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1. Honor Flight Planned for April 24th, 2021

Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area is sponsoring an Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, on 24 April 2021.

Priority veterans are those who were service members during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Please get the word out to those Veterans who meet these criteria and would be interested in attending. It is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience for them. Also, the organization is looking for people who would be interested in volunteering to be a guardian who would attend to a Veteran for the day of the trip or who can help with preparations and attendance at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) on this memorable day.

Participation in this extraordinary event is sure to change your life! Please refer to the website for further information: LINK

Post Commander John Hacker and Post Historian Brian Danielson present a donation to Lincoln Elementary School Principal Pamela Biggs on March 19, 2021

On February 4, 2021 Post 68 teamed with WWAY and the Red Cross for a highly successful blood drive

WWAY article

Post 68 holds 2nd annual Oratorical Contest with North Brunswick High School

Madilyn Smith, a sophomore at North Brunswick High School (NBHS), placed first in the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, Leland’s Oratorical Contest – “A Constitutional Speech Contest”- held Saturday, January 9 at the Magnolia Greens Club Room.

Kaitlyn Shields, also a NBHS sophomore and a JROTC Cadet, placed second in the competition. 

Both contestants delivered an original eight-to-ten-minute prepared oration on aspects of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of American citizens with Ms. Smith focusing on the Bill of Rights and Ms. Shields focusing specifically on the First Amendment’s Free Speech clause. Each also delivered a 3-to-5-minute extemporaneous discourse on the assigned topic of Article III, Section 1 regarding the establishment of the Supreme Court.

Post 68 Commander John Hacker presented Madilyn with the first-place medal, certificate of distinction, and a check for $500.00.  Commander Hacker presented Kaitlyn with the second-place medal, certificate of distinction, and a check for $300.00.

Smith now advances to the American Legion District 9 Oratorical Contest on January 23^rd at the St. James Community Center, St. James Plantation, NC. 

First place winner Madilyn Smith (left) and second place winner Kaitlyn Shields (right) receive their awards from Post 68 Commander John Hacker

DECEMBER 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Post-68 Participating In Wreaths Across American

Post 68 members and other volunteers will place your purchased wreaths on veteran gravesites at the Wilmington National Cemetery on Dec 19^th – with grateful appreciation from every veteran!

Please make Checks Payable to Wreaths Across America in increments of $15 per wreath and give to a Post 68 member….  OR … simply go to the following link, click on Sponsor Wreath and ordere on-line at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/NC0380P

2. Post-68 Participated In Wreaths Across American

Post 68 Members, Post 68 Legion Riders, Red Cross and Boy Scout volunteers placeed 750 purchased wreaths on veteran gravesites at the Wilmington National Cemetery on Dec 19^th.  The many hands made it quick and enjoyable!

3. Post-68 December General Membership Cancelled: Watch for Information on January Meeting Next Month

Complying with Governor Coopers extension of the Modified Stay-At-Home Order, the Post Executive Committee has determined that the December General Membership meetings will be cancelled.  This was also so members can focus on time with families.

4. Post-68 Members: Assistance for Shut-Ins this Holiday Season

Post 68 members:  Do you know a veteran who will be "shut-in" for the holidays?  If so, please consider providing their information to Project North State.

Operation North State will be packing 800 - 850 NCCARES Christmas Boxes for NC's shut-in veterans. They already have 560 veterans names confirmed. Go to www.operationnorthstate.com and submit a name if you know a shut-in veteran. You can also submit a name to their email mailbox@operationnorthstate.com - they'll need the veteran's name, address (home or nursing home), t-shirt size and your name, phone number and email address. The Operation doesn't share the contact info with anyone.

DECEMBER 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

NOVEMBER 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Post-68 November General Membership In Person for November Paused: Watch for Virtual Invite

In abundance of caution, Post Executive Committee has determined that the November and December General Membership meetings will be Virtual.  This will be in compliance with below state guidance.

Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4.

2. Post-68 Participated in Leland Veteran's Day Memorial Service

Post-68 members participated at a modified Veteran's Day Memorial Service that had to be moved from Leland Town to our normal Blossom's meeting site.  See the event at following LINK

God Bless our Veterans of All Branches!

NOVEMBER 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

OCTOBER 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

OCTOBER 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

Lane Adrian

>October Meeting will be held as scheduled
>Meeting Minutes: TBD

SEPTEMBER 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. American Legion Post 68 Conducting 9-11 Memorial Blood Drive>>93% THERE!<<

The Post is planning a Blood Drive on the afternoon of September 9-11 with the American Red Cross.  WE HAVE 93% OF THE DONORS NEEDED TO MEET GOAL!  Thre (3) more Donors needed to reach 100% of Goal.  Those wanting to volunteer to support the Drive pls contact Mike Conners (847) 915-0074 or Dan Fortini (413) 834-4106 to join.  Donors should contact the Red Cross Donor site per below:

American Legion Post 68
Blood Drive

Held on 9/11
1:00pm – 6:00pm

Brunswick County Complex-Cooperative Extension (Bldg-N)
25 Referendum Drive NE
Bolivia, NC 28422

Help Those Who Are Fighting Covid-19

Join the Fight!

For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
& Search Site “American Legion Post 68”
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Flyer LINK

2. American Legion Post 68 Conducting Unserviceable Flag Retirement Collection Day

The Post is planning a Collection Drive for unserviceable (worn/torn/discolored)  American Flags on September 12th from 8am-4pm at the Brunswick Forest Community Commons (2501 Brunswick Forest Parkway in Leland, NC).  Volunteers are needed and should contact the Committee Chairman Dan Fortini (413) 834-4106.  Further details available at LINK.

SEPTEMBER 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

AUGUST 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Call to Provide Input on Family Caregivers Program.

>See the VA Official Resources Page LINK for information on the 60-Day Comment & Review Period currently on-going.

AUGUST 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

JULY 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Post-68 Commanders Annual Report Released.

>Post Commander for 2019-2020 Dale Todd has released his Commander's Annual Report at the end of his tenure today.  Here is the LINK to view the report (also listed on the Post History page).

2. American Legion Post 68 Loses Respected Member Henry (Pete) Erbe

The Post lost a respected and loved member Henry (Peter) Herman Erbe on July 6th.  He was a man who gave freely of himself to all he encountered.  Pete was a man of remarkable integrity. He was always there for those in need and would do whatever was necessary whether is was family, community or country.  He will be sorely missed.  See his obituary here: LINK

3. American Legion Post 68, Leland July Meeting CANCELED

Considering the ongoing need for COVID-19 related social distancing, and restrictions on indoor
gatherings, the July 16th in-person membership meeting of the John E. Jacobs American Legion
Post 68, Leland is hereby cancelled. However, a virtual July meeting is under consideration. The
Post 68 Executive Committee will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and
communicate in a timely manner our decision about a July virtual meeting and the scheduled
August 20th meeting.  We will send out regular updates with any Post information on an as
needed basis.

JULY 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

>Post Participation CANCELED

JUNE 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Veteran Experience Action Center (VEAC) In Southport RESCHEDULED, NOW CANCELED

VEAC this year is moving to Southport High School this year to best serve our Veterans with VA needs.  Volunteers are needed to make this the same success it had last year.  Contact Post Service Officer Lane Adrian for more information or if willing to volunteer.  VEAC will be held JULY 9th, 10th & 11th at the following location (setup will be on JULY 8th):

South Brunswick High School
280 Cougar Road
Southport, NC

2. Post Survey Input Requested for June Meeting During Covid-19.

Post Leadership asks that Post Members take a minute to reply to a very short 10 question survey regarding your feelings regarding in-person Post meetings and the COVID-19 virus threat.  There are also a few questions regarding our Post newsletter.   

Your responses are requested by June 10th and would be greatly appreciated. Please click on the link below to start the survey.  Only one response per computer will be accepted. LINK

Survey has been closed out.  Thank you all for your comments and participation!

3. Post-68 2020 Elections Cancelled-Post Positions Appointed Per NC Department Guidance.

>NC Department has determined that Post officers elected during the annual election process had to be officially installed not later than the 30 days after the adjournment of the annual Department Convention. Since there is no Department Convention this year, no elected officers can be confirmed and Post elections have been cancelled.

After reviewing the guidance carefully, reviewing the Department & Post Constitution & Bylaws, and having conversations with District & Division leadership, the Post PEC decided to take the following action: at a special PEC meeting on April 30, the PEC unanimously approved a motion to appoint each member on the approved 2020 ballot to the elective office for which that member was running with the appointments effective on June 30, 2020.  OFFICERS WILL ASSUME THEIR POSTS ON JULY 1ST, 2020.

Pls see this LINK for full explanation of the Post Executive Committee's actions.

JUNE 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

JUNE 2019-JUNE 2020 POST 68 OFFICERS 

OFFICE	NAME	PHOTO	EMAIL	PHONE
Commander	Dale Todd		daleetodd@gmail.com	240-338-5411
1st Vice Commander	James Zelenski		afblueberet7494@gmail.com	301-535-1120
2nd Vice Commander
Adjutant	Daniel Dodge		lifesgood50@gmail.com	607-237-4630
Finance Officer	Elliott Koppell		elkoppel@aol.com
Judge Advocate
Chaplain	Brian Danielson		brian.e.danielson@gmail.com	619-977-2793
Service Officer	Lane Adrian		laneadrian@att.net	630-251-7040
Sergeant at Arms	Bill Smith		neptunevp92@gmail.com	910-508-5074
Logistics	John Marone		jonflyfish@aol.com	914-440-3526
Public Affiars	Richard Fry		richard.fry8700@gmail.com	910-769-8961
Membership	Dan Fortini		dan14ef@hotmail.com	413-834-4106
Historian
Members-At-Large	Mike Conners		mconners75@gmail.com
Members-At-Large	John Hacker		jveteran13@gmail.com
Members-At-Large	Lou Tranzillo		ltranzillo@bellsouth.net

MAY 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Special Parade on 6-May for WW-II Veteran of Leyte/Phillippine/Okinawaw Campaigns.

>Post-68 & Post-68 Legion Riders are supporting a special parade for the 97th birthday of Legionnaire Alex Moskowitz in Supply NC.  Parade will be on May 6th, 2020 at 12pm,  If interested, pls contact Adjutant Dan Dodge if driving a car, or Lane Adrian if riding a motorcycle, for attending the parade. Press Release is at this LINK.

2. VIRTUAL "Veterans Benefits and Resouces" WEBINAR to be Presented on May 14th.

AARP NC Coastal region will present a VIRTUAL WEBINAR on "Veterans Benefits and Resouces" on Thursday May 14,2020 from 11-12noon,Coastal Region, NC.  Registration is required.  See following for information and registration: LINK

MAY 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

APRIL 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. IR-2020-81, Special Alert for VA, SSI recipients who don't file a return and have dependents

>See information at this LINK regarding receiving stimulus payments. 

2. Post-68 2020 Elections-Urgent for Membership to Read.

>Post must complete elections prior to the May meeting.  Attached are current instructions on identifying personnel volunteering to 'step-up' to support our Post.  Please review and provide input as necessary.  LINK

3. Important Announcement from Department of NC's Commander Moore.

>The Department Commander issued a letter on 15 April 2020 indicating cancellation of multiple events to include:
     - Legion Baseball/Softball cancelled
     - Department Convention for June is cancelled
     - Tarheel Boy's State is cancelled
     - NC Student Trooper Program is cancelled

Click on LINK for full text of this letter

4. Army Deputy Chief of Staff-G1 Call to Arms.

>The G-1 has emailed Army Retirees with below looking for volunteers.  Note it is focused on medical MOS's, but it also lists call for others willing to work.  See LINK.

5. Post-68 Push for Annual Concert Series Competition. (ACTION NEEDED BY 5/20/2020)

>Post 68 has entered into competition with multiple other non-profit organizations across the Wilmington/Leland area to participate in the annual Downtown Wilmington Concert Series wristband sales program.  We have participated in this event a couple times and brought home donation revenue our chariatable activies.  This requires us to 'get out the vote' for our Post.

Please click the link below to vote for Post 68.  We are about the 5th entry down:

American Legion, Post 68 Leland

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020charitywristbandprogram

Also, please forward this email to your family and friends asking them to cast their vote for us.  Every vote helps.  Last year we were not able to get enough votes to participate.

APRIL 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

MARCH 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. American Gold Star Families Ceremony on March 1st

The Azalea Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers and the American Gold Star Families is inviting American Legion Post-68 to attend a Gold Star Families Ceremony on Sunday March 1 at 3:00PM in Wilmington's Hugh MacRea Park to recognize our Wilmington Gold Star Families.  There will be attendees from the New Hanover County Commissioners, the New Hanover County Veterans Council, various veteran groups and veteran service organizations.

Post attendees should notify the Adjutant if interested in attending.  There is possibility of carpooling.  Please see the Event Flyer at this LINK.

2. Post-68 March General Membership & Legion Riders Meetings Cancelled.

Out of an abundance of care and caution and to reduce the possibility of coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure to Post members and others, the 19 March 2020 meeting of the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, Leland NC has been cancelled. This includes a cancellation of the Legion Riders meeting.  See Announcement LINK.

3. A Conversation On Veteran Suicide Prevention With MOH Winner. (CANCELLED)
>Host: UNCW Office of Military Affairs Hosting
-Date: Mar 23rd, 2020 at 6:30pm
-Location: UNCW Trask Coliseum, Wilmington, NC
-Flyer: LINK

4. National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day.
>Host: Jacksonville Vet Center
-Date: Mar 24th, 2020 at 10am-2pm
-Location: Wilmington VA Health Clinic, Wilmington, NC
-Flyer: LINK

5. Veterans Can Attend Virtual Events for the 29-March National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
The following link provides a listing of the many events planned during the Covid-19 Crisis: LINK

6. March Commemoration of 50th-Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
>Host: Fayetteville Vet Center Hosting
-Date: Mar 18th, 2020 at 1pm
-Location: 414 Warsaw Rd, Clinton, NC
-Flyer: LINK

>Host: NC Division of Veterans Affairs
-Date: Mar 30th, 11am-12:30pm
-Location: NC Museum of History - auditorium
               5 East Edenton St, Raleigh, NC
-Flyer: LINK

You may visit this LINK for interesting information about the War as well as the Commemorative Pin and how eligible veterans may obtain one.

MARCH 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

FEBRUARY 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Brunswick Family Assistance Call for Volunteers-Opportunity to Achieve!

The Adjutant has sent out a call for volunteers to help Brunswick County's food insecure families.  Here's the call:

"Hello Everyone, I am reaching out to ask for help with the commodities distribution . We are starting the intake and parking at 12 midnight to start the distribution promptly at 2 a.m.  The distribution runs until food runs out or until 8 am .  Please everyone come out to help those in crisis in Brunswick county. this event helps those that are food insecure .  BFA greatly appreciates all you are doing to help those in need. We could NOT continue to provide the level of support that we strive to provide without the continued efforts of the "YOU" the volunteers that tirelessly extending a helping hand.  THANK YOU!!!!!"

"..Commodities packing is Feb 12th from 10:30 til 4 pm and Distribution is Feb12th at midnight until Feb13th til 8 am.  There is a link at the bottom of the signature line to go on Volunteer hub to sign up for a shift. Thank You everyone!!!"

Charles Jackson 
Director of Operations/Outreach
Brunswick Family Assistance
(910) 754-4766 ext 103
https://brunswickfamily.volunteerhub.com

Here is the parking pass download PDF: LINK

2. Veteran Readjustment Counseling in Leland Coming

Starting in February, the Jacksonville Vet Center will begin offering Readjustment Counseling Services on Thursdays in the Meeting Room at the Leland Communicty Park in Leland, NC.  Two informational meetings will be held on February 7th, 2020.  Additional information and qualifications to attend is attached at this LINK.

This group is a great opportunity for Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to get together. No appointment needed just show up and join in.

FEBRUARY 2020 LEGION RIDEREVENT INFO

JANUARY 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

1. Post Constitution & By-Laws Draft replaced.  Draft replaced: 2019 DRAFT CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS v2 

2. Brunswick County Veteran Services Monthly Update Letter.
   Brunswick County Veterans Updates 12-2-19

3. VA is amending proposed regulations about one of their programs based on comments members of the public made on the website of the Federal Register.

• mailto:https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/11/13/2019-24503/veterans-healing-veterans-medical-access-and-scholarship-program
• Shaped by these comments, the VA will publish the final rule about the “Veterans Healing Veterans Medical Access and Scholarship Program” in mid-Dec.
• This action is very typical and it shows that when the VA (or any federal agency) posts proposed regulations for public comment, they actually do review the submissions and take action.
• It is an example that we hope encourages veterans and advocates to pay attention and offer input to the regulations that shape the programs used by veterans across the country.
• This is also a way to influence policy just by using internet access.

4. VA is implementing a project called Advancing Telehealth through Local Access Stations, (ATLAS).

• https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/68079/atlas-debuts-u-s-senate-demonstrates-future-health-care/
• ATLAS will allow Veterans to undergo medical examinations at their local Veterans Service Organization posts through virtual appointments.
• The first ATLAS debuted Oct. 16, at VFW Post 6786 in Eureka, Montana, where Veterans previously had to travel more than 225 miles to the nearest VA Medical Center.
• VA reports that of the 9 million veterans who receive health care from the VA, one third live in a rural area or have limited access to high speed internet.
• Veterans interested in the ATLAS program are encouraged to contact their local VA Medical Center.

4. Post-68 Oratorical Competition Winners Announced!

Bailey Smith, a senior at North Brunswick High School (NBHS), placed first in the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, Leland’s Oratorical Contest – “A Constitutional Speech Contest”- held Saturday, January 11 at NBHS.

Dylan Mills, a NBHS junior and JROTC Cadet, placed second in the competition.

All contestants delivered an original eight-minute prepared oration on aspects of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of American citizens. They also delivered an extemporaneous speech on the assigned topic of the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution regarding the establishment of compensation for the services of U.S. Senators and
Representatives.

Post 68 Commander Dale Todd presented Bailey with the first-place medal, a certificate of distinction, and a check for $500.00.  Dylan received the second place medal, certificate of distinction, and a check for $300.00.

Bailey Smith now advances to the American Legion District 9 Oratorical Contest held on January 18th at the St. James Community Center, St. James Plantation, NC. She will compete against the winners of American Legion Post contests from Brunswick, Bladen, Columbus, Pender, and New Hanover counties. 

The District 9 contest winner qualifies to compete in the Division Contest on February 29, with that winner advancing to the North Carolina Department (state) finals being held March 7 at the Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst.  Division winners advance to the National Finals in April.

JANUARY 2020 LEGION RIDER EVENT INFO

DECEMBER 2019 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

Leland Christmas Parade
Date: Dec 7th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Post 68 Officers Meeting
Date: Dec 12th 
Time: 12pm 
Location: Hammock Meeting Rm
Shelmore, Brunswick Forest

Post 68 Member Meeting
Date: Dec 19th
Time: 6pm
Location: Blossoms Meeting Room
   Magnolia Greens

Christmas
Date: Dec 25th

1. POST-68 Name Change ANNOUNCEMENT

Post-68 has received the charter amendment from HQ and is now named John E. Jacobs American Legion Post-68.  Congratulations to the membership and thanks to the Jacobs family for allowing us to honor their loss in this way.

A Dedication Dinner will be held on December 14th at the Brunswick Community College campus in Leland.  Post Adjutant will announce further information as it becomes firmed up.

A press release was published about the event by Richard Fry (see LINK) and WWAY & WECT had article covering it showing John Jacobs photo and Post-68's Memorial Day graveside flag placement (see both below).  Also WECT indicated that they intend to have a reporter at the event in December.

WECT Article can be found on their website at this LINK.

2. Leland Veterans Memorial Vote Input Requested

  We have learned of an initiative from the Town of Leland that they are conducting public reviews of various public works projects and are accepting inputs from the public regarding these projects of which a new Veterans Memorial is one.

There are artist concept drawings and photos of proposed projects in the lobby of the Leland Town Hall.
The picture below is only one of several boards with various projects on display.  As you can see from the red dots, the public has already started voting.  This is a chance for you to express your opinion on which design you would like to see.

If you wish to participate, please visit the Leland Town Hall and cast you vote today, Friday Dec 13th or Monday Dec 16t.  We believe the Leland Town Council will be meeting Monday morning the 16th @ 11am to discuss these projects.

3. Christmas Service for Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, all First Responders and Their Families.

4. Be prepared!  

Here is a link off the Town of Leland website for Hurricane prep....'Tis the season!

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

American Red Cross Link:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

5. Volunteers requested for Red Cross

The Red Cross is looking requesting members to volunteer as drivers to deliver blood products to local area hospitals. 

If you are interested, check out the website and call Katherine Crocker, Sr. Volunteer Specialist at 910-315-8571 or Katherine.Crocker@redcross.org. 

(http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/deliver-blood) 

NOVEMBER 2019 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

Belk Charity Sales Event
Date: Nov 29th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Veterans Day Parade
Date: Nov 9th
Time: Staging 10:15am
Location: Red Cross and Front Steets

Post Membership Hot Dog Day
Date: Nov 10th
Time: 2-6pm
Location: Brunswick Forest Commons

Veterans Day
Date: Nov 11th

Post 68 Officers Meeting
Date: Nov 14th
Time: 12pm
Location: Hammock Meeting Rm
Shelmore, Brunswick Forest

Post 68 Spaghetti Dinner
Date: Nov 21st
Location: Blossoms Meeting Room
   Magnolia Greens

>Annual Pasta Fund Raiser Dinner<
-First Seating:      5pm
-Second Seating:  7pm

>Regular Member Meeting cancelled

Thanksgiving
Date: Nov 28th

John E. Jacobs Post-68 Leading Wilmington Veterans Day Parade

Post-68 will be leading the Wilmington Veterans Day Parade this year and needs maximum participation from the membership that will be in the area.  The Overall Parade lead is: John Marone.  Please contact John with ANY questions.  Dress:  If you do not have an American Legion cap, clothing, etc. wear a service cap, wear nice jeans, etc. If you cannot walk the route, we will be using a trailer so you can ride.  Most important thing is to just BE THERE AND REMEMBER OUR COMRADES IN ARMS!  

Veterans Day Discount Programs for 2019

Several establishments have discounts they want to honor veterans with this year.  See following DOC and LINK for specifics for these offers.

POST Pasta Dinner Fund Raiser Event on November 21st

Post-68 will be conducting its Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraising event on November 21st (at Blossoms Restaurant Banquet Room) in place of monthly membership meeting.  All (Post memberes, family, and civilians who just want to help) are invited to  attend.  Lead is Patty Kelly at (910) 622-2995 and she is ready to sell you tickets at $15/ticket.  There are two seatings available; 5pm and 7pm.  Download the flier shown below at this LINK.

This Annual Fund Raiser is to benefit youth programs sponsored by Post 68 at North Brunswick High School and to benefit veterans in need during the holiday season. In addition to selling tickets for the pasta dinner, the Post will have donated items from various corporate sponsors and individuals that will be raffle prizes for dinner attendees. The winners will not have to be present at the time of the raffle drawing which will be conducted near the end of the of the evening.

Cape Fear Region JOB FAIR to be held at CFCC

There will be a Free Job Fair for Veterans, Employers & Job Seekers from 11am-2pm on November 8th at the Cape Fear Community College's Union Station U-508 Daniels Hall.  See their flyer at this LINK.

Horse Play Farms Fundraising Event

Horse Play Farms is an organization that support veterans with some of their programs. On November 2nd they will host a special fundraising event to help fund their programs.  See LINK for more information on programs from this organization.

WARM EVENT: Post Commander was contacted by Lindsay Miles, the Volunteer Coordinator for Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry. She was letting our Post know about an upcoming volunteer event - WARM's Veterans Day of Hope.

The event will be over two days; Saturday, November 9th and Monday, November 11th. Members of the community will work together to make home repairs for a veteran or veteran's family. Goal is to give us the opportunity to participate.

If interested, pls see the following LINK for their registration page and information.

Veterans Day Activities - UPDATE as of Mon, Nov 4th  -

(There is a lot going on across the area!)

Tue, Nov 5, 2019

• Unveiling the Blue Star Memorial Marker with honors
  • 10:00 am
  • Hwy 24 near Clinton Community Church (1901 Sunset Ave, Clinton, NC) and also near Sampson Community College (1801 Sunset Ave, Clinton, NC)

Fri, Nov 8, 2019

• Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Veterans Day Ceremony
  • 10:00 am
  • Tabitha’s Courtyard at CFCC at 411 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
  • Colors Ceremony, service hymns, taps, guest speakers and reception to follow
• Cape Fear Community College Veterans Job Fair
  • 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Union Station U-508 Daniels Hall
  • Free for veterans, employers and job seekers

Sat Nov 9, 2019

• Southeast North Carolina 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade
  • 11:00 am
  • Downtown Wilmington along Front St between Hanover and Orange Streets
  • 1500 marchers and 14 bands including the NC A&T University Blue and Gold Marching Machine and two flyovers

Mon, Nov 11, 2019

• The 21st annual Sampson County Veterans Day Celebration
  • 11:00 am
  • Sampson County Expo Center at 414 Warsaw Rd, Clinton, NC 28328
  • The full program includes live music, guest speakers and a moment to honor all veterans present.
• Veterans Day ceremony at Wilmington National Cemetery
  • 11:00 am
  • 2011 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28403
  • Sponsored by New Hanover County Veterans Council
• UNC Wilmington (UNCW) Veterans Day Ceremony and Luncheon
  • 10:45am
  • Outdoor Amphitheater at UNCW (Lumina Theater is the alternate location in case of inclement weather)
  • Student Veterans speakers
  • Visitor Parking will be free in Lot M
• American Legion Post 10 Veterans Day Cookout
  • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
  • 702 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409
• Battleship NORTH CAROLINA free tours
  • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Veterans Day Event at Smithfield-Selma High School
  • 11:00 am
  • 700 E Booker Dairy Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
  • The event is completely run by JROTC students throughout the county.  The program includes a pass and review with each of the JROTC programs in the county.  The JROTC program that won the drill and ceremony competition will perform.  It also includes the all-county chorus and all-county band.  The school also provides lunch for all the veterans in the school cafeteria.
  • Guest speaker is Alonzo Lunsford, who was injured in the Fort Hood shootings

Tue, Nov 12, 2019

• UNC Wilmington Military Appreciation Basketball Game
  • 7:00 pm
  • Trask Coliseum at UNCW at 680 Hamilton Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
  • UNCW will recognize veterans of World War II, some of whom will be present for the game.
  • Visitor Parking will be free in Lot M
  • Guests affiliated with the Military are invited to attend a pre-game pizza party in the Warwick Center at UNCW at 601 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403.  At that pre-game party, those guests may also pick up complimentary tickets to the 7pm game.

OCTOBER 2019 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

Post 68 Officers Meeting
Date: Oct 10th 
Time: 1pm 
Location: Hammock Meeting Rm
Shelmore, Brunswick Forest

Note Corrections:
-Post name change reception is:  Dec 14th
-Oratorical Contest to be:  Jan 14th, 2020

Post 68 Member Meeting
Date: Oct 17th
Time: 6pm
Location: Blossoms Meeting Room
   Magnolia Greens

NC Department Fall Conference
Date: Oct 17th-19th
Time: TBD
Location: North Raleigh Hilton

Leland Trunk or Treat
Date: Oct 26th
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Location: Town of Leland Park

Free Dentistry on October 10th

On October 10th, Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry will conduct Freedom Day.  The Point of Contact is Jackie Papas (910) 933-2408.  The dentists employed by this company will perform 1 procedure per veteran for free.  It could be a root canal, filling, cleaning, or even a crown.  You will need to contact Jackie to set up an appointment.  If she is not there than you will be asked to leave your name, telephone number, and procedure you would like to have performed.

North Carolina State Fair Discount

The Brunswick County Veterans Coalition announced that the North Carolina State Fair will be October 17 - 27 at 1025 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, NC.  Military will be given a 38% discount (see Link) as well as one guest.  Please see attached for additional information.

First Annual Men’s Soccer Military Appreciation Game: Link

Date:  Saturday, October 26
Time:  Pre-Game social in Warwick Center 5:30 pm
          Game at 7:00 pm Soccer field
Location:  Warwick Center (See map) and Soccer Field
Cost:  FREE

SEPTEMBER 2019 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT INFO

Labor Day
Date: Sept 2nd 

Post 68 Officers Meeting
Date: Sept 12th 
Time: 12pm 
Location: Hammock Meeting Rm
Shelmore, Brunswick Forest

Founders Day
Date: Sept 14th 

Post 68 Member Meeting
Date: Sep 19th
Time: 6pm
Location: Blossoms Meeting Room
   Magnolia Greens

SCC Expo
Date: Sep 28th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Start Cards for Troops Program
Date: TBD

Post 68 Calling Tree Exercise Underway

The leadership of Post 68 is exercising the Post Calling Tree (aka "Buddy Check") to confirm/update membership contact details.  If you receive and email or phone call on this, please respond prior to the September Membership meeting on Septermber 19th.

Post 68 RESCHEDULED Fish Fry is Scheduled for Sept 21st:

“You Can’t Fool Mother Nature”

Hurricane Dorian has impacted our Fish Fry Fundraiser originally scheduled for September 7 at North Brunswick High School (NBHS). With the Brunswick County declaration of a State of Emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian, NBHS has been designated a hurricane shelter. With the many activities required to prepare for the storm we don&rsq