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28 Sep 2016

Important message from Jack Porath, Commander American Legion Post 282 and VFW O.K. Ingram Ship 1774

Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:

The business meetings of the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, SAL, Auxiliaries, etc., are not only required to conduct the business of the organization itself, but is a requirement of the IRS for non-profit organizations continued tax status. The meetings to include the House Committee are also forums for members to express any desire for change. We all meet in one facility owned by the American Legion. We ALL have an interest in what is happening to OUR facility and Club since we share the work and the benefits of being in the local community and serving the veterans as well as those eligible for membership. Visitors I have talked to are often astonished that our facility has so many organizations represented and that we all work well together.As the Commander of American Legion Post 282 and the O. K. Ingram Ship 1774, I can honestly say that the Auxiliaries of the American Legion and the VFW as well as the American Legion Sons of the Legion (SAL) truly exist to further the aims and missions of their assigned parent organization.We work well together,we all represent well the veteran and his/her family.We all care for the facility itself.We care about the community in which we are based.This makes us strong!

We have done much to save desperately needed funds and are trying to expand the offerings to you, the membership.We have renovated the hall, made the facility ADA compliant, and are trying to complete the other needed work (e.g., lights in office for which we need an electrician we have the lights, flooring removal/installation in small meeting room, some painting).We are installing solar panels, the work scheduled to be completed 28 Sep and"turned-on" o/a 5 October. We have energy efficient appliances and lighting.Lenny, our manager, is doing everything he can to increase member usage.We have Taco Wednesdays (thanks Eva), food on Wednesday and Friday nights, lunch on Saturdays, Monday Night Football with food, special offerings and fun nights every Thursday, and others as can be arranged.Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Volunteers prepare the food and serve the food and the beverages.Without volunteers, we would not survive.

I was told by a younger person that younger people are needed in our La Mesa Veterans Club.I agree as does the membership.We are willing to train the leadership positions.We are willing to change entertainment.We are willing to do other things you may demand.We want to stay in the community for you.We want a family environment.We have quality food and drink at a great cost, provided by volunteers.Can you really afford the food and drink in the commercial establishments?What more do you get out of your entertainment dollar in commercial establishments versus than what you would get when spending your time and money with fellow veterans?Veterans organizations are formed and exist to represent you to the myriad policy makers of Federal and State.We are community based.If you do not belong or support, then it may well be gone when you need it most.Strength is with the numbers.

For the majority of our membership that may not be visiting us, and for our younger members, Where are you? We want you.Please continue your membership (cheap investment) and visit us Look on the websites (VFW: www.vfwlamesa.org American Legion:www.lamesapost282.org for the calendar of events and your email.