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Our Riders and Upcoming Events

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements, Post 281 American Legion Riders, Post 281 Honor Guard.

Phil Friedli has some information to share. Some old, some new.

On October 18th our Riders were out supporting the Wilson County Veterans Ride which was formerly known as the Bernie Ash Memorial Ride.

Yesterday, November 1st we were supporting riders and members of Post 75 Portland, TN. In observance of the passing of Aubrey “Ollie” Olive, a founding member of the riders chapter with the post. “Ollie” was a member of the legion for many years and he will be missed by many who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Upcoming events:

November 11th we will participate in the Lebanon Veterans Parade. Approximately 30 units will begin assembling at the First United Methodist, 415 West Main Street at 9:30 a.m. for the parade which will begin at 10:00 a.m., featuring color guards, high school bands, scouts, public service and military vehicles, motor cycles, horses, JROTC units, National Guard, all Veterans organizations, vets marching and riding, trollies and many other units. Leading the parade will be 100 year old WWII vet T/Sgt Elmer Marler of Watertown just received France’s highest honor, the Legion of Merit at the Tennessee State Capitol in October. The parade will turn from S. Hatton onto West Main Street, to the square, counter clockwise to East Main Street to the Veterans Park and Museum.

The Veterans Day ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. in compliance with the signing of the armistice ending WWI in 1918, and lasts for approximately one hour. The ceremony will consist of patriotic music, posting of the colors and wreaths to our war dead, raising of the service flags, recognizing all branches of the military and veterans. Gold Star Mothers, POW MIA. Color Guards and our American Legion Post 281 Honor Guard rifle volley preceding taps which ends the ceremony. The featured speaker this year is 1st Lt Norman F. Weber who as a child and as an American citizen, was held hostage in Hitler’s Germany and later served in the 82nd Airborne Division United States Army and the Air Force Reserve. Hot dogs and drinks will be served following the ceremony by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1004. The event is sponsored annually by: American Legion Post 15, the City of Lebanon and Wilson County. https://lebanonwilsonchamber.com/lebanon-veterans-day/

Then on November 15th our Riders are participating for the 3rd year in the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Veterans Day Parade an annual event held at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN, at 3400 Lebanon Rd. Pre-parade entertainment starting at 10 a.m. and the parade at 11 a.m.. The event is free and open to the public, featuring pre-parade entertainment, a ceremony, and the parade itself.  Phil says they bring patients out and it’s a good time. Come on out!

Kroger Community Rewards Update

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

Quick Update: The Kroger App has changed and since it ’tis the season we’d like to make it easy for you to help Post 281 continue to thrive.

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

Select, “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:

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

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?

2025 Christmas Banquet

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

American Legion Post 281 of Mt. Juliet would cordially like to invite you to attend our 15th annual Christmas banquet, being held on December 9th, 2025, at the Rutland Senior Center, 435 Northwest Rutland Rd., in the center’s banquet room.

Here’s a link for all the details and a convenient way to RSVP. We really need to hear from you by November 30, 2025.

RSVP

Funeral of a Marine

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in Announcements.

We’ve been notified by the family of the passing of Captain Gregory Rush, USMC.

Gregory Hal Rush September 17, 1966 — October 10, 2025

Gregory Rush funeral is on Tuesday October 28

Service at St Stephens Catholic church in Mt Juliet
14544 Lebanon Road, Old Hickory, TN 37138
Visitation at 11 am
Service 11:30-12:30

Military Burial at 2 pm at the
Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville
7931 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rush family

Regular Post meeting, 14 OCT, Agenda

Written by Terry Ward on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements.

Agenda for 14 OCT 2025 Regular Post meeting,  CDP/RM Bravo

Bring Candy for Halloween in the PARK, (18 OCT)  or make a cash donation at the sign-in table !!

Mission BBQ provides food for the meeting tonight.   Thank you Mission BBQ and Merry Roberts for your support.

Allow Merry Roberts to talk with assembled members before starting the meeting.  

Regular meeting primary agenda with events.

6:00 PM/Opening meeting protocol with 2nd Vice Adderholt conducting the meeting.  Welcome all members and guest and all visitors present. 

Recognize former Commanders present and special guest. 

Review the posting of the minutes from the last meeting being published on 29 Sep,  

Introduce Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto.    

Recruiting push?      Distribute the new Business Cards, encourage each member to keep a few in their wallets to distribute to any and all Veterans they come into contact with.   

Halloween In Da Park  18 OCT ,   Bring Candy and sign up to participate.   order of set up is random, need tent, table, chairs from storage locker on Belinda Pkwy, purchase more candy,

Picnic discussion,   25 OCT,    Charlie Daniels Park, Pavillion 2 reserved.  Discus menu and other activities like games and if there is going to be any planned activity.     Need sign-up roster/listing at 14 OCT meeting.   Who’s cooking, on what ?    I’ll bring the two horseshoe sets I have.    INVITE VETERANS, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!!!

Discus the multiple events coming over Veterans day, 11 Nov, and our next meeting day as well. 

11:00 am at the Veterans Museum in Lebanon, our HG and Commander will be involved in a Veteran’s day ceremony.  

Dell Webb is having a Veterans Day event, but I do not have the time for it to begin.

Mission BBQ is hosting their Veteran’s Day noon (12:00 pm) celebration with member David Hale singing the National Anthem.   Go by and get a free Sandwich.

 Marlstone Retirement Home of Providence is hosting a 2:00 pm Veteran’s Day celebration for their 9 Vets and anyone from the post is invited. 140 Providence Trail, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Our Regular meeting will be held at the normal time and place that evening.  Guest speaker will be Phil LaPrad with the VVA of Rutherford County  to discus all that he does for Veterans and what he has done recently, to include in helping some members of our post.

QOV award for next month’s meeting too.   WW II Veteran  Frank Michanowicz and family.  

John Herko to review the QOV offer.

Officer’s reports:  1st V / comments as 2nd V /  Adj / FO / SO / CHAP-sick call /  HG / ALR  POW-MIA /  AUX efforts?  /

Old unfinished business  ?

Next regular meeting 11 November, regular time and regular place.

Closing Protocol.   

Put support gear away and assure that you check with the front desk before leaving, all done before 7:45 PM.  

Membership Cards

Written by Bruno Padovani on . Posted in Announcements.

This is Bruno Padovani, the post adjutant. I have mailed 2026 membership cards to everyone who was a member of the post as of April 2026, and who renewed their memberships for 2026. I have NOT mailed out 2026 membership cards to new Legion members, or existing members who transferred into Post 281 after April. If you fall into either of these categories, are paid up for 2026, and wish me to mail you a 2026 membership card, please email me at bspadovanipost281mj@gmail.com.

VA Scams & Fraud Update

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

Thanks to Patti Whitmore our Post Service Office for passing this along.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to protecting you and your benefits from fraud and scams. We monitor the latest fraud and scam trends and share this critical information with you.

Overpayment Scam:
Beware of anyone contacting
you pretending to be VA 

Have you received a call, text or letter from someone pretending to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs alleging you have a substantial VA debt due to overpayment? It can be a scam! 

The scammer uses high pressure tactics to insist the debt must be repaid immediately via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other non-traditional payment methods. VA will never demand Veterans repay their debts in full up front, as VA offers many flexible payment plans at no additional cost. Official VA Debt Management Center (DMC) communication will provide specific details about the debt, offer secure payment through www.pay.va.gov,and your appeal or waiver rights.

If you are suspicious of a communication alleging to be VA, you can verify authenticity with VA at 1-800-827-1000 or contact the DMC at 1-800-827-0648. Never share sensitive information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information, when responding to unsolicited requests.

New Scams:

Bad actors continue to come up with new fraudulent schemes, from unpaid toll texts and fraudulent mailing messages to bereavement scams exploiting families after the loss of a loved one. 

  • Bereavement scams: Scammers exploit the vulnerability of grieving family members while contacting them to gather personal information or extort money with claims of fake debts owed by the deceased, inflated funeral expenses, processing fees, or unpaid insurance premiums.
  • Mail scams: Involve text messages alleging to be from shipping companies or the United States Postal Service attempting to make a delivery, demanding delivery fee payment, or with a gift offer.
  • Unpaid Toll Texts: Individuals receive a text notification indicating they have an excessive outstanding unpaid toll fee, and immediate payment is demanded to prevent driver privileges from being permanently revoked or arrest. The messages appear to be from companies such as EZPass, SunPass, PeachPass, and FastTrack, among others. The messages usually instruct the victim to click on a link to issue a payment for the outstanding fees.

Natural Disasters Fraud:

In the wake of natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes, it’s important for Veterans and their families to know VA is here to help.

Scammers prey on vulnerability resulting from natural disasters and often exploit the chaos and desperation of homeowners in disaster-stricken areas. To alleviate financial stress, which can heighten vulnerability, we recommend that Veterans enroll in  direct deposit to receive their benefits.

Likewise, scammers also seek to exploit generosity with charity scams to divert donations from genuine causes. For resources to help manage fraud or to file a report, call 833-38V-SAFE.

Protect Your G.I. Bill Benefits From Scams

Unfortunately, some non-accredited educational institutions and programs employ deceptive practices and make embellished promises regarding the value and earning potential of their degrees.

It is crucial for Veterans and their families to be well-informed when using their G.I. Bill benefits and to make wise financial decisions related to their education  to avoid student loan scams. Protect your benefits by only choosing G.I. Bill approved schools. At VA, we are committed to empowering Veterans to make the best financial decisions related to their education. Therefore, VA encourages Veterans and their beneficiaries to familiarize themselves with education fraud warning signs.

Let’s stand united as fraud fighters to safeguard the
well-deserved benefits of our nation’s heroes.

If you miss a VA benefits payment, identify a discrepancy in payments, or find suspicious activity with your direct deposit account, contact VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000. If you suspect you have experienced fraud, you can find resources to file a report to the appropriate agency by visiting vsafe.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE

Learn More

If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1.

Kroger Community Rewards #2

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

Quick Update: We’re up to 14 participating households. We’ve earned $40.43 between 1 June and 30 August without lifting a finger! Fantastic Right!? We just need more of you to sign up.

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“. Well, I’ve been asked to take a few more steps to help you get signed up.

Start the Kroger App on your phone. 5 more steps and we’ll be done:

Step 1: Click Head & Shoulder Icon, Top Right ________

Step 2: Click on three bars to the left of “My Account”

Step 3: Select “Rewards” Step 4: Select “Community Rewards”

Step 5: Select “Change Organization” if needed,_______

Or Search for (Find an Organization) DSxxxx and Select “Enroll” and you’re done!

Alternatively you can search for American Legion and several listings will be displayed. Please pick 281!

That was Almost Painless wasn’t it?