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John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Leland, NC

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John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68

Messages from our Leadership

Check here for messages from various Post Officers and Leaders

26 November 2024

The American Legion is proud to announce an official partnership with the Army-Navy Football Game presented by USAA, which will be played for the 125th time on Dec. 14, 2024. The American Legion becomes the first veterans service organization (VSO) to sponsor “America’s Game” in its history.

The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, has secured a multi-year deal alongside presenting sponsor USAA and participating partners Chevrolet, Exchange, Duke Cannon Supply Co. and Palantir. The American Legion will also be participating in year-round sponsorships of both Army West Point Athletics and Navy Athletics. The agreement starts with this year’s game at Commanders Field in Landover, Md., and helps The American Legion raise awareness about its Be the One mission to reduce the number of veterans and servicemembers lost to suicide.

“As the nation’s largest VSO, it is fitting for The American Legion to be at this annual celebration of service, honor, country,” American Legion Chief Marketing Officer Dean Kessel said. “We are truly honored to support these student-athletes who are committed to protecting the freedoms we cherish.”

The Army-Navy Game is among the longest standing and most storied rivalries in college football history. This new partnership aligns with the Legion’s core values of service, patriotism and camaraderie.

Chet Gladchuk, Director of Athletics at the U.S. Naval Academy, said: "The opportunity to enhance our relationship with The American Legion is so very much appreciated. As partners, we share common values that accentuate country and patriotism. America's Game will only further promote our shared vision and mutual support for those veterans who have advanced the cause of our great nation."

Mike Buddie, Director of Athletics at Army West Point, said: "We are thrilled to partner with The American Legion as our official veteran service organization. This collaboration will continue to elevate America's game on the national stage and showcase the incredible support The American Legion provides to our veteran servicemembers."

The sponsorship also allows The American Legion to raise awareness about Be the One. “While we know the game will provide our nation’s veterans and other fans entertainment, it’s also true that many are suffering inside,” Kessel said. “That’s why it is so important for us to bring Be the One to millions of military supporters. By raising awareness of the suicide crisis in forums like this, we are effectively increasing the probability of servicemembers, veterans, their families and other military supporters to Be the One to save one life.”

About The American Legion 
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with more than 1.6 million members in roughly 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Learn more at legion.org.Our Post, John E. Jacobs post 68, here in Leland has been named one of the feasted growing Posts in our area.
 

About Be the One
The American Legion’s primary mission is to reduce the number of veterans and servicemembers who die by suicide. We are raising awareness, striving to destigmatize mental health treatment, conducting suicide prevention training and pursuing other initiatives to empower everyone to “Be the One” to save the life of just one veteran who may be at risk. Learn more at betheone.org. and our local link at www.betheoneconnects.org.

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John Hacker
American Legion
Veteran Suicide Awareness Project Leader
John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68
Leland, North Carolina
 
"Leave No Veteran Behind"

FROM THE DESK OF OUR POST COMMANDER

11 November 2024

 

To Our Amazing Post Members:   11 November 2024

Time goes by so quickly that we often forget to remember to count our many blessings; as the holiday season approaches and we look back and forward I want to say THANK YOU for being a member of John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68.   Our Post has been able to accomplish many things because of each and every one of its members and your commitment to the community we all live in.   It is an honor to be able to serve you as your Commander.

As many of you know by now we will need to suspend our November meeting.  We will be forming a task group to explore and identify backup locations in the event that this occurs in the future.  A Holiday Get-together at Brunswick Beer and Cider on the 18th of December - contact Evan Jones (203-910-5178 or ekj522@msn.com ) for additional information and to register.   On the 19th of December a brief meeting will occur at the regular place (Blossums) and information about the Golf tournament and future events will be shared. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few key people for their contributions to the Post:

  • Our Adjutant - Dan Dodge who is the most important person in the Post; Dan is the backbone of the Post and maintains and does so many  things that I could spend hours just listing them and don't want to even try counting the hours that he gives. We couldn't operate without Dan.
  • Scott Wargo (Golf Chair) thru his leadership the Post has been able to increase our community support. 
  • Lane Adrian (Service Officer) and Jim McAvoy (Chaplain) support not only our members but outreach to veterans in need in the community and for his timely letters to members 
  • John Hacker (1st Vice) for coordinating the development of a website to help veterans and the community reach assistance -betheoneconnects.org.  
  • Eric Mens (PR) who continues to share with the media what we are doing.  
  • Rob Penwell (Wreaths Across America) for continuing to ensure that our departed Veterans are not forgotten. 
  • Rick Rodgers (Historian) for coordinating the remembrance of veterans at Brunswick Cove and working with Pinning-recognition of their service to veterans in hospice care. 
  • Evan Jones (2nd Vice-the Fun Person) for coordinating the Holiday get together.  
  • Jim Zelenski (Logistics) for all the shirts, jackets, hats, cups, and more plus organizing all of our equipment and supplies.  
  • Dale Todd (Parliamentarian) and Alan Simmons (at Large) for the support to keep us on track.  
  • Bob Northrup (Color Guard) you ensure that the Post shines.  
  • Joe Frost (Finance) who not only keeps the books but helps me keep my sanity (which I'm sure you may sometime question).  

The people named above could not accomplish what they do without the help of their team members and the members of the Post.  Teams are important- no one can do everything without the support of their team and our membership.  I hope that every member will consider stepping forward to assist the Post with activities.  Everyone's contribution is appreciated!

Thank you one and all.  
Bea Frost, Post 68 Commander 

Questions/Comments are always welcome 
Bea.Frost@gmail.com  856-296-9698 

James McAvoy

Post 68 Champlain

9 November 2024

To my fellow Legionnaires,
 
I truly hope that this note finds you all in good health and spirits.  The Fall season is upon us and as a Post, we have a few busy months coming up.  
 
Unfortunately, I must inform the membership that we suffered a loss of a long time member this past month.  Vietnam era and Post brother, Andy Kronkowski passed this month.  I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Andy, but many members did and he was held in high esteem.  Please keep Andy, his wife Millie and his extended family in your prayers.  
 
If you haven’t been to a meeting or kept up on the website, our service officer Lane Adrian has been extremely busy in assisting many veterans of the Post; and some that aren’t, this past month.  He recently identified three veterans that were deeply effected by the recent storms that hit the area.  Your PEC has provided financial assistance to our fellow veterans to lessen their financial burden as they try to recover from devastating home damages.  Lane deserves a huge Bravo Zulu for his work in bringing situations like this to our attention.   I applaud the PEC for using the Post’s money to lead by example and assist our fellow veterans and citizens.  This is a great example of what we are supposed to do as a Post.  
 
During this year's Veterans Day week, we have been asked by our National HQ and Commander, to conduct “Buddy Checks.”  This is something that the PEC had already discussed and Past Commander Hacker has tasked some of us to complete.  This is a vital function and it is our responsibility to reach out to fellow Post members.  Remember, it is a phone call that takes only a few minutes to do.  As a long time law enforcement official and Post member of two Posts, I realize that this time of the year, can affect many people in many, unseen and unknown different ways.  Sometimes a simple phone call and a friendly voice can make a huge difference in someone’s life.  
 
Post 68 had our 2nd annual “Tee it up for Veteran’s” golf tournament on Thursday 09 November at Magnolia Greens.  As your Chaplain, I tried my very best with prayers etc, to hold off the rain, but to no avail…my sincerest apologies to all that braved the weather!  I had 2 Marines in my foursome and they just loved playing in the mud puddles that surrounded the greens!  But seriously, a huge thank you to Chairperson Scott Wargo and the entire staff of volunteers - Post members as well as non-Post members, that assisted in making this event another huge success.  I’m not sure how much money was raised but this will allow us to continue to do the charitable work that we have completed this year (see paragraph 2).  My Thanks also the staff at the Magnolia Greens golf course and restaurant for a job well done. 
 
Speaking of Marines, 10 November is the 249th Birthday of the USMC.  It is a big day in my household with many family members being Marines.  My youngest son is currently a SSGT with the 1-10 Artillery division in 29 Palms and I know that there will be a big birthday bash there.  Happy 249th to the Post Marines!  
 
11 November is the 70th anniversary of President Eisenhower signing the proclamation changing Armistice Day to the current Veteran’s Day holiday.  This expanded the day to observe and include ALL veterans that have served in our Armed Forces.  I look forward to marching in the parade with my fellow Post 68 members and observing this holiday with all fellow veterans.  Yesterday in my opening prayer at the golf tournament, I asked that our Heavenly Father continue to bless all of our veterans that have been wounded in body, soul and spirit.  Veterans are a timely remembrance and are forever a reminder that freedom is purchased at a high cost and the bitterness of personal sacrifice never be taken for granted .  So, please enjoy your day and I salute you all.  I am proud to be a soldier, a veteran and your Chaplain.  
 
May God continue to watch over you all and bless you.
I remain in Comradeship,
Jim Mac 
11/5/24  You’re Ignoring the Magic of Volunteering in Your Community
 

Giving back doesn’t just help others—it boosts your happiness, too. Look for local causes you care about. If your a Veteran, the American legion John E. Jacobs Post 68 is just the ticket for you. We are Hiring Veterans to Volunteer in our community. This gives you a sense of purpose and reminds you of the impact you can still make. Get involved and use your military skills and post military skills to make us a better Community.

Come join us, you thank us later.

The world needs your skills!

 
--
John Hacker
American Legion
Veteran Suicide Awareness Project Leader
John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68
Leland, North Carolina

JOHN HACKER - 1st VICE COMMANDER

JOHN HACKER
1st Vice Commander

 

June 18th, 2024

We have started off well with our BE THE ONE suicide awareness program. 

It all started with Post 68efforts and now the National American legion has made it a priority.
We have funded all programs from GRANTs, not one dime so far from the post.
 
We now have a website called BETHEONECONNECTS.org
 
My passion and commitment to this cause came from two people I knew, I loved, and respected who died by Suicide.
Whatever your passion is about this terrible disease that affects our brothers and sisters and their families, please
join us to make the community aware. 
 
No awareness, then you have no prevention.
 
We are looking for team members to help us with this cause here in Brunswick County.
Making calls to Service Providers.
Helping to turn out for community events.
Learn the S.A.V.E. program.
Help get the word out.
 
We are Veterans strengthening our community, our country and our fellow veterans. 
 
Please call me if you want to help, (maybe an hour or two at the most )each week.
 
I look forward to talking to you about our past success and future success in this project.
 
John Hacker
American Legion
Veteran Suicide Awareness Project Leader
John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68
Leland, North Carolina
910-209-0770
 
"Leave No Veteran Behind"

Jim McAvoy
Post Chaplain

June 17th, 2024
Comrades,
 
As we approach the summer months and the next meeting, I wanted to just write about this past month regarding our Post events that some of you might have missed.  
 
First and foremost, we had our send-off meeting and final Bravo Zulu for a job well done to Commander Fortini and Barb at the Leland Brewing Company.  It was a great turnout and we all wish Dan and his bride a long and healthy life in their new Georgia home.  I hope that you all received his farewell message to the members of the Post as he praised many of the Post’s members for their leadership and direction during his tenure as Commander.  Under his tutelage, the Post was instrumental in starting many programs that we are now involved with today such as the annual golf tournament, the White Shirts for the hospice visits as well as allowing the executive board to expand their roles and duties for the betterment of the Post.  Let’s hope that Dan crosses our path again in the future.  I enjoyed my association with him as his Chaplain.  
 
Our flag replacement at the various cemeteries during the Memorial Day weekend in Leland was also very well attended by many Post and family members. Once again, we had the distinct honor of presenting the family of our Post’s namesake a new wreath at John’s grave site.  I had the honor of giving the opening prayer and truly hope that it was well received by the Jacob’s family.  It was great to see John’s Mom and sisters in attendance again.  With the family’s blessing and permission, we hope to freshen up John’s grave stone and site.  This would be a fitting honor.  
 
This month we extend birthday wishes to 2 great organizations.  On June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army was founded.  This year marks 249 years young for our Nation’s first service.  As a proud member of the Army, I want to wish all of my Army brothers and sisters in the Post a Happy and Healthy 249!  Hooah and Go Army - beat Navy…
 
The second is that my oldest son enlisted in the Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman.  He later became an FMF or Fleet Marine Force Corpsman and served along side Marine Corps units.  On 17 June 1898, the Navy corpsman were established to provide medical support and training to Navy sailors.  Corpsman have served in every military conflict since then, providing healthcare to Sailors and Marines.  I’m sure many of our Post members have dealt with a young “Doc” in his or her military training and engagements.  Congrats to the many men and women that have earned this title.  
 
As we approach this month’s meeting, many of our members will be at the State Convention.  I pray that the members of our State organization will strive to continue to serve our veterans with dignity, compassion and diligence.  I am also praying that our Heavenly Father will guide them in their endeavors.  We are needing a stronger Legion today now more than ever.  
 
So, please enjoy your summer and we hope to see you all at a meeting soon.  Until then, May God Bless and keep you all safe and in good health.   I remain, in yours,
 
Godspeed,  
 
Your Chaplain, 
 
Jim Mac