FLYING INFO MAY pub

Report as inappropriate Your report has been received

Shared by: MikeJenny

Tags

Stats

views:: 5
posted:: 7/23/2011
language:: English
pages:: 6

Public Domain

Document Sample

AMERICAN LEGION POST 18
PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: 401.683.6148
www.americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com

Flying InFormation ~ News from the Post ~ MAY 2010

COMMANDER’S BRIEFING
On 2 MAY 2010, we will break out our banner to march in the
Aquidneck Island National Police Parade. Our contingent
includes a Color Guard comprised of Naval Sea Cadets
(www.riseacadets.org) who made us so proud last year and
helped us land on the back cover of The American Legion’s
national publication, Legiontown, USA! To download, visit
www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/legiontown_booklet.pdf.
Last month’s meeting, tour and luncheon at Battleship Cove
included a special presentation (see article below) arranged by Life
Post 18 Member Herbert Sears
Member Cyndie Kindell. This event was filmed for Public Access
received his “50 Year” certificate on
TV by DEPT OF RI Jr. Vice Commander Erick Michaud. Check your
9 MAR 2010. Past Commander
local cable listings. This is a great way to educate the public about
Sears shared some history of the
what we do. We’ve got a busy season coming up: Echo Taps,
Post and wife Mary re-joined Unit
reflagging of graves, yard sale/fundraiser, Memorial Day, Flag Day
18. Congratulations, Comrade!
program at Melville Elementary School, 4th of July Parade in Bristol
(details forthcoming). Check out the calendar on PG 6 and
participate when you are able to do so. Our next meeting will be held on MONDAY, 10 MAY 2010 @
7 PM at the VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Road in Portsmouth. Please attend...we miss you!
geoedna@aol.com RMC George Wardwell, USNR (Ret.), Commander

COMBAT WOUNDED VET AND SPOUSE EDUCATE
MEMBERS ABOUT SERVICE DOGS
On 3 APR 2010, SSG Brian Fountaine, US Army (Ret.), brought
his service dog Dango to Post 18’s meeting at Battleship Cove to
educate attendees about NEADS and the importance of service
dogs. NEADS – New England Assistance Dog Services – trains
a wide variety of service dogs to help deaf and disabled Americans. Brian and
Dango were paired through the Canines for Combat Veterans program which
trains dogs specifically for the needs of the combat wounded. Brian is a double-BK
(below-knee) amputee, so Dango has been trained to assist him on the rare days
he is in a wheelchair. Dango can help with balance, fetch dropped objects,
retrieve medication from a refrigerator, open doors, activate switches and buttons,
and perform other tasks making Brian’s life easier. Invited by Post 18 Life Member
Cyndie Kindell, Brian and Mary explained how much it costs to raise and train a
dog (food, lodging, training, veterinary care, transportation, etc.). Four or five
puppies must be raised for each dog that eventually graduates from the program.
Carefully screened inmates train the dogs in the Prison PUP Partnership program at correctional facilities
in New England. The Fountaines seek to raise awareness of NEADS and the Canines for Combat Veterans
program. For more info, e-mail Mary at Marybeth@kualumni.org. See related articles on PG 5.
Members and guests enjoyed our meeting, tour and luncheon aboard Battleship
MASSACHUSETTS at Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA on 3 APR 2010. Officers
from DEPT OF RI and DEPT OF RI AUXILIARY Erick and Lorraine Michaud
joined us. Erick filmed the event—including the presentation by Canines for
Combat Veterans—for airing on Public Access TV
(check local listings). Half the group of 29 opted
for the guided tour of the bridge and weather
decks while the rest took self-guided tours. Many
thanks to our tour guide and the kitchen crew!
Visit www.battleshipcove.org.

FLYING INFORMATION—MAY 2010—PAGE 2
WELCOME ABOARD OUR NEW/
TRANSFERRING MEMBERS
POST 18
MICHAEL E. PINE
UNIT 18
LESLIE COUTU
MARY M. SEARS
Do you know someone eligible for
Members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association membership in the Legion or Auxiliary? Let
(CVMA) stopped in to wish Frank Pine a “Happy 96th” us know so we can get them on board!
on 9 MAR 2010. The Fire Department was on notice!!!

2009-2010 POST 18
George Wardwell, Commander/Photographer
Vincent C. D’Andrea, Sr. Vice Commander
David B. Hayward, Jr. Vice Commander
Christine Hayward, Adjutant/Treasurer/
Webmistress/Editor/Historian
Walter Alves, Sergeant-at-Arms
Ken Williams, Chaplain
2009-2010 UNIT 18
Edna Wardwell, President
Veronica “Roni” Perry, Vice President
Damaris Mangold, Treasurer
Christine Hayward, Secretary/Historian
Patricia Dennett, Chaplain
NOTE: This newsletter is printed in a larger
format for those who have vision
challenges. Please make an effort to speak
Navy Chaplain Biadog and Post 18 member Retired up at meetings and events for those who
Senior Chief Tony Cercena recently returned from are suffering hearing loss due to age or
participating in a feeding program in a poverty- lack of hearing conservation during their
stricken area of the Philippines. Volunteers spent service. Any member needing a ride to
several weeks providing books and nourishment to Post or Unit 18 meetings or events can call
remote villages. Tony remarks that the children are 401.683.6148 to make arrangements.
always well-groomed, well behaved and very grateful. This award-winning newsletter has an
We applaud Tony and Chaplain Biadog for their initial distribution of 855 copies per issue
efforts improving the lives of others. with countless pass-along readership and a
web presence. We welcome submission of
Post 18 Commander photos, articles and calendar items from
George Wardwell members, other Posts and Units, the
presents a check for Department and veteran-friendly
$138 to RI Children & organizations for consideration. Contact:
Youth Chairman Jack C. Hayward, Editor, 19 Hillside Ave.
Demers on 22 MAR Newport, RI 02840 or
2010. The funds ripost18legion@aol.com.
were mostly from the Proud member of the
Wardwell and National American
Hayward clans in Legion Press Association.
addition to the C & Y
collection cans. FLYING INFORMATION—MAY 2010—PAGE 3
SPRING/EASTER THEMED BINGO CO-HOSTED BY POST 104 & UNIT 11
On 27 MAR 2010, members of Post & Unit 18, Post 104 and Unit 11 donned bunny ears to host our
Spring/Easter BINGO to a capacity crowd at the RI Veterans Home (more tables were brought in!).
Volunteers distributed bags filled with nutritious snacks, a toothbrush, a postcard with stamp and other
goodies. Children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County did a wonderful job decorating the ditty
bags for the vets. Our next BINGO will be our famous Halloween-themed event in October. Join us!

JUNIOR MEMBER WINS GOLD
In March, Unit 18 Junior member Tiphanie Fuentes
competed against students from around the state in the
RI SkillsUSA (www.skillsusa.org) event at New England
Tech in the field of Technical Computer Applications.
Demonstrating hands-on knowledge of installation,
configuration and use of various Operating Systems and skill in
use of one or more integrated office suite packages, the
competition also included an oral presentation and written exam.
On 12 APR 2010, Tiphanie was awarded the gold medal at
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston. She will be honored in May
at the Newport School District meeting. In June, Tiphanie will
Admiral Thad W. Allen, 23rd represent RI at the National SkillsUSA Challenge in Kansas City,
Commandant of the United MO. She will be accompanied by fellow student Brittany Butler
States Coast Guard, awards the (who won gold for Cosmetology), Colleen Murray, the SkillsUSA
Navy League Youth Medal to Advisor at NACTC, and the Cosmetology Technical Assistant
Cadet Andrea Coutoulakis, 23 Dianne Martin. The cost for students and staff to attend the
March 2010. National competition is $1,500 per person. The Newport Area
Career & Technical Center will host a dinner/fundraiser at Fenner
“We had to borrow the medal Hall in Middletown on 11 JUN 2010 (tickets will be $15 to $20). If
from last year's recipient to seize you are interested in attending, please contact Shannon Fuentes
the moment,” said David at 401.608.3045 (preferably after 5 PM) or witchiepoo1@cox.net.
Kerwood, CW02, USNSCC,
President, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets
of Rhode Island, Inc. RICHARD E. HARTJOINS POST EVERLASTING

Congratulations, Andrea! Visit Post 18 member Richard E. Hart, 84, of
www.riseacadets.org to learn Portsmouth joined Post Everlasting on 22 April
more. Their motto: “Patriots 2010. He served in the Army Air Corps during
Before Patriotism Was Cool!” WWII and later enjoyed a career in the field of
chemistry. Our thoughts are with his family.

FLYING INFORMATION—MAY 2010—PAGE 4
SEEDLING GIVE-AWAY
YARD SALE/FUNDRAISER
For the third straight year, in SATURDAY, 29 MAY 2010 FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM
honor of both Arbor Day and @ VFW HALL, 822 ANTHONY RD., PORTSMOUTH
Earth Day, American Legion Post Yard sale (large variety of items including furniture); bake sale;
18 donated 200 tree seedlings for Poppy Awareness table; raffles (including a certificate for a complete
local distribution. Cub Scout Pack car detailing and a beautifully crocheted Flag).
50 in Portsmouth, the
Narragansett Parks and Something for
Recreation Department and everyone! Rain
others were the recipients of this or shine.
year’s seedlings. After consulting Please join us!
with the Arbor Day Foundation,
the White Dogwood and Eastern
Red Bud varieties were selected
because they also help the honey
bee which is struggling to survive
in North America. The Garden
Club at Portsmouth High School
will participate in next year’s
event.

Our friends at the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
(CVMA) recently presented a donation of $1,000 for the Canines for
Combat Veterans Program at a NEADS graduation ceremony. To
learn more or donate, visit www.neads.org.

ARTIST COMMISSIONED TO
PAINT PORTRAIT OF “DANGO”
Searching for a way to thank Brian and
Mary for speaking to our group aboard
Battleship MASSACHUSETTS, Past
Commander Christine Hayward wanted
something more than a note to convey our
appreciation. She contacted RI artist
Paula Visnoski who embraced the
challenge of painting a portrait of Brian’s service dog for a
commissioned piece. Working from the photo above, she
captured “Dango” alert, but at rest on his master and
partner’s prosthetic foot. The watercolor has been
professionally matted and framed for presentation to Brian
in the near future. Paula has also given us exclusive
rights to use the image for postcards, etc. to help raise
funds for other combat wounded vets. “I was honored to
have the chance to put a little drop of good in the bucket
and give back to those who serve our country. I hope the
artwork brings happiness and helps raise awareness and
funds for the program.” Please visit www.pmvart.com.

FLYING INFORMATION—MAY—PAGE 5
NEWS FROM AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 18
Hello ladies! The big news is our upcoming Yard Sale on
Saturday, 29 MAY 2010. Volunteers needed to help set up, price
items and man tables. Donations also needed for the Bake Sale
table where we hope to offer tempting, home-made treats to hungry bargain
hunters. See details on PG 5. Volunteers, please contact me to let me know
when you are available.
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival needs our support.
Winners from local talent competitions in the arts, creative writing, dance,
drama and music will compete at the national level in October. This Auxiliary
sponsored program is therapeutic allowing veterans an expressive outlet.
Donations payable to National Treasurer, ALA, with “NVCAF” in the memo
Senator Sheldon
line can be sent to PO Box 307, Portsmouth, RI 02871 to be forwarded to
Whitehouse
Department then on to ALA National Headquarters.
congratulates Eastern
Division National VP Please see the calendar below and make plans to participate. We welcome
Barbara Golde at her new ideas or revamped old ideas to help keep our work relative and
Testimonial. meaningful while making the best use of our resources (funds and volunteer
time and talents).
PH: 401.619.3899 NENAROO@AOL.COM Edna Wardwell, President

2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS—MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US!
SUNDAY, 2 MAY 2010—NATIONAL POLICE PARADE; marchers should muster by 10 AM in the
vicinity of the auto dealership across from Hampton Inn & Suites, 317 W. Main Rd., Middletown.
MONDAY, 10 MAY 2010 @ 7 PM—Regular meeting of Post & Unit 18 at VFW Hall, 822 Anthony Rd.,
Portsmouth, RI. Agenda items: 1st round of nominations for officers for 2010-2011; tour of new
meeting venue; revising meeting day from 2nd Tuesday to 2nd Monday to accommodate schedules.
SATURDAY, 15 MAY 2010 (ARMED FORCES DAY) @ NOON—ECHO TAPS
WORLDWIDE @ RI Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. Buglers should muster
for practice no later than 11 AM. Can’t play a brass instrument? Flag bearers
also needed (bring your own 3’ x 5’ or 4’ x 6’ American Flag mounted on wooden
or metal pole). RI point of contact is Michael Jackson (istrum4u@cox.net or 401.782.6133).
Spectators encouraged to attend. To learn more about this worldwide event, visit www.echotaps.org.
SATURDAY, 22 MAY 2010 @ 8 AM—Reflagging of graves at 3 Portsmouth cemeteries and other
locations. Muster at St. Mary’s Cemetery on East Main Road, Portsmouth. When done, we will caravan
to Trinity Cemetery then on to Portsmouth Burial Ground. Great opportunity for students and Scouts
to earn volunteer credit. Volunteers work in teams of 2; rain or shine event.
MONDAY, 24 MAY 2010—Operation Stand Down RI Golf Classic @ Potowomut
Country Club. For details, visit www.osdri.com or call 401.383.4730.
TUESDAY, 25 MAY 2010 @ 6:30 PM—Reflagging of graves at historic Ft. Adams in Newport. This
evolution is traditionally done at sundown. Girl Scouts and other volunteers scheduled to assist.
SATURDAY, 29 MAY 2010 FROM 9 AM - 3 PM—UNIT 18 YARD SALE/FUND RAISER @ VFW
Hall, 822 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth, RI. All proceeds benefit the work of Post & Unit 18. See details on
PG 5. Bargain hunters wanted; no early birds!

For more calendar items, please visit www.americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com.

FLYING INFORMATION—MAY 2010—PAGE 6