ROBERT H. HOKE POST 272
NEWSLETTER

Commander's Column

**COMMANDER’S COLUMN **

Our post membership chairman, Dick Folsom, has done an excellent job of meeting all of our membership goals for the year.  But now is the time for anyone who hasn’t paid his or her 2008 dues, to do so.  We are the largest veteran organization in the world and have a big influence on the direction and future of our country. Don’t let your continuous years stop by missing a good year. If you know someone who is a veteran and isn’t a Legion member, tell them about us.  It usually only takes someone to ask them the question if they would like to join, for them to join.

March 22^nd is a big day at the post.  In the morning at 11:00AM, the Auxiliary will be hosting our annual Easter Egg Hunt.  It will be held on the football field over at Holy Name of Jesus.  Later in the day, with cocktails starting at 4:00PM, we will be conducting our Past Commander’s/Past President’s Banquet. Dinner will start around 5:15PM, with our program starting shortly there after.  This year’s guest speaker will be our 19^th District Commander, Don Painter.  There’s no doubt in my mind, that Don will most likely be our State Commander down the road some day. This is your time to meet and talk to him.  Special invites have been sent out to all of our 50 and 60-year members. The banquet is open to all members. Please join me in honoring all Past Commanders and Presidents, 50 and 60 year members.  Call 545-6721 to reserve yourself a seat.

As an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi Freedom and America's war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college education. But it's not enough. The Legion is raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An education is a powerful way to show our thanks. That is why we have established the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. But we need your help. We need your help to make The American Legion American Legacy Scholarship a reality. Too many men and women in uniform have died in the fight to preserve our nation's freedoms. Together, we can make sure their children have the opportunity these parents were unable to provide. We encourage you to give generously to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Help us to bridge the gap and restore the faith of these special children.  Any Tax-Deductible Contributions should be made out to, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.                      

The post is sponsoring another Gun Raffle.  This years raffle will go off in May.  A prize will be given each day, with the winning numbers being chosen by the PA daily lottery (7PM) number.  Last year’s raffle was a huge success and this years raffle appears to be no different.  All donations are tax-deductible and support your post activities and projects. Please help us, support our veterans.

Don’t forget to mark down May 26^th, to observe our annual Memorial Day Parade.  This year’s parade is dedicated to our Past Chaplin Eric Yingst, Sr. Eric was a key player in regenerating the parade and making it what it is today. Eric’s good friend, Major General Pudlowski, will be our Parade Marshall and speak to us at the Linglestown Square.

GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY & OUR VETERANS,

Brad Lauver    Commander