POSTINGS: Newsletter of American Legion Young-Budd Post 171, Westerville, Ohio

OCTOBER 2017 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Commander’s Notes: September has been a busy month here at the Legion: Jack Cashman,

Mike Etling, Dan Carey and myself participated in the Westerville Garden Club’s dedication of a Blue Star

memorial plaque at Hanby Park… The Firing Squad was again a key part of the 9-11 Memorial ceremony, this

year honoring veterans, at First Responders Park... And speaking of weapons, the 10 M-1903/M-1917 bolt

action rifles which have not been used in years, have been returned to Anniston Army Depot in Alabama and

will soon be off our accountability… The final Uptown Westerville Fourth Friday of 2017 was held on

September 22nd. Thanks to all the members who over the past several months have been there to “shake the

bucket” or just talk to the folks passing by.

The Monthly Veterans’ Breakfast saw the initiation of the first round of Euchre being played. We hope this will

become a regular part of the breakfast, so if you are a player come to the Post at 0900 hours on the third

Wednesday of the month for good food, fellowship and cards. This month we also prepared and served our

quarterly dinner at Livingston Commons. The veterans living in this subsidized facility thoroughly enjoyed the

meal. If you have never participated, it is a very rewarding experience.

One final note on September, Saturday the 30th was the Westerville Honor Flight, with a number of our

members at the Southwest Terminal to see them home.

Looking forward, we have the Columbus Stand Down on Tuesday, October 17th at the Convention Center. The

Post Auxiliary will be there providing items for the veterans (this is now a veterans-only event) so if you can

help, contact Betty Rose or Sheila Nocks and let them know. Once again breakfast under the direction of Bob

Nocks will be served at 0900 hours Wednesday, October 18th with Euchre to follow.

One final note, be sure to get your reservations in for the Veterans Day Dinner to be held at the Post Saturday,

November 11th. See the attached flier for all the details.

There is a lot going on and this is your Post, so get involved to the extent you are able. The Post will be what

you make it. –John R. McElhaney, Commander

Flu Shots Given at October Meeting

NOTE: In addition to free flu shots now available at VA clinics and Walgreens stores (information below), the

shots will be administered at our Post prior to the October meeting, starting about 6:30 p.m.

The cold and flu season is upon us and the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again teamed up with

Walgreens Pharmacies nationwide to allow all veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system

to be able walk into any of the over 8,000 Walgreens nationally to receive a vaccination at no

cost. Vaccinations will be available through March 31, 2018.

Veterans wishing to receive the no cost vaccination simply need to present a Veterans Identification Card and a

photo ID, at any participating Walgreens to receive the vaccination. The Group ID is: VAFLU

In addition, after the Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine, Walgreens will transmit that information

securely to VA where it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record.

VA is committed to keeping Veteran patients healthy, and during this flu season, vaccination is the best way to

prevent the spread of flu. No matter where you live, visit your local VA clinic or Walgreens to get a no cost flu

shot.

Verona vet takes command She’s first woman to lead national American Legion

MEG JONES

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

NOTE: For the first time the American Legion’s national commander is a woman, who, like her husband, is an Army veteran. She’s from Wisconsin, where the state Legion commander is also a woman. Current issues of the Legion’s national publications carry stories about her. And her home state’s major newspaper took notice and ran a feature article. POSTINGS’ editor found it at JS-online.com.

MADISON - When Denise Rohan was elected

state commander of the American Legion several

years ago, her photo was hung on the walls of

posts throughout Wisconsin, but the post in

Marshall included an unusual sign.

Next to her picture the caption noted

Rohan could have been a member of the Marshall

American Legion post. [But] when an American

Legion recruiter came to her Marshall home more

than three decades ago, he asked to speak to her

husband to see if he wanted to join the veterans

group. Rohan had served two years in the Army

and knew she was eligible to join the American

Legion, too. A fact she pointed out to the

American Legion recruiter.

“He said, ‘Well, women join the

auxiliary,’” Rohan said.

Yes, as an Army wife, Rohan could have

joined the group of women whose family

members served in the armed forces during

wartime. But her two years in the Quartermaster

Ccorps, including time spent as an instructor, also

qualified her for the Legion.

After she was elected late last month as

national commander of the American Legion —

the first woman in the group’s 98-year history —

Rohan joked about sending another picture to the

Marshall Legion post, of her clad in the red

national commander’s cap.

Though women have served in the

military for centuries — female veterans have

been members since the American Legion was

founded in Paris at the end of World War I and

women have held other leadership roles in the

nation’s largest veterans organization — Rohan is

the first national commander. What took so long?

“I like to joke and say they were just

waiting for me,” Rohan, 61, said last week in an

interview at a Madison hotel where she was

staying for a few days before heading to New

Hampshire, followed by Alabama and Maine.

She didn’t join the Marshall post’s

auxiliary, eventually joining the American Legion

in 1984 in [nearby] Sun Prairie.

“In 1919 when the organization was first

founded, our founding fathers understood that a

veteran was a veteran and even back then women

Below: After her election, National Commander Denise Rohan addresses the American Legion national convention

in Reno, Nevada.

were allowed to be part of the organization. In

reality, women could vote for (American Legion)

national commander before they could vote for

president.”

Rohan said a growing number of women

are taking on leadership roles in the American

Legion but becoming national commander means

putting her life on hold for a year — sort of like a

deployment on friendly soil — something people

who are still working and raising families would

find difficult.

She and her husband have rented out their

Verona home because they’ll be on the road

visiting all 50 states and several countries,

including France, South Korea and China, which

have American Legion posts. Among her duties

will be the New York Veterans Day parade co-

marshal with Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Rohan plans to focus on families of

military members and veterans as well as boost

awareness of the American Legion. As a

volunteer with Wisconsin National Guard family

readiness groups through several overseas

deployments, Rohan knows the priority of

deploying troops is making sure their families are

taken care of while they’re away.

“Ever since the war on terror, our military

has deployed time and time again and our

families have had to be resilient,” she said.

On Veterans Day in November, Rohan is

encouraging every American Legion post in the

country to open its doors and invite people in to

see what Legionnaires do and learn more about

their history.

The Iowa native joined the Army in 1974 right

out of high school when she didn’t know what to

do with her life. She wanted to be a chaplain’s

assistant, but there were no openings and Rohan

instead served as a stock control and accounting

specialist as well as a repair parts specialist

course instructor stationed at Fort Lee, Va.

When she joined the Army, the ranks of

quartermasters were just opening up for women.

“I thought that was funny. What was there about

supply that would have kept women out 40 years

ago? Today, women are driving tanks and in

combat roles. Forty years ago, women couldn’t

pass out automobile parts,” she said.

Wisconsin State American Legion

Commander Laurel Clewell of Appleton Post No.

38 has known Rohan for a decade.

“I always laugh because this isn’t new —

women veterans have been around for a long

time,” said Clewell, adding that she’s inspired by

Rohan’s leadership. “She’s definitely helping us

gain the respect for female veterans.”

Rohan pointed to recent legislation passed

through the work of the American Legion as well

as other veterans groups. That includes the

Forever G.I. Bill, which removes the 15-year time

limit for veterans to use their educational

benefits, and a bill signed by President Donald

Trump at the American Legion’s national

convention in Reno, Nev., shortening the time

veterans must wait to hear the outcome of their

claims on health care and other benefits.

American Legion membership recently

fell to under 2 million, a reflection of World War

II, Korean and Vietnam veterans dying and

current veterans and military members not joining

for various reasons.

“The legislation we just helped get passed

wouldn’t have happened if we were only 1

million strong. All of the work we’re doing, the

larger that number is, the better,” she said.

Copyright © 2017 Milwaukee Journal

Sentinel 9/11/2017

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Military-Related Tales from Atlanta

The week before last I was in Atlanta, Georgia, where I covered events at a commercial

truck show. And I met people with connections to the military and to the VA. Here are three

quick tales:

Army & Air Force Exchange Service – At a recent Post 171 meeting someone pointed out

that we vets are entitled to shop at the AAFES website. Well, displayed there at the show

was a brand-new AAFES semitrailer, snappy black with a set of colorful graphics. As I shot

pics, a guy came up behind me and said, “Use your flash. They’re reflective.” His name was

Nick Divencenzo, and he knew about the reflective markings because he manages the

AAEFES truck fleet, which operates around the U.S. We talked a bit about on-line shopping

and he noted that even if prices aren’t that low, “You don’t pay sales tax, and it’s shipped right to your house.” And there

are some bargains. “Around Veterans Day there’ll be some crazy deals on electronics, like big-screen TVs, 52-inchers for

$330!” ‘Preciate the tip, Nick.

Recruits at ATL – Done with the show, I headed for the Atlanta airport. As I walked into the main terminal building I

saw a group of young men, standing stone quiet in five rows. Each was holding a large yellow card -- sheet music? ‘Is

this a high school chorus?’ I wondered. I took a

seat nearby, waiting to hear them sing. An old

white-haired fellow -- the chorus director? –

stood in front of them, smiling and chatting with

first one of the kids, then another. Then I noticed

that some of them were wearing camo-pattern

clothes and carrying backpacks with “U.S.

Army” markings. ‘These are recruits,’ I thought.

Sure enough, a stern Smokey Bear-hatted drill

instructor was going through the ranks, stopping

before each one, looking him up and down, then

signing off on the sheet – maybe their temporary

transportation passes. The sergeant then ordered a right face and they moved out, rank by rank, and headed for the TSA

security check point and their new military lives.

I approached the old guy, who by then was

talking with four other recruits. His name

badge said, “Willie Rhyne, ATL Chaplain.” I

struck up a conversation. He said he had

served 33 years in the Navy, and did this for

groups of recruits. “I’m their morale officer,”

he explained. We recalled that many years ago,

we had been young and gone off for military

training, and now know how these guys feel.

“Bless you for what you’re doing, sir,” I told

him. And good luck, young men.

VA lady – About an hour later I was walking to the gate for my flight home and I spotted a lady wearing a Marquette

University T-shirt. I’m an Marquette grad and I don’t see many of those blue-and-gold colors (except for the U of

Michigan’s) outside Milwaukee. I went up and said hello. She said she had graduated in 1974 with a degree in medical

technology. Small world – she had worked for my sister, also a med tech, who had graduated from MU in ‘61. The lady

said she now works at the Veterans Administration hospital in New Orleans. I told her I have gotten very good care and

been treated very courteously at VA facilities here in Ohio. “Thank you for your service,” she said. Then, “We try. And

we are told to treat the veterans like kings. If you don’t, you’re gone.” Thank you, ma’am. –Tom Berg

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MINUTES: Below are the minutes from September. Please read them before our Oct. 4 meeting so you can offer

any corrections to the adjutant before you are asked to approve them.

Membership Meeting Minutes, Sept. 6, 2017 Meeting called to order by Commander John McElhaney at 7 p.m. with customary ceremonies. Quorum declared by

Sergeant At Arms Bill Laidley. Items of business:

• “Care” packages – Auxiliary’s Ann Williams said Unit 171 plans to pack packages to send to active duty military

personnel four times in the coming year. Legion members are invited to help. Packages will go to service

members in Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan.

• Past commanders honored – Cmdr. McElhaney recognizes past commanders present tonight: Fred Winckelman,

Steve Romeo, Mike Etling and Pete Otteson.

• August minutes – Motion to approve made by Ron Leonard and seconded by Jack Cashman; motion carried.

• Finances – Finance Officer Flo Evans reports on Post 171’s healthy fiscality… Mike Etling reports that the recent

annual audit of post finances returned a good grade, though with recommendations for a couple of

improvements.

• Birthday – A birthday party for Bill Cole is this Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m., at the post.

• Membership – Cmdr. McElhaney (speaking for Chuck Hurley, who’s out with a bum arm) reports that Post 171’s

paid membership is at 68%; all renewals should be done on line.

• Building maintenance – Bill Laidley requests approval to spend $123.50 per treatment for lawn weed-and-feed

spraying; motion made by Sonny Evans and seconded by Steve Romeo; motion carried.

• Americanism – Cmdr. McElhaney reports that Pete Otteson will handle these tasks because Glen Golden will

soon undergo back surgery; Bill Laidley offers to cut Glen’s lawn while he’s down.

• Hurricane Harvey help – Tim Dickerson discusses financial help to Legion posts in Texas battered by Harvey…

Later, donations for Irma victims also discussed.

• Stand Down – Annual Stand Down to aid homeless veterans in Columbus is Oct. 16; needed items include

toiletries and new clothing. Tim Dickerson will acquire 200 tooth-care packets.

• Veterans Day Dinner – Nov. 11 at our Post hall, and the meal will be catered; more details to come.

• Social events – Activities for Post members discussed.

• Chillicothe food pantry – Items for the now-depleted pantry brought tonight; Walt Malys will deliver them.

• Blankets for vets – Annual effort to gather lap blankets for veterans at Chillicothe home is underway; motion

made, seconded and approved to spend $200 to buy some... Lap blanket party at the post on Saturday…

• Veterans program at Heritage Middle School – Annual program is Nov. 10 at the school; we will participate.

• Fourth Friday is Sept. 22; please show up and help rattle the contributions can.

• Flu shots – Free shots to be administered at the Oct. 4 meeting; roll up your sleeves.

• Guest – Mike Etling introduces Gene Wise, USMC vet ’55-62; after the Marines he was an FAA air traffic

controller in Columbus.

• Firing Squad – Bill Deskins, the former squad commander, praises Jack Cashman, the current commander, for his

efforts, notes that the squad needs new faces.

• 9-11 ceremony – Post’s Honor Guard to participate in flag raising at noon Monday at First Responders Park in

Westerville.

• Lost rifles – The long-ago issue of several missing M-1 rifles has been resolved.

• Honor Flight return – Dave Bergman reports that Westerville-sponsored honorees will return this Saturday at

John Glenn Airport; show up about 9 p.m. to welcome them; a video crew will do interviews and shoot footage.

• Livingston Commons meal service – Coming up this month.

• Veterans breakfast – Sept. 20, 9 a.m., at the post.

• Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. –Respectfully submitted, Tom Berg, Adjutant

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MORE MINUTES: Your highly organized adjutant finally found his notes from the June meeting, and

typed up the minutes for your perusal and approval:

Membership Meeting Minutes, June 7, 2017

Meeting called to order by Commander Pete Otteson at 7 p.m. with the customary ceremonies. Quorum declared by Sergeant At Arms Bill Laidley.

Officer Installation -- 2017-18 officers were sworn in for Auxiliary Unit 171, then for Legion Post 171….

Meeting resumed at 7:29… Members approved minutes for the May meeting. Items of business:

• Contribution of $500 to Westerville South High School – Motion made by Glen Golden and seconded by Dave Bergman; motion carried.

• Authorization to spend up to $3,300 to seal and stripe the parking lot – Motion made by Bill Laidley, seconded by Mike Etling; motion carried

• Finances – Finance Officer Flo Evans reported on the Post’s healthy financial condition (numbers shared with meeting attendees by not published in the minutes).

• Membership – Chuck Hurley reported that starting June 30, membership records, renewals, etc., will all be on line.

• Torn American flag at Otterbein Cemetery – Flag’s condition noted during Memorial Day weekend and Jack Cashman said he got the City to replace it.

• Honor Flight – Dave Bergman reported that the next veterans’ flight to Washington, D.C., is June 24; the next Westerville-sponsored flight is Sept. 30.

• Boys State/Girls State – Glen Golden outlined plans for upcoming sessions to be attended by 12 boys and 12 girls… Tom Poulton praised Bev Etling and Glen, who took over from Bev, for their work.

• Americanism – Tom Poulton said Ohio Legion posts lead the nation’s posts in Americanism activities.

• Veterans breakfast – Next breakfast is June 21 at the post.

• Flag Retirement ceremony – June 14 at First Responders Park, sponsored by VFW Post 7883; Legion Post 171’s Firing Squad will participate.

Cmdr. Otteson turned over the meeting to newly installed Cmdr. McElhaney, who declared it adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

–Respectfully submitted, Tom Berg, Adjutant

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Meetings and Events Calendar

(NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, all American Legion Post 171 meetings and events are at the Post’s Hall at 393 E.

College Avenue, Westerville 43081. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7883 also meets at the Post Hall.

• Wed., Oct. 4 -- Officers meeting, 6 p.m., membership meeting, 7 p.m.

• Wed., Oct. 11 – VFW Post 7883 membership meeting, 7 p.m.

• Tues., Oct 17 – Stand Down for homeless veterans, Columbus Convention Center

• Wed., Oct. 18 -- Veterans Breakfast, 9 a.m.

• Wed., Nov. 1 -- Officers meeting, 6 p.m., membership meeting, 7 p.m.

• Wed., Nov. 8 -- VFW Post 7883 membership meeting, 7 p.m.

• Sat., Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Dinner; details in flyer accompanying this newsletter

• Wed., Nov. 15 -- Veterans Breakfast, 9 a.m.

• Wed., Dec. 6, Officers meeting, 6 p.m., membership meeting, 7 p.m.

• Wed., Dec. 13, VFW Post 7883 membership meeting, 7 p.m.

• Wed., Dec. 20, Veterans Breakfast, 9 a.m.

• Mon, Dec. 25, Christmas Day

• Mon., Jan. 1, New Year’s Day

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POST 171 TRUSTEES Mike Etling, 614-890-4050, mikeetling@att.net

Harold “Sonny” Evans, 740-965-1956, hjevans1956@yahoo.com

Tom Poulton, 614-783-1950, ltctrpret@yahoo.com

2017-18 OFFICERS Commander – John McElhaney, 614-392-2703, jmcelhaney@earthlink.net

1st Vice Commander – Chuck Hurley, 614-882-1575, americanlegionpost171@gmail.com

2nd Vice Commander – Ron Leonard, cell 614-778-4168, rleon95596@aol.com >

3rd Vice Commander -- Dave Bergman, 614-890-3442, dbergman@wowway.com

Adjutant – Tom Berg, cell 760-505-4067, thesuperscribe@yahoo.com

Finance Officer – Flo Evans, 614-403-3846, floevans1@gmail.com

Service Officer – Tim Dickerson, 614-729-6963, todickerson@aol.com

Chaplain – Juan Brady, juan.brady1029@gmail.com

Sergeant-At-Arms -- Bill Laidley, 614-882-4635, mcssde3@hotmail.com

Judge Advocate – Chris Curry, 614-423-8324, christophertc@yahoo.com

Historian – Vern Pack, 614-895-2102, vern7@earthlink.net

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POSTINGS is edited and produced by Adjutant Tom Berg (contact info above); call or email him with any article

submissions and story ideas. It is distributed by 1st Vice Commander Chuck Hurley and Marilu Hurley (contact info

above); call or email them with any changes in email addresses or other updates for the roster.

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