Monthly Bulletin

American Legion Post 165 has been sending packages to active duty personnel located in war zones from the Midland, Sanford area for 3 years now.  Names of soldiers from this area have been given to us by Legion members, or are current Legion members.  Some of the items being sent are oral care items, personal care items, granola bars, fruit cups & candy.

There is a continuous effort of fund raising in order to sustain the cost of items & postage to send these packages.  Those interested in donating money or items are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Checks, (or cash) should be made out to Berryhill Post 0165 with notation "to support our troops fund" and given to Dalton Walden "DW" at the clubroom.

If you have any questions please see DW, or call (989) 832-7202..

In 2008, Berryhill Legion members have been to the VA hospital in Saginaw this year in January, March, April & June to hold a bingo for the infirmed. I’ve had the honor to go twice this year on this excursion. To see the looks on the faces of those hospitalized and to hear their words of appreciation for our time spent with them, is something you should experience.

The Auxiliary went to the hospital in May & will be going again on Wednesday, September 17. Call Deb Northrup at (989) 915-9479 for time & commitment.

Bingo (every Monday evening 5:00 to 9:00)

Burger night (every Thursday 5:00 to 7:30)

Open Euchre (every Wednesday 1:00 pm)

Trivia Night (every 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday at 7:30)

To the 1460^th as they deploy To Iraq:

As The American Legion Commander at Midland’s at Berryhill Post 0165, I want to thank you and salute you, the officers, troops and families of the 1460^th for your unselfish service to America. The Sons Of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and our 1,403 combined members extend their thanks as well. This land continues today to be a free land for our citizens because soldiers like you serve your country in the greatest tradition of men and women.

The American Legion has a proud tradition of veterans serving veterans. The American Legion was established in 1919 following World War I. Midland’s Berryhill Post 0165 was established later that same year. We’re proud to say that some of our members today have served with the 1460^th. Legionnaires Steve Tracy, Bud Martin, Wilson Coomer and I served in the 460^th, which preceded the 1460^th, and we remember that some of the conditions you’ll encounter will be different than you expect.

I remember when I left for duty in Desert Storm for nine months, we had been told that we would be working out of buildings in Saudi Arabia – reality was I (we) never worked from a building, we lived and worked out of tents the whole time we were there.

For some of you, you will be going to a war zone for the first time. For others, this will be your second or third tour. To all of you, honor the "buddy" system and don’t travel alone. Conditions around you can sometimes change suddenly and violently. If one of your fellow soldiers is telling you something from their experience, rely on their words. Your fellow soldier is one of the best supports that you’ll find to get you through it over there.

As for the home front, I, along with Steve Hammond, Legion 2^nd Vice Commander (an Army veteran of the Grenada/Lebanon conflict) and his wife, Vickie Hammond, an Auxiliary Trustee met with three women from your Support Group. We informed them that Berryhill has volunteers who will help with unexpected needs at home while you are away. We have electricians, plumbers, and members experienced in furnace & air conditioning repair that will assist your families if they are in need while you are away.

We all wish you a safe return and hope you will consider joining us as Legionnaires.

Chuck Kaminski - Commander

Legion Commander Kaminski addresses the 1460^th at their last formation before Luncheon sponsored at Berryhill Post 165.

Picture by Laura Welch, Auxiliary Historian

At the time of this newsletter a full accounting of the proceeds from Poppy Days is awaiting cans from some members who collected. Once the final return is complete, 2008-2009 collections will be made available.

Dick Blasy – 2008-2009 Poppy Chairman

Saturday, November 1^st 2008 9:30 to 4:00

At American Legion Post #165

5111 Hedgewood Drive

Midland, Michigan 48640

$25.00 for space & a table is provided if needed

on a "first come" basis

Lunch will be available

For more INFORMATION call Rei Li at (989) 835-3733

No refunds if cancelled after October 15^th

Set up time is Friday 5 to 8 p.m. or Saturday 7:30 a.m.

Legion Sergeant At Arms – Neil Schultz properly places "Old Glory" during flag disposal ceremony at Berryhill Post 165.

Commander Kaminski & 2^nd Vice Commander Hammond in formation. (Picture by Laura Welch, Auxiliary Historian)

This newsletter currently takes no paid advertisement. We currently have 198 email addresses that receive this local newsletter during the last week of each month with news about Berryhill Post 165.

If any members would like to advertise contact Pat Hanley at theamericanlegion-post165@charter.net .

As 2009 membership cards are mailed to Legion members, Adjutant Hanley will be enclosing a member data sheet, requesting members to return their email address, as well as updating/correcting items such as "branch of service" and "war era".

The cost to Berryhill Post 165 for this email newsletter is zero. If you are aware of a SAL or Auxiliary member not receiving have them send their email address to theamericanlegion-post165@charter.net.