Members and Spouses of Post 53,
As we enter into the last month of 2024, let's look back at the accomplishments that we have done together. let's turn the page to 2025 and remember "To Be the One". Let's look for Veterans who need our support and listen. Veterans suicide is at a all-time high, We have "To Be the One".
I would like to see members @ the December 5th Meeting at 6 pm. I will present the Members with a signed contract from Philco Construction Company. Work on the Canteen should begin January 2nd, 2025 with completion on April 1st, 2025. A lot has to be accomplished before construction begins, so we will need members to assist in removing all items from the Canteen area and storage rooms. At this time I would like to start a Building Fund to support the REMODELING of our Post. Please send a check to American Legion Post 53 and on the memo line state remodeling on the check. I will be asking businesses for donations also.
Post 53 has had a few building rentals this past month, and I personally appreciate the officers who stepped up to assist.
Post opened the doors to the Seminole HS Band for a car wash, which turned out to be successful. We have a Spanish Church meeting every Sunday night and in January there will be a Church service every Sunday morning.......GOD is doing HIS business.
I was informed by the Ambassador of Post 53, Maranda Milaboski who attended a couple of the classes in November at the American Legion Conference in Florida, that One of the classes was about women veterans. She would like to meet with all women veterans and past Ladies Auxiliary. Maranda has some really good ideas to get them excited, you can contact Maranda at 407-529-4749.
Michael Browning, Myself, and our Spouses were invited to a Seminole State Veterans Ball in November. I did ask other members/officers/committee members if they wanted to attend. Michael and I had our Veterans Table out and we spoke to some young veterans about joining our Post. Food/Entertainment was excellent.
Some of the Members took their time to repair and paint the Crosses at Evergreen Cemetery, which is the resting place of local Veterans in November.
Remember these dates:
* December 7th @ 9am-11:30 Children's Christmas Breakfast with Santa. (please come and volunteer, speak with 2nd Vice Jerry McDaniel. Let him know how you can be of assistance as this Breakfast is "FREE" and we could sure use the help of volunteers.
* Let's not forget Pearl Harbor and the Men and Women who gave their all.
* December 14th Christmas Parade in Sanford (reach out to 1st Vice Randy Leonard for information and how you can help)
*Every Tuesday from 5pm- 9pm there is a Service Officer available to all Veterans and Family.
*Every Wednesday BINGO 5pm-until last game (food served 5:30pm- 6:45pm). **THERE WILL BE NO BINGO ON 12/25/24 & 1/1/2025**
*Every Friday Coffee and Chat 9am-12 (open to the public).
Last but not least.......Have you renewed your Membership for 2025?
For GOD and Country,
Don Smith CMDR
Post 53