Travis Post 76 Newsletters 2011

Remember Post Social is on Saturday January 15th, no Post Social on the 17th. Saturdays Post Social will be a pancake breakfast at 830.. Anyone that can help with preparation and cooking of pancakes please arrive at 0700.
Midwinter conference for Department is January 21, 22, and 23. Please attend.
February membership meeting is on the 7th and the Post Social is on the 21st and it will be the chili cookoff. Clayton will need some judges to taste the chili to pick a winner.
If you have not paid your American Legion dues for 2011, please do so this month. If you are not sure if you have paid; contact Will Ivie and ask him if you have paid or not. Auxiliary and SAL dues need to be paid also. Auxiliary dues are $20.00 and SAL is $10.00.
Happy New Year everyone and may the year be wonderful and blessed for all.

Raffle tickets for the custom cross-stitch continue to be 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 February 7th. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. March’s business meeting is also 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.

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. Bring in your best chili to see if you’re ready to head to Terlingua.
MARCH EVENTS
March 21 – Happy 92nd birthday to The American Legion. Entrée will be hamburgers with birthday cake for desert.

The Honor Guard is “gearing” up for the annual ROTC Appreciation Dinner. We strive to be the “Best WE Can BE” so we started early this year. 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.

Remember your sweetheart on Valentines Day, it does not have to be expensive, just heart felt caring put into your choice. Chili Cook-off for the Post Social this month on February 21st. Department Oratorical is also the morning of February 21st in Brenham. Our student, Brandon McFarland from Pflugerville High School, placed second in the Third Division competition. Next month’s membership meeting is on March 7th and the Post Social for March has been cancelled and replaced with the Road to Recovery on March 29th.
Legionnaires - if your membership card says 2010, please pay your dues. It would be grand if we could reach 100% of our goal in the next month. Our Post benefits from reaching our goal. Cutting it short this month so other special events can be mentioned by others.

Raffle tickets for the custom crossstitch continue to be available. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. We make flyers available for posting at local post offices, etc. to help cultivate more ticket sales. 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 March 7th. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. April’s business meeting will be on the 4th. 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.

FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 21 – Post Social and chili cook-off. Bring your best chili to see if you’re ready to head to Terlingua. There will be judging and prizes.
MARCH EVENTS
Change of events: We will NOT be having a Post Social/dinner on the 3rd Monday in March, but will be hosting the annual Ride-to-Recovery onMarch 29th instead.
March 29 – Road-to-Recovery (R2R) program. Post 76 will again serve as a stopping point on the annual bicycle ride by disabled veterans. We need Legion volunteers to show up beginning at 3:30 to help set up tables and prepare food. The program should start at approximately 6:00 p.m.
APRIL EVENTS
April 18 – Annual ROTC Appreciation Dinner and Retreat. Post 76 will host the honor guards of local ROTC Units. Come see some great honor guards and meet these fine ROTC members. We need Legion volunteers to arrive early (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.) for set-up. Please call Clayton at 517-0353 if you can help with these events.

I wouldlike to thank Will, Al and Sean for assisting me in performing a Veteran Memorial service for Mr. Smallwood's widow in her living room. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and member of the American Legion. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge among other decorations.
The presentation of the Bible by Sean and Al was really special. Sean had prepared a nice tribute; Mrs. Smallwood was soon in tears.
After Sean and Al stepped aside,Will held the folded flag (we pre-folded the flag) and we approached Mrs. Smallwood who was seated and I posted where I could move my right hand in a clockwise motion over the flag. I did 3 passes of seven to simulate a 21-rifle volley. At the end of each of the 7 passes, Al read a line of the Army ceremony presentation. I think it was dignified and appropriate. Will then presented the flag, with closing remarks, while kneeling on his right knee.
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.

Attention! There is NO Post Social on March 21st. We will be hosting the R2R event on March 29th instead. Post membership meeting will be April 4th and Post Social will be April 18th with our 4th Annual ROTC Appreciation Dinner. Please come and meet these dedicated young men and women.
Please check your dues card and if it does not have 2011 on it, your dues are due. It would be nice to make 100% membership for our Post. Thanks for your help with this.
Thanks for all you do for this Post and your family and communities.

MARCH EVENTS
REMINDER: There will NOT be a regular dinner meeting in March.
March 29 – Road-to-Recovery (R2R) program. Post 76 will again serve as a stopping point on the annual bicycle ride by disabled veterans. We need Legion volunteers to show up beginning at 3:30 to help set up tables and prepare food. The program should start at approx. 6:00 p.m. Also, we need three more gas BBQ grills to cook hamburgers and hotdogs for the riders. If you have a grill we can use, please call me at (512) 517-0353.
APRIL EVENTS
April 18 – Annual ROTC Appreciation Dinner and Retreat. Post 76 will host the honor guards of local ROTC units. Come see some great honor guards and meet these fine ROTC members. We need Legion volunteers to arrive early (4-5 p.m.) for set-up.
MAY EVENTS
May 31 – Memorial Day ceremony at the Post and flag planting. This event will be in lieu of our regular dinner meeting.
JUNE EVENTS
June 14 - FLAG DAY
June 20 – Flag retirement ceremony and election of Post officers. Entrée will be spaghetti.

The Honor Guard has added a new storage cabinet thanks to the generosity of the members of Post 76. This will enable us to keep equipment and items together to better serve our Post and community.
Rehearsal is ongoing for the upcoming ROTC Appreciation Dinner in April. We would gladly accept any honorarium to help purchase uniform parts for new members of the Honor Guard.
We would like to invite anyone interested in joining us, to come to the first Monday Member’s meeting. We need good men and ladies.

Raffle tickets for the custom crossstitch continue to be available. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. If you can help by posting flyers to help generate ticket sales, please contact Lisa at 497-6865. 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 drawing will take place at the May social.
The next business meeting is April 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. May’s business meeting will be on the 2nd. 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.

We just received a call reporting that Dr. George John has passed away. He was an active member who attended many of our events. Please keep the John Family in your prayers.

Hello everyone, since everyone has already put the same information that I was going to enter I will be saying very little. This will save some of the redundancy. I do wish to thank all those who helped with R2R, It's My Park Day and any other events or programs. We are an active post and it shows we care about our community and military.
Remember to pay your dues if you do not have 2011 on your membership card.
Thanks again.

APRIL EVENTS
April 18 – ROTC Appreciation Dinner and Retreat.
Entrée will be chicken tenders and mashed potatoes and gravy.
Please bring side dishes and desserts. We expect approximately 50 guests. Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Arrive at 5:00 p.m. if you can help with table/chair setup.
MAY EVENTS
May 2 – Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m.
May 16 – Post social and dinner meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Entrée will be hamburgers and hotdogs.
May 30 – Memorial Day event and flag planting. Program begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Post. Afterwards we will place flags on veterans graves at Austin Memorial Park cemetery. Breakfast tacos will be provided.
JUNE EVENTS
June 6 - Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. Election of new officers.
June 20 – Post social and flag retirement ceremony.
Entrée will be spaghetti.

As of 4 April, we have commitments for the ROTC Dinner from: The University of Texas Combined Color Guard, Travis HS, McNeil HS, Round Rock HS and new this year, Reagan Air Force JROTC. We hope to hear from Bowie HS, Akins HS and Hays HS. We would gladly accept any honorarium to help purchase uniform parts for new members of the Honor Guard.
We would like to invite anyone interested in joining the Honor Guard to come to the first Monday Member meeting. We need good men and ladies.

Raffle tickets for the custom crossstitch continue to be available. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. If you can help by posting flyers to help generate ticket sales, please contact Lisa at 497-6865. 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 drawing will take place at the May social.
The next business meeting is May 2nd. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. June’s business meeting will be on the 6th.
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.

The Hubmaster was established by former Department Commander Don Daft and is for the dissemination of Legion information both up the chain and down the chain. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc. concerning your Post, District, Division, Department or National, on any topic please feel free to let them be known to me and I will ensure your questions, etc. get answered. I will also pass along what information I receive that would be of interest to the general membership at our meetings and/or in our newsletter. My email address is alfred.banzer@verizon.com.
The 10th District held its convention at Post 533, Bastrop. We had 14 of the 29 Posts in the 10th District represented. Mike Simon presented training on Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) available to veterans - what's required to be considered, the forms to fill out, and what the funds received can be used for. At the regular business meeting, our Post 76 presented two resolutions; one for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year - Senior Deputy Javier Hernandez, and one for Fire Fighter of the Year - Captain David Brietzke. Both resolutions passed unanimously and they will be forwarded on to Department from the 10th District for consideration.
Keep in mind the 3rd Division Convention will be at Post 2 in San Antonio on May 13-15. Please let any Post Officer know if you are interested in going. Also, it's that time of the year again. We need volunteers to serve the Post for the upcoming year. If you have an interest in serving please let any Post Officer know. Plan on getting involved. We really need your help!
And, if you haven't paid your dues yet, please do so at your earliest convenience. Dues are only $30.00 a year. Our 10th District has slipped to fourth place on membership. Please see what you can do to re-up!

Hi everyone! Some of you are probably wondering why you have not seen me the last couple of meetings. I am taking classes and a bunch of us complained that one of the prerequisites was not offered in the evening, and they added it on an evening and chose Monday night. I was the only person that Monday did not work, but had to take the course so for a few more weeks I will be missing Monday night meetings.
I still care and am watching what is going on and miss being there a lot. Remember elections for new officers will be at the June meeting. My two years as your Commander have been great and now my turn is up soon. We have a great bunch of Legionnaires. Support your officers and your Post.

MAY EVENTS
May 2 Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m.
May 16 Post Social and Dinner Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Entrée will be hamburgers and hotdogs.
May 30 Memorial Day event and flag planting. Program begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Post. Afterwards we will place flags on veterans graves at Austin Memorial Park cemetery. Breakfast tacos will be provided. JUNE EVENTS
Jun 6 Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. Election of new officers.
Jun 20 Post Social and Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Entrée will be spaghetti.
JULY EVENTS
Jul 4 Following a brief monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m., we will enjoy hot dogs and fireworks on the lawn. Guests are invited to join us on the lawn for one of the best seats in town to view the annual 4th of July fireworks display. Jul 18 Post Social and Dinner Meeting at 7:00 p.m.; Installation of new Post Officers. Entree will be BBQ!

Raffle tickets for the custom crossstitch will be available through Memorial Day. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. You can also purchase raffle tickets by mail. If you can help by posting flyers to help generate ticket sales, please contact Lisa at 497-6865. 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 drawing will take place at the Post during the Memorial Day activities.
The next business meeting is June 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. July’s business meeting will be on the 4th.
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.

Just a couple of things this month. Keep in mind that the 3rd Division Convention is in San Antonio on Friday, May 13 through Sunday morning, May 15. Post 2 is the host and their address is 3518 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio. Please let any Post Officer know if you wish to attend and we will get you signed up to attend.
The Legion has a new brochure out titled, Why Should You Belong. It is very good and can be read and downloaded through the Web site, www.legion.org/documents/legion/ pdf/Why_You_Should_Belong.pdf. If you don't have access to the web, just let me know and I will send you a copy in the mail.Got talent? The American Legion is working with the producers of "The Making of a Star", a TV series to start this summer. They are looking for veterans/military to audition. Here's your BIG chance! Auditions will be in Dallas on June 17. For more information, contact Joe March at National, 1-317-630-1253 and good luck!
I know you hate to hear this but DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR DUES! If you already paid, thank you, thank you. If not, please, please get them in.

Remember elections on June 6th, support your officers. We had a nice ceremony for Memorial Day and placed flags at Austin Memorial Cemetery. Thank you to all who attended. I will cut this short for all the extra articles to be entered. Thank for your support and continued support for our Post.

JUNE EVENTS
Jun 6 Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. Election of new officers.
Jun 20 Post Social and Flag Retirement Ceremony. Entrée will be spaghetti.
JULY EVENTS
Jul 4 Following a brief monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m., we will enjoy hot dogs and fireworks on the lawn. Guests are invited to join us on the lawn for one of the best seats in town to view the annual 4th of July fireworks display.
Jul 18 Post Social and Dinner Meeting at 7:00 p.m.; Installation of new Post Officers. Entree will be BBQ; please bring side dishes and desserts..
AUGUST EVENTS
Aug 1 Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Aug 15 Post Social and Dinner Meeting at 7:00 p.m.; Entree wiil be salads.

Our raffle raised $79.00 for the school library at LCpl Nicholas Perez Elementary School. The drawing occurred on Memorial Day and the winner has been called, but has yet to respond. Once contact is successfully made, the winner’s name will be announced.
The next business meeting is July 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. August’s business meeting will be on the 1st.
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.

Legislative News
In the Texas House in the last 10 minutes of this session in which non-local Senate Bills can be considered, Representative Dennis Bonnen, District 25, made a motion to take up Senate Bill 516. Senate Bill 516 extends the homestead exemption to the surviving spouse of a totally disabled veteran who has passed away. The motion prevailed and the Bill passed 146-0. What this means is that in November voters will have the opportunity to pass a constitutional amendment (SJR 14) that will allow this law to go into effect. This new law will provide a spouse the financial peace of mind by ensuring that the property tax exemption continues and will not expire after the death of the disabled veteran. All need to support the constitutional amendment and vote this November!
Memorial tribute planned for Cpl. Tevan Nguyen, USMC on August 26, 2011 in Hutto
On December 28, 2010, Cpl. Tevan Nguyen was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tevan enlisted in the Marine Corps upon graduation from Hutto High School in 2007. The Richard A. Oman American Legion Post 302 of Hutto, Texas, in support of the Hutto Independent School District, is organizing a memorial tribute to Cpl. Nguyen and his family to be held during a pre-game ceremony on Friday, August 26, 2011. The ceremony will begin at approximately 6:45p.m., and will take place at Hutto ISD's Hippo Stadium (101 FM 685, Hutto, TX 78634). In conjunction with Cpl. Nguyen's memorial tribute, the Memorial Wall of Honor will be unveiled. This memorial will honor all Hutto ISD graduates who have died in defense of our country. Donations can be made by visiting www.americanlegionhutto.org.
A SHOUT-OUT THANK YOU!
A heart felt “thank you” to the following Legionaries for their generous monetary support: Steve Dawson, Honor Guard Member, for his donation of $500.00 to the Elevator Fund. THANK YOU! Jack Lawler for his donation of $40.00 to the Elevator Fund. THANK YOU! Bill Denson for his donation of $100.00 to the Honor Guard.
THANK YOU!

After four long years of determination and hard work; we have finally received our Garand M1 rifles. These will allow us to perform volley salutes to our fallen Heroes. I would like to thank Steve, Will, Al, and Cyndi for their help in getting the M1’s. It has been a great challenge, but we rose to overcome the frustrations.
We would gladly accept any honorarium to help purchase uniform parts for new members of the Honor Guard. 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.

Well, another year has come to an end and I want to thank everyone for all their help in every way. We had a great year with Boy's State, Girl's State, ROTC, R2R, Memorial Day, Tree Planting, Veteran's Day Parade and more. We are a great American Legion Post. We should be proud of all we do but we should not stop there, cause we need to and can do more because we are great.
I will miss being your Commander and I know the incoming Commander will serve you well. Clayton has put in an article with all the upcoming events. HOORAY for POST 76!!!!.

JULY EVENTS
Jul 4 FIREWORKSCANCELLED– Only Post membership meeting held.
Jul 18 Post Social and Dinner Meeting at 7:00 p.m.; Installation of new Post Officers. Entree will be BBQ; please bring side dishes and desserts.
AUGUST EVENTS
Aug 1 Post monthly membership meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Aug 15 Post Social and Dinner Meeting at 7:00 p.m.;
Entree is Salads. Please bring a salad of your choice and sides/desserts.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Sep 5 Post Monthly Membership Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Sep 19 Boys/Girls State dinner at the Post.
Entree will be chicken tenders and mashed potatoes.
Please bring side dishes and desserts. Come, meet and show your support for these fine future leaders. In addition, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) will install their new officers at this meeting.

Our raffle winner is Lakki Brown. She should take delivery of the finished product at the July Social.
The next business meeting is August 1st. 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 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.

It is a wonderful honor to be elected Commander of American Legion Post 76. I consider our Post to be a flagship Post, not only because of the beautiful and historic building it occupies or because of its location in the Capital of Texas, but also (and most importantly) because ours is one of the original posts, chartered in 1919, at the time of the creation of the American Legion.
When the American Legion was created, its founders believed that it would be an institution whose goal would be to preserve the memories of the Great War, believed by many to be the “war to end all wars”. However, the First World War was followed by the Second, which was followed by a series of smaller conflicts in the long war against Communism. The fall of Communism brought, once again, the illusion of world peace which was quickly shattered by the rise of global terrorism and the lengthy and costly wars we now wage to defeat it.
Though much has changed in the world over the last 92 years, Post 76, from its position overlooking the lake, has remained steadfast, acting as a beacon and a voice for the veterans of Central Texas.
My goal as Commander is to honor the great history of our Post, a history of public service. I intend to do this by focusing my efforts in three directions: back to the Past; forward to the Future and; out to the Community. In upcoming articles, I will describe these plans in more detail. In the meantime, I would ask that, if you are a member who has not been to a meeting in a while, you try to make it to an upcoming meeting to reconnect. You’ll probably notice some positive changes that have occurred over the last few years and, if you want to be a part of planning for the future, we’ll get you onto a committee where your ideas will be put to use.
Also, if you are a member who does come to the social meetings, try to bring a friend with you who is also a veteran or who may not be a veteran but is eligible to join either the Sons of the American Legion or the American Legion Auxiliary. New members are the lifeblood of our organization.

August Events
August 15 . . . .7:00 p.m., Social
Our guest speaker is Ben Wear, Austin American-Statesman transportation columnist. Besides covering the traffic gauntlet, Mr. Wear also does topical columns and on July 3rd published an article which mentioned the American Legion was active in sponsoring the fireworks in the 1930s at Zilker Park. He also mentioned our annual hot dogs and fireworks at Post 76. Mr. Wear is knowledgeable on Austin current affairs and I am sure will be quite entertaining.
Please come hear Mr. Wear and BRING A FRIEND! Our fare will be Salads and all the fixings. Please bring breads, dressings, and desserts.
September Events
NOTE: We will NOT meet on Labor Day evening. Our membership meeting is the following Monday.
Sept 10 . . . 9:00 a.m. (Saturday) Executive Committee Meeting
Sept 12 . . . .7:00 p.m., Membership Meeting
Sept 19 . . . . 7:00 p.m., Social
Post 76 is hosting special guests, our local Boys and Girls State attendees. We will be honored by their attendance and they will tell us of their experiences at the state convention this year.
Chicken tenders and mashed potatoes will be our fare. Please bring sides or desserts. Bring a Guest.
October Events
Oct 1 . . 9:00 a.m., Executive Committee Meeting
Oct 3 . . 7:00 p.m., Membership Meeting
Oct 17 . . . 7:00 p.m., Social
Post 76 will induct new members. So, all members who have not been formally inducted into membership please plan to attend this special event.
Lasagna will be our fare. Please bring sides or desserts. Bring a Friend!

This month we will install Al Banzer as our new Honor Guard Commander.
As the Commander for the past two years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve. We have outstanding Veterans in the Honor Guard who sacrifice their time and energy to promote the ideals of the American Legion and Travis Post 76. We will conduct a “Change of Command” ceremony at the Social Meeting, so ya’ll come.

NEWS – A couple of items of interest…. In case y’all had not heard, court papers were filed alleging that the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the director of the Houston National Cemetery are engaging in “religious viewpoint discrimination”. On at least four separate occasions Legion and VFW Post burial teams in Houston were told that prayer and religious speech could no longer be included in burial rituals and any prayer or message the family wants to include needs to be submitted in writing to the director for approval. (Wow!) Your Legion has reacted and is strongly in support of the legal action. At the Legion National Convention this year that is to be held in Minneapolis on Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, President Barack Obama has accepted an invitation to speak in person. Could be a very interesting convention!
For more information on the above and other items of interest such as federal cost cutting ideas that could impact the current Agent Orange law and result in decreased benefits, take a look at “Latest News” on the Legion web page, www.txlegion.org. A lot of good reading is there!
Congratulations are in order! We have a slate of new and reelected officers in the Department of Texas. At the Departmental Convention held in Odessa the end of June this year, Lupe Garza was elected Commander and James Fleming was elected Vice Commander. In the Third Division (That includes Districts 9, 10 (our District), 14, 15, 20 and 23.), Connie Jo Popham was elected Commander. Bill Moore, your 10th District Commander, starts the second year of office. Bill has done a great job his first year and he is looking forward to year number 2! For more information about your Department, Division and District officers check out the Legion web page, www.txlegion.org.
On September 10, 2011, at the Texas Military Forces Museum, Camp Mabry, the debut of the 9-11 and Beyond Exhibit opens. The free event will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9-11 and illustrate the Texas Military Forces’ story since 9-11. At 9:00 a.m., the new F16 exhibit opens, at 11:00 a.m. is the ceremony and at 12:00 noon, the Gallery opens. All are invited and there is plenty of free parking. Flyers are at the Post.
One further note on our new Department Commander. There will be a Joint Homecoming honoring Lupe and Mary Waddell, our new Department Auxiliary President, on October 22, 2011, at Post 271 in Rosenberg. Social Hour at 6:00, Dinner at 7:00 and the program starts at 8:00. Cost is $20.00 per person. Flyers are at the Post.

I’m Pat Moore, Post 76 Historian, and I’m teaming up with Steve Dawson, the new webmaster for Post 76, to update the website. We thought it would be interesting and fun to start collecting photos of our post’s veterans of how they appear today, and how they appeared in their service days. So here’s what we have planned.
Starting at the August 15 Social, we would like to take photos of our veterans. Wear a white or light blue shirt-your legion cap if you have one (if not, we can lend you one), and a dark blue, black, or gray suit jacket. We will lend you the American Legion tie for the photo. The next thing we need you to do is send us a photo-or a copy of a photo-of how you appeared in your service’s days. It can be of you in a fox hole, or swabbing a deck, or chewing out a trainee, or even just one in your dress uniform. With your permission, we’ll start posting the photos on the website. When you do send in your service photo, please let us know if you would like the photo back and give us a brief description of the photo. If you have any questions, you can either get in touch with Pat Moore at patrickmoore99@peoplepc.com, or Steve Dawson, at TxMnyMngr@sbcglobal.net, and we’ll help you out. Keep watching the website for coming changes!

In the last newsletter, I wrote that my goals for the year were to look back to the past, forward to the future and out to the community. In this month's article, I will describe my plan to look back to the past.
American Legion Post 76 was chartered over 90 years ago. Starting its life as an organization to serve the needs of Veterans of the First World War, the Post has evolved over the years to serve the Veterans of every conflict since. As members of the Post, we are connected to the incredibly rich history of the many hundreds of Veterans who have been members of Post 76 throughout all these years. Unfortunately, many of the stories of our members have been lost over the years and, without action to stop it, this trend will continue. For this reason, I made a motion at the last Business Meeting to fund a project intended to capture the stories of our Post members. The plan is to rent professional quality video equipment, lighting and sound and to obtain oral histories of all post members who wish to participate. The oral histories would be obtained in accordance with the mandates of the Veterans History Project, a project of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.
The videos and audio will be of professional quality and a disk will be provided to the Veteran as well as submitted to the Library of Congress, where it will be placed in a permanent collection accessible by future generations of researchers, genealogists and family members. The technical aspects of the video shoot will be overseen by an individual with decades of experience in the film industry who has offered to volunteer his time and expertise to the project. It will take some time to get the project planned and implemented and more updates will follow as more details become available. In the meantime, I suggest that you pursue your own oral history project by coming to the Post Social and engaging fellow Veterans in conversation about their past experiences, both in the military as well as with Post 76.

September Events
NOTE: We did NOT meet on Labor Day evening. Our membership meeting was the following Monday
Sept 10 . . . 9:00 a.m. (Sat.), Executive Committee Meeting
Sept 12 . . . 7:00 p.m., Membership Meeting
Sept 19 . . . 7:00 p.m., Social Post 76 is hosting special guests, our local Boys and Girls State attendees. We will be honored by their attendance and they will tell us of their experiences at the state convention this year.
Chicken tenders and mashed potatoes will be our fare. Please bring sides or desserts. Bring a Guest.
October Events
Oct 1 . . . 9:00 a.m., Executive Committee Meeting
Oct 3 . . . 7:00 p.m., Membership Meeting
Oct 17 . . .7:00 p.m., Social Post 76 will induct new members. So, all members who have not been formally inducted into membership please plan to attend this special event.
Lasagna will be our fare. Please bring sides or desserts. Bring a Friend!
November Events
Nov 7 .. .7:00 p.m., Membership Meeting
Nov 21 .. 7:00 p.m., Social

To say it is a honor and privilege to be elected as Honor Guard Commander for the coming year is an understatement. I will be the first to admit I have a lot to learn and I am looking forward to the challenge. The past two Commanders, Steve Dawson and Henry Schoenfelt, set fine examples of leadership and military knowledge that I pledge to do my best to live up to the standards they set.
It took a while but we have 10 M1 rifles and lots of blank ammunition, courtesy of the US Army. Add the 10 M1’s to the existing inventory of two Ceremonial Rifles, a Bugle, the American Flag, Texas Flag, Legion Flag, POW Flag, and the five Service Flags.
I would like to see our Honor Guard membership increase to the point where we can have a full contingent – one Legionnaire for each rifle, bugle and flag. Considering we are at a strength of 9 (8 men and 1 woman) at the present, we can use more volunteers from the Post and would welcome any Post member. If you have any interest at all, please come and see me at any of our meetings and I will be glad to talk to you about joining the “Spirit of 76” Honor Guard! We have practice/drill before every Members meeting on the first Monday of the month, starting at 1800 hours. Come on out to the Post and check us out and see if being a part of the Honor Guard is for you.

Legislation passed that will allow veterans to add an endorsement to their Texas Driver’s License denoting them as a veteran. DPS is working on implementing this and the expectation is that the process will be in place and available in a few months. When the development is complete, veterans will simply have to present proof of honorable service at the DPS office when they renew their license in order to have the endorsement added. Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) was instrumental in getting this legislation introduced and passed.
A VA clinic, Lake Jackson Clinic (outpatient) opens on October 11. Lake Jackson is just South of Houston. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for Oct. 7 and all veterans are invited. So, if you are in the area…..
The Oasis on Lake Travis is hosting a luncheon for WW2 Vets and lunch is free for the WW2 vets! All vets are welcome to come out to the Oasis and lunch will be offered to all vets at discount prices. The date is November 11, 2011 and the lunch time will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All you WW2 vets, a FREE lunch! The rest of you vets come on out and enjoy the comradery! Hopefully the temp will be under 100 by mid-November!

The September business meeting is Monday the 12th at 7:00 p.m. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. Mark your calendar for the October meeting on the 3rd.
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.

I mentioned in previous newsletters that one of my goals for this year is to look forward to the future. We are all the inheritors of the stewardship of the generations of Legionnaires who have preceded us at Post 76. Not only did we inherit our beautiful post home, but we also benefit from the substantial improvements that have been made to the building and surrounding grounds. We also benefit from sound financial decisions that have led us to the point where we now own a multi-million dollar property and still have money in the bank with which to fund our operations and to make further improvements. It is through these improvements that we are able to pay forward to future generations of Legionnaires.
One of those improvements came at the beginning of October, when a water well was drilled on the property. This project, over a year in the planning, was finally executed through the excellent leadership of our 2nd Vice Commander Sean Bridwell. This well will provide for all of the post’s nonpotable water needs, particularly water for landscaping. We currently spend over $300 per month on water and wastewater and water rates are scheduled to substantially increase over the next year. Despite this large water bill, we have still been unable to keep our lawn in anything near a presentable condition. Even if we wanted to pay for additional water, city watering restrictions currently limit us to watering the lawn only once per week.
With the new water well, which should be brought on line by early November, we may water our landscaping as often as we want and we pay nothing for the water used. This will allow us to install new landscaping and fresh grass that we can keep green and lush with this ample water supply. It is hoped and expected that the improved appearance of our grounds will also result in additional revenue from rentals, providing more funds for future improvements.
In addition to the water well project, 2nd Vice Commander Bridwell and his committees are pressing forward with several new improvement ideas, including plans to install an elevator in the post. VC Bridwell and his committee members are currently in the processes of getting a professional analysis of the feasibility and costs of such an undertaking. This is a very ambitious project that will require the cooperation of all of our post members to help raise funds once a proposal has been approved.
I would encourage all members to attend our monthly member meetings, which are held on the first Monday of every month. These meetings are where we discuss and approve new projects and other business relating to the post. All members are welcome to help with the important job of looking forward to the future.

Fellow Legionnaires, there is so much going on at the Post it is hard to know where to begin. First, I know that I have not met most of you. So, I hope that as we progress I will be able to meet you in person at upcoming Post events. As First Vice Commander I am a relatively new member and certainly new to this position. My duties/responsibilities include membership and social activities. To that end, I will begin breaking my updates into two parts accordingly.
Membership – We have a great membership base. But, like any organization, it must grow to survive. We have regular monthly events and special events going on throughout the year that are great fun and many contribute to the welfare of veterans and to the good of the community at large. Please try to attend, and bring a prospective member along with you. We are setting up a phone tree in order to reach out to all members to: (1) Establish regular personal contact with our membership; (2) Determine the needs of our membership (What areas of interest do you have in the American Legion? Would you like a ride to meetings?); and (3) Inform members and encourage attendance at upcoming events. If you can help with making phone calls, please contact Mike, 512.632.5424.
Also, I have found that volunteer organizations thrive when the members have real projects to become involved in to accomplish something for the good of the organization and the community. As a veteran, I feel service to our veteran brothers is the utmost and highest priority. Along that vein I would like to ask each of you to consider getting involved in our work to have an elevator installed at Post 76. Almost since the first day I attended a meeting at the Post, I heard fellow members speaking about the desire to get an elevator put in to enable our fellow veterans who are disabled to attend events in our beautiful, grand room upstairs. This project, I like to refer to as “Give a Veteran a Lift” is near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons and I believe it should be our “Job One". We have had two contractors, an architect, a Historic Commission representative all look at the project on site and declare it as doable and commendable. Research is continuing, so please watch for more information. Please consider making a monthly contribution to the Elevator Fund, or take part in an upcoming event earmarked for the Elevator Fund. We are considering ways to facilitate monthly contributions online, or just bring a check to the next Post event! We are considering several projects and events like a raffle, a social like dinner dance with live entertainment, and a family night movie under the stars! Stay tuned!
Socials – Our calendar is busy as always. Here is a brief rundown:
October 17th – Our guest speaker is Comal County Commissioner Greg Parker. Commissioner Parker won election to Commissioner in 2004 and was appointed to the State Commission on Emergency Communications in 2008 by Governor Perry. Commissioner Parker has become an expert on energy and economics and authored the book, “Global Warming… Really?” We look forward to hearing Commissioner Parker speak.
We will enjoy a Lasagna dinner. Please bring salad, breads, or dessert dishes.
November 11th – Veteran’s Day, approximately 0730 - 0800 we will enjoy a Hearty Breakfast (usually Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Biscuits and Gravy with Coffee and Orange Juice) at the Post before heading to the Congress Avenue bridge to form up for the parade. It’s always great fun to participate in the parade. And, the school kids will be out to view the parade. Don’t miss it.
November 21st – Our speaker will be announced next newsletter. We will have Turkey and Dressing. Yummy!!!

Elevator: Post 76 has started a Elevator Committee with the purpose of researching and submitting to the Executive Board information on installing a elevator in Post 76. The Post wants to ensure all veterans, legionnaires, guests and renters have full access to the post amenities. We are calling on members for information they may have on elevators or experience with installation at members homes. Exciting times ahead - please contact 2nd Vice Commander Sean Bridwell with informatiion, support. Please contact me at cell phone 512-623-9384 or email seanbridwell@austin.rr.com.
Building & Grounds: Post 76 has approved the drilling of a waterwell with a local contractor, the purpose of the well would be to supply Post 76 building and grounds with a economical reliable source of water for the grounds. The well also would beautify the grounds with more frequent waterings that is currently restricted by the City of Austin watering rules and to improve rentals. After the well installation we hope to install a landscape to further add to the aesthetics that is expected of the "Charles Johnson House." Questions - Please contact me at 512-623-9384 or email seanbridwell@austin.rr.com.

Last month we had our Boys State/Girls State Dinner and that was my first experience as Honor Guard Commander. Except for messing up one command I think I did okay. Our Honor Guard looked sharp. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with the Boys State/Girls State honorees and their parents. If you missed it you missed a great experience and some good food.
We have two requests this month. One is for the Honor Guard to present the colors at the Alzheimer’s 20th Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s the morning of Saturday, October 15th. It will be starting at the Alzheimer’s Association building, MoPac and Spicewood Springs at 8:30 a.m. and Shawn Colvin will sing the National Anthem. If any of you want to participate in the walk please call Kaylee at 241-0420, extension 16. The website is, www.walktoendalz.kintera.org/austin.
The second is we have been asked to conduct a memorial service for a departed veteran and Post 76 member on Sunday, October 16th at the Texas State Cemetery, East of IH35 off of 7th street. This will be the first time we will be using our M1s and we are looking forward to doing the service, flag folding, presentation, three volley salute and taps.
Last newsletter I asked for interested parties to contact me if interested in joining the Honor Guard. I have not exactly been swamped with requests, however, just to let you know, we still have room for you if interested.

We have a new National Commander, Fang Wong, a Vietnam veteran. There is a great article about Commander Wong in the latest issue of the Legion Magazine. If you haven’t read it, I urge you to do so.
The American Legion sternly opposes plans to increase out-of-pocket health-care costs for military retirees, National Commander Wong said after learning that the White House recommends increasing TRICARE premiums and charging new annual fees to help reduce the federal deficit. Just last month President Obama told more than 10,000 Legionnaires at the American Legion National Convention that the budget would not be balanced on the backs of veterans. Commander Wong said, "Military retirees are veterans, and their benefits, including TRICARE medical insurance, cannot be milked to make ends meet. Make no mistake about it. This is an attempt to balance the budget on the backs of veterans. Military retirees are a small target in the middle of a big problem. They should not be asked to forfeit any of their health-care benefits to solve it."
As 10th District Hubmaster I have been sending out membership renewal information to all the Posts in the 10th District. As of the end of September our Post, Travis Post 76, is number six (6) of 29 Posts in our District on membership. Our goal is 368 members and we are at 252 paid up members or 68.5% of goal. If you haven’t sent in your dues, please do so as soon as you can. Thank you in advance!
I also got word that Metz Elementary has again invited us to participate in their “Take a Vet to School Day” program. It’s planned for November 4th this year. I have gone every year since they started the program and this will be the 5th year. If you have not participated in the past, please consider it. It is a wonderful experience and quite rewarding. Contact me or any Post Officer for information.

The November business meeting is Monday the 7th at 7:00 p.m. Legionnaires, if you have any Ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. Mark your calendar for the December meeting on the 5th.
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.

I have previously discussed the idea of looking back to the past and forward to the future. I would now like to discuss the idea of reaching out to the community.
When you come to the Post and look around, you will see old photographs on the walls showing images of our Post’s history. One of the photographs is one that I found in the Austin Police Department museum a few years ago. It shows revelers from a party at the Driskill Hotel in the 1930’s. The party was designed to solicit contributions to the local food pantry to help support those who were having trouble making it during the Great Depression. A large pile of donated food items is in the corner as a host of party-goers poses on the steps. Many of the people shown were not only members of the American Legion Post 76, but were also Austin police officers.
This photograph has special meaning for me for several reasons. First, I am not only a Legionnaire, but also an Austin Police Officer. This photograph demonstrates the close relationship that once existed between these two organizations. Second, this photograph shows how Travis Post 76 was once the center of Austin’s society.
If you go to our website (www.travispost76.org), you will find a link to Post newsletters going back to the founding of our Post. Through these newsletters, you will see that our Post was a central player in the City of Austin for many decades. The 4th of July fireworks that we have recently gotten together to watch from our Post lawn were once organized by our Post. In fact, for several decades, Post 76 organized the City’s 4th of July activities.
Unfortunately, during the turbulent 60’s and 70’s, the role of our organization was greatly diminished. The 80’s and 90’s were a period of stagnation. This is beginning to change as our Post has begun becoming more active in community events. The ROTC appreciation dinner, the Ride-2-Recovery, and the Public Safety Awards have all begun repositioning our organization as an important member of the community.
We will continue to search for new ways to support our community, not only through these annual ceremonies, but also through the small things that we can do at every meeting. I know that Legionnaire and past Commander Joseph Trochta spends a lot of time separating all of the aluminum cans from the rest of the trash and takes the cans to be recycled. We can each do our part by ensuring that we take an extra moment to place our cans in the recycle bin. Also, starting with the November dinner, we will be placing a box at the post for members to contribute non-perishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank. So, bring a can or two with you when you come to the next Social.
It is my goal to have the Post regain its position at the center of Austin society. This is a slow and deliberate process that requires building layers of trust and commitment. It also requires participation from the members of our Post. I would encourage everyone to come out and make it to a meeting. The food is good and the program is always excellent.

We had a great social in October with Comal County Commissioner Greg Parker speaking. He is a dynamic speaker with a lot of good information on current energy issues in Texas and our nation. You can expect to hear from Mr. Parker in the future. The lasagna was excellent, too!
Membership – Last month we implemented a phone tree. We did not have a lot of feedback on it, but will continue the effort to reach members in person and advise them of upcoming activities as well as seek feedback on ways to better serve. Also, kudos to Bill Denson who is taking care of greeter duties at our meetings to ensure all members sign in and get a name tag. He will also be watching for NEW members and POTENTIAL members who will be recognized in the meetings. We want to have members, new members, and potential recruits made welcome and invited back. Our members are our life blood. We want you back! And we want to implement new member orientation so that each member becomes active. Along that vein, new members are asked to assist on social night with food set up and clean up afterward. We have found that becoming active in providing service to fellow members gets folks to be a part of the organization. It’s about volunteering, and that’s what we do.
Socials – Our calendar is busy as always. Here is a brief rundown:
Here is what happened on November 11th – Veteran’s Day, approximately 0730 - 0800 we enjoyed a Hearty Breakfast (usually Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Biscuits and Gravy with Coffee and Orange Juice). After eating at the Post, we headed to the Congress Avenue Bridge to form up for the annual parade. Travis County Veterans Service Officer Ollie Pope set the theme this year as the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War. It’s always great fun and a matter of great pride to participate in the parade. You DID NOT HAVE TO WALK. We arranged with the Historic Military Vehicle folks to let those who would like to ride to join them in their vehicles. I hope you were part of the festivities..
November 21st – Our speaker will be Captain Dan Dixon, USN. Captain Dixon is the commander of the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Texas. He will speak and present his slide show on the work he is doing at UT. A member who has heard him speak spoke highly of his presentation. Please plan to attend and bring a friend. We will have Turkey and Dressing for the main course. Please bring your favorite side dishes and desserts to supplement the feast!
December 19th – We have a great plan of our Christmas social. Stay posted for more details. We hope to have a choir to sing carols and possibly a gift swap. We will have a Ham Dinner! So save the date for a great family Christmas celebration.

Last month we had two activities. First, it was our honor and privilege to present the colors at the Alzheimer’s 20th Annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” the morning of Saturday, October 15th. It was our first time to navigate stairs and I am happy to report, none of us fell down! Steve, Henry, Clay and Cyndi all did a great job and we received many compliments.
The second, we were asked to conduct a memorial service for a departed WW2 veteran and Post 76 member on Sunday, October 16th, at the Texas State Cemetery, East of I35 off of 7th Street. The service was for Lt. Theda B. Blount requested by her daughter, Shawn McMahon. This was the first time we used our M1s. Henry, in his role as Chaplain, and I performed the standard Legion service, followed by the flag folding, which we had draped over the urn containing the ashes of Lt. Blount, flag presentation, Three volley salute and taps. My thanks to Henry, Cyndi (who did a great job on taps), Steve, Greg and Clay.
This month will be busy with Veterans Day activities. We will, of course, be marching in the downtown parade and we have been requested to present the colors at the Capital at the start of the Veterans Day program after the parade. It is indeed an honor to be chosen.
By the way, if any Legion members are interested in joining the Spirit of 76 Honor Guard, please contact me. Cell number 512-636-8987.

Elevator - We have contacted an architect about putting together a plan to put a elevator in the Post. He has the building blueprints and will recommend the best type elevator for our needs.
Fund Raising (Elevator) - We are making plans for fundraising for the elevator. If you have any suggestions or want to help, please contact me at cell phone (512-623-9384) or email seanbridwell@austin.rr.com.
Building and Grounds - We have successfully put a well on the property that should adequately meet our watering needs for the Post property, plus save us money from the rising costs of water from the city. We are currently getting bids from contractors to put in the electrical and plumbing. Stop by and take a look at our new well if you get a chance.

The federal budget is of concern to the Legion and is disappointed with the "tepid" stand taken by House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee leaders against federal budget cuts that would compromise the welfare of military veterans.
On October 18, a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the "supercommittee") signed by the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate panels was released that has disturbed our leaders and they are letting Congress know. While the letter opens with the statement, "Never before in times of fiscal crisis have we balanced the budget on the backs of America's veterans, and we should not do so now!" Attachments to the letter propose a number of budget cuts directed at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), some of which seem to contradict that statement.
Another area of concern voiced by your Legion leaders to Washington concerns the proposed cuts to the defense budget. The Board of Directors is warning that proposed cuts to the Department of Defense and veterans benefits would not only hurt the economy but they would also do "irreversible and irreparable harm to the military capability of the U.S. to defend the nation..." The American Legion's National Executive Committee unanimously passed an official statement that the Legion "encourages Congress and the administration to cease all efforts to reduce the defense budget from its current level."
As 10th District Hubmaster I have been sending out membership renewal information to all the Posts in the 10th District. As of the beginning of November our Post, Travis Post 76, is still number six (6) of 29 Posts in our District on membership. The good news is our district, the 10th District, advanced into first place! Our goal is 368 members and we are at 279 paid up members or 76% of goal. San Marcus leads with 103% of goal followed by Hutto at 86%, Granger at 84%, Brenham (Post 48) at 80% and Burton at 79%. We have a ways to go! If you haven’t sent in your dues, please do so as soon as you can. Thank you in advance!

The December business meeting is Monday the 5th at 7:00 p.m. Legionnaires, if you have any ladies in your family who haven’t come to an Auxiliary meeting, please encourage them to check us out. Mark your calendar for the January meeting on the 9th.
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.

One of the benefits of being the Commander of Post 76 is that I get the opportunity to meet a lot of very interesting people. This last Veteran’s Day is a great example of this. While mingling around the Capitol just prior to the wreath laying ceremony, I was introduced to two amazing individuals. The first was Isaac “Ike” Camacho. Ike had been in the U.S. Army Special Forces during Vietnam. In 1963, he was captured when his Special Forces camp was overrun. He was held prisoner by the North Vietnamese in a prison camp in Cambodia until he escaped after two years. He was the first American POW to successfully escape during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army.
The second person I met that day was William “Billy” Waugh. Billy joined the Army during the Korean War. He served in combat in Korea as well as in every American conflict since that time. He was awarded the Silver Star for his heroism as a Special Forces soldier in Vietnam. In 1971, he conducted the first ever combat HALO (high altitude-low open) parachute jump by making a “practice” combat infiltration into North Vietnamese controlled territory. He also led the last combat HALO insertion by Army Special Forces into North Vietnamese held territory. During his military career, Billy was awarded eight purple hearts.
After Vietnam, Billy retired from the Army and joined the CIA. He performed a variety of secret missions for the CIA’s famed Special Activities Division. During the early 1990’s, he operated out of Sudan, tracking international terrorists such as Carlos the Jackal and Osama bin Laden. In 2001, at age 71, he was one of the first Americans on the ground in Afghanistan.
I share this with you for two reasons. First, it is important to remember that heroes walk amongst us. The real heroes, as opposed to the barstool type, don’t seek accolades or special treatment. They don’t rest on their laurels. They work tirelessly to keep us and our country safe from the evils that most of us don’t even know exist. Secondly, as Veterans, we can be proud in the knowledge that we belong to a special group of people, a group that includes Ike Camacho and Billy Waugh. Though our own military careers may not have been as distinguished nor our exploits as heroic, we can still feel pride in the knowledge that through our service as soldiers sailors and airmen, we have joined an unbroken tapestry of American defenders stretching back for 236 years.
Join us at our next meeting and share your stories.

First off, the Veteran’s Day gathering – Past Commanders Breakfast – was a hit. The food was good and we had several guests. And, I think the parade was one of the best I have attended. Come to the Post to see the wonderful cards and letters the children made and gave to the veterans who were participating in the parade. They are hand-made and heart-felt thank you notes.
Our Thanksgiving meeting at Post 76 was bountiful. Our speaker was Captain Dan Dixon, USN. Captain Dixon is the commander of the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Texas. He presented his slide show on the work he is doing at UT. It was very interesting and inspiring.
MEMBERSHIP – We still need to be calling members. All of you who volunteered to contact members please follow up with them about upcoming events, especially the upcoming Christmas gathering.
SOCIALS – Our calendar is busy as always. Here is a brief rundown:
December 19th – We have our Christmas social. We will have a Ham Dinner! So bring your favorite side dish, breads, or sweets. And, don’t forget to bring a small gift (should be inexpensive - around $5.00) that will be numbered. And a matching number will be put into a sort of raffle as each member who brings a gift will be given a number, then the numbers are drawn and each member who brings a gift receives the gift with the number drawn. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun. Please bring a guest who might be a veteran interested in joining our Post!
January 14th – Saturday is our New Year Breakfast at the Post. Come at 0700 to help set up and cook and we will eat at 0900. This is a great way to kick off 2012 with your fellow veterans. And, this is a perfect opportunity to bring a potential member or a new member who has not been to a social yet. COME ON DOWN!

The Veterans Day activities of your Honor Guard went very well. The parade and the march up Congress Ave., the posting of the colors at the Capital before the start of the City of Austin Veterans Day Program, and the laying of the wreath at the Capital. Thank you all who participated and especially to Bill and Jerome for filling in on carrying the flags. Please take a look at our Post’s web page. Great pictures are on there and Steve Dawson is doing a great job organizing and posting information and pictures. Boy, we look sharp!!!! As a reminder, web page is www.travispost76.org.
For December, Steve and Will have the duty.
A Legionnaire, Tom McCullough, passed away at the Temple VA hospital from service connected diseases. He was a Vietnam veteran and served a 12 month tour in 1969. Your Honor Guard has been requested to perform a service for him. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, December 11 at the Post.
Our regular members and guests Christmas dinner meeting is December 19 and hope to see you all then. As an item of note, I will be retiring from Verizon this month which will mean I will have more time to devote to Legion activities. I am looking forward to it. My email address is now a.banzer@sbcglobal.net.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
See you all next year!

In an effort to help business rentals during the week, the Post has added WIFI internet service. The WIFI is installed and working great. If you are interested in using the service while at the Post, see Dallas for the password.
The elevator for the Post in in the planning stages and we are in contact with an architect and general contractor to find out how much the elevator would cost. We currently have over $5000 in the Elevator Fund and we plan on big fundraisers in 2012. Any help or information on the Post 76 Elevator, please contact me through either email: seanbridwell@austin.rr.com or phone 512.623.9384.

federal budget is still a mess. American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong says he is "profoundly disappointed" that the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the so-called "supercommittee”) failed to reach an agreement to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade. "They were given an important job to do, and they failed," Wong said. "What this means to the future of our military and our veterans remains to be seen, but the challenges have now intensified for those who believe in a strong national defense and want to protect the hard-earned benefits of veterans.” For more information please go to the Department’s web page.
As an item of interest, the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl where Tulsa is playing BYU on December 30th, is in Dallas and tickets for veterans are $30.00 each. It will be at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium which is on the SMU campus. Tickets can be purchased by going to the web page, www.armedforcesbowl.tix.com. Check the department web page for more information.
Mark it on your calendar, the Midwinter Conference is scheduled for January 18-22 at the Omni Southpark, Austin. The tentative agenda is out and is on the department’s web page.
As 10th District Hubmaster I have been sending out membership renewal information to all the Posts in the 10th District. As of December 2nd, our Post, Travis Post 76, slipped to number 11 of 29 Posts in our District on membership. Geesh, ya’ll, we are going the wrong way! Last month we were number six (6). Our Post as of 12/4/11 is at 76%. By the way, the other two Posts in Austin, 83 and 326, are ahead of us. The December 31 goal is to be at 85%. We have a ways to go and FYI, we still have around 150 members who have not yet sent their dues in. If you haven’t sent in your dues, please do so as soon as you can. Thank you in advance!
Please update your address book as I have a new email address. It is a.banzer@sbcglobal.net.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
See you all next year!