• Download the NewsLetter
• Commander's Corner
• From the Post Adjutant
• Post Calendar Of Events
• From the Auxiliary
• Lounge Report
• American Legion Riders
• From the SAL
• From the Chaplain
• DAV Chapter 144
• LaBelle Veteran's Memorial Park

Commander's Corner

Greetings,

You can tell that the Post is in full swing, this time of year the Post is full of activities. Many of these activities are entertainment based and some are Legion Programs. I would like to focus on one in particular program: The Blood Drive.

Post 130 has a long-standing tradition of hosting the Community Blood Drive. Every year the Florida Blood Centers presents awards to the hosting organization for their contributions. Last month I attended the 2009 award ceremony representing the Post, it was explained how the blood donated is used and it's importance. The presentations for the award are usually based on how many units collected. This year it was based on how many lives saved.

I cannot express the feeling of pride when the Post received an award for Saving 663 lives. This program is a success!

I would like to thank all of you that donate blood and those of you that help organize the Blood Drive, especially Legion 1st Vice Bill Davis and Auxiliary Sgt-At-Arms Pat Hashman.

Thank you all for your Gift of Life and please continue to donate.

For God and Country
Tony Alvarez, Commander Post 130

From the Post Adjutant

Do you know of any veterans that are homeless? We can help them get information for their veterans benefits. There is a local group that is helping homeless veterans to get VA health care and getting job training. They also can get these homeless veterans into a center that is equipped to be a temporary home with meals and beds for their comfort.

There was a Homeless Veterans Stand Down on Jan. 23. The event, located at the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center, provided homeless veterans with assistance in filing disability claims, applying for discharge reviews, and additional information on veteran's benefits. During the stand down, Legionnaires counseled about 70 homeless veterans on their VA benefits and discharge upgrades, making follow-up appointments with many of them.

The American Legion is the only veteran's service organization that helps veterans with discharge reviews. Locally in Fort Myers the it is called, "LIBERTY MANOR FOR VETERANS, INC." 813-408-9336. www.LibertyManor.org.

If you know of any homeless veterans let them know there is help that is available!

For God and Country,
Carl Pretz, Adjutant.

Calendar for February 2010

From the Auxiliary

Hello Everyone,

It's hard to believe that it is February 2010! January was a busy month. We had an Initiation Ceremony for new members, A National Security Program, a Roast Beef Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch and the USO Show. Thanks to all the Volunteers that helped at any and all of the events! A special thanks to Linda Teasley, Benita (Pudge) Lehman and Glendoris (Snooks) Felde for taking all the toys to the new All Childrens Hospital in Tampa.

Swamp Cabbage Festival is coming up this month. Since it is the largest event in Labelle, it will be a busy month. With Breakfast, Brunch, Four Chaplains, Stuffed Pork Chop Dinner, Swamp Cabbage Luncheon and Girl's State Interviews, we will be needing everyone's help and support at these functions. Any members that would like to help at any of these events please call me @ 863 675-1194.

God Bless Our Troops
Candy Alvarez, President Unit 130

Return to Top of Page

Lounge Report

Another good month.

The USO Show by our Auxiliary was a success. Great music, singing and comedy. Everyone looked great in their 1940's attire.

The Club 100's annual dinner was Saturday, 30 January. The food was great and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Superbowl Party, 7 Feb 2010! Hope everyone will come and enjoy the game and the food. We will provide chili, hot dogs and cheese dip. If you want to bring something like finger food to go with what we're having, that'd be just great.

Thank you all for your support of our Post and the Lounge.

Your Bartenders

Return to Top of Page

American Legion Riders

As we enter February, let's remember that the lifestyle we enjoy was earned by those who answer the call to national service. Without our armed forces, both now and in the past, we would not enjoy the cherished freedoms which come from being American.

February is going to be GREAT! The Swamp Cabbage Festival is promising to be huge. Our Chapter is hosting Bike Games both Sat and Sun, 27 and 28 Feb, and we definitely need more volunteers to help with parking, directing traffic and more. With the help of our members, this will be a fantastic event.

Upcoming events include Swamp Cabbage Festival and Bike Event, the multi-chapter Legacy Run on 20 March and the 7th Annual ALR Chapter 130 Poker run on 10 April.

The run on 20 March was organized by our brothers and sisters at Lehigh Chapter 323 and includes four ALR chapters, including ours.

For God and Country,
Ray 'Bouncer' Leventhal, Director
American Legion Riders
Florida Chapter 130

Return to Top of Page

Sons of the American Legion

Many thanks for the support of our Salvation Army Food Drive and the Old Card and Calendar collection. We were able to make a difference in a lot of lives and need also to thank the residents of Aqua Isles, Riverbend Motor Coach, LaBelle Woods, Grandma's Grove, VFW post 10100, First Bank, FCBank, and Olde Cypress Bank. I'm sure I've forgotten some - thanks to all who contributed.

A presentation was made at the District 13 meetings of the SAL and American Legion/AL Auxiliary asking for support of our Pool SHOOT-OUT Tournament. We are moving forward with the event to be held April 11, 2010. I have also visited 4 Moose Lodges and made a similar presentation, so God willing we be successful in raising funds for Legion programs and the Granite Slab at the LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park.

Without our Veterans and the Military we would not be free.

God Bless Our Military
Craig Bartoshuk, 2nd Vice Commander
Squadron 130

Return to Top of Page

From the Chaplain

This last month the Post lost several members; the Post Charter will remain draped. The passing of a member in the Post has left a memory that many of us will not forget. God bless all that have lost family members.

The Post Had it's First Post Everlasting Ceremony for Stan Brown. The Post Hall was full with those who attended. Family and friends express their appreciation for the wonderful ceremony.

May God look down upon us, and see us at our best. Pray for our troops and their families.

Chaplain
Post 130 LaBelle

Return to Top of Page

DAV Chapter 144

The DAV's Hendry County Veterans transportation program is designed to assist veterans with their travel needs to VA Medical Facilities. Veterans utilizing the service must be capable of boarding and departing the van without the driver/s aid. If you would like to utilize the DAV Van Program, please make arrangements in advance by calling DAV Chapter 144 in Labelle Florida (863) 612-0300 Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 7:00pm or 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Sundays.

Return to Top of Page

LaBelle Veteran's Memorial Park

Etch your name in LaBelle History. The LaBelle Veteran's Memorial Park needs your support. Custom engraved bricks are available — Brick order forms are available at the Post, or you can download one from http://www.legionpost130.org/brick.pdf. Stop by the Post for more information.

Return to Top of Page