The Romeo J. Routhier Post No. 1
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2005

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of The Romeo J. Routhier Post No. 1 will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 1230 hours at The Montano Steak House.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES
If you receive this newsletter by e-mail, please send me a message to let me know that it is received. If you did not receive this newsletter by e-mail, but you have an e-mail address, would you be kind enough to forward that address to me. Our e-mail address and the official address of Post No. 1 is: edsamleg@yahoo.com.

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION
The Department of Mexico annual convention will take place in Puerto Vallarta on June 14,15, and 16. Art Herbruger (Department Historian) and Jack Freitag (Past Department Commander) will be attending from Post No. 1. Anyone else wishing to attend is invited to do so, however they will not officially be delegates to the convention.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AND VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION A HUGE SUCCESS
Our Memorial Day Ceremony was held on May 30, 2005 at the American Embassy garden on The Reforma. Prior to the ceremony, the two Post Commanders and Ambassador John R. Hamilton unveiled The Veterans Memorial which was constructed in the garden in front of the embassy. This is a memorial to all those Legionnaires of Post No. 1 and Post No. 2 who have been transferred to Post Everlasting. It is also a memorial to members of our State Department and Military who gave their lives for their country while on duty in Guatemala. The dedication was followed by our Memorial Day Ceremony. Legionnaires presented arems during the playing of The National Anthem. Brief but inspiring talks were given by the Commanders of both Posts. Ambassador Hamilton also spoke of the role of the veterans of military service and the active duty military. Post No.1 commander, Carl West read the roll of Post Everlasting. Post No. 1 Chaplain, Spencer Buchanan, gave us an outstanding Invocation and Benediction. The event was well attended by Legionnaires, Active Duty Military, State Department personnel and the families of deceased Legionnaires. We should all give an extra thanks to Legionnaire Bill Brandt for the outstanding work he did on the construction of the memorial.

A MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL COMMANDER
As congress considers the proposed veterans health care budget, it is imperative that the veterans of this nation unite to send a loud and clear message that if this budget is passed as proposed, it will have a chilling and devastation effect on the VA health care system. The National Commander is requesting that all veterans contact their elected representatives to do the right thing by rejecting the budget and supporting mandatory health care funding.

WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN LEGION DO?
I am often asked this question. If you have internet access, check the Children’s Miracle Network. ( I don’t know the website address but I imagine you can find it.) This is just one of many Legion projects.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2005

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of The Romeo J. Routhier Post No. 1 will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at 1230 hours , at the Montano Steak House.

“WELCOME ABOARD” TO NEW MEMBERS

Two new members were added to the rolls of Post No. 1 at the January 2005 meeting.

Welcome to The American Legion:

Frank Ferraro. Frank is on active duty in the U.S Air Force with the Mil Group. He is involved with the Cub Scouts , which is sponsored by our post.
James C. Doggett. Jim is a Navy veteran from the Korean War era. He is married to a Guatemalan and has recently retired in Guatemala.

RAFFLE
A raffle was held at the January 2005 meeting, which produced Q280.00 for the Cub Scouts. The prizes were two bottles of wine, which were donated by The Montano Steak House.

NOMINATIONS FOR POST OFFICERS FOR 2005
Nominations for Post Officers will be held at the post meeting in February 2005. The nominations will be held to fill the following positions:

Post Commander
l st. Vice-Commander
2 nd Vice-Commander
Adjutant/Finance Officer
Service Officer
Sgt. at Arms/Judge Advocate
Department Executive Committeeman
Chaplain

The election of these Post Officers will be held at the March 2005 meeting(to be held on March 30th). Any Legionnaire in good standing is eligible to fill any of the above mentioned positions.

MEMBERSHIP
For the past three years, our membership has been declining. At the present time, membership is slightly over 50% of what it was four years ago. Hopefully, everyone will make an effort to introduce qualified veterans or active duty military to The American Legion.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR ORPHANS
In the first part of February 2005, Post No. 1 purchased Q3500.00 worth of school supplies for the orphans in the Casa Orotava in Antigua. We have been donating school supplies to this orphanage for several years.

SUNDAY LUNCH WITH WIVES AND FAMILY
We will hold a Sunday lunch with wives (or girl friend) and family on Sunday, March 6, 2005, at 1300 hours at The Montano Steak House. This event will be held in the Padrino Lounge on the first floor. Liquid refreshment (whiskey and vodka) will be available for a modest price. You may bring your own wine if you wish and will NOT be charged corkage. All other charges are for each individuals account. Please confirm attendance to me at 2368-0843.

DEC MEETING
The Department of Mexico Executive Committee Spring meeting will be held on February 19, 2005 at Post No.2 in Mexico City. Jack Freitag will be representing our post at the meeting and will report to the post at the first opportunity. Any Legionnaire who wishes to attend this meeting is welcome.

AMERICAN LEGION/STATE DEPARTMENT MEMORIAL
Plans for the American Legion/State Department Memorial to be constructed at the U.S Embassy are progressing. Hopefully, we shall have the inauguration and The Memorial Day Ceremony at this memorial on May 30, 2005.

AMERICAN SOCIETY CHICKEN BARBEQUE
The American Society will hold a Chicken Barbeque on Saturday, March 12, 2005. This event will be held at the recreational area, Colonia La Montaña, Zone 16. For tickets or more information, contact one of the following Legionnaires.
Linc Watson home 2364-2081 cel 5205-1723
Joel Negrelli 6634-1841
Spencer Buchanan 2368-2335

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