The Fargo
Fargo Legionnaire
Fargo, North Dakota
  January - February 2009

Commander Message 
Dave Johnston

2009—what will it bring to our Post and our nation? We have been making a number of changes to keep the Post/Club profitable and available to all members. How do we continue to do this if we have little response from our members? We now have over 1200 members and when we have a Post meeting we have less than 30 members show up. What events will bring you to the Club or Post meetings? You missed a great presentation by Col Bob Beckman on the presence of the ND Air National Guard and their mission at our December Post meeting. We have Department Commander Carroll Quam coming in January and it would be great if we could have a crowd to hear what is happening on a state level with the American Legion.

We have some great challenges ahead for our Post and we will continue to be optimistic in maintaining our membership at 1475 members and preparing for the American Legion World Series Baseball Tournament to be held in Fargo in August 2009. What a great opportunity to show off the Post, American Legion and Fargo. Support for this program is great and we appreciate all the work everyone is doing for this program.

I had an opportunity to spend a day with the Auxiliary at the VA Medical Center assisting veterans picking out Christmas gifts—What a great experience. If you have not taking time to volunteer or visit with the Veterans who are patients--just do it. I even met one wondering if he could donate to the baseball program!

Check out all the events and PLEASE come on down and enjoy the fellowship at our events –best meal/deal in town is spaghetti and bingo on Monday night!

Dave Johnston, Commander, Fargo American Legion

Greeting to all Auxiliary Members:

Happy New Year Ladies:

May this year bring all of you happiness, good health, and peace to you and your loved ones.

We had a very busy December and also, a rewarding one, especially for me. My first time as a volunteer at the VA Hospital was so much fun and, as I said, rewarding. It is a beautiful hospital for our veterans and, from my visits with them, the staff and the doctors are great.

In January we are going to discuss a project that we can do for our troops and others. We will do the project either in January or February or both. Marci Schmidt is the chairperson for this.

The American Legion Auxiliary will be serving chili at the Super Bowl party at the Legion.

February is the winter conference to be held in Jamestown. It is the weekend of February 6 thru 8. Since it is not too far away distance wise, it would be great for a large attendance. These winter conference times are a time to learn new ideas and give some also. Great workshops at winter conference.  See you there.

Blessings to all

Mavis Goodroad, Pres Unit 2

Adjutants Additions

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. The New Year is here, bringing some new challenges and some not so new.

We have a number of annual activities coming up. New Years Day Oyster Stew and Chili, KC/Legion Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance on Feb. 13 and the Department Mid Winter Conference. Don’t forget our Bingo on Saturday and Monday or our spaghetti dinner on Mondays. The KC’s appreciate our support for their Tuesday night Dinners which works well with our Tuesday night meetings.

We have been looking at ways to decrease expenses without affecting our income for some time. Virgil Estenson started looking at till activity in the bar on an hourly basis. Based on the lack of activity, we will be closing the bar at midnight, Monday through Thursday on January 1. We will continue to be open until 2 on weekends and when business warrants.

While the No Smoking laws have resulted in a sharp decrease in daily club and gaming business, the comments have been favorable as to being a more pleasant club. I plan to move ahead with a smoking shelter outside the back door, which may help. Your Post Officers and the Executive Committee are looking for solutions. Suggestions are welcome.

Bob Jacobson, Adjutant

Fellow Voyageurs

Fellow Voyageurs: 2009 is now upon us and we look forward to the New Year with optimism.

Some of you know by now that we have three new voyageurs. I hope you all will make Bob, Al and Russ feel right at home. And by the way put them to work with the spaghetti and bingo teams.

The 40 & 8 Sweet Heart Banquet has been scheduled for Friday evening, February 20th at the Fargo American Legion; the KC’s will be serving the meal again this year. We will be providing more details in the invitation but please put this date on your calendar for now, let’s have a good turn-out.
 

New 40 & 8 Members Pictured Left: Voiture 240 initiated three new members in November.  They are (Front Row L to R) Bob Krause, Al Zimmerman and Russ Foster. Installation Officers (Back Row L to R) Larry Lein, Don Wangrud and Bob Long.

Rice Elected Grand Chef de Train Dave Rice was elected Grand Chef de Train for the Grande Voiture du North Dakota at the fall Grand Cheminot in Grand Forks.  The position is similar to a Vice President or Vice Commander for the State of North Dakota.  The Cheminot preceded the recognition banquet for Grand Chef Herbert Schultz.  Rice will serve as Grand Chef in 2009-2010, providing leadership for 40 & 8 activities in the state.

Don Wangrud, Chef de Gare

Club News

KC-Legion Valentine Dinner Dance
February 13th is the date for the annual KC-Legion Valentine Dinner Dance. Be sure to get your reservations in early as there is limited seating. Music by Past Due.

Steak and Shrimp Dinner, Dance and Drinks $80/couple - Dinner and Dance Only $45/couple

Call Jon at KC Club - 232-6386 or Mona at Legion 237-4013

Military Appreciation Ball
Once again, this was a very successful event held Oct. 25, 2008. The net proceeds are being donated to 3 local Military Family Support Units. I would like to thank all of our corporate sponsors, those who donated to the silent auction, and all of the volunteers who put in many hours to make this event a success. Thanks to everyone who attended the Ball and all of the vendors who were generous with “in kind” donations.

New Years Events
12-31-08
Dance to Flashback 9-1, Party Favors and Champagne
1-1-09
Oyster Stew and Chili - Noon, Music by Flashback 2-6 pm, Drink Specials

Super Bowl Party - February 1st
Bar open at 11 am. Drink Specials at Noon - Food available
Poker Tournament - register at 11 am with noon start
Call Mona to sign up. Many prizes to be given away. No entry fee.
See Baseball and Auxiliary articles for more details on Super Bowl events.

Mona Arnold, Club Manager

January 2009 Calendar of Events

February 2009 Calendar of Events

New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salute During National Anthem

There is a new law that I felt all veterans should know about. My information is paraphrased form a Department of Veterans Affairs press release. Veterans can render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took place in October.

“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed services,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”

The new provision improves upon the little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applies to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand –salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s head-gear.

The earlier provisions authorizing hand salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering and passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took place in January 28, 2008.This is great information for Legionnaires as we head into the New Year, 2009.

Eugene W. Orson, 2nd Vice Commander

VA Volunteer Services

If you have been at the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND lately, you saw a lot of construction going on. This is some very good news for the hospitalized Veterans. The 2nd floor Dining room will have 900 square feet added, converting it to a Dining/recreation/activity room. Our Veterans need a place where they may relax and visit with friends and family, especially on weekends. This recreation room will have Bingo machine, flat screen LCD TV, 2 recliners, DVD player, card table and chairs, and Wii system, with games and accessories.

3 December the ladies Auxiliary held their annual gifts for Veterans. This program is where the Auxiliary donated very nice presents for the veterans and their family. Each veteran will get a small gift such as a shirt, gloves, wallet, or games or other need items. Their wives/husbands will also get a small gift. This is a first come/first choice event. The auxiliary will wrap these presents for the Veterans. Great program.

The new Courtesy Vehicle: a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with options such as power slide doors and quad seats. This vehicle will provide year around shuttle services for our veterans and families in the VA parking lot.

Volunteer Opportunities: Care Ambassador Program (Reception Counter), the Greeter Program (coffee/juice), drivers for our new courtesy vehicle and various other areas. For more on the Veterans Affairs Voluntary services and needs of our hospitalized Veterans please attend The Mid Winter Conference.

For more information on The VA Medical Center
please check http://www.fargo.va.gov.

Dave Lee, VAVS

1st District

The mid-winter conference will be in Jamestown this year at the Quality Inn on Feb. 6-8. Sarah has a block of rooms for Post #2. Contact her at 293-3930 for arrangements.

The DEC meets Friday at 11:00 am. Registration opens at 1:00pm with board meetings in the afternoon. The Joint opening session is at 7:00 pm with a dance at 9:00. Saturday has workshops, breakout sessions, committee meetings with the Oratorical Contest Finals at 1:00 pm and Grand Cheminots at 4:00. A social hour and banquet starts at 5:30 with the American Legion State Dance Band will provide music for the Winter Conference Ball at 8:30. Sunday brings a few more meetings, the Joint Memorial Service at 10:30 followed by closing ceremonies at 11:15.

It looks like it should be a good conference and Jamestown is about as close to our neighborhood as we can hope for. Lets get a good turnout.

Bob Jacobson, 1st District Commander

Post #2’s Kerbaugh Elected President Of NALCAA

Past Post Commander Keith Kerbaugh was elected President of the National American Legion College Alumni Association (NALCAA) at the National American Legion Convention in Phoenix. The NALCAA membership is comprised exclusively of the graduates of the National American Legion College. Kerbaugh was elected on the first ballot from a slate of three candidates.

Kerbaugh is a 2006 graduate of the College. The week long course centers on The American Legion's core values while encouraging the development of new ideas. Major emphasis is placed on programs, management techniques and the leadership skills necessary to increase visibility of programs, growth in membership, and public awareness of The American Legion.

Kerbaugh will spend his year working with his fellow officers and class representatives trying to strengthen the Association. His goals are to start a web site, obtain 100% membership, encourage the College graduates to seek involvement at the Department and National levels, and to work with the National office to show the value of including Legion College graduates in the planning and implementation of the Legion College course.

Keith Kerbaugh

Spaghetti and Bingo
Don’t forget the 40 et 8 serve spaghetti on Monday nights at 5:30. It is very good spaghetti sauce with the option of meatballs also.
Bingo is played on Mondays and Saturdays. On Monday evening there are 3 blackout bingo games with 1 progressive blackout bingo game. On Saturday there are 9 bar bingo games, 3 blackout bingo games and 1 progressive blackout bingo game played.

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. 

Rental Space is Booking Up Fast

The Legion has rental space available for any size party or occasion up to 250 people. Please see Mona at 505 3rd Ave N, Fargo, ND or call her at 237-4013 for booking details. Catering is also available through the KC’s. Please give Jon a call at 232-6386 regarding catering. The space is booking fast so give Mona a call to book your space and don’t forget, Legion, Auxiliary, Social and SAL members get a discount off the hall rental.

Reunions, Office Parties, Private Parties, Any other special occasion you may be celebrating, Birthday Parties, Anniversary Parties, Weddings, Retirement Parties, Christmas Parties

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