Author: Bruno Padovani

Post Meeting Minutes (February 2026)

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJUTANT Bruno Padovani  

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 10 February 2026

Reviewed, Approved By: COMMANDER Terry Ward, POST 281, Tyler Cates, Dept of TN      

CONVENED:  _ 1802___   ADJOURNED: __1930___  

MEMBERS PRESENT: _24_   VISITORS: _1_   POST OFFICERS: _6_  TOTAL: _31_

ASSEMBED

At 1730 hrs., the doors of the Charlie Daniels Community Center were opened for food and fellowship.  The Sergeant-at Arms, Mike Adams, provided pizza and soft drinks for members and guests.

OPENING CEREMONY

At 1802 CMDR Ward called the Post to order and offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by the 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

No past commanders present

Phil LaPrad (VVA Mobility Chairman)

NEW (OR POTENTIALLY NEW) MEMBERS WELCOMED.

Ted Anderson (USN SeaBees)

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

Phil LaPrad (VVA Mobility Chairman) briefed the post on his projects to help elderly & disabled veteran with mobility. Phil and the VVA provide local veterans with ramps, lifts, scooters, hospital beds, lift chairs, bath equipment, canes, portable oxygen concentrators and other equipment.

The post presented him with an appreciation plaque, a $400 donation plus the contents of our donation bucket.

If you can volunteer to help Phil, or if you or a loved one needs help, he can be contacted at 615-678-1204.

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

A motion to wave the reading and accept as written last month’s general meeting minutes that were posted on the post’s website was made by CDR Terry Ward, seconded and then approved by a general vote of those present.

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  •  A vote was held regarding how to fund Boys State in 2026 and it was decided to fund 12 boys at 50% instead of 6 boys at 100%
  • There will be a Veterans On The Hill event at the capital on 12 March from 0845-1700

 Commander Ward announced that he will not continue as post commander after this term expired in May. New officers will be proposed in March, voted on by members in April and sworn in at the May post meeting. We need volunteers.

• The post will fund Bob Snuck with $500 for his trip to Vietnam to recover US servicemembers’ remains.

• 1^ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly
  • Members are encouraged to take AmLegion basic training, which can be accessed through the post website.
  • You can order trees from the post’s Auxiliary on their website. The post will assist with the tree sale on 18 April, at 1^st Baptist Church where we shall provide traffic control. Volunteers are needed.
  • A new chapter of the Sons Of The American Revolution will be formed on 16 April at First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon. Feel free to attend if you have the lineage.

• 2^ND VICE – Brandon Adderholt
  • Not present

• ADJUTANT – Bruno Padovani
  • It is now 2026, so if you haven’t renewed your membership you are late. Please renew either online on MyLegion.org, via the post website (use PayPal, Square or Venmo), by check (at post meeting or send to PO Box 67, Mount Juliet, TN 37122).

• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  • Current accounts are: Checking ($10,087) & 3 CDs ($22,000).
  • Liability & criminal insurance paid
  • Just received $300 from a family for Honor Guard services rendered at a funeral.
  • New fiscal year starts on 1 June. Proposed budget will be presented in April & then voted on by the post at the May meeting. Steve would welcome volunteers to help him.
  • Members are urged to sign up for Kroger Rewards, listing our post as the beneficiary

• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
  • Patti urged members to register with the VA for future services (if needed)

• CHAPLAIN – Don Barnes filled in for David Hale (who just had cataract surgery)
  • Max Wix just had a CT scan & Gloria just had a swallow test.
  • George Barnes just turned 90  
  • Pat Costanza has been down with the flu but is recovering
  • Jerry Chatfield (who was present) is recovering well from hip surgery
  • Cynthia Brown’s husband is being treated for stage 4 cancer.
  • Don Barnes stepson is recovering from his treatments
  • Chaz is in Florida
  • Jim Simpson is recovering from 2 falls

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Mike Adams
  •  

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
  • Nothing to report

• Oratorical
  • Post 281 will be hosting the District 5 Oratorical at 0900 on 14 March at St. Stephens RC Church in Old Hickory.
  • We NEED volunteers (timers, tabulators, monitors & escorts).
  • A volunteer sign-up list was made available but NOBODY signed up, which puts us in a bind. If you can help, please contact Bruno Padovani at bspadovanipost281@gmail.com
  • The Division (Central TN) competition will be held on 28 March at Post 82 in Inglewood.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• For your lawn, landscaping, gardening & nursery needs consider using Needhams on Lebanon Rd. They have a coupon program in which some of the proceeds will go to our post.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend , the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered.  The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 1930 hrs. 

Commander Ward presents Phil LaPrad with an appreciation award for the great work that he does at the VVA Mobility Chairman.

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY: ADJ Bruno Padovani 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – 13 January 2026

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

CONVENED:  1800hrs.    ADJOURNED:  1932hrs.   

MEMBERS PRESENT: 29   VISITORS: 5      POST OFFICERS: 7     TOTAL: 42

ASSEMBED

At 1730 hrs., doors of the Charlie Daniels Mount Juliet’s Parks and Recreation Headquarters, Room B were opened for fellowship. Pizza was served.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

• Joseph Padilla (Post 281 member & Wilson County Board of Education Member)
• Also Wilson County Board of Education award recipients (Kimberly McGee, Beth Meyers & Greg Holmann)
• Sergeant Kyle Holtmeyer (Mt. Juliet PD)
• Lt. Guy Flowers (Mt. Juliet, FD)
• Ginger Fondren (State of Tennessee Coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation)

OPENING CEREMONY

At 1800 Commander Terry Ward called the Post to order and Chaplain David Hall offered prayer, followed by a moment of silence for America’s POWs/MIAs (POW/MIA flag was left at the venue for the post’s Christmas banquet).  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

PAST COMMANDERS

• Lew Hightower

NEW MEMBERS WERE WELCOMED

• John McGee (USN)
• Dennis Wilcockson (USN)
• John Coulter (USN)
• Susan Alexander (USA)
• Jennifer Pricher

ACTIVITIES & AWARDS

• John Herko & Ginger Fondren awarded Past Commander Lew Hightower a Quilt of Honor
• Commander Terry Ward awarded Sergeant Kyle Holtmeyer (Mt. Juliet PD) Post 281’s Police Officer of The Year award
• Commander Terry Ward awarded Lt. Guy Flowers (Mt. Juliet, FD) Post 281’s EMT of The Year award

MOTIONS & POST DISCUSSIONS

• Motion proposed by Commander Ward, seconded and passed to approve meeting minutes from December 2025 Christmas banquet.
• It was announced that the EC decided to pay 50% (instead of 100%) of each Boys State attendee’s costs, enabling us to sponsor more attendees. Most members who commented were opposed, so it was decided to revisit this decision. TBD.

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  • Members urged to take Be The One suicide prevention training
  • Veterans On The Hill will take place at the State Capital on 28 January. Post sign-up by 19 January. Plan to car pool & then shuttle to the capital.

• 1^ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly (Not present, on vacation)

• 2^ND VICE – Brian Adderholt
  • The Auxiliary Tree sale will be held on 18 April and post members are needed for traffic control.
  • Honoring America’s Flag will be held from 21-25 May.

• ADJUTANT – Bruno Padovani.
  • Membership: Roughly 180 paid through 2026 with 39 through 2025 & 34 through either 2023 or 2024.
  • Membership: 2026 membership cards mailed with more coming in January as people pay up.
  • Membership: Options for paying (check, Venmo, Square, cash & online) explained.
  • Membership: Instructions on how to use MyLegion.org to print m-ship cards.

• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  • We still have challenge coins available for purchase, at $7 apiece
  • Post finances are strong with a good donation base & money from HAF.
  • Bank account stands at $10,663 plus we have $21,000 in a CD.

• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore.
  • Nothing to report

• CHAPLAIN – David Hale (Not present, recovering from surgery). Nothing to report.
  • Gloria Wix having difficulty swallowing
  • George Barnes has mobility problems
  • Henry Queener was diagnosed with cancer 4 weeks ago, but now appears to be cancer-free!?!
  • Jerry Chatfield had hip surgery

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Mike Adams
  • Nothing to report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Honor Guard
  • Through early December, 531 services since inception.

• Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Dan Rhame
  • A new president is needed

• American Legion Riders – Director Bob Ramsey
  • Vietnam Veterans “Traveling Wall” in June.

• Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
• 5^th District Oratorical competition to be held on Saturday 14 March at St. Stephens RC Church in Old Hickory.
• Volunteers will be needed. Tabulators, Timers, Escorts & Judges. Sign-up sheets will be available during February & March post meetings.
• Division competition will be held on 28 March at Post 82 in Inglewood. See Terry Ward about volunteering

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• None

NEW BUSINESS

• None

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• Commander Ward spoke to the post about veterans suicide, and urged members to help solve the problem by attending Be The One training.
• Bob Snuck would like Post 281 to sponsor his trip to Vietnam to help recover US MIAA remains.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Chaplain HAll.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 1932 hrs. 

Post Commander Terry Ward awards Joseph Padilla, Wilson County Board of Education Member for his service to the community.

Sergeant Kyle Holtmeyer (Mt. Juliet PD) & Lt. Guy Flowers (Mt. Juliet, FD)

Post Commander Terry Ward awards Sergeant Kyle Holtmeyer (Mt. Juliet PD) the 281 Post Policeman of The Year award.

Post Commander Terry Ward awards Lt. Guy Flowers (Mt. Juliet FD) the 281 Post EMT of The Year award.

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 (1^st Vice), Brandon Adderholt (2^nd 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

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

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward (Not present, on vacation).

• 1^ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly (Not present, on vacation)

• 2^ND 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 524^th 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
• 5^th 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. 

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 100^th birthday with cake, and a short speech.
• David Brewer, 5^th 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 5^th District finance committee and the need for a 5^th 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

• 1^ST VICE – Jeff Mattingly
  • Chaplain’s update given by 1^st Vice (Chaplain Hale on vacation).

• 2^ND 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. 

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

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.

• 1^ST 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.

• 2^ND VICE – Brandon Adderholt
  • Picnic will be held in October. Date TBA. 2^nd 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.

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

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJUTANT Bruno Padovani

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 8 July 2025

Reviewed, Approved By: COMMANDER Terry Ward, POST 281, Tyler Cates, Dept of TN      

CONVENED:  __1730____ ADJOURNED: __1941____  

MEMBERS PRESENT: __22__  VISITORS: __3__   POST OFFICERS: __7__  TOTAL: __32__