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Month: January 2026

16th Annual Tree sale

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

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281

It is that time of year again for the Auxiliary Tree Sale in Mt. Juliet.  This year ordering and payment will be available to you online.  Since this is a new system we are using, I apologize for any discrepancies we may encounter.   Please go to https://ala281.square.site to place your order and make payment.  Last day to place an order is April 4, 2026.  If you have questions, please contact me at alatn281@gmail.com.
Once I have received your online order, I will send you a confirmation number.  As in the past, it is important that you bring this confirmation number with you at pickup.  
The pickup date is Saturday, April 18 between 8:30am and 12:30pm.  Please put this date on your calendar and try to be prompt.

Our cost increased this year from $30.00 to $32.00 per tree. This, however, does include your processing fee for credit card use.

The only refunds we will be issuing this year will be for trees ordered and paid for but not available from our supplier.  We ask that you make sure when the trees are loaded into your vehicle that the count is correct.  Our helpers will make every effort to load the correct number, but it is also your responsibility to verify the count.  You will not be issued a refund if you get home and find your order was shorted.  If you find that you received more stock than you paid for, please be kind and let us know as someone else could come up short. All of that being said, we look forward to supplying you with some great shrubs and trees again this year and hope that you will once again support our Auxiliary fundraiser.  As in the past, some of the funds will be used to send local 11th grade girls to Tennessee Volunteer Girls State (an Auxiliary program designed to empower young women to become great leaders and responsible citizens and to learn about our government and how laws are enacted). Remaining funds will be used to support our Veterans and to promote patriotism in our community in any way we can.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Kathy Leedy Auxiliary Unit 281

Fund Raising Chairman

Veterans Day on Capitol Hill, volunteers to attend, 28 Jan 2026.

Written by Terry Ward on . Posted in Announcements.

All members,

Veterans Day on Capitol Hill is scheduled for 28 Jan 2026, as mentioned last night during our meeting. If you have an interest in attending so you can meet our state representatives to express concerns as a Veteran, you will need to let me know so I can send the registration link to you. I do not have a block of seats or given a quota. It is a first come, first serve, type of registration and there are a limited number of seats available. Typically the seats are filled up quickly.

If you want to attend, let me know by tagging the “contact us” tab on this website.

13 January 2026, Regular Post meeting agenda

Written by Terry Ward on . Posted in Announcements.

Agenda for 13 Jan 2026 Regular Post meeting,  Charlie Daniels Park / Community Center

Room Bravo

5:30 PM Social time of food and camaraderie

6:00 PM/Opening protocol  Welcome all members and guest and all visitors present. 

Recognize former Commanders present and QOV and FMR CDR Lew Hightower and family.   Recognize other special guest, MJFD EMT of the year Lt. Guy Flowers and MJPD Police Officer of the year SGT Kyle Holtmeyer and family members attending with them along with other member of the MJ Police and Fire Depts.   Recognize member Joseph Padillia, Wilson CNTY School Board member.   

Review the posting of the minutes from the last meeting being published on 12 Jan 26 across the Website to members., 

Introduction of members Robert St. John and John Herko who will award a Quilt of Valor to former Post CDR Lew Hightower.   Recognize family in attendance with FMR CRD Hightower.  

Introduce MJFD EMT of the year Lt. Guy Flowers and MJPD Police Officer of the year SGT Kyle Holtmeyer and family members attending with them along with other member of the MJ Police and Fire Depts, award Post excellent community service recognition plaques.

Recognize member Joeseph Padillia who will present a Wilson County School Board resolution certificate to all Veterans of Post 281 and all Veterans.   

Recognize New member to the post that are in attendance. 

CDR’s comments and updates

Officer’s reports:  1st V absent  / 2nd V /  Adj / FO / SO / CHAP-sick call /  HG / ALR /  SAL /  Aux  efforts?  /

Old unfinished business  ?

New Business/Correspondence/Business for the good of the American Legion

Next regular meeting 10 February, with special guest Phil LaPrad, VVA mobility Chairman, regular time and regular place.

Closing Protocol.   

Mount Juliet Post 281 Christmas Banquet Minutes

Written by Bruno Padovani on . Posted in Minutes.

9 December 2025

ASSEMBLED

At 1730 hrs., doors opened at Rutland Place, 435 NW Rutland Road, Mt. Juliet, TN for fellowship & celebration.

OPENING CEREMONY & ACTIVITIES

  • At 1800 Commander Terry 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 Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Adams. This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance.
  • A moment of silence was held for Post 281 members who died in 2025, including Barry Britt.
  • Post officers were recognized: Terry Ward (Commander), Jeff Mattingly (1st Vice), Brandon Adderholt (2nd Vice), Bruno Padovani (Adjutant), Steve Isles (Treasurer/Finance Officer), Pattie Whitmore (Service Officer), Mike Adams (Sergeant-at-Arms) & CHP David Hale (Chaplain).
  • Subordinate groups & leaders were recognized: SAL Dan Rhame, ALR Director Bob Ramsey, Special Recognition of Post 281 Honor Guard & Stephen Wren and their service to our community, with 528 services to our Veteran community.
  • Food was shared in fellowship
  • Christmas Carols were sung

PAST COMMANDERS PRESENT

  • Max Wix

GUESTS & SPEAKERS

  • Rick Well (Mayor, Lebanon City, TN) spoke to the post about the history of Castle Heights Military Academy and its long interwoven relationship with Lebanon.
  • Gwynne Queener: President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281.

NEW MEMBERS WERE WELCOMED

None

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

None.

OFFICERS REPORT

None

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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 1931 hrs. 

Our next post meeting will be held on Tuesday 13 January 2026 from 1730 to 1930  at CDCC, Room Bravo