Travis Post 76 Newsletters 2010

The holiday season has come and gone. We enjoyed our Post Social in December with conversation and eating some really good food. May this year be safe, healthy and a wonderful year for all of us.
The Auxillary is beginning to grow and the SAL is off to a great start also. Pass the word about these growing parts of our Legion Post family. Put down on your calendar the following events: On January 10th at 2:00 p.m. in the San Marcos Post is the Oratorical 10th District competition. Come support our Austin students that are competing this year. We have four students this year including Camille Peeples; our 2nd Place contestant for state last year returning to compete again this year. The 3rd Division competition is on January 31st in Blanco, Texas. On January 16th is the Post Social as a brunch this year. We will have pancakes, bacon and sausage, at 10:00 a.m. Come join us! Also, we are going to try and sell some “to go” to passerbys; the proceeds will be put towards the elevator fund. Do not forget that the Department Winter Convention is January 21st thru January 24th, at the Omni South off 71 and IH35.
February brings the membership meeting on February 1st. There is a possible VA visit on February 12th -- if you have questions, please contact George Ruiz for further information. Post Social will be on February 15th with Lasagna as the entree as an after Valentine Day dinner. Remember your sweethearts this month.
Anyone with prayer concerns, illness or deaths to report please contact Sean Bridwell so we can insert that information in the next newsletter. Also, we are glad Pat Ivie did well after cardiac surgery and was able to attend the Christmas dinner with us. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!

On Monday, January 4th, the Auxiliary met at the Post. Two ladies were in attendance. We would really like to see more involvement. Legionnaires, please consider asking wives, daughters, granddaughters or any other ladies you know who might be interested, to attend our next meeting. Most all of us have a family member who served during World War II, so they wouldn’t necessarily have to be your spouse or descendant to be eligible to join.
Pat Ivie will be forwarding applications for Girls State as they come in. She expects the applications to be coming in the first half of February. Also discussed was the SAL request to help out with the Boy Scout dinner on February 5th by providing dessert. The Sons have received 90 RSVPs for the dinner, so we will need lots of dessert. We are looking for volunteers to help with providing dessert. Brownies or cookies are suggested. If you can help, please contact Lisa Luhrman. She can be reached by email at cailin7591@netzero.net or by phone at 497-6865.
As a reminder, at a previous meeting, service project ideas were discussed. We will contact the local VA facility to see what needs they have we may be able to fulfill. Also, we will consider supporting the “10 for Education” program. Towards this end, we will collect Campbell’s Soup labels, and will also look into donating books to the library at LCPL Nicholas S. Perez Elementary. Lisa has requested a “wish list” from the school’s librarian. She will be substitute teaching at Perez Elementary this month, so she will attempt to touch base with the librarian on that wish list.
We would also like to support the Soldiers’ Angels’ Blankets of Belief, Hope & Gratitude programs, which provides handmade blankets to deployed and wounded service members, as well as to veterans in VA hospitals. We also discussed the possibility of using our craft skills, such as sewing and cross-stitch, to have a Christmas bazaar-type event as a fundraiser for 2010. In addition, another project we talked about is adopting, as a Post, a deployed service member. With the holidays behind us now, it could be the ideal time to adopt a unit or individual; this is also the time when many Americans let supporting our service men and women fall to the side. Lisa will see if she can get information on adoption opportunities. We would like to see our Auxiliary become more active. However, to be able to do that, we need more members who are able to participate. Please join us on Monday, February 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at the Post.

I am going to cut my portion of the newsletter so all the announcements can be entered. I want to thank everyone for their hard work and help with all of these upcoming events. Our Division winner for the Oratorical contest was our student Camille Peeples. She competes in the state contest on February 15th. She has been accepted at Duke University next fall and is very excited and says thanks to our Post for sponsoring her in the competition. Member meeting was February 1st, February 5th SAL had a Boy Scout event by invitation only and was fully booked. This month’s Post social is February 15th with lasagna for the entree, so bring yummy goodies to go with it. Member meeting in March is on the 1st, and the Post social is on March 15th, with a “Chili Cookoff”, so get out your recipes and get them ready. Look at the calendar and other articles to get the rest of the upcoming events. Plus do not forget R2R will be at the post on April 7th, and we will be feeding probably around 300 people all together. Monetary and food donations are being accepted.

At the Auxiliary meeting on Monday, February 1st, the members present reviewed several community service ideas. Lisa provided an update after speaking with Mrs. King, the librarian at LCPL Nicholas S. Perez Elementary School. Lisa is still waiting to receive a “wish list” of books the student would like to have, but Mrs. King also noted monetary donations may go further than just providing books. While we still wish to get their “wish list”, we will also accept donations to the Auxiliary to be passed onto Mrs. King to help stock the shelves of the library at Perez Elementary. If you wish to contribute to this community service project, checks can be made payable to the Auxiliary, and we will issue a single check to the school.
We would also like to thank John Wheeler for the Campbell’s Soup labels for the “Give 10 to Education” program. We hope to have a container for labels soon, so you can place any you have collected in it when you come to the Post.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, March 1st.
Please join us.

As a result of American Legion efforts and the support of our membership, the new GI Bill was passed and went into effect last year. Also, when it was announced that disabled veterans’ insurance would be billed for the cost of service connected disabilities, the American Legion Commander was the only voice heard in protest. This decision was reversed within 10 days. By joining and renewing your membership, you add your voice to our efforts to support the troops currently serving and all our veterans. If you know a veteran who is not a member, please ask him to join and support the American Legion’s efforts to honor all veterans.
American Legion’s National office sends renewal notices several times starting on July 1st each year. When you pay your dues, the payment must be processed at the Post, the state and at national before your name can be removed from the next mailing. Sometimes you will receive another notice. If you are not sure of the year for which you have paid, please check your membership card for your current paid membership year. However, you can feel confident that we keep records of your payment and return any duplicate payments. Post 76 currently has 353 members which is 77% of our membership goal for 2010. We need 42 renewals or new members just to reach the 395 members we had last year.

The Honor Guard will be practicing for the “ROTC Dinner” on 1 March and 5 April. The dinner is scheduled for April 19. In order for us to look our best, please make every effort to make Drill. We need all members to participate.
This has become an annual event and a great one at that. These Cadets are our future military leaders and they exemplify the best in our youth. Let’s show them that we appreciate them, their families and cadre!

Thank you everyone who attended the last post social, the food was great and we had a nice time. Next membership meeting is on April 5th, Al mentions the next Post Social, so get out the chili recipes. April 7th is R2R at our post for 150 riders this year. We are honored to be the host site again this year. This is a great event with a lot of great veterans participating, so come show your support.
I am cutting my list short since Al mentions most of what I was going to say. Remember the 10th District meeting in Lockhart on the 17th of April. Let's have a good showing of our Post at this event.
Remember to get new members for all of the Legion Family and let's continue to grow. Also, Camille Peeples, the Oratorical competitor we supported, won theDepartment OratoricalCompetition and will be competing in Indianapolis the week of April 9th. We wish her the best and much success. She has also been accepted to Duke University this fall. Congrats, Camille!

At the Auxiliary meeting on Monday, March 1st, we had our best attendance to date with four ladies present. We decided on our first fundraiser, to be announced at this month’s Post Social on March 15th. Come to the chili cook-off that Monday to learn more!
Our next meeting will be Monday, April 5th. Please join us and help us grow our Unit. Also, please continue to collect the Labels for Education on Campbell’s soups and other various grocery products.

The Junior Shooting program is looking for sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters of our members who would like to learn marksmanship and weapons safety. Competitors should be in high school this year or next. We plan to compete in the American Legion Junior Shooting program and other matches such as the US Army Postal Match. Please email wwiviecpa@sbcglobal.net. The Post website has additional information.

The Honor Guard will be practicing for the “ROTC Dinner” on 15 March and 5 April. The dinner is scheduled for April 19. We will drill on 15 March, which is traditionally left to socializing, but we need the time for more practice.
In order for us to look our best, please make every effort to make Drill. We need all members to participate.
At the next Social Meeting, we will be inducting our newest member of the Honor Guard. He is a real asset to our Post and we are glad he will be joining us. Come and see who it is.

Surprise, it's me! I volunteered to fill in as First Vice Commander until the end of the 2009-2010 term. Now for a couple of items of interest . . . . .
The Post Social this month is on March 15 and it is our Annual Chili Cook-off. So, bring your best old family recipe, mild to flaming hot (your choice but please label!) favorite chili to be judged by an unbiased panel of volunteer judges. Similar to last year, there will be prizes for the top three! Come on out and either bring your chili and/or bring your appetite for a good time. Try a little of each and see how your picks stack up to the judges. You new members who either joined or transferred in during the last half of 2009, we will have new member inductions at the March 15 Post Social as well. Please call me at 636-8987 if you are a new member and wish to participate in the induction. (There is a pin and ball cap in it for you!) It's a great chance to meet and mingle and get to know everyone. We also have a guest speaker, Linda Cox from Public Health Emergency Response. Shewill talk about Pandemic Flu and H1N1 preparedness. (Did y'all get your flu shots yet?)
On Wednesday, April 7, we will as last year, host a dinner for the Road 2 Recovery (R2R) cyclists and support staff. We will be the second stop as they make there way from San Antonio to Arlington. These wounded veterans show a lot of heart and we need to show our support. Come on out early evening on April 7 and show your support. We are also accepting donations and food, and if you can, please come out early to help set up.
The Post Social in April will be our Annual ROTC Appreciation Program. That will be on April 19, so mark that on your calendar! In addition to your own Honor Guard, Spirit of 76, we will have the Honor Guards from UT and various High Schools in the area do a pass-in-review. I am looking for help not only for kitchen duty but also in setting up, general meet and greet assistance and clean up after the program. If you can help, please either call me at 636-8987 or email me at alfred.banzer@verizon.com. Thank you in advance. In any event, plan on coming out to show your support for these fine young men and women. This is the third year we have done this and the caliber of the ROTC Cadets makes a body proud and maintains ones faith in our young adults.

I hope everyone had a Happy and safe Easter weekend. We had an excellent speaker last month giving us information about the flu and H1N1. Thank you for her information about the upcoming season where the H1N1 and regular flu vaccine will be combined into one vaccine this fall.
Big event for our Post on Wednesday, April 7th, where we will be hosting R2R and feeding 150 bicycle riders who are disabled veterans. We will be honoring their progress, also. There will be approximately 300 people in attendance. The mayor of Austin and other dignitaries will be present along with American Legion members from our Post and other Posts in Austin. Hopefully, many of our members came to help out serving the food to these men and women.
Next big event for this month is Monday, April 19th, for our ROTC Appreciation gathering. We will have approximately 150 in attendance for this event. So keep that in mind for the dishes you bring to contribute to this event. We will honor these young men and women with a pass and review type event on the front lawn, prior to eating. Come and meet these wonderful young people.
April 17th is the 10th District meeting in Lockhart. Please be there so we can have a big showing of our Post.
On April 24th there will be a dedication of a Historical Plaque at the Austin Memorial Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. We are asked to be there. This is an important step in hopefully protecting the cemetery from being sold and losing veteran's last resting places. I amunable to attend this event as I will be in Peoria, IL. The date was changed from the 10th of this month to the 24th.
Do not forget that May 3rd is the Membership meeting and May 17th is the Post Social. Stay safe everyone and God Bless our Post, its members and our guest for the month of April.

We seem to be steadily growing the Auxiliary meeting. There were five ladies in attendance on Monday, April 5th. We discussed ways to spread the word about our fundraiser. You may purchase tickets at this month’s Post Social on April 19th, which is also the ROTC Appreciation event. If you missed our announcement at the March Social, the prize is a customized cross-stitch of the service emblem of the winner’s choice that will be framed along with a photo of the selected service member. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. Make your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Mail it to ALA, Travis Unit 76, c/o American Legion Travis Post 76, P.O. Box 1214, Austin, Texas, 78767.
Our next meeting will be Monday, May 3rd. Please join us and help us continue to grow our Unit. Also, please continue to collect the Labels for Education on Campbell’s soups and other various grocery products.

The March Post Social was our Annual Chili Cook-off. It was a little disappointing as we only had two entries. On the bright side, the two winners, Will Ivie and Henry Schoenfelt, walked away with all the prize money! If you didn't enter, you missed out. Our guest speaker, Linda Cox from Public Health Emergency Response, did an outstanding job. Her topic of discussion was, Pandemic Flu and H1N1 Preparedness.
On Wednesday, April 7, we, as last year, hosted a dinner for the Road 2 Recovery (R2R) cyclists and support staff. We were the second stop as they made there way from San Antonio to Arlington. These wounded veterans showed a lot of heart and we needed to show our support. I hope you came out early on the evening of April 7th to show your support. The donations and food were appreciated.
The Post Social this month will be our Annual ROTC Appreciation Program. That will be on April 19th, so mark that on your calendar! In addition to your own Honor Guard, Spirit of 76, we will have the Honor Guards from UT and various High Schools in the area do a pass-in-review. I am looking for help not only for kitchen duty but also in setting up, general meet and greet assistance and clean up after the program. If you can help, please either call me at 636-8987 or email me at alfred.banzer@verizon.com. Thank you in advance. In any event, plan on coming out to show your support for these fine young men and women. This is the third year we have done this and the caliber of the ROTC Cadets makes a body proud and maintains one’s faith in our young adults.
On Saturday, April 24th, starting at 10:30 a.m. at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drive, there will be a dedication ceremony. Austin Memorial Park Cemetery will receive a Historic Texas Cemetery Marker. We, Post 76 members and family, are invited to this historic occasion. Let's all plan to be out there and show our support. We need volunteers to help hand out programs to attendees and we are invited to the podium as the marker inscription is read. Our Honor Guard will also participate in the program.
Next month in May, in addition to our regular meetings, we will have Memorial Day activities. Our Post will again team up with the Thrivent Financial folks to have a really great program. Plans are being discussed and formulated so stay tuned! It will be Monday, May 31, and promises to be a great program - Legion Memorial Day Program at 8:00 a.m., setting of the flags at Austin Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. and the cookout, picnic and program honoring veterans starting at noon. Mark it on your calendar!

Hello, everyone! We had a successful event with R2R. We had 135 bicycle riders and support staff with Legionnaires from several Austin Posts, to include Post 76, Post 83, Post 326 and Post 447; plus the Auxiliary and Sons of AL assisted us as well. We had several special guests. General Casey, the Mayor of Austin, Police Chief of Austin, and the Fire Chief of Austin. A great time was had by all. We were again inspired by the men and woman with R2R.
Next we had a great turn out for the annual ROTC appreciation event as noted by Henry, the Honor Guard Commander.
Another month has passed by and I hope you joined us on May 3rd for the membership meeting. Remember the Post social on May 17th. In June the membership meeting is on the 7th , with the Post social on the 21st. Also, remember that June is election month for new officers or re-election of a current officer.
Department Convention is June 24, 25, 26, and 27th in Beaumont, Texas. Please plan to be there. Two of Post 76 members are up for election. Myself for re-election as Department of Texas Historian and Will Ivie for Department of Texas Finance Officer. Come vote for us and root us on.
There was a dedication to make Austin Memorial Cemetery a historical site on April 24th. This was a big deal and Sharon with our Auxiliary helped with this great thing for the cemetery. It has been a resting place of many veterans for many years and other famous persons and has been almost sold off many times to become a parking lot. We hope that the historical status will help to prevent us from losing this wonderful cemetery. Thanks to all that attended and to Sharon for her hard work.
I want to thank everyone for the great year we have had as a Post and all of the help from all.

We had five ladies in attendance on Monday, April 5th. We were happy to have two new members, but missed a couple that weren’t able to make it.
The status of our fundraiser was reviewed. Prior to the meeting, we still had not sold any raffle tickets. Now, we have a small start on it before the drawing on May 31st. Tickets for the custom cross-stitch (framed, along with a photo of the service member provided by the winner) are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. Remember, you can purchase tickets by mail. Make your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Mail it to ALA Travis Unit 76 c/o American Legion Travis Post 76, PO Box 1214, Austin, Texas, 78767. Of course, you can also purchase raffle tickets at the Post Social on May 17 or during the Memorial Day activities, prior to the drawing.
Please join us June 7th for our next meeting and help us continue to grow our Unit. Also, please continue to collect the Labels for Education on Campbell’s soups and other various grocery products.

The Third Annual ROTC Appreciation Dinner is now behind us. We had participation from the UT "Combined" Color Guard, the Bowie, Travis, McNeil and Round Rock High School JROTC Color Guards; including some Cadre. These future leaders are an inspiration.
This event is one of our Post's major programs of the year. Many of our Post and Guard members devoted much time and effort to project our best image and I believe we were successful. Hopefully, we will expand our invitations next year.
I would especially like to thank the following individuals for their magnificent efforts: Commander Miller, Charlene and Patrick, Steve, Al, Will, Horace, Mike and our newest member; Clayton, and all who helped prepare the Post, banquet room and food. Great Job! Ooh Ah!

April was a busy month with the Road 2 Recovery Dinner, ROTC Appreciation Program and the dedication ceremony at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, dedicating it as a historic cemetery. I had to miss the R2R dinner as I was in Seattle visiting my middle daughter and the latest grandson to the Banzer family. Heard it was fantastic! Thanks to all the "helpers".
The ROTC Program can also be classified as a huge success! We had four (4) High School Honor Guards, a combined service Honor Guard from UT and our own Spirit of 76 Honor Guard. Pat Moore and I are doing an article for the June Issue of the Legion Times, so look for it on the Legion web page. Sharon Blythe did just an outstanding job in putting together the dedication program at Austin Memorial Park. To all those that helped - thank you, thank you - we couldn't have done it without you!
The May Social, May 17, 2010, promises to be a good one. We will be having Chicken Fried Steak, and for those that attended previous meetings where we had Chicken Fried Steak will recall; it just about melts in your mouth! We will have mashed potatoes and gravy with it but, as always, will need side dishes and, of course, desserts. Our guest speaker will be Ms. Cyndi Cummings, Eldercare Advisor, and will be talking about a little known financial resource for veterans. Please all plan on coming out and listen to what she has to say and enjoy the food and comraderery!
Our next big event will be Memorial Day! We will again partner with the Thrivent Financial folks to put on a really great program. We will start with our Legion Breakfast at 8:00 (will need volunteers at 7:00 to help set up and cook). At 9:00 we will have our Memorial Day program and flag raising to half mast. At 10:00 we will be at Austin Memorial Park for the posting of flags on veterans graves (Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts/Girl Scouts and Thrivent folks will help); at 12:00 we will start our program with Thrivent. The 2nd Annual Memorial Day event starts with a short Memorial Day ceremony, introductory comments by your Commander, Thrivent guests and dignitaries, a flag ceremony with local Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout Troops with the New Sweden Choir singing the service hymns; a fly-over at 1:00 p.m. by Centex Wing, CAF, Keynote Address given by Dr. Tom Cedel, President of Concordia, cookout and picnic (food provided by Thrivent - Post members please bring desserts, mainly brownies!), a live band performing 60's and 70's type music, and ice cream w/brownie for dessert. We are planning a super program and as always can use any and all the help you can muster. We will also like to get a count on who all is planning on coming so please call me at 636-8987 or Cyndi at 947-0826, or any Post Officer to let us know. We expect a crowd so please let us know if you will be at the Post for our Memorial Day Program.

We had a big turn out for Memorial Day. Thanks to all who attended and thanks to our many guests as Al has listed, so I will not repeat them for the sake of space.
Breakfast cooking crews, thank you. Thanks to all who placed the flags at the cemetery, and to everyone involved with the food prep and cooking for lunch. Thank you Honor Guard for your participation and ceremonies. Pat, thank you for guiding in the fly by and thank them for us. It was grand. Thanks should also go to the news stations for being there to put out the importance of Memorial Day and all it stands for. The membership meeting was on June 7th with the election of officers. The June 21st Post Social will include the SAL installation of officers. The food will be furnished by two restaurants and we need to bring our favorite desserts to compliment the meal.
Do not forget Department Convention in Beaumont on June 23-27. July 4th we will have our annual picnic on the lawn and watch the fireworks and enjoy the time together as family and friends. July 12th will be the membership meeting. Post social will be July 19th.

We hope you were able to come to the meeting on June 7. We had an AAR for our first fundraiser that ended with the raffle on Memorial Day, as well as doing some brainstorming for other fundraising ideas. The raffle winner is Dr. Bill McKinney, Vietnam Veteran and professor at Angelo State University. We sold $75 worth of raffle tickets. It’s not as much as we would have hoped, but for our first fundraiser, it’s nothing to sneeze at. For those of you who missed out on either purchasing raffle tickets or would like to try again to win the custom cross-stitch, we will hold another raffle with the same prize with the drawing hopefully to take place in November (this will depend on ticket sales).
Please join us for the meeting on July 12 as we continue to plan for future activities. Lisa would also like to let everyone know about Military Appreciation Night at the Dell Diamond on Tuesday, June 22. You can get a free ticket for berm seating for that night’s Express game if you bring a care package item (personal hygiene items, gum, individually wrapped snacks, etc.) to the Soldiers’ Angels table outside the Home Plate gate. Gates open at 6:05 and first pitch is 7:05.
Don’t miss this great opportunity for family fun and entertainment! I hope to see you there.

I would say our Memorial Day Program was a huge success! Our Thrivent Financial friends did just an outstanding job in planning, lining up speakers - Dr. Tomas Cedel, President of Concordia Univ. and Rear Admiral Rev. Dr. Don Muchow (Retired), and putting together the progam that included; the choir from New Sweden Lutheran Church, Melissa Polka who did just an outstanding job in performing her original "Land of the Free" song, Emmanuel Lutheran Church for the food and cooking, the Trumpet Choir from Trinity Lutheran, the bagpiper at the cemetery, and for getting Phaze 3, the band.
We started with our Legion Breakfast at 8:00 (thank you all the volunteers who came out to help set up and cook - thank you, thank you, thank you); at 9:00 we had our Memorial Day program and flag raising to half mast (thanks to our Honor Guard); at 10:00 we were at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery for a short ceremony. My thanks to Glen Birdwell for saying a few words - and the posting of flags on veterans graves (my thanks to the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Steve Bissell for organizing the Scouts, and, of course, all the Thrivent volunteers and Legion members for their help - we need to get still more flags for next year); at 12:00 we started our program with Thrivent.
The 2nd Annual Memorial Day event started with a short Memorial Day ceremony to raise the flag, introductory comments by your Commander, Thrivent guests and Dignitaries including the Mayor of Austin, who gave a very nice talk and presented a Proclamation to the Post (which was a VERY nice surprise and THANK YOU Mayor Leffingwell!), a flag ceremony with local Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout Troops with the New Sweden Choir singing the service hymns, a fly over at 1:00 p.m. by Centex Wing, CAF. A BIG thank you to Pat Moore for organizing, helping and coordinating the fly over. The keynote address was given by Dr. Tom Cedel, the President of Concordia University and the food was blessed by Rear Admiral (Retired) Rev. Dr. Don Muchow. We had the cookout and picnic with the food provided by Thrivent; a live band - (Phaze 3) performing 70's type music, and ice cream w/brownie for dessert. I want to thank all the volunteers who helped out. Without volunteers we cannot function and I can't say enough thank you's to all of you!
On June 7 we had the election of officers for the 2010-2011 year and on June 21 we will be introducing them. The new officers will be installed at the July Post Social. Along with that on June 21 we will have the installation of new SAL officers. The SAL has a great program lined up and the food will be very, very good! Let's all come out and show support for the SAL!
I would also like to give a special invitation to those members who are Korean War Veterans to attend the Post Social on June 21. June 25, 2010, is the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Let the Post honor your service at the program on the 21st. Also, at the northwest section of the State Capital grounds where the Texas Korean War Veterans Memorial is located, on June 25th starting at 11:00 a.m., a special commemoration ceremony will take place.
All veterans are invited and if you are a Legion member, please wear your hat.

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful 2009-2010 year as your Commander and also for reelecting me for the 2010-2011 term. We have grown over the last year; had more publicity about the great things our Post does, and enjoyed our friendship. I wish for this to continue in every way over the next year.
We will have our membership meeting July 12th and the Post Social on July 19th for the installation of new officers. August membership meeting will be on the 2nd and the Post Social will be on the 16th of August.
We had a nice turn out for the 4th of July with hotdogs and watching the fireworks. I was re-elected as the Department of Texas Historian at the annual convention in Beaumont. Will Ivie was elected as Department Treasurer replacing Ken Mueller who was elected the new Commander for the Department of Texas. We had a busy and informative convention.

We hope you were able to come out July 12. We are holding another raffle with an identical prize: the custom crossstitch. Again, tickets will be $1.00 each or six for $5.00. We plan to have the drawing in November, but that will depend on ticket sales. You will be able to purchase tickets at the July Post Social on the 19th.
Please join us for our next business meeting on August 2nd as we continue to plan for future activities. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out.

Had our annual July 4th picnic at the Post and all seemed to enjoy the hot dogs. The view of the fireworks was good and there were not too many bugs! Y'all need to make sure you put it on your calendar for next year.
I attended the Department Convention in Beaumont June 25-27. Bill Moore is now our 10th District Commander; Joe Duarte is the 3rd Division Commander and Ken Mueller is the new Department Commander. Our own Will Ivie was elected Department Finance Officer and Cyndi Miller was re-elected Department Historian. As 10th District Vice Commander, I look forward to working with Bill Moore the next couple of years.
On July 10-11 the Department will put on Legion College. I plan on attending and will report in the next newsletter what goes on. From what I have seen in the agenda, it looks to be interesting providing both general Legion information and a chance to learn more about the Legion itself and the various programs sponsored by the Legion.
I am getting my thoughts together as your Hubmaster and will be submitting news to the newsletter on what is going on in that arena starting next month. So, stay tuned.
Remember, we will be having new officer installations at the July 19th Social. Bill Moore, your newly elected 10th District Commander will do the installation. Everyone please plan on attending, meeting Bill and showing support for your newly elected officers. We are planning on having fried chicken so please bring a dish to share or a dessert.

Horace Johnson has been an active member of the American Legion and the Honor Guard for many years. He has taken residence in Parson’s House. It is located at 1130 Camino La Costa. Their phone number is 512-454- 0524. I know he would love to hear from friends and members. We shall miss his participation.
The next big event for the Honor Guard will be ceremonies for the Boys/Girls State Banquet in September.
We will have elections for new officers in the Honor Guard during the first meeting in August. We welcome donations to our “Honor” fund to help with uniform expenses.

Please let all Legionnaires keep Horace Johnson in your prayers as he transitions to a retirement home. Horace has been a friend to all of us and has always been there for the Legion and it's members. We hope to see Horace at future Legion activities.
God Bless!

Our Post Social is August 16th and it is salad night - everyone bring your favorite salads, veggie, meat, bean or fruit. Our speaker is to be announced. September 13th is our next membership meeting due to Labor day weekend. Post Social will be September 20th for the Boys State/Girls State dinner. Entree will be fried chicken, so bring dishes to go with this and remember there will be more people to feed.
Attention Executive Committee (officers only) - we will have our planning meeting August 14th at 9:00 a.m.
Also, we have two great causes to donate to: First is our very own elevator fund which we are now at $1003.00, thanks to wonderful donors and small fund raising. We have a goal of $65,000 dollars to accomplish installing an elevator for the disabled to be able to get up to the 2nd floor ballroom. Second is the American Legion Children's Home in Oklahoma. This is the only one left. They take in military children for deployed soldiers, children who have lost their military or veteran parents, and troubled youth of military families. They currently have around 200 children and have helped thousands of kids since the 1920s. They do some great work.
Also, prayers for all of our post family who may be ill or recovering from illness. May God Bless our Post.

Raffle tickets for the custom cross-stitch are available for sale once again. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. We plan to have the drawing in November, but that will depend on ticket sales. You will be able to purchase tickets at the Post Socials in the upcoming months. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. Make your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary, Travis Unit 76. Mail it to ALA Travis Unit 76 c/o American Legion Travis Post 76, P. O. Box 1214, Austin, Texas, 78767.
Our next business meeting will be September 13th due to the Labor Day holiday. Also, mark your calendar for the business meeting on October 4th. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out.

First I want to say, Thank You, for giving me the chance to serve as your 1st Vice Commander. I look forward to another great year at Travis Post 76. In the last few years we have instituted new programs that I believe have benefited us as a Post and our community. These include our participation in the Road-to-Recovery program, Memorial Day service, ROTC appreciation dinner and our Honor Guard programs. These are in addition to the Boys/Girls State, oratorical, baseball and other programs that we continue to support. As you can imagine, it takes a great deal of time and effort to make these programs happen. So, there are always opportunities to help out. Please let myself or any of the officers know if you have an interest in lending a hand. Also, if you have an idea for a program or speaker, please let me know that too.
Now that the summer heat is on, for this month’s dinner on August 16th, we will be having “salad night”. Please bring a salad of your choice – any type is welcome, along with sides and desserts. I plan to have a speaker that night but have not confirmed yet so for now I can only say that the speaker is “To be Announced”.
Also, be sure to mark your calendar for next month’s dinner meeting on September 20th. We will be having our annual Boys/Girls State dinner in recognition of the young people that we sponsored at this year’s program. We will be serving fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Please be sure to attend and show your support for these future leaders.

The next big event for the Honor Guard will be ceremonies for the Boys/Girls State Banquet in September. We need all Honor Guard members to try to come to Drill.
We would like to invite any member of the Post to join our Honor Guard. If you know your right foot from your left, we need you! Come on Air Force vets - JOIN UP.
We welcome donations to our “Honor” fund to help with uniform expenses.

Hello, everyone we have a speaker for this month’s Post Social and new member induction on the 18th of October. Of course, the membership meeting is on October 4th. Both begin at 7:00 p.m. Officers - please remember we will have an Executive Committee meeting at 6:00 p.m. on the 18th. There is a stand down this month and George Ruiz is the contact for this event.
REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!! Early voting begins the 18th.
November is an active monthwith November 1st, the Membership Meeting. On the 11th, of course, is the Veteran's Day Parade. We meet at the Post for breakfast and car pool over to the parade. Those whom are unable to walk should be able to ride in the vehicles with the Vehicle Restoration Group.
Metz Elementary should be on the 12th - we will have verification of that date soon. November 13th our distinguished Honor Guard is invited to present the colors for their Veteran's Tree Planting Ceremony.
Executive Committee meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on the 15th and the Post Social is at 7:00 p.m. on the 15th. This will be a Thanksgiving theme with collection of can goods and food for our annual donation to help feed Veteran's families.

Just a reminder: Membership dues of $20.00 for 2011 need to be sent in as soon as possible, prior to the end of the year. Your check should be payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76.
Please mail your dues to Pat Ivie, 2410 Keating Lane, Austin, TX 78703.
Raffle tickets for the custom cross-stitch are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. We plan to have the drawing in November, but that will depend on ticket sales. You will be able to purchase tickets at the business meetings and Post Socials. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. Make your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Mail it to ALA Travis Unit 76 c/o American Legion Travis Post 76, PO Box 1214, Austin, Texas, 78767.
Our next business meeting will be November 1st. December’s business meeting is the 6th. Legionnaires, if you have any Ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out.
If anyone would like to support the patients at the Waco VA, Soldiers’ Angels is asking for holiday cards and stockings for candy canes to be delivered to the hospital in December. They also accept donations for both the Waco & Temple VA hospitals of DVDs (assorted comedies, etc.), phone cards, gas cards, restaurant gift cards, video game systems, personal hygiene items, playing cards, board games, fishing & cookout supplies, and even assorted makeup (foundation, eye shadow, etc.). If you would like to donate, please contact Lisa Luhrman at 497-6865.

OCTOBER EVENTS
October 18 . . . Post Social and Dinner meeting
Entrée . . . . . Lasagna
Please bring salads, bread or a dessert.
Speaker Ms. Sylvia Chavez, School Counselor at Austin High School. She will be speaking about the duties and responsibilities of a school counselor in today’s high schools. Also, Ms. Chavez will discuss her involvement in the selection of participants for the American Legion Boys State program.
NOVEMBER EVENTS
November 11 . . . Veterans Day
Past Commanders Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. Afterward, we will car pool to the Congress Avenue bridge for participation in the annual Veterans Day parade down Congress Avenue.
November 15 . . .Post Social and Dinner meeting
Entrée . . . . . Turkey and dressing
Please bring a side dish or dessert.
Speaker .. .Mr. Charles Caldwell, Director of the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA), will provide tips to help you prevent your vehicle from being burglarized or stolen.
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 20 . . . Post Social and Dinner meeting
Entrée . . . . . Ham
Please bring a side dish or dessert. We will be having a “White Elephant” gift exchange and may sing some holiday songs.
SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
Looking for a job to do at the Post? The Social Events Committee needs your help in planning and carrying out our monthly social events at the Post. We need Post members and other volunteers who can help:
. Plan events
. Contact and coordinate with speakers and special guests
. Order and pick-up food
. Prepare food
. Set-up tables and chairs
. Decorate
. Clean-up
The more help we get, the better our events will be. If you can lend a hand, please contact Clayton Griffis at 517-0353 or cjgriffis@sbcglobal.net.
Also, see the Social Event Committee web page at http://www.travispost76.org/files/Social_Event_Committee.pdf.

The “Spirit of 76” Honor Guard has been preparing for Colors ceremonies for the upcoming Veteran’s Day Parade and the City of Austin, Parks & Recreation, Veteran’s Day Tree Planting. This is our fourth invitation to conduct these ceremonies. We are honored.
We would like to invite anyone interested in joining us to come to member meeting on the first Monday of each month. We need good men and ladies.

Remember Veteran's Day Parade and breakfast beforehand and car pooling to the parade. There are vehicles to ride in for those who cannot walk. This is on November 11. On November 12th Metz Elementary is honoring veteran's again with a program and etc. See Henry's note about tree planting on the 13th. Post Social is on November 15th with a guest speaker. We will be collecting can goods also.
We are having a Post workday for cleaning up and any other necessary repairs, fixing up, etc., on December 4th at 9:00 a.m. Membership meeting is on December 6th. Post Social is on December 20th with a White Elephant gift exchange. Everyone bring a wrapped gift that costs $10.00 or less to place on the gift table. This will be a lot of fun. See 1st Vice President Clayton Griffis’ note for menus.
Everyone who has not paid their dues for next year, please try and do so before the end of December. Your Post is rewarded for getting dues in on time which is by the end of December.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!!!!

Just a reminder: Membership dues of $20.00 for 2011 need to be sent in as soon as possible, prior to the end of the year. Your check should be payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Please mail your dues to Pat Ivie, 2410 Keating Lane, Austin, TX 78703.
Raffle tickets for the custom cross-stitch will be sold at the Veterans’ Day Parade and again at the November Post Social. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. Make your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Mail it to ALA Travis Unit 76, c/o American Legion Travis Post 76, PO Box 1214, Austin, Texas, 78767.
The next business meeting is December 6th. Legionnaires, if you have any Ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. January’s meeting should be Monday the 3rd.
If anyone would like to support the patients at the Waco VA, Soldiers’ Angels is asking for holiday cards and stockings for candy canes to be delivered to the hospital in December. They also accept donations for both the Waco & Temple VA hospitals of DVDs (assorted comedies, etc.), phone cards, gas cards, restaurant gift cards, video game systems, personal hygiene items, playing cards, board games, fishing & cookout supplies, and even assorted makeup (foundation, eye shadow, etc.). If you would like to donate, please contact Lisa Luhrman at 497-6865.

NOVEMBER EVENTS
November 11 – Veterans Day breakfast and parade. Past Commanders Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. If you can help cook, please show up at 5:45 a.m. After breakfast, we will carpool to the Congress Avenue bridge for participation in the annual Veterans Day parade down Congress Avenue. The Lone Star Military Vehicle Preservation Association has kindly offered to provide rides to our Post members in their historic vehicles.
November 13 – Veterans Tree Planting Ceremony at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park at 9:00 a.m. The Spirit of 76 Honor Guard will be presenting the colors at this event.
November 15 . .Post Social and Dinner meeting
Entrée . . . . Turkey and dressing
Please bring a side dish or dessert.
Speaker . . . Mr. Charles Caldwell, Director of the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA), will provide tips to help you prevent your vehicle from being burglarized or stolen.
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 20 .. . Post Social and Dinner meeting
Entrée . . . . . Ham
Please bring a side dish or dessert.
We will be having a “White Elephant” gift exchange and may sing some holiday songs. Please bring a wrapped, silly/fun gift valued at no more than about $10.00.
JANUARY EVENTS
January 15 (Saturday) – Pancake breakfast at the Post. This event will be in lieu of the monthly dinner meeting. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m.

The “Spirit of 76” Honor Guard has been preparing for Colors ceremonies for the upcoming Veteran’s Day Parade and the City of Austin, Parks & Recreation, Veteran’s Day Tree Planting.
We will be inducting two new members of the Honor Guard at the Social on November 15. We are pleased to welcome John Thompson and William R. Crossan III.
We would like to invite anyone interested in joining us to come to the Members Meeting on the first Monday of each month. We need good men and ladies.

We had a great speaker in November about Auto Theft Prevention. It was a lot of great information and how to prevent theft of your car or items in your car.
Our Thanksgiving meal was great also. Remember the membership meeting on January 3rd and also on February 7th. For the Post Social in December remember to bring a gift at around $10.00 cost for our white elephant gift exchange. This is a lot of fun and usuallya lot of laughs. Also, please bring nonperishable food items for donation.
The VA visit to Temple will be on the 23rd of December and those wishing to carpool meet at the Post at 8:15 a.m.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!!!! Prayers also to those members who are ill and/or are unable to attend meetings. I am cutting this short since the 1st Vice and Auxiliary articles will give you additional information.
Finally, please pay your dues before the end of December for Legion, Auxiliary and SAL. We need members so ask your friends and neighbors who are eligible, to join our great Legion family.

Just a reminder: Membership dues of $20.00 for 2011 need to be sent in as soon as possible, prior to the end of the year. Your check should be payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Please mail your dues to Pat Ivie, 2410 Keating Lane, Austin, TX 78703.
Raffle tickets for the custom cross-stitch are still available. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. We have decided to postpone the drawing until May, since we were going to do this same fundraiser again for a May drawing and we haven’t sold enough raffle tickets yet. Proceeds go to the school library at LCpl Nicholas Perez Elementary School. Make your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Travis Unit 76. Mail it to ALA Travis Unit 76 c/o American Legion Travis Post 76, PO Box 1214, Austin, Texas, 78767.
The next business meeting is January 3rd. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. February’s business meeting will be on the 7th.
If anyone would like to support the patients at the VA, Soldiers’ Angels is asking for donations for both the Waco & Temple VA hospitals of DVDs (assorted comedies, etc.), phone cards, gas cards, restaurant gift cards, video game systems, personal hygiene items, playing cards, board games, fishing & cookout supplies, and even assorted makeup (foundation, eye shadow, etc.). If you would like to donate, please contact Lisa Luhrman at 497-6865.

DECEMBER EVENTS
December 20 . Post Social and Dinner meeting
Entrée . . . .Ham
Please bring a side dish or dessert In addition to singing some holiday songs, we will be having a “White Elephant” gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped, silly/fun gift valued at no more than $10.00. Also, we will still be collecting your canned goods and non-perishable food items for donation.
JANUARY EVENTS
January 15 (Saturday) . . . Pancake Breakfast
At the Post starting at 8:30 a.m. for members and their guests. Please contact me if you can help with the cooking. Note: There will NOT be a regular dinner meeting in January.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 21 . . Post Social and chili cook-off
We can use more help with planning and carrying out our social activities. In particular, we need folks who can contact guest speakers, pick-up food items, cook, and help with the clean-up. Consider joining the Post Social Committee today!

The “Spirit of 76” Honor Guard performed Colors ceremonies for the Veteran’s Day Parade on the steps of the Capitol, after marching up Congress Ave. We also laid a wreath to honor our fallen veterans.
The following Saturday, we presented Colors for the annual Veteran’s Tree Planting at Decker Lake. We also performed a Military Honors for Mr. O’Reilly. He was a Navy veteran. It was a moving experience.
We inducted two new members of the Honor Guard at the Social on November 15. We are pleased to welcome John Thompson and William R. Crossan III.
We would like to invite anyone interested in joining us to come to the first Monday of each month member meeting. We need good men and ladies.