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Community Rewards

We sent out an update back in March before the flurry of activity leading up to our June meeting. We just received our quarterly statement so I wanted to share that with everyone and introduce our newest members to one of the Easiest, Most Painless Way to help support the post financially!

Here’s our current status. 21 households enrolled, earned $54.73 for the 1st Quarter, I think, without going out of the way. It just takes a few minutes to sign up.

The screenshots below have been updated. Update, update, update, I KNOW…

If you’re having trouble signing up, reply to this email and let me know when I can call to help.

Most everyone has one of these. That is an account with Kroger that allows you to take advantage of their discounts and accrue fuel points or other rewards.

Other Rewards?

Other Rewards like Community Rewards!

You may remember some past postings here titled, “Almost Painless“. Here’s how the ‘new’ screens look.

Start the Kroger App on your phone and Click on the Head & Shoulders icon at the top left

Scroll Down PAST, “My Account

Select, “Community Rewards

It may say “Change Organization” or Search for (Find an Organization) DS341 and Select “Enroll” and you’re done!

For those wishing to use a computer:

The following screenshots have not been updated,

Log on to the Kroger webpage and click on the Head & Shoulders icon at the upper right.

Select “My Account“, then Select, “Community Rewards

It may say “Change Organization” or Search for (Find an Organization) DS341 and Select “Enroll” and you’re done!

That was Almost Painless wasn’t it?

Post Meeting Agenda 6-9-26

Agenda for June 9, 2026 Regular Post meeting,  CDP/ Community Center RM B

4:45 TO 5:30 pm, SONS of the AMERICAN LEGION meeting, to be held in the small conference room.   5:30 PM Social time of food and camaraderie

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

Recognize former Commanders present and guests and new members or visitors.

Dana Craven from Post TN0005 to Post TN 0281

New member Nathon Moore, not present, recruited by Pat Unger at the HAF event.  Thank you Pat!

Review the posting of the minutes from the last meeting. Since being published on June 6, 26 across the website email to members, I make a motion to waive the reading of the minutes and recommend approval.     

Recognize SAL members present, discussion of status of the Post 281 SAL need for members..  

CDR’s comments and updates:

At our June 2, EC meeting we went over the transitions for the new Executive Council for the Commander, First Vice, Second Vice and Adjutant to make sure that the continuity of roles and responsibilities were taking place.  Hand offs were on target and financial signature changes are being made.  We also reviewed events for the post for the upcoming year, We reviewed the direction of the post on several fronts:  Closer Involvement with the Post Auxiliary, working with the senior center to establish a meeting location, more active involvement with the community and our yearly awards program with MJPD, MJFD, WCSO, Employer of the year in Mt Juliet, City if Mt. Juliet officials and Guest Speakers that post members want to hear from and lastly, recruiting new members to our post.

 Boys state funding status, 11 applicants, 4 MJ HS/8 GHHS 1 Gallatin Mt. Juliet Rotary funding  $1000, and Del Webb Vet’s Group $425, parents portion to be $100. Parents funded $100 per person.  Former Post Commander Terry Ward and Commander Mike Faoro attended their graduation/installation ceremony in Cookeville at TTU on May 30, 2026.  It was an impressive ceremony to watch how enthusiastic and responsible this year’s class conducted themselves.  Attendance is really an honor for each participant as it is also a great resume item to list as well. We have scheduled two Boys State members that the post sent to give a brief presentation on their experience:  Kohem Bitler and Everett Lawson

We are honored to have with us as our speaker this night a strong USMC Veteran SgtMaj, Jon Henry, PhD.  Jon is also running for a seat in congress for the newly revised 6th district.  John served for 27 years and now lives in the Smithville area.  He is an avid farmer/rancher who sees a big picture of what is happening in these fields.  He has recently completed his PhD which means he has some strong knowledge and a great message to share with us tonight.

June 22, is the funeral service for one of our own, Cary Cundall, at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, TN at 11:00    

This July 4, is the 250th anniversary of our country.  There are several activities happening in the community to recognize this milestone anniversary.   As of today, the post has not been invited to participate in any event.

Other upcoming events:

Department Convention at the Sheraton Nashville Hotel June 26-28.  Several of the EC members are attending.

County Fair Coverage August 13-22

National Convention in Louisville, KY August 26-31

Tennessee Legion College September 26-27 Department Headquarters, Nashville

Halloween in the Park October 24.

Christmas Dinner – December 8

Christmas Parade, December 12.

Buddy Checks – TBD

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

Old unfinished business  ?    

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

Closing Protocol

ALL HANDS ON DECK #2

THANKS TO ALL for your support of this year’s Honor America’s Flag event.

The flags have all been taken down and put away until next year. The weather just wasn’t with us this year.

We had hoped to set up and do some recruiting at Needham’s drone show tomorrow evening but again, given the forecast we’ve decided to cancel the recruiting idea. We have not heard whether or not Needham’s plans to go forward with the drone show.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Let’s all send out our heartfelt thoughts and prayer to our Heroes.

Thank you!

14th Annual Honor America’s Flag #2

The 14th Annual Honor America’s Flag event, hosted by the Exchange Club of Wilson County and American Legion Post 281, is more than a display — it is a community experience. It is a place for reflection, gratitude, and connection. Walking among the rows of flags is both humbling and inspiring, offering a moment to pause and remember what unites us as Americans.

The display is open to the public at no charge beginning the afternoon of

Thursday 5/21 running through Monday early afternoon 5/25.

Shortly after getting the field put up we had our 1st sponsor to honor one of their heroes!

Thank You Lt. Ronan!

Scroll down for the link to order your flag kit online!

We invite you to visit, reflect, and take part in this meaningful celebration of service, sacrifice, and 250 years of American spirit.

Each flag stands for a life, a sacrifice, a commitment to something greater than self. Behind every flag is a name, a story, and a legacy. Flags may be sponsored to recognize veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, loved ones, or any American whose life reflects patriotism and service.

For 250 years, the Stars and Stripes has symbolized courage, resilience, and unity. It has endured through triumph and trial, reminding us that while times change, our shared ideals remain. As we gather beneath these flags, we are reminded that freedom is not inherited without cost — it is preserved by those willing to serve.

For those that may be interested in sponsoring the event, Click Here, for the order form (printable) which outlines the different sponsorship levels. Additionally, the Colonial Flag Foundation’s website is hosting a page for additional information and online payment methods for sponsors and individuals wanting to honor their heroes.

There are still several slots available for volunteers to help out with the event. Please consider spending a little time helping out and sign up at our next meeting 5/12/26. We need your help.

HAF Coverage #2 #3

This IS our biggest fundraiser of the year

Ladies and Gents, We need your help! Please reply to this email with date(s)/time(s) you can Help.

Please also keep in mind that on Monday 5/25 afternoon we’ll need ALL HANDS to help breakdown.

Please excuse the rough looking chart. I’m not really good at this.

Thursday
5/14/26
Prep Day
Load Trailer
9:00Nancy Britt’s home
Nancy BrittJeff & Sherry MattinglyTerry WardPat UngerPat CostanzoRoger Brugger
Steve IlesPatti WhitmoreJoe ChilandoMason, Nancy’s GrandsonTHANKS TO ALL
Thursday
5/21/26
Rebar and Flag Installation>>>>>>>>BRING
AND
SMALL WORKSLEDGE GLOVESHAMMERS PLEASE
8:15
Transport to field by 0900
Jeff Mattingly
8:00Field Layout
Mike FaoroPat Unger
9:00Installation
5/21/26ALL HANDS ON DECKCounty Sheriff’s CrewPat CostanzoChaz SpampinatoMike FoleyJohn Herko
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ThursdayFridaySaturdaySundayMonday
5/21/265/22/265/23/265/24/265/25/26
One Volunteer7:00 – 10:00XXXXXXXXXPat CostanzoJohn HerkoThe ChatfieldsDennis Wilcockson
John Coulter
Two Volunteers10:00 – 14:00Mike FaoroDelmar SmithCarl PuelsJohn Herko????????????
Scott CryerW. Wayne SmithRoger Brugger????????????????????????
Two Volunteers14:00 – 18:00Roger BruggerSteve IlesSteve IlesPatti WhitmoreRemoval & Clean Up begin @ 14:30
????????????Don BarnesJeff Mattingly????????????ALL HANDS ON DECK
One Volunteer18:00 – 22:00Rick Wheeler????????????????????????????????????XXXXXXXXX
————–————–————–————–————–————-————-
Needham’s Drone Show5/25/26Show starts at 20:45
Recruiting Event17:00 – 20:15Patti Whitmore
Come hang out with us Bring a ChairThe more the marrier!Jeff & Sherry Mattingly

Rear parking lot of First Baptist (MJCA), 735 N, Mt Juliet  Rd with our canopy, tables, chairs, information about the post and coins to sell. Our Needham’s POC is Janet.

Doors Open to the public about 7pm (some may show up earlier) and we can set up any time after 4pm and wind down about 8:30.  And wait for the Drone show that starts at 8:45pm.

I have a table (that is Jeff’s), so we would need to get the canopy and everyone bring a chair.  and a few volunteers…This would be right after our Flag take down event.

HAF Coverage #2

This IS our biggest fundraiser of the year

Ladies and Gents, We need your help! Please reply to this email with date(s)/time(s) you can Help.

Please also keep in mind that on Monday 5/25 afternoon we’ll need ALL HANDS to help breakdown.

Please excuse the rough looking chart. I’m not really good at this.

Thursday
5/14/26
Prep Day
Load Trailer
9:00Nancy Britt’s home
Nancy BrittJeff & Sherry MattinglyTerry WardPat UngerPat CostanzoRoger Brugger
Steve IlesPatti WhitmoreJoe ChilandoMason, Nancy’s GrandsonTHANKS TO ALL
Thursday
5/21/26
Rebar and Flag Installation>>>>>>>>BRING AND SMALL WORKSLEDGE GLOVESHAMMERS PLEASE
8:15
Transport to field by 0900
Jeff Mattingly
8:00Field Layout
Mike FaoroPat Unger
9:00Installation
ALL HANDS ON DECKCounty Sheriff’s CrewPat CostanzoChazMike FoleyJohn Herko
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ThursdayFridaySaturdaySundayMonday
5/21/265/22/265/23/265/24/265/25/26
One Volunteer7:00 – 10:00XXXXXXXXXPat CostanzoJohn HerkoThe ChatfieldsDennis Wilcockson
John Coulter
Two Volunteers10:00 – 14:00Mike FaoroDelmar SmithCarl PuelsJohn Herko????????????
Scott CryerW. Wayne SmithRoger Brugger????????????????????????
Two Volunteers14:00 – 18:00Roger BruggerSteve IlesSteve IlesPatti WhitmoreRemoval & Clean Up begin @ 14:30
????????????Jeff Mattingly????????????????????????ALL HANDS ON DECK
One Volunteer18:00 – 22:00Rick Wheeler????????????????????????????????????XXXXXXXXX
————–————–————–————–————–————-————-
Needham’s Drone Show5/25/26Show starts at 20:45
Recruiting Event17:00 – 20:15Patti Whitmore
Come hang out with us Bring a ChairThe more the marrier!Jeff & Sherry Mattingly

Rear parking lot of First Baptist (MJCA), 735 N, Mt Juliet  Rd with our canopy, tables, chairs, information about the post and coins to sell. Our Needham’s POC is Janet.

Doors Open to the public about 7pm (some may show up earlier) and we can set up any time after 4pm and wind down about 8:30.  And wait for the Drone show that starts at 8:45pm.

I have a table (that is Jeff’s), so we would need to get the canopy and everyone bring a chair.  and a few volunteers…This would be right after our Flag take down event.