Legion Article Archives

 
Breakfast with Santa at the Post
 
December 16th - 10:00 a.m.

Kids Christmas Party - "Breakfast with Santa"


The two young adluts standing by the tree are--- Phillip Van Wagoner and Michelle Exarhos, they helped set everything up and helped keep everything organized during the party. Special thanks go to them for an outstanding job.

The selected pictures below were taken by Legion Historian, Todd Herron.



Phillip Van Wagoner and Michelle Exarhos
 
Happy Birthday USMC - Nov 10
 
On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "two battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This established the Continental Marines and marked the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, early Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid on foreign soil in the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of the Corps’ first commandant, Capt. Samuel Nicholas.


Click here for the Marine Corps Hymn
 
Happy Birthday United States Navy - October 13th
 
On Friday, October 13, 1775, meeting in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty, and to send them out on a cruise of three months to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America. This was the original legislation out of which the Continental Navy grew and as such constitutes the birth certificate of the navy.



Click here to here the US Navy song
 
Leading The 4th of July Parade
 
The E. F. Oldenburg Post 216 Color Guard leads the annual 4th Of July Parade in Milford.
Photograph is the courtesy of the July 11th edition of the Milford Times. Photo by HAL GOULD.
 
American Legion Baseball Schedule
 
Click on the link below to see the complete schedule for the Post 216 American Legion baseball team.

Baseball Schedule
 
USAF Birthday - September 18
 
 
U.S. Air Force Cadet Thomas Baker
 
Pictured above is Basic Cadet Thomas Baker on the left and a fellow cadet during a "White Glove" inspection at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Cadet Baker is the son of Eric and Myong Suk Baker.


Click here to play the Air Force song


Semper Paratus
 
August 4th - Happy Birthday, U.S. Coast Guard
 
August 4, 1790

The United States Coast Guard, one of the country's five armed services, is also one of the most unique agencies of the federal government. We trace our history back to 4 August 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of the federal revenue. Known variously as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, we expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew.

These added responsibilities included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress. Our law enforcement functions also continued to expand. Congress tasked us with enforcing laws against slavery, piracy, and enlarged our responsibilities to prevent smuggling. We were also given the responsibility to protect the marine environment, explore and police Alaska, and chart the growing nation's coastlines, all well before the turn of the twentieth century.

The service received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the Life-Saving Service. The nation now had a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. We began to maintain the country's aids to maritime navigation, including operating the nation's lighthouses, when the Lighthouse Service was transferred to the Coast Guard in 1939. Later, in 1946, Congress permanently transferred the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the Coast Guard, thereby placing merchant marine licensing and merchant vessel safety under our purview.

The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and, until the Navy Department was established in 1798, we served as the nation's only armed force afloat. We have continued to protect the nation throughout our long history and have served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts. Our national defense responsibilities remain one of our most important functions even today.

In times of peace we operate as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing our laws at sea, protecting our coastline and ports, and saving life. In times of war, or on direction of the President, we serve under the Navy Department.
 
Childrens Easter Party
 
Pictured on the left are the Krueger family, and on the right, our good neighbor Moe and her daughter.

 
 
 

 
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:
 
James “Jimmy” C. Bingham Jr.
1938-2008
 
Jim Bingham served as dispatcher with the Milford Police Department for over 25 years
and as an Executive Board Member of the Milford American Legion, Post 216. Jim was
a Past Squadron Commander of the Sons of the American Legion. 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
USAF Cadet Thomas C. Baker
 
Cadet Thomas C. Baker
USAF Academy
Class of 2011

Pictured above is the offiical class photo of USAF Cadet Thomas C. Baker. Thomas will be completing his first year at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, this spring. Thomas is the son of USAF M\Sgt Eric Baker (Retired) and Myong Suk Baker. Eric and Thomas are both Post 216 members.
 
2007 Kids Christmas Party
 
 
Post 216 Represented at the Milford Senior Center Dedication
 
The expansion of the Milford Senior Center was dedicated on Friday, February 17th. American Legion Post 216 made a contribution for this expansion through the Milford Rotary Club who organized and made this project a reality.

John Moore represented the Legion for Commander Salvia at the dedication. Legion members Chris Smith, Don Stevenson, and Township Supervisor Don Green (Legion Member) were also in attendance.
Shown on the left is the ribbon cutting ceremony. Shown on the right is Township Treasurer Cindy Dagenhardt, John Moore, and State Senator Nancy Cassis.
 
Happy Birthday - U.S.Army - JUNE14
 
 
Cub Scout Den 315 Visits the Post
 
Cub Scout Den #315 and their Scoutmaster Kevin Zondlak visited the Post on Thursday December 6th. The activity was set up so the boys could earn their "Citizenship Activity Badge".

Legion members Joe Salvia, Lance Oberg, and John Moore instructed the boys on flag etiquette and the proper way to fold the flag. Lance and John reviewed the meaning and history of each flag on display. Scouts and their parents participated in a question and answer session after the instruction. Pictured on the right are the Scouts making a quick, but cold trip, out to see the tank.
 
Post 216 Annual Picnic
 
2007 Picnic
 
2007-8 Officer Installation Ceremony
 
Commander John R. Nelson and Past Commander Joseph M. Salvia
 
Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America Recognizes Post 216
 
Ernest F. Oldenburg Post 216 Commander John R. Nelson (center) receives a plaque from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America for the Post's support of the MPVA. For the past 5 years the Post 216 Color Guard has provided the opening ceremonies for the organization's annual 'Salute to Veterans Gala.' Presenting the plaque were Keven G. Elya, President MPVA (left), and Michael F. Harris, MPVA Executive Director (right).
 
Girl Scout Flag Folding Class
 
Commander John Nelson instructs a local Girl Scout troop on the proper folding of our nations flag.
 
State Commanders Tour
 
Checking for Flash...

 

 

Photo Album requires Adobe Flash.

Get Flash. If you have Flash installed, click to view gallery
 
Huron Valley AmVets reach out to local families
 
The following article is through the courtesy of the Milford Times, September 13th edition.

Huron Valley AmVets reach out to local families
By Alison Bergsieker
STAFF WRITER

Highland resident Sherri Casbar thought she'd miss out on seeing her son, Shawn Snyder, 19, graduate from his marine boot camp session last weekend — but she was wrong.

The area's newest veteran organization, the Huron Valley AmVets No. 2006, stepped in and funded Sherri's trip to Parris Island in South Carolina so she and her two other children could watch Shawn graduate.


They even provided her with a Motel 6 directory and MapQuest directions.

"Thanks to God they managed to help us so much," Sherri said. "There would have been no other way to get there."

Sherri and her two other children, Domonique, 14, and Christopher, 15, left at 7 a.m. last Wednesday to make the 920-mile drive to South Carolina.

The AmVets made sure the family was completely covered, getting local businesses to provide transportation and food. Enterprise Rent-a-Car donated a car to transport Sherri and her kids for $75 Wednesday through Saturday. Phil and Christine Saint George, owners of Saint George's Café, donated a cooler of sandwiches and beverages, and Manager Michelle Overby at McDonalds in Wixom pitched in coupons for McDonalds stops along the way.

Several other residents also donated toward the trip, including many individual donations from AmVet members.

Shawn has a 10-day home leave and will then leave for Camp Lejune in North Carolina and will be stationed there for six months.

Sherri said Shawn will spend his break visiting with friends and spending time with the family.
"(Shawn's) going in for combat engineering, which means he gets to blow up things," Sherri said.

The AmVets formed in February 2006 and now have 16 members.

Commander Joe Salvia said the AmVets want to extend their membership and welcome all veterans and serving military personnel.
"
We want to expand our service to veterans by getting more frequented with hospitals and nursing homes," he said. "We want to create new activities for veterans that don't exist at this time, like an Internet café."

Chaplain Lance Obreg said residents of the Huron Valley area are especially generous, and the AmVets will reflect that character.

"That's the mission of the AmVets — to support the needs of local area service personnel — both past and currently serving," Obreg said.

The group raised the money for Shawn's family in three weeks.

"Miracles can sometimes come in small containers," Salvia said. "It doesn't have to be somebody winning the lottery."

The Huron Valley AmVets meet the fourth Tuesday every month at 7 p.m. at the EFO Post 216 American Legion in Milford. For more information contact Salvia at (313) 701-8000.

Contact Alison Bergsieker at (248) 685-1507 ext. 260 or at abergsieker@gannett.com
 
2007-2008 Officer Installation Photoshow
 
Checking for Flash...

 

 

Photo Album requires Adobe Flash.

Get Flash. If you have Flash installed, click to view gallery
 
Post 216 Hosts Milford Cub Scout Pack 52
 
Boy Scouts of America Den Leader Joanne Benton and the members of Cub Scout Pack 52 joined our Legion team for a demonstration of flag folding and flag retirement. Assistants Susan Collar, Beth Anderson, and Patty Thiele joined Joanne. Nate Benton, a Boy Scout from Troop 172 also assists with the Den.

After the introductions of the Cub Pack, Commander Salvia introduced members of the Legion, and each member spoke a few words about their military experience. Den members were then paired off and they conducted several flag folding sequences, with the aid of Legion members.

John Moore, John Robinson, Skip Davison, and Don Stevenson gave a short discussion on each of the posted flags. Additional flag etiquette topics were covered.

John Nelson covered the reasons, and the correct procedures for properly retiring the flag.

During refreshments, John Moore demonstrated the use of an electronic bugle when it is used to sound TAPS at a graveside service.

Pictures were taken inside and in front of the tank before the Scouts departed. Please see a selection of pictures below.

Commander Salvia thanks, Skip Davison, John Moore, John Robinson, Don Stevenson, John Nelson, and Dave Fredericksen for their participation in this event.

John Moore, Post Historian


 
Gary Shelton Donation
 
American Legion Post 216 would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Gary Shelton of Shelton Windows in Milford for their very generous donation of an electric wheelchair for one of our post members.

Pictured at the right is the recipient, Bruce Hayden, who is the co-chairman of the Post's very successful Bingo Night. Bruce is a former Navy Corpsman who served during the Viet Nam conflict. This electric chair enables Bruce the added flexibility in conducting Bingo operations, as well as other activities that require a greater degree of mobility.

The Legion is proud and grateful for this community's support and contributions to its military Veterans. It is the people and local businesses, such as the Shelton's, that make this community very special to all of us.
 
Post Receives Scouting Award
 
On May 8, 2007 the Post was presented with a special achievement award for it's support of Cub Scout Pack 52. The pack is a member of the Ottawa district, Clinton Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America serving Oakland and Macomb counties.

Receiving the plaque at the annual meeting of the council were Commander Joseph Salvia and Commander-Elect John Nelson. Also attending from the Post was Past-Historian John Moore and Historian-Elect Murray Burley.

Pictured above from left to right are Murray Burley, John Moore, Cub Master Mike Andrud, Joe Salvia and John Nelson.
 
Children's Christmas Party
 
The Post Christmas Party was a huge hit with the kids. The Women's Auxiliary, along with support from the other organizations, did a fantastic job of planning and running this years party. There were a lot of happy faces when Santa (shown below) came in to meet the kids. The food was great and the presents were even better. Thanks to all of the Legion members who made this party such a big success.

John Moore
Post 216, Historian

 
Tiger Game and Casino Bus Trip, April 28
 
Sorry, this event has been completely filled. For those going, have a great time at the game and good luck!
 
Scholarship Winner Andrew Goike
 
Pictured below is the Boyes scholarship winner from Milford High School, Andrew Goike. Sr. Vice Commander John Nelson makes the introduction. John and Skip Davison were on the selection committee and chose Andrew for his outstanding essay. The Goike family was present to hear Andrew read is essay to our Legion members.

Andrew will continue to further his education at Central Michigan University this fall. Congratulations Andrew and "GO CHIPS".

 
Veterans News
 
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.
“The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in ones’ military service, Senator Inhofe said.” Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.

“Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.”

“I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others.”

 
American Legion Baseball Opening Game Ceremony
 
1st Game Results
Milford - 10      Troy Cubs - 9
2nd Game Results
Milford - 10      Troy Cubs - 6
 
Election of Officers
 
Our election of officers for 2006-2007 will be held at the next membership meeting on April 18th. There is a sign-up sheet located in the clubroom for nominations. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the next meeting, prior to the elections.

Please consider running for one of these very important officer positions.
 
Tiger Baseball
 
BUS TRIP
April 30th 2006
Detroit Tigers
vs
Minnesota Twins
Casino following the game!
$62.00 per person
includes
Suite Tickets
Bus Ride
Beer on Bus

Bus leaves Legion 11:00 am (Sharp)
Bus leaves Casino 9:00 pm (Sharp)

Only 40 tickets will be sold
Must be paid in full by April 17th
 © 2005 - 2009   American Legion - Milford SiteBuilder by AccuNet