The Fargo
Fargo Legionnaire
Fargo, North Dakota
January - February  2007

Commander Message
Keith Kerbaugh

Six months down and six to go.  This year as your Commander is flying by.  It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience as I have made many new friends and comrades as we have worked together for the “Good of the Legion.”

One of my highlights so far was delivering the keynote speech at the Veterans Day Ceremonies.  It was exciting to stand among those who love our country and watch your faces as I spoke about veterans and their unselfish commitment to Americans and our freedoms.

Without question the biggest pleasure so far has been obtaining a deeper understanding of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons.    In January I will propose to the Exec that we add a Chapter of the American Legion Riders to Post #2.  The Legion Riders is the fastest growing group in the Legion family.

January 2nd is the joint meeting for the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons.  Shawn Doberstein, of the Airport Authority is bringing a message detailing the Legion’s involvement in welcoming the troops home and the bodies of the fallen I have started speaking to local service groups and businesses about the role of the Legion Family in the community.  If you belong to any group or business that needs a speaker please contact me.  The length of the presentation can be tailored to your needs.  Typically a business presentation does not last more that 10 minutes.

Keith Kerbaugh, Commander, Fargo American Legion

Auxiliary President's Message
Barb Nash

Greetings –  I hope everyone is enjoying their winter holidays and staying warm.
Our joint meeting with the Post will be held in January this year.  So, we will be meeting on the first Tuesday, the 2nd, rather than the second Tuesday.  The meeting time will be at 7:30.  The commander has lined up the speaker, so please read his message for the specifics.  Please plan to come share in information and fellowship with our Legion Family.

The meeting in February will focus on Americanism.  Dave Rice, 1st District Commander, will be our guest speaker.

Please remember to get your membership renewal in.  I believe reminders have been sent out from the National Headquarters.
The Mid-Winter conference will be held February 9-11 in Wahpeton.  The deadline for room reservation is January 15, 2007.

The Department provided me with information about Free Stuff for Troops and Free USPS Packaging for Family and Friends of Service Members.  If interested in this information, please call me at 298-0916 and I will pop it in the mail to you.

My quote for this newsletter is as follows: “The happiest excitement in life is to be convinced that one is fighting for all one is worth on behalf of some clearly seen and deeply felt good.”  Ruth Benedict, US anthropologist and populizer of anthropology (1887-1948).

Barb Nash, Auxiliary President, Unit #2

Chef de Gare Notes

Welcome to the New Year!!!!!

When you read this it may be 2007!  Now is time for all who have not yet paid their dues for 2007 to either send them to Correspondent Marlyn Wegge or stop at the Fargo Legion Office or bring them with  when you come to the January Promenade.  As of December 07, 2006 we are short 29 members to be at full strength.  So please if you are one of the 29 do your part.

2007 brings a busy schedule to our Voiture.  We are the host Voiture in June for the Grande Promenade.  Grand Conducteur Jim Schlenker has been busy meeting with the Post 2 convention members to see that this important event will be the best ever.  If you are asked to help please do what you can.

The winter Meeting of the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion , and the 40/8 will take place in Wahpeton Feb. 9, 10, 11.  This will be a good time to promote the June Gathering.  The Bismarck Voiture will be host for the MINN-DAKOTA ASSOCIATION PROMENADE May 4,5,6.  More on this as information is sent to us.

Chef de Gare Bob Lechner
40 et 8 Voiture 240 Fargo

Adjutants Additions
Bob Jacobson

Happy New Year, 2006 is history.  I guess we are still winding down 2006 activities, but bring on 2007.  Last year was an improvement over 2005 as far as the club and post activities went.  Let’s keep the upward movement going and make 2007 better yet.

 We would like to see more of those survey sheets coming back with membership renewals.  We aren’t just looking for additional volunteers, although that is a definite part of it.  We are always looking for volunteers, even if it is a maybe for one activity.  We want current phone numbers and addresses.  There are a lot of cell phones out there and some have disconnected their land lines.  What is your vocation and your avocation?  Many of us do not  know, but you might be able to help us answer questions about our building, needed repairs, or some planned activity.  As in other jobs, we don’t pay our consultants well, but we sure do appreciate your input.  Is there something in particular you would like to see as an activity or project?

After years of consistency, the dreaded dues increase got us.  National went up $4.50, no change for the Department and we went up $.50 mainly to keep an even dollar amount.  That means for those that don’t contribute money to special post activities, we receive a $1.04 instead of $1.00 a month to keep the post operating.

If you need something from the office, we would appreciate a request in advance, allowing the office staff time to locate what ever you may need.  The frequent interruptions make it difficult to get normal work done in a timely manner.  And another thing, Sarah is not just putting on weight; she is due in April with her third child.  Her being gone part of April and May will inconvenience some, but we think we have things covered fairly well.

We have some Post 2 clothing samples currently in the office.  Shirts in the $20-$30 range and jackets up to the 3-season I have been wearing for $65.  We had a variety of samples made and Mona has a color chart.  Additional embroidery is available at a minimal cost.

Don’t forget the Winter Conference coming up the second weekend in February.  It is being held in Wahpeton this year.  Preparations have started for the Department Convention which we are hosting June 2007.

Robert (Bob) Jacobson, Adjutant
Gilbert C. Grafton Post 2

Baseball News—Second Red River Diamond Classic Announced

Fargo American Legion Post # 2 continues its drive toward the 2009 American Legion World Series on Monday, February 5th, 2007at the Great Hall of the Fargo Holiday Inn with its second annual Red River Diamond Classic Baseball Banquet. 
The banquet will feature Major League Hall of Famer Paul Molitor as the main speaker and will also include the induction of the second class of the Fargo American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame.  That announcement was made today by Banquet and Hall of Fame Chairman George A. Ellis. 

The Hall of Fame class will include former American Legion National Baseball Director George Rulon, longtime contributor Jim McLaughlin, standout pitcher from the mid-1960s Bernie Graner. Standout performer from the late 1960s Dave Johnson, and 1970 s star slugger and pitcher Jeff Fiechtner.   I

n addition to the dinner, Hall of Fame induction and the message by Paul Molitor, attendees will receive the second of five collectible commemorative coins (one to be issued for each of the five banquets). 

Tickets for the event, priced at $100, can be purchase from members of the organizing committee, at the American Legion Club in downtown Fargo, or by contacting George Ellis at 701-282-7929.

The Legion Officers, Committee Members and Staff would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

1st District Commander Dave Rice and the 3 Oratorical Contestants.

1st District Oratorical Contest

The American Legion, 1st District, Oratorical Contest was held at 10:00am on Saturday, December 2nd, at the Fargo American Legion.  1st place winner Amanda Brossart will represent the 1st District at the Regional Competition in Maddock on January 13th.  Amanda will receive a $300 savings bond for the District 1st place award.  Hillary Kostuck finished 2nd and will receive a $200 savings bond and Kristen Bakkum finished third and will receive a $100 savings bond.

Judges were Alex McDonald, Roger Johnson and Robert Jacobson.  Other contest officials were: Larry Lein, Cathy Keogh, Bob Lechner, Hank Deyle, Linda Whaley and Chad Rice.

I would like to thank all the contestants for participating and sharing their thoughts on the Constitution of the United States of America.  I appreciate the volunteers who served as contest officials (listed above) who made this event happen.

Department Winter Conference

Please consider attending the Department Winter Conference in Wahpeton, February 9-11.  We will be honoring Ed Milligan and KFGO with the American Legion Press Award for their "Veterans Hour" at a noon luncheon on Saturday.

Dave Rice, 1st District Commander
commander@tristateveterans.com   (701)866-9085

	Sons of the American Legion Chad Rice, Department SAL Sergeant at Arms and Post #2 SAL Squadron Member sgt_rabin@hotmail.com
We would like to get four to five SAL members to form a color guard so we can march on Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran's Day and other parades and functions.  Please contact me if you would be interested in participating in our color guard.  Thank you.

Mid-Winter Conference

The Mid-Winter Conference will be in Wahpeton this year.  The Fargo American Legion has a room block at the Wahpeton Super 8 on February 9 and 10.  Please call Sarah at the Legion office to set up your room reservation prior to January 20 at 293-3930.
 

Band Schedule

Jan 2—Meeting/Concert
Feb 1—Bethany Homes
Feb 6—Meeting/Concert
Feb 15—Waterford @ Harwood Groves
Feb 22—President’s Day Program/Reinertson Elementary
 

Have Your Wedding, Anniversary, Christmas or Any Party Here

The American Legion has rental space available for a wide variety of events at a very reasonable price. 
To Schedule an Event please Contact our Office at 701-293-3930.  Click here for additional information. 

Attention: In accordance with North Dakota Charitable Gaming Regulations, American Legion Club notifies its membership that the organization's cash profit; cash long or short; net proceeds expenses, if any; reimbursement of excess expenses, if applicable; and a list of eligible use contributions is available for review. The information is available at the American Legion Club, 505 3rd Ave N,. Fargo, 8am - 4:30pm, Mon.-Fri. (701)237-4013