The Post Messenger THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 318

1000 Savanna Club Blvd Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952-3347

July - 2015 Visit us @www.americanlegion318fl.org Daryl Bowie, Commander

Phone - 772-878-0655 Fax - 772-878-0625 Issue No. 264

Sally Zimmerman Post318editor@bellsouth.net

Commander’s Message Hello Legion Family! Well, time sure has gone fast the last 5 years as your Commander. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed every minute of it. We as a Post have accomplished so much over those years. I want to thank all of the Officers that were on the Executive Board who assisted in the Post’s direction. Their leadership skills and dedication to the Post was a great asset to the direction and success the Post has made. I also want to thank the members who continue to volunteer to make our Post a successful Post. A lot of hours and hard work has been given by all. When you see them give them a big thank you, they deserve it. Our Post membership has grown leaps and bounds over the past 3 years. I want to thank all members who have joined and hope your vision of what an American Legion Post should be is what you hoped for. I also want to thank all those Members who unselfishly donated to Our New Post Building. Many Members stepped up to insure we built a Modern, State of the Art Post. We will always be adding those features to improve the Post as time goes by. I see our Post continuing to support Veterans, Children and Youth, and those in need. Post 318 has always taken pride in the fact that we continue to support those programs. What’s even better is the fact that we have fun doing it. I want to thank all members from each organization for the support they gave me these last few years. It was a lot of fun working with all and I am proud of all of their efforts. The House Committee is made up of representatives from each organ-ization that strives to bring to you, the Members, the best activities a Post can offer. Thank them for their hard work. It’s not easy. I also would like all members to welcome Richard Feldman as our new incoming Commander. Richard has always been there for the past 5 years as our Finance Officer. I could not have done what we have done without him. I also want to wish the New 2015-2016 Officers the best as I know they have the Post as their number 1 priority. I would also like to encourage all new Members to try to make at least 3-4 meetings per year. We average around 70 members at each meeting but would like for that number to grow. It only takes one hour out of the month but if you really want to know what direction the Post is going then you should come. We have fun at each one and discuss a lot of good information that helps each Veteran. This month as my last “Member of the Month”, I would like to make these individuals that continue to volunteer and work to make the Post a better place. It seems that every time we think of something that would improve the appearance of the Post these people are already out there doing it. Thanks’ goes to Pete and Jesse Willoughby, Mark Tochetti, Barbara McClure, and Dave McKeever. You have made the Post a more beautiful place for all of us to enjoy. For God and Country, Daryl Bowie, Commander

$15 per yearEEEEE...EEE...IN MEMORY OFEEEE.EEEEE..Paid through month shown

July 2015 Don Vincent

by Legion Riders Post 318

Carol Sassarone by Steev

August 2015

Jim “Jimbo” McLaughlin by S.A.L. Squadron 318

September 2015 Frank Cafiso

by Connie Cafiso

October 2015 John C. Henson by Terry Murphy

Alan Tumenelli & Vincent Corrado

December 2015

William T. Hawes by Lorraine & Deborah

January 2016

Paul (Scozz) Scozzafava by Fran & Lou Romano

March 2016 Lillian Gass

By William & Donna Gass

Ken Baker by Kay & Bonnie Baker

October 2016 Ed Patterson

by Karen Fox-Patterson

November 2016 Teri Vincent

by Spanish Lakes I Friends

December 2016 Bill Yager

by Capt. Sal Bagnara of the Viking Prince

February 2017

Alfonzo “Butch” Stevens By Paul Hess

March 2017 Dick Boulette, Dennis Cush,

Roy Gulbrandsen, and Conrad Tutelo

by Post 318 Honor Guard

December 2020 Geraldine Malaband

by Philip Del Toro

Burton T. McInerney by Rose McInerney

Member NALPA & FALPA The Post Messenger is published monthly by American Legion Post 318, 1000 Savanna Club Blvd, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952

It’s not the price you pay for your membership, it’s the price you have already paid to be eligible.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 318 1000 Savanna Club Blvd Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID

Ft. Pierce, FL. PERMIT No. 499

Independence Day Celebration Saturday, July 4th, 1:00 ~ 4:00 PM

Music by Flashbacks 2:00 ~ 5:00 Fried Chicken, Burgers, Brats, Potato Salad,

Cole Slaw, Dessert ~ $10.00 pp

The American Legion, Post 318 July 2015

Service Officer Report The following News Release was obtained from the VA website (www.va.gov), Office of Public and Intergovern-mental Affairs, News Releases, and is provided for the benefit of our members. With all the “bad news” this past year about VA Health Care, I thought it important that our veterans learn about what the new Secretary of Veter-ans Affairs is doing to make health care better. The SMAG Committee was scheduled to conduct its first meeting on May 13, 2015. More information about SMAG may be found at www.va.gov/ADVISORY/SMAG.asp. To see a list of the Medical Experts on the Special Medical Advisory Group, go to: www.va.gov/opa/ pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2696 Ron Zimmerman Sr., Post Service Officer

*************************************************************************************************** Group of Respected Medical Experts to Advise VA on Health Care for 9 Million Veterans April 24, 2015, 08:59:00 AM WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a new 11-member Special Medical Advisory Group (SMAG) composed of leading medical experts to assist the Department in delivering health care to the 9 million Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration. The SMAG is a reconstituted federally-chartered committee that advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the Under Secretary for Health, on matters related to health care delivery, research, education, training of health care staff and planning on shared care issues facing VA and the Department of Defense. “We want the best of the best to work on behalf of our nation’s Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “We are honored these respected leaders from the private, non-profit and government sectors have agreed to join in our mis-sion improve how we provide the quality health care our nation’s Veterans need and deserve.” The appointment of the new members of the SMAG comes at a time when VA is experiencing increased demand for its health care services. Nationally, VA completed more than 51 million appointments between May 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015. This represents an increase of 2.4 million more completed appointments than during the same time period in 2013-2014. In March 2015, VA completed 97 percent of appointments within 30 days of the Veteran’s preferred date. Serving as SMAG Committee Chair is Dr. Jonathan Perlin, who previously served as VA Under Secretary for Health from 2004-2006. Dr. Perlin is currently Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Services for the Nashville, Tennes-see-based Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). In this capacity, Dr. Perlin provides leadership for clinical services and improving performance for HCA’s 166 hospitals and more than 800 outpatient centers and physician practices. Recog-nized perennially as one of the most influential physician executives in the United States by Modern Healthcare, Dr. Perlin is a recipient of numerous awards. The announcement of the Special Medical Advisory Group follows the introduction of the Veterans Health Administra-tion’s “Blueprint for Excellence,” (www.va.gov/HEALTH/docs/ VHA_Blueprint_for_Excellence.pdf ) which lays out strate-gies for transformation to improve the performance of VA health care now - making it more Veteran-centric by putting Vet-erans in control of their VA experience.

Chaplain Hello Post 318. We had three Legion members pass this month. Martin Stanly, W David Cundiff and Joseph Bar-bosa. May they rest in peace. My thoughts have been with our Heroes this Memorial Day. Many of us remember them daily. but Memorial Day for me draws out the tears. For me I feel very lucky to have known them and by me remembering them on that day. So if you missed that day of dedication to them re-member them now. I would like to request that all Post members to talk to God to help Bryan Pierson who is still in a coma. No visi-tors. His wife Andrea needs them also to cope. Lord,a special blessing to our service families for what they go through. Thank you heavenly father for all those blessings and know that we seek the knowledge of your will amen. Yours always faithful, John Dunn, Chaplain

2nd Vice Report

Hello American Legion Post 318!!! This will be my last report as your second vice commander. I have enjoyed immensely all your camaraderie and company, it has been on honor to serve on the Executive Board. I am pleased to say that Arnie Thompson, our current canteen manager, will be filling this roll next year. He is more than qualified and will be able to give the position more attention than I could and I know you all will show him the same apprecia-tion you gave me. You will still see me around the Post, so when you do say hi! Thank you all for the opportunity to serve my brothers and sisters again. God Bless America!! Jason McNamara, 2nd Vice

The American Legion, Post 318 June 2015

Be A Booster - $20.00 per year NEWSLETTER BOOSTERS (Paid Through Month Shown)

Boosters help defray the cost of printing and mailing our monthly newsletter. To add your name or to renew for one year, make your check for $20 payable to “The American Legion, Post 318,” mark “Booster” on memo line, drop off at the canteen or mail to The American Legion, Post 318, 1000 Savanna Club Blvd, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952.

August 2015 John Kearns by

S.A.L. 318 George E. McKenzie

Theodore A. & Patricia Bonham

Joseph & Irene Jones

September 2015 Connie Cafiso

October 2015 Everett A. Dunbar

December 2015

Joseph H. Pratten Paul D & Susan T Brennan

March 2016

Bill Gass Jim & Bev Kelly

Kay & Bonnie Baker

September 2016 William O’Donnell

March 2017 Bob & Sally Booth

March 2018

USAF Maj Joseph Lyons

December 2018 Lee Caldwell

May 2019 10-13 Club

February 2022

Dallas Black

November 2024 Jewish War Veterans

The American Legion, Post 318 June 2015

Memorial Garden Expansion Fundraiser! The existing “Fallen Soldier Memorial” is life size in brown patina and with plaques was $5,500.00 with all funds raised by donations. At the June 6th Legion General Business Meeting, the members present voted on adding the “Kneeling Lady” to the Memorial. The statue is life size in the same brown patina and is holding a flag and a rose. The statue as shown with mounting bolts and a concrete base to secure it to the ground is approxi-mately $6,500.00 The addition of the “Kneeling Lady” represents those that were left be-hind, the sacrifices they too made and their duty to never let the memory of their loved one and all others who gave it all be forgotten. Your help is

needed to make this dream a reality! A donation of any amount would be appreciated. Make your checks payable to American Legion Post 318 and on the remarks line put Kneeling Lady Statue, or contact me at 772-342-3439. Thank you for your generosity! Ron Zimmerman Sr., Post Service Officer

of any type must be thrown away! “Cash” donations are always welcomed as well. Since this is a post program, it's tax deductible. You can give your “cash” donations to either myself or the duty Bar Tender and they will make sure we get the money. Thank you for your support of this very worthwhile endeavor. For God and Country Jim Burk, Past Commander

Help us feed & care for our homeless Veterans Our post, in partnership with the Salvation Army and Sarah's Kitchen, provides a hot meal every Thursday at Pinewood Park in Ft Pierce. We feed between 12:00 and 1:30 and are averaging around 55 people per week. We also visit several “camps” in the area and take them food and everyday necessities to make their life a little more comfortable. But we need your help! How can you help? We need donations of toiletries such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, deodorant and wipes; canned goods, beef jerky and non-perishable food; socks and underwear; bug spray, sun block and any thing else we take for granted. There is a drop off bin at the Post for your con-venience. Please make sure the food you drop off has not expired! Expired food

Auxiliary Report

Hello Everyone, My name is Fran Romano and I am the newly elected Auxiliary President. I feel honored to have been elected President of the Auxiliary for the 2015-2016

year and want to thank everyone for their confidence in me to handle this position. We have a strong slate of officers, and a great base of members who are committed to mak-

ing this coming year a positive and productive one. Our 12th Annual Golf Tournament was a huge success due to a great response by golfers and many volunteers that graciously came forward to make this event happen. A special thank you goes out to Phyllis Young and Brenda & Andy Saffioti, for all the hard work and dedication and to all the volunteers that made this event so successful. A special thank you to Debbie Johnston for her past years as Auxiliary President, but we are not saying good-by to Debbie, for she has taken on the responsibility of Treas-urer for the new year. Please remember we have no meet-ing for the Auxiliary general membership until September 21st. Have a great summer! Please feel free to contact me at: Home: 772-446-7457 Cell: 203-710-1407 Email: flromano29@hotmail.com Thanks, Fran Romano, Auxiliary President

2015-2016 Auxiliary Officers President: Fran Romano 1st Vice-Membership: Phyllis Young

2nd Vice: Maryhelen Foley Secretary: Karen Sides

Treasurer: Debbie Johnston Chaplin: Karen Fox-Patterson

Sgt at Arms: April Bloom Asst. Sgt at Arms: Wanda O’Neill

Historian: Margaret Casterlin

Executive Board: Margaret Trocki Brenda Saffioti

Jessie Willoughby

S.A.L. Report

Hello post 318! We had our election of officers last month and I would like to thank everyone took a position. As Commander of the S.A.L. I thank you all and look for-ward to working with all of you to have another successful year. We have fundraisers planned so that we can continue to raise money for our veterans and youth programs. I also look forward to working with the officers and members from the Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and the Legion Riders to con-tinue the success of Post 318. We awarded two scholarships this month to two well deserved young men, Bryan Harris and Brenton Braccio. We wish both of them a bright successful future. Great turnout for our lasagna dinner, we served 122 din-ners. I would like to thank all of you who attended. And as always a special thanks to all the volunteers. GREAT JOB!!!!! There will be no meeting July and August .Our next meeting will be Sept. 9th. Please check to make sure your membership is current. GOD BLESS AMERICA Andy Saffioti, S.A.L. Commander

Riders Report

The Legion Riders continue to spearhead our homeless program. For those of you who aren't aware of it, it is an effort by the Salvation Army, Sarah's Kitchen and members of the Post, Sons, Auxiliary and Riders. We not only pro-vide food but toiletries, tents, clothing and various other items we take for granted. Through the generosity of Post members we are receiving a good amount at our drop off container in the dining hall. We recently participated in the annual Vets at the Met baseball game. Several Riders rode their motorcycles onto the field with other local groups. Summer's here and the riding is easy. For God and Country Jim Burk, Rider Director

American Legion Post 318 Calendar of Events July 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner 5 - 7 PM Baby Back Ribs $8.00 or Ribs/Chicken Combo $10.00 Karaoke by Jimbo 6:30 PM

2 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 8 Service Officer 1:00 - 4:00 PM Ace of Hearts - 7 PM Trivia - 7:30 to 9:30

3 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 5:00 Fish Fry & Open Menu 5 - 8 PM Sal, DJ 7:30-11 PM

4 Kitchen Open 5:00 – 8:00 PM Legion Riders– 10:00AM at Jim

Burk’s House July 4th BBQ 1-4 PM Flashbacks 2-5 PM Jimbo, Karaoke 7:30-11 PM

5 Breakfast 8:30 - 11AM 9 - Noon $2 Bloodies/

Screwdrivers Kitchen Open 11AM - 5

6 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3 Marine Corps League - 7 PM

7 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3 House Committee 5:30 PM

8 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner 5 - 7 PM Home made Lasagna - $8.00 Karaoke by Jimbo 6:30 PM

9 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 8 Service Officer 1:00 - 4:00 PM Ace of Hearts - 7 PM Trivia - 7:30 to 9:30

10 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 5:00 Fish Fry & Open Menu 5 - 8 PM Chubby Bones 7:30-11 PM

11 Kitchen Open 11:30 –8 Legion E-Board - 9:00 AM General Meeting - 10:30 Dennis Lebon 7:30-11 PM

12 Breakfast 8:30 - 11AM 9 - Noon $2 Bloodies/

Screwdrivers Kitchen Open 11AM - 5 Law Enforcement Officer &

Firefighter of the Year Award

Cocktail Party 3-5 PM-- All

Members Welcome

13 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3

14 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3 Honor Guard 6:00 PM

15 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner 5 - 7 PM Pork Chops - $8.00 Karaoke by Jimbo 6:30 PM

16 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 8 Service Officer 1:00 - 4:00 PM Ace of Hearts - 7 PM Trivia - 7:30 to 9:30

17 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 5:00 Fish Fry & Open Menu 5 - 8 PM Sal, DJ 7:30-11 PM

18 Kitchen Open 11:30 –8 Jimbo, Karaoke7:30-11 PM

19 Breakfast 8:30 - 11AM 9 - Noon $2 Bloodies/

Screwdrivers Kitchen Open 11AM - 5

20 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3 Auxiliary E-Board 5:30PM

21 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3

22 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner 5 - 7 PM Meatloaf - $8.00 Karaoke by Jimbo 6:30 PM

23 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 8 Service Officer 1:00 - 4:00 PM Ace of Hearts - 7 PM Trivia - 7:30 to 9:30

24 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 5:00 Fish Fry & Open Menu 5 - 8 PM Johnny & Santiago 7:30-11 PM

25 Kitchen Open 11:30 –8 MCL Auxiliary- 11:00 AM Steak Night $16.00 Mike Lee 7:30-11 PM

26 Breakfast 8:30 - 11AM 9 - Noon $2 Bloodies/

Screwdrivers Kitchen Open 11AM - 5

27 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3 10 - 13 Club - 7:30PM

28 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 3 Honor Guard 6:00 PM

29 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner 5 - 7 PM Liver & Onions or Roast Pork $8.00 Karaoke by Jimbo 6:30 PM

30 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 8 Service Officer 1:00 - 4:00 PM Ace of Hearts - 7 PM Trivia - 7:30 to 9:30

31 Kitchen Open 11:30 - 5:00 Fish Fry & Open Menu 5 - 8 PM Para Richardson7:30 - 11 PM (All Styles of Dance Music)

Aug 1 Kitchen Open 11:30 –8 Legion Riders– 9:30 AM Jimbo, Karaoke7:30 - 11 PM

PATIO BAR HOURS Sun-Wed-Thurs-Fri-Sat- 12 to close Mon-Tues- 2-close (Unless there is a Special Event)