Author: Shawn R. Taylor

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  Adjutant Shawn R Taylor   

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date:  08 October 2024

Reviewed By: Commander Terry Ward, Post 281, Tyler Cates, Dept of TN      

CONVENED:  1845   ADJOURNED: 1947  

MEMBERS PRESENT: 20   VISITORS: 2   POST OFFICERS: 6     TOTAL: 28

ASSEMBED

At 1800 hrs., the doors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC) were opened for food and fellowship.  Merry Roberts from Mission BBQ provided food and drinks for members and guests.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

• Merry Roberts – Mission BBQ – Spoke about the business and history.  141 current locations.  Tulsa, OK is the newest.  Merry was presented with a plaque on behalf of the post for her continued support.  On Veterans Day, Mission BBQ with have our very own, David Hale, sing the National Anthem at noon.  All day on Veterans Day, veterans will be able to get a free sandwich.
• Jennifer with the senior center spoke about their upcoming fundraiser.  They are selling tickets for a spaghetti dinner they will be hosting on October 18^th from 9am to 11am.  Tickets are $15.
• Robert Million – Director of Middle TN State Veteran Cemetery – He has been with the state for 26 years.  Started as an entry level maintenance employee and worked his way up to director.  The cemetery has only used 50 of their 250 acres so far.  They have completed over 18,000 burials.  There are 5 state veteran cemeteries across Tennessee.  Robert was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for supporting Post 281.

OPENING CEREMONY

At 18:45 Vice CMDR Snuck called the Post to order.  Chaplain Hale offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Don Barnes.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

Past Commanders and Distinguished Guests

Vice CMDR Snuck recognized Post 281 Past Commanders Lew Hightower and Max Wix.

New members were welcomed:

•  No new members present

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 Shawn Taylor.  Seconded by Pattie Whitmore.  Motion Approved.

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  • Excused

• 1^ST VICE – Mike Faoro
  •  Excused

• 2^ND VICE – Bob Snuck
  • 10 members of the Tyler Cates family showed up at the post picnic on Oct 5^th.  His father has severe medical issues but did not take any medication prior to the picnic.  He said he wanted to be clear headed to remember the event.
  • Oct 19^th will be Halloween in the Park at Charlie Daniels Park.  A sign-up roster was passed around. 
  • Cmdr. Ward has designed a Post Challenge Coin, and it was approved by the Executive Committee.  The coins will cost a little over $5 to produce and will be sold to members for $10 to help with fund raising and to cover the cost of additional coins in the future.  Members will be able to trade these coins and additionally the coins can be given to guest speakers and prominent visitors.

• ADJUTANT – Shawn Taylor
  • We are at 125 of our 225 goal for renewals.  This is 55.5% and the department wants posts at 55% at this time.
  • Mid-Winter Conference will be January 11^th-12^th at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.
  • National says that membership dues shall be paid by October 20^th of the year preceding the start of the next calendar year.  That being said, all dues for 2025 need to be paid by October 20^th, 2024, or you shall be considered late.
  • The Department’s Legion Family Picnic will be on October 26^th, 2024, at Fall Creek Falls.  Please RSVP with Ginney Hal Plunkett.

• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  • Post 281 finances are healthy.  $14,634 is in the checking at the end of September.  $22k in 3 CD’s.
  • The Christmas banquet will be December 10^th at the Rutland Place Senior Living.  Sign up sheet is being passed around.  $20 per person.
  • Financial review audit for the mid-year will be conducted at the end of November.
  • $470 was collected in donations at the picnic.  An additional $374 was collected at this meeting from the collection jar.  Additionally, Jeff Mattingly contributed and a total of $875.08 was used to purchase items and then donated to the Lebanon Fire Department for delivery to the victims of the flood in East Tennessee from Hurricane Helene.

• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
  • Please have your spouses consider joining the auxiliary.  They support the post.
  • Early voting starts October 16^th.

• CHAPLAIN – David Hale
  • SICK CALL
• Lew Hightower. Doing much better.  Present tonight
• Pat Constanzo.  Needs prayers.  Wife Betty passed away on September 30^th.  He is currently in Houston with family.
• Max Wix.  Has lymphoma Leukemia.  He is taking it one day at time and waiting on a plan from the doctors.  Present tonight.
• Chas Spampinato.  Has been very dizzy lately.  Not sure what is causing it.

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
  • Nothing to Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
  • District Competition for 2025 will be on February 8^th at St Stephens Church from about 0800-1400.  Volunteers will be needed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• John Herko – The Constitution and ByLaws calls for an annual financial audit.  It has never been completed before.  A comprehensive audit was done, and no discrepancies were found.  The audit team did recommend some procedural changes that will help to facilitate a clearer picture of the financial transactions and help to ease the speed of the next audit.

NEW BUSINESS

• John Herko – The fall buddy checks will start tomorrow.  The November general meeting will have a report of the checks.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• The Warrior BBQ Bash will be held this weekend on Sunday October 13^th from 1pm – 8pm, at Rural Hill Farms in Mt Juliet.  $25 per ticket.  They have National sponsors, including the National American Legion, and will be giving away prizes.  There are cottages and RV spots with full hook-ups. 
• Robert Fields – This year will be the 225^th year of Wilson County.  Celebration will be in Lebanon October 25^th-27^th.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, 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 1947 hrs. 

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJUTANT Shawn R Taylor   

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 10 September 2024

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

CONVENED:  1839   ADJOURNED: 1940  

MEMBERS PRESENT: 22      VISITORS: 2   POST OFFICERS: 7   TOTAL: 31

ASSEMBED

At 1800 hrs., the doors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC) were opened for food and fellowship.  Sergeant-at Arms, Don Barnes, provided pizza and soft drinks for members and guests.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

• Jason Bunch – Prospective Member
• Don Moody – Prospective Member
• Phil Ponder – Local artist and past Metro Councilmember. 

OPENING CEREMONY

At 18:30 CMDR Ward called the Post to order and offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Don Barnes.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

Past Commanders and Distinguished Guests

• Phil Ponder is a featured speaker, originally from Ocala, FL.  Graduated with a BS/BA from the USN Candidate school.  Served on a mine sweeper.  He gave his speech, “I am the American Flag”.  Red signifies courage, white for purity and blue for determination.  The Flag was originally brought to Betsy Ross with 6-point stars.  She converted them to 5-point stars. 

New members were welcomed:

• None

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Motion to wave the reading and accept as written the July and August minutes that were posted on the post’s website was made by Robert St. John.  Seconded by John Drenk.  Motion Approved.

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  • The new post sticker was shown to the membership.  Resembles the old sticker but with the American Flag filling the sides and is larger. The sticker will be used as a medallion on a plaque that will be created and presented to distinguished guests and/or community leaders in the future.
  • The annual picnic will depend on the weather, scheduled to be held on 14 Sep.
  • Made special mention of the recent passing of members Ray Forester and Pat Kain, who were both active in post events in the past.  Also included was information about SPC R. Vaden, where members of our post helped secure the final resting place for a Veteran that had passed, and his remains were never properly entombed.   Chaplin Hale led a moment of silence in their memory and in recognition of those who passed during the 9-11 tragedy on our nation along with the Veterans mentioned.  

• 1^ST VICE – Mike Faoro
  • In remembrance of 9/11; 23 years ago, this evening, 3,000 families would spend their last night together without knowing it.  “Never Forget”

• 2^ND VICE – Bob Snuck
  • September 14^th is a celebration for Tyler Cates.  Bring a side dish.
  • September 28^th is the veteran’s ball.
  • October 19^th is Halloween in the Park.
  • November 11^th is Veteran’s Day.       
  • December 10^th is the banquet.
  • December 14^th is the Christmas Parade.

• ADJUTANT – Shawn Taylor
  • The Department will begin depositing funds from online renewals in December.
  • Tennessee Legion College will be September 28^th and 29^th, 2024.  Online Basic Training is a prerequisite.
  • Former Post 88 commander, Mike Griffin, is now the Department Assistant Adjutant.
  • Mid-Winter Conference will be January 11^th and 12^th, 2025 in Murfreesboro.
  • National Commander, LaCoursiere, Visit Posts 17 and 88 on September 14^th and 15^th.
  • 5 members passed away in August;
    • Raymond Forester Jr; #202624188
    • John Patrick Kane; #201275287
    • Bobby Gammons; #200534468
    • Ed Binkley; #202195678
    • William C Thompson; #200502078
• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  Post 281 finances are healthy.  $15,442 is in the checking.  $22k in 3 CD’s.
  • Next month the sign-up sheet for the banquet will be passed around.

• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
  • Excused
  • Per Cmdr., shortfall from congress is being held from the V.A. Call your congressman and tell them to release the funds.

• CHAPLAIN – David Hale
  • SICK CALL
• George Barnes.  Hanging in there.  Struggling.  Can not sit for long.
• Lew Hightower. Doing well.
• Fred Higdon.  Knee replacement.
• Pat Constanzo.  Needs prayers.  Wife Betty has severe depression.
• Max Wix.  Has lymphoma Leukemia.  Nugget passed away.  He had belonged to their daughter, Robin, before her passing.

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
  • Nothing to Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
  • Busy week last week.  3 funerals.  That makes 479 ceremonies since the honor guard’s inception in 2011.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Nothing to Report

NEW BUSINESS

• Nothing to Report

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• Property tax exemption for veterans that are 100% disabled is only funded through 2025.  Reach out to your elected officials and tell them to extend it.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, 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 1940 hrs. 

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJUTANT Shawn R Taylor   

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 11 June 2024

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

CONVENED:  1832    ADJOURNED:  2006   

MEMBERS PRESENT: 32      VISITORS:  3     POST OFFICERS: 8     TOTAL:  43

ASSEMBED

At 1800 hrs., the doors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC) were opened for food and fellowship.  Sergeant-at Arms Don Barnes provided pizza and soft drinks for members and guests.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

• Quilts of Valor was presented to Barry Mortensen, USAF.  The QOV have presented over 382,000 quilts in the last 21 years.
• Valissa Saindon – The MJSAC will have a membership drive.  Membership runs from July 1 to June 30.  For 55 and up the dues are $60/year.  They get food from Chic Fil A 3 times a week, Cheddars and fresh bread.  The new building is expected by July 2026.

OPENING CEREMONY

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

Past Commanders and Distinguished Guests

CMDR Ward recognized Post 281 Past Commanders Lew Hightower and Max Wix, as well as Pat Unger, Department of Tennessee Constitution and Bylaws Chair, Post 281 Past Commander, and current Tennessee Detachment Commander of the Sons of the American Legion.

New members welcomed:

• Hoss Peterson – transfer from Post 2000, USN 88-95, attended the meeting
• Roger Brugger – transfer from Post 2000, USAF, attended the meeting
• Herbert Peterson – transfer from Post 2000
• John Burna – transfer from Post 2000
• Khalid Abdul – transfer from Post 2000
• Debbie Hoffmann – transfer from Post 2000
  • Perspective New Members
    •  Sam Ollis – USMC 98-05/06
    • Daniel Manard – USA

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Last month’s minutes were posted to the Members Only Section of the Post 281 website and emailed to registered members.  A motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Pat Unger. It was seconded by Lew Hightower. The motion passed with no nays. 

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  • Provided an After Action Report regarding the history and value of “Honoring America’s Flag” efforts and cooperation with the Mt. Juliet Exchange Club
    • 12th year of the joint effort
    • Typically provide around $5,000 to post funds in profit from sales of flags
    • Highest visibility event the post does in our community.   Typically results in new members joining the post as well.
    • Best combined post members-event we participate in.  
    • We have always experienced stormy weather conditions.  This year’s early take down was unnecessary, but at the decision point of execute, it was the best decision with the information available for later that evening.  
    • For the foreseeable future, we will continue with this event. 
  • New Tri-Fold; Cmdr went over it and handed out several to members to hand out to people in the community.
  • Cmdr is looking for ideas for speakers at the upcoming General Meetings.

• 1^ST VICE – Mike Faoro
  • TN2000 – He is looking for 2-3 volunteers to help reach out to 16 people on the TN2000 list and invite to Post 281.

• 2^ND VICE – Bob Snuck
  • Sept 14^th – Ceremony for Tyler Cates.  Looking for anyone with contact to the family or friends.
  • Oct 19^th – Halloween in the Park
  • Nove 11^th – VET day at the Lebanon Veterans’ Center
  • Dec 10^th – Post’s Christmas Banquet
  • Dec 14^th – Christmas Parade

• ADJUTANT – Shawn Taylor
  • See Attached Adjutant’s Report

• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles – Excused
  • Post 281 finances are healthy.  $17k in the checking.  $20k in CD’s.  2 come up for renewal in June.  Exe Committee voted to renew.  1 to renew in August.  The Exe committee will evaluate at that time.
• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
  • 1948 – June 12^th President Harry Truman enacted the Armed Service Integration Act and thus June 12^th became known at Women Veterans’ Day.  Until that time women could not be considered “Veterans”, they were considered to “help” the military war effort.

• CHAPLAIN – David Hale and Chaz Spampinato
  • SICK CALL
    • George Barnes 615- 773-1950 Has been having some good days and some bad days.  When they went in on the artery in the neck it ended up being 85% blocked, so they had to work on that.  He is going in this Friday June 7^th to have the stitches removed from his neck. He is still having problems with his right hand. 
    • Pat Kain 615-310-3601 L/M 
    • Henry Queener 615 773-1977  Doing great.  Gwynn is having issues with her new hip.
    • Bob Ramsey 615 973-2880 The area on his tongue ended up not needing to be cut again after a pastor neighbor laid hands on him and prayed. He still does not have the results from his colin that they removed.
    • William (Bill) Warner 201-919-7781 His knee is doing well but he is having a lot of problems with sciatica and cannot stand for very long. 
    • Lew Hightower 615 418-6433 Surgery scheduled for Aug 12^th  
    • Fred Higdon 615 598-8363 L/M 
    • Max called Jesse Carney.  He had been in Las Vegas and returned with pneumonia.   He was in the hospital for three days but now at home. 
    • Chaz – Extremely high white blood cell count.  Has High B.P. which is usually low.
    • Jim Simpson – Having shoulder surgery
    • Keith Rowell – In V.A. Hospital.  Very dehydrated.  50% kidney function.

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
  • Nothing to Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
  • Had a busy May.  Over 472 ceremonies since inception

• Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Robert Fields
  • Had 7 members tonight.  Largest attendance ever!

• American Legion Riders – Director Bob Ramsey
  • Nothing to Report      
• Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
  • Nothing to Report

• Auxiliary – Gwynn Queener
  • No one present tonight

• Constitution and ByLaws – John Herko
  • Motion was made by John Herko to approve the updated 2024 version from the 2018 version.  Motion was seconded by Mike Faoro.  Under discussion, John informed the membership that Dept Adjutant, Dean Tuttle, reviewed the update and made recommendations/updates to keep the version with the proper protocols and wording.  John Herko then amended his motion to accept Dean Tuttle recommendations/updates.  Shawn Taylor seconded the motion.  That motion passed unanimously.  The new 2024 version of the Constitution and ByLaws was passed.  It will need to be accepted by the Department before becoming enacted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• A motion was made by adjutant Shawn Taylor to increase the dues for Post 281 from $45 annually to $50 annually beginning July 1^st, 2024.  Seconded by David Hale.  Under discussion it was brought up that the idea was talked about at the last several meetings to keep up with the increase in dues by the Dept and National, but it was never voted on by the membership.  Some members discussed making the dues higher, but finance officer Steve Iles has said in the past that not much income is gained from the dues.  Adjutant Taylor suggested that we not increase dramatically at this point with the current rate of inflation already burdening members.  The motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

• None

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• In October there will be a celebration for 225 years of Wilson Co.  Further info will need to be obtained to see where Post 281 can fit into that agenda.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Chaplain David Hale.  The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 2006 hrs. 

At 18:30 CMDR Ward called the Post to order.  Chaplain David Hale offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Don Barnes.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion…

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJUTANT Shawn R Taylor   

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 12 Mar 2024

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

CONVENED:  1830 hrs.    ADJOURNED:  2008 hrs.   

MEMBERS PRESENT: 31      VISITORS:  7      POST OFFICERS: 8      TOTAL:   46

ASSEMBED

At 1800 hrs., the doors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC) were opened for food and fellowship.  Tonight’s dinner was provided by Mission BBQ and served by Mary Roberts.  Mary spoke about the history of Mission BBQ and their vision.  They currently have 130 locations across 20 states.  She invited all Vietnam veterans to the restaurant in the Opry Mills Mall for a free BBQ sandwich on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29^th.      

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

• Quilts of Valor were presented to Bob Ramsey, Stephen Iles, and Ed Collins, by Robert St. John of the Music City Quit Guild and 1^st Vice John Herko.

• Mark Hinesley, President/CEO of Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce spoke on what the city is planning regarding the outlook for Mount Juliet.  The sales tax from businesses in the City of Mount Juliet fully funds the city government.  Costco is estimating that they will conduct 600 credit card transactions per hour. 

OPENING CEREMONY

At 18:30 CMDR Ward called the Post to order.  Chaplain David Hale, offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Don Barnes.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

Past Commanders and Distinguished Guests

CMDR Ward recognized Post 281 Past Commanders Lew Hightower and Max Wix.

New members were welcomed:

• No new members present.

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Last month’s minutes were posted to the Members Only Section of the Post 281 website and emailed to registered members.  A motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Shawn Taylor. It was seconded by Lew Hightower. The motion passed with no nays. 

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  • The annual Honoring America’s Flag event, in cooperation with the West Wilson Exchange Club, will be held May 23^rd – 27^th.  We would like some volunteers to help reach out to area businesses for sponsors.
  • It was also suggested that we set up a collection site at HAF for the disposal of flags and work in conjunction with the Boy Scouts.

• 1^ST VICE – John Herko
  • Constitution and By-Laws were last approved in 2018.  The executive committee met and made 40 changes.  The membership will have 2 months to review and vote to approve them in May 2024.  At that time members can make motions for additions, deletions, and changes.  It will then be sent to the Dept of TN for final approval. 
    • Most changes were in relation to spelling and grammar.
    • Most significant changes were to make the service officer a voting member, define who sits on committees, and a better understanding of the process and dates for the election of officers.
    • There is also now a process for dealing with requests for donations from the post.
  • Buddy checks will begin in April.  He will be looking for volunteers to make calls.

• 2^ND VICE – Mike Faoro
  • Melvin Gatewood will be conducting his 3-mile memorial Ruck March in honor of Tyler Cates this Saturday, March 16^th, from 8-12 at Charlie Daniels Park.  They need some volunteers to provide water to the participants.  Bring your own chair.
  • The Auxiliary tree sale is coming up in April.  He is looking for volunteers to drive the trucks to pick up the trees on April 12^th and support the workers on the 13^th.  If interested, please contact him or one of the post officers.
  • March 29^th is Vietnam Veterans Day.  The Lebanon Veterans Center will be hosting a celebration as well as Mission BBQ will be giving sandwiches to all Vietnam Vets.

• ADJUTANT – Shawn Taylor
  • See Attached Adjutant’s Report for Membership Data
  • Anyone interested in going to the National Conference is advised to reserve their rooms early.  Dept of TN adjutant Dean Tuttle has an informational flyer if interested.

• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  • Post 281 finances are healthy.  $17,24t in the checking.  Additional $20k in CD’s.
  • Fiscal year end May 31^st and new year starts Jun 1^st.
  • He is looking for volunteers to sit on the budget committee.

• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
  • The VA is hosting a webinar on Training Tuesday about Medicare.
  • The VA is looking for volunteers to answer the phone for Veterans in Crisis.
  • March is Women’s history month.
  • The VA has a 109-page document available that explains all federal benefits for veterans.

• CHAPLAIN – David Hale
  • SICK CALL
• Chaz Spampinato: Still in Florida.  His wife, Sheila, is doing better.  3 weeks ago, he lost his nephew. 2 weeks ago, he lost his niece.  1 week ago, he lost his brother.  Prayers are needed.
• Frank Abercrombie:  He fell and broke his hand.
• Max and Gloria Wix:  Doing much better.  They are at the meeting tonight.
• Henry Queener:  He is receiving cancer treatments.
• Bob Ramsey:  Doing well and here tonight.  He has a follow up coming.  The last biopsy came up benign.  

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
  • Nothing to Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
  • Steve is still in Florida.  CMDR Ward advised that the honor guard received a word of thanks for their participation in the funeral of Col. Larnie.

• Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Dan Rhame
  • SAL adjutant, Lew Hightower, said they need 6 more to renew.
  • SAL will be electing officers next month.
  • Lew is stepping down as adjutant and needs someone to step up and take the position.

• American Legion Riders – Director Bob Ramsey
  • Nothing to Report      

• Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
  • 2 competitions have been completed so far.  Abigal won both the local and the district.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Nothing to Report

NEW BUSINESS

• Nothing to Report

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• Jim Carroll – Joined the SONS.  He grew up in the American Legion and never knew about SAL.  His dad was a WWII veteran.
  • He is working on a section for the website called “Post Everlasting” about all the members that have passed on.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Chaplain David Hale.  The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage.  This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 2008 hrs. 

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJ Shawn R Taylor   

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date: 13 Feb 2024

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

CONVENED:  1912 hrs.    ADJOURNED:  2008 hrs.   

MEMBERS PRESENT: 26      VISITORS: 3      POST OFFICERS: 8      TOTAL: 37

ASSEMBED

At 1800 hrs., doors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC) were opened. Sgt-at-Arms Don Barnes provided Pizza and soft drinks.

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

• MJSAC – Valissa Saindon
  • Spoke about MJSAC activities and membership.  They currently have 450.
  • In about 18 months they will move to a new building which is the current police department.
  • MJSAC is selling raffle tickets for March 9^th; $50 to include meal.

• Zabrina Seay – Wilson Co Veteran Service Officer
  • She has 5 personnel in her office to assist veterans.
  • They can perform notary, Limited P.O.A., and Wills.
  • Saturday May 4^th will be a mental health fair with the county. 
    • Does Post 281 want to sponsor a table to promote the post?
  • September 28^th at The Mill; Veteran Ball
    • Money goes to help veterans in crisis.
  • The Wilson Warrior program will assist veterans that want their name on the wall.

OPENING CEREMONY

At 19:00 CDR Ward called the Post to order.  Past Chaplain Rolus Smith, offered prayer, followed by placement of the POW/MIA Flag at the designated memorial table by Sgt-at-Arms Don Barnes.  This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion.

Past Commanders and Distinguished Guests

None present.

New members were welcomed:

            Bridget Passatore – Joined today.

READING OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Commander Ward advised that minutes were posted and emailed to all members with email addresses and asked if anyone wanted the minutes read.  It was accepted with no nays.

OFFICERS REPORT

• COMMANDER – Terry Ward
  • Reminded members that 988 is a number you can call for veterans in distress.
  • The tree sale with auxiliary will be on April 13^th, at Mt. Juliet Bap Church.   The tree order form is available on the post website, latest news, auxiliary tree sales.
  • Boys State will be in 19-24 May.  $425. each and the post will sponsor 10.  Interviews will start in March with the event at TN Tech, Cookeville, TN.
  • RFTW will be coming thru Mt. Juliet and refuels at Pete’s Truck Stop, May 19^th .at 3:30 PM
  • HAF is coming up, 23-27 May.
  • Looking for members interested in resurrecting a baseball team.
  • 112 Harman Dr, Lebanon – Will be the location of a Veteran Center for Wilson County.

• 1^ST VICE – John Herko
  • Buddy Check – Recognized Katie Sarazine and Wayne Smith for their help in making calls.
  • No QOV today.  Joann Giltner is leaving the program.  She has done 13 thus far.  From this point on we will be coordinating with Music Valley Quilting.

• 2^ND VICE – Mike Faoro
  • Department convention is June 16^th and 17^th.
  • The National Convention is in New Orleans this year. 23-29 Aug,
  • Reminded members of the Basic Training program available online.

• ADJUTANT – Shawn Taylor
  • See Attached Adjutant’s Report

• FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
  • Finances are strong.  $17,760 balance at end of January.  Plus $15k in CD’s
  • Paid $300 to MJSAC for the yearly rental at $25 a month.

• SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
  • Veteran stress balls and gun locks are available for all who what them.

• CHAPLAIN – David Hale
  • SICK CALL was read by 2^nd Vice Mike Faoro
    • Frank Abercrombie – He has fallen again and hurt his arm badly. They have ordered and received an electric scooter for him, so he does not have to try to walk so much. They are going to be moving his room on Friday to room 41. The doctor is supposed to be coming and seeing him again this week about his arm.
    • Henry Queener – Tomorrow they will start February’s treatments on him.
    • Bob Ramsey – In January he had his appointment for the cancer he had on his tongue and that went well but in November they found colon cancer and had to operate on that.  He goes back in April for a recheck.
    • George Burn – Back is still doing the same and has not felt relief and is supposed to go back to the doctor’s next week and hopefully they will be able to help him.
    • Keith Rowell – Bob Ramsey Told me that he had fallen at work last month and was unconscious. He said that he is back at work but still needs prayers.
    • Chaz Spampinato’s wife – Sheila, is doing better but still needs to regain strength and heal fully from the Gerd and acid reflux.
    • Tara Lanardi – Pat’s Unger’s stepdaughter, was diagnosed a little over a year ago with cancer, just shortly after she was promoted to Colonel in the Army. The cancer spread rapidly which led to a stroke. Last Wednesday she passed away at only 48 years old. His wife is having a very difficult time dealing with it. They will be in Florida until April, so the distance makes it even more difficult.

• SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
  • Nothing to Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
  • Honor Guard member, Cary Cundall, reported that Steve in in Florida.
  • The honor guard posted colors for the American Job Center in Metro Center.

• Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Dan Rhame
  • Joe Chilando advised there was nothing to report.

• American Legion Riders – Director Bob Ramsey
  • The commander advised there was nothing to report.

• Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
  • Post oratorical chairman, Bruno, reported that February 24^th will be the district oratorical.  They need volunteers desperately; a minimum of 2 timekeepers, 2 escorts, 5 monitors, and 3 tally people.
  • March 9^th will be the division oratorical.
  • March 30^th will be the department oratorical.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Nothing to Report

NEW BUSINESS

• Nothing to Report

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

• Sergeant at Arms, Don Barnes, was presented with his Basic Training Pin for completing his online training.
• Robert Fields reported that early voting for Wilson County starts tomorrow.
• Guest, Melvin Gatewood, is the president and co-founder of “Operation Continued Service”.  His organization will be honoring Tyler Cates on March 16^th at Charlie Daniels Park in Ground Room B from 8am to noon.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Past 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 2008 hrs.