Vietnam War Memorial Post 639

       Use the Forum:     12/03/08    Back:

Normally, this portion of our Post’s web site wants contributors to use their real name. This submission uses a “handle” just to keep you guessing. However, I will say that I’m just a member – not an officer or employee or anybody special. I just pay my dues like everybody else. 

I’m submitting this to the Forum because I’ve grown annoyed at seeing the last forum submission dated in 2004. This portion of our web site is still available AND accessible to all members, particularly those who have something to say. I don’t understand why it’s not used more. So, I’m using it.

Through their actions, new post leadership has convinced me it’s serious about improving things. That’s not to imply that our previous leadership wasn’t. However, there have been some changes in the way post leadership has approached a few things that have shown impressive results for the benefit of all. I like that because, as a member, I’m one of those who get to benefit.

Not all members come to meetings or even visit the post very often. Reasons why they don’t vary and that’s okay – each to his own. But one thing is certain: Every member wants to be a member or we wouldn’t bother paying dues and signing up for another year. And while improving things for our members is leadership’s job, helping them figure out what needs improving is were members can help a lot. And, when it comes to making things better, it’s handy when leadership and members have a decent line of communication. This forum and the new Blog site are a couple ways to communicate – with the post or just with other members. The only requirement is that you have something worthwhile to communicate. But, mostly, what’s worthwhile is left up to the writer.

Of course, there’s another option and that’s to actually visit the post once in awhile. The clubhouse is open at 1100hrs and serves some great lunches until 1400 hrs. Yesterday, I had meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, black eyed peas, and biscuit lunch. For five bucks, I can’t beat that with a stick. I don’t visit the post every day. I don’t even eat lunch every day. But, if I want to eat or just want to take a break and relax for an hour or so, the post is a perfect place to do it.

 For those who read this who are “regulars” at the post, just a reminder that, when you see somebody you don’t recognize or haven’t seen in awhile, make them feel welcome again. They may have been away from the mix for some time and it’s just good manners to remind them that, as members, they still matter and make them feel at home.

Here are a couple of things I think are worthwhile:

1. A bunch of members haven’t paid their dues yet (I heard that reported at our last meeting). Well, paying or not is your business but, you have to be a member in good standing if you want to have the choices of all the goodies the Legion offers at local, state, and national levels. Out of all the Veteran Service Organizations, the American Legion leads the pack…when we talk, people listen. So, I would think that keeping up membership dues would be smart. But, of course, that’s the individual’s call.

2. The Purple Heart Postage Stamp had legislation behind it to make it a permanent, “Forever Stamp” that would be unaffected by changes in postage rates from here on out. That legislation has hit a technical snag so, now, whether to make the stamp permanent is up to the Post Office. There’s a good chance the whole idea will just evaporate unless people write the post office’s special committee voicing support of  the idea.
The Purple Heart is the one combat decoration common to all of us irrespective of branch of service and honors those wounded or killed defending our country against its enemies. Personally, I think any patriot should fire a letter off to the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee and politely ask them to approve the stamp as permanent.
 
That’s it. That’s my two cents worth. And it’s probably worth just about that much. But, at least, now you can say: HOLLY COW! A NEW VETERANS FORUM ENTRY.

Sincerely,


The Phantom