News and Information

Dear Members of Unit 13,

I would like to thank each of you for whatever part you had in the decision to award me the Life Membership at last night's meeting. This is an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Those of you who know me well know that the only reason I have continued to "hang in there" as Unit President for all these years is because my roots run deep in Unit 13. When needed to ensure that our tradition as a Charter Unit was maintained, I felt the obligation to continue to help keep the Unit moving forward.

By now you have hear me tell that Mrs. Syde (Angie) Deeb, my Godmother, was President in my very young days, and that I grew up with many family members in all branches of the service over the ensuing years.

I've already hung the plaque in my family room, along with several other significant mementos from the American Legion Auxiliary and other organizations.

I was told last night I had to continue serving. Rest assured that I will be as active as I can this year and next with the responsibilities incumbent upon me as Department Vice President and hopefully, as President in 2008-2009. When I have "nothing else to do", I will be back in full force.

I would encourage each of you to continue to learn more about this wonderful organization - the largest women's patriotic organization in the world - and continue to serve it according to our mandates from Congress.

For God and Country,
Kathee

ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

In WWII, there was an advisor to Prime Minister Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate: Each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for peace in the world.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if Peo ple really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.

Appreciation night at the Post was very successful in that a large group of members and guests attended. The menu was superb, a variety of entrees, a good mix of vegetables and desert. The cake was decorated with the logo to indicate appreciation for the outstanding support of the community for American Legion Post 13. We are pleased report guest in attendance were some long time members who have been unable to attended.

Among the 85 persons to enjoy a good meal and camaraderie were political figures, law enforcement, representatives of other organizations and guests from out of town. The fragrance from the grill that was operating outside the Legion filled the air blocks away. A lot of nice complements were said about the aroma filled air with the cooking of steaks, chicken, ham and roast were made. The hall was decorated beautifully with linen table clothes, patriotic centerpieces and beautiful live flower arrangements. Don & Pam Pumphrey and the Commanders’ granddaughter provided the live flower arrangements.

We are told this was one of the best-attended functions at the Legion in quite some time.

The 2006 Hurricane Survival Guide for the Capital Area is now on-line and can be found at:

The guide contains evacuation routes, shelter locations, and the information you need to prepare yourself, your family, your neighborhood and your workplace for the 2006 Hurricane Season.

If you would like copies of the printed guide for you workplace, neighborhood, school or church please call the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross in Tallahassee at 878-5882 #125 and we will provide you with a quantity of the guides.

Please add a link to the guide web site for your web site and forward this important e-mail to your friends, family, neighbors.

Past Commander Bill Jacobs passed on to the Post Everlasting early Friday morning, April 14, 2006. Bill had been diagnosed with cancer. This leader is remembered for his his concerns, hard work, many, many hours and personal resources he devoted to his American Legion Post for several years.

Bill also is remembered for many improvements that he made to the Post. He was a skilled carpenter, electrician, nurse and a draftsman to mention just a few of his talents. Another talent that will be long recalled was his ability to dance----and to dip the ladies on the dance floor.

One of his many trademarks was to greet everyone very pleasantly even in trying times. Tallahassee was his home, having grown up here, schooling (at Leon) and devotion to his work whatever it might be.

I think Bill's out look would be very helpful if we had his ability to appreciate the way he looked at life which was---many nice, wonderful, beautiful, helpful things could be accomplished If we don't care who gets the credit.

Bill was very particular about his yard and flowers, yet his desire was continued support to Post 13--He said "just make a donation to the Post in lieu of flowers if you care to".

The loss of our Past Commander reaches far and wide and we will certainly miss our comrade.

ANOTHER ONE OF OUR VETEAN BROTHERS HAS PASSED TODAY
IT IS SOBERING AS WE ARE LAID TO REST ONE BY ONE
HIS BATTLES ARE OVER
HIS FIGHT IS DONE
HE HAS LEFT US BEHIND
FREE FROM THE PAIN OF THIS EARTH
WITH THE MEMORY OF HIS SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY
AND WE ALL KNOW WHAT THAT IS WORTH
WE WILL STILL FEEL HIS PRESENTS AS WE GAZE AROUND THE HALL;
THE TRIBUTE JE PAID ALL OF US HIS LEGACY HIS PICTURE ON THE WALL
WE WILL SEE HIM LUMBERING OVER THE OLD PLANKS ON THE FLOOR
HIS GREY HAIR ADDING TO HIS WISDOM AS HE GAVE ALL HE COULD
TO KEEP OPEN THE LEGION DOORS
SOFT SPOKEN FOR THE MOST PART YET HE HAD A PRCKLIER SIDE
HE WOULD MOSTLY WATCH WHAT WAS GOING ON THEN
SLOWLY MAKE HIS WAY AROUND TO YOU AGAIN
AND REASON WOULD BE HIS GUIDE
WE CAN'T ASK HIM FOR HIS ADVICE
BUT WE CAN REMEMBER WHAT HE DID
WHEN THE CHIPS ERE DOWN HE WOULD NOT RUN OR HIDE
HE WAS AS ALL PAST COMMANDERS STILL WOUTH IN HIS CHARGE
AGAINST ALL ODDS
KEEPING THE TRADITIONS GOING FOR THOSE OF US STILL ALIVE
BILL WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
HIS SPIRIT LIKE ALL THOSE BEFORE HIM RAMBLES AROUND THIS HALL
THEY SAY AT NIGHT WHEN THE DOORS ARE LOCKED AT THE END OF DAY
ALL PAST BROTHERS COME OUT TO PLAY AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
SEE YOU THEN BILL.

These comments are a bit late but may be somewhat informative about your Post. Ginger Stewart served her tour of editor of the newsletter while strapped with other tasks about the Post. Kudos to you, Ginger.

Bruce and Carolyn Archer have graciously volunteered to assume responsibilities for publishing the news letter---next edition headed your way in February. Some other nice things in addition to the Archers publishing the news letter, a new dance floor has been installed and is getting a lot of use. Nice compliments continue to flow to the Legion about some of the new looks.

Hardwood floor in the office looks very good too. Ceramic tile and new wood in the foyer give this area a very nice "first appearance" look. The Auxiliary selected some very nice wicker furniture to compliment the entrance way. Electrical work in the Black Dog area in the Post has been completed. This was a must do project to adequately serve expanded needs in that area. Our retired electrical engineer, member Fred Williams, will analyze electrical needs for all other areas in the Post hall including the new auxiliary room that is being constructed. The members awarded a contract January 13, 2006 for this much needed addition. Funds have been made available to achieve this project that will compliment your Post.

A couple of events to remember and and plan for. The Ray Stalling's annual chili-cook off will be held January 26 at the post at our regular 4th Thursday social beginning at 7:00PM. We have a guest speaker scheduled immediately following the dinner. This was one of the events our Past Commander really planned for each year. The Four Chaplains program and Post Everlasting Ceremony Sunday February 5, 2006 beginning at 2:00PM. These programs are a way to remember and say thanks to those who have sacrificed for us.

We are looking forward to a very productive year at Post 13 and sincerely request your appearance and assistance when ever possible. Keep in mind every member is very important and whatever we try to do is with the membership in mind. Thank you for your support in more than one way.

It is Christmas Time if you are sending holiday cards please remember our soldiers who have returned injured.