Travis Post 76 Newsletters 1995

Romans 15:4-5"Everything that was written in the past (the Holy Writing) was written to teach us. These things were written so that we could have hope. That hope comes from patience and strength that the Holy Writings give to us.Patience and strength come from God".

I am wishing you a new year that is bright with promise, glad with hope, and blessed with peace and joy. We each have a new and clean slate to begin our new year. Let's forget the mistakes and blotches we may have made in the past year, and use our new and clean slate to make a better life for ourselves and our fellow man-with new hope of Gods blessings.

For God and Country,
Merle Wheeler, Chaplain

Last year we honored Vince Taylor with his 50-year certificate of continuous membership in the American Legion. This year of 1995 we will have several of Post 76 members receiving their half-century recognition, all having participated in World War II. Among the recognized names will be former Texas Senator Ralph Yarborough, Charlie Jones and others.
For the remainder of this fiscal year ending in September, we need to update our roster for Post 76 members 1995-6; we need to plan for a spring festivity in our spacious front yard to honor old-timers;especially those from WWII; we need to identify needy members of our Post who cannot pay their annual dues (we have many allocated to help); we need to see that all our members have caps and name tags (see Adjutant Loman Wheeler); we need to attend district and state conventions to show our Post 76 strength; and enthusiasm; we need to be aware of and help the Boy Scout Troop we are sponsoring. Small as it is, we now have have learned that there are three Cub Scout Troops in the area that will provide potential members for our troop; we need to help Joe Trochta and Paul Barker in their continuing efforts to have Post 76 one of the best represented Posts at Boys State; we need to continue our efforts to provide young high school students to participate in the local, district, and state oratorical competitions headed up by our own Avadne Montandon, Womens Auxillary; we need to learn more about our French boxcar; its meaning and history (our on-going supporter is Clara Hohertz);we need to spend more time volunteering around our Post home cleaning the ground, sprucing up, and making it a source of pride (Dean can use some weekend help);we need to start thinking about nominating a new slate of new officers for 1995-96. We need to thank Steve Rye, our phantom Editor, for ritually on a monthly basis putting together, publishing and disseminating our newsletter!

Prayer:Heavenly Father, God of all who call upon thy name. As blind men, we reach out dor your guiding hand as this old song echoes in our soul. Help us to hold on and be worthy of citizenship in this great country. Bless it with loyal people, dedicated leaders, and guard us from unlawful acts. Keep us from cowardly fear. Bless the Veterans of our nation and grant that the American Legion will always do your will.AMEN

February proved to be a month of rememberances with the loss of active comrades "Rosie" Rosenberg, Vince Taylor, and Wilford Wissian. Their presence and participation in our monthly meetings will be notably missed. Our sincere sympathies are extended to their families.
Our February dinner meeting featuring former Attorney General Waggoner Carr proved quite fascinating with his comments regarding the State of Texas role in the Warren Commissions investigation of the Kennedy assasination. Mr. Carr played a significant role representing Texas.
In April, the month we honor "old-timers" will feature State Comptroller John Sharp as Speaker. Weather permitting we'll have a BBQ catered on the front lawn of our Post home. Be sure to invite "old-timers", particularly those veterans we haven't seen or heard from in some time. Starting time will be 6:00 p.m. for a social hour.

Boys State applicants and selection are well underway in the able hands of Paul Barker and Joe Trochta with help from Dave Dietzen, Albright and others. We've made available $2,000 to help or partially help students who cannot with the help of their schools, come up with $250 each. Boys State participants recieve a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience that helps mold many a youngsters future. Please help if called upon.
Immediately following Boys State, Girls State "honchoed" on our behalf by Avadne Montandon, will take place. Please feel free to call and help Avadne if necessary.
Will Ivie, our Vice Commander, is heading up the requests from EMS, APD,AFD and the Sherriffs department, to select four outstanding members of each of these departments to be honored this fall. If called upon, please help Will pursue this project to make it one of our annual success stories.
We are continuing to provide monthly financial help to "needy" veterans in the Austin area. Our thanks to Gene Volcik for his efforts to totally understand these needs as our Service offficer.
We have also provided financial aid to a young boys softball team in Austin through our ad in the teams program.Our goal in the future would be to "sponsor" a baseball team and become a participant in the American Legion baseball program.
Felix Legendre is continuing to spark our sponsorship of our Boy Scout Troop
We have other Legion programs that we address each year including the oratorical contest (Avadne Montandon); our parade participation; our one-time participation in the Fredricksburg 1995 50th Anniversary of the VE-VJ Day celebrations; and others.

Very few today will listen to a prophet or prophetic speaker and fewer will hear the words. The heavenly hieroglyphics of today are too much for the highly educated to interpret those who have no God-given knowledge. When God set forth a prophecy by his power and truth, it is joined together with detailed instructions, and the practical way to accept it. You know that it is from God every time and it comes to pass exactly as he set it forth to do.
There have been many "doom sayers"-Jim Jones, David Koresh, Mary Baker Eddy, Jim Bakker--people who have begun with the truth and then changed it. All of these individuals began as good people and then became false prophets. Do not be discouraged by false doctrine. It shows that you know Gods word and says you refuse to live in fear and doubt. God gives purpose and to all who ask, he gives knowledge. We must learn to use the talents given to us by God.
We must follow what it says in Micah 6:8..."and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" The point is that we know Gods word and we refuse to live in fear and doubt. God bless each and every one of you.

For God and Country,
Merle Wheeler,Chaplain

March ushered in one of the most beautiful "Springs" we have witnessed in Austin. The stage is set for our outdoor April 17 dinner meeting honoring "Old-Timers: and featuring State Comptroller John Sharp, also a member of Post 76, as our dinner speaker. This event will be headed up by the volunteer committee of Dean Smith, Felix Legendre, John Pacheco and Marvin Beck. A brief memorial service for departed Legionnaires will be conducted at the meeting.
Our main meal will be catered and the only request from our members and guests will be to bring desserts.
March also brought in Linda Rogers, our new Manager-Caretaker, who has replaced Dean Smith. Linda has settled in and certainly seems to have made a smooth transition. We welcome her and her enthusiasm as one we look to keep our Post running on a day-to-day basis. We thank the Building Committee for its time and deliberations in filling this slot.
For our May 15th dinner meeting, our featured speaker will be Ms. Betty Baker, Senior Planner and recognized historical authority on Austin homes and structures and in many cases accompanying stories of much interest. This program will be a slight departure from our military theme in 1994-1995. However, having a historical home as our Post, we can appreciate Austins colorful history. Our main entree will be fajita beef and chicken, supplied with tortillas, salsa, cream cheese, and tomatoes. Please bring salads and desserts and the appropriate mexican side dishes of beans,etc.

My thoughts for the past few weeks are all that has come to pass in the last few weeks: the loss of dear friends and acquantances.
One thing stands out in my mind. Who today would consider becoming a minister. Why would anyone in their right mind seek the judgement or criticism? It seems I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't! Also, seems today that the "super saints" are more critical than ever.
However, praise God that Jesus loves us just as we are; God never intended me or you to imitate Jesus Christ. We are supposed to be real, ourselves; it seems that the old song comes so much to mind-"Oh, Yes! I'm the great pretender!"
Beloved Comrades of the American Legion, take an active part in your Legion. Come to the meeting, join in the program. Boy Scouts, Boys State, Girls State; maybe you will help to start up Girl Scouts, softball, a bowling team, bridge club, domino club, or some other fellowship for young members. Something that will entice Desert Storm and Granada Vets to join. In talking with VFW commanders, they are also losing members. We need change, but good change!
Prayerful Preparation Produces Powerful Performances.
Prayer
Thank you, Oh,great Jehovah, for your continued blessings of our Country, State, City. Please guide us to great awareness to please you!
Amen.

February was a very active month for the troop. It started with Scoutmaster Eugene Calabro being presented the Silver Beaver award for his work with at-risk youth. The boys have also been busy. Troop member Erin McGinnis passed off on Life, and both he and Robert Scott are pushing on towards Eagle. They are currently working on their basketry merit badge with the help of their leaders.
The troop is also looking towards expansion. We have been in contact with Pack 24, which meets at Maplewood Elementary School. We have attended some of their meetings, as well as their annual Blue and Gold banquet. Robert and Erin were asked to dress in the O.A. dance clothing for the banquet and to talk a little about what our troop is doing.
On the last weekend of February, we had a joint camp-out at Lost Pines with some of the Webolos from the pack. Seven of the boys and three of their parents attended. This trip was planned entirely by Robert and Erin, who are honing their leadership skills. On Saturday, Robert and Erin worked with them on knots, led them on a short hike, and organized some games. While this was happening, Phil Scott (Asst. Scoutmaster) took the parents on a tour of Lost Pines. Later that evening we joined a troop from the Georgetown area for a campfire and some discussion about fire safety. The evening ended with the Webolos (and their parents) preparing and cooking foil dinners and baked apples. In spite of a very wet weekend the Webolos were able to complete their Outdoorsman skills requirements and more importantly--a good time was had by all!. Future plans include inviting them to the annual spring pow-wow for T.I.H.A. (Texas Indian Hobbyist Association), which will be held in April at Robinson City Park, Llano. We will be contacting the pack leaders soon concerning this camp-out.
The next few months will be a busy time for all of us, Besides the usual assortment of Scout activities our plates will be filled with such things as a camping trip to Mustang Island; junior leadership training (Silver Pines); summer camp; pow wows; and Philmont. We will report on all of our "happenings" as they occur.

Our many thanks to Harry Smith for the successful ROTC program of support with medals(and in some cases certificates and ribbons) to our local high schools and the University of Texas. Reagan and McNeil High Schools ROTC programs were recognized as well as the ARMY, NAVY, and AIR FORCE ROTC programs at the Universityof Texas. Six medals at individual ceremonies were awarded by members of our Post for a total of 18 medals. Many thanks were passed back to out Post by individual recipients.
Once again our Boys State Program proved to be quite successful, thanks to Paul Barker and Joe Trochta. We sponsored 19 boys from ten schools as delegates and alternates.

On the first weekend of the month, March 3-4, there was an Order of the Arrow fellowship held at the Lost Pines Scout reservation in Bastrop. There was the usual O.A. action as well as a Pow-Wow, which was attended by O.A. members and their guests.
On the weekend of March 15-16, there was the annual Spring dance for T.I.H.A. (Texas Indian Hobbyist Association) held in Llano. We camped along the Llano River in Robinson City Park. We admired the wild flowers, visited, danced and even won a few raffles. Besides troop members, Legionnaire Felix Legendre joined us in our general good time. We hope that other members of the Post will join us in future outings and especially Felixs lovely wife, Pat.
Members of the troops are working on Leather Working and Basketry Merit Badges and continue to do yard maintenance at the Post. We wish to thank American Legion Post 76 for their benerous support. Because of their help, both Robert and Erin will be able to attend the Silver Pines Jr. Leadership in June.

Betty Baker, Senior Planner for the city of Austin, kept our group of regular attendees captivated with her slide show of historic Austin structures and homes, minced with her wit, humor and anecdotes of "old time Austin". Betty will be leaving her position with the City of Austin to assume a role with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Boys State will be the main theme of our June 19th Dinner meeting. We will recognize our Post sponsored young men who attended this year and let them relate to us their weeks experiences and achievements. Their parents are also invited. Linda Rogers will assist in preparing a young mans favorite, spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic bread. Members, please bring salads, appropriate side dishes, and desserts. We have also planned for the presentation of oral achievements plaques for the selected Firefighter, Policeman, EMS Person, and Sheriffs Officer. This annual event is spearheaded by Will Ivie and his wife, Pat.
Our July 17th Dinner Meeting will feature Girls State representatives sponsored by our Post. Ginny Smith, President of the Womens Auxillary, and Avadne Montandon, our everlasting honcho for Girls State, will be responsible for the menu and the program. Many thanks to Ginny and Avadne for their ongoing efforts to make our Post inviting for the Auxillary.
The July 17 Dinner Meeting will honor the young ladies and their families from our Post 76 region who attended Girls State in Seguin, Texas. Mrs, Virginia Smith, President of the Womens Auxillary, and Avadne Montandon, our Girls State icon, will be in charge of the program. "Good 'ole fried chicken" will be be furnished by the Womens Auxillary. Please bring salads, the appropriate side dishes, and desserts to compliment fried chicken.
The August dinner meeting will focus on the installation of the new officers of Travis Post 76 for the 1995-96 year. Our member and District Commander Joe Trochta will conduct the installation of Legion officers and deliver a brief follow-up message to our membership. Prior to the Legions installation, the Womens Auxillary will also install their new officers for the 1995-6 year. The main course for the dinner will be honey-baked spiral cut ham. Please bring the appropriate side dishes, salads and desserts.

Thanks to Mrs. Dennis donation of the historic mirror to our Post. This mirror once hung above our fireplace in the late 1800s and early 1900s and once again will hang in the same place.

This is the prayer I have in heart for everyone. Sometimes we forget that God is in control. We become discouraged with daily disappointment, with things going wrong from the way we want them to go. We become weary from hearing things like--"In the past things were different and better than now." The past is gone, but we should not forget the past is the backbone of the present that we can learn from and build on to grow successfully into a body of people for today and the future years to come, making changes or carrying on with present plans.
We should remember the past as history and study it with open minds, believing we can still use the examples set before us to plan for the future.
The younger generation should listen to the older generation for advice and guidance. They have been down the roads of experience and have passed through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and they know the better ways.
There are some of my thoughts as we approach a new beginning, a new year of service in our Auxillary Unit 76. We need all members to come to ur business meeting to help the faithful few that are now trying to keep our Auxillary in existence. We don't want to let our Auxillary go out of existence--it has been in service since March 11, 1920--for 75 years! Wouldn't it be a shame for us to be the ones, in our foolish ways, to give it all up. We don't plan on doing that but this is a cry for help and perhaps a warning of the seriousness of how things stand. I thought you all needed to know the way things are.
Written with Hope.
Respectfully,
Merle Wheeler, Chaplain

The 1950s, 60s, and 70s were very busy but prosperous years for Auxillary Unit 76. Clara says she was a new member in early 1950 and she was employed at the University of Texas, so having full-time employment kept her from participating in a lot of the activities, but she remembers all the many things that were being done for the good of the public, and most of all for the good of the Post and Unit 76. Clara was employed at UT for 30 years during this time, but was involved as much as her time would allow in the work of Auxillary Unit 76 to her fellow man.
During the 30 years she was a hard worker and received several awards for her services.
These are some of the services rendered by our Unit 76 as remembered by Clara.
In the 1950s each year there would be a City-wide picnic at Barton Springs on the Fourth of July. American Legion Post 76 would have a Bingo Booth. The ladies of Unit 76 would help with food and "goodies" and with the Bingo Booth, thus acquiring some money for their Unit to help with expenses. At least once a month, the ladies prepared and sold fried chicken dinners at the courthouse to the public. The workers and people on jury duty really appreciated this as there were not many good food establishments nearby.
Once a month. the ladies served supper to the Forty and Eight meetings, receiving just payment for their services. Once a year they served a semi-formal banquet for the Forty and Eight Convention, using formal dinnerware. Clara says they had a lot of dishes to wash afterwards with only one small sink to work in, but with a lot of hard work the dishes all came out clean. When Post 76 had special dances, the ladies had a refreshment stand to serve drinks and goodies to everyone.
The ladies did lots of volunteer work also. Some of the work was at the Temple Veterans Hospital, and the Unit donated many gifts such as TV sets and radios, and lots of special foods.
The prepared food and took it to families when there was sickness, or a death in the family, and served food to the bereaved on the day of the funeral. The Legion presented the flag to the wives of the one that had passed on, and the Legion Drum and Bugle Corps was present also. Unit 76 served refreshments to the Girls State participants who were housed at the Institute for the Blind and Deaf in South Austin.
Our Unit 76 has a history of serving people. Members have a lot of care in their hearts, and they brought us to where we are today. I say we owe them a big vote of THANKS!

Our Boys State Dinner combined with our public service honorees (Fireman, EMS, Sheriff & APD) was attended by more than one hundred in our upstairs banquet hall.
Commander Elect Will Ivie, and his wife, Pat, receive our thanks for their efforts in obtaining candidates for our public service awards. Both written commendations and engraved plaques were presented to four recipients with impressive credentials.
We thank Paul Barker, District Commander Joe Trochta, Dave Dietzen, Don Phillips and others of Post 76 who participated in the Annual Boys State week making it a memorable experience in the working of our state government and the resulting comraderie for the nineteen or so young men sponsored by Post 76. Approximately fourteen of these young men and their familes (quite a turn-out) atttended our dinner and afterwards gave us a verbal account of some of their experiences and lasting impressions. The sponsorship of these young men in this nation-wide program should make us proud as a Post. Boys state is sponsored and financed by the State Legion Departments across the United States and delegates from states are then selected to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.
The July 17 Dinner Meeting will honor the young ladies and their families from our Post 76 region who attended Girls State in Seguin, Texas. Mrs, Virginia Smith, President of the Womens Auxillary, and Avadne Montandon, our Girls State icon, will be in charge of the program. "Good 'ole fried chicken" will be be furnished by the Womens Auxillary. Please bring salads, the appropriate side dishes, and desserts to compliment fried chicken.
The August dinner meeting will focus on the installation of the new officers of Travis Post 76 for the 1995-96 year. Our member and District Commander Joe Trochta will conduct the installation of Legion officers and deliver a brief follow-up message to our membership. Prior to the Legions installation, the Womens Auxillary will also install their new officers for the 1995-6 year. The main course for the dinner will be honey-baked spiral cut ham. Please bring the appropriate side dishes, salads and desserts.

In these days of carelessness I fear we live with many who refuse to honor God above Country. This may wreck our great nation. We are in a transition period of return to the truth. Many of our wonderful young people are returning to honesty, integrity, worship and respect. We, who are responsible, must honor this return with love, prayer, respect and example. The day will come when we will cry before God for forgiveness if we fail.
James Albright, our Sergeant-at-Arms, has fallen and damaged his knee and foot. Your prayers for him will be appreciated.
Prayer:Heavenly Father, glory, honor and praise be ours at the altar of our heart. Forgive us our trespasses toward our chidren. We pledge to you our faithfulness to follow the path you light before us, to help all our comrades who need our encouragement. Help us to not place our faith in money; help us to place all faith in your tender mercies. Bless our leaders as we embark on a new year. Give our leaders the knowledge and wisdom to make the right decisions that will overcome all obstacles. May we accomplish more this year than last and we plead with you to create a desire in the hearts of all to support these efforts in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.AMEN

We'd like to thank the Womens Auxillary of Travis Post 76 for hosting the July dinner meeting which recognized and honored Girls State participants sponsored by our post. Special thanks go to Auxillary President Mrs. Harry Smith for the delicious fried chicken furnished by the Auxillary and Avadne Montandon for the Girls State program.
The August dinner meeting will focus on the installation of the new officers of Travis Post 76 for the 1995-96 year. Our member and District Commander Joe Trochta will conduct the installation of Legion officers and deliver a brief follow-up message to our membership. Prior to the Legions installation, the Womens Auxillary will also install their new officers for the 1995-6 year. The main course for the dinner will be honey-baked spiral cut ham. Please bring the appropriate side dishes, salads and desserts.
The September meeting will feature fried chicken and potato salad.

The August dinner meeting will mark the end of my year as Commander of Post 76. The year has been enjoyable and rewarding for me and I want to thank the membership for entrusting the Commander role to me. I hope we have introduced a few new programs, a few new faces, and renewed enthusiasm for being a part of Travis Post 76. As long as we have an Adjutant such as Loman Wheeler we can be assured of a smooth running Post.
There are other members to whom I will silently thank and they know who they are. I wish the best for the new officers and Executive Committee and have faith that they will continue the long standing history of leadership of Travis Post 76.

God and Country:God and Soldier we adore; In times of danger not before; Danger gone and all things righted; Gods forgotten and Soldier slighted. Winston Churchill

Precious men and women of Post 76, as you are all aware of by now, I have had some health setbacks. Anemia, thyroid, heart problems. Because of many prayers, the medication seems to be working and the reports of my demise are grossly exaggerated. Ha!
We are all concerned about patriotism and the knowledge of our great national integrity. As I watched a show recently, my heart broke as young people did not know the answers to patriotic questions.
My last column was somewhat negative to some but it is my heart felt wish that all men and women would examine our efforts to help all we can to know just how much our Legion cares for our city, county, state and nation. Some of the best men and women I have ever met are members of the Legion. I take pride in our accomplishments and even our failures that we can learn from. I encourage all who have not been active to come; you won't know what you are missing until you do take an active place along side of other great men and women. We can accomplish more for God and country.
Prayer: May our hearts and minds be ever filled with your goodness and love. Help us to have the knowledge to put into our lives those things that will help others to know the truth and be free! May we understand the rights of all humanity and stand strong for our great United States. Grant healing to our sick and strength to our weak. In the name of the Father,the Son, and the Holy Spirit.AMEN

Strive to be sweet--
Merle Wheeler, Chaplain

Please accept my gratitude for all who participated in my recent election as Commander of this post. Several years ago we began a process of successorship which I believe has and will serve this post well into the future. The other officers such as First Vice-Commander Will Brown and Second Vice-Commander Mark Wilson have contributed to this post in other positions prior to the recent election. Others such as our Adjutant Loman Wheeler and our Finance Officer Ron Turner have given tremendous service for years and have allowed us to impose another year of service in these offices. These years of service provide an insight which is absolutely necessary to effectively contribute to the decision making required for this post. Our immediate Past Commander Marvin Beck now sits on our Executive Committee, where he will continue to provide valuable guidance. I am sure they all join me in asking that those of you who are receiving this newsletter and have not attended a meeting recently, would make an effort to become involved in our activities. One of the easiest ways is to enjoy a dinner meeting with us on the third Monday of each month.
This month our business meeting will be on the second Monday due to the Labor Day holiday. Due to a shortened planning time frame I will have to suprise you with the speaker. However, the choice of a menu is easy and should draw a crowd. It seems to me at least that the favorite dinner menu has been fried chicken and that we have it far too infrequently. Thus, my first decision as commander is fried chicken. Please bring potato salad if you can. Maybe you could put your name and recipe on a card and we could enjoy the great variety of tastes. Of course, desserts are always welcomed.
For the October dinner meeting, two representatives from the Elder Law and Healthcare Division of the Texas Attorney Generals office will discuss fraud against the elderly. One of the speakers is a retired Colonel. We will have BBQ brisket along with some beans and fresh bread. Potato salad or cole slaw will go nicely, but use your imagination. There's always room for dessert.

Finally, let me comment on the continuous effort to get new members and to get existing members to rejoin by paying their dues. This past year we did not meet our goal, although we did exceed our prior year membership. I ask that you get those dues in as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please contact our adjutant, since we want to keep you as a member.

Merl Jenkins is in Monti Siesta Nursing Home with his wife. Maybe some of us can go by occasionally to visit. He is lonely. James Albright is up and running...slowly! He attended the August Business Meeting.

Prayer:Father, we are beginning a new year. There are many needs in our fellowship. There are those who need encouragement and love. Help us to lift up the fallen, heal the broken-hearted, visit the sick and support our Legion home for you and our country. Remove all obstacles that stand in the way of our team work.

We just received word that member Maxie Templeton has been appointed Chief Petty Officer in the local Naval Reserve.

The following is a letter recieved by Adjutant Loman Wheeler from member Kerns Taylor.

Dear Mr. Wheeler:
Thank you for your letter and picture of my receiving my 50 year certificate. I deeply appreciate your coming to Houston and presenting it to me, beyond the call of duty. What an efficient Adjutant of the Post we have!
I was a Post Commander of the Post as was my father, O.C. Taylor, and I regret that I can't continue to come to meetings living in Houston, but I do look forward to the Post letters and following the progress of our historic Post and its members.
My best wishes to you and the Post members and appreciative regard for your and their continued loyal devoted service.
Yours very truly.
Kerns Taylor
United States Administrative Law Judge
Bellaire, Texas

The following was submitted by Past Commander Harry Smith

IT'S THE SOLDIER!
When the country has been in need, it has always been the soldier!
It's the soldier, not the newspaper which has given us the freedom of the press-
It's the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech-
It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate-
It's the soldier, who salutes the flag, and serves under the flag-
It's the soldier whose coffin is draped with the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag-
And, it's the soldier who is called upon to defend our way of life!

Our September dinner meeting had an interesting format. The program consisted primarily of a presentation to our immediate Past Commander Marvin Beck. A very nice plaque was presented in appreciation for his past service as Commander and also for the many years he has served as Vice Commander. We also had a brief ceremony in which we installed the Missing in Action or POW chair which will be set at a table for all future dinner meetings. Our Chaplain Dean Smith provided insight into this new tradition.
Due to the limited program we were able to experiment with the timing of the dinner program and allow additional time for members to eat and converse with other members. I received some positive feedback that this was welcomed. However, I also heard that the speaker was an important part of the dinner meeting. I will continue to stretch the uninterrupted time devoted to the meal and conversations, but we will also have some very interesting speakers.
For the October dinner meeting, two representatives from the Elder Law and Healthcare Division of the Texas Attorney Generals office will discuss fraud against the elderly. One of the speakers is a retired Colonel. We will have BBQ brisket along with some beans and fresh bread. Potato salad or cole slaw will go nicely, but use your imagination. There's always room for dessert.
In November,we will have Pot Roast and potatoes as the main course. The speaker will be Glenn West of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, who will tell us about the wonderful things about to happen in Austin.

Please extend your best wishes to Emory Weldon fell in the line of duty while assisting the post by making an opening between the meeting room and the caretakers quarters. Emory felt bad when he returned home that night and went to Seton Hospital where he underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Thank you, Emory for all your hard work and we hope we'll see you soon at an upcoming meeting.
The scouts of our post are hosting a celebration on October 14th at 9:00 a.m. until noon. Food will be served. Please come and support our wonderful scouts as they build a strong troop.
On Saturday November 11th we will have our Past Commanders Breakfast. Cooks should come about 6:00 a.m. to prepare for a meal at about 8:00. Our First Vice Commander Mark Wilson now works in the Governors office and says he has asked that the Governor participate in the Veterans events. He suggests that we contact the Governor to see if he would like to eat breakfast with us prior to the Veterans Parade. I can't promise he'll choose our post, but please come and show your suport of Post 76; enjoy the best breakfast of the year and honor veterans.

November was a full month of activity. First was our annual Past Commanders Breakfast. Thanks to all the cooks for the bacon, eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy. Walter Schlueter provided the cast iron skillets, which have become a necessity. After breakfast, we participated in the parade down Congress Ave. Dave Dietzen provided the train which was a big hit. It is wonderful to see parents bring their children to remember the veterans. After laying the wreath at the Capital, Harry and Virginia Smith and I went to the Vietnam Memorial for a short service.
Afterwards, we decided to visit Post 83, where they had an open house and lunch for veterans. This was our first visit to this post, so we both discovered how to get there and had a good time meeting our fellow veterans.
Our November dinner was great. Emory Weldon was honored for his many years of service to the post. An apparently hungry crowd cleaned up more than thirty pounds of roast beef, along with baked and mashed potatoes and gravy. Our guest speaker detailed the growth and future of Austin. Thanks to Glenn West, the president of the Austin Chamber of Commerce for a truly outstanding talk about Austin.
Our December dinner will feature Christmas Carols, small sandwiches and other finger foods. Please bring your favorite finger foods and desserts. This has been a good time for all for the last few years.
Byron Sage, our local G-man will return in January to bring us up to date on the hearings in Washington regarding the FBI activities at Waco. I'm sure he'll tell us about local activities. The dinner will feature fried chicken. Potato salad, cole slaw and various desserts would be appreciated. Byron has visited us every year and had been well received.
First Vice Commander Mark Wilson now works in the Governors office and has suggested we invite Mr. Bush to one of our dinners. Don't expect anything soon, but we'll at least ask.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! to all of you. After the holidays, we need to get to our busy schedule of Boys State, Girls State, Boy Scouts, American Legion Baseball and other activities.