INFORMATION
2020 GRAPE & WINE PARADE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH
Parade kicks off at 1 from the Paw Paw Middle School.
SPAGHETTI DINNER 2020
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DINNER - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7th - $7 get you a real nice meal. Kids 5 and under are FREE with a paid adult.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
As of August 2019 membership requirements to join the American Legion
If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving - you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
*Because eligibility dates remain open, all active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.
**U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (WWII).
ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS
Legislation signed into law on July 30 opens Legion membership to hundreds of thousands more veterans. The Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service LEGION Act allows any honorably discharged veterans who’ve served since Dec. 7, 1941, to join the American Legion and access its programs and benefits. Congress chartered and incorporated the American Legion in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Previously, military veterans who served in periods of peacetime between wars were not eligible for membership, according to a release. “We are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires,’” said national Legion Commander Brett Reistad. The bipartisan effort was made early this year through legislation introduced in Congress in the House and Senate. When applying for membership, prospective Legionnaires and recruiters should write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous seven war eras, Brett said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for the American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary,” Brett said.
WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN LEGION DO?
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States.
Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC)
TEC with VETS - a FREE Veteran Therapeutic Equestrian Program since 2006, the Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) has been offering programs to enhance the lives of people with special needs and disabilities through horse-related activities. TEC's therapeutic riding, in-school, and community-based initiatives have welcomed participants of all ages and abilities, challenging them to test their limits to achieve what they may have thought was impossible. The connection between horse and rider can be transforming. Steady progress leads to fist bumps and high fives, words of encouragement and praise for a job well done - going from "l can't" to "l did it." TEC offers hope.
TEC offers this program for men and women who have served in our country’s armed forces and those still serving. We’ve proudly opened our doors to veterans, their families and active military who are looking for an alternative activity to help them meet the challenges of daily living. Our instructors have designed a program with you in mind, beginning where you are and moving forward as a team.
The time and energy spent in building the relationship between horse and rider (or non-rider) can be life-changing. This special bond may become the spark that leads to emotional healing, as well as improved self-confidence, trust, respect, and compassion. The partnership can also help individuals manage depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress and relational issues. Truly, horses change lives. We invite you to let them change yours.
If interested? Need more information? Want to sign up for a program or become a volunteer?
Call (269) 429-0671 or info@tecfarm.org
NOTE: Hank Bostic is on the Board of Directors for Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC). He has personally connected two veterans to this program and they are extremely happy with the benefits. Hank is a member of Post 68 Sons of the American Legion and currently holds the position of Commander for the Squadron. Hank may be contacted for more information at (269) 888-4889. If you know someone who may benefit from this program feel free to call Hank for more information?
Scholarships and Recognition
Nursing Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Open to all who wish to pursue the medical field. Must be a high school graduate from an eastern Van Buren County high school or live in eastern Van Buren County
Boys State Application Form
Open to high school juniors
Deadline: May 1, 2020
Program dates are TBA, 2020
At Grand Valley State University, Allendale Campus
Student Trooper
Additional Information
A E D Fund Raiser
We have a drive on to raise funds to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D.) for the Post Hall. These items aren't cheap so we are asking for your help of a donation of any size. This may save a life and wouldn't you feel great knowing you help purchased one for the Post Hall.
We are as of March 2018 we are just over the $600 mark toward our purchase of a A.E.D. We like to thank those who have supported us so far in this task and goal for a A.E.D. for the hall. We still have a long way to go to reach a purchase price of $1500.
A UNIT HAS BEEN PURCHASED AND WILL BE ON SITE SHORTLY.
TALONS OUT HONOR FLIGHT
Congratulations to George Guritz on his trip to Washington D.C. on the Talons Honor Flight. World War II veterans have priority on flights and if room Korean Veterans can go.
The trip is FREE for the Veterans but costs the Guardian $500. If you would like to DONATE to our Talons Flight Guardian Fund you may send it to the above Post 68 address"ATTN: Talons Flight Guardian Fund". In the MEMO area on your check be sure to enter Talons, Flight Guardian Fund. Any donation toward this fund is very helpful.
Need help in signing up for a Talon Flight contact Bob Adams. Information required for application is the nearest relative, contact person for emergencies, a list of medications, and a copy of discharge. You can also have a family member go as a guardian. A guardian is a person that will care for you for the day. A wheelchair will be provided if it is necessary.