This month’s meeting at the American Legion (on Sept. 13) had the largest in attendance in quite a while. There were 20 members and visitors present including who we believe to be the oldest World War II Coast Guard veteran in the county, Barbara Curtis.
Tyler DeHart was grill master, and fired up the charcoal grill and prepared hamburgers and hotdogs instead of the normal pizza. A motion was made to consider chili and other cool weather items for the winter.
Business included a cash collection for Toys for Tots and discussions regarding annuities and the Boys State/Girls State fundraising drive. I hit the streets for the drive starting a couple of weeks ago, whenever I had some spare time. Last Thursday, I covered both sides of North Grand Avenue. I would like to recognize the following people and businesses for their generous contributions: Jim White of Elk Creek and Uta Keeton of Bucyrus (both whom overheard the presentation), Progressive Ozark Bank, David Keeney of Shelter insurance, Burch Insurance, Elmore’s Men’s and Boys Wear and Taylor’s Tips.
I would ask that people consider patronizing these businesses in the future. I already have insurance with David and use Progressive Ozark Bank, but I’ll certainly be shopping at Elmore’s! However I think I’ll pass on a nail job; folks might start to wonder if I got fake nails.
Back to the fundraiser, I have a lot more pavement to cover over the next few months, to meet the goal of 200 donors (at least $5 each).
Membership dues for the American Legion are going up in November to $40 annually. It can’t be helped; the local post has tried to keep the dues the last three years at $30 but the state and national levels are where the increase lies, so unfortunately the post has to follow suit. So as long as renewals and new memberships are paid by Oct. 31, the $30 rate still applies.
The Houston Friends of the Library (of which I’m a member) will be having a fall book sale at the Legion Post on Oct. 27. I’ve seen the stacks of books being brought in already and the selection will be spectacular! Be sure to mark your calendar.
A bit of history: Japan surrendered ending World War II this month in 1945.
Plans for the 2019 Armed Forces Day are being discussed and possibly firmed up. More news on that later as commitments are made.
Post 41’s next monthly meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11, and each Thursday morning is the coffee and donut meeting starting at 9 a.m.
Everyone is invited to stop in.
Houston resident Keith Ford is a retired infantryman and an amateur writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email kf4tap@yahoo.com.