The Fargo
Fargo Legionnaire
Fargo, North Dakota
September - October  2008

Commander Message 
Dave Johnston

Summer will be behind us when you read this and we will be heading into the football season. There is no end to the sports and art activities to keep us all busy and we would like to see you stopping at the Legion to support our Club and Post. If you are planning to have a company party or event to celebrate an anniversary, contact Mona Arnold, as we need to make sure we are utilizing our facilities and it is very reasonably priced.

We have room for more members at the Post meetings on the first Tuesday of each month—easy to remember and we begin at 7:30 PM. Beginning in September we will have the pleasure of the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band with us again and they add so much to the evening. What a great evening to come out for dinner with the KC’s and enjoy the band as they practice, entertain and provide the opening for our Post meeting. No better way to begin a meeting with the RRVCB playing our National Anthem. Also remember that Monday and Saturday there is bingo and spaghetti on Monday evening.

The Executive Committee approved the hiring of Lance Akers to assist us in raising money to pay off our mortgage, replace the current roof and upgrade our facilities. We are in the planning stages and this will be in conjunction with our Capital Campaign program that has been on going the past several years. We encourage you to come on down and join in the discussions as we will keep the members up to date on this project at our Post meetings.

Speakers at Post meetings:
September --: Post 2 American Legion Baseball/2009 World Series
October—Lonnie Wangen: ND Commissioner of Veterans Affairs & Duty in Iraq
PS------GO BISON
 

Dave Johnston, Commander, Fargo American Legion

Greeting to all Auxiliary Members:

It is time to start thinking about all we should do this coming fall. To start it off, we will help with the community picnic to be held on September 18. Then we have the annual rummage sales on October 4th. I hope you can clean out your closets and basements and have some fine contributions for the sale. Lets not forget the bakeless bake sale. What a great way to get out of the kitchen when the weather is too warm to bake. Send your donations to Vetta Loveland at 709 17th St S in Fargo, ND 58103.

Also, bring a new member to our organization. I would like to see lots of beautiful faces at our meetings.

I’ll see you on Tuesday, September 9th and Commander Johnston will be there to give us a briefing on what he has planned for 2008-2009 at the American Legion Post.

Anxious to see you
Mavis Goodroad, Pres Unit 2

Adjutants Additions

Summer vacationers are returning and schools are starting. It feels like summer is finally here, but the weather will soon be turning as well as the leaves.

The smoking ban in bars has brought about some changes. We are still in a temporary set-up outside the back door for smokers and need to see what will be required for the colder weather.
As usual, we are open on Labor Day. Stop in and pay us a visit, eat spaghetti and play some bingo. Our Club Manager organized a Post 2 golf tournament at the request of some members. It falls on Patriots Day, September 11 and thus its’ name. It is late now, but if you are interested contact Mona. She may have some short teams or be able to squeak in a full team. Our Community Picnic is coming up on September 18. We are providing information to the local Guard and Reserve units, hoping to have veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom attending and being recognized. October brings us the Annual Rummage Sale, Navy Ball and the Military Appreciation Ball, as well as Halloween.

Again this year we will be hosting Dart and Pool Leagues as well as Wednesday Poker in the lounge.

The KC’s Tuesday Evening meals are convenient prior to the Tuesday night meetings. They serve up some pretty good food from 5:30 to 7 and serve burgers and burger baskets for lunch on Saturdays.

We are always looking for volunteers to help regularly or with particular events. Turn around time can be short with our room rentals.

Way to go. Our membership renewals for 2009 have passed the 55% mark. While it takes time, those individuals should soon be off the renewal notice mailing list at National.

Bob Jacobson, Adjutant

Fellow Voyageurs

As summer starts to pass us by it’s now time to look forward to our monthly meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. It would be nice if we would see more Voyageurs at the meetings.

On the 4th of October they will be having the annual rummage sale. So if you have anything in the house which is getting some dust on it drop it off for the sale.

Hope to see you on the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Don Wangrud, Chef de Gare

THERE’S STILL TIME TO….

Join us for the 3rd Annual American Legion Patriot Day Golf Tournament … 9/11/08 at beautiful Edgewood Golf Course. It’s a 4 –person scramble with a 12 noon shotgun start. $60 includes green fees, cart, 2 beverages, steak dinner at the Legion afterwards and prizes. Call Mona at 237-4013 for more information or if you need help finding a team.

The Military Appreciation Ball this year is scheduled for October 25. This is our 3rd year hosting this event in the Patriot Hall at the Fargo American Legion. Everyone is welcome to attend, as it is designed to honor all military personnel, past and present. Enjoy fabulous hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and dance to “Past Due”. This eventis formal, semi-formal or military dress uniform. Proceeds from this event the past two years benefited The WWII Honor Flight and current militaryfamily support groups. Call Mona at 237-4013 for ticket information.

BEER BUST kicks off on Sept. 26 from 6 – 8 pm and Karaoke at 8:30. Enjoy tap beer and a meal for $10 at the door.

Plan to attend this year’s Halloween party on Friday, October 31. Dance to Past Due and win prizes for Costume contests.

Mona Arnold, Club Manager

Change, Community Picnic and Veterans Appreciation

Climate change; the long term average pattern of weather is called climate. Because of many things, the climate changes. Weather patterns can become warmer or colder. Annual amounts of rainfall or snow fall can increase or decrease. Global warming refers to an average increase in Earth’s temperature, which could change the climate. A warmer Earth may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, a rise in sea level, and a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife and humans. (Highline Notes, August 2008)

You may be asking, ‘Why did I bring this up’, in the Post 2 Legion news letter. Well change affects our Post as well. We are ageing. The WWII, Korea and even Viet Nam Veterans will soon no longer be the lifeblood of our Post. Yes, change is in the offing. We must embrace it and learn to move forward. These new veterans, of Desert Storm, OIF, OEF and the War on Terrorism are our hope for the future.

What does this all have to do with Post 2? Post 2 is sponsoring a Community Picnic, September 18th, on the grass east of our building, from 1730 to 2000. This community picnic has a theme, focused on showing appreciation to our newest veterans form OIF/OEF. The Post is the sponsor, Family Support Groups and Military Units in the community are assisting. The Auxiliary is supporting. Thus the entire Legion Community is present to show appreciation to these new veterans.

Your job as a member is Post 2 is then to support the effort in many ways. Come and assist with the event September 18th. Promote the event with in your business, community and social activities. Encourage those OIF/OEF Veterans and their family’s to join us. Yes with your support, the evening will be a great success.

Yes, we need to embrace change, promote and thank our community and support our Veterans.

Eugene W. Orson, 2nd Vice Commander

Dave Lee recently asked for volunteers at our last Post meeting to join the other American Legion members in providing service to our veterans. There are approximately 43 volunteer assignments in Voluntary Service Program in Fargo. Research has shown
That volunteering leads to better health and older volunteers are likely to receive physical and mental health benefits form their service. Some reasons to volunteer are: improve the quality of life for someone, do something fun, contribute to a cause you believe in and feel like you are needed. The best is working as a veteran with a veteran and a VA employee. Look at your schedule and if you find 4-6 hours a month—that is right, a month you can be a volunteer right here in Fargo. Better yet—our own Post 2 member, (also a member of the Executive Committee) Jack Barrows is the Chief, Volunteer Service person you will talk to when you call 701-239-3700, extension 9-3397.

We had the honor and privilege to recognize Jim McLaughlin when Fargo American Legion Baseball named the Club House in Jim's name.  The Past Commanders met at Jack Williams Stadium in July to witness and congratulate Jim on his dedicated service to our baseball program.  We had a good turnout in August and hope that trend continues.  We meet upstairs at 11:30 on the second Tuesday of each month, the KC's provide soup and sandwiches for lunch.  Please RSVP with Sarah so we can let the KC's know how many to prepare for.  Thank you.

Dave Rice, President

FOR SALE
John Deere 445 about a 98 or 99 with a 60” hydraulic deck with discharge attachment and the 2 wheel cart that collects the clippings. This is a 2 wheel drive with two wheel steering . The mower has been used at the ball park. It is in good condition.
RDO has advised us that the mower alone is worth between $4,500 to $5,000 without the side discharge and cart. This unit has the ability to have a snowblower or a tiller attachment attached directly to this for multiple uses.
We would like to get $4,000. Call Duane Rindy-7012354051.

2009 World Series Tickets
The 2009 World Series Tickets can be ordered now. The cost is $60 for a tournament pass, $12 a session. A session is two games. The earlier you order your tickets you have a chance of getting better seats.
We also have apparel available to purchase, there will be a display of most of the items at the American Legion museum.

Red River Classic Banquet
We will have our annual Red River Classic Banquet on Monday February 2, 2009.
There will be 5 former American Legion baseball players inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our guest speaker will be Gaylord Perry who pitched for the Cleveland Indians. The cost for the banquet tickets is $100 each. Call 293-3930.

The American Legion is having their LAST outdoor event of the season!!!
Due to the positive feedback we have received on our first and third Thursday events on the lawn, the Legion will be holding an additional first Thursday event on the lawn. The First Thursday event will be on September 4th from 6-10 pm with Flashback playing on the lawn. As with every First and Third Thursday events, the Legion will be having a beer garden on the lawn and serving food.

Pictured Above: Honor Flight Committee member Dave Rice presented to the American Legion Gilbert C. Grafton Post No. 2 a plaque for supporting the WWII Honor Flight and being a major sponsor by donating $5,000 to the WWII Honor Flight. Commander Johnston accepted the plaque on behalf of the Legion at the August Post Meeting.

Pictured Left: Major Brian Kalk (Ret) presented George Pratt, a  WWII marine, with a shadow box of medals he received in WWII at the August monthly Post Meeting.

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