Post 24 Commander's Corner

On March 18, volunteers and special guests were treated to a wonderful meal and friendship. It was an honor to present continuous membership certificates and lapel pins to Allan Gallant (50 years), Tom Warner (55 years), Lucien Arsenault, Richard Austin and Robert Watson (60 years). On March 21, District 5 (Oxford County) held its monthly meeting at Norway Post 82. The following people were voted into office for 2012-2013; Commander: Kirk Thurston Rumford Post 24, 1st Vice: Harold Wilbur West Paris Post 151, 2nd Vice: Joseph Cooney South Paris Post 72, Adjutant: Lester Prue Rumford Post 24, Chaplain: Dane Curato Rumford Post 24, Finance Officer: Richard Grover Bethel Post 81 and Sgt-at-Arms: Robert Lavertu Oxford Post 112.

This past Sunday, Post 24 held its election of officers for 2012-2013; Commander: Kirk Thurston, 1st Vice: Tricia Thurston, 2nd Vice: Bob McPherson, Adjutant: Dane Curato, Chaplain: Marcel Martineau, Americanism: Fred Milligan and Sgt-at-Arms: Lisa Sinclair. The Executive Committee members are Tom Buotte, Ralph Arsenault, Edward J. Roach Jr. and Mike Mann. Both the Post and District Officers will be installed on Tuesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. There will be a light meal at 6 p.m.

Cub Scouts Pack 580 held their Blue and Gold Banquet, which is a celebration of acheivements accomplished over the past year. It was well attended by family and friends. On March 30, Post 24 had the privilege and honor to host the Vietnam War Remembrance Day. It was an awesome turnout of Vietnam Veterans, which was really heartwarming to see. Many area veterans were honored for their service during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War. Unfortunately there are many more area veterans that need to be recognized and will be when they are ready to receive what is rightfully theirs. Gratitude! I must thank all those that made this event possible, Dwight Murphy with the idea and Sheryl Briggs with the fortitude to go forward with it. It sure was a feel good day.

This past Saturday the Ladies Auxiliary held a craft fair and bake sale, which was very successful for them. On Saturday, the Ladies will have their annual Super Benefit, starting with a Mexican meal from 4-7 p.m. for $10 and a dance at 8 p.m. featuring the band Fair Enough for $10 per person or $18 per person for both the meal and dance. The ladies have been collecting pictures and stories from area veterans and their families to create a memory wall for this event. What a great way to show your appreciation and support to our troops of past and present. It should be a great time, so do not wait to buy your tickets, they can be purchased at the Post.

Post 24’s membership is currently at 96% with 20 members that have not paid their 2012 dues. If you are one of those individuals then you will have noticed that you did not receive a Legion Magazine from National Headquarters and will have lost any insurance plans that you may have been enrolled in. Yes this is tough economic times, but it is less than a tank of gasoline. Your membership dues help support Legion programs such as Boys State and scholarships to name a few. Please reconsider your reason for not renewing your dues. Enough said, if you need answers to questions do not hesitate to call the Post at 369-9053 and I will get back to you. Hope to see you at the Installation of Officers on April 17 or at least at the next monthly meeting on May 6. Start thinking about the Memorial Day Parade.