Seafood Festival Report

We did it again. This years Seafood Festival was another great success for Post 27 and the Auxiliary. Once again many good lessons were learned to make it even better next year. Our Man-hours donated to this event equal over 250 Community Service Hours for reporting purposes. Many Thanks to our Auxiliary members and the Legionnaires who contributed man-hours and equipment to make it happen, The Profit and Loss statement below indicates our success and following that I have appended some lessons learned. Good Job Guys and Gals

The Adj

Item	Sales	Costs of Goods Sold	Profit/loss
Non Profit	$994.00	$0.00	$994.00
Cokes	$657.00	$365.00	$292.00
Food	$606.00	$472.89	$133.11
Entry	$0.00	$225.00	($225.00)
	$2,257.00	$1,062.89	$1,194.11

Lessons Learned

Signage- Our booth did not stand out as well as it could have to get the customers attention; this was most especially needed, as we were located at the trailing end of the foot traffic flow. We will spend the year studying how we might do it better to attract more people to our booth no matter where we are located. I would say that our being co-located with the Red Cross selling Cotton Candy was a plus, and hope we are sharing a booth with them next year.

Over Supply of Food Items Once again we over bought food. The amount we bought was based on earnings of a similar booth (The Sausage Hut) last year as given to us by the Seafood Festival Committee. The food purchased had to be ordered two weeks in advance to get the best price and allow for a profit. We now have the numbers for our own operation, and can better plan for operations next year.

Hot Item The Coke T shirts were the big winner and profit maker this year. Many thanks to Past Commander Don Gardner for his procurement of these items at no cost. Saved our Bacon.

Seafood Item Clam Chowder was our seafood item and sales of it were down this year by nearly half. If any one has a better idea for a seafood item that is quick and easy to prepare and we can cook on the equipment we have, start talking about it now so we can work it into the plan.

Web Extra

Veterans Day

Commanders’ Corner

Post 27, I wish to thank those that helped out at the Seafood Festival and at Kroger’s selling hot dogs and raffle tickets for Bob the Eagle, we also nabbed a few new members. We did better at Kroger’s than I had expected. Thanks guys and ladies.

Our essay contest at the RH Middle School is going on, judging of the essays takes place this week and next, we received over 190 essays this year, my thanks to our judges. All members are welcome and encouraged to come to the awards, Adj Ellis will give you the details,

Post 27 participated on Nov 11th, in Savannah the Vets Day parade, our color guard looked good we started off with Breakfast at Plums Restaurant, went to Savannah and had a great time in the Parade, and capped it off with lunch at Cracker Barrel. A good time had by all and I thank all who marched for the Post. Good Job. The Adj and I capped off our day with the presentation of ‘Bob II’ to Ms Joan Youn of Hinesville, what a great day.

We recently attended a dinner hosted by the 549^th MP Co Family Resource Group our Post received many thanks for our support for the soldiers and their families. CPT William Poole, 549^th Company Commander, is home on R&R and has agreed to come to our meeting on Thursday the 20^th to let us know how the guys in 549^th are doing. I personally would like to see all of you there for his presentation.

For those who volunteered at the Seafood Festival the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free dinner at Gregory Park at 6:00pm on Thursday the 20^th so go have dinner then come to the meeting. You deserve it.

Let us remember in our prayers the soldiers in harms way. Pray for their safe return home,

For God & Country, God Bless America…

William B Helms Jr.

Commander

Adjutants’ Call

As always I hope this finds you and yours in good health and cheer. Much ado at the moment throughout the Post, Here is the latest…

Seafood Festival… As you may have read, The Post had the best sales we’ve ever done so far at the seafood festival, over $2,200 in gross sales, and much great help from many of the members and the Auxiliary, Many, many, thanks…

Combined Federal Campaign Kickoff… The Post is listed once again in the Combined Federal Campaign as a local unaffiliated Organization, if you are a federal employee or in the Military Active or Reserve you can contribute to the Posts Non-profit Programs by using our 9018 code on the donation form, last years campaign has produced about $1200 for our programs this year it is a great way to give painlessly by payroll deduction, if you are a retiree and want to give through this program you can contact me for a form for a one time cash donation. Cdr Helms and Sr Vice James were at the Kickoff ceremony at Hunter AAF and helped spread the word throughout the Military community, many thanks for their efforts.

Membership…Once again Post 27 is leading the way in the First District, we have surpassed our membership goal and are headed for an all time high. Thanks to all of you who have renewed your membership already, it makes a big difference in figuring up the Operational Budget for the Post for the next year. If you haven’t yet renewed no need to

wait for the form from national just send in your $25.00 dues to the Post address at PO Box 2767, Richmond Hill, Ga 31324 ATTN 2004 Dues. The rates for Paid up For Life (PUFL) membership are changing in January. If you are interested in becoming a PUFL, it’s not too late to beat the change if you get the application and payment to me before 10 December, after that I’m not sure it will get to where it needs to go in time with the holiday mail and all. If you’re interested give me a call at 695-0735.

Upcoming events…Essay Contest Awards ceremony will be held at the Richmond Hill Middle School on 26 November at 1030 am in the Library. Sunday December 7^th,District meeting at Post 135 in Savannah at 10:00 AM 1108 Bull St, 6:00PM An Evening of Giving at the Oglethorpe Mall, enclosed you will find two tickets please buy one and sell one and send the money in, then come and enjoy the discounts at the stores throughout the Mall. The Post will be selling tickets at the door as well for this special event so come and see us, if you’d like to help with this give Sr Vice Cdr James a call at 756-8345. Christmas Party Saturday 13 December time and location to be announced.

Finally, as the holidays approach, I hope each and every one of you have a great Thanksgiving day with your loved ones, I ask all of you to pause and reflect on the sacrifices being made for us each day by our men and women now serving and that you offer a prayer on their behalf, in your own way, for their safe return.

Still Serving America…

John H Ellis Sr

Adjutant

Voice of the Sr Vice

Hello everyone I hope this reaches you in good health. I want to welcome all the new members who have recently joined the post. It is an honor to serve with you again. As you are aware we are a national organization and this organization has been able to secure many benefits and discounts available to all members.

I just want to take a minute and make you and others aware of some of the benefits available to you as members of the legion. Talking about health care, not all of our members are retired military and health care costs are soaring. The American Legion has a discount prescription drug program, an eye care program, Tricare supplement, health and dental insurance and of course life insurance. Just as any other major organization there are numerous discounts for car rentals and hotels, National, Avis, Budget, Knights Inn, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada and Travelodge to name a few. For those getaways there is Veterans Holidays that rent resort condos. While your gone let ADT watch over your property. To stay in touch with loved ones there is the American legion wireless. And to take care of those finances there is the First Bank of Omaha that can provide financial services to you. These are the nationally offered benefits there are several here locally. Many merchants here in the local area will offer discounts to Legionnaires. You never know unless you ask.

These benefits could not be possible without your support in just being a member of the legion. Each one of you adds to our main cause that is helping veterans, you add strength to our voice in congress and local government. Each veteran organization is fighting to preserve your benefits. You answered the call for freedom once before and doing so again will help to ensure those benefits are there when you need them. For more detailed information on the above discounts and benefits you can come to a meeting on the 3^rd Thursday of every month, visit the web sites, or call me at 756-8345. Feel free to use them you earned them.

Sr. Vice Cmdr

David James

Add strength to our voice recruit a new member.

	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 Pfc. Steven Acosta, 19, Calexico, Calif., Oct. 26, 2003, Iraq Pvt. Algernon Adams, 36, Aiken, S.C., Oct. 28, 2003, Iraq Spc. Michael Andrade, 28, Bristol, Rhode Island, Sept. 24, 2003, Iraq Spc. Richard Arriaga, 20, Ganado, Texas, Sept. 18, 2003, Iraq Sgt. Andrew Joseph Baddick, 26, Jim Thorpe, Pa., Sept. 29, 2003, Iraq Sgt. Michael Paul Barrera, 26, Von Ormy, Texas, Oct. 28, 2003, Iraq Sgt. Aubrey D. Bell, 33, Tuskegee, Ala., Oct. 27, 2003, Iraq Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bennett, 35, Seymour, Tenn., Sept. 12, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Bellavia, 28, Wakefield, Mass., Oct. 16, 2003 1st Lt. David R. Bernstein, 24, Phoenixville, Pa., Oct. 18, 2003, Iraq Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler, 40, Alexandria, Va., Oct. 1, 2003, Iraq Sgt. Trevor A. Blumberg, 22, Canton, Mich., Sept. 14, 2003, Iraq Pfc. Rachel K. Bosveld, 19, Waupun, Wis., Oct. 26, 2003, Iraq Spc. Artimus D. Brassfield, 22, of Flint, Mich., Oct. 24, 2003, Iraq Spc. Lunsford B. Brown II, 27, Creedmore, N.C., Sept. 20, 2003, Iraq Spc. Paul J. Bueche, 19, Daphne, Ala., Oct. 21, 2003, Iraq Lt. Col. Charles H. Buehring, 40, Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 26, 2003, Iraq Spc. Isaac Campoy, 21, Douglas, Ariz., Oct. 28, 2003, Iraq Pfc. Jose Casanova, 23, El Monte, Calif., Oct. 13, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Christopher E. Cutchall, 30, McConnellsburg, Pa., Sept. 29, 2003, Iraq Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko, 20, Pago Pago, American Samoa, Oct. 27, 2003, Iraq Capt. Brian R. Faunce, 28, Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 18, 2003, Iraq Pvt. Benjamin L. Freeman, 19, Valdosta, Ga., Oct. 13, 2003, Iraq Sgt. David T. Friedrich, 26, Hammond, N.Y., Sept. 20, 2003, Iraq Cpl. Sean R. Grilley, 24, San Bernardino, Calif., Oct. 16, 2003 Pvt. Joseph R. Guerrera, 20, Dunn, N.C., Oct. 26, 2003, Iraq Pfc. Analaura Esparza Gutierrez, 21, Houston, Texas, Oct. 1, 2003, Iraq Sgt. Michael S. Hancock, 29, Yreka, Calif., Oct. 24, 2003, Iraq Pfc. John D. Hart, 20, Bedford, Mass., Oct. 18, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Jamie L. Huggins, 26, Hume, Mo., Oct. 26, 2003, Iraq Spc. Simeon Hunte, 23, Essex, N.J., Oct. 1, 2003, Iraq Spc. John P. Johnson, 24, of Houston, Tex., Oct. 22, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Paul J. Johnson, 29, Calumet, Mich., Oct. 20, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Kevin C. Kimmerly, 31, North Creek, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2003, Iraq Capt. Robert L. Lucero, 34, Casper, Wyo., Sept. 25, 2003, Iraq. Spc. Dustin K. McGaugh, 20, Derby, Kan., Sept. 30, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Frederick L. Miller, Jr., 27, Hagerstown, Ind., Sept. 20, 2003, Iraq Spc. Jose L. Mora, 26, Bell Gardens, Calif., Oct. 24, 2003, Iraq Master Sgt. Kevin N. Morehead, 33, Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 12, 2003, Iraq Spc. Joseph C. Norquist, 26, San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 9, 2003, Iraq Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando, 43, Tennessee, Oct. 16, 2003 Pfc. Kristian E. Parker, 23, Slidell, La., Sept. 29, 2003, Qatar Spc. Alyssa R. Peterson, 27, Flagstaff, Ariz., Sept. 15, 2003, Iraq Spc. James H. Pirtle, 27, La Mesa, N.M., Oct. 4, 2003, Iraq Sgt. Darrin K. Potter, 24, Louisville, Ky., Sept. 29, 2003, Iraq Spc. James E. Powell, 26, Radcliff, Ky., Oct. 12, 2003, Iraq Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Rooney, 43, Nashua, N.H., Sept. 25, 2003, Kuwait Pfc. Kerry D. Scott, 21, Mount Vernon, Wash., Oct. 6, 2003, Iraq Pvt. Sean A. Silva, 23, Roseville, Calif., Oct. 9, 2003, Iraq Pfc. Charles M. Sims, 18, Miami, Fla., Oct. 3, 2003, Iraq Spc. Paul J. Sturino, 21, Rice Lake, Wis., Sept. 22, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swisher, 26, Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 9, 2003, Iraq Capt. John R. Teal, 31, Mechanicsville, Va., Oct. 23, 2003, Iraq Spc. Kyle G. Thomas, 23, Topeka, Kan., Sept. 25, 2003, Iraq. Sgt. Anthony O. Thompson, 26, Orangeburg, S.C., Sept. 18, 2003, Iraq Spc. Jarrett B. Thompson, 27, Dover, Del., Sept. 7, 2003, Washington, D.C. (of injuries sustained in Iraq) 2Lt. Richard Torres, 25, Clarksville, Tenn., Oct. 6, 2003, Iraq Staff Sgt. Paul A. Velazquez, 29, Calif., Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq Pvt. Jason M. Ward, 25, Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 22, 2003,Iraq Spc. Douglas J. Weismantle, 28, Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 13, 2003, Iraq Spc. Donald L. Wheeler, 22, Concord, Mich., Oct. 13, 2003, Iraq Spc. Michael L. Williams, 46, Buffalo, N.Y., Oct. 17, 2003, Iraq Spc. James C. Wright, 27, Morgan, Texas, Sept. 18, 2003, Iraq Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt, 19, Kilgore, Texas, Oct. 13, 2003, Iraq Operation Enduring Freedom Spc. Lisa M. Andrews, 24, Lenexa, Kan., Sept. 26, 2003, Overland Park, Kan Pfc. Evan W. O'Neill, 19, Haverhill, Mass., Sept. 29, 2003, Afghanistan Staff Sgt. Paul A. Sweeney, 32, Lakeville, Pa., Oct. 30, 2003, Afghanistan

	Raffle Winner (Hinesville, Ga) Cdr Bill Helms presented this years winner of the Veterans Day Raffle (Bob II) to Ms Joan Youn of Hinesville on Veterans Day. Ms Youn bought her winning ticket from Legionaire Charles Williams. Upon receipt of her prize Ms Youn said “I was happy to help The American Legion. I know this will look great at my house.” The Adj

	Send a note or a card to ‘any soldier’ I know these guys would like to hear from you so include one or two with your stuff. We would like to make a special effort to get a card or a letter to all 175 soldiers in 549^th and a bunch (I don’t yet know how many are deployed) in 165^th Tactical Airlift Squadron.

	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.

Seafood Festival Report

Lessons Learned

Auxiliary News

KIA’s

Current

US Army

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Operation Enduring Freedom

Raffle Winner

Koolaid Lemonade Sweet Tea Instant Coffee