Wreaths Across America Great Success
(Grandview - December 12, 2011) The Wreaths Across America event held at the Grandview Cemetery on December 10th was a great success.
While hoping we would get 50 wreaths ordered, over 168 were laid on a cold and heavily frosted morning. Over 100 people came to help place the wreaths, and no one complained about the cold.
The brief ceremony was conducted at the exact time of the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and at the time of the moment of silence, the Valley became absolutely still -- there even no noise from the freeway running by the cemetery.
A big "Thank You" goes to organizers L.J. and Ginger Emerson and all who supported the event, especially to members of the Air Force, Marine Corps and Legionnaires Doug Rinehart, John Myers, Robert Warwick, Jeanine Martin and Troy Mulholland for representing the service branches and POW/MIA's in the memorial wreath-laying.
Next year, we want to see all 500 graves decorated!
Wreaths Across America
Sponsor a wreath honoring veterans at the the Grandview Cemetery this holiday season. See story below. To order one or more wreaths to be placed on December 10th, go to:
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/location/grandview-cemetery-grandview/
PLEASE ORDER BY VETERANS DAY.
American Legion to Washington: Cuts to Defense or Military Retirement Benefits Would Be Foolish, Risky
(Grandview,
WA, October 1, 2011) Looking at proposals to slash the Department of
Defense budget, local leaders of The American Legion said the cuts,
along with changes to military retirement benefits, are unnecessary and
dangerous to America's national security. "It
is unconscionable to consider cuts to defense while we are engaged in
three wars," Grandview’s Post Commander Robert Gates said. "Throughout
our nation's history, every time we cut defense we paid for it with
American blood." Gates warned that proposed cuts to the military's
retirement pension and health care systems will also hurt America's
ability to retain the forces that it needs. "Comparing
military retirement benefits with what is available in the private
sector isn't comparing apples to oranges. It's comparing apples to
peanuts, which are what our troops are paid," Gates said. "If our
leaders in Washington are intent on making military life like the
private sector, then that's the path our young people will choose - the
private sector! ‘Grandfathering' benefits for today's military, while
cutting benefits for tomorrow's, guarantees that America will be less
prepared to fight the next war.
"We
all understand that America has an enormous national debt," Gates
added. "Yet, we have no debt larger than what is owed to our veterans
and those still serving in uniform. They have already paid their share.
We urge all veterans to write our Congressman and Senators and tell
them, ‘Cut the budget elsewhere.’"
Wreaths Across America Coming to Grandview
(Grandview, WA - October 28, 2011) “Wreaths Across America,” a program that began at Arlington National Cemetery and now includes over 500 cemeteries across the nation, is coming to Grandview this fall, sponsored by the Gold Star Mothers of Washington and assisted by Grandview’s American Legion Post 57. Grandview’s Ginger Emerson, herself a Gold Star Mother, is spearheading the event, to place holiday wreaths at the graves of as many veterans in the Grandview Cemetery as possible in December.“People may have seen photos of the wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery,” she said. “This is the same program and the first in Central Washington.”
Wreaths may be purchased for $15 each and will be placed on veteran graves at the cemetery. “Family donations of $60 will purchase 4 wreaths, small business donations of $150 will purchase 10 wreaths and corporate donations of $1,500 will purchase 100 wreaths,” said Emerson.Legion Post Commander Robert Gates noted that a small portion of the sale will go to Gold Star Mothers of Washington to support their programs. “Our Post is helping with this noble project as a service project to both the Gold Star Mothers and our community,” he said.
Emerson noted that the eventual hope is that this program will continue annually and expand to Sunnyside and Prosser in the next couple of years. “We are asking people to either honor specific veterans or donate to decorate a veteran’s grave at the cemetery.”“It will be quite a sight to see the graves decorated in this manner during the holidays,” said Gates.”
Both Emerson and Bev Schliep will be available to set up informational tables or speak to civic groups, youth groups and churches to promote the program. Brochures will soon be available in various businesses and other locations.Orders may be placed through mid-November.
A brief ceremony and placement of the wreaths will occur Saturday, December 10th at 9:00 AM at the Grandview Cemetery.To obtain order information or arrange for a presentation at a local group, call Ginger Emerson at 882-3801, Bev Schliep at 882-3191 or Jim or Nancy Davidson at 882-1984.
The Gold Star Mothers of Washington is made up of mothers who have lost a child in service to their country. Emerson’s son Matt died in Iraq.
Legion launches PUFL campaign
The American Legion has launched a campaign to build Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) memberships. The campaign - which began this month - features several facets.
• A PUFL Challenge Coin will be issued to individuals signing up as PUFL members. There is a challenge coin for each branch of service. Challenge coins have been a part of military service dating back to World War I, according to many sources. They're used to improve morale, foster unit cohesion, and reward hard work and exceptional performance.
• Current PUFL members are encouraged to use the PUFL Challenge Coin to challenge non-PUFL members, bringing about a friendly competition at the local level.
• When new PUFL members receive the challenge coin in the mail, a thank-you letter from American Legion National Commander Jimmie Foster will accompany the coin - along with a challenge to recruit another new PUFL.
• When a new PUFL membership is paid, either in full or through the 36-month payment plan option, a packet will be mailed to the member and will include a plastic PUFL membership card and PUFL lapel/cap pin.
• There also is a competition - which runs through July 1, 2011 - for Legion departments that is similar to the Big 12 Competition, honoring the six departments with highest total of PUFLs and goals achieved. Click here for the goals, based on membership at the 2010 Delegate Strength Target Date. winners will receive $1,000, and the department commanders will be recognized by state during the 2011 National Convention in Minneapolis. Non-winning departments may qualify for a plaque, as well as recognition in Legion media, if they reach 100 percent of their goal.
• Legionnaires recruiting 10 new PUFL members will receive a PUFL recruiter polo shirt and a certificate, and will be recognized Legion media.
• Legionnaires recruiting 25 new PUFL members will receive a master PUFL recruiter Legion cap.
• The top PUFL recruiter in the Legion will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 2011 National Convention for four days, where they will be recognized on stage.
• The October renewal notice mailing also will contain a PUFL insert.
Participate in the PUFL program, and you'll stop receiving renewal notices from National Headquarters and having to write checks every year for your dues. There is no more wondering, "Did I renew my membership or not?" It's one less thing to worry about each year. And in these lean economic times, a 36-month payment plan is in place to ease some of the financial impact of becoming a PUFL member.
But being a PUFL member is much more than a mere convenience. It's a lifetime commitment to our organization, one that says, "I believe in The American Legion and what it's doing. I'm in this for the long haul." Your membership dues go toward funding our various programs. They make it possible to provide department service officers to assist veterans with their claims. They help fund our Children and Youth programs. They allow us to impact the lives of veterans, servicemembers and their families, and children of all ages across the country. By signing up as a PUFL member, you're making a long-term commitment to helping fund those programs.
For more information about the PUFL competition contact Internal Affairs Assistant Director Scott Miller at (317) 630-1269 or by e-mail.
To download a PUFL application, click here.
It's Done!
Grandview, WA (July 2, 2009) After a long two and a half years, members of Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion saw completion to an ambitious community service project when a new gas range was installed at the Grandview Senior Center on June 13th. “It took much longer than we anticipated” said Robert Gates, Post Commander.
The Post embarked on the project in January 2007 when looking at some project to benefit the community. “We looked at several options” said Gates, “but it didn’t take us long to identify an immediate need right where our Post meets: a malfunctioning gas range.” The senior center had an old second hand commercial gas range installed by the County a number of years ago as part of the senior meals program. Unfortunately, it did not operate well and eventually became a hazard to use, including failed pilot lights that caused gas to leak. “We referred to it as ‘the boat anchor’ because it served no purpose at all” said Gates. It left the kitchen with one aging 4 burner electric range to prepare meals, which was no benefit in feeding large groups.
“It was Post Adjutant Jim Davidson who suggested the new range” said Gates. Both he and his wife Nancy, who is the Auxiliary Secretary, had spearheaded meal functions for large Legion events at the center for a number of years and had become quite familiar with the limitations imposed by a non-functioning range.
The Post set a goal of $10,000 to raise in order to purchase a suitable unit. “Two-thirds of the money raised for the project came from within our local Legion family” said Jim Davidson. “Community support was far less than we expected” he said, “but we are grateful for donations provided by the Grandview Lions Club, the Grandview Seniors and the Yakama Legends Casino as well as a discount from the dealer that helped us get to this point.” He noted the Post still needs about $700 to compensate for other Post funds that were used to meet the final payment.
The new unit, installed by Bunch Finnigan Appliance from Kennewick, features six burners, a removable griddle and two electric convection ovens. “I know we will enjoy using the range to serve large groups” said Betty George Auxiliary President. “I know other groups will feel the same way.” Mike Carpenter, Parks and Recreation Director agreed. “We are so thankful the Legion made the effort to upgrade the kitchen. The seniors will appreciate it.”
Grandview Mayor Norm Childress noted in a letter to the Post, “The unit will serve the kitchen needs for many groups and organizations for years to come. We are fortunate to have groups like The American Legion in our community. Your dedication and generosity is so very much appreciated.”
2009 Boys State Representatives Named
Grandview, WA (May 15, 2009) Ryan Contreras and Eric DeLeon of Grandview High School have been named as the Post's representatives of Grandview to the 2009 Evergreen Boys State to be held at Central Washington University June 21 - 27.
Contreras and DeLeon, who will be seniors this coming school year, will join over 250 young men from around Washington State to experience a week of hands-on government. They will learn a variety of leadership and governmental skills and have the opportunity to earn 4 college credits for their experience.
The Post provided $250 scholarships for each young man to participate.
They will deliver a report of their experience at the Post's Veterans Day Dinner in November.
Post's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Named as Department Humanitarian of the Year
Seatac, WA (February 1, 2009) Patrolman Charles E. (Chuck) Nelson of the Hanford Patrol was named as the Department of Washington's Humanitarian of the Year during the Mid-Winter Conference held at Seatac, Washington. His selection was based on his heroism cited for actions on July 3rd, 2008 (see story, below).
Patrolman Nelson will receive his award at the Department Convention in Spokane in July.
Hanford Patrolman Named as Post's 2008 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Heroism Gold Medal Recipient
Charles Nelson (center) receives Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Heroism Awards from Department Commander Richard Langenbach (L) and Post Commander Robert Gates (R).
Grandview, WA (December 26, 2008) Patrolman Charles E. (Chuck) Nelson of the Hanford Patrol was named as The American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year (with Valor) for 2008 by the membership of Fred E. Hayes Post 57. He will receive the award during ceremonies at the Post’s delayed Veterans Day dinner on Saturday, January 13th. The award is made in recognition of his years of distinguished service to the Hanford Patrol and Hanford Site as a K-9 officer.
In addition, Patrolman Nelson will be presented with The American Legion Heroism Gold Medal for actions resulting in saving a life at a motor vehicle accident and fire on Highway 240 bordering the Hanford Site on July 3, 2007. “His actions represent the highest calling of service to our extended community,” said Robert Gates, Commander of Post 57. “His supervisors and fellow Patrol members as well as the surrounding communities need to be very proud of him and it will be our distinct honor to recognize him,” Gates added.
A surprised Nelson said when informed of the decision, “You didn’t need to do this.” Post Adjutant Jim Davidson advised him, “We absolutely had to do this.”
Nelson was responding to a mutual aid request on Highway 240 bordering the Hanford Site on July 3rd when he arrived to find an overturned car that was on fire with an injured driver trapped inside. Using the assistance of bystanders, Nelson crawled into the vehicle to release and extricate the injured driver, who was subsequently air-evacuated to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. Nelson himself was transported to the hospital by the Hanford Fire Department ambulance for evaluation of injuries he sustained in the rescue.
Nelson is a resident of Selah.
Local Scout Receives Department of Washington's Eagle Scout of the Year
Eagle Scout David M. Tobin (right) of Grandview's Troop 643 receives the Department of Washington's Eagle Scout of the Year Award & Scholarship from Department Commander Larry Watson)
VANCOUVER, WA (July 19, 2008) - Eagle Scout David Tobin of Grandview's Boy Scout Troop 643 was presented with The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year for the Department of Washington at the 90th Annual Convention held in Vancouver, Washington.
Tobin, who will be a senior at Kiona-Benton High School, is the son of David and Cynthia Tobin of Benton City. His father is a member of Post 57, which made him eligible to apply for the award.
Competition for the award was brisk, but Tobin's more extensive Scouting background pushed his application to the top. Tobin has 47 merit badges, two Eagle Palms and an assortment of other Scouting awards. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
Troop 643 in Grandview is the community's oldest, continuously-operating Troop and has served youth for over 80 years. It was orginally sponsored by Post 57 but is now chartered to Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Grandview's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Receives State Award
(Grandview's Officer Scott Ames receives the Department of Washington's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from George LaPold, Law and Order Chairman)
VANCOUVER, WA (July 19, 2008) Officer Scott Ames of the Grandview Police Department, who was presented with The American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year (with Valor) and the Heroism Gold Medal by the membership of Fred E. Hayes Post 57 in November 2007, was presented with the Department of Washington's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award during the 90th Annual Convention held in Vancouver, Washington.His selection recognized his act of heroism in rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car in Grandview in 2007.
Based on this selection, he will now be considered for the National Award in 2009.</