Minutes of

The American Legion 22nd District, Department of Texas

District Executive Committee ― August 9, 2009

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 1402 by Commander Terry Messinger at The American Legion Post 594, 3105 Campbell, and Houston TX, 77080.   The Roll Call of Officers, Committee Chairperson, and Post was taken. (Encl.1.).   10 out of 13 Posts were present.

 

GUESTS―Commander Messinger welcomed Past Department Commander Butch Sparks, 2nd Division Command Lynn Sparks, Past 2nd Division Commander Al Marlowe, and Past District Commanders Tom Larsen, Buddy McFarland, Dan King, Bill Menbeck.

 

Committees Reports

 

BASEBALL―Tom Larsen reported that Texarkana won the Department Tournament.  Milby High School represented the 22nd District and 2nd Division but was eliminated early.    Also mentioned there is interest in returning the 2010 Department to Houston next year, but Butch Sparks that it was going to be in Irving, TX.  Commander commented that Posts should sponsor a baseball team and that the 1st meeting of the baseball committee will be on Tuesday, August 11 at Post 472.

 

BOY SCOUTS/S.A.L.―Dan King gave the S.A.L. membership percentage for 2009(Encl. 2).  The District S.A.L. were 13 members short for 100%.  Commander commented all Posts should help a Boy Scout Troop.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE―Juan Torres reported that S.A.L. Squadron 472 held a fundraiser yesterday which raised $3500. to buy school supplies for the area needy children.  Post  64 had 4 members that took an 8 hours course to become certify for the Wounded Warriors Program.  Post 490 served steaks to 30 to 35 patients from the VA and their Post was used for a fundraiser to paid for a funeral by a family who lost a child in a car accident

 

MEMBERSHIP― Jerry Blaylock will post the membership standing on the 22nd District web page.  Past Department Commander reported that to apply for PUFL you need to send a copy of the DD214 with the application and that the dues for PUFL had greatly increased.

 

DISTRICT BAR-B-QUE COOK-OFF― Marcos Carley stated that the first meeting of the District Cook-Off will be on the third Thursday of the month, starting September 15 at Post 521 at 7:00 P.M.

 

ORATORICAL/SCHOOL AWARDS― Tom Larsen said that the new school is about to get started and it time to working on the oratorical program which will be held in January.

 

POW/MIA ― Bill Hutson reported that one MIA has been recovered.

 

VA&R ― Joe Leslie reported the volunteer hours and Miguel Navarro mentioned that it took him 9 years to get his 100% and for veterans not to get discouraged and follow through with the appeals.  If you wait for more an hour for your appointment, complain to the Veteran officer.

 

OFFICERS REPORTS

 

VICE COMMANDER― Jerry Blaylock read the standing percents and new goals of the District’s Post(Encl. 3). The 22nd District is in fifth place in Department and the 2nd division is in first place.  The following Posts had turn-ins: Post 416(15), Post 521(26), and Post 594(21).  Post 490 is turning 75 tomorrow and Post 164 turned in 20.  Commander Terry mentioned the increase in the goals and stressed the importance of retenting members.

 

ADJUTANT―Juan Torres mentioned that the PUFL will change on October 1, 2009 to higher rate.  You will have 36 months to pay it with the first payment will be the down payment instead of 10% down and a year to pay the balance.

Also mentioned that the Department Adjutant wants all members to contact your congressman to support the bill making September 19 to name American Legion Day.

 

FINANCE OFFICER―Tom Larsen gave the finance report for a four months period (Encl.4).  Mentioned that the Preamble in the back of the membership card so we can make a better job of reciting it. Tom Larsen motioned to accept report, seconded by Butch Sparks, and motion passed.

 

CHAPLIN―Cal Gruetzmacher stated that the memorial team conducted 5 funerals last month, the lowest total this year.

 

SERVICE OFFICER ― Reported that the VA is receiving more claims from the Veterans that are returning from the war in the Middle East. Commented Post 472’s Drill Team been working hard to win at the National Competion.

 

SGT.-AT-ARMS―Leo Villafranco reported that 34 legionnaires had signed in.

 

PAST DISTRICT COMMANDER ― Lynn Sparks emphasized MEMBERSHIP, MEMBERSHIP, and AND MEMBERSHIP.  Mentioned that we should be at 50% on August 28, 65% on October 27, and 75 % on November 27.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Tom Larsen, Finance Officers reported that District has money for nurse’s scholarship and he has and will approve 3 nurses scholarship that have been submitted their application.

 

Rahpel Morris mentioned that he has the application for the ad for the fall convention brochure which will be a full size ad.

 

GOOD OF THE LEGION

 

22nd District Sgt. @ arms Leo Villafanco invited every member to attend the Post 416 Officer Installation

 

 22nd Service Officer Ben Saenz mentioned that new computers are available for those veterans who are 50% disable.

 

Post 521 Commander Marcos Carley talked about a program that disabled veterans can enjoy the outdoors, riding river rapids, etc.  He will bring more information.

 

 

 

Meeting was adjourned at 1520.

 

Compiled by _____________________                                                                   Date__________________________

 

Approved by _____________________

 

 

Motion to approve__________________                                                                  Seconded by __________________