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The Triple Nickel
Published Exclusively for the Members of
American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555
Volume 2 - Issue 5
In This Issue
Mayor Garry Waters
1
Commander’s Corner
2
Public Relations
3
Judge Advocate
Veterans Recognition
4
Post Information
5
April Photos
6
Chaplain
Boys State
7
1st Vice Commander
8
State Convention
9
Post 555 Baseball
10
District Meeting
Post Family Night
11
Legion Riders
May 2015
Post 555 Recognizes
Mayor Gary Waters
American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555
expressed its appreciation to Mayor Gary
Waters and the City of Pelham for their
support of the American Legion Matthew
Blount Post 555 since its inception in
August 2014.
a meeting place at the Pelham Senior
Center on the first Thursday night of each
month. The Mayor has been instrumental
in introducing service opportunities that
meet the Post’s mission to serve our
troops, veterans, community and its youth.
Post 555 received its temporary Charter
with thirty charter members on September
17, 2014. The City of Pelham has provided
the Post with
Post 555 looks forward in continuing their
relationship with the City in serving the
community.
12
Standing Meetings
Where: Pelham
Senior Center
When:1st Thursday
7:00-8:00 pm
Next Meeting
May 7, 2015
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
Commander’s Corner
Fellow Legionnaire,
I want to thank you again for
selecting me as your Commander
for the coming year. I think the
Lord is blessing us in so many
ways. As we continue to grow (over 70 members
now!) and have the possibility of having an
American Legion baseball team, and sending 2
young men to Boy State and 2 young ladies to
Girl State this year…this was not something I
thought was possible to accomplish in our first
year, but the funds have been provided and we
are able to us to pass on the blessing to others.
If our ambition of hosting a baseball tournament
in Pelham this July for the American Baseball
League works out, we will need your help to sell
tickets at the gates! We will send out
information in the next few weeks as the plan
firms up on the schedule and what times help
will be needed at the gate. This is an excellent
opportunity to serve our community with a fun,
family supportive program.
DD-214 or discharge papers indicating
honorable discharge on our members. If you
don’t already have one, you can request a copy of
your DD-214 or discharge paper through the
government. If you need help making the
request, we will be happy to help. We need a
Copy on file – be sure to mark out your Social
Security Number on our copy. Also, please let
your family know where your copy is filed should
need arise if they (or you) need it to file for
benefits with VA. That is the first thing the VA
will ask for.
We will be adding more programs or services so
please step up and ask ‘what can I do’? We have
several positions that we need help with!
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our
meeting Thursday, 7 May at 7pm.
Barry K. Blount
Commander
This year we plan to begin programs that will
identify benefits that you may be entitled to as a
veteran. Stay tuned for more information.
Next week we should have our 501C19 tax
exemption approved. It was made clear that if
we are audited, the first thing they look for is a
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
2
Welcome April 2015 New Members
Public Relations
Don Colvard
Rick Mazzone
Geoffrey Eggleton
Membership Total : 70
American Legion Preamble
For god and country we associate ourselves together for the
following purposes;
To uphold and defend the constitution of the United States of
America;
To maintain law and order;
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;
To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in
the great wars;
To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community,
state and nation;
To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
To make right the master of might;
To promote peace and good-will on earth;
To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice,
freedom and democracy;
To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to
mutual helpfulness.
Two articles were sent to the Shelby
County Reporter on April 9th .
First article was on the
presentation to Mayor Gary Waters and
the City of Pelham for their support of the
Matthew Blount American Legion Post
555 since its inception in August 2014.
The City of Pelham has provided the Post
with a meeting place at the Pelham Senior Center on the
first Thursday night each month. The mayor has been
instrumental in introducing service opportunities that
meet the Post mission to serve our troops, veterans,
community and its youth.
Second article was on the
ceremony to be held at Alabama
National Cemetery in Montevallo,
AL on Memorial Day, 9:00 am, May
25th, 2015. As well as preserving
the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for
freedom, Post 555 will have the opportunity to provide
the gun crew to fire a Civil War Artillery piece to honor
our fallen heroes. Legionnaire volunteers that will man
the gun crew are Don Colvard, Tom McDaniel,
Bill Wigginton, Kenneth Paschal, and Richard Kaster.
Special thanks to Mr Barry Winn and His daughter,
Samantha, for volunteering the use of their Mountain
Howitzer, ammunition and training Post 555 members
into temporary cannoneers.
Tom Mc Daniel
Public Relations Officer
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
3
Judge Advocate’s Corner
Chuck Kiser
Proud to be an
American
With a membership of military veterans
that takes deep pride in the U.S. flag and all it
means, The American Legion has always advocated
for patriotism, morality and citizenship with its third
pillar, Americanism.
Americanism Defined
Americanism is love of America; loyalty to her
institutions as the best yet devised by man to secure
life, liberty, individual dignity, and happiness; and the
willingness to defend our country and flag against all
enemies, foreign and domestic.
It is a vital, active, living force. Americanism means
peace, strength, the will and the courage to live as
free men in a free land. It means a friendly hand
to people everywhere who respect our institutions
and our thinking. It is not a word; it is a cause, a way
of life – the best way of life ever known – a
challenge and a hope in this world.
2015-2016 Post Officers Installation
The process of inducting the 2015-2016 Post 555
Officers will occur at the May 7, 2015 meeting.
The Divisional Commander, Earl Hutchinson will
be present to perform the ceremony.
Officers to be installed are: Barry Blount,
Commander, Kenneth Paschal,1st Vice
Commander, Quincey Whitehead, 2nd Vice
Commander, Ron Koonce, Adjutant, SSG David
Lee, Financial Officer, Chuck Kiser, Judge
Advocate, David Coram, Jr., Chaplain,Geoffrey
Eggleton, Sgt.-At-Arms, Ron Koonce, Historian,
Tom McDaniel, Public Relations Officer, and
members of the Executive Committee, Bill
Wigginton, Richard Kaster and Bill Midlik.
Veterans Recognition Committee
Americanism is an ideal of loyal patriotism, religious
tolerance, righteous freedom, fearless courage,
honest integrity, abiding faith in the commanding
destiny of the United States, and a fathomless love
for the principles that led our forefathers to found
this country.
The following upcoming activities are on the Blue
Star Salute calendar in the upcoming months.
Triple Nickel members are encouraged to join the
Blue Star Salute Foundation for the $25.00
membership fee and participate in any or all of
these activities.
It is complete and unqualified loyalty to the ideals of
government as set forth in the Declaration of
Independence and the Constitution of the United
States. It is respect for, and ready obedience to,
duly constituted authority and the laws of the land. It
is freedom without license, religion without bigotry,
charity without bias, and a desire to secure the
blessings of liberty for our nation and for our
posterity.
TAPS at ALNC 21 May 1030 hours at ALNC
AL Veterans Memorial off I-459 24 My 1300
hours
Memorial Day at ALNC 25 May 0900 hours (hole
punching Friday 1600 hours, Flag placement
Saturday 0900)
#1SonRun – 10K Memorial Run-Leeds Memorial
Park-13June
USMC League Convention – Montgomery –
12-14June
Let me know what you would like to see in this
space in future months. Email me at
cfkiser@aol.com and let me know your thoughts
and ideas. I will try to provide what you want as well
as keep you informed on Legion developments in
future columns.
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
AMVETS National Convention –
Birmingham-15-23August
SCALNC & Blue Star Salute Meetings – 29
April-1400 & 12 May-1200 Respectively at Liberty
Hall – American Village
April 2015
4
Post Officers
Dates to Remember
Post Commander
Barry Blount
Sgt. at Arms
Geoffrey Eggleton
1st Vice
Commander
Kenneth Paschal
Historian
Ron Koonce
2nd Vice
Commander
Quincey Whitehead
Adjudant
Ron Koonce
Executive
Committee
Richard Kaster
William Wigginton
Bill Midlik
Judge Advocate
Chuck Kiser
Finanical Officer
SSG. David Lee
Chaplain
David Coram, Jr.
The Triple Nickel is
published monthly for members
of Matthew Blount Post 555.
50 Racquet Club Parkway
Pelham, AL 35124
205-678-1375
commander@ALpost555.com
Items for publication are
accepted on Executive
Committee approval and
available space.
Submit articles prior to the 10th
of the month for publication the
following month. We reserve the
right to edit any submission for
the purpose of publication.
Letters to the Editor must include
name, address & telephone
number. Names will be withheld
upon request.
Post Officer Installation
May 7, 2015
ANC Support
Committee Meeting
May11, 2015
Arm Forces Day
USS Alabama
May 10, 2015
Memorial Day
Alabama National
Cemetery
May 25,2015
Boy’s State
May 31-June 6,2015
2015 Depart.
Convention
June 19-21, 2015
Huntsville , AL
Post Officers Report
Due
July 1, 2015
Post Consolidation
Report
July 1, 2015
Boys State Applications
Due
May 5, 2015
Send email to Ron
Koonce:
editor@alpost555.com
205-222-4495
Matthew Blount Post 555
Next meeting: May 7, 2015 7:00 pm
Copyright 2014
American Legion Post 555
Food provided by
Chubbs Grub Station
50 Racquet Club Parkway
Pelham, AL 35124
“Family Night”
Web: www.alpost555.com
www.facebook.com/alpost555
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
5
April Snapshots
Photography by Chic Cecchini
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
6
Chaplain ’s
Thoughts
Post 555 Sponsors PHS
Students
Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to
Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen
based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong
morals, and motivation in school and community activities.
Boys State week is a full and active week held on the campus
of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa May 31,2015June 6, 2015.
What Is Your True Purpose
1 Samuel 16:6-13
What do you live for each day? A pay raise? Retirement?
Then perhaps you've discovered the reality that basing
aspirations on getting ahead in this world typically ends in
disappointment. People with a misguided sense of direction
often wonder why they feel unfulfilled.
Maybe you've already realized a goal of saving for the future
or moving up the corporate ladder. You give to charity and
volunteer at church, but somehow still feel a sense of
insignificance or aimlessness. If so, there is a truth you need
to hear: God gives each of us life for a very specific reason:
to serve Him. Nobody finds inner peace without reconciling
this fact. Our society teaches us that pleasure, prosperity,
position, and popularity will make us happy--but living in the
service of self always leaves an emptiness no earthly reward
can fill.
Besides, worldly philosophy won't stand the test of time.
Few of us are going to live even 100 years. So whatever we'll
become in this life, we're in the process of becoming that
right now. Consider David: he was anointed king long before
actually assuming the role (1 Sam. 16:12). He spent many
years serving the purpose of God in insignificant places while
developing into a great man. As his story shows, discovering
God's purpose for your life is the surest path to success.
Our heavenly Father's purpose for our lives comes from His
heart of love--which is perfect. None of us can foretell the
great things He has in store for us, but we can trust His plan
completely. Surrender to Him today and say, "Not my will,
Lord, but Yours be done."
For God & Country
At Boys State, student delegates will find the opportunity to
build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and
hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as
Congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic
leaders, and others.
Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that
focus on their individual areas of interest and will also have
activity time during which they can participate in recreational
activities such as basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer,
academic bowl, etc.
Young men chosen to be Boys State participants can look
forward to a wonderful and challenging experience. All who
attend can acquire a better understanding and regard for two of
our nation’s benefits: freedom and democracy.
Post 555 is sponsoring Drayton Cullen, son of Jean Roberson
and Lon Cullen of Pelham, AL and Aaron Wilkes, son of
Patricia and Wesley Wilkes of Pelham, AL. Both young men
are juniors at Pelham, High School.
The Post will also sponsor two young women for Girls State
later in the summer. Final participants have not yet been
determined.
Post 555 expresses its appreciation to the City of Pelham for
their support and contribution to the success of Post 555’s
Boys State 2015 Program.
Kenneth Paschal
Chaplain
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
7
First Vice Commander
Report
Kenneth Paschal
We’re
encouraging members be an active Legionnaire recruiter and
invite one potential member to our next meeting in May.
Membership is everyone’s responsibility. Thanks for being a
recruiter for Post 555!
Thank You:
Special thanks to Donal Colvard and Quincy Whitehead for
volunteering to serve on Post 555 Fundraiser committee.
Thanks to Alterations, Embroidery, Screen Printing, & Banners
By George in Helena is donating the Cannon Crew t-shirts
On April 18, 2015, I had the opportunity
to present Chubb’s Grub Station
Restaurant owner, William (Will)
Cholewinski American Legion, Matthew
Blount Post 555 Certificate of
Appreciation. Chubb’s Grub Station in
Alabaster will donate a snack tray to the
Post during the May Post 555 meeting. Thanks to Bill Wigginton
for volunteering with the logistics.
Also on April 18, 2015, I had the
opportunity to present Texas
Roadhouse event coordinator, Holley
Frings and manager, Brian Donegan
an American Legion, Matthew Blount
Post 555 Legion Certificate of
Appreciation.
On May 2, 2015, Post 555 expressed
it’s appreciation to the Chick-fil-A on
Cahaba Valley parkway for their
support in providing snack trays for
the April Post 555 meeting.
Upcoming opportunities the Post has
to have a presence in the community:
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
May 15th and each 3rd Friday until October: Opportunity
to setup an informational booth at Heart of Dixie HarleyDavidson Motorcycle Dealership in Pelham during their
Bike Night. Event from 6-9 pm. 333 Cahaba Valley Pkwy
N. Pelham, AL 35124. This is another great opportunity to
enhance our membership campaign. If you are interested in
volunteering and participating, please email me at
1SGpaschal@gmail.com
May 25th: Memorial Day Observance at 9:00 am – We have
5 man crew to “Fire of a Civil War
Artillery” piece to honor our fallen
heroes at the Alabama National
Cemetery, Montevallo. Volunteers
include: Don Colvard, Kenneth
Paschal, Bill Wigginton, Richard
Kaster, and Tom McDaniel.
Volunteers will rehearse the
morning prior to 9:00 am ceremony.
For additional information, please email me at
1SGpaschal@gmail.com. Barry Winn, Sargent in the
Alabama division of reenact-ors will provide the Civil War
Artillery piece and serve as the Cannon crew chief. I
encourage all Legionnaires to attend Memorial Day
Observance and invite one individual to attend with you.
American Legion Post 555 will have a "Welcome Veterans"
Center at American Village for Memorial Day, and will be
located by the Veteran's Building next to the Gift Shop at
American Village. American Village will be open from
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Most all of our projects require volunteers. This is a great
opportunity to honor our veterans, serve the local
community and youths, and let others veterans know Post
555 exist and active in the communities. If you are
interested in volunteering and participating in future events,
please email me at 1SGpaschal@gmail.com.
Communication – the importance of belonging: We ask
all members and their guests to greet each other and share
one thing with each other during the next Post meeting.
Direct contact with veterans is a guaranteed way to boost
membership and find out the concerns and issues that they
have, creating a cohesive environment.
April 2015
8
Alabama Department State
Convention
Tentative Department Convention Agenda
Thursday June 18, 2015
The Ninety seventh Annual Department Convention
of the American Legion, Department of Alabama, Inc.,
is hereby called, and in conformity with the action of
the 97th Annual Convention and the Department
Executive Committee, will be held in Huntsville,
Alabama, Friday, June 19, 2015 through Sunday,
June 21, 2015.
9am-4 pm Post Veteran Service Officer Training – Salon AB 12 pm-4pm Legion Registration - $15.00 1 pm-2 pm My Legion Training – Salon C – Kathy Rowe 2 pm-3 pm Grant Training – Salon C – Mary Day Smith 3 pm-5; pm Commander and Adjutant Training -Salon C– Greg
Akers
Friday, June 19, 2015
PURPOSE: The Convention is called for the purpose
of electing officers for the ensuing year, hearing and
considering resolutions, and for the transaction of
such other business as may be deemed necessary to
come before the Convention.
8:00 am-4:00 pm
8 :00 am-9:40 am
Akers 9:45 am-11:30
11:30 am-1:00 pm
1:0 pm -3 :00 pm
3:00 pm-4:00 pm
Angela Nation 3:00 pm- 5:00pm
Post 555 has five delegate & five alternate slots
available for those that are interested in attending the
convention. Slots will be filled on a first come basis.
Joint Session Lunch Legion Opening Session – Salon ABC Finance Training Session – Enterprise –
Legion Riders Meeting – Salon ABC
Saturday, June 20, 2015
8:00 am- 9:00 am Legion Finance Meeting – Enterprise
8:00 am-12:00 pm Legion Registration $15.00 9:00 AM Legion Meetings Resume – Salon ABC
Ft. Payne National Cemetery Report, Boys State
Report, Oratorical Report,VSO Report/VA Director
Report, Baseball Report, Children and Youth Report Yearbook Awards
10:45 am Division Caucus 1st Division – Salon ABC Please email Ron Koonce : ron.koonce@gmail.com
to submit your request to attend.
The cost is $15 per delegate/alternate. Hotel cost is
$99 per night if you make reservations by May 22,
2015. Delegates/alternates will be responsible for
their registration and travel expenses.
Huntsville Marriott - 888-299-5174
2nd Division – Enterprise 3rd Division – Pathfinder Registration fees are payable to : Matthew Blount
Post 555 no later than May 28, 2015 to preserve you
spot on the list. The Post will write one check to be
sent to the Department with the registration form.
The delegate/alternate registration form will be
submitted on June 1 to assure it is received by the
deadline. Your registration fee will have to had been
received by the Post prior by May 28, 2015.
Legion Registration - $15.00 LIT and Promotional Training – Adjutant Greg
11:30 am
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Break for Lunch Legion Elections – Salon ABC Joint Installation of Officers – Salon ABC
Reception to Honor all
Elected Officers Banquet – Salon ABCDEF
Second Notice- First email notice submitted 4/29/2015
As of this publication there are 6 slots available.
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
9 Post 555 Begins Baseball
Program
Matthew Blount Post 555 American Legion Summer
baseball is becoming a reality thanks to the leadership
of Post 555’s Baseball Chairman, Alan Phillips, Coach
Sean Anderson of Pelham High School and Kim Kiel,
Athletic Director of Pelham High School. This marks
another significant program for our post and invests
our ideals into young men in our community. The
team plans to play an 18-22 game and tournament
schedule.
The tentative dates for double-header games would
be:
The registration link is:
www.mdknights.org<http://www.mdknights.org/>.
This website will allow you to register your player
and provides for game reminders and a
communication link for the American Legion team.
Select on-line registration and follow the directions.
We would request that you register in order for us to
gauge the interest level. A uniform fitting for the hats
and jerseys will be conducted next week for all
interested players.
For questions, please contact :
Sean Anderson
(205)281-4347
sean@pelhambaseball.org<mailto:sean@pelhambaseba
ll.org>
May 26, 28, 31
June 2, 4, 23, 25 July 14
Tournaments dates are July 8, 9,10,11,17,18.
Pelham has been chosen to host the July 8-11 district
tournament. This is nearly unprecedented to host a
district tournament in the first year of existence.
Volunteers will be requested to assist in some manner.
July 17-18 is the state tournament held at Troy
University. Post 555’s team will need to win the
district tournament to be sure to advance.
The process of selecting the team and the coaches is
underway. All Post members are encouraged to support the team in
attendance as much as possible.
Go Nickels!!
Alan Phillips
Chair, Baseball Committee
The cost to the players will be in the $400-$500 price
range.
For
God and Country
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
10
April 2015
Matthew Blount Post 555 Hosts
District Meeting
May 17th at 2pm: Post
555 will host the district
meeting at Nino's
Italian Restaurant
private dining room.
Located at 2698 Pelham
Pkwy, Pelham, AL
35124. All members
are encouraged to attend.
There’s no cost required for the meeting room if
individuals from the party purchase food. Family
or buffet style dining is available as is your choice
to simply order off of our complete menu.
Reservations made with the understanding we
would order off the menu.
Family Night
May 7, 2015
The May post meeting will be a special event.
All family members of the Post are invited to attend and
share in the meal provided by Chubb’s Grub Station in
Alabaster.
The program will be the 2015-2016 Officer Installation
Ceremony conducted by the American Legion Division 2
Commander Earl Hutchinson.
Doors will open at 6:30pm and meal will be served at
7:00pm, Pelham Senior Center
To assure we will have proper accommodations, we ask
each member please RSVP the number that will be
attending to :
commander@alpost555.com
Walter Caron, co-owner is excited Matthew
Blount Post 555 selected his restaurant to host the
district meeting. He’s excited to support Post 555
in our efforts to serve veterans and community.
Walter Caron
Eli Gold
Owners
11
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
Legion Riders
This is another great opportunity to enhance our membership campaign.
If you are interested in volunteering and participating, please email me at
1SGpaschal@gmail.com
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
12
Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL
April 2015
13