The Fargo
Fargo Legionnaire
Fargo, North Dakota
May - June  2008

Commander Message 
Ron Matthews

I can’t believe it’s that time of year when I write my last article. It seems like the time has flown by way too fast. I would like to thank all of you who have supported me throughout the last year. There are a few people who I would like to thank personally; Will Hebert for working on and donating bikes to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program which has been my pet project this year; a big thank you to the club manager, Mona Arnold, for all her hard work and long hours she has put in to make the club what it is today; and to the members of the Executive Committee for all their hours trying to make ends meet.

I would also like to thank some of the past commanders for their words of wisdom and advice that they have given me over the last several months. Their experience and insight was very useful.

Last but not least thank you to the members of Post 2 for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Commander.

The month of May brings on a lot at the monthly meeting. I hope you plan on attending as we will be recognizing our 50 and 60 year members of continuous membership and we will also be conducting our Post Everlasting Ceremony. Election of officers will also be conducted on May 6th and their installation will be on June 3rd. We will see some new faces as well as old faces on the Executive Committee and wish them well in the upcoming year.

Don’t forget the upcoming North Dakota State Department Convention in Minot June 20th – 22nd. We have a couple of people from Post 2 running for state positions, so please come and support them.
 

Ron Matthews, Commander, Fargo American Legion

Auxiliary President's Message
Mavis Goodroad

Hello Ladies of the Auxiliary:

There was a quote years back that went “April showers bring May flowers.” We should have lots of flowers only it should be April snowshowers. I’m Happy it is over. I hope.

We have a couple of busy months ahead. A nominating committee is in force looking for the officers to be voted on the month of May. I know they will do a great job finding these people.

Poppy Day is May 10 for the Auxiliary. Anyone who can help, please call Brenda Kerbaugh at 237-4178. It would be much appreciated.

Please put June 20-22 on your calendar. That is the convention in Minot. We need the support of the Auxiliary at the convention.

The May 13th meeting will have Tracy Briggs speaking to us about the veterans trips to Washington D.C. Plan to attend if possible. It will be interesting.

See you then.

Mavis Goodroad, Auxiliary President, Unit #2
701-232-9356
3030 22nd St S
Fargo, ND 58103

Chef de Gare Notes
Dave Rice

I want to thank everyone for all the help and support you have given me during my term as Chef de Gare, I could never have done it without your advice, reminders and assistance. “Pay it Forward” is a common cliché now days which basically refers to helping others. I plan on helping our new officers in any way I can and I hope you do as well. Our 2008-2009 slate of officers will be installed during our May 27th Promonod, I hope you can attend.

Our Voiture will need a lot of help next year. Carl Anderson, who has done an outstanding job with our Nurses Training program, would like to have someone else take over the leadership of that program. Don Schwinden and Bob Long, who have run our Flags for First Graders program for many years, have also asked someone else to take over those responsibilities. Please contact me if you can help out. We also need more volunteers to help us with spaghetti, bingo and other projects.

We will not be meeting over the summer (June-August). Our Annual Picnic, although not scheduled at this time, will probably be in August, we will keep you posted. I hope you can attend the 40 & 8 functions at the 2008 American Legion Convention in Minot on June 20-22.

Again, thank you to all Forty & Eighters from Voiture 240. It has been a privilege serving as your Chef de Gare. This is a great organization, with great members, doing great things. Let’s keep up the good work!

Chef de Gare Dave Rice
40 et 8 Voiture 240 Fargo

Adjutants Additions
Bob Jacobson

Another year of moving forward is coming to a close as Post #2 prepares for its annual elections. This year’s nominating committee has prepared a slate of candidates for the ballot along with a few nominations from the floor. Look over the list of candidates and don’t forget to vote. Polls will be open May 6 and close prior to convening the Post meeting. Absentee ballots are available to Post members by calling the Post #2 office, but please verify your mailing address. Completed absentee ballots need to be received at the Post in time to be included in the ballot counting.

Mike Haugen gave a great presentation at the April Post meeting about changing attitudes, cooperation and the need for younger members. Thank you, Mike. If you have some ideas, talk them up, make them known. The American Legion is run from the bottom up. The members say what should happen and your ideas and discussion are needed.

Discussing our needed repairs at Post 2 is not spreading Doom and Gloom, as some members feel. Addressing and planning for vitally needed repairs is facing reality. One of my tasks as Adjutant has been to look after your property. I wasn’t here when the only needed financial planning was long term. Advance planning and budgeting are a necessity these days. Even the insurance companies now want to know how recently we have rehabbed systems in our building. Facing facts and recognizing needs are a part of maintaining a proper appearance in the business community, like cosmetics in the social community.

Spring has been hesitant to make an appearance this year. Spring events are being scheduled. The Department Convention is being held in Minot this year on June 20-22. Post #2 has candidates on the Department ballot. Contact the Post #2 office if you need a room or want to attend. Your support is appreciated.

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

June 19th * Past Due       July 17th * Carmen the Cactus (Street Fair)        August 21st * The Shakers

RRVVCB Schedule

http://www.rrvvcb.org/

May 1 Concert in Perham

May 6 Post Meeting Concert

May 8 Concert in Wahpeton

May 15 Concert in Fergus Falls

May 22 Concert in Lisbon

June 3 Post Meeting Concert

June 26 MN State VFW Convention in Moorhead

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