Ok all you volunteers, below you will find a website link to use to sign up for a time slot at the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair American Legion information booth, at the Veterans’ Building at the Wilson County Fair Ground. All you do is click on the link, pick your day and time and when asked insert your data. You will be remind 2 days before the time you’re schedule to work at the email address you provide. You will also notice that there is a 1-5 pm slot during the week, but the Fair doesn’t open until 5pm so ignore the week days but not for the weekends. If you have any questions or troubles contact Terry Ward @ 615-519-6523 or Bob Snuck @ 615-479-1968. Free entrance parking passes will be coordinated with those that sign up for booth coverage.
Ok all you volunteers, below you will find a website link to use to sign up for a time slot at the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair American Legion information booth, at the Veterans’ Building at the Wilson County Fair Ground. All you do is click on the link, pick your day and time and when asked insert your data. You will be remind 2 days before the time you’re schedule to work at the email address you provide. You will also notice that there is a 1-5 pm slot during the week, but the Fair doesn’t open until 5pm so ignore the week days but not for the weekends. If you have any questions or troubles contact Terry Ward @ 615-519-6523 or Bob Snuck @ 615-479-1968. Free entrance parking passes will be coordinated with those that sign up for booth coverage.
a.13 Aug meeting, Abigail Whicker will give her Oration to the post. Phil Ponder to present his “I am the American Flag” presentation.
b. State/Wilson County Fair, 15-24 Aug, We will have booth space to share with other Post 15, and the VFW. See signup sheet being for June and Aug sheet.
c. Sept meeting, Boys State attendees as guest to chat with post.
14 Sep ceremony in honor of Tyler Cates in Sep, or post picnic and then a special time of reflection about Tyler during the picnic? Picnic…, Pavilion #5 is reserved from 8 AM until 4 PM.
d. Halloween in the Park in OCT, solicit candy in Sept, to include bringing it to the picnic.
e. Americanism, shooting coach, speakers in schools,
f. District/Division/Depart News and outcome of Mid Summer’s Conference.
Reviewed and Approved By: COMMANDER Terry Ward, POST 281, Tyler Cates, Dept of TN
CONVENED: 1830 ADJOURNED: 2047
MEMBERS PRESENT: 28 VISITORS: 1POSTOFFICERS:7TOTAL: 36
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
State Representative Susan Lynn for District 57. She has sat for 10 general assemblies. This year the state legislature passes a $52 Billion budget. Last year it was $64 Billion. She spoke about several laws she helped to pass. Rep Lynn discussed current issues that face our community and our state. She also answered multiple questions from members that were present.
OPENING CEREMONY
At 18:30 CMDR Ward called the Post to order. Assistant Chaplain Chaz Spampinato, 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, and Pat Unger who is a Past Commander as well as the current SAL Detachment Commander for TN.
New members were welcomed:
Paul Hopper
Long time member Dean Gregory
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
27 May there will be 2 Memorial Day ceremonies; 0900 at the Lebanon Museum and the 2nd one will be at Del Webb
Offered a discussion of the value of the Honoring America’s Flag event conducted in cooperation with the Mt. Juliet’s Exchange club and it’s President, Nancy Britt. This is a unique event for our post in its interaction with the Mt. Juliet Community and is technically the biggest outreach event we as a post conduct. It’s our “Super Bowl” of events, where more of our members participate than in any other activity, other than the annual Christmas Banquet.
1ST VICE – John Herko
Budget presentation for 2024/2025
Buddy Checks – were conducted Pat Constanzo, John Herko, Jeff Mattingly, Jackie Price, Eric Rodriguez, Katie Sarazine, Delmar Smith, Wayne Smith, Chaz Spampinato, Terry Ward, and Max Wix.
A total of 267 contacts were attempted for both Post 281 and Post 2000 members. There was about a 30% rate of response.
QOV – 1 for June 2 for July, and 1 for August. Then the list is exhausted.
2ND VICE – Mike Faoro
HAF Planning and Execution
16 May – Prep Day at Nancy Britts Home on 291 Guill Rd at 0900
23 May – Layout and buildout at the Mt Juliet clock tower
0730 – Pat Unger and Carry Cundal conduct layout and marking at clock tower.
0830 – Volunteer with Sledgehammers and Leather Gloves for set up of field.
0930 – Trustees arrive to help with set up.
1000 – Assist Exchange club with escorts and sales. Begin 24hr. coverage.
Scheduled coverage of volunteers
24 May – Scheduled coverage
Blood Assurance Donations from 1400-1800
25 May – Scheduled Coverage
Program @ 5:00 PM HAF @ Clock Tower, David Hale Sing National Anthem, Honor Guard Presents the Colors, Abigail Whicker to give Oratorical presentation, Phil Ponder present the History of our American Flag, Blood Assurance Donations
26 May – Scheduled Coverage
27 May – Scheduled Coverage
1400-1500 / shut down and stow away per guidance from Nancy.
On or about 1500 transport all of the flags and the support material back to Nancy Britt’s home.
19 May is RFTW Bridge coverage from 1445 to 1530 on the Beckwith Rd Overpass.
19-24 May Boys State at TN Tech
23 May HAF layout and buildout
ADJUTANT – Shawn Taylor
See Attached Adjutant’s Report.
FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles
See Attached Finance Officer’s Report
SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore
Never too young for lifetime services
CHAPLAIN – Asst. Chaz Spampinato
SICK CALL
George Barnes 615-773-1950 He got out of summit hospital on April 10th. April 11th his wife became quite sick. They think it was the flu. On April 30th George returned to the doctor and was told they will be putting him in the hospital on the 16th of May to have an artery cleared in his neck. He still is having problems with his hand and cannot control it.
Pat Kain 615-310-3601 He fell and is now in rehab at Stone River Manor in Murfreesboro.
Henry Queener 615-773-1977 He will be having one more transfusion and the doctors feel that will be all that is needed. His numbers are going in the right direction. His wife Gwynne has gone through hip surgery and is doing very well doing physical therapy for six weeks. (Both Present)
Bob Ramsey 615 973-2880 Had to remove more of his colin and is waiting on results. He also has another area in his mouth that needs to be removed.
William Walsh 615 513- 6369 Had a kidney transplant in 2018 but says he is doing fine.
Wayne Smith was called as part of the buddy check program. On March 29th he had three discs removed in his neck and replaced with titanium ones. Not getting around very well right now.
William (Bill) Warner 201-919-7781 Had a knee replacement which is also a struggle with physical therapy and gaining full use of his knee. He is now dealing with sciatica. In a lot of pain.
Lew Hightower 615-418-6433 is going to be having surgery on his right arm. Also monitoring aorta valve. His next appointment is in August. (Present)
Fred Higdon is recovering from a partial knee replacement.
Lindsey Roberts, from the Wilson County Service Office, has cancer and is dealing with severe depression.
Pat Unger is recovering from a hip replacement. (Present)
Attached is a copy of the sympathy cards that have been sent since October.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
Nothing to Report
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Honor Guard – Capt. Steve Wren
468 services to date.
Last service was posting and retiring colors for a 1st of the 5th reunion. They gave Post 281 a unit flag.
Sons of the American Legion – TN Detach. CMDR Pat Unger
Squadron 281 elected new officers:
CMDR – Robert Fields
Adjutant – Don Barnes
Treasurer – Joe Chilando
American Legion Riders – Treasurer Joe Chilando
Phil Friedli and his son, along with 2 others, left California this morning to start their journey for RFTW.
Oratorical – Bruno Padovani
Nothing to Report
Finance Committee – John Herko
2024-25 budget was presented. After much discussion a motion to accept was made by John Herko. Seconded by Shawn Taylor. Motion carried with no nays.
Several members voiced concern of more expenses than projected income and think we should plan a reversed raffle for next year.
Budget is attached.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Nothing to Report
NEW BUSINESS
Nomination and election of New Officers
Commander, Terry Ward, continuing for 2nd year and 7th term.
Adjutant, Shawn Taylor, continuing for 3rd term.
Service Officer, Patti Whitmore, continuing for 2nd term.
1st Vice, Mike Faoro, 3rd term.
2nd Vice, Bob Snuck, 1st term.
Nomination: Shawn Taylor; Second: Pattie Whitmore
Finance Officer, Steve Iles, continues for 6th term.
Sgt-at-Arms, Don Barnes, continues for 1st full term.
Chaplin, David Hale, continues 3rd term.
The attending members voted unanimously to elect all.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Nothing to Report
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Asst. Chaplain Chaz Spampinato. The POW/MIA Flag was retrieved for storage. This was followed by honors to our flag and the meeting was adjourned at 2047 hrs.
ADJUTANT’S REPORT
CPR report was submitted on 5/13/2024. Annual report is for activities May 1st to April 30th.
2 New Joins: Roy Parsons and Robert St. John
2 deaths: Albert Thomas and Frank Abercrombie.
4 people are going to the Dept convention in June; Cmdr Ward, Adjutant Taylor, 2nd Vice Snuck and webmeister Jeff Mattingly.
TN American Legion College will be held at Dept HQ on Sept 28th and 29th, 2024.
NASCAR event on June 28th – 30th at the Nashville Super Speedway. Looking for volunteers. Contact Adjutant Tuttle.
Renewals for 2025 will begin on July 1st, 2024. New annual price is $50. $38 of which will be going to Dept and National.
Come and experience the Honoring America’s Flag display sponsored by the Mount Juliet Exchange Club and American Legion Post 281 of Mount Juliet, May 23rd through Memorial Day, May 27th , held at the Mt. Juliet Clock tower at the intersection of Mt. Juliet Road and East and West Division Street, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
A special Honoring our American Flag celebration will be held on May 25th at the park, sponsored by Legion Post 281. The Post Honor Guard will “Present the Colors” followed by Post Member SSG (USMC-R) David Hale singing The National Anthem. Mt. Juliet Christian Academy Junior Abigail Whicker will offer her award-winning speech about the meaning of our American Constitution, followed by a presentation by local historian Phil Ponder as he presents “I am the American Flag”.
Come and enjoy the patriotic spirit and joyful celebration.
If you would like to purchase a flag in honor of a loved one that served in our US Military, flags for purchase will be available too. Tie a yellow ribbon on the flag to dedicate your special message of devotion and love.
6:00 PM Pizza, Soft Drinks, and socialize time, Mt Juliet Senior Activity Center,
On or about 6:45, Opening protocol for meeting
Recognize Guest and State Rep Susan Lynn is the guest speaker.
Adoption of the distributed minutes
Officer reports
CDR presents Honoring America’s Flag (HAF) planning and execution.
Present Calendar of events for the month of May. Circulate coverage sheet for HAF.
16 May HAF prep day, Nancy Britts on 291 Guill Rd at 0900
19 May RFTW bridge coverage @ 2:45 to 3:30 on at the Beckwith Road overpass, (exit 229 on I-40) with American Flag waving at the RFTW riders head east to Pete’s Truck Stop for refuels.
19-24 May Boys State at TN Tech.
23 May HAF layout and buildout at the Mt Juliet clock tower/ Train Station
0730 Pat Unger and Carry Cundal conduct layout and marking at clock tower.
0830 Volunteer with Sledgehammers and Leather Gloves for set up of field.
0930 Trustees arrive to help with set up.
1000 Assist Exchange club with escorts and sales. Begin 2400 hr. coverage.
Scheduled coverage of volunteers Blood Assurance Donations
25 May, Scheduled Coverage, Program @ 5:00 PM HAF @ Clock Tower , David Hale Sing National Anthem, Hornor Guard Presents the Colors, Abigail Whicker to give Oratorical presentation, Phil Ponder present the History of our American Flag, Blood Assurance Donations
26 May, Scheduled Coverage
27 May, Scheduled Coverage, shut down and stow away at 1400-1500 as per guidance from Nancy Britt. On or about 1500 transport all of the flags and the support material back to Nancy Britt’s home.
Committee report:
Present Budge for 2024/2025 from John Herko
Sick Call/ Chaplain Assistant
Unfinished business / SAL/ HG/ AUX/ ALR reports
New Business: ELECTION OF 2024/2025 OFFICERS
Current Nominations
CRD Ward, continuing for second year and seventh term.
1st Vice, Mike Faoro third term
2nd Vice, Nomination of Bob Snuck
Adjutant Shawn Taylor continues for third term.
Finance Officer Steve Iles continues for 6th Term.
Service Officer Patti Whitmore continues for 2nd Term.
SGT AT Arms Don Barns continues for 1st full term.
Chaplin David Hale begins 3rd term.
Installation of Post Officers for Legion Year 2024/2025 conducted by former Post Commander Pat Unger
Hello to all members and friends of Post 281. It seems that our typical six weeks of winter is holding true again this year and by the end of February we’re well into Spring. Once spring arrives, our busy time will soon begin.
As I look in retrospect to the past Post 281 year, I take great pride in all we have accomplished. As always, our post offers great support in so many community efforts. Here is a quick review of 2023 for our post, and as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
