THE EATON EDITORIAL The Newsletter of American Legion Post #746

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1 CORNING AMERICAN LEGION American Legion Commander: Dave Warunek Auxiliary President: Jackie Williams SAL Commander: Kirk Jarvis Newsletter Editor: Steve Schwarz MAY 2015 HIGHLITES AT THE POST MEETINGS BOD: 13th 5:30 PM LEGION: 14th 7:30 PM SAL: 4th 6:00 PM AUX: 13th 6:30 PM Lunch Served Dailey Mon-Fri, 11-2 Lounge Menu M, Tu, W, F, Sa 4-7 Hot Dogs- Hamburgers/Meat sauce Thursdays 5-7 Fish Fry Fridays 4:00-7:00 PM Gun Raffle May PM Canoe/Kayak Regatta May 16 Quilts of Valor May 25 9:00AM-3:00 PM THE EATON EDITORIAL The Newsletter of American Legion Post #746 Volume 1, Issue 3 FROM THE POST COMMANDER Commander s Message Newsletter Date May is here and we ve got plenty of activities and events at the Post to go around. From elections early on, to a canoe regatta and gun raffle, to the culmination with Memorial Day, I encourage every member to participate to the maximum. I want to focus however on what I consider to be one of the most important holidays that we recognize as a nation. Photo courtesy of Schwarz ProFoto Memorial Day was first established to recognize and honor those who fought and died during the Civil War. Some may still remember it as Decoration Day, and as the original name implied, carry on the wonderful tradition of decorating and maintaining graves of loved ones in area cemeteries. There are also other honorable traditions that have their roots in Memorial Day, such as First Responders remembering those who served and passed from us, or citizens honoring Veterans and active duty personnel via support our troops campaigns. Unfortunately, the day has also become, for many Americans, just another three day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. I therefore urge all Legion Family members to try their level best to counter that notion and maintain the tradition of honoring those who died while serving our great nation. We as a Legion Family are committed to doing just that and are working jointly with the VFW and the Marconi to put on an educational and respectful event in Denison Park on May 25 th. Details are provided below, but in the run up to the actual event, we also have an essay contest for middle school students, flag postings at Veterans graves in area cemeteries, ritual firings at the graves of Legion namesakes killed in action, ritual firings at the Painted Post and Corning monuments, and vintage military vehicle participation in area parades. The Memorial Day ceremony itself will highlight the contributions made by our service members over the years, and will feature a tribute cemetery with the names of the nearly 300 New Yorkers who died while serving in current conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world in support of the War on Terrorism. In closing I would just like to invite everyone to get involved during this very special month, and volunteer your time and your attention to the activities surrounding Memorial Day. I d also like to personally thank the many volunteers who traditionally get involved on Memorial Day weekend. Through their support our wonderful traditions are passed on from one generation to another, and the memories of those who died while serving will always be with us. Thank you. Dave

2 Page 2 Recent Events: 8Apr Board of Directors Meeting confirmation of SAL and Aux membership and nomination/election process (1 each) on the board. 19Apr Penny Social Auxiliary volunteers did a fantastic job setting up and putting on this memorable event. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Olive Stam Scholarship fund. A truly worthy cause. Thank you Ladies! Upcoming Events: 6May SAL Elections 8May VE Day! World War II Vets eat for free at the fish fry on the 70 th anniversary of VE Day. A slide show and special dessert is also on the menu. May 13 th Auxiliary Elections 13May Board of Directors Meeting at *This is a change from last month s newsletter. Sorry for the confusion. 14May Post Meeting and Elections at *This is a change from last month s newsletter due to a conflict with a County Legion event on May 7th. 16May Canoe/Kayak Regatta at 1100 Get on board and get ready for a really good time paddling or just going with the flow down the Tioga and Chemung Rivers. Starting point is the Lindley bridge, and we ll finish at the Pressware/World Kitchen access. Chicken BBQ to follow and a prize will be awarded to the best decoration using the Armed Forces Day theme. 16May Armed Forces Day come out and honor those who answered the call. This day was established in 1949 for this purpose and highlighted the newly organized Department of Defense. Cake cutting at May Gun Raffle Don t miss this annual classic. Tickets are on sale now and each one gets you in the door for free flow beer and soft drinks, a delicious lunch, and eligibility for each of the prizes. 24May Cemetery Flag Detail volunteers are needed to help place flags on Veteran s graves on Sunday morning at This annual tradition is a very moving and important experience in recognition of the service of area Veterans. Donuts and coffee will be served. 25May Memorial Day this year s event will be held at the Denison Park Pond Pavilion and will include a ceremony, a self-paced tour of our tribute cemetery and path of reflection around the pond, and a family style picnic afterward. The event will run from 1 5pm and food and beverages will be sold by Corning Veterans service organizations. The ceremony begins at 2pm. Proceeds will go to survivors of patriots who died while serving, and the overall theme will be to remind the community of the true meaning of Memorial Day; that is, to honor those who died while serving. Please come out and support this event. Get on the Booze Wagon! You may have noticed a wagon full of booze and prizes valued at nearly $500. Don t wait to get your raffle tickets for this monumental prize. Raffle scheduled for May 25 th Proceeds go toward the Patio Project. Memorial Day Reflections: The patriot s blood is the seed of Freedom s tree Thomas Campbell The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example Benjamin Disraeli

3 Page 3 On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation! Thomas William Parsons It doesn t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle Norman Schwarzkopf And I m proud to be an American, where at least I know I m free. And I won t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. Lee Greenwood Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty JFK Mother s Day Brunch Buffet Sunday May 10th Corning American Legion Post River Rd. Corning, NY 11am -3pm Adults $13.95 Children 12 & Under $7.95 Crustless Quiche Casserole, Homefries Honey & Orange Glazed Ham Breakfast Sausages, Muffins, Scones, Fruit Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes Gravy, Veggie Tray, Mac Salad, Coleslaw Cocktail Meatballs, Mac & Cheese Seafood Chowder, Veggie Pasta Alfredo Rolls, Garden Salad Coffee, Iced Tea, Lemonade Cheesecake, Carrot Cake Brownies, Chocolate Mousse The Corning American Legion is extremely pleased to announce the addition of Bob Perkins as the new House Caterer for our Post. The above advertised Mother s Day Brunch will be the very first special event put on by the new House Caterer. Please come and support Bob in his new position here at the post. Bob brings a wealth of experience including Chef on Keuka Maid, Octopuss s Garden, Tally Ho Restaurant, The Pultney Room, Seneca Lodge, Luna Mexxa Grille and now the Corning American Legion. Bob specializes in upscale buffets to fine dining, to BBQ and vegetarian. Welcome Bob!!! Obviously, with the addition of a new House Caterer, we must say goodbye to longtime post chef Gerry Burlingame. This newsletter editor, along with many, many post members will miss him, and, wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life. Thank you so much for the countless events, special favors, and mostly, supporting our Legion mission throughout his tenure here!! THANK YOU!!!!

4 Page 4 Calling all Middle School Students! Memorial Day Essay Contest: What is the true meaning of Memorial Day? Prizes for 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd Place Contest details available at: Corning American Legion, 8 River Rd Corning VFW, 281 Baker St. Marconi Lodge, 26 W. Pulteney St. or download from * 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Grade Students from schools in the Corning Painted Post School District area are eligible. Winning essays to be read at Corning Memorial Day ceremony on May 25th Ritual Team/Honor Guard Full Military Honors were provided for the following individuals. Robert Bacik, an Army veteran at Bath National Cemetery on 4/1/15 Earl J. Conklin, a Marine veteran at Bath National Cemetery on 4/1/15 Joseph Fortuna, a Marine ReCon and navy veteran at Bath National Cemetery on 4/6/15 Charles Franklin, a Navy Vietnam Veteran at Bath National Cemetery on 4/7/15 Raymond LaBarr, a Navy WWII veteran at St. Catherine s Cemetery in Addison on 4/8/15 Joseph J. Hale Jr., a Navy Vietnam veteran at St. Mary s Cemetery in Corning on 4/10/15 Robert Cook, a Marine veteran at carpenter-flint Funeral Home in Addison on 4/12/15 If interested in joining the Ritual Team/Honor Guard, contact any team member or Post officer. Respectfully submitted, Frank Sansone Back by popular request, the monthly drawing for a free bar drink is here!! Tell the bartenders your name is one of ten drawn for a free drink in this months newsletter and they will get you hooked up!! George Betzer William Harris James Mitchell Vicky Zahradka Ron Woodruff David Bradford Martha Johnson Bob Pierce David Bulkley Robert Ross

5 Page 5 THE EATON EDITORIAL In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place, and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe, To you from failing hands we throw The Torch; be yours to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields. Lt. Col. John McCrae Inspired to write this poem on May3, 1915 after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. The Poppy Story From the battlefields of World War I, weary soldiers brought home the memory of a barren landscape transformed by wild poppies, red as the blood that had soaked the soil. By that miracle of nature, the spirit of their lost comrades lived on. The poppy became a symbol of the sacrifice of lives in war and represented the hope that none had died in vain. The American Legion Poppy has continued to bloom for the casualties of war. Its petals of paper bound together for veterans by veterans, reminding America each year that the men and women who have served and died for their country deserve to be remembered. The poppy, as a memorial flower, can be traced to a single individual, Moina Michael. She was moved by Lt. Col. McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields". On impulse, she bought a bouquet of poppies (all the New York City's Wanamaker's Dept. Store had) and handed them to businessmen meeting at the YMCA where she worked. She asked them to wear the poppy as a tribute to the fallen. That was November World War I was over, but America's sons would rest forever " In Flanders Fields". Later she would spearhead a campaign that would result in the adoption of the poppy as the national symbol of sacrifice. Mayor Richard Negri will once again declare Wednesday May 20th "Poppy Day" in Corning. Anyone who can attend is welcome. We will meet at Noon in Centerway Square on Market St. Remember, the poppy's are made by veterans, and all money raised from the distribution of poppy's can only be used for veteran's programs. Hope to see you all there. Georgia Grosstephan, poppy chairman

6 Page 6 AUX NEWS The success of the Auxiliary depends to a large degree upon the efficient and businesslike administration of all of its activities. Each officer and committee chairman shares in this responsibility. Once a member has been accepted for membership, that individual becomes a member in good standing with all the rights and privileges concomitant with that membership, not the least of which is the right to aspire to and hold office. The right to vote and the right to hold office are clear privileges of membership. The John P Eaton #746 Auxiliary will hold elections on Thursday, May 13, Election may be by voice vote if there is only one candidate; but where there is more than one candidate for the same office, election shall be by ballot and the majority of votes cast shall be necessary to elect. The nominating committee has presented the following slate of officers, however at the time of election any AUX member may nominate from the floor any member for any office, as long as the member is willing to accept. President - Jackie Williams; 1 st VP - Debi King; 2 nd VP - Joyce Nehring; Secretary - Emma West; Treasurer - Mary Ann Mineo Executive Committee member Jackie Williams, Debi King, Emma West, Mary Ann Mineo, Joyce Nehring, Mary Lou Belles, Georgia Grosstephan, Diane Gridley, and Mary Pipe. County Committee Members from Unit Jackie Williams, Emma West, Mary Ann Mineo, Joyce Nehring, Mary Lou Belles, Brenda Swanson, Georgia Grosstephan, and Nancy Huber. Legion Board of Directors Mary Ann Mineo Brief description of the duties of these officers: President It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meeting to the Auxiliary Unit and Executive Committee. She shall be its Chief Executive Officer. Vice President- It shall be the duty of the Vice-President, in her order to act for the President in her absence or disability. Secretary It shall be the duty of the Secretary to record all proceeding of the Unit and the Executive Committee meetings, to keep all books that are needed to successfully carry on the work of the office. Treasurer It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive all money belonging to the Unit and deposit same at such bank institutions as shall be designated by the Unit. Executive Committee Between meetings affairs of this Unit shall be under the supervision of the Executive Committee. County Committee Members Shall represent the Unit on the County level. New position on the Legion Board of Directors created for an Auxiliary member. I would like to thank everyone who, supported our Penny Social. For all the items donated for the penny raffle, the theme baskets, baked good items for our bake sale, and for all the items donated by local merchants. All those that helped to get out the advertising to various locations in the area. All the volunteers who spent so much time setting up for the raffle. A special thanks to Niki and Callie Padilla for coming up from Stroudsburg, Pa to run the numbers, draw the winners, and deliver prizes to the winners. Jackie Williams, Corning Legion AUX President

7 GUN & MONEY RAFFLE MAY 17, to 5 PM Ritual Team/Honor Guard, November, 2012 There will be a Shuttle Bus from CBC Parking Lot to Legion from 12:45 to 5:15 On 10/18/2012 Full Military Honors (FMH) were provided for Merl D. Naylor a Navy, Viet Nam veteran at Chapel Knoll cemetery. On 10/29/2012 we provided FMH for Robert D. Atanesian a Marine veteran at Bath National Cemetery (BNC). On 10/22/2012 we provided FMH for Bruce R. Grant, III a Marine and Army, Viet Nam veteran at BNC. Lunch 2-4, all of your draught beer and soda provided 1 to 5 On 11/2/2012 we provided FMH for James P. Murphy an Army, WWII veteran at BNC. Page 7 On 11/10/2012 beginning at 11PM and ending at 11AM on 11/11/2012, our Honor Guard proudly walked their post around the Civil War Monument in honor of all veterans. On 11/11/2012 we provided an Honor Guard, presenting the Colors at the annual Veterans Day ceremony. DONATION $10.00 We are currently recruiting qualified personnel for our team. Additionally, training for our members is being conducted twice a month. Respectfully submitted, Frank Sansone Your ticket is your meal ticket do not lose Proceeds benefit Post Building Fund Browning BPS 12 ga 26 bbl OR $ $ cash Savage 11 Trophy XP 2L 243 with Nikon scope OR $ $ cash Mossberg 930 Combo shotgun OR $ cash $ cash Savage 93 B17 BTUS.17 ca. OR $ cash $ cash Henry Silver Eagle.22 OR $ cash $ cash Savage Axis 11 XP with scope OR $ cash $ cash Traditions 209 Tracker Redi-Pac OR $ Cash $1, cash WINNERS MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER (PHOTO I.D. REQUIRED) F.F.L. DEALER WILL BE PRESENT TO DO BACKGROUND CHECKS LIMIT 1,000 TICKETS LAST CHANCE--GET YOUR TICKETS

8 CORNING AMERICAN LEGION 8 River Road Corning, NY Phone: Fax: info@corningamericanlegion.com POST MANAGER MARY PIPE CLUB HOURS Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM Sunday 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM We re on the net If you know people who are eligible to join The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or the Sons of the American Legion, Please invite them to join. REMEMBER: It s not the price you pay to be a member; it s the price you paid to be eligible American legion John P. Eaton Post River Road Corning NY 14830