Essay Winners 2003

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Commanders’ Corner

       Tis the season to be happy, caring, joyful, and loving, we should feel this way year around. I wish to thank the legionnaires and aux. ladies that sold the saving passes at the mall. We made a few dollars of which we shared with our Aux.  This time of year, we seem to attend a lot of parties, being with friends and family, let us not forget the soldiers overseas, not being able to be with their loved ones, keep them in your prayers. The post Christmas party was nice, food taste; I appreciate all those that attended. And us sending messages to the troops overseas. Good  job John (Adj)

    At our last executive meeting , I appointed Gerri Rummel to take the open position of Sgt of Arms, we will assist in helping him learn  his requirements, which are a lot, so please give him all the help you can. Good luck Gerri, I know you can do the  job.   A  new year is on its way in a few days, even though we are #1 in District 1 on membership, we need to continue   getting new members and renewing the membership from  present members. So please the members that haven’t renewed your membership for 2004, (which is overdue) do so by sending your money to PO BOX 2767, RH GA 31324. Please don’t let  up.

    Again I wish to thank those that have helped in making our post noted to State, we are small, in membership, but we are loud, when it comes to making our Children and Youth programs #1 in State Hope all had a wonderful holiday, I will be celebrating Betty’s and mine 49^th wedding anniversary Dec 27^th, (not sure if she will be celebrating or crying, I know I got the better deal) and my birthday the 30th, (forgot what year).

      Lets us not forget our troops in harms way, keep them in your prayers,

 For God & Country, God Bless America

William B Helms Jr

Commander

Auxiliary News

The Auxiliary will meet at the Sr Citizens Center at its normal time on 15 January 2004

Adjutant’s Call

As always, I hope this finds all of you in good health and cheer. On behalf of Zena and the Boys I extend our families wish for all of you to have a wonderful Christmas and hope the New Year is a time of great prosperity and good health for you and yours.

The New Year will find the Post in good stewardship, as we continue to uphold our obligation to serve for God and Country, and to make our community, state, and nation a better place. Our non-profit operation has raised more in cash and donated goods and services this year than ever, and we have seen to its distribution throughout our community, and to the soldiers and airmen now serving.

This would be a good time to review what some of these programs do, we conduct the Annual Middle School Essay Contest, the Local Competition for The National High School Oratorical Contest, Boys & Girls State, The Veterans Children Scholarship, we place approximately 80-90 grave marker flags on Memorial Day throughout south Bryan County, we send sick bed and funeral flowers to our members (veterans), and to family of our adopted units. We have provided support to the Veterans Hospitals in Georgia through contributions to the Department Commanders Project. We participate in community events with our Color Guard; publish this Newsletter, and our Web Site. We have adopted three different Company size units, since March two of which are still serving in Iraq. We send them comfort items and offer assistance to their families while they are deployed, and we have established a program to help soldiers wounded or injured in current operations This would be an ambitious program for a Post of any size, even one with a building and club to help raise these funds.

With all we have done and do, you might ask the question, “What does the Post do for me?” To that I would answer, we provide opportunity. Opportunities to serve in any of the programs above, opportunities to serve in any program you’d care to establish that fits a Non-Profit Veterans group profile. We provide you with good friends, camaraderie, and a local purpose. In the three and a half years I’ve been the Adjutant, I have never failed to enjoy the participation, and the good feeling helping others out gives. Can’t make it to meetings? Too busy you say, live too far away? Then for you, I say we do these programs in your name and God Bless you for allowing us the opportunity.

Which Brings me to the January Meeting: in a effort to try something new our January Meeting scheduled for 15 January will be held at the Perkins Restaurant from 7:00 – 10 PM we have reserved a meeting room and you can order dinner from the menu. Perkins is located at Hwy 204 (Abercorn extension) & I-95.  Dinner will start at 7:15 and Adult Beverages will be available. Business meeting will start at 8:00 PM. On the Agenda, Initiation of New Members (See List elsewhere) Installation of Gerry Rummel as Sgt of Arms, Charles Henderson as Exec Committeeman, Mid Year Awards, and year end financial review. We hope to see all of you there. Have a Happy New Year.

For God & Country…

John H Ellis Sr

Adjutant                                       

KIA’s

 Current

Operations

It is my sad duty to report the following named individuals have given their lives for us and the free peoples of the world since our last publication. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. The Adj

US Army

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Sgt. Michael D. Acklin II, 25, Louisville, Ky., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq
Spc. Genaro Acosta, 26, Fair Oaks, Calif., Nov. 11, 2003, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Bader, 28, Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Ryan T. Baker, 24, Brown Mills, N.J., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Nathan J. Bailey, 46, Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 12, 2003, Kuwait

Spc. Robert T. Benson, 20, of Spokane, Wash., Nov. 4, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, 37, Whittier, Calif., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

2nd Lt. Todd J. Bryant, 23, Riverside, Calif., Oct. 31, 2003, Iraq
Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew, 33, Enon Valley, Pa., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Damian S. Bushart, 22, Waterford, Mich., Nov. 22, 2003, Iraq

Spc. James A. Chance III, 25, Kokomo, Miss., Nov. 6, 2003, Iraq

Cpl. Gary B. Coleman, 24, Pikeville, Ky., Nov. 21, 2003, Iraq
2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan, 30, Kent, Wash., Nov. 1, 2003, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Gary L. Collins, 32, Hardin, Texas, Nov. 8, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Steven D. Conover, 21, Wilmington, Ohio., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer Alexander S. Coulter, 35, Tenn, Nov. 17, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Anthony D. Dagostino, 20, Waterbury, Conn., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Capt. Nathan S. Dalley, 27, Kaysville, Utah, Nov. 17, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Jeremiah J. Digiovanni, 21, Tylertown, Miss., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Spc. William D. Dusenbery, 30, Fairview Heights, Ill., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Paul F. Fisher, 39, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Nov. 6, 2003, Homberg, Germany (of injuries sustained in Iraq)
Pfc. Jacob S. Fletcher, 28, Bay Shore, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2003, Iraq

Pvt. Kurt R. Frosheiser, 22, Des Moines, Iowa, Nov. 8, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Richard W. Hafer, 21, Cross Lanes, W.Va. Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Warren S. Hansen, 36, Clintonville, Wisc., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle, 21, Grand Forks, N.D., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq
Sgt. Timothy L. Hayslett, 26, Newville, Pa., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Damian L. Heidelberg, 21, Batesville, Miss., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

1st Lt. Joshua C. Hurley, 24, Va., Nov. 1, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Marlon P. Jackson, 25, Jersey City, N.J., Nov. 11, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Darius T. Jennings, 22, Cordova, S.C., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Maurice J. Johnson, 21, Levittown, Pa., Nov. 1, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Rayshawn S. Johnson, 20, Brooklyn, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2003, Iraq

Chief Warrant Officer (CW3) Kyran E. Kennedy, 43, Boston, Mass., Nov. 7, 2003, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Morgan D. Kennon, 23, Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 7, 2003, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer Erik C. Kesterson, 29, Independence, Ore., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Karina S. Lau, 20, Livingston, Calif., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Joseph L. Lister, 22, Pleasanton, Kan., Nov. 20, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Francisco Martinez, 28, Humacao, Puerto Rico, Nov. 4, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Irving Medina, 22, Middletown, N.Y., Nov.14, 2003, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Eddie E. Menyweather, 35, Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 23, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Joseph Minucci II, 23, Richeyville, Pa, Nov. 13, 2003, Iraq

CW2 Christopher G. Nason, 39, Calif., Nov. 23, 2003, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Paul M. Neff II, 30, Fort Mill, S.C., Nov. 7, 2003, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Dale A. Panchot, 26, Northome, Minn., Nov. 17, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Ross A. Pennanen, 36, Okla., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Spc. Brian H. Penisten, 28, Fort Wayne, Ind., Nov. 2, Iraq

Sgt. Joel Perez, 25, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Capt. Pierre E. Piche, 29, Starksboro, Vt., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Rel A. Ravago IV, 21, Glendale, Calif., Nov. 23, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. 1st Class Jose A. Rivera, 34, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Nov. 5, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Robert D. Roberts, 21, Winter Park, Fla., Nov. 22, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Scott C. Rose, 30, Fayetteville, N.C., Nov. 7, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. John W. Russell, 26, Portland, Texas, Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer Scott A. Saboe, 33, Willow Lake, S.D., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Capt. James A. Shull, 32, California, Nov. 17, 2003, Iraq

1st Lt. Brian D. Slavenas, 30, Genoa, Ill., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Cpl. Darrell L. Smith, 28, Otwell, Ind., Nov. 23, 2003, Iraq

Capt. Benedict J. Smith, 29, Monroe City, Mo., Nov. 7, 2003, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer Bruce A. Smith, 41, West Liberty, Iowa, Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq

Spc. John R. Sullivan, 26, Countryside, Ill., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Chief Warrant Officer (CW5) Sharon T. Swartworth, 43, Va., Nov. 7, 2003, Iraq

Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko, 24, Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov. 9, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Eugene A. Uhl III, 21, of Amherst, Wisc., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Spc. Frances M. Vega, 20, of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Paul A. Velazquez, 29, Calif., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Mark D. Vasquez, 35, Port Huron, Mich., Nov. 8, 2003, Iraq

Pfc. Joey D. Whitener, 19, Nebo, N.C., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq

Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Wilson, 45, Thomson, Ga., Nov. 23, 2003, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Joe N. Wilson, 30, Miss., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Spc. Robert A. Wise, 21, Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 12, 2003, Iraq
Spc. James R. Wolf, 21, Scottsbluff, Neb., Nov. 6, 2003, Iraq
2nd Lt. Jeremy L. Wolfe, 27, Wisc., Nov. 15, 2003, Iraq
Capt. George A. Wood, 33, New York, N.Y., Nov. 20,2003, Iraq

Operation Enduring Freedom

US Army

Staff Sgt. Nathan J. Bailey, 46, Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 12, 2003, Afghanistan

Sgt. Jay A. Blessing, 23, Tacoma, Wash., Nov. 14, 2003, Afghanistan

The following individuals are scheduled for initiation at the General Membership Meeting 15 January 2004.

Isamu Asher         Gary Breon            Larry Burris

James Dahle          Troy Dillworth      Llewellyn Dykes

James Duke           Kimberly Elsherriff

Edwin Erskine       Ed Foerstel            John Foxworth

Alric Francs          Donald Gold          Lawrence Hester

Arnford Henrickson                            Tim Johnson

Phillip Jones          Alvin Judge          Greg MacDougal

Bonnie Miracle     John Miracle         James Morris

Alan Patterson     Deborah Peltonin Jackie Ray

Micah Ray             Francis Roberson Ken Ross

Wilford Ross        Paul Sedgwick      John Smith

Roger Story           Ronald Stover       Jon Stylz

John Suchower     Leonard Townsend

Paul Walz              Richard White      Ben Wilkinson

Charles Williams Michael Wills         Todd Wood

Philip Wolfe          Ron Wolbert

Please RSVP before 5 January if you can or cannot make it. I need a definite number to order pins, flags, certificates etc. Call me at 695-0735

The Adj

Subject:  Holiday Wishes From YOUR Military

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother
who stand at the front against any and all,
to ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

Happy Holidays, Joe Pellish

T

Two Weeks Before Christmas!

T'was two weeks before Christmas,

 And all through Iraq,
The people still worried that Saddam would be back.
The soldiers went out on their nightly patrol,
Capturing the bad guys was always their goal!

With raids seeming endless in the triangle Sunni,
We hoped that not all of Iraq was so looney!
We gathered the tribe of Saddam,  in Tikrit,
And suddenly now they  all started to snit!

They told of a farm where Hussein just might be
Odierno then called on our boys- from the great 4th ID!
More rapid than Baathists our soldiers they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name

Now Delta, Now Rangers, Now Cavalry too!
On Green Hats, on Pilots, I need all of you!
Go to that farm and secure it right now!
Capture his ass- you guys know how!

Off went our soldiers under cover of night,
So stealthy, so quiet with no trace of light
While we back at home were eating our lunches,
Our boys on the ground were following hunches!

And then it was time for the raid to begin.
The first target came up -empty within!
Could it be our Intel was wrong once again?
No! Somewhere nearby is the wolf in his den!

And then, in a twinkling,  camouflage torn away
In a hole in the ground did their quarry lay
Dazed and confused, right at them he looked,
Did the stupid old fool know his goose was now cooked?

He was dressed all in rags from his toes to his head,
And his beard was as matted as 12 day-old bread!
How the mighty had fallen, could this be Hussein?
One look in his eyes was to know he's insane!

Our boys got their man - how proud we all are
The relief in our country is felt near and far
A bath he has had now -yet he'll never be clean
Forever tainted with mass torture and his Fedaheen

To our soldiers we give our undying respect
You always give more than we ever expect
We hope you can have now a night with some fun
Your loved ones back home say-  JOB DAMN WELL DONE!

Deborah Sandberg
Proud Army Mom (101st)
14 December 2003

Word From The Front

Greetings family and friends of the 549^th MP CO, I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving this year even though we were unable to be with you on that special day. This has been another exciting and busy month for the “Enforcers” in Iraq. The company is continuing to work with the Iraqi Police Force and monitor their tremendous progress. We have also had an opportunity to conduct some very high profile missions in November. The “Roughriders” were given the opportunity to conduct a very large cordon and search mission, which resulted in large amounts of weapons being confiscated. The “Renegades” conducted a raid and also was involved in the confiscation of a large weapons cache. The “Ghost Riders” were at the tip of the spear on the security mission of the surprise visit by President Bush on Thanksgiving Day. They escorted the presidential motorcade and provided security on the numerous locations that the president was visiting. The company is continuing to stay focused through the upcoming holiday season and is very motivated to know redeployment is right around the corner. I also want to congratulate the Poole Family for their new addition, we are very happy to have little Hallie as part of the “Enforcer Family”. Thank you all for your constant support and prayers.

ENFORCER 6 (written by Nightstalker 6 )

Troop Support Items

The following is a list of items we are collecting every month at the meetings and throughout town to support our troops in Kuwait and other areas. Please bring a donation of any of the listed goods to each meeting until further notice. Or drop off at The Adj’s House 27 Whippoorwill Ln RH

Personal Hygine

Baby Wipes          Waterless Hand Soap

Sunglasses            Visine

Female Specific products

Morale Boosters

                Paperback Books Magazines                                             DVD’s                    Music CD’s

Food Dr’s

                Various Spices      Tabasco Sauce

                Soy Sauce             Lea & Perin’s                       

Powdered Drink Mix

     Koolaid                  Lemonade                                              Sweet Tea              Instant Coffee

High Temp Sweets Like:

                Jelly Beans            LifeSavers                                             Cookies

Snacks:

                Fritos                      Chips                                                      Crackers

                Instant Oatmeal    Ramen                                    Cup o Noodles

                Cheese Dip/Spread (Non Refig)

The Members of The American Legion JE Lanier Post 27 Thank you for your help.