Travis Post 76 Newsletters 1996

The December Dinner Meeting featured a wonderful display in the Freedom Room. Linda Rogers, our manager, prepared the dinner herself as a gift to the Post. Not only was the food good, but the presentation was a sight to behold. Bill Montandon and James Albright led the Christmas carols, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Linda also provided the door prizes. Numbers were assigned based on the order members signed the registration and drawn from a hat.
The January Dinner features Byron Sage, the local FBI man, who will talk about the hearings in Washington and other matters of local interest. 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.

We were busy during December and January calling all the high schools and encouraging participation in the 10th District Oratorical Contest which is to be held on January 14th at Blinn College. We were more successful, but primarily laid the ground work for next year. This is a contest which Post 76 has indicated an interest, but it has been slow getting off the ground. We'll invite our candidates to a dinner after the contest. The National Champion accrues scholarships appraoching $25,000 and there are other sizeable amounts awarded at every level along the way.
Our efforts to raise the financial resources at the Post are meeting with some success. We have a few additions to make to the building and the lighting must be updated outside. However, our goal for this year is to build our reserves. Ron Turner, our Finance Officer, is watching us closely and John Pacheco, a relatively new member, has agreed to assist him this year and maybe accept the responsiblility next year.
Felix Legendre, our scouting guru, has agreed to assist with the building and grounds duties in order to prepare for his possible election as Second Vice Commander next year.
Thanks to Loman Wheeler, our hard working adjutant, who reported at the business meeting that we have achieved 87% of our membership goal. We sure encourage you to get those dues in and help us meet our goal. Although this always seems to be a chore, it is very important for the Legion to maintain and increase its membership. At both the state and national levels this provides the political influence which is necessary to protect veterans benefits and also stand up for the beliefs and values of those who have fought for their country.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now it's time to get back in action. We recently donated $100 to the Veterans Foundation to help homeless veterans. We are sponsoring a youth baseball team as we have in the past and this year we will adopt several American Legion baseball teams. It's time to start preparing for the Boys State and Girls State again.

The Travis County Veterans Bulletin recently featured an article by Gary Offineer concerning homeless veterans. He stated that 60% of the homeless men are veterans. Over 98% of these served honorably and many are in fact highly decorated for valor. An estimated 5% are WWII veterans, 14% are Korean veterans, 55% are Vietnam veterans and the remaining 25% are post Vietnam and Desert Storm veterans. A permanent address and a phone number are two major impediments to these veterans obtaining a job. Gary reports that approximately 4 out of 10 homeless veterans participating in community based programs end up no longer being homeless.
Our efforts to gain participation in the 10th District Oratorical Contest which was held on January 14th at Blinn College, were somewhat successful. Two candidates that we assisted, participated in the contest. Although one of these candidates won the district contest, we were subsequently informed that she should have been a representative of Post 83. However, we have laid the groundwork for next year.

Our April dinner features a presentation by Travis Post 76 member, John Sharp. Some of you may know him for his other duties as Comptroller of the State of Texas. We are honored to have John as a member and appreciate learning about the latest activities in state government. Everyone should make a special effort to come hear this presentation. As an added incentive, we have decided to have fried catfish for dinner. We haven't decided whether to bring back the Taylor catfish in the fancy truck or maybe try to get some from the Catfish Parlor. However, since we may have it catered, desserts would be appreciated.

Larry Miller and Guy Davis, two of our members had a wedding reception at the post last weekend and reported that it was exceptionally successful. They highly recommended the post for such events. Larry Miller also reports that our efforts to sponsor an American Legion baseball team may not be successful this year due to a reduced level of participation, since a competitive league has been formed. However, we'll make a strong effort to get this off the ground this year.

We must have leadership and the inspiration to do greater things. There are some of us who have been discouraged from attending our meetings. Please don't be; come to the meetings and participate. We are not what we once were and we are not what we should be, yet we can become a very productive force in our community and nation by working together to have great programs and communtiy projects. We are only limited by the pouters and doubters who would rather gripe and procrastinate than to help pull the wagon. We cannot push the wagon, we must stand on equal ground and pull together.
Take a look at your time and do what you can, that's all that anyone could ask. Thank you very much.
PrayerFather in Heaven, give to each member your grace and love to know that which you would have each to do and the power to do it NOW. In Jesus name. AMEN
Love to all, Dean Smith.

Our May speaker was Betty Baker of the Austin Convention and Visitors Center. She presented a slide show of the historic homes around Austin. Her comments concerning the history of these homes were appreciated. Marvin Beck thanked Betty for her assistance in getting a $6,400 grant from the city for foundation repairs at the post. The dinner featured fried chicken and was well received.
Our June dinner will feature the Boys State participants sponsored by Post 76. The boys and their families are invited to attend. They are asked to report their experiences at Boys State.
The July Dinner features the Girls State participants and will be hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. I'm told that it will feature chicken fried steak provided by the Taylor boys from Mikeska's. Since the dinner will be catered, please bring desserts. The girls and their families are invited to attend and present an entertaining account of their experiences at Girls State.

This year the post sponsored 17 high school boys and again led the state in the number sponsored. Thanks to Paul Barker for heading up this endeavor. Thsi is one of the most successful programs of the American Legion and the efforts of the post are returned many fold in recognition within the community for veterans service to community. We traditionally cater this dinner, so please bring desserts.
John Sharp wrote to tell us that a surplus Toshiba 1200 laptop computer and printer had been allocated to Post 76. John added that he was proud to be a member of our post.
Guy Davis and Larry Miller suprised us at the May business meeting by telling us that about 25 teams for American Legion Baseball will likely be formed and Post 76 will attempt to sponsor as many as we can with the funds allocated. It is a great pleasure to this this Legion activity added to the community services supported by our post.
The post provided additional funds to two veterans who will attend truck driving school. Although tuition was covered by a grant, they needed $200 each to cover the weeks expenses at the school. Upon graduation they will have a job and be capable of supporting themselves.
We also nominated two police officers to the 10th District, which were forwarded to the 3rd Division for consideration for state awards. Add this to our participation in Oratorical Contests, Opitmist Baseball, Boy Scouts and assistance to veterans and veterans organizations and you see a very active post. We need your help to continue these activities and add additional ones.
Thanks to the Ladies Auxillary for the new curtains in the Freedom Room. They soften the appearance of this room and are yet very appropriate to the theme of the room.

Guy Davis and Larry Miller recommended that we sponsor nine American Legion Baseball teams and we have paid the registration fees. Since a $900 budget was approved for this year, we are considering using the remainder of the budget to provide baseballs for the teams. It is a great pleasure to see this legion activity added to the community services supported by our post. The election of officers was held at the June Business meeting. There were no nominations from the floor and those nominated by the nominating committee were elected unanimously.
These officers will be installed at the August dinner meeting.

Joe Trochta has served his term as 10 District Commander and is no longer a district officer. However, at the Department convention he was elected Department Treasurer. He was also named Department of Texas Legionnaire of the Year and received an award from National Headquarters for forming a New Post. The 10th District had the highest percentage of posts attaining 100% of their membership goal and the district also achieved 100%. Joe received four nights free hotel stay at the national convention for all his efforts.
Another Post 76 Member, Bill McLemore, will be recognized for meritorious Service by the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission.
The August Dinner will also feature the installation of new officers.Thus, this is my last newsletter as Commander commander of Post 76. I want to thank all who assisted in making this a great year for Post 76. Joe Trochta and Bill McLemore certainly represented us well. Marvin Beck assisted us getting a grant to repair the foundation. Felix Legendre took over the duties of Second Vice Commander to oversee the maintenance of the post and directed our support of the Boy Scouts. Paul Barker and Avadne Montandon headed up Boys State and Girls State that saw a record number of sponsorships by Post 76. Guy Davis and Larry Miller got American Legion Baseball back on our agenda. we also continued our support of two youth baseball teams. We sent two candidates to District Oratorical. Eugene Volcik assisted in our efforts to support veterans, including sending two veterans to Driving School and providing food and support for other veterans. Dean Smith attended funerals and sent cards of sympathy and support. Bill Montandon played wonderful music at our dinners and bolstered our caroling at the Christmas dinner. Loman Wheeler did a terrific job as our Adjutant. Dave Dietzen provided his train for our Veterans Day parade and assisted in Boys State. We had a wonderful Past Commanders Breakfast prior to the parade. Ron Turner oversaw our finances again. Alan Denman began an effort to make our historical information and artifacts available to the Post. Ralph Vertrees helped us extricate ourselves from a problem with a Mr. Little. Harry Smith gave his support in general and chaired our nominating committee. The Auxiliary provided curtains for the freedom room and sponsored the Girls State Dinner. Thanks to Steve Rye for his endeavors in preparing the newsletter. Our newsletter has become more informative as more members contributed articles. I hope this can be expanded more in the future.
Linda Rogers maintained the post and achieved a record amount of rentals. She also cleaned up the mess we made when we added the walk-in closet and the door from the meeting room to her quarters. We continued to improve the post with the renovation and painting of the walls in the meeting room. Incidentally, I hope you notice the new chairs in the meeting room this month. This is a long list of volunteers. You may not have realized how many people contribute to the community service by Post 76. I want to personally thank all of you and all the others who have contributed their support to our post. I encourage all members to come to the Dinner Meeting. Get involved in your Post.

Monday September 16th Dinner meeting speaker will be Sue Foy, Austin History Center.
Dinner will be fried chicken, please bring your recipe favorite rolls, side dishes and desserts.
Our October 21st dinner meeting will feature our own, Dean Smith, Post Chaplain. Americanism is alive in Austin. Dean will provide a special inspirational program as a foundation for all of our American Legion purposes and programs, and especially our citizenship. Vice Commander James Burrill has promised sliced roast pork with trimmings from each of us bringing our own specialty breads, favorite side-dishes, salads and desserts.

Dear Precious Seekers and Obedient Ones,
The voice of our Father is no longer heard or his word heeded. How few truly seek him. Few realize that Father continues to move daily whether heard, obeyed or ignored. I would that all tune your ears to his loving voice, choose his way. Child-like obey. Have no fear or dread. Walk in me together with Father by the power of his Holy Ghost. I will hold your hand tightly and keep you from getting ahead of my protection. I will guide you in the way you should go.
I desire to open your spiritual eyes to mature you so that you will see the path before you. Come before the Father in prayer with praise and thanksgiving. I can only testify of that which is pure and true. The knowledge of the Father, we are one. I condemn no one. My instruction to you is to love one another, teach, preach and baptize in the name of Yehovah Roplee, Yashuah, Hoshua and Elolime, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The truth is so simple. Not by much speaking, writing or preaching. The Gospel is summed up in one word-LOVE. This is followed by obedience. How can you half yourself in decision? Obey the Father! Keep your tongue, guard your eyes, heart and ears. I love you for all eternity, Jesus. P.S. See you soon.

PrayerFather, may we in Jesus name make quality decisions to be totally obedient in all we do.AMEN.

Unit 76 Auxillary had our first business meeting of our new year on Monday evening, September 9,1996. We had a good positive meeting and made some new plans for this year.
We are looking forward to a great year of service in many programs and activities side by side with the Post 76 members. Our purpose is to serve together with them with love and harmony. We pledge our support to the work. We wish to continue our association together with devotion to each other, and for service to god and Country.
Merle Wheeler, Unit 76 President.

Monday, November 11th, Past Commanders Breakfast at 6:00 a.m. for the chefs among us, and no later than 7:30 a.m. for breakfast. Special invited guests, Legionnaires from American Legion Post 83,Austin. Form-up with parade at 8:30 a.m. from City Palmer Auditorium. Post Auxillary member, and Parade Secretary, Avadne Montandon, will keep us posted on scheduled parade events.

Monday November 18th, 7:00 p.m. Dinner meeting with RADM Chuck Grogean, USN, (RET) as speaker.
Monday, December 16th, 7:00 p.m., "Lindas Annual Post Finger-food Delights", home made goodies from each Auxillary and Legion member are encouraged and welcomed. Bill Montandons Annual Post Christmas Good Sing-A-Long, will have assistance from Charlene Trochta, and our own Dean Smith. TO ONE AND ALL, HAPPY HOLIDAY GOOD WISHES, LET'S HAVE GOOD CHEER AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE POST HOME ON DECEMBER 16th.

Dinner meetings at the Post:
Monday, December 16th, 7:00 p.m., "Lindas Annual Post Finger-food Delights", home made goodies from each Auxillary and Legion member are encouraged and welcomed. Bill Montandons Annual Post Christmas Good Sing-A-Long, will have assistance from Charlene Trochta, and our own Dean Smith. TO ONE AND ALL, HAPPY HOLIDAY GOOD WISHES, LET'S HAVE GOOD CHEER AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE POST HOME ON DECEMBER 16th.