanonwilsonchamber.com/lebanon-veterans-day/

Then on November 15th our Riders are participating for the 3rd year in the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Veterans Day Parade an annual event held at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN, at 3400 Lebanon Rd. Pre-parade entertainment starting at 10 a.m. and the parade at 11 a.m.. The event is free and open to the public, featuring pre-parade entertainment, a ceremony, and the parade itself.  Phil says they bring patients out and it’s a good time. Come on out!