July Commander’s Corner

On June 14-17, the Department of Maine American Legion held its’ annual convention at the Bangor Civic Center. It was a very informative weekend. The following people were chosen by their peers to hold office for the coming year; Commander: Ken Bouchard, 1st Vice: John Hargreaves, 2nd Vice: Richard Graves, Adjutant: Lloyd Woods, Finance Officer: Larry Mitchell, Chaplain: Gary Purington, Americanism: Charles Foss, Judge Advocate: Steve Page, Historian: Tommy Adkins, National Executive Committeeman: Paul L’Heureux, National Executive Committeeman Alternate: Brenda Dearborn.

Monthly meetings will start up again October 7. I know it seems like a long ways away, but it seems the first Sunday of the month through the summer is also a Holiday. The Executive Committee will continue to meet throughout the summer to ensure everything is running as smooth as possible.

We are actively seeking oil bids for this coming year and bids for the basement project. We are in dire need of an ice machine, so if anyone knows of a good used one or a new one at a reasonable price please let us know.

We are now accepting 2013 membership dues for all of the entities of the American Legion family. You can renew by mail, on-line or in person at the Post. This

year we will have the Early Bird Supper in October, date to be determined. So get those dues in as soon as possible and enjoy a free meal this fall. We missed 100 percent membership this past year by 13 members. This year I know we can do better.

The Post Americanism Officer will try and conduct the High School Oratorical Scholarship Program this fall. The main purpose of the program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. You must be a citizen or lawful resident of the

United States be in the grades 9 through 12 or accredit home school program. State level prizes ranging from $150 to $1,000 and at national level the scholarships awarded range from $1,500 to $18,000. So if any students, parents or teachers that would like more information please contact the Post at 369-9053 and leave your name and phone number and you will be contacted. We will ensure you are contacted and have the materials you need to prepare yourself for the competition.