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VVA Food Trailer Signup

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

The county/state fair is right around the corner!

Our dear friends with the VVA & AVVA Chapter 1004 need our help.

Please make time to help out and at the same time put some money in the post coffers.

There’s something you can do. Positions in the trailer are Air Conditioned! Setting the whole operation up is not on the sign up but handy types are welcome to contact Mike and lend a hand.

In the words of Mike Myer, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1004:

“AMERICAN LEGION POST 281

Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1004 operates a concessions trailer at various events at the fairgrounds.

WE are looking for volunteers to help us operate efficiently.

The VVA is offering a donation to your organization of $15.00 per person hour worked.

Each shift is usually 5 hours, which is flexible.

This is a good opportunity to help raise funds for your organization.

Mike Myer

President, VVA 1004

615 289 5572“

Additionally, you will be given a T-Shirt, either Red or Blue, (maybe both I’m not sure). The Red shirt is for Fridays of course – Remember Everyone Deployed.

Let’s help make this operation the best the fair has to offer! Here’s the link: CLICK HERE!

Honoring Senator Lindsey Graham

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

July 12 – July 18, 2026

President Donald J. Trump ordered the United States Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full-staff at 6:00pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

This is in honor of United States Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away yesterday, Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Agenda for July 14, 2026 Regular Post Meeting

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

Charlie Daniels Park Community Center Room 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 guests and all visitors present. 

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

Commander: The minutes of the previous meeting have been posted on the website and an email notification sent to all members having an active email address. This has been previously approved by our members to serve in lieu of actual reading of the minutes.  May we have a motion to approve said minutes?” (vote on adoption)
 

CDR’s comments and updates:

At our July 7, EC meeting we went over:

The Department Convention at the Sheraton Nashville Hotel June 26-28.  Several of the EC members attended and our Honor Guard posted the colors at the opening ceremony.

  • 2027 Membership cards were picked up at the convention. Bring on the renewals!
  • David Hickman is the new Department of Tennessee Fifth District Commander. Three of our officers will be attending the 5th District Meeting to welcome him and hear about his priorities including American Legion baseball, the “Be the One” campaign, membership growth, and establishing more honor guards.
  • No update has been received from Nancy on the Honor the American Flag event
  • There is no update on the $2,500 grant application submitted by Steve approximately two months ago.  Steve is in New Zealand and should be back for our next meeting.

Boys state funding status, 11 applicants, Omaran Lee and Christian Bright will provide feedback on their experience at Boys State

We are also welcoming Val Adams who is leading  a Veterans Metal Workshop.  He will provide particular information concerning that event.

We are honored to have with us as our speaker this night a strong USMC Veteran, SgtMjr 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.

Upcoming Events:

Wilson County Election Day – August 6 – Early voting July 17-August 1. Federal/ State Primary’s and County and School board General elections.

County Fair Coverage August 13-22  Should we worry about a space for recruiting at the fair?  The VVA will have their food trailer there and is looking for support too.  Discussions with Fair leaders are ongoing. Watch email for updates.

National Convention in Louisville, KY August 26-31

Tennessee Legion College September 26-27 Department Headquarters, Nashville  Steve Iles has signed up.  Anyone else?  I’m sure Steve wouldn’t mind having some company.  

Post Picnic, October 10. 12p – 4p CDCC pavilion #2

Halloween in the Park October 24.

Christmas Dinner, December 8

Christmas Parade, December 12.

Buddy Checks

Reverse Raffle

Officer’s reports:  1st V  / 2nd V /  Adj / FO / SO / CHAP-sick call /  HG / ALR /  SAL / Aux (New Officers?) 

Old unfinished business  ?    

 New Business/Correspondence

Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree Partnership is seeking American Legion posts to pick up donated school supplies and holiday toys from Dollar Tree and distribute them to local military families, schools, or organizations.  

JROTC Request for Flags, Poles, and Stands

  • Sergeant Major Clark requested support for purchasing flags, flagpoles, and stands for a ceremony honoring graduating seniors entering military service or academies.
  • Estimated cost discussed was approximately $1,870, with about $150 per flag referenced.
  • The EC discussed whether to fund the request fully or partially, including a suggestion to possibly cover half.  
  • The post budget includes $200 for each JROTC unit, Marines and Green Hill HS.

Knights of Columbus Request for 250th Anniversary Event Support

  • A request dated June 12 was received by mail seeking support for a July 18 event.
  • Requested support included veterans’ gifts, pens, pins, letters and certificates of recognition, and possible financial assistance.

Business for the good of the American Legion?

Closing Protocol

June 2026 General Meeting Minutes

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in Minutes.

General Meeting Minutes

COMPILED/SUBMITTED BY:  ADJUTANT Jeff Mattingly  

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Date:  9 June 2024

Reviewed By: COMMANDER Mike Faoro, POST 281, Tyler Cates, Dept of TN      

CONVENED:  1801    ADJOURNED:  1855 

MEMBERS PRESENT: 18      VISITORS:  8     POST OFFICERS: 6    TOTAL:  26

ASSEMBED

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

OPENING CEREMONY

CMDR Faoro 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 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

CMDR Faoro recognized Post 281 Past Commander Pat Unger, and current Squadron 281 Commander of the Sons of the American Legion.

New members welcomed:

  • Charles Licari – 
  • Nathon Moore, not present, lives in California, recruited by Pat Unger at the HAF event.  Thank you! Pat.
    • Perspective New Members
      •  None

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 Cmdr Faoro. It was seconded by Don Moody. The motion passed with no nays. 

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

  • Kohem Bitler, Everett Lawson and their family members were welcomed.  Kohem and Everett attended Boys State and gave summaries of their experiences.  Notes included, more advanced notice of expectations and rotating the ‘cities’ around the auditorium to allow better audio.  Both boys enjoyed the experience and gained appreciation for diverse opinions.  Certificates and medals were awarded to the boys.

OFFICERS REPORT

  • COMMANDER – Mike Faoro
    • Summarized the Executive Committee meeting held on June 2nd.
    • The committee discussed the transitions of all the new officers.  Financial transitions are being taken care of.
    • Direction of the post for the upcoming year will include closer involvement with our Auxiliary as well as with the MJ Senior Center. We hope to work with the senior center to move our meetings back in with them as a more permanent solution.  Increasing our involvement with the community to provide more recognition for the post. Continuing programs recognizing the Police, Fire and Sheriff’s Departments and expanding those to include Employers.
    • Boys State – The post sent 11 applicants to the camp. 4 from Mt. Juliet HS, 8 from Greenhills HS, 1 from Gallatin.  Funding donations came from Mt. Juliet Rotary, Del Web veterans group and parents portions.
    • Upcoming Events:
    • Women VeteransAppreciation Day, June 12 – Cmdr Faoro read the State of Tennessee Resolution 877 commending the contributions of women to the armed services. 
    • June 14 – Fly your flags for Flag Day
    • June 22 – Funeral services for our own Cary Cundall at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, TN.
    • June 26 – 28 Department Convention at the Music City Sheraton. Several executive committee members will be in attendance.  
    • July 4 – 250th anniversary of our country.  The post does not have anything scheduled since there are several events in the community.
    • August 13 – 22 State/County Fair coverage for recruiting and assisting the VVA with food trailer operations.
    • August 26 – 31 National Convention in Louisville, KY
    • September 26 – 27 Tennessee Legion College at Department HQ
    • Buddy Checks will commence this fall.
  • 1ST VICE – Brandon Adderholt
    • The post FaceBook group/page intends to be more active with the goal of improving recruitment and our community recognition.  Please send pictures of post related activities.  Also please use our post business cards while talking to veterans.
  • 2ND VICE – Wayne Smith
    • Introduced himself and talked about participating in the recent medical equipment repair event with Cmdr Faoro and Service Officer Patti Whitmore. Good event, helped a lot of people.
    • Circle P ranch will have 4th of July events including fireworks, food trucks, kids activities 5:30p to 9:00pm. 563 E. Main St.  Needham’s will have fireworks at the 1st Baptist Church from 7 – 9pm.
    • Dates are pending for the post picnic in September.  Bring your ideas for the event and entertainment.  Family members included.
    • Start bringing candy for the Halloween in the Park event October 24th.
    • Christmas Dinner – December 8th
    • Christmas Parade – December 12th
  • ADJUTANT – Jeff Mattingly
  • Anxious to get access to the national website to begin processing memberships.  Send photos to Brandon and we’ll put them somewhere on the website.  We have a couple specific galleries. Quilts of Valor- Please let us know of anyone that may qualify for QOV. And we have the Post Everlasting to celebrate our comrades that have passed and hope this is a place for all to remember them.
  • FINANCE OFFICER – Steve Iles 
    • Post 281 finances are healthy.  $5569 in the checking.  The new fiscal year is upon us with the new budget in place. $22k in CD’s which acts as emergency funds and for future contingencies.  Reiterated the funding for Boys State.  The Honor the American Flag event was hampered by weather and we’re not expecting a great deal of income from that.
  • SERVICE OFFICER – Patti Whitmore – Excused
  • CHAPLAIN – Chaz Spampinato
    • SICK CALL
    • David Hale – unable to attend and unable to complete calls
  • SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – Don Barnes
    • Nothing to Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Honor Guard –
    • 545th service will be for Cary Cundall on June 22.
  • Sons of the American Legion – Squadron Commander Pat Unger
    • Thanked Boys State attendees for their comments and will pursue a video explanation of what to expect at the camp.  Attempted to recruit any qualified members or visitors into the SAL.
  • American Legion Riders – 
  • Nothing to Report      
  • Oratorical – 
  • Nothing to Report
  • Auxiliary – 
  • Nothing to Report

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • None

NEW BUSINESS

  • None

FOR THE GOOD OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

  • Bob Snuck – Reports that remains of two helicopter crew members have been found and are being smuggled out of Vietnam since his last trip to the country with Tours of Duty.  Also expressed disappointment in Rep. Andy Ogles for refusing to support recovery efforts for our MIA/POWs.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to attend to, the closing ceremony was conducted, with closing prayer offered by Assistant 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 1855 hrs.

Young Washington

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

When’s the last time you went to the movies?

Here’s a great opportunity! Thanks to our former commander Terry Ward for passing this along.

Here’s a link to the very nice website where you can pick your theater and select your seat. (You don’t want to go around picking your seat)

https://www.angel.com/tickets/young-washington?utm_source=google-ads&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23822032774&gbraid=0AAAAAo6XzOUSxEppfqD8AEtEEmya60d7d&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpvH02lR7ST5DGcMZs1vcJtOIdyxGZIJnEWaHfh8YDjOQLtwJDQzhJRoCxscQAvD_BwE

After selecting everything, put in the Promo Code VETSGOFREE. Thanks to the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) and Angel for the BOGO (Buy One Get One)! Angel is a film and TV distribution studio dedicated to sharing stories that amplify light! Their mission is to bring uplifting, hope-filled content to audiences everywhere, making it easy for everyone to enjoy entertainment that inspires and encourages.

It Works

Go have some fun and see what looks like a great movie! Let us know how you liked it! There’s that FEEDBACK button at the top of our website just for this sort of thing. Hope you have a good time!

Community Rewards

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

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

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

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