Feb 2017 Hollywood Legionnaire Newsletter
THE HOLLYWOOD LEGIONNAIRE
The Official Digital Newsletter of Hollywood Post 43 | THE American Legion
February 2017
COMMANDER'S COLUMN
Tim Shaner
Commander
February is all about Americanism starting off with our Black History event on Feb. 6th with great music, good food and some history on my favor subject JAZZ. Following that will be President's Day on the 20th so our Business meeting will be on Tuesday along with our historic Four Chaplain's event where we remember those that dedicated their lives for others and honoring our veterans for their service to this great nation. Remember our pledge 'to foster and perpetuate a 100% Americanism'. One of the American Legion's Four Pillars, Americanism, is simply defined as "love of America" which includes community service, citizenship, patriotic values and mentoring our youth.
Over the years, Post 43 has been actively involved in many of the American Legion programs including Boys State, the Oratorical Program, American Legion Baseball, Boy Scouts and patriotic events such as Flag Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day and Veterans Day. Start the year out by taking time to thank our Auxiliary members and our Sons for the great work they do to support our post activities, veteran causes and especially our children and youth programs.
The Auxiliary sponsors the annual Poppy Poster Contest, the Americanism Essay Contest, and Girls' State. In May the Auxiliary will be raising money for Veterans Rehabilitation so let's all support the Auxiliary in this fund-raising effort. You can mail your donation to the post or you can give it to an Auxiliary member at one of our meetings. I encourage you to think of additional ways to help the Auxiliary, the Son's and the 24th District in their fund-raising efforts to support Veterans Rehabilitation (VA&R).
And, for all you Romantics out there, "HAPPY VALENTINES DAY".
FEBRUARY: AMERICANISM MONTH
Feb 1, 2017 Department submissions due for National Law Enforcement Officer and National Firefighter of the Year awards
Feb 5, 2017 Four Chaplains Sunday
Feb 8, 2017 President's Day membership target date (85%)
Feb 14, 2017 Valentine's Day
Feb 16, 2017 Membership cutoff date
Feb 20, 2017 President's Day
Feb 26, 2017 Membership renewal date
1ST VICE COMMANDER: HELLO, 21ST CENTURY
Fernando Rivero
1st Vice Commander
We are more than halfway through our Legion year! If you haven't renewed your Legion membership for 2017, do it NOW! It's never been easier. Pay at the post, either in the office or at the bar! Or make a one-time payment online with your credit card HERE and select ONE-TIME MEMBER DUES PAYMENT.
We've been working hard to make Post 43 easier to access for our members and to improve the member experience. Over the past year, we have vastly increased the number of nights the Art Deco Bar is open for your enjoyment, adding NFL Sunday Ticket and Monday Night Football, and seen increased participation in post committees thanks to the Social & Committee Night. For the first time in years, we have a Service Committee to organize and focus our community service efforts. More members are doing more for the post and for veterans. Increased membership and increased participation by that membership means a stronger post and greater sense of community.
Another big part of this push is the newly redesigned hollywoodpost43.org.
After several months of development, we are happy to unveil the new website. We've worked really hard to create a site that represents not just our history but where we are headed into the future. It's easy to use, beautifully designed, and it finally makes it easy to apply to join the American Legion! To date, we have received, on average, one new membership application every day the site has been live!
New functionality includes:
· Updated calendar with ability to RSVP and buy event tickets online
· Online membership application
· Dues payment and optional automatic annual billing
· Member profile management
· News blog
· Venue rental inquiry form
The MEMBER LOGIN area is now functional! If you have an email address on file with us and receive communications from Post 43, you can now try logging in using your email. The system will email you a password which you can change later. If you do not have an email on file with us, or are having trouble, feel free to email me at: fernando@post43.org, and I'll try and set you up with access using your email address.
Manage your membership! Now, you can add a credit card for dues payments and choose the option to automatically renew each year! Also, you'll be able to see the events you are RSVP'd for and a history of past events attended! This site is easy to update and we will be improving it as time goes on. Once logged in, make sure to update your profile with new address, phone number, or email.
The site continues to be a work in progress. Please bear with us as we work out any kinks and make sure to let us know if you encounter any issues.
Special thanks to our website vendor, Fix8 Media for an outstanding job on the site, and to Jon Endow for his amazing photographs. Without him, the site wouldn't be as gorgeous. Check out more of his work at jonendow.com
2nd VICE COMMANDER: MEMBERSHIP IS EVERYTHING
Michael Hjelmstad
2nd Vice Commander
January is not the only time of renewal, especially for your American Legion membership. See ... see what I did there?
I was in the Adjutants office recently borrowing a pen and I flipped through the large stack of membership cards of those who have not yet paid this year. That stack is way too big for this time of year and I saw too many names of active members. As the 2nd Vice-Commander of the post it's my job to tell you about events and activities here, but I'm also the First Vice-Commander of the 24th District, so I'm going to take this opportunity to harp on membership.
We are able to do all of the great things we do, like go to a Kings hockey game and watch our comrade Jimmy Weldon be honored on the ice as the Hero of the Game, because of our membership in the best veterans service organization in the world. At the national level we do things like lobby congress on veterans issues. Starting February 25, our national Legislative Committee will hold its Washington Conference where Legionnaires from across the nation will visit the offices of every elected official who will open their doors, and most do. When representatives of The American Legion ask to visit elected officials, those officials know that those representatives are speaking on behalf of our 2.2 million members worldwide. It's important to have a big number to have a strong influence when we stand up for the rights of all veterans.
So the moral of the story is pay your membership dues; encourage others to pay their membership dues; and bring in a new member this year. I am looking forward to this year as there are so many exciting things happening in and around this spectacular post. Find one of those things to get involved with, or create your own if none suit you.
ADJUTANT'S CORNER: HONOR OUR AFRICAN-AMERICAN VETS
Karl Risinger
Post Adjutant
February is the month for lovers, a month for history and a month for reflection. Roses are red, booze is cheap, come on down to Post 43 where there are people to meet! Cheesy, I know. But truly, a lot of things are happening at Post 43. Spend some time to get to know one another. Make it out to all the wonderful events the Entertainment Committee is working so hard at putting together for your enjoyment. Support the Post and all it has to offer.
This month we honor our Black History. Particularly, that of our Black service members. This country has a nasty history of the way we treated others. This month we thank and praise our Black heroes for their sacrifices, despite how the rest of the country was treating them. If it weren't for our brothers and sisters of color, we, as a nation, may not have won many of the battles that were fought to lead this nation to victory! It is with great pride that I say THANK YOU!
Lastly, "It was the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers"... This month we honor the Four Chaplains who stood on deck as the ship went down, praying for every soul aboard that night.
Think about all the sacrifices that have been made during your life in order that you may lead the life you live, and be thankful for what you do have. There are soooo many others that must go without or are suffering and need someone to sacrifice on their behalf. Just be kind to one another and enjoy the time we have together, while we have it!
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
Jimmy Weldon
Post Chaplain
Hello, Dear Friends ...It's undeniably true that things we were taught as children rarely change throughout life. We discuss philosophical, religious and political ideas with friends and are amazed at what we call stubbornness that he or she can't 'see' the truth in our topic of discussion. HEY ... wait-a-minute....maybe WE are wrong...huh? Jimmy, whaddayatalking about? Simply this: One thing that seems to be acceptable as FACT by ALL faiths around this earth: PRAYER is the most powerful force there is. We hear/read about miracles taking place all of the time. Well, God never answers MY prayers or "talks" to me, you may quickly reply. Perhaps you are --- just --- not --- listening... A short verse states: "Be still...and know that I am God." Think of how powerful those eight words are. Take those quiet moments. They are precious. I love you and look forward to our next meeting. God bless you....and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION | SQUADRON 43
James Castellanos
Commander
SAL Squadron 43
I am happy to report that we have had increased attendance at our meetings and more new faces in the Sons room. Let's keep it up as we move further into the year!
Speaking of the new year, now that February is upon us, we're ready to get back to work here at Squadron 43 and continue our goals of increasing membership and keeping all of our members involved. To help further this cause, some of our members and I will be attending the Area 6 Caucus at Camarillo Squadron 741. At this caucus, attendees will learn the history of the S.A.L., receive leadership training, and discuss ways to improve squadron operations. Continuing education is an important part of membership and I encourage all members to take advantage of any of these opportunities, such as attending a Four Pillars of the American Legion class.
The more informed we are as members, the better we can serve our veterans and the Post 43 community.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY | UNIT 43
Patricia Blanton
President
Auxiliary Unit 43
After the deadline for submitting the Auxiliary's article for the January 2017 newsletter, Unit 43 continued with its Christmas efforts for our veterans. Unit 43 made "Xmas stockings" filled with a warm, fuzzy blanket, candy and holiday cards which were distributed to homeless veterans and combat veterans. This annual project is one of our favorites since we can spread a little holiday cheer to our veterans in need. Santa's Helper Leilani was lead on this project!
Unit 43 assisted five USAF families from the Los Angeles Air force Base in El Segundo with Christmas presents for seven children. By working closely with the First Sergeant's Council, we were able to help bring joy to the children and a relief to the parents. Giving and sharing is what Auxiliary Unit 43 loves to do. Santa's Helper Rebecca was instrumental in this project!
Leilani Squire's weekly writing workshop which she facilitates at Wellness Works, Glendale, will be part of Channel 4's spotlight of the week for organizations that give to the community. The reporter interviewed Leilani and her students about the power of writing to help heal trauma and they did a mini-version of the writing workshop for the taping. It was really cool and she looks forward to watching the writing workshop on NBC's network.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Frank Sharp, USA; Lauren Yoon, USA; Randy Morales, USN; Clayton Pitkin, USMC; Andrew Mitchell, USMC; Jonathan Davila, USN; Devon Debany, USA; Fernanda Miranda, USA, Tony Schlievert, USAF; ALSO: Dale Delizio, USN (PHOTO: Dennis Kee)
JAN. 23: VA: "A System Worth Saving" TOWN HALL MEETING
At The American Legion, we truly believe that VA is a System Worth Saving. The specialized care that veterans receive at these facilities is unparalleled. In order to keep VA healthcare facilities delivering the best possible care in their communities, The American Legion conducts local town hall meetings and site visits to identify problems, challenges, and solutions.
Come share your VA experience at our next event at Hollywood Post 43 on Jan. 23 @ 7PM. More info: CLICK HERE.
POST 43 HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL CONTEST JAN. 29!
2016 American Legion Department of California Oratorical Contestestants
MEMBERS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JUST A FEW HOURS ON SUNDAY, JAN. 29!
One of the many ways you can make a difference is by helping out with the post-level High School Oratorical Contest on Sunday afternoon, January 29. We need members to act as timekeepers, ushers, escorts, monitors, serving refreshments after the speeches, etc. This will be the 79th annual Legion-wide contest and the winner of our Post contest will go on to the District contest in February. The contest starts at 1 pm and should last no more than two hours. Most volunteers are asked to arrive by 12:15. This is a major Legion event that we can't offer without your help. To volunteer, please contact our Oratorical Chair, Randy Kahn, at: legionspeak@earthlink.net
Randy Kahn, Oratorical Committee Chair
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Check the calendar online for the most up-to-date information on events!
February 2 - Voiture 47 Meeting 7 pm
February 5 - Super Bowl Sunday, 12 Noon
February 6 - Social Night & Black History Program, SONS Meeting, Dinner 5:30 pm (Tilapia with Special Sauce, Black Eyed Peas, White Rice, Cornbread & Ice Cream)
February 12 - 24th District Oratorical Contest Post 43 at 1 pm
February 13 - Executive Committee Meeting 6 pm
February 14 - Valentine's Day
February 19 - Comedy Night 8:30pm. Bar opens at 7 pm
February 20 - President's Day Federal Holiday
February 21 - TUESDAY Regular Meeting & Four Chaplains Program | Auxiliary Meeting 7 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm (Chicken Breast w/Butter Lemon, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans & Apple Pie)
February 23 - Sessions Night! 7 pm
February 26 - Area 6 High School Oratorical Contest at Post 283, 1 pm
February 27 - District 24 Meeting at Post 405, Four Chaplains program/Past Commander's Night, Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm
HOLLYWOOD LEGION THEATER
SEAT CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER
So far, we have raised nearly $30,000 towards our theater restoration project! Thank you to our generous and intrepid donors!
The Hollywood American Legion has embarked on an ambitious project to refurbish and retrofit our auditorium to bring it up to modern standards and employ a state-of-the-art film and digital motion picture exhibition capability.
Our plan is for our new theater to once again make Hollywood Post 43 a thriving cultural center, raising the profile of the Hollywood Post, the American Legion, and the cause of veterans in the Hollywood community and greater Los Angeles. Revenue we generate from theater rentals and our own film screening series will ensure we can provide even greater help to our veterans, children, and youth for years to come.
Support veterans and secure your place in history by sponsoring a new theater seat with your name engraved on a bronze plaque, or dedicate it in memory of loved one.
Donate now at THIS LINK and select SEAT CAMPAIGN! Veterans and American Legion Family, use the discount code VETS500 and you can sponsor a seat and save $500!!! (Proof of veteran status or American Legion membership will be verified.) Or visit our Crowdrise page.
Preliminary 3D rendering of theater concept by nonzero/architecture | Premieres 2017!
POST 43 MEMBER RECEIVES LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL
Our 99 year-old WWII veteran member, Col. Nathan Jaffe, USAR (Ret), recently received the French Legion Of Honor Medal. This is France's highest award and is conferred upon men and women, either French citizens or foreign nationals, for outstanding achievements in military or civilian life. U.S. veterans who risked their life during World War II to fight on French territory, may be awarded this distinction. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. The Legion of Honor medal is not awarded posthumously. Congratulations to Nathan!
SAVE THE DATE!
THE HOLLYWOOD LEGIONNAIRE
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF HOLLYWOOD POST 43 OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
EDITOR | J.W. MULLINS
COMMANDER | TIM SHANER
1ST VICE COMMANDER | FERNANDO RIVERO
2ND VICE COMMANDER | MICHAEL HJELMSTAD
JR PAST COMMANDER | DONALD SCHILLING
ADJUTANT & FINANCE OFFICER | KARL RISINGER
JUDGE ADVOCATE | DANIEL FLORES
CHAPLAIN | JIMMY WELDON
ASST. CHAPLAIN | TOM URICH
SERVICE OFFICER | ELIZABETH SHADDIX
HISTORIAN | HERACLIO AGUILAR
SGT-AT-ARMS | LARRY PITKIN
ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS | RON PRYKANOWSKI
POST PHOTOGRAPHER | KEVEN FREEDMAN
ASST. PHOTOGRAPHER | ANDRÉ C. ANDREWS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JENNIFER CAMPBELL • BRIAN FAGAN • DAVID GIBSON • DR. RAYMOND HSU • RANDY KAHN • JERIC WILHELMSEN
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PETER LISOWSKI • TERRENCE PALLEND • WILLIAM McTAGGART