Travis Post 76 Newsletters 1999

JANUARY 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

Travis Post 76 is proud to be the sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 415 which meets weekly in our building.Recently, Assistant Scoutmaster Lee Chesney sent us the following report on activities of the Troop during the year, and they have had a busy year.
December 97: Winter Camp at Lost Pines and worked on merit badges.
January 98: Longhorn Camporee and one member "tapped out" for the Order of the Arrow.
February 98: Troop 415 and Troop 24 from Tejas camped at Wolf Mountain. It was cold enough for the new campers to earn their Polar Bear patch.
March 98: Tejas District Camporee at Webberville State Park
April 98: Fun camp at the primitive area of Inks Lake
May 98: Memorial Day weekend at Garner State Park working on cooking, pioneering, and camping merit badges
June 98: Guadalupe State Park campout
July 98: Summer camp in the Davis Mountains. Campout on the road at Balmorrhea State Park before checking into Buffalo Trail Scout Reservation. Scouts worked on merit badges including horsemanship and lifesaving.
August 98: Float trip down San Marcos River; a board of review, and a Court of Honor
The Troop has an active calendar of monthly campouts for conditioning "shakedowns" for the boys going to Philmont and to the District Camporee. Troop 415 send their thanks for the support of the Post in providing a good meeting place and encouragement in the Scout activities.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7pm;Feb 1st, Mar 1st, April 5th.
Dinner meetings at the Post home on third Mondays at 7pm.
January 18...Frank Hejl, President,Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary-Medicare and You
ENTREE.Chicken Tenders
February 15...Rev. Bob Shelton, Willie Nelson & Theology
ENTREE..Chili Cookoff
March 15..Willie Kocurek,An Evening with Willie
ENTREE..Chicken Fried Steak w/Gravy
April 19...Waggoner Carr, Former Attorney General, Jesse James
ENTREE..Sausage and Pasta

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

The holiday rush is over, the holiday guests have all returned home. Holiday decorations are down or coming down; we are settling into our old familiar routines. With the new year, many of us make resolutions of one sort or another-to lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking or drink less. Some of us even keep those resolutions, but none of us take them too seriously.
I would like to propose a resolution to be taken seriously by all Legionnaires. I propose that a position of Director of Public Relations be created to disseminate information to the community about the activities of the American Legion. A monthly public notice in the newspaper regarding the Legion's support of softball, the Boy Scouts or our monthly social meetings.
I have met no one outside of the Legion who understands the purpose and aims of Boys State and Girls State. It's time to spread the word that the American Legion is alive and well in Texas, and is making a significant contribution to our community.
We, too, are looking for a few good men. May God bless you with good health and good cheer for 1999.

Welcome New Member Donald Munson

TAPS

Post 76 regrets the loss of any of its members, whether it is by death, transfer or resignation. It seems like a special loss, however, when a Legionnaire with many years of membership pass on. This occurred to two of our members recently.
Elmer F. McClain
Elmer McClain had 55 years membership. He was a second generation member of Post 76 and his parents paid his first dues while he was on his way home from overseas. Elmer served as Post Adjutant under Adolph Hohertz and always had an interest in Post 76 even after moving to Fort Worth, where his death occurred on November 27, 1998.
Martin C. Guarino
Martin Guarino was a member of the Legion for 38 years and died in Austin on December 26, 1998. His family reported that he was proud to be a member of American Legion Post 76 and we regret his loss.
Our sympathy is extended to both these families.

A Wish for the New Year 1999
To the American Legion Auxillary Unit 76
I wish you well
The sunshine in the morning,
The pleasure of a smile,
The simple joys of every day
That help make life worthwhile,
The warmth of love and friendship.
The glow of memories,
The best of health and happiness...
I wish you all these.

Happy New Year
Stretch for a sunbeam..
Reach for a star..
Go for a beautiful dream.
Pick out some wishes,
No matter how far
Or hard to reach
they may seem.
Cherish some hopes
That are dear to your heart..
And as a new year comes into view,
Treasure and keep them
And know from the start
That this year you can
make them come true.

May all your dreams come true.
Love to all, Merle

February 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

Flag Retirement Ceremony
The PTA at Casis Elementary School is sponsoring a Flag Retirement Ceremony to be conducted by Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and we are invited to attend.

Time: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 16.1999
Place: Casis Elementary School, 2710 Exposition Boulevard

Let's All Plan to Attend and Support This Honoring of the U.S.Flag

Muster Day

Most of you know that we celebrate the founding of the American Legion in March each year, and this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding. Travis Post 76 will include this observance in its March 15 dinner meeting. To mark the special occasion, we are urging all members to plan to attend the meeting and we are calling it a "Muster" of Post members. Also, if you are able to provide a ride to one of our Legionnaires that are unable to drive, please let me or 2nd Vice Commander Volcik know so that we can arrange for the maximum number to attend this very important meeting. Please help us in planning by answering the questions below and mailing your "RSVP" before March 7.

_____I will be able to attend the dinner meeting on March 15.
_____I will not be able to attend the dinner meeting on March 15.
_____I will be able to attend, but for health or other reasons, I will need a ride with another member.

Merci Boxcar
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
February 12-14

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Merci Boxcar in Texas. The Merci Boxcar was part of the Gratitude Train that was sent from France after WWII. This was one of the cars given by France to each one of the 48 states as a token of appreciation for U.S. aid after WWII. The boxcars were filled with gifts from all over France and decorated with the coats of arms of government entities throughout France. Many of the gifts, about 350 items, are in the Texas Memorial Museum on the U.T. Austin campus. The coats of arms are stored most of the year because of the problem of vandalism, but they will be in place on the boxcar for the anniversary observance. Memorial ceremonies are an annual affair of the "40 & 8", an organization supporting the preservation of the boxcar and its memories. More details of the activities this year can be obtained from Legionnaire Alan Denman, the Post Historian, who is also a member of the local "40 & 8" Voiture.

Planning Schedule

Executive/Business meetings at the Post on First Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Feb 1st, March 1st, April 5th

Dinner meetings at the Post Home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Feb 15-Rev. Bob Shelton, President, Austin Theological Seminary,
Willie Nelson and Theology
ENTREE-Chili Cookoff
March 15...Willie Kocurek, An Evening with Willie
ENTREE...Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
April 19...Waggoner Carr, Former Attorney General, Jesse James

Please Note: According to 2nd Vice Commander Eugene Volcik, our attendance at the Dinner meetings has increased somewhat but more of us attending would be sincerely appreciated. Also, if you know of those that are unable to attend because they cannot or do not like to drive at night, please make an effort to go by and pick them up.
The speaker for February, March and April are outstanding and ones that you don't want to miss!

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

Happy Valentines Day. This is the month we celebrate and demonstrate our appreciation of our loved ones. It is also the month we remember Presidents Washington and Lincoln. Both of these were deeply religious men who did not court public opinion but followed their beliefs in the basic goodness of the common man. Both of them made many controversial decisions, but at the time they created a storm of controversy.
So we pray today for our lawmakers in Washington to ignore public opinion and vote their moral conscience, as a Statesman, and not a political hack. Let us also pray that our state legislators consider what is best for all the citizens of Texas, and not just for a privileged few. Valentines Day comes but once a year, but we can show our love for our family and friends all year long, with paste-it notes, saying "I love you". "You're the Best" to your wife, children and parents. God love and bless you.

March 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

We are looking forward to our very first. Muster Day this month. I would like to see this become a tradition for Post 76. Our speaker is member Willie Kocurek, who is always a popular speaker.
I would like to remind you of other upcoming occasions such as the District Ten convention at Knebel Post No. 83 on April 10. The Division Three convention will be hosted by Rosenberg Post No. 271 on May 14, 15 & 16. The Department of Texas convention will be July 7-11 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Texas Legislature is now in session, and a long list of bills of interest to veterans have been filed. The list is too long to put in the newsletter, but I will be happy to furnish copies of the list furnished by the Military Service Coalition to anyone upon request.
The Consolidated Post Report will soon be due. The Adjutant records the hours and money spent for the benefit of veterans and the community and this data is sent to National to be combined with that of other Posts in a single report. This information shows the members, our elected officials, and others the importance of our organization. Be prepared to provide this information to the Adjutant about May when he will be gathering the data.
I'm gratified by the past activities and planned activities of this Post carried on by a few of our members. As you have the opportunity---Pitch In.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m.:March 1st, April 5th, and May 3rd.
Dinner meetings at the Post home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

March 15...Willie Kocurek, An Evening with Willie
ENTREE...Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
April 19...Waggoner Carr, Former Attorney General, Jesse James
ENTREE..Sausage and Pasta
May 17...Rick Copeland, FBI Agent, FBI Update
ENTREE...Lasagna (both meat and vegetable)

Note from 2nd Vice Commander Gene Volcik: We had standing room only crowd at the last dinner meeting. Let's keep up the good work and have even a bigger attendance at the upcoming dinner meeting when Willie Kocurek will be the featured speaker.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

The Constitution of the United States has taken a beating the past few months during the efforts by the Congress to impeach the President. However, it has survived without too much damage, which is more than can be said for the morals of America. If the American people are still a moral majority and believe "In God We Trust", then we must assume that the people inside the beltway have a different agenda than the rest of us. When he admitted to committing perjury to the nation, the duty of the Congress was clear. The House of Representatives properly prepared and delivered a bill of impeachment to the Senate. I was embarassed as an American to see a solid bloc of liberals travel to the White House to celebrate with a show of solidarity with an accused President.
Not one appeared to vote his conscience, but considered only his perks and salary. In the Senate, the lack of even one single adverse vote seemed to indicate an outside influence was being applied and I don't mean they were touched by an angel.
Don't let this type of morality infect the rest of America. Go to the church of your choice and pray that our representatives truly reflect the morals that founded our Constitution with the Bill of Rights by men of high moral character. We elected men of character because we felt they could make the hard decisions, but we find that some of them have feet of clay.

Views and News from the Auxillary
Merle Wheeler, President

Greetings! The month of February is gone, but not forgotten.
February is-
the month of sharing love:Valentines Day
the month of renewing hope for our spirits:Spring is just around the corner-a new beginning.
Presidents birthday month-a rememberance of a patriotic past.
Hope, Love, sharing, and remembering God and our Country.
And so we say-
For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth and the time of singing of birds has come.
Yes, Spring is here.

February was a wonderful month for our Post and Unit 76, because we shared together the things listed above. We shared healthy hearts, because some of our members recovered from heart illnesses and gained back their good health. Our spirits were lifted and love was all around us as we shared in wonderful dinner meetings of good food, and great spiritual uplifting speakers. Love was shown by beautiful Valentine decorations.
The Spirit of our country was manifested to some of us through our school children and our American flag. Many years ago the decree was passed that an American flag should be flown in each school yard. On February 19,1999, several of our Legion and Unit members were invited to Casis Elementary School to witness and participate in the retirement of a United States flag. Tattered and torn, it had proudly waved over the school for possibly 22 years. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony.
The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Legion members, Auxillary members, teachers, parents, and best of all, about 700 bright-eyed children gathered together on the school front yard to witness this beautiful and solemn occasion.
There were historic quotations read as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts received a piece gently cut from the old flag to place on the flames of retirement. At the end, final Taps was sounded by a bugler who was a past student of Casis School. The PTA President in charge was presented a box of Girl Scout cookies. Two teachers were presented a string necklace holding one of the two flag grommets for a token of good luck.
God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner were sung, led by some of the Girl Scouts. It was "awsome". I wish you could have been there.
Father, please give me ears to hear the music of the wakening of the world around me.
Love, Merle

Welcome New Member
Charles Manske, USAF Retired, Transfer from Post 9, Wisconsin.

TAPS
It is with regret that we report the death of one of our members, J. Frank Hill. We extend our sympathy to his family.

April 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

On display in the concourse of the new Austin Bergstrom International Airport will be a commemorative display to the men and women who served or supported Bergstrom Air Force Base. The display is designed by Bill Lacy, artist to the Air Force, and John Merritt, architect, as a permanent dedication to those men and women. Anyone may participate in this display by donation to its cost. Post Members Please Note: For a donation of $100 or more, the donor's name will be permanently inscribed within the display. By having the name of the Post included in this display, we could pay honor to Post 76 members who served at Bergstrom and also keep our name before the public.
Checks and the name to be inscribed are to be sent to Bergstrom Austin Community Council,c/o Dale Lyon, 7707 Kiva Drive, Austin, TX 78749.

Citizen Soldiers
A book that should interest Army veterans of World War II is Citizen Soldiers: The U.S. Army from Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the surrender of Germany, June 7, 1944-May 7, 1945 . The book is available at the Austin Public Library as well as bookstores. The author is Stephen E. Ambrose and the publisher is Simon and Schuster.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m.: April 5th, May 3rd, June 7th. Dinner meetings at the Post home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

April 19...Waggoner Carr, Former Attorney General, Jesse James
ENTREE..Sausage and Pasta
May 17...Rick Copeland, FBI Agent, FBI Update
ENTREE...Lasagna (both meat and vegetable)
June 21...Boys State
ENTREE...Fried Chicken

Note from 2nd Vice Commander Gene Volcik: Our attendance at our dinner meetings has been increasing. There is a great possibility if our crowds continue to increase, we will have to move our meetings upstairs. In order to have seating for everyone and if you have not attended lately and plan to attend, please call the Post at (512)472-3344.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

April is a good month for renewal. No, I don't mean membership, I'm speaking of renewal of the spirit. Easter symbolizes a time of rebirth, or renewal. Even Passover commemorates deliverance and a rebirth from slavery. The flowers are in bloom and it's time to get involved in community activities. The fresh air and exercise will improve your outlook on life and give you something to talk about in conversations. Meal on Wheels and North Central Caregivers are only two agencies that constantly need volunteers. The Legislature is in session, so have you collared your Senator or Representative to give him or her your views on the bills that will affect your future. How do you feel about our troops going over to Kosovo? It's time to emerge from hibernation and get involved...you'd be suprised how good it feels!

From the American Legion
Auxillary Unit 76
Merle Wheeler, President
Greetings!Time moves on and soon another year will be gone. The 1998-99 team has been a busy, successful one for Unit 76. so far we have done many good works and reached some of our goals. We have seen and experienced exciting events.
We continue to give the the Cancer Fund quarterly. We have given to other children and scholarship programs. We are considering sending a girl to Girls State and paying her way. We are on target for our membership goal and plan to make our 100% goal. Please help this by paying your current dues now if you need to; and of course we invite the many wives of Post members who are not members to join us. We extend a heartfelt Thank You to Post 76 for their support financially and spiritually, and we pledge our honor and respect to you with gratitude.
Thank You, Merle

Welcome New Member George W. McClure, Jr.. Army-Vietnam.

May 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

The past twelve months have been a fast period of time in some respects, and one sign of this is the fast approaching election of officers for the coming year. A nominating Committee was appointed in April and the slate they selected will be presented at the May 3rd business meeting.
The slate is listed below; please plan on being at the business meeting on June 7th and take part in this election. Also, you will find the announcement of Linda Roger's resignation as our manager. any of you who have been around know what an outstanding job she has done. We hope happiness and success go with her. She will be missed.
Boys State is coming up in early June and we look forward to this; it is a major activity of our Post.
The following are the recommendations of the nominating committee.

Commander.......................Larry Miller
First Vice Commander........Eugene Volcik
Second Vice Commander...Guy Davis
Adjutant............................Loman Wheeler
Finance Officer..................Will Ivie
Service Officer...................Horace Johnson
Judge Advocate.................Ralph Vertrees
Sergeant-at-Arms..............Arthur Day
Chaplain..........................Stanley Juba
Past Commander.............Loman Wheeler
Executive Committee...(1999-2000)...Bill Stramler, Joseph Cook, Ladd Pattillo

Planning Schedule

Executive/Business Meetings on first Mondays at 7pm, June 7, July 5, August 2.
Dinner Meetings at the Post Home on third Mondays at 7pm.

May 17...Rick Copeland, Supervising Senior FBI Resident Agent, "FBI Update"
ENTREE...Lasagna(both meat and vegetable)
June 21...Boys State
ENTREE...Fried Chicken
July 19...Girls State
ENTREE...Chicken Tenders
August 16...Installation of Officers, Benjamin Martin, 10th District Commander
ENTREE...BBQ

From 2nd Vice Commander Gene Volcik:"You'll come-we know you will enjoy it".

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

Disasters, natural and man-made, Oklahoma City and Littleton, Colorado. Most of those affected can recover from natural disasters; witness Jarrell,Texas. Not so for those affected in Littelton. For the rest of their lives they will be asking themselves, why was I spared, or why was my child singled out to be killed? We have all sought out to provide our children with the benefits of this affluent society. Each child must have his or her own room, fully equipped with toys, games, stuffed animals, and later, TV's and computers.We have given them the privacy to create and invent whatever their teenage hearts desire, and their galloping hormones guarantee that it won't be a new mop or labor-saving device for Mom. With both Mom and Dad at work, the poor child has nothing to do after school but hang out with friends and plan how they can achieve their "15 minutes of fame".
Chores-a word that is almost an antiquated term. There were no malls when I was young, but we still had street corners, and heaven help me if my after-school chores weren't done when I wanted to meet my friends at the corner. Those chores included mopping, sweeping and occasionally preparing supper. My homework was done at the kitchen table after supper where my parents could watch and review my work. To telephone a classmate or have one over was out of the question. I was responsible for my own work, and I respected my parents for that.
Today we ask our children to love us, yet we know love must be freely given. A family is not and should not be a democracy; it should be a beneficent dictatorship. Love and material benefits come down from above, with obedience and respect coming from below. With respect flowing in both directions, Love will follow!

From the American Legion
Auxillary Unit 76
Merle Wheeler, PresidentTo all Members: Greetings!

Let's get down to business right away. I have some questions to ask you:
(1) Have you remembered to pay your dues for 1999?
(2) Are you by chance delinquent in paying your dues in the past year or two? If so,
(3) Would you like to be reinstated as an active member in our Unit?

I quote from "Article V-Dues" of the Unit bylaws:
Section 1. The annual membership dues of this Unit shall be $18.00 for Senior members and $5.00 Junior members which shall include the Department and National per capita.
Section 2. A member failing to pay annual dues, including the Unit, State and National assessments, by January 31, shall be classed as delinquent and shall be suspended from all membership privileges; provided, however, such suspended member...shall be notified in writing by the Secretary of the Unit of such suspension prior thereto. Payment of back dues, after suspension, shall reinstate such member to active membership. Any member delinquent to December 31 of the year of delinquency shall automatically be dropped from the rolls and may be reinstated only by paying all back dues or by reestablishing eligibility and making application as a new member.
(4) Do you want to continue to be an active member, and to support the purpose of the American Legion Auxillary, which is:

To defend and teach the principles of democracy;
To uphold the law of the land;
To venerate and serve our veterans:
To instill a sense of obligation to the community, state and nation;
To guard the basic freedom of religion, expression and choice;
To support the work of the American Legion;
To continue our association with devotion for service to God and Country.
As your president, I want to encourage you to continue to be a member, and to all wives, daughters and qualified ladies who are not members that have a Post 76 member to support, please join our Auxillary. It will help our Unit in our voting strength in the District, Department and National meetings. there is strength in numbers.
I want to thank our current officers:
Pat Ivie...................Secretary/Treasurer;
Clara Hohertz..........Committeewoman;
Leonora Schlueter....Committeewoman;
Avadne Montandon...Girls State Chair.
They do good work.
We will be contacting membership to get your input on the election of officers for next year. Please participate as this is a privilege. We will be seeing you at the next meeting.
Love, Merle

Welcome New Members
Ladd Pattillo...Army-Vietnam
August "Gus" Kalina...Army-Korea

Editors Note: The following was received from Ms. Linda Rogers for publication in this months newsletter. Good Luck, Linda in your future endeavors.

Dear Members of Travis Post 76:
This is an official 30-day notice concerning the termination of employment between Linda Rogers and the members of the American Legion Post 76. Thirty days beginning 4-24-99 and ending 5-25-99.
It will be necessary for me to be off the weekend of May 8, 1999. I hope we can work this transition period out in a smooth manner and to the satisfaction of all.
It is with sadness that I find it time to move on in my employment. But it is time for me to purchase a home and plan for my future. I want to thank each of you for making me part of your Legion family. I will miss you all very much.
I shall always remember the friendships and kindness I have found here.
Regretfully,
Linda Rogers

June 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

Three major youth programs of the American Legion take place in the summer months. Boys State is taking place the week of June 7 on campus at UT-Austin. Boys from all over the state will spend a busy week forming city, county, and state governments and discussing issues that they consider important. Paul Barker has taken the lead in interviewing and selecting boys from the Austin area for this program with the help of several volunteers.
Girls state occurs in July and the girls meet in Seguin for this activity. Avadne Monatandon has been active in selecting girls from Austin to represnt Post 76 at Girls State.
Post 76 will honor the boys of Boys State at our June 21 dinner meeting and the girls of Girls State at the July 19 dinner meeting.
The American Legion baseball program has been around for a long time and Post 76 has become very active in the program in the last few years.
A substantial portion of the teams come from the Central Texas area. Post 76 has worked with Round Rock and Post 83 in recent years to sponsor these teams. Since the program has grown so much in this area we have appealed to other Posts to pitch in. We have received a good response from other Posts for support in the smaller towns around. Larry Miller is lead man for Post 76 in this program.
We salute these people for the great job they are doing for this Post.

Planning Schedule

Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m.July 5th, August 2nd, September 6th.
Dinner meetings at the Post Home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
June 21...Boys State
ENTREE...Fried Chicken
July 19...Girls State
ENTREE...Chicken Tenders
August 16...Installation of Officers, Benjamin Martin, 10th District Commander
ENTREE...BBQ
September 20...Troy Kimmel, Weather Forecaster, "Tornados and Hurricanes"
ENTREE...Chicken Fried Steak w/gravy

From 2nd Vice Commander Gene Volcik:Don't forget to come out to the Post Dinner Meetings and honor the Boys Staters and Girls Staters.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

June is the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that desecration of the flag was an expression of free speech and protected under the First Amendment. I was always taught that free speech meant that I could say anything that I wanted, but not do anything I wanted. If desecration of the flag is an expression of free speech, then so is graffitti of the torching of any governmental or commercial building with whom we may have a disagreement. It's not too far a stretch to say that burning a civil servants home or a corporate executives home is protected under the First Amendment because he was told his dog barked too loudly or he voted the wrong way. And can we not say that shooting a person who desecrates the flag is also an expression of free speech? You have been reminded often enough that a letter to your congressman or senator will receive far more attention than a form letter, so get busy.
Regarding the charges that the Red Chinese have been spying on us and stealing our nuclear secrets, after we gave them part of the Long Beach Naval Station for their ship repair facility, is unwarranted and unfair. You can ask anyone in the administration or the DNC, those plans and drawings were paid for in cold, hard cash. The accidental bombing of their embassy gave the Chinese the opportunity to press for US support in their effort to get into the World Trade Organization. Their admission to this body would legitimize their use of convict labor in manufacturing and undermine the efforts of Labor Organizations to establish fair wage standards for emerging industrial countries.

Welcome New Member
Paul Vanden...Vietnam and Later-USAF

Transfer
Richard Massey...Vietnam-Army

Taps

Travis Post 76 lost two staunch supporters in April and May of this year. Roy Mulholland was very interested in the activities of the Post and was always on the lookout for potential members of the Legion.
Eugene "Gene" Eickmann and his wife attended meetings as long as they were able and he continued to follow veterans affairs even when he could not attend meetings.
Roy lived in Austin until his death and Gene lived in Florida in recent months near his children.

July 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

A special election for the post of Finance Officer will be held at the regular business meeting on August 2, 1999. We urge all to attend this meeting and bring your current dues card.

Boys State
The American Legion once again had a sucessful Boys State session in June with 920 boys registered. Post 76 was host to the local participants at the June dinner meeting and received great report from these 15 boys. This is an enduring and very sucessful program of the American Legion.

Girls State
The annual Girls State event was again held in Seguin and Post 76 will host the 9 local girls who will attend our dinner meeting on July 19, 1999. We look forward to a great report from these young ladies as well as some good food.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
August 2nd, September 6th and October 4th.
Dinner meetings at the Post home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
July 19...Girls State
ENTREE-Chicken Tenders
August 16...Installation of Officers, Benjamin Martin, 10th District Commander
ENTREE...BBQ
September 20...Troy Kimmel, Weather Forecaster, "Tornados and Hurricanes"
ENTREE...Chicken Fried Steak w/gravy
October 18...Dr. Bud Dryden, M.D., "What You Need to Know About Drugs"
ENTREE...Breaded Pork Chops

From 2nd Vice Commander Gene Volcik:Don't forget to come out the the Post Dinner Meetings and honor the girls of Girls State.

August 1999

Commanders Comments

Loman Wheeler, Post Commander

Membership Dues
An increase in Department dues was approved at the Department Convention this year that will result in the combined national and department dues totaling $20.00 per year effective January 1, 2000. This will include all year 2000 dues not already paid.

Separation Documents
As we wrote in the October 1998 newsletter, the IRS uses the DD 214 or equivalent on file with the Post as verification that membership is limited to qualified veterans. Since that report, we have received separation papers of several members, and we thank those that have responded, but there are many more members who have not sent theirs. No matter how long you have been in the Legion, we need your separation form for our files. If you cannot find yours, we can provide the request form for a copy that will be sent at no cost. It takes six to eight weeks for the copy to be sent. Contact Adjutant Wheeler for this form that shows the address where it should be forwarded.

Other Comments
This is my last column as Post Commander, although I will still be around as your "retread" Post Adjutant. It has been an honor for me to serve as Post Commander. When I first joined Post 76 about ten years ago I was too busy learning about the American Legion to think about becoming a Post officer, much less Post Commander. For one thing it has renewed my awareness of the extent to which Post officers must depend on the support and help of the membership for a well-run Post. I ask that the members remember this and to help the new officers of Post 76.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m.:
September 13, October 4, and November 1.
Dinner meetings at the Post home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
August 16...Installation of Officers, Benjamin Martin, 10th District Commander
ENTREE...BBQ
September 20...Troy Kimmel, Weather Forecaster, "Tornados and Hurricanes"
ENTREE...Chicken Fried Steak w/gravy
October 18...Dr. Bud Dryden, M.D., "What You Need to Know About Drugs"
ENTREE...Breaded Pork Chops
November 15...Betty Baker- "Take Austin with you on Vacation"
ENTREE...Turkey and Dressing

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

If you really want to get into the headlines, it appears you have to go out and kill a number of innocent people. Thirteen is the number to beat currently, and of course, you have to kill yourself, which angers the Trial Lawyers Association, and frustrates "expert witness" psychologists.
Why are people not content with a loving family, a roof over their heads and a steady job? I believe it all changed after WWII when the media promised us what it didn't have to deliver; two chickens in every pot, two cars in every garage, a yard and a swing-set.
The government undertook the policy of encouraging migration to the suburbs to disperse the population in the event of an A-Bomb attack. The media then encouraged us to buy power mowers, RV's and boats; each one bigger and better than the neighbor's. We become accustomed to color pictures of the lifestyle of the "Rich and Famous" to the extent we become dissatisfied with our own lifestyle.
What has God asked us to do to achieve everlasting life? He has asked us to do only two things; to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Rember the story of the Good Samaritan and heed it's message. We tend to forget that the first purpose of the printed media is to sell newspapers.

New Members
Charles A. Buerschinger
Daniel L Covington

September 1999

Commanders Comments

Comments While Passing the Baton

by Loman Wheeler,Past Commander

Membership Dues
The Fall 10th District Convention will be in Bastrop on October 23, 1999. Registration should begin about 8:00 a.m. with the convention starting about 10:00 a.m. Bastrop is only a short distance from Austin, so plan to attend to learn of the work of the Legion and meet members of other Posts. You will also learn more about conducting the affairs of the Post.

Membership
We have a good start on reaching our goal of 300 members for the year 2000. Our membership stands at 200 on August 31. It is important that the rest of our members renew by October 20 and not later than December 31. This not only helps Post 76 reach its goal, but just as important, a member becomes delinquent after December 31, and is dropped from membership on January 31.

DD 214
I hate to keep harping on this but we have a long way to go to document all the members. Many members have been members for a long time and also been out of military service for a long time. Locating the required papers might be difficult, but if you can't locate a copy easily, you can retrieve a copy without charge from the Veterans Affairs Office in St.Louis. Forms are available from the Post Adjutant and from the Travis County Veterans Service Office for requesting a copy of the seperation document.It can be mailed to the address given on the form.

Post Meetings
Vice Commander Volcik has some interesting speakers lined up for our dinner meetings. Try to attend at every opportunity. Also, let me remind you that decisions important for the future of the Post are made at our business meetings and we need input from the members to make the best decisions. The telephone is a convenience to be treasured, but the Post affairs are conducted at the business meeting, not over the telephone.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00p.m.
September 13, October 4, November 1.
Dinner meetings at the Post home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
September 20...Troy Kimmel, Weather Forecaster, "Tornados and Hurricanes"
ENTREE...Chicken Fried Steak w/gravy
October 18...Dr. Bud Dryden, M.D., "What You Need to Know About Drugs"
ENTREE...Breaded Pork Chops
November 15...Betty Baker- "Take Austin with you on Vacation"
ENTREE...Turkey and Dressing

Note from 1st Vice Commander Volcik:We need you at our meetings. Your presence is needed to make this another successful year.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

You know it's a slow news day when the media blows up the Waco affair out of all proportion to its importance. To say the FBI may have started the fire with one of its tear gas canisters is not only wrong, but stupid. I know that I was not older than 14 years when I understood that matches and road flares needed an igniter and grenades and bombs need detonators and tear gas canisters needed a fuse and igniter to disperse the contents of the can. I certainly don't expect a lawyer or a television news reader to understand this, but a teenager would. I've given up expecting common sense from the media. What can we expect when they all read from the same script, and they went to the same schools as our school teachers.
Which brings up another sore subject. This past legislative session, the teachers unions successfully managed to prevent the passage of the school voucher program, claiming the present schools needed the money to effect surpassing achievement by our students. Well, the latest information seems to indicate we're going in the wrong direction. I don't relish paying more taxes for poorer teachers and incompetent administrators. Some competition in the schools seems necessary if we are to achieve a competent generation to take over after us.
While I'm at it, I'm also in favor of school uniforms through high school. Instead of competing for school fashion plate, students can discuss the work they have in school. Perhaps the standards of mores of our ancestors were the best way to go after all.

Welcome New Member Bruce Byron

October 1999

Commanders Comments

by Larry Miller

Its quite an honor to be elected to the top officer position in the Post. Although it will be hard to follow in the footsteps of Past Commander Loman Wheeler, I feel confidant in carrying out the duties of this office. Especially with Loman at my side as Adjutant this term.
Our Post is very fortunate to have a member like Loman. His dedication and efforts have helped Post 76 be one of the most outstanding in District 10. We can not say enough good things about Loman in his service as Past Adjutant and Commander and now Adjutant again. Keep up the good work Loman! Thanks from all of us.
Play Ball! American Legion Baseball finished this summer with another success story. Post 76 sponsored nine high school teams out of 48 registered in District 10. Our District had the most teams of any District in the State. All total, 800 plus kids played over 600 games this summer.
In addition, we hosted four each 16 under and three each 18 under tournaments. The District qualified five of the eight teams which participated in the Division 3 Tournament held at Westlake High School.

Reminder
1. Dues will go up to $25.00 per year after January 1, 2000. Pay now and save $5.00 for the year 2000.
2. There will be a standing Executive Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. before every Business meeting. The Building and Grounds Committee will also start at 6:30 p.m. each time. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

Again, I look forward to the task of leading the Post this coming year. For us to grow and succeed in the challenges that lay ahead, the Post needs your support and active participation. American Legion offers many opportunities and activities for all to enjoy. Please come and join me in participating as much as you can. See you at the Post!

Dues Increase on January 1
by Loman Wheeler, Adjutant
Ten years ago there was a discussion of whether 1990 was the end of one decade or the first year of the new one. Whether the year 2000 is the end of this millenium or the beginning of the new one, dues for Post 76 will be $25.00 beginning on January 1, 2000. You will save $5.00 as well as help the Post record when you pay before then. Please pay your dues now to avoid the increase and help the Post!

Planning Schedule
Excetutive /Business meeting at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m. November 1st, December 6th, January 3rd.
Dinner meetings at the Post Home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
October 18...Dr. Bud Dryden, "What you need to know about Drugs"
ENTREE...Breaded Pork Chops
November 15...Betty Baker-"Take Austin with you on Vacation"
ENTREE...Turkey and Dressing
December 20...Christmas party-No speaker-Just Christmas carols
ENTREE...Finger foods(bring your favorite finger food dish)

October 23...District 10 Convention in Bastrop,
Registration at 8:00 a.m.; Session begins at 10:00 a.m.

Note from 1st Vice-Commander Gene Volcik: You'll miss a treat if you're not in attendance for Dr. Bud Dryden's presentation. Dr. Dryden is well-known and has traveled to many places in the world. Please be at this dinner meeting. I'll see you there.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

Taxes, taxes, taxes. I believe we are all unaware of the pervasiveness of taxes in our lives. There must be at least a hundred taxes on a loaf of bread or a quart of milk. Each person in the chain of production pays taxes plus their companies pay state unemployment, corporate, and one half of each employees social security tax.
We all know this, and we also know that our taxes provide police and fire protection, schooling for our children, and emergency care for some. This is what we expect our taxes to pay for plus a cerain amount to cover administration of those services and the collection of taxes. We do not expect our taxes to pay for newly created positions to help the indigent brother-in-law of an elected official, nor to defend that elected official with a battery of expensive attorneys at our expense, when he or she is charged with malfeasance.
The hiring of many clerks by AISD appears to be a search for excuses for the poor performance of the students and/or teachers. When we consider all the employees of AISD, do the clerks, administrators and non-teaching teachers outnumber the teachers? And do we want to fund the retirement of people who do not contribute to the education of our children.
Get involved so your children can afford to educate their children.

Welcome New Member Harold Robbins

November 1999

Commanders Comments

by Larry Miller

Again, I would like to encourage all members(that can)to participate in some activity of the Post. Even if it is to attend a scheduled Business or Dinner meeting each month.
Example: One opportunity coming up is the Annual Veterans Day Parade in Austin on November 11,1999. A breakfast will be held at Post 76 around 7:00 A.M. for participants in the parade. If you can't make the event then come help us cook!
Future: I have asked 1st Vice Commander Eugene Volcik to head up a committee to study the possibility of having member Social Activities to be held once a week i.e. card games or TV sporting events with refreshments. He will welcome any suggestions. Now is your chance to have a say in what we do.
FYI Post Judge Advocate Ralph Vertrees will lead a committee appointed by yours truly to evaluate several Articles in our By-Laws and in particular the job description of the Treasurer. Recommended changes, if any, will be published for all to view and approve as set forth in the By-Laws.

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m. December 6th, January 3rd, February 7th.

Dinner Meetings at the Post Home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

November 15...Betty Baker-"Take Austin with you on Vacation"
ENTREE...Turkey and Dressing
December 20...Christmas party-No speaker-Just Christmas carols
ENTREE...Finger foods(bring your favorite finger food dish)

Note from 1st Vice Commander Gene Volcik: If you ever had a question about historical Austin, then you get this chance at our November dinner meeting with Betty Baker. She is an authority on the subject and this is a meeting you don't want to miss. Also, circle our Christmas party date on your calendar so you can join in our chorus of exceptional voices. You know we do miss you when you do not come.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

The recent death of Carla Hochhalter in a pawn shop in Englewood, Colorado, is a stark reminder to us that violence such as was experienced at Columbine High School affects an ever widening circle of people. Her suicide came three days after a 17 year old Columbine student was arrested after classmates reported that he had been threatening to "finish the job" started April 20 by Harris and Kiebold. This widening circle includes not only the immediate family, but extended family, friends and people whose lives may remain untouched because that one person wasn't there. It includes all the "copy-cat" crimes committed by those who seek a headline in the newspaper.
In your prayers you should remember Carla as well as all the dead and injured students from this tragedy, and do not forget the ones carrying the greatest burden of all, the parents of the two boys.
Boulder, Colorado may have to step aside as the nation's most inept police department if the young men who have confessed to the Yogurt shop murders are allowed to go free due to a lack of corroborating evidence. But I'm sure that the APD crime lab has obtained fingerprints and other forensic evidence to preclude this from happening. Our prayers are for justice to be served and the burden on the families concerned to be light.

December 1999

Commanders Comments

by Larry Miller

The Veterans Day activities were a success this year. It all started with a breakfast at the Post. Thanks to all who helped with the food and serving approximately thirty folks most of whom participated in the parade. Yours truly cooked six pounds of bacon around 5AM at home and was my wife excited! Reports given at our business meeting confirmed that the parade and wreath ceremonies went well.
Our Post has been given a financial grant from the Historical Landmark Commission from the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau funds. The grant will finance the cost of replacing the shingle roof at the Post with a metal one. This will certainly help the overall appearance and maintenance of the roof. Our special thanks goes out to Will Ivy for his efforts in securing the grant.
As a reminder, this months dinner meeting on December 20,1999, will continue the tradition of Christmas carols being sung by the membership and guests. Please come and bring a guest. This has been a lot of fun in the past and it will sure get you in the holiday mood. If you can't make the meeting, we want to wish each of you and yours a very special Christmas holiday and a New Year that brings happiness and joy.
We look forward to an exciting year 2000 and hope you can join in on the activities of the Post. Watch for coming events in the newsletter and remember that DUES ARE DUE. Happy Holidays!!

Planning Schedule
Executive/Business meetings at the Post on first Mondays at 7:00 p.m. January 3rd, February 7th, March 6th.

Dinner Meetings at the Post Home on third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

December 20...Christmas Party-No Speaker-Just Christmas carols...
Finger Foods(bring your favorite finger food dish.
January 17,2000...Carolyn Fasel, Executive Director of North Central Caregivers
"How to Cope with Retirement"
ENTREE...Baked Chicken with Rice

Note from 1st Vice Commander Gene Volcik:Christmas is the time for family and friends. Come on out to the Post Home and enjoy the holidays.

Chaplains Corner

Stanley Juba

A very Merry Christmas to all our Comrades-in-arms, their families and all their loved ones, and if we keep Christ in Christmas we can count on a happy and prosperous New Year.

Transfer Out
Adios
We have been advised of the transfer of Emmett Shelton, Jr., to Post 75, New Mexico. Emmett has completed 21 years continuous membership and was quite active in Post 76 for many years. He will be missed. During the early 1980s Emmett was Post Commander for several years during a period of renewed activity for the Post. During his term he was instrumental in arranging for Medal of Honor recipient Roy Benavidez to speak at various schools in the area. As Post Historian his Scrapbook was a prizewinner at the Department level. Emmett Shelton, Sr., still lives in Westlake Hills and continues as a member of Post 76.

Time is Running Out
December is the last month that $20.00 dues are in effect.Dues will go up to $25.00 per year on January 1. Also, all members who have not renewed by January 1 will be delinquent in accordance with Post 76 bylaws. We still need your continued membership; so renew right away if you haven't already.

TAPS
Travis Post 76 regrets the passing of three longtime Legion members:Paul Pederson with 25 years; Raymond Toungate with 26 years; and Robert Reese with 15 years.
Our sympathy goes out to the families of these Legionnaires who have gone to the "Post Everlasting".

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