William Clinton Story Post No.342 Picnic & Celebration

William Clinton Story Post No.342 Picnic & Celebration

Most members and friends who came out to the barbeque only expected that we were there just to eat the Murray's fine fried chicken and have the burgers and dogs cooked to order by James Sweeney, Ben Kissling and Sandy Cannon.   But there was a little more to this event organized and supervised by James Sweeney. 

The cake was a special touch to note that we were celebrating the William Clinton Story Post No. 342 97th Birthday.  What few of our members knew was that our post was established in August of 1919 and our first meeting was in September of 1919. 

We were visited by a Legionnaire who was born the same year as the Post.  Walter Reed, a longtime member of the Lakeview American Legion came by to enjoy the day with us.  Walter came to the Picnic with Joe & Joesephine Brendel.

Some photos and videos below.  Enjoy!

Members and friends of Willam Clinton Story Post No. 342.

“2015 Midshipman Family BBQ”

Mayor Kennedy with the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Legion  Members at the Esplanade.

2015 Midshipman Family Barbeque

The USNA Offshore Training Squadron 3A arrived at the Esplanade on the Nautical Mile between 1 and 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, August 7, 2015.  The Midshipmen were greeted by the Village of Freeport and several of its civic organizations including our own William Clinton Story Post No. 342.

On Saturday, August 8th, some of the Post Membership came out to enjoy some barbeque at the Freeport Recreation Center with the Midshipmen.  It was a time of fun food, good conversation and wonderful camaraderie.  

Sophia Johnson,  Village of Freeport Media Director, provided the photo below of the OSTS-3A Midshipmen along with Veterans, Village of Freeport Officials and Recreation Center Director Vicky Danelli.  All in all, a wonderful Saturday Afternoon.

 

National Night Out Against Crime

As Legionnaires the following goes to Americanism and as citizens the following event will help the spirit of community:

Bethel AME Zion Church Sponsors the

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
on Tuesday, August 4th between 6 – 8pm @ Bethel AME Zion Church
420 N. Main Street, Freeport N.Y. for info
Call 516.379.1513

Given the long chain of violent events across the Nation, events like this are meant to strengthen the community and the neighborhoods that make up that community. 

This is an event Sponsored by Freeport Police Department, Freeport Fire Department and Neighborhood Watch Coordinators.

Event at Bethel AME Zion Church parking lot.

Lets Participate!

VA on Appointments and Veterans Suicide

Veteran Administration area suicide prevention coordinator James Bastien says Clay Hunt act recognizes veterans need 'a lot more' in area of mental health services

The Senate, joining earlier similar action by the House, unanimously approved the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. President Obama has signed the legislation into law. Its provisions include incentives to help expand mental health staff at the VA's 800 hospitals and clinics, outside evaluations of its mental health programs to target best practices and areas for improvement, and creation of a one-stop website of related resources.

This is significant.  Many older Veterans in previous conflicts have also experienced much the same distress as the OEF/OIF Veterans with one exception:  The Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been sent on multiple deployments and have not have had the same access to mental health professionals as in previous conflicts.

Some Veterans from previous conflicts think that the Veterans of the most recent conflicts are somehow "weak willed" or 'soft' as I myself have heard from Veterans in their 70' and older.  But the grim reality is that lip service has been given to Veterans services and support and real efforts have been severely lacking.

 Go to http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/02/veteran_administration_area_suicide_prevention_coordinator_james_bastien_says_clay_hunt_act_recognizes_veterans_need_a_lot_more_in_area_of_mental_health.html#incart_story_package

Dugout / USNA STS Port Visit

August in Freeport

Offshore Sail Training Squadron

Update:  OSTS Squadron 3A is scheduled to arrive at the Esplanade dock at the Woodcleft Canal at 2:00 pm, August 7, 2015.   Check this site and this page for any changes.

Post Meeting at Freeport Elks & Post Information

The next Post Meeting is being held

at The Elks Lodge at 360 Atlantic

Ave, Freeport, NY 11520 on

Wednesday, July 15th 2015 at 7:00

We are now on facebook at “William Clinton Story”.   The facebook location has photo albums from the Post.  There are hundreds of photos and of course we have followers who want to express their support for the American Legion and the Freeport Community.

Check it out!

We will be adding a Flag Code Page 

to this website.  

Every Legionnaire is expected to adhere to, enforce and observe this code.  Details are outlined in the U.S. Flag Code which is in the Post Officers Guide.  

America faces Perpetual War

A Real and Substantial Warning of Perpetual War

General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has warned that America faces the reality of "Perpetual War".  

His report has been noted in many media outlets.  Defense One reporter Marcus Weisgerber reported what is most likely General Dempsey's last instructions to the Pentagon.

What we must prepare for as an American People and as a Veteran Community is the active vigilance to prepare for the traumatic mental and physical damage that comes with Veterans coming back from war.

                   We as a country have proven woefully inadequate in our support and help for Veterans from Vietnam to the OEF/OIF Veterans coming home from War today.  From unemployment to homelessness, from PTSD to amputations, we are stumbling to catch up with the real and present problems that result from a Veterans Administration lost in dysfunction.

As a Veterans Service Organization we must prepare for the realities that come with this current time.  Only a working and effective vigilance will serve to keep our country safe and only writing our elected officials to let them know what is on our minds will keep us from falling into the cesspool of intransigence that has currently overtaken the executive branch and the country as a whole.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/dempsey-urges-preparation-never-ending-war-before-retiring-20150702

http://www.defenseone.com/management/2015/07/dempseys-final-instruction-pentagon-prepare-long-war/116761/?oref=d-topstory