American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281     

Member’s Handbook

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Mailing Address:   American Legion Post 281 P.O. Box 67 Mount Juliet, TN 37121

Meeting Location:  Mount Juliet Community Center, Room B

1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway
Mount Juliet, TN 37122

Meeting Times:  Second Tuesday of Each Month

Social Hour (Food and Fellowship) Starts at 6:00 p.m.

Regular Meeting Starts at 6:30 p.m.  

Email:  legionpost@mtjulietalpost281.com

Website: https://www.mtjulietalpost281.com/

Social Media Address: facebook.com/tylercatespost281

Table of Contents

OUR POST

The American Legion began in 1919. You may learn a lot more of our history at https://www.legion.org/history and https://www.mtjulietalpost281.com/. It is the nation’s largest and most influential veterans service organization. All of our American Legion Family, from The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders, work together as patriotic Americans to serve America and her veterans.

Since our very first meeting in Paris, France the American Legion has maintained a vision for a Strong America. 

To the extent you can, we hope you find ways to contribute to the proud future of Post 281. Our Post’s future will be defined by our service to local veterans, their families, Wilson County and surrounding communities, Tennessee, and our great Nation. The future of our Post will be stronger and more rewarding because of your involvement.

As you become more involved in Post 281, you may have questions about the American Legion or our Post. Just bring your questions to a Post Officer; we will do our best to help you. If we cannot provide answers for you, your Chain of Command is as follows: Post Commander, District Commander, Department Vice Commander, and Department Commander. 

Our Four Pillars of Service are: 

Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. 

Under the Four Pillars are programs that support the foundation of The American Legion.  As adopted by the American Legion National Charter, they are as follows:

Pillar 1: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

Pillar 2:  National Security

Protect VA from Budget Reductions Boost VA Construction Projects  Stop Denying VA Health Care Speed Up Delivery of Electronic Health Records Reduce Delays in Integrated Disability Evaluation System Improve Access to Health Care in Rural Areas Address Environmental Exposure Issues Increase Staffing Levels to Reduce VA Claims Backlog Expand Veterans Treatment Courts Increase Funding for National Cemetery Administration Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Regional Office Action Review The Legion’s Network of Service Officers https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/pillars/2012/august/pillar-1-veterans-affairs-rehabilitation

Strong National Defense Improving Military Quality of Life Strengthening Homeland Security Strong Immigration Enforcement Laws Supporting strong Foreign Relations Full Accounting of American POW/MIA concerns Assistance to Veterans and their communities during Natural Disasters Heroes to Hometowns Homelessness https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/pillars/2012/august/pillar-2-national-security

Pillar 3: Americanism

Pillar 4: Children & Youth

U.S. Flag Protocol/Protection Stopping Illegal Immigration Voter Registration and Participation Youth Scouting Programs  Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship The Pledge of Allegiance American Legion Baseball Boys Nation and Boys State High School Oratorical Competition School Medals Program Youth Cadet Law Enforcement American Legion Junior Shooting Sports The Samsung American Legion Scholarship The “Need a Lift?” College Financial Aid Guide Flag Education School Medal Awards The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund (for children of service members who died on active duty since Sept. 11,  2001) https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/pillars/2012/august/pillar-3-americanism

The most critical issues are: Child Pornography and attempts to weaken U.S. laws on production, sale and distribution of pornographic materials Catastrophic Illness. Supports legislation to provide financial assistance to families with children with catastrophic illnesses Intellectual Disabilities Immunization for Needy Children  Family Integrity Efforts to stop Media Violence  Drug Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Temporary Financial Assistance Family Support Network The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/pillars/2012/august/pillar-4-children-and-youth

A SHORT HISTORY OF OUR POST

The American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281 received its charter on August 10, 2010 and incorporated on November 3, 2010 with 47 members. We have grown to around 260 members and continue to welcome veterans of all our armed forces to join us.  

At the time of our Chartering, the founding members decided to honor a local man of the US military.  Our post was named in honor of Lance Corporal Steven Charles Tyler Cates.  He was an Infantryman in the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, United States Marine Corps.  Tyler was a Mt. Juliet resident and graduated from Mt. Juliet High School in 2001. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 19, 2001. He deployed to Iraq in August 2004 and was killed by enemy fire in the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq in September 2004. He was the son of Patricia Cates Shaw and her husband Phillip Shaw of Mt. Juliet and his father Steven C. Cates of Lebanon.

We gather on the second Tuesday of each month starting a 6:00 p.m. for a time of sharing food and fellowship.  Our Sons of the American Legion also meets during this time if they have a quorum.  Our official meeting starts sharply at 6:30 p.m. The entry door is at the right side of the building.  Don’t think we are not there; just open the door and come on in.

Our Post is an integral part of the greater Mt. Juliet and Wilson County community and a proud advocate for veterans on the local, state, and national levels.  Some of our members live in surrounding counties.  

LEGION UNIFORM What is the official uniform of The American Legion?

“A Legionnaire is in uniform if wearing an official American Legion Cap.”

Wearing  your  Legion Uniform in public:  “Legionnaires like us, when seen  in uniform doing the good work of The American Legion, creates a positive image. This helps our community “see” The American Legion as an organization they want to support. It is an especially important element of our public relations and marketing efforts.

There is no benefit to Legionnaires being invisible to the public as we do the good work of the Legion. Please expose yourself to the community as proud members of the American Legion, by wearing your uniform cap.“

Ordering a Uniform “Service” Cap from American Legion Flag & Emblem sales

The official Flag &Emblem website is:   https://www.emblem.legion.org 

We proudly wear our caps at all official functions and any time we announce a time and place to assemble.  Legionnaires should not put any rank insignia on their cap. Post 281’s Constitution and Bylaws read: “Section 3. Rank does not exist in The American Legion. Members shall not be addressed by their military rank or pay grade in any meeting of this Post.” 
     

LEGION LANGUAGE AND PROTOCOLS New Legionnaires often find the following information helpful:

• MEETING CONDUCT. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, governs the conduct of post meetings and parliamentary procedure.

• CEREMONY DIGNITY. The ceremonial services of the American Legion are conducted with the solemnity befitting the dignity of this organization.

• POW/MIA  EMPTY CHAIR. A POW/MIA empty chair is placed at all official meetings of the American Legion as a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts involving the United States of America.

• THE GAVEL.  The Commander’s gavel is a symbol of authority and order for protocol requirements during each meeting.  Each tap of the gavel has meaning:
  • One tap is a message to the members to be seated following the opening ceremony. One tap also indicates the completion of business items and is used following the announcement of adjournment.  
  • Two taps of the gavel call the meeting to order.
  • Three taps of the gavel signal for members to stand on the third tap.
  • A series of sharp taps is used to restore order.

• SILENT TRIBUTE – Legionnaires stand at attention in silent tribute and in memory of departed comrades during meetings or ceremonies. Legionnaires are to face the U.S. flag with their legion cap or right hand held over their heart.  When rendering the Legion pledge salute, insert your right hand into the front of the cap and assure the American Legion star symbol is facing outward.  

• PUFL – stands for Paid-Up-For-Life membership.

• TRANSFERRED TO THE  POST EVERLASTING – refers to a Legionnaire who has died and is transferred to the next realm, or Post Everlasting.

OUR POST FAMILY and OUR PROGRAMS

Post 281, as the parent organization, has four other important units in our local Legion family. They are:

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY,  UNIT 281

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the oldest member of the Legion Family of units and the most independent. The Auxiliary is a separate organization with their own legal and corporate identity, but are normally associated with an American Legion post.

Every Spring, the Friday before Memorial Day, the Auxiliary promotes the red poppy as a symbol of the sacrifices our military have made, a symbol to open people’s hearts and inspire them to donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. Tree Sale?

Meeting: Second Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.

Tyler Cates Post 281 Honor Guard   

Shortly after Tyler Cates Post 281 was chartered, the Honor Guard was organized by Steve Debord, the Post Commander at the time.  After procuring the proper equipment, the team worked on following the appropriate commands and procedures for honoring deceased veterans in the traditional military manner.

  Post Honor Guard, during the Annual Veteran’s Day ceremony, Wilson County Veterans Service Office and Museum 2023.

  

The Honor Guard team’s primary duty is to provide a 3-volley rifle salute for deceased veterans who would otherwise not be so honored. Since its inception, Post 281’s Honor Guard has provided this honor to over 495 veterans and their families. We strive to continue this tradition. We have also been asked to fold and present the American flag to the veterans’ next of kin.

Over the years the Honor Guard has supported Post 281’s fundraisers, as well as providing a presence at Wilson County and Mt. Juliet events. We have supported the Wilson County Veterans Day program, the opening ceremony for the Veterans Museum in Lebanon, the Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade, and numerous Veterans programs. Additionally, we have been invited to fire our rifles at both the National Veterans Cemetery and the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery for Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and other events. We have posted the colors at a Tennessee Titans game, a Nashville Sounds game, and at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, as well as several military unit reunions.

Uniforms are provided to all members of the Honor Guard at no cost, excepting trousers and shoes.  All members of  Post 281 and its affiliated Sons of the American Legion Squadron, American Legion Riders and the American Legion Auxiliary are eligible to be Honor Guard members.  Travel expenses are reimbursed as well.  

Families wishing to honor their deceased loved ones with a military Honor Guard are encouraged to coordinate their wishes with the local funeral homes in Wilson County. Due to volunteer limitations, we can only honor funerals within Wilson County or the immediate surrounding area of Wilson County. Exceptions will be considered for active post members.  Although there is not a cost for the service, all donations are greatly appreciated.    

The Post 281 Honor Guard continues to strive to support the post’s objectives, honor veterans, and provide a positive presence in our community for the American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION (SAL) SQUADRON 281

Founded in 1932, the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Squadron consists of boys and men of all ages whose grandparents or parents served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Meetings: Held during the food and fellowship time starting at 6:00 PM, on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month.

    

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS (ALR), POST 281 CHAPTER

The American Legion Riders (ALR) are Legionnaires who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They all belong to the Legion and are the proud owners of a motorcycle with a rating of 500cc or larger.  Auxiliary members and the Sons of the American Legion are accepted eligible as well, providing they own a motorcycle.  Legion Riders are well known for raising scholarship funds for children of veterans who died after the fall of the Twin Towers in New York on 9/11. The Riders previously supported the Legacy Scholarship, but in 2024 decided to shift their support to the Veterans and Children Foundation.
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Meeting:  First Saturday of the Month, held at various locations, normally associated with a ride to interesting locations. 

OUR POST TRAINING PROGRAMS

Our Post offers many outstanding programs that serve our community, veterans, and youth. 

TRAINING

https://www.legion.org/training

http://www.tennesseelegion.org/

Our Post Executive Committee and other officers of the post are expected to take the Basic Training Course and remain current in all matters related to the post programs and activities.  Effective training is important to the success of the Legion and our post. Quality training improves our ability to succeed by improving member involvement and operational performance. Training also helps teach organizational values and identify future post leaders. Conversely, the lack of effective training can lead to losing our focus on success and can limit our operational performance.

Many who accept leadership roles in the American Legion are often self-motivated by a desire to serve others and seek out training because they want to become stronger, better-informed leaders. Select the “American Legion Training and Education” link on the Department website to access LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) classes:  https://www.tennesseelegion.org/index.php?id=123.

Additional training resources include:

“THIS IS THE AMERICAN LEGION”  is an excellent short video every member of our Legion Family should watch. This video is available on YouTube, at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfIQaYvsB8c&t=17s

• BASIC TRAINING – Focuses on the Four Pillars and programs of The American Legion for officers and members. Posts can request an on-site course from the Department. Or it is also available online at https://www.legion.org/alei.                                                                 
• TENNESSEE LEGION COLLEGE – Expands material covered in Basic Training (Usually held in September/October.)
• NATIONAL LEGION COLLEGE – The American Legion National College enhances knowledge and appreciation of The American Legion. It teaches the core values and contributions of the organization, its Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and many subordinate programs. 

• LEGION PUBLICATIONS – Legion publications can be an excellent training resource for those who are self-motivated. The Publications page of The American Legion website is a good place to find most of them. Here are a few key publications you may find helpful at this link:  https://www.legion.org/publications

• Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies
• Post Operations Manual and Post Building Guide
• The American Legion Positions and Programs
• The American Legion Membership Public Relations Guide
• Why You Should Belong
• Legion Publications

MEMBER INFORMATION (MYLEGION.ORG)

Accurate and up-to-date member information is important for any organization. We are very fortunate in the American Legion that every member can take an active role in keeping their information accurate and up-to-date, using the myLegion.org members-only web portal.

Members must establish an Account in MyLegion.org. To do so, visit the home page of the American Legion website (legion.org) and click on the MYLEGION.ORG link at the very top left of the home page. You will then be taken to the myLegion home page where you can find a prominent, red “Register” button.

Once your personal Member Account is established in myLegion.org, select the “MY ACCOUNT” option to update your information or print a copy of your membership card.

In addition to updating your personal profile information you can also:

• Subscribe to electronic newsletters
• View past editions of the Legion Magazine
• Find out about special offers available to Legionnaires
• Select dues renewal options

Membership in The American Legion

Membership in the American Legion is based on the calendar year. When a member pays their dues before or during the membership year, they are paid up for that membership year. The first opportunity to pay for the following year is July 1 of the current year. Admittedly, it is a bit confusing, but the National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana sends notices for membership dues starting on July 1. Once December 31 arrives, they would like for all members to their dues paid. National Headquarters considers a member past due if their membership is not paid by January 1 of the new year.  Then National Headquarters starts mailing reminder notices to those in a “past due” status.    

You may also become a Paid Up For Life (PUFL) Member.  Members pay a one-time fee or can utilize a payment plan option to gain lifetime membership in The American Legion. Rates and forms are available at legion.org/join/pufl for either electronic submission or printing for mailing.  In the due’s renewal options, we highly recommend the automatic payment option for annual dues on the myLegion.org Members Only web portal. It is an easy and smart way to ensure dues are paid by October 20, as recommended by the American Legion National Constitution.

POST GOVERNANCE

Good post governance is an essential duty of post leaders, and it includes a variety of elements. It is realized in the long-term success of our post.

Executive Committee :  The administration, governance, and  management of our Post is entrusted to the elected Executive Committee. In our Post, the Executive Committee members are the following: Post Commander, First Vice Commander, Second Vice Commander, Post Adjutant, Service Officer, Sergeant at Arms, and Post Treasurer. These members, as a group, make all decisions pertaining to the day-to-day operations and long-term plans for the post.  No single individual makes major decisions for the post without bringing the item up before the Executive Committee for a vote. The Post Commander is considered to be the “tie breaker” when considering an issue before the elected post leadership.  

There may be additional officer positions established by appointment by the Post Commander, such as Chaplain, Web Meister, or Public Affairs for their experiences and proven demonstrated commitment to the success of the post.  These members are encouraged to attend the Executive Committee but do not have voting rights.

VISION OF SUCCESS:   Our Post excels in service to fellow veterans, their families, and our community while consistently operating as a model of quality post operations.

KEY POST GOALS:

• Sustained membership growth
• Financial solvency and stability
• Excellent leadership development
• Successful programs
•  Quality service to veterans, their families and community

MISSION STATEMENT: “Our Post exists to support fellow veterans, their families, and our community.”

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS:  The Post 281 Constitution & Bylaws are two of the most important documents in our Post operation. They define the complete responsibilities of all Post officers and they are available from the Post Adjutant. Our Post Constitution and Bylaws may not conflict with and are subordinate to the Department of Tennessee Constitution and Bylaws and National Constitution and Bylaws.

POST LEADERSHIP

The administrative affairs of Post 281 are under the supervision of the elected post executive committee. All officers serve for one year, but can stand for re-election to continue in their position. In the American Legion and our post, leadership is provided by members such as you. Post leaders are fundamentally responsible for the success of our post. These Legionnaires serve in many different capacities, as post officers, committee members, chairmen and mentors.

Good post leaders have the initiative and commitment necessary to provide honorable and noteworthy service to our veterans, their families and the communities we serve.

Members interested in potential leadership roles must be dedicated to increasing their knowledge of the American Legion policy and procedure.  Communicating this information and that dispersed by the Department of Tennessee staff is critical to an effective post. Members at District 5 and Middle Division of the Department of Tennessee are here to assist in your progress.

Attendance at your District meetings, the Department Mid-Winter Conference and the Department Convention will also assist in your growth.  At each of these gatherings, Department leaders will disseminate valuable information and provide an opportunity for your inquiries.  

NO PARTISAN POLITICS

The American Legion is a 501 (c) (19), not-for-profit, Veterans Service Organization.  As a Federally recognized organization, it must be absolutely non-partisan in its voice in our communities. Policies, not partisan politics, are our guiding principles.

SUMMARY OF POST LEADER DUTIES

Post leaders are responsible for the post’s success. Post 281’s Constitution and Bylaws are the ultimate reference on post leader duties. The following descriptions are intended as a generic overview of what many consider key responsibilities of post leaders.

The post commander, adjutant, service officer, first vice commander and finance officer are “required” officers on the annual Post Officer Certification Form. This is one of three forms our post must submit each year to maintain our charter.

Elected Officers taking the yearly oath of office for the Post 

Post Commander (Elected)  The commander ensures the post’s vision of success is completed and keeps the Post family together in the process. The post commander traditionally serves as the President of the board of directors which is considered to be the Executive Committee within our post. The post commander is also the voice of the post, within the post and at meetings beyond the post. Post commanders also work with and through other leaders to complete post business, as they cultivate and guide members for future leadership roles.

First Vice-Commander (Elected)  The First Vice-Commander fulfills the duties of the Post Commander in their absence.  The first vice-commander is primarily concerned with membership.  In too many posts, the First Vice-Commander serves as a Membership Committee of one. A Post, even a small Post, should have Recruitment, Renewal and Reconnect Committees to help with recruitment, transferring members from Department administrative posts, member renewals, member retention, and with ensuring the Post routinely has personal contact (by phone or in person) with every member of the Post. A Membership Committee of three (or more) is far more effective than a committee of just one.

Second Vice-Commander (Elected)  In our Post, the Second Vice-Commander is the designated liaison to other veteran organizations, coordinates new member orientation,? and oversees Post morale, to include entertainment and ceremonial programs, and other duties as directed by the Post. 

?Adjutant (Elected) Adjutants are responsible for keeping official records of our post business, minutes of meetings, processing membership, and coordinating with the post’s various committees.  Seen as a continuity officer, the veteran serving in this position is critical in the long-term success of our post.  Along with the Post Commander, the success of the Post solely rests on the shoulders of Adjutants in fulfilling their roles. 

Post Service Officer (Elected) Educates the post on veterans changes and updates regarding their benefits and assists in gathering information from and to the Wilson County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The PSO is to be a liaison with the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System at Nashville and Murfreesboro and keep themselves informed on matters supporting veterans in obtaining medical care and assist veterans in filing for service-related disabilities. They are to become familiar with the VA website https://www.va.gov/ and https://www.tennesseevalley.va.gov/ and initiate measures to receive information from those sources and pass it on to our membership.   

?Finance Officer (Elected) The Post Finance Officer’s work is defined and determined by standard cash accounting practices and the needs of the post. The Finance Officer is the person of integrity that helps develop a post budget and administers the post book of accounts and records of receipts and expenditures. Finance Officers also advise post leaders on the formulating and administering of financial policies, including the annual post budget, and provides counsel to and manages the Budget Committee by providing oversight and input of same and guidelines for the budget preparation, and prepares a monthly Report of the Financial Status of Post 281.  

Sergeant-at-Arms (Elected)  Preserves order at all meetings, ensures members are properly greeted at the door and “sign in” to each meeting, and welcomes new members and guests.  They are responsible for following protocols and overseeing flag etiquette and disposal, setting up the POW/MIA table and retrieval of same when the meeting is concluded, and providing food and refreshments at meetings.  

Chaplain (Elected) The Chaplain holds responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the Post and its members by offering divine but non-sectarian prayers and services when called upon. The Chaplain also offers the same services at Legion events, funerals, dedications, or other post events. The Chaplain shall maintain liaison with the Post Sergeant-at-Arms.

Historian (Elected) The Historian collects, evaluates and compiles the written and photographic information concerning Post activities and records of merit. The Historian determines which records are of merit or of a historical nature and ensures the proper collation, storage and safe keeping of those records. Other duties include the preservation of trophies, plaques and other relics that have a historical value to the Post.

Judge Advocate (Elected) The Judge Advocate shall supply professional advice in the conduct of post business or to procure proper counsel. This officer upholds and serves as guardian of the constitutional  form of post government. The Judge Advocate can also supply valuable assistance to other post committees and officers, and should maintain contact with local government officials.

POST OPERATING COMMITTEES

To help advise the Commander and Executive Committee, the Post has established and defined the work of post committees.

Through work on committees, our members provide the hard work needed for our Post’s success as they plan, organize, communicate, and implement the programs of our Post and The American Legion.

The Post Operating Committees are critical to increasing active membership. Committees within our Post create a forum for members to pursue personal interests. They allow for the strengths and dedication of our members to shine. Post members, like you, serving on committees can grow as productive Post members and leaders. Committee work also functions as a very important training ground to develop leadership skills and knowledge of the Legion.

COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS

Americanism Committee(s)  Seeks to inspire love of country and good citizenship through patriotic observances, flag etiquette, civic instruction in schools, community service, and youth activities such as American Legion Baseball, Boys State, Scouts, Oratorical Contest for the City of Mt. Juliet and surrounding communities, and ROTC School Award Medal Program.

Membership Committee  Has charge of all matters pertaining to membership, eligibility, growth, acceptance, retention, and renewals. Guidance is provided by the First Vice- Commander.  Refer all renewals to https://www.legion.org/membership/renewals or provide a check in the appropriate amount to the Adjutant.

Finance Committee  Supervises the financial duties of the Post, prepares the annual budget, and advises the Executive Committee on financial matters. 

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Committee   Is responsible for bringing to the attention of members and their dependents the rights and benefits granted them by law, assisting them in the pursuance of claims, and in obtaining all veterans’ rights and benefits, visiting comrades who are sick or disabled, and visiting and comforting members of their families.

As a  Post, we have committees that our membership supports.  In addition, there are several others used to support our Four Pillars.  We concentrate on Americanism through supporting the Post 281 Baseball team named,  a high school leadership program for juniors, titled Boys State, Boy Scouting with funding for Mt. Juliet Scout Troop 150, and Halloween in the Park at Charlie Daniels Park.  We conduct periodic recruiting and donation events at the Mount Juliet Lowes and at other businesses when allowed to do so.  We solicit donations at all events in order to provide support to our four pillars, veterans, and youth of our community.  

POST SPECIAL EVENTS

Honoring American’s Flag Event  Annually, on Memorial Day weekend, we participate in an Honoring our American Flag display.  This is done in cooperation with the Mt. Juliet West Wilson County Exchange Club. We split the donations and keep reserve funds in place to support the event during the following year.  Typically, we usually sell more than 400 flags each year. 

Reverse Raffle Event  We hold a Reverse Raffle, with approval through the Tennessee  Gaming Commission, bi-annually. This is done through the Tennessee Secretary of State, who passes our request for approval by the Tennessee Legislature and State Senate.  

These are two of our PRIMARY FUNDRAISERS that support our Post budget.  Our Legion family and friends of Post 281 give their financial support to this important event to help fund the American Legion programs that we conduct.

Annual Post Picnic  The members of our Post enjoy a time of food, games, and fellowship each year with an end-of-summer picnic, typically held in Mt. Juliet, at Charlie Daniels Recreational Park.  All Veterans, regardless of membership, and their families are invited.  The Post provides the burgers and hot dogs, and we ask that all attending bring a side dish or dessert. Typically, there is a horse-shoe game challenge and music entertainment from a few of our post members.    

THE VIRTUES OF LEGION MEMBERSHIP

PREAMBLE

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America
To maintain law and order
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism
To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all Wars
To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation
To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses
To make right the master of might
To promote peace and goodwill on earth
To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy
To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Although the Preamble of The American Legion Constitution is printed on the back of our membership cards, having it available in larger text is helpful to many Legionnaires. We recite the Preamble before each meeting, as it is the written essence of who we are.

POST MEETING

Opening, Business & Closing

All officers should be in uniform, each wearing an official Legion cap and the official badge of office. The commander shall announce the meeting is about to open. Officers take their stations. The commander seats those present with one rap of the gavel, and the sergeant-at-arms shall close the doors of the meeting hall. The commander then gives three raps of the gavel, and all present stand at attention.

Post Commander: “The color bearers will advance the colors” (or if the colors are in a stationary position, “Face the colors”). rewrite

As the color bearers start to advance, the commander gives the command to salute

Post Commander: “Hand salute.”

Give the command “Two” immediately after the colors have been posted

Post Commander: “The chaplain will offer prayer.”

Post Commander: “Un-Cover”

Post Commander: “All members and guests in attendance shall remain standing with their caps removed and placed over their hearts for the opening prayer, through the POW/MIA ceremony, and concluding with the Pledge of Allegiance.”

The chaplain offers prayer

Post Commander: “A POW/MIA empty chair is placed at all official meetings of The American Legion as a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/ MIAs still unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts involving the United States of America. This is a reminder for all of us to spare no effort to secure the release of any American prisoners from captivity, the repatriation of the remains of those who died bravely in defense of liberty, and a full accounting of those missing. Let us rededicate ourselves to this vital endeavor!”

Post Commander: “Place the POW/MIA flag on the empty chair.” “Post the POW/MIA banner.”

The first and second vice commanders, or other designated individuals, approach the empty chair carrying a folded POW/MIA flag. Upon reaching the chair, they reverently unfold the flag and drape it over the chair with the crest facing the membership. After the meeting is concluded, the POW/MIA flag should be refolded and stored for future use. Salute the banner and return to their positions.

The Post commander leads the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tradition in the American Legion requires Legionnaires to recite the Pledge of Allegiance with cap in hand over heart.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Regular meeting opening resumes after the Pledge of Allegiance.

Post Commander: “Cover.”

The Post commander and members recite the preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion slowly and in unison, as follows:

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America
To maintain law and order
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism
To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all Wars
To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation
To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses
To make right the master of might
To promote peace and goodwill on earth
To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy
To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Although the Preamble of The American Legion Constitution is printed on the back of our membership cards, having it available in larger text is helpful to many Legionnaires. We recite the Preamble before each meeting, as it is the written essence of who we are.

The Post commander seats members with one rap of the gavel.

Post Commander: “I now declare this meeting of Tyler Cates Post 281, The American Legion, Department of Tennessee, regularly convened. Please be seated.”

Commander Sign-In Recognition:

Commander petitions the SGT-at-Arms:  “Have all present signed in?”   

Introduction of guests and speakers

Department officers present should be given special recognition and the opportunity to extend greetings at a time predetermined by the Post Commander and Department officer. Suggested text would be, “We are delighted to have our Department Commander, Joe Smith, with us today, and we will be happy to hear from him at this time.”

In lieu of Reading of minutes of previous meeting, minutes have been delivered via email (vote on adoption)

The suggested order of business is:

Officers report

Committee reports 

Sick call 

Unfinished business

New business and correspondence

Business for the good of The American Legion from the general membership

Post Commander: “Does anyone else have anything to offer or know of  

anyone needing assistance?”  

Post Commander: “With no further business to come before the meeting, the chaplain will lead us in a closing prayer.”

The commander gives three raps of the gavel as the membership rises and respectfully uncovers.

Post Commander: “Please rise, Un-Cover, Chaplain.”

The chaplain prays. offers a prayer

Post Commander: “Cover. Sergeant-at-arms, recover the POW/MIA flag.”

The sergeant-at-arms steps forward, salutes the POW-MIA banner, picks up the POW-MIA flag off the chair, folds the flag, steps back and places the POW-MIA flag on the table in front of the commander.

Post Commander: “Till we meet again let us remember our obligation to our country can be fulfilled only by the faithful performance of all duties of citizenship. Let service to the community, state and nation be ever a main objective of the American Legion and its members. Let us be ever watchful, of the honor of our country, our organization and ourselves, that nothing shall swerve us from the path of justice, freedom, and democracy. The color bearers will retire the flag of our country. Face the flag. ‘Present – Arms’, ‘Order – Arms’

As the color bearers retrieve the colors, the commander comes to the position of attention in preparation of giving the command to salute.

Post Commander: “Hand salute.”

As the color bearers reach the rear of the meeting hall, the commander commands “Two.”

Post Commander: “I now declare this meeting of the American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281, Department of Tennessee, adjourned.”  

The commander gives one rap of the gavel.