Travis Post 76 Newsletters 2006

Charles Matheson,Sr.
Commander

Entree for January Meeting...Fried Chicken
The annual Chili Cook-Off will be in February. In order to be better prepared, our Fish Fry has been scheduled for the March dinner meeting.
Hope everyone had a joyous Holiday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Roy Cates. We will miss him and his active participation in the Post. This month's speaker was recommended by Roy and has benefitted from his promotion and financial support.. The program will center around a documentary film of a true story of an allied soldier's escape and the bravery and courage of the Belgian underground during the Second World War. The soldier's name was 1st Lt. William (Bill) D. Grosvenor and the speaker will be his son David Grosvenor along with Ramona Kelly. The program supports and encourages contributions to the Austin Film Society.

In addition to this outstanding program, we can look forward to another great meal with the entree being fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. We look forward to seeing everyone. Continue to support our troops and leaders with your thoughts and prayers. See you at the Post.

I know we all look forward to visiting with these new members at the Post soon.
Again this year, members from Travis Post 76 went to the VA Hospital in Temple to distribute gifts and bring a little cheer to veterans spending the holidays in the hospital. The veterans we spoke with were very appreciative that we took the time to visit with them and let them know that they were not forgotten.
There were not that many volunteers this year, so I was proud that Travis Post 76 was so well represented. The members who attended were: Charles Matheson, Gene Volcik, Guy Davis, Horace Johnson, Jason Denny, and myself.

Charles E. Matheson,Sr.
Commander Post 76

Entree for February Dinner Meeting...Chili Cook-Off

Those of you who were not able to attend the January social missed a great program. However, we have asked Romona Kelly and David Grosvenor to present the full the full length version of the program at a date to be announced. This promotional film is a true story of Davids father and his dramatic escape in Belgium during World War II and certainly will be presented by Derrick Wright, a primary instructor for The Terrain Association, which specializes in survival techniques for people of all ages both in everyday life and in the wild. You nover know when we could use prior training to confront thsoe unwanted situations that can suddenly appear.

This is that time of year when we have our annual Chili Cook-Off. Remember guys, this is a Legionnaires chili, not your brides cooking. I think we have had some false representations of late. Come and strut your stuff for our February social. Everyone else can bring your favorite side dish. March will bring "fried fish" supervised and directed by yours truly if the Lord is willing and the creek don't rise. We are looking for cooks and cheerleaders while we work and have fellowship together.

As always keep our troops and their families along with our National Leaders in your thoughts and prayers. See you at the Post!

To assist Jarrell Post 317 in their recovery after losing their Post home to a fire, we donated 10 of our 3 by 6 feet tables. Since our tables are used frequently by our renters, we had replaced those heavier tables with the lighter plastic types. One of our big problems is a lack of sufficient air conditioning in the upstairs during the hot weather. Presently, we are getting bids to correct this problem by installing larger units which will make the environment more comfortable for our renters and us.
While at it, we are working with Austin Energy to upgrade our lighting systems to make them more efficient and less costly.
Post 76 has the Merci Boxcar which was donated by France after World War II. Every State in the Union received one. The Forty and Eight organization has the maintenance responsibility for the Boxcar. To assist, we have obtained bids to repair the deteriorating shed.

Next month, March, is not only the 87th birthday of The American Legion, but it is also Community Service Month. If you have an idea for a community service project, please be sure to pass it along to one of the Post officers. Travis Post 76 has along tradition of providing dedicated service to our community and we want to continue to live up to the Legion motto of Still Serving America.
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC)is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans. President John F. Kennedy initiated this program in 1962. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA> administers the PMC program by preparing the certificates, which bear the Presidents signature, expressing the countrys grateful recognition of the veterans service in the United States Armed Forces. Family memebers, or someone acting on their behalf, can apply for a PMC by contacting any VA regional office, either in person or by mail. There is no form to use when requesting a PMC, but be sure to provide a return mailing address and a copy of the veterans discharge documents.

As always, if you have any questions regarding payment of your dues or if you need to update or correct your membership information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Clayton Griffis
Adjutant

I was sitting at a table at the last Dinner Meeting and wondering about a lot of things. Sometimes my mind does wander and gets me to wondering. I was wondering why we don’t have more attend our dinner meetings. I was wondering if there is anything I could do to make it happen, other than to chastise everyone by reminding them that they missed a great opportunity to mingle with like comrades who have "carried the flag to the front" and enjoy each other’s company. I wondered why you were absent. Could it have been sickness? An untimely death in the family? A good old fashioned "ox in the ditch"? Or were you just not interested? We get your dues each year, but not your attendance. Is there anything I, or the officers can do to make it happen?
You missed an excellent dinner meeting with the Chili Cook-Off – I wonder if your chili would have won first place. We had an excellent speaker in Derrick Wright, who taught us survival techniques – you should have been there.
I wonder where our next officer line is coming from – we have so few who are willing to serve, but we need more. I wonder if you are the person we need to maintain the Post’s activities. Needless to say, my wondering only produces dreams and wishes, but you could be the answer. Why don’t you let me know you are willing to participate in the Post activities by calling one of the officers or me? May God continue to bless each of you; and don’t forget to wonder about it all.

Charles E. Matheson, Sr.
Commander Post 76

Entree for March Dinner Meeting . . . . Fried Catfish

A big thanks goes out to all of the members who slaved over the stove to provide homemade chili for the February dinner meeting. Yours truly did not place this year which means the winners were really good. Just kidding! You missed some great recipes if you were not there.
This month is "Fried Catfish" provided by the Post and COOKED by our members. Come and be a part of the festivities. We need cooks and cheerleaders to come around 4:00 p.m. or just come and enjoy the dinner.
Our speaker last month did a good job on giving us advice on some great survival techniques for all occasions. This month we are honored to have Beth McDonald as our Speaker. Beth is President of Texans For State Parks. This organization has been formed to protect our Texas treasures by preserving and enhancing the state park system. She will present some interesting and alarming statistics on the status of our current and future state parks. We also look forward to meeting her husband Bill, who is a member of our Post.
As always, our thoughts and prayers go out to our troops and their families along with the leaders of our country.
See you at the Post!

Editor’s Note: Our prayers go out to Joe who sent me the following email message:"I just got out of the hospital. Had another bout with a staph infection. This one in my upper lip. Really makes breathing and eating difficult. Just got home .... Still don’t feel very good." Please put Joe on your prayer list.

When you meet a veteran, please be sure to tell them about The American Legion. One of the strengths of the Legion lies in its sheer numbers – it’s the largest veterans organization in the world. When you’re big, you command attention, and that’s what veterans of all ages need, a loud voice in Washington. When you’re big enough, Congress is more willing to listen, and that benefits us all.
Korean War Service Medal – U.S. veterans of the Korean War are eligible to receive the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have:
Served between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953 ! Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days
Performed their duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent to, or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations.

The U.S. Air Force is the lead agency to distribute the medals from each branch of the Service. The Air Force will provide the medal at no cost, and on a first come first served basis, based upon availability, to veterans who meet the above criteria and provide a copy of their discharge papers (DD-214). Contact the U.S. Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base at 1-800-616-3775, or see their web page at http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/and type "korea award" in the search box in the upper left of the page.
Please let me know if you would like to order a Legion cap or any other Legion item (see on-line catalog at emblem.legion.org.

Clayton Griffis
Adjutant

All reports indicate that the Fish Fry was a success. As for the cooking committee, the Cheerleaders became Cooks and the Cooks became Cheerleaders at some point in the preparation. I wonder why? By the last batch we had learned what not to do and were well on our way to frying perfection. All agreed that this will become an annual affair.
This month we will take a breather and have pasta as the main course. However, the challenge continues with May being a POT ROAST COOKOFF. OK guys, it's time to show off again. We will have judges and please fellows, no help from the Ladies. The secret will be in the presentation. (I have been watching TV too!) Our speaker this month (thanks to Gene) will be Nancy Gresham from the Office of the Attorney General. Her subject will deal with FRAUD, SCAMS AND CON GAMES - FACTS AND FICTION. We will hope to learn more about the"lines and signs" of the numerous scams and fraud that can destroy our life and financial security. Now if the Pasta doesn't encourage you to come, this talk surely will.
Please keep our troops, their families and our national leaders in your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to seeing you at the Post.
P.S. I think the Post is turning out to be a Chef's school.

Presently, Paul Barker, James Crabtree and myself are interviewing Junior High School boys for American Legion Boys State, a citizenship program, held on the University of Texas Austin campus, June 3 - 9, 2006. American Legion Boys State, began in 1935, is an activity of high educational value, born out of a need for youth training in practical citizenship. It is a leadership action program in which highly qualified male high school juniors develop a working knowledge of the structure of government. They learn by doing.
Post 76 recruits boys from Anderson, Austin, Lanier,, McCallum, Westlake, Hyde Park, Hill Country Christian, Lago Vista, Lake Travis, St. Michael's and St. Stephen’s. The application fee is $275 per student. The Northwest Kiwanis Club contributes $1100 [four boys] and Lago Vista Lions Club $275 [one boy]. Some school activity funds provide some assistance.
You or your organization can also sponsor a boy.

The American Legion is spearheading a nationwide effort to develop a grass roots groundswell to ensure passage of legislation in the 109th Congress: The Public Expression of Religion Act, H.R. 2679. Legionnaires, Members of The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion are combating the secular cleansing of our American heritage through fanatical Establishment Clause lawsuits.
We are doing this for the same reason that George Washington and the first American soldiers, and Founding Fathers, were involved in combating the tyranny of their times – to safeguard and transmit to posterity America’s freedom, and American values, for without those values of the Founding Fathers, the America they created will be no more. All across America we see fanatical litigation being brought by lawyers of the ACLU and other special interests attacking the Boy Scouts, the public display of the Ten Commandments and other symbols of our American religious history and heritage.
Now, for the first time in history, an attack was made against a religious symbol at a veteran’s memorial in the precedent-setting Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial Case (Buono vs. Norton).
The values and religious symbols the Founding Fathers revered, lived by, and proclaimed as the very foundation of the American republic are being outlawed by modern lawyers and judges – under the Establishment Clause of the Constitution which the Founding Fathers wrote.
We are witnessing the rewriting of the Constitution, and the remaking of America, by judicial fiat, not by amending the Constitution as provided for by the Founding Fathers, or by elected bodies in the representative democratic processes of our republic.
Today, the lawyers of an increasingly tyrannical judiciary issue orders in Establishment Clause cases banning the Boy Scouts, banning the Ten Commandments, banning religious symbols at veterans’ memorials, banning the Pledge of Allegiance, banning historical religious symbols in the official seals of counties and cities, banning the Department of Defense from assisting the Boy Scouts, and then awarding millions of dollars to the ACLU and others in “attorney fees” in Establishment Clause cases to be paid by taxpayers. They do this even though the ACLU in fact has no attorney fees, and “mascot” plaintiffs have no attorney fees, and have no real injury but are only “offended” at the sight of a religious symbol that is, in fact, a symbol of our American history and heritage.
Our republic was founded on the principle that “We, the People,” are sovereign, acting through democratically elected representatives. That representative democracy is being distorted, crippled, and rendered impotent by lawyers exploiting our Civil Rights laws for a profit. Cities, counties, other governmental entities surrender to the ACLU and remove or destroy religious symbols our American history and heritage from the public square for fear of imposition of massive attorney fee awards by court order, to be paid by taxpayers, should the ACLU prevail. Our representative democracy is imperiled by threat of these judge-ordered attorney fees. The lawyers of the modern judiciary have taken unto themselves a veto power over both the Legislative and Executive branches. They have usurped all authority to decide the most fundamental questions of life, and death, who we are and what kind of nation we are. “We, the People,” has been replaced by “We, the Lawyers.” A “nation under the rule of law” has become “a nation under “rule of lawyers.”
Thomas Jefferson, father of the Declaration of Independence, warned us against a judicial tyranny more than 200 years ago, when he wrote:
“It is a dangerous doctrine, indeed, to consider the judges to be the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions. It will lead to a despotic oligarchy.” Jefferson further warned: “The germ of dissolution of our federal government is in our federal judiciary; an irresponsible body, working like gravity by night and by day, gaining a little today and a little tomorrow, and advancing in its noiseless step like a thief over the filed of jurisdiction, until all shall be usurped from the States, and the government of all be consolidated into one.”
Jefferson’s prophecy has been realized in our times.
When the question was raised as to who, if not the lawyers, i.e., judges, would decide the ultimate constitutional questions of who we are and what kind of nation we are, the Founding Fathers were quick to answer, in the words of James Madison, Father of the Constitution: “The People, themselves.” We Americans take seriously the words of the Founding Fathers of our nation.
We American Legionnaires take seriously the oaths we took when we entered the military service in defense of the America the Founding Fathers created “…to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
We take seriously also the words of the Founders of our American Legion, ordinary GI’s of WW I who created the American Legion in Paris in 1919 as they awaited repatriation back home.
“For God and Country” is the credo those GI’s gave us at our founding.
“For God and Country” our credo today, it will be tomorrow, and forever.
At every meeting, we reaffirm our pledge to defend “God and Country.”
We pledge again to live the ten precepts of the Preamble to our Constitution, including:
“To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism “(3rd Precept);
“To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation” (5th Precept); and
“To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.”
Simply stated, we Legionnaires – we Americans – cannot “safeguard and transmit to posterity” our American values and the America the Founding Fathers created if we stand back and allow the symbols of our American history and heritage, including the religious, to be banned from the public square and effectively wiped out of our history, our national consciousness, and, thus, our national character.
We, as individual Legionnaires, as Posts, Districts, States, and at the National Level through our highest officers, combat the ACLU and other special interests and like-minded lawyers sitting as judges, and support the Public Expression of Religion Act, pursuant to the policies mandated by the 2.7-million members of the American Legion through their elected delegates voting in National Convention.
Resolution 326, Preserve Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial, was adopted unanimously at the 2004 National Convention.
The Department of California sponsored Resolution 326 after a federal judge in Riverside, California, in an unprecedented lawsuit filed by the ACLU (Norton vs. Buono, note above) ordered a solitary cross honoring WWI veterans in the remote Mojave Desert to be destroyed, and then awarded the ACLU some $63,000 in attorney fees for destroying that cross, even though the ACLU had no actual attorney fees.
American Legion Resolution 326 calls on Congress to eliminate the authority of judges to award attorney fees under the Civil Rights Attorney Fees Act, 42 U.S. Code Section 1988, in cases under the Establishment Clause.
The Public Expression of Religion Act of 2005, H.R. 2679, does just that.
Most Americans are totally unaware that, as taxpayers, they have been paying millions of dollars in “attorney fee awards” annually to the ACLU in Establishment Clause lawsuits against the Boy Scouts, the Ten Commandments, and other Establishment Clause lawsuits, including against religious symbols at veterans memorials. The Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S. Code Section 1988 was intended to help poor people obtain legal counsel in claims of real, tangible violation of Civil Rights. It has been despicably exploited by the ACLU to enrich itself with millions of dollars in court-awarded, taxpayer-paid attorney fees when in fact ACLU has no actual attorney fees.
The Mojave Desert WWI Veterans Memorial Case in California (Buono vs. Norton) is a very dangerous precedent: There are 9,000 Crosses and Stars of David at Normandy Beach. There are 22 National Cemeteries with veterans at rest beneath religious symbols. There is nothing in the law to prevent the ACLU, or others, including Islamist fanatics in our midst, from filing Establishment Clause lawsuits against those sacred grounds, and then seeking and receiving taxpayer-paid attorney fees by order of judges for desecrating those places of honor reserved for veterans who defended the America the Founding Fathers created. There is simply no reasonable basis to support the ACLU, or anyone else, profiting by attorney fee awards ordered by judges in Establishment Clause cases. The very threat of those fees has made local elected bodies surrender to the ACLU’s demands to secularly cleanse the public square, denuding it of any display of our American religious history and heritage.
Therefore, we believe this issue crosses all ideological, religious, and party lines. It is an American issue that all Americans should support. Further, veterans’ memorials should be sacrosanct. Period.
Congress should exercise its authority under the Constitution to deny jurisdiction to the judicial branch over lawsuits against veterans’ memorials under the Establishment Clause. The American Legion does not intend to surrender to the ACLU, or anyone else, in defense of veterans’ memorials, the Boy Scouts, or the public display of our American religious history and heritage.
We are involved, therefore, because we are veterans, because we are Legionnaires who served the nation when our country called, but most of all because we are Americans.
“For God And Country” is our credo, and both are in peril today. In order to win the battle to safeguard and transmit to posterity the America the Founding Fathers created, it is clear what we must do: We must walk in the footsteps of the founders. Being involved in making the Public Expression of Religion Act, H.R. 2679, the law of the land, is one small, but extremely important step that must be taken. Indeed, this is a crusade which we can, we should, and must win, if we are to walk in the footsteps of the Founders and safeguard and transmit to posterity the America they gave us by pledge and sacrifice of their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. We Americans of this generation can do no less for America then what the Founding Fathers created and gifted upon us.

Charled E. Matheson,Sr.
Comander Post 76

We know how to avoid identity theft. SHRED IT,SHRED IT,SHRED IT. Those of you who could not make it, missed out on some good advice as the Assistant DA advised us of the most frequent scams being used to take advantage of honest people like us. We can be awful foolish at times believing in opportunities too good to be true.
How about this for our next speaker. Mr. Manish Punjabi, who is a certified Hypnotist at the Health and Wellness Center in Austin. His specialty is using hypnotism in treating Stress Disorders along with many other physical conditions and characteristics. Who wants to volunteer for a public treatment?
As we requested at our last dinner, we need members and wives to bring a pot roast of their choosing and this will be the entree. There is a prize in the offering for the best roast. As usual bring a favorite side dish instead.
We certainly need prayers for those that are ill or suffering from the setbacks of life. Continued thoughts and prayers for our service man and women; especially those in harms way.
SEE YOU AT THE POST!

Post 76 is sponsoring 18 graduating High School Junior boys to the 2006 American Legion Boys State program. At the Post September 18th dinner meeting the boys and their parents are invited. The boys tell about their experiences and we can all get acquainted with these outstanding young citizens.

The old inadequate air conditioning system in the Hall of Fame Room and the upstairs ball room is being replaced. The larger and more efficient system will correct and enhance the comfort condition. Am Tech Mechanical is the contractor and proposed modifications to the system with new/larger distribution ducting will provide increased air flow.

NOTE: When you rent the Post for your reunion or anniversary party, it will be much cooler or warmer, depending on the time of year.

A Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is an American tradition. The banner lets others know that someone in the home is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As Americans do their best to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing war on terror, the Blue Star Service Service Banner tradition reminds us all that war touches every neighborhood in our land.
The American Legion also has available a Blue Star Banner Corporate Flag for government and corporate America to show support for employees called to active duty with their Reserve or National Guard Units. It should be noted that this is different from the 1926 War Mothers Flag hoisted every Veterans Day at 11 minutes after 11 0'clock, and which flies until sundown beneath the U.S. Flag to honor the millions of Americans killed in action during World War I and World War II.

The American Legion Post 76 has been a proud charter partner with the Boy Scouts of America with Troop 415 for over 30 years. At the present time, we are identifying youth members, family members and individuals in the community who have or want to benefit from hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing, or any of the Values of the Scouting Program such as citizenship and character.
The Troop is for boys age 11 to 18 and has a set program of monthly outdoor activities. A program called Venturing was started nation-wide several years ago. Post 76 has the opportunity to expand its role as a charter partner of a coed Venture Crew. A Venture Crew is for high school age youth until they reach age 21. Venture Crews are focused on high adventure, hobbies, sports, religious life and the outdoors.
Please send your list to the Longhorn District, 7540 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723, or Contact Bob Oatman at 944-7726 or email at boatman@bsamail.org or Amber Mancuso at 944-7728 or email at amancuso@bsamail.org.

Thanks,

Robert "Bob" Oatman
Longhorn District Director
512-926-6363 ext 34
512-944-7726 cell
P.S. To Donate to friends of Scouting go to:www.givetoscouting.org.

Felipe Soliz
Coordinator
Memorial Day Ceremony

Charles E. Matheson, Sr.
Commander Post 76

For the last few months our speakers have ranged far and wide with topics
Now it is time to come back to earth and deal with one of our obligations as Legionnaires. We have been inundated with worn out flags and it is time for a flag retirement ceremony. That's right, our program will consist of the proper method of flag disposal. Please come and support this event and we will reward you with FRIED CHICKEN. As usual, bring your favorite side-preferably vegetables or desserts. Thanks to all those who slaved over the stove to provide pot roast dinners last month. We did have a winner. Way to go Gene! Or was it your better half?
We are hoping for a return visit in July from Ramona Kelly and David Grosvenor as they present the full length feature of the film documenting the life and escape during WWII of Davids father, Bill Grosvenor. This will be like going to the movies with popcorn, etc., as an entree. More to come as we organize this social event.
Our prayers go out to our leaders, service men and women and their families as we continue in the fight for freedom in the Middle East. May God help us to find solutions to this conflict.
SEE YOU AT THE POST!

I'm always seeking new and better ways to communicate with our Post members. If you would like to receive information about Post activities by email, please send me your email address. I promise I will only send Post/Legion related information, no junk emails. If you have any other ideas about how we can outreach to our members or the community, please let me know that too.
As always, if you have any questions about your membership dues or your Legion benefits, just call or email me.

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is making it easier for veterans with computers and internet access to obtain copies of their military documents. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents, including DD-214s. Such access is particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy for employment purposes. Other individuals needing documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, whcih can be downloaded online. Because requestors must supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new Web-based application is designed to provide better service by eliminating mailroom process time. To request copies of your military records online go to www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html.

Charles E. Matheson, Sr.
Commander Post 76

Well it is time for the "grand finale" of programs for this year. As previously mentioned, we are going to the movies with the continuation of the documentary of Bill Grosvenors real life story of escape and evasion in Belgium during World War II. This is a hour and one half film that will be presented from 7:00 p.m. until. We will dine while watching the movie and presentation. It will be shown in two sessions to allow for a break for dessert etc. We encourage everyone to attend and invite guests including adult children. The Post will provide popcorn and refreshments along with cooking the hotdogs> Please bring your favorite desserts.
Our August meeting will be centered around the installation of new officers and honoring the current officers and executive committee members. The entree is to be announced. Please come and join us as we continue the great fellowship at the Post. Keep in mind that our second annual Reunion social and dinner will take place in the Fall. More to come on that event.
It is my understanding that we had some brave souls who endured the inclement weather on the 4th of July to eat and watch the fireworks from the front lawn at the Post. Good for you!
As usual, we ask for prayers for our troops and their families along with the leaders of this country.

SEE YOU AT THE POST!

The upstairs Hall of Honor air conditioning system has been upgraded. Then after adding more insulation in the attic, the room is more comfortable. This should enhance the ability to reent all year round. Have you scheduled you activity?.

The original Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy. It was first given wide publicity through the official program of the National Public Schools Celebration of Columbus Day which was printed in The Youts Companion of September 8, 1892, and at the same time sent out in leaflet form to schools throughout the country. School children first recited the Pledge of Allegiance this way:
"I pledge alligance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."
"The flag of the United States" replaced the words "my Flag" in 1923 because some foreign-born people might have in mind the flag of the country of their birth instead of the United States flag. A year later, "of America" was added after "United States".
No form of the pledge recieved official recognition by Congress until June 22, 1942, when the Pledge was formally included in the U.S. Flag Code. The official name of the Pledge of Allegiance was adopted in 1945. The last change in language came on Flag Day 1954, when Congress passed a law, which added the words "under God" after "one nation".
Originally, the pledge was said with the right hand in the so-called "Bellamy Salute", with the right hand resting first outward from the chest, then the arm extending out from the body. Once Hitler came to power in Europe, some Americans were concerned that his position of the arm and hand resembled the Nazi or Facist salute. In 1942 Congress also established the current practice of rendering the pledge with the right hand over the heart.
The Flag Code specifies that any future changes to the pledge would have to be with the consent of the President.

For those of you who could not make our July social, the popcorn popped, the hotdogs were hot and the program was great. Sorry you missed the evening. However, for your information, the documentary will be shown in its entirety on PBS, October 30th from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. Central time. You do not want to miss it, if at all possible. Our Post made the decision to give a substantial donation to the foundation as the result of the film presentation. Individuals are also encouraged to donate if desired. It is a good cause and benefits the Austin Film Society.
Our program this month will be centered around the Installation of Officers for the coming year, 2006-2007. Please come and support your Post by thanking the out going Officers and welcoming in the new slate of Officers. We certainly want to thank those who have agreed to serve. My duties will be those of the New Commander and I look forward to the challenge and pleasure to serve in that capacity once again.
Our entree this month will be chicken tenders and mashed potatoes. Please bring your favorite side and dessert. As always, let us pray for our troops and leaders as this is a crucial time for theMiddle East.
See you at the Post!

New in-ground light fixtures were installed to light the flag and the porch columns. These in-ground fixtures should not be broken causing constant repair expenses.

The Foster Avenue [“The Alley”] sewer system was replaced by the City of Austin. The old clay pipe system was stopping up and causing problems. The new PVC system should correct all problems for Post 76 and other users along “The Alley”. [I bet this is something you really wanted to know about???]

The land area behind the boxcar and along Veterans Drive belongs to the City of Austin. We have problems with the people using it at night and catching litter from joggers passing by. The COA cleaned the area and now looks a lot better.

I know we all look forward to visiting with these new members at the Post soon.
Each of you should have received a membership renewal notice in the mail by now from the National Office. So far, 189 Post 76 members have renewed their membership for the 2007 membership year. Your annual membership dues help support many important American Legion programs, including representation before Congress on issues affecting veterans, youth and community service programs such as the Boys/Girls State and Baseball programs; Plus, you get a great magazine each month. Quite a bargain for only $25 a year!
If you have any questions regarding payment of your dues, please don’t hesitate to call me.

It is with sadness that I report the recent passing of Travis Post 76 members James W. “Bill” Ficklin and Leslie T. “Les” Chapman. “Because of them our lives are free; because of them our nation lives; because of them the world is blessed.”

Clayton Griffis
Adjutant

We really had a great installation banquet and a special thanks to all who participated. It appears that we have a eager crop of new Officers and Directors. My personal thanks goes out to each person who has volunteered to serve this year. Our past Commander, Charles Matheson Sr., certainly earned a well deserved rest after serving for the past several years without a break in service. I hope to continue the programs started under his watch and will strive to continue the emphasis on fellowship and membership in the Post.
This month's social will highlight the Boys and Girl State programs that took place this summer. It is always a joy to hear the students tell of their experiences and future plans as the result of participating in their respective events. As is the case with the baseball program, this is another great program that supports our youth. Your Post has had a lot of success over the years in helping develop positive character traits in our participating youth.
Please be looking for our second annual reunion that will take place in the next couple of months. Although it is in the planning stages, we hope to pattern it after last year's gathering.
As always, keep our Troops and Leaders in your thoughts and prayers. See you at the Post!

Have you ever attended a Post 76 Boys State and Girls State dinner? As a member of the American Legion Post 76 you should be proud of this program and the participation of these young people. They attended either Boys State or Girls State during this past summer. They were graduated Juniors in High School, going into their senior year this fall. They were selected because of their outstanding academic records and extra curricular activities. They are the “cream of the crop.”
A must ---- attend this ONE dinner meeting if you do not attend any other meeting all year long. Come meet these outstanding young people and their parents as they tell of their experiences and thank the American Legion for this opportunity to attend this citizenship program.
See you on Monday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m.

Joe Trochta
Boys State Committee

I look forward to serving Travis Post 76 for another year as Adjutant. While my hours are quite crowded at times with family and work, I do enjoy my time spent in fellowship with my friends at the Post and serving the community and veterans through my involvement with The American Legion. I know the coming year will prove to be a great success for our Post.
As always, if you have any questions regarding your membership, or if you need to change or update your mailing address or phone number, please be sure to contact me so I can submit the changes “through channels”. That way, your information gets updated at all levels—the Post, Department, and national.
If you know of a Post member who is ill or hospitalized, please be sure to notify the Chaplain, Jason Denny, or myself so we can contact them or their family to offer our support and “get well” wishes from the Post.

Clayton Griffis
Adjutant

Please review the information enclosed in this newsletter concerning an opportunity to lock in the current dues rate by paying up for life by the end of this year. We will be glad to answer any questions you might have concerning this matter.
Our September dinner was a succesful example of the positive effect the Boys and Girls State programs are having on our Youth. It is always heart warming to hear what those who attend have learned through these great youth programs.
We are looking forward to Veterans Day and our participation this year in the parade downtown. Come and enjoy our breakfast at the Post and join us in riding in the event. We are trying to get a military vehicle or vehicles to aid us in making it up Congress Ave. If we are not successful we always have access to the miniature train. This is a good chance to meet active members and have fellowship with one another.
The Fall 10th District Convention will be held on October 14th at the Giddens Post 276. We have five members scheduled to go and represent our Post. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Post to car pool and would like to encourage anyone who would like to attend to show up and join us.
There seems to be a lot of positive energy around the Post and we hope to see old and new members come and start being a part of the enjoyable activities that are available to everyone. More information is to come on our Spring Reunion which is in the planning stages. My goal this year is to promote more membership and participation. Please join us at the Post.

I am settling in to my new position if 1st Vice Commander, learning as I go along. We have a lot of good people in the Post and I am looking forward to working with them. I will, from time to time, be asking for assistance from the members, hope y'all don't mind. I am looking for topic sugestions for our dinner meetings-something you would like to hear about, things that interest you, perhaps a speaker you have heard and think the Post membership would find interesting and/or enjoyable. Sky's the limit. Just let me know and I'll se what I can do.
For our dinner meeting on October 16th, the Post will provide ham. What we need from you, the members, are side dishes that go with ham. We could use potatoes (potato salad, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes,etc.), some vegetables (green beans, peas,etc.), baked beans (they go well with ham) bread and/or rolls, and of course, desserts.
Our speaker for the meeting will be Brent Bullock. Brent is one of three directors of a nonprofit Christian Education organization, America Bless God Campaign of Texas. You have all heard and sang the song, God Bless America. Brent speaks on turning that around to America Bless God and the importance of biblical morality in our democratic form of government and the blessings that flow from honoring God. Given the most current mess in our government, i.e. involvement of the Congressional Representative from Florida with underage Congressional Pages, this will be a timely and interesting talk.
Hope to see y'all at the dinner meeting. One further comment, the November dinner meeting will see the Post providing the turkey, so be thinking about what goes good with turkey!

To serve as Chaplain for the American Legion Post 76 in Austin Texas is truly an honor and a privilege. At one and the same time to be a minister of the Lord and to be a member of this post responds to a two-fold call to serve others and offer prayer which unites heaven and earth.
With over 400 members in this post, plus all the wonderful people who serve here with committee work or through the school on the grounds; my effort is to meet the needs of this working community on a personal level. The concerns that weigh on their hearts and the problems that block their clarity of thinking at times become the concerns of the Chaplain.
The formal prayer before each meeting or dinner awakens faith and calls forth a post to stand with its leaders and say in unison: "In God we Trust." But daily prayer for the members of the post cannot end there.
I ask people across this great community to join me in praying for ther members of this post. Know the members of this post by name and raise his/her name before God each day with me in prayer.
Pray for the Chaplain also that I may be always rooted in prayer and a good instrument for accomplishing Gods holy will here. Only by being free in the Spirit could the Chaplain serve all the people here regardless of the their faith persuasion or denomination. Only by listening to each person in depth could cousel be offered, encouragemment be readily given or correction be artfully applied.
Thank you for your membership in American Legion Post 76.

Blessings

As some of you may have recently read in the Legion magazine or Dispatch newspaper, a resolution was approved at this years 88th National Convention to raise the National dues rate. In addition, the Department approved a coinciding dues increase at this years Department Convention held in Plano. These increases will become effective January 10, 2007.
Travis Post 76 officers and members discussed these recent dues increases at our regular business meeting held on September 11th, 2006. Following the discusssion a motion was passed to keep our dues rate at its current level of $25.00 for another year, at which time we will re-evaluate the need for a Post dues increase.
The recent National and Department dues increases add further incentive for Post members to consider becoming a Paid Up For Life (PUFL) member. Below is a table showing the cost for becoming a PUFL member based upon your Post dues rate and your age:

After December 31,2006, the dues rate used to calculate your PUFL payment would increase to $26.00 (National and Department portion). If you're considering becoming a PUFL, you should submit your application before the end of the year to lock in your dues rate at the curent $25.00 level.
Please let me know if you you have any questions about your dues or becoming a PUFL.

Clayton Griffis
Adjutant

There will be a lot of information in this month's newsletter about the Veteran's day activities around the Post. Thanks to everyone who showed up for the Saturday annual breakfast. In the past, we normally served between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., but this year we had a large group participating in the parade so we started serving around 6:30 a.m. in order to leave by 8:00 a.m. for the parade. We had the opportunity to ride in a WW2 truck (2½ Ton) this year and it was the last vehicle in a special convoy of vintage vehicles from Camp Mabry.
Hope everyone had a chance to get out and vote on Election Day. Regardless of the outcome, you had a say in things if you voted. This is a right that we all fought for. We continue to pray and support those in harms way and their families. Also, with the new leadership in our State and Nation, we pray for guidance to be given them as they deal with the issues of our times.
Come and be with us this month as we celebrate the holiday season. The Post activities are a lot of fun and the fellowship can't be better. See you at the Post!

November is here and we are fast closing in on the end of another year. November brings Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving which provides two opportunities, or good excuses if you will, for all of us to get together.
On Saturday, November 11, we participated in the City of Austin's Veterans' Day Parade. The parade began at the Congress Avenue Bridge with our lineup at 8:00 a.m. We had a military vehicle lined up, complements of the Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans, that we rode in up Congress Avenue. We also participated in the wreath ceremony at the Capitol at the end of the parade. Thanks to all who came out for this annual event honoring all of us who served our country. For our November Dinner Meeting, Monday, November 20th, we will have turkey, which the Post will provide, but we need everything else that goes with it. Potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, dressing, string beans, corn, bread, rolls, cranberry sauce, and anything else y'all think goes good with turkey. Don't forget the pumpkin pie for dessert! This will be our Thanksgiving celebration.
Our speaker at the November meeting will be Danny Kaiser from the Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans. He was at our October dinner meeting and some of you may have met him. He will tell us about the military vehicles his group has (we rode in one at the parade), some history, keeping the vehicles running, etc. It will be interesting, entertaining and informative. Will be a good meeting with good food!
In December, we will again be volunteering to help out at the VA Hospital in Temple. Contact any of your current Post Officer's to see how you can help. We will have a short discussion on our participation at the November Dinner Meeting so if you can, please plan on joining us for our Thanksgiving celebration on Monday, November 20 and participate!

For the past 15 years, the only maintenance performed on our Legion home has been primarily preventative, i.e., replacing rotting wood, roof repairs, etc.

Exterior Window Frames and Screens: The outside window screens and frames are in immediate need of being replaced. The cost of exterior repairs is partially funded by the City of Austin Historical Society as our building has both State and City Historical Designations. Necessary requests have been submitted; this work is awaiting approval from the City.

Air Conditioning Units: A second major maintenance item involved replacement of the air conditioning units, installation of larger ducting and additional insulation, and bringing electrical wiring up to city code. One of the old units was inoperable, the other was needing costly repairs. The result of this work will be efficient cooling and heating both upstairs and downstairs, and lower utility costs.

Wood Floors: The wood floors in the Hall of Honor [upstairs ballroom] are in need of refinishing. A contract has been awarded for this work, set to be done during the second and third weeks of January 2007.

Interior Decor: The major source of income for Post 76 is from rentals for weddings, church services and other special events. Over time, these rentals have caused major wear and tear on the interior. An attractive, clean interior is a major factor in order to appeal to a high level of clientele. It is to our advantage to upgrade the interior of our building. Not only will this repair the wear and tear, the increased rental income will eventually pay for the redecoration and renovations.
We have retained the services of an Interior Designer who has extensive experience in restoring and renovating historical facilities used for similar functions as is our Post Home. She will provide decorating ideas such as paint color schemes, window coverings, fixtures, etc. For now, improvements will be limited to the Hall of Honor upstairs and the restrooms. The designer, a Legion Auxiliary member in another post, is giving us a special discount for her services.
These projects, when completed, will make our Post Home something of which we can be very proud. We are very fortunate to have this beautiful, historical building for our Post Home.

Each year on Thanksgiving, we gather with family and friends to thank God for the many blessings He has given us, and we ask God to continue to guide and watch over our country.
Almost 400 years ago, after surviving their first winter at Plymouth , the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast to give thanks. George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War. Since that time, our citizens have paused to express thanks for the bounty of blessings we enjoy and to spend time with family and friends. In want or in plenty, in times of challenge or times of calm, we always have reasons to be thankful.
America is a land of abundance, prosperity, and hope. We must never take for granted the things that make our country great: a firm foundation of freedom, justice, and equality; a belief in democracy and the rule of law; and our fundamental rights to gather, speak, and worship freely.
These liberties do not come without cost. Throughout history, many have sacrificed to preserve our freedoms and to defend peace around the world. Today, the brave men and women of our military continue this noble tradition. These heroes and their loved ones have the gratitude of our Nation.
On this day, we also remember those less fortunate among us. They are our neighbors and our fellow citizens, and we are committed to reaching out to them and to all of those in need in our communities.
This Thanksgiving, we again give thanks for all of our blessings and for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Our Founders thanked the Almighty and humbly sought His wisdom and blessing. May we always live by that same trust, and may God continue to watch over and bless the United States of America .