Vice Commanders' Messages | September 2017
1st VICE COMMANDER
Michael Hjelmstad
It is with great excitement that I announce the Executive Committee has approved an American Legion Riders chapter at our post and we have more than enough interested to make it happen. All members of the American Legion Riders hold individual membership in The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, or the Sons of The American Legion. To be a Legion Rider you need to be a member of the Legion family and own a street-legal motorcycle.
I’d like to specifically welcome Ronnie Womble and his wife Lisa to our Post 43 family. They have transferred from another Post with the specific mission of helping to bring the American Legion Riders to Post 43 and we are happy to have them.
At the Aug. 15 meeting of the Post 43 Executive Committee, a group of Legion Riders presented their desire to start a chapter. That group included Ronnie Womble, future Chapter 43 President; Lisa Womble, future Chapter 43 Sergeant at Arms; Chris Coleman, Chapter 48 President; James Adames, Junior Past State President. The motion to charter was met with unanimous consent and a round of applause.
American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for veteran’s homes, severely wounded service members, local children's hospitals, schools, and scholarships. Since 2006, the annual American Legion Legacy Run raises money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund for children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001. The Legacy Run is on the road right now on the way to the National Convention in Reno and our Past Commander Jeric Wilhelmsen is with the media team. Video coverage can be found at: legion.org/headlines/riders
If you are interested in joining The American Legion Riders you can email Ronnie at rwomble52909@gmail.com or call: (904) 487-5423.
2nd VICE COMMANDER
Jennifer Campbell
Greetings, Legionnaires! It's hard to believe summer is coming to a close, but we still have plenty of events and activities lined up! The Art Deco Bar will be open Sundays for NFL football and we do have "the package!" Come have a drink and cheer on your favorite team with your comrades! Bar opens at 9:30 for the 10am game until the last game ends.
Sept 11th falls on our social and committee meeting and we have a very moving evening planned. We also want to recognize our post 9/11 members so please make sure to be in attendance. Dinner at 5:30pm, program at 7.
Last month's Hollywood Icons Karaoke was a hoot and a great turn out, there were even special appearances by Lucy & Ricky Ricardo and Crocodile Dundee. Many thanks to all who attended. Next karaoke night will be Wed, Sept 20th at 8:00pm. If you haven't had the chance to attend The Hollywood Speakeasy Jazz Night featuring Richard Halpern yet, I highly recommend it. Next performance will be Thursday, Sept 28th at 8:00pm in the Deco Bar.
Post 43 has created a Marksmanship Shooting Club. If you're interested in joining please see Andre Andrews (andrecandrews@gmail.com). The next range day will be Sat., Sept. 23, 8am-12pm at Oak Tree Gun Club in Santa Clarita. We've had a great turnout and been getting to know other area posts, complete with a healthy dose of friendly competition. If you don't own a weapon, we have plenty to go around. All skill levels welcome.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members and encourage you to get involved and take advantage of all the great activities the post has to offer!