2010 Minutes
The American Legion
Post 20 met in the Bland Court House at 6:30 pm on January 19, 2010 with 14
members present.
The meeting was
opened with prayer led by Willie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Stephen
Kelley.
Commander Mallory
called the business meeting to order.
- Steve Kelley gave the Treasurer’s
Report. There are no
outstanding bills. A check was
written for $100.00 for change for Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast which
can now be re-deposited.
Checks were written in the amount of $56.00 for the post office box
rent for a year and $100.00 donation to the Bland Department of Social
Services for Christmas Cheer. The current balance is $3,274.56.
- Minutes of the last meeting were read
and approved as read. Notice
were sent it to the newspaper but was not printed.
- We now have 102.13% toward our
membership goal. Pulaski is
next with 97.34% and Wytheville has 93%. There is a new post in Dublin #58 with 16
members.
- We will talk to Elmer Beardshall more
about a web site when he returns to Virginia.
- A game commission representative will be
present at the Farm Management meeting at the Lutheran Church
on February 18th at 6:30 pm. The meal costs $5.00.
- We have a letter from Susan F. Lee of
the American Legion Auxiliary of Virginia. Need 10 eligible members to start a
Ladies Auxiliary. Dues are
$13.00 a year. An annual
bonding obligation of $7.00 and twenty-five cents per member must be
paid. Wade Hall has the
information.
- 7th District Spring
Conference will be on Sunday, Feb. 7th at Rural Retreat. Sign-in is between 10:30 and 12
noon.
- Commander Mallory received a call during
December from a member passing through the area wanting money. He was told the Post does not do
this.
- Commander Mallory had two calls
congratulating us for our percentage of members and asking that we try to
get more members for the District.
- Another letter from Richmond
Headquarters was received requesting that the Post attempt to get the
member renewals.
- We had a transfer request from George A.
Lockhart of Rocky Gap. He has
not returned the transfer form.
- Breakfast Pancake tickets sold for Dec.
19th can be used for the April 10th breakfast. Need tickets for the April 10th
breakfast by March.
- Wade Hall’s grandson’s 5th
grade class is studying the Korean War. Information was requested from
anyone serving in Korea.
- In answer to a question, the Rocky Gap Veterans
Park committee is
still meeting but the final design has not been decided on.
- Bill Hubble suggested we make a Post
calendar to include events and fund raisers. The gun raffle was seen as a
success. A suggestion was made
that we raffle a gun again, maybe with a scope. We need to schedule another
Applebee’s breakfast, preferably in August or September but not the
first or third Saturday. Bland
Fair dates have not been set.
The Fire Department is starting Bingo in the community building on
Friday nights starting in January.
Suggestion was made to have one or more dinners. Possible parades are Bland Fair,
Rocky Gap and Wytheville Christmas.
- We need to talk to older citizens and
record their stories. John
Hagy, Bubby Atkins and Wayne Richardson were mentioned.
- If anyone is interested in ordering a
Legion hat, see Bill Hubble.
- Our Post flag may need to be
replaced. Woodsman of the
World will give an American flag.
Commander Mallory is checking into getting a flag holder to put in
the ground to protect the flag pole.
- May need to get a new sign for the American Legion Building. Tommy will get information and give
Wade.
- Commander Mallory read some historical
facts on the post and American Legion building. Land was deeded in 1950 from the Burton family. Post was named for Miller T. Burton
who was killed in World War I.
The meeting was
closed with a prayer by Willie Wilson.
The next meeting will at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, February 16th on
the second floor of the Bland Courthouse.
The American Legion Post 20 met in the Bland Court House at 6:30 pm on February 17, 2010 with 8 present. Attendance was low because of weather and road conditions.
The meeting was opened with prayer led by Stephen Kelley and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Harry Shupe.
Commander Mallory called the business meeting to order.
The minutes of the last meeting, provided by William Hubble and read by Tom Mallory, were approved as read.
Steve Kelley gave the Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $3,503.12.
Steve Kelley reported that he tried to visit Wayne Richardson who is our local historian. However, the snow covered road prevented him from getting to the house. Steve will try again when the road is better.
Commander Mallory announced that Elmer Beardshall set up the Post’s Web Site (www.AL20BlandVA.org) and it has been up for almost two weeks now. Mallory was very complimentary of the job Elmer has done and had hoped to show the site to everyone but the courthouse signal appeared to be too weak to pick up the internet. Mallory gave a description of the site, including the fact that it plays the "National Anthem" in one place and "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" in another place. Elmer even managed to get the serial number of Miller T. Burton for the site. The web site address is now on all the meeting notice cards.
Mallory brought some handouts on benefits for the members.
As of February 3, 2010, Bland has 102.13% toward our membership goal. Marion has 80%, Pulaski has 96%, Wytheville has 93%, Narrows has 77%, Rural Retreat has 88%, Galax has 87%, and Penbrook has 94.44%. Bluefield has only 77%. We got 6 new members last year, Pulaski got 7 new members, Wytheville 3, Narrows 6, Rural Retreat 4, Galax 5, and Penbrook 5. We are next to the top of new members and that does not count transfers. The potential transfer member, George A. Lockhart of Rocky Gap, has not returned his transfer form.
The 19th American Legion/Virginia State Police Junior Law Cabinet program will meet at the State Police Academy in Richmond on July 11-16, 2010. The cost is $200.00. 40 cadets will be accepted. It is for junior law cadets, probably under 21. Application must be in by May 12th. The Post will consider sponsoring someone.
Mallory has a new flag catalog. There was a discussion the flag needed.
Mallory welcomed our new member, Lace Asbury, IV. Mr. Asbury talked about happenings in the county, including schools, sewer systems and budget cuts. County will start sending a letter of appreciation to new military personnel and college graduates. Hopefully the county might have a wind farm in the future.
Steve Brown went to the Veterans Memorial meeting and brought a sketch of the design to share with the group. Also, Steve said a lady came to him and wanted to know what medals her father had received. It was stated that with the name and serial number, records could be ordered from St. Louis. Possibly replacement medals could be ordered.
October 9, 2010 has been set for an Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast. This is during the Festival of Leaves but we can advertise for folks to come to Breakfast before going to the Festival.
Commander Mallory showed an interesting video on the Early History of the United States. There are 4 more parts of the video which will be shown at future meetings.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned until 6:30 pm on March 17, 2010 in the Court House.
March 16, 2010
The American Legion Post 20 met in the Bland Court House at 6:30 pm on
March 16, 2010 with 16 members present.
The meeting was opened with
prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commander Mallory called the
business meeting to order.
* The minutes of the last meeting were
read by Wade Hall and were approved with the change of the next meeting date
to the 16th rather than the 17th.
* Steve Kelley gave the
Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $3,493.12. The report was
approved as submitted.
* Commander Mallory reported Bland is now the
“top dog” in the district. As of March 2010, Bland has 100.53% toward our
membership goal. Marion has 80%, Dublin who just started has 78.65%,
Wytheville has 95.15%, Rural Retreat has 89.34%, Galax has 91.55%, and
Penbrook has 94.44%. The total for the 7th District is 92.69%. The 10th
District has 99.29%.
* Wade and Tommy gave out Pancake Breakfast
flyers to be posted.
* Pancake Breakfast plans were discussed.
* As reported last month, the 19th American Legion/Virginia State Police
Junior Law Cabinet program will meet at the State Police Academy in Richmond
on July 11-16, 2010 was again discussed. The cost is $200.00. 40 cadets will
be accepted. It is for junior law cadets, probably under 21. Application
must be in by May 12th. The Post will consider sponsoring someone. Jerry
Thompson will check with the High School counselor on interested persons.
* Mallory reported the Legion flag discussed at the last meeting
will cost $899.00. This was seen as excessive. Obtaining a flag at a craft
show was discussed. A US flag will be $69.00. It was decided to continue
checking on having a Legion flag made by a crafter or getting one on-line. A
motion was passed to purchase a US flag.
* Steve Brown provided a
rough draft of the Veterans Memorial plans.
* Commander Mallory was
trying to complete an American Legion information form. There was discussion
of the number of memorial services the Post has conducted during the last
year and the number of times assistance has been given.
* It was
reported that efforts are still underway to try to obtain J. C. Baker’s
military information for his daughter.
* A suggestion was made to
visit member Robert Atkins at Carrington Place on the day of the Pancake
Breakfast. Mr. Atkins was extremely active in American Legion Post 20 as
long as his health permitted.
* Wade Hall passed out new brochures
on recruiting new members.
* Commander Mallory showed another
interesting video on the Early History of the United States. There are 3
more parts of the video which will be shown at future meetings.
*
Inquiry was made about the machine gun that, for years, was on the
courthouse lawn. The Veterans Memorial is looking for something like this.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
7:40 pm until 6:30 pm on April 20, 2010 in the Court House.
April 20, 2010
The American Legion
Post 20 met in the Bland Court House at 6:30 pm on April 20,
2010 with 8 members present.
The meeting was
opened with prayer by Stephen Kelly and the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Commander Mallory
called the business meeting to order.
- The minutes of
the last meeting were distributed and were approved.
- Steve Kelley
gave the Treasurer’s Report.
He reported that $360 was made on pancake breakfast
at Applebee’s. The current balance is $3,591.97. The report
was approved as submitted.
- It was reported
that the military record of J. C. Baker has been obtained as
requested by his family.
Stephen Kelley will take the information to Mr.
Baker’s daughter.
- It was reported
that the candidate to participate in the American
Legion/Virginia State Police Junior Law Cabinet program at
the
State
Police
Academy
in
Richmond
on July 11-16, 2010 must be a graduating High School Junior.
The cost is $200.00.
40 cadets will be accepted.
As of a few days ago, 18 slots remained available.
Application must be
in by May 12th. Immediate action is needed to meet the deadline.
It might be too late for this year.
- The District
meeting will be the first Sunday in June in
Narrows.
Commander Mallory will try to attend.
- We need to start
thinking about what we are going to do for Memorial Day.
We obtained the flags from VFW last year.
Bill Hubble, Service Officer, gave out a brochure on
ordering flags. A
gross of flags will cost about $65.00.
A motion was made, seconded and passed to buy 2 gross
of 8 x 12” flags to be used year after year.
Tommy Mallory will order the flags.
Some graves are not marked as being that of a
veteran. Grave
markers can be purchased and family members should be
encouraged to do so.
Post members might want to walk through local cemeteries to
see how many flags are needed.
- Six members
visited Robert Atkins at
Carrington Place
on the day of the Pancake Breakfast.
He seemed pleased to
see everyone. A
picture of the group and article was sent to the Bland
Messenger, Wytheville Enterprise and Smyth County News but
it has not been printed yet.
The picture and article are on the web site.
- Commander
Mallory showed another interesting part of the video on the
Early History of the
United States.
The meeting was
adjourned with prayer by Stephen Kelley.
The next meeting will be in the American Legion
Building at 6:30 pm on May
18, 2010.
American Legion Post 20
May 18, 2010
The American Legion Post 20 met in the Bland Court House at 6:30 pm on
May 18, 2010 with 14 members present.
The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commander Mallory called the business meeting to order.
The minutes of the last meeting were
distributed and were approved.
Steve Kelley gave the Treasurer’s Report. The current
balance is $3,296.47. We paid for a new flag and 2 gross
flags for area graves for Memorial Day. The report was
approved as submitted.
It was reported that the family was very pleased with
the military record of J. C. Baker that the post
obtained.
Stephen Kelly reported having talked with Wayne
Richardson about the history of the American Legion
Building. Wayne thought the building was constructed in
1947-48. The Post met in the Community Building before
that. W. C. and Lena Mae Burton donated the land July 5,
1952. They obtained the land from the School Board. The
land goes across the creek. Apparently construction was
around 1952 or 1953.
A suggestion was made that we might consider a
donation to flood victims. The post has not been doing
that type thing in the past.
Efforts are still being made to locate the machine
gun that was on the Court House lawn.
Wade Hall reported Jerry Thompson checked on
requirements for sponsoring a gun show. The biggest
thing is that all those who sell weapons must have a
license to sell firearms. This might be a way for the
Post to make some money. It is believe the vendors are
charged a fee to set up their table. No decision was
made.
Tom Mallory brought up the idea of purchasing
American Legion patches. They are $3.45 each. Vehicle
window decals are $3.69. Wade Hall made a motion to
purchase 15 patches and 15 decals. Bill Hubble and Bill
Crabtree agreed to pay for an additional 15 window
decals. Bill Hubble asked if there are some small items
the Post could purchase to give to folks who make
donations. This was seen as a good idea.
The Post was too late to sponsor the selected
candidate to participate in the American Legion/Virginia
State Police Junior Law Cabinet program. A motion was
made, seconded and passed to give this candidate the
$200.00 as a one-time scholarship.
The District meeting will be the first Sunday in June
in Narrows. Commander Mallory will try to attend.
A picture ID to be used to get discounts can be
obtained by going to the Beckley Veterans Administration
office. Must take your DD214.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer. The next meeting will
be in the American Legion Building at 6:30 pm on June 15, 2010.
American Legion Post 20
June 15, 2010
The American Legion Post 20 met in the Bland Court House at 6:30 pm on June 15. 2010.
The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commander Mallory called the business meeting to order.
- The minutes of the last meeting were distributed and were approved.
- Steve Kelley gave the Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $3,098.62.
- There were comments on how much people appreciated the Memorial
Day grave flags. The flags will be stored in the Legion Building.
- Commander Mallory attended the District meeting.
- The June membership report shows Post 20 as having 102.13% and one new membership has been sent in. Wytheville has 96.97% and Marion has 92%. We have recently lost two members. The new member, Ewell R. Templeton, is a World War II veteran born in 1924. He has been a member in West Virginia in the past.
- The new badges were passed out. These will be good to wear for fund-raisers.
- It was suggested the Post have a booth at the Ruritan’s Car Show on July 10.
- It was voted to buy a 270 rifle with scope to have for the raffle. Last year we made around $2,000 on the raffle.
- It was decided to table the gun show for now because of the red tape involved. As we learn more about the requirements, we might want to reconsider it.
- It was decided to have a family cookout at the time of the August meeting. Stephen Kelley will explore arrangements. It was decided to have hot dogs and hamburgers and let the guests bring side dishes and desserts.
- Elmer Beardshall sent Commander Mallory a picture of the World War I bridge plaque that needs to be cleaned. Jimmy Atwell, Extension Agent, might be able to give advice to how to clean it.
- Members need to get together to go to the Veterans Administration to have photo ID’s made. There was discussion of going to Beckley.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer. The next meeting will be in the American Legion Building at 6:30 pm on July 20, 2010.
American Legion Post 20
July 20, 2010
The American Legion Post 20 met in the Legion Building at 6:30 pm on July 20. 2010.
The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Willie Wilson.
Commander Mallory called the business meeting to order.
- The minutes of the last meeting were read and were approved.
- Stephen Kelley’s Treasurer’s Report was read by Elmer Beardshall. The current balance in the bank is $2,584.77. He also reported on the plans for the August family picnic meeting. The report was approved.
- Raffle tickets for the gun were distributed to the members present. There were 48 tickets in each bag rather than 38 as announced.
- The July membership report shows Post 20 as having 50 members and 104%.
- The tent to be used for selling raffle tickets and recruiting members during the fair will be set up at 11:00 AM on Wednesday. Commander Mallory will bring a table. The Post needs members to man the tent during the Fair.
- Efforts are underway to clean up the plaque on the bridge.
- The planned work on the Legion Building is still on hold because the person who is to do the work is busy.
- The next Applebee’s Breakfast is scheduled for October 9, 2010. This is during the Festival of Leaves. We can advertise, "Have a good breakfast before you go to the Festival of Leaves."
- The club voted to continue the membership dues for Robert C. Atkins. It was reported he is at home under hospice care.
- The VFW will be in the Fair Parade. Amer. Legion members may participate.
- It was reported that someone had trouble getting an ID card at the Beckley VA while someone else had no problems at Salem.
The meeting was closed with prayer.
The next meeting for members and families will be at the Central United Methodist Church picnic shelter at 6:30 pm on August 17, 2010. The Post will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. Guests may bring side dishes. RSVP to Stephen Kelley by August 10th.
American Legion Post 20
August 17, 2010
The American Legion Post 20 met at the Central United Methodist Church picnic shelter at 6:30 pm on August 17. 2010 for a family cookout and pot luck meal.
See Pictures.
The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jerry Thompson.
A delicious meal was served to about 30 members and their families. The sudden rain did not dampen the spirit of the evening or the appetite of the attendees. A thank you was extended to the Post members on behalf of the guests. Elmer Beardshall placed some photos from the evening on the Web Site.
Commander Mallory called an informal business meeting to order.
- The minutes of the last meeting will be read at the September meeting.
- Members were reminded of the All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast at Applebee’s in Wytheville from 7:00 – 9:00 am on October 9, 2010. Tickets are $5.00 each or guests may pay at the door. The Post will receive $4.25 for each ticket sold.
- Raffle tickets for the gun are available. There are 48 tickets in each pack. Tickets will be sold at the fair.
- A suggestion was made to make the August meeting each year a family cookout and the November meeting a catered family meal in honor of Veterans Day. The suggestion was not voted on.
- William Hubble will write a Thank You letter for Central United Methodist Church for the use of their very nice shelter.
The next meeting will be at the American Legion Building on the Fairgrounds at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010.
2010 Minutes
