The Triple Nickel Published Exclusively for the Members of

American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555

Volume 4- Issue 3 March 2017

In This Issue

Judge Advocate 2Veterans RecognitionAdjutant Report

SCALNC Schedule 3 Auxiliary Update 4JROTC Presentation SurpriseBirthday 5 Flag Ceremony

Post Information 6

Chaplain 7Post Everlasting

Post T-Shirt Order Form 8

District 23 Oratorical 9

American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 teams up with Alabama Hockey to host Military Appreciation night on February 17, 2017 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Post 555 and Alabama Hockey partnered with the David Lindsay Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution, Shelby Exchange Club,and the Pelham Youth Hockey Association to honor the men and woman who serve and have served in the military . A “Fallen Hero Table “ was displayed honoring service members who have fallen in the line of duty.

See more photos at www. alpost555.suugmug.com

“In God We Trust”Post 555 Hosts 3rd Annual

Military Appreciation Event

Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL March 2017

2

Judge Advocate CornerProposed amendments to the Post Constitution and Bylaws were distributed to all Post members at the middle of February. These amendments are required to create the positions of Past Post Commander and Immediate Past Post Commander.

These positions are necessary due to the fact that Barry Blount has assumed the position of District Commander requiring a new Commander be elected at the April meeting. The amendments will be entered into the minutes of the March meeting as a First Reading and voted on at the April meeting so that they are in place when new officers are installed at the May meeting.

The Nominating Committee will announce their proposed slate of Officers at the March meeting. Nominations from the floor of additional candidates will be accepted provided: the candidate is present at the meeting, they agree to serve if elected, and their nomination is seconded by ten members in good standing.

o Commandero 1st Vice Commandero 2nd Vice Commandero Two Trustees

In addition, the new Commander will be seeking volunteers/recommendations for the numerous appointed offices and committees of the Post.

The Post Adjutant will also be seeking an individual who is willing to take on the publication of the Post newsletter. He has all the information about it, can offer guidance and would be happy to talk with anyone interested in this important position.

The above items represent some ways individuals can become involved in Post operations during 2017.

PLEASE, GET OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR POST IN 2017!

Chuck Kiser Judge Advocate

Veterans Recognition Committee

Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery (SCALNC) and Blue Star Salute Foundation

The March-May Activities calendar for the Blue Star Salute Foundation and Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery is found on page 3. Please look it over and try to participate in at least two activities during 2017

Triple Nickel members are encouraged to join both organizations. Membership for each is $25.00 for the year. I have membership applications for anyone who desires one. Just see me at a Post meeting.

SCALNC & Blue Star Salute Meetings –Held monthly at Liberty Hall – American Village in Montevallo.

Your assistance and participation in Veteran’s Recognition events during 2017 would be appreciated.

Chuck Kiser Committee Chair

Adjutant Area

During the last days of January 2017, the Post hosted a revitalization event and open house for the Alabama 23rd District. As a result, Post 555 increased its membership roster to over one hundred fifty members. Many of these attended the February 2, 2017 meeting. Join me in welcoming them to our Post Family.

The Post regrets to inform you that one of our WWII Comrades, Jack E. Kelley departed to the Post Everlasting during the month of February. Please keep his family in your prayers.

The Post and its Family members have been busy during the month of February with the focal point being Military Appreciation Night on February 17th and a Flag Replacement Ceremony on February 24th. The nominating Committee is hard at work preparing for the upcoming officer elections. The Oratorical Committee is preparing for hosting the District 23 Oratorical Scholarship competition held on February 25th. The Shooting Team has begun its season and preparing for the Commander’s Cup Match in March.

In February we have reached the 127% mark for renewal over last year, however, there are still a few that have not renewed their membership. Please be reminded that the 2017 $45 renewal fee is due now for those that have not paid. The 2016 memberships expired December 31, 2016.

Checks payable to : Matthew Blount Post 555. Mail to : American Legion, Matthew Blount Post 55550 Racquet Club Parkway, Pelham, Al 35124

For God and Country Ron Koonce, Adjutant

Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL March 2017 3

Date Time Event Location Notes

March 8 (Wednesday)

2:00 pm SCALNC Membership

Meeting

American Village Liberty Hall

OPEN TO PUBLIC

March 11 (Saturday)

11:00 am ALSDAR National Defense Luncheon

Auburn SC will have table

March

18-19 (Saturday - Sunday)

9 am—5 pm 10 am—4 pm

Alabama Gun Collectors Birmingham Gun Show

Jefferson Civic Center

SC will have table

April 5 (Wednesday)

2:00 pm SCALNC Membership

Meeting

American Village Liberty Hall

OPEN TO PUBLIC

April 8 (Saturday)

6—10 pm Easy Street Band/Silent Auction Fundraiser (SC Overlook Project)

Southern Museum of Flight in BHM

Buy $25 tickets on SpringFlingSCALNC.Eventbrite.com

April 20 (Thursday)

11:30 am SC Presentation to Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa

Indian Hills Country Club, Tuscaloosa

April 29 (Saturday)

11 am – 3 pm

Celebrate Hoover Day Hoover Veterans Park

Support Committee will have table & tent

April 29? (Saturday)

10 am – 2 pm

Veterans Resource Expo

Univ of Montevallo Student Activity Ctr

SC will have table ALNC Hosts

May 20 (Saturday)

7:30 am Alabama’s 13th Annual Blue Star Salute

USS AL Battlefield Memorial Park

May 25 (Thursday)

9:00 am 10:15 am

Put up Avenue of Flags TAPS Program

ALNC (Montevallo)

Volunteers welcome OPEN TO PUBLIC (Free Adm.)

Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery (SCALNC) Participation Calendar of Events

(March-May, 2017)

Mathew Blount Post 555, Pelham, AL March 20174

Auxiliary Update

The ladies of the Matthew Blount Unit 555 are busy planning our first Fundraiser for 2017. We will be having a Pancake Breakfast on March 11, 2017 at Applebee’s Restaurant on Highway 119 in Pelham from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. Tickets are available for $5.00 each for pancakes, sausage and coffee/beverage. All proceeds will go towards veterans/families needs, Girls State, and help support other Auxiliary programs.

We will need help from Legion members to buy tickets or help selling tickets to friends and family. Ladies, we also need help serving and greeting that morning.

Pre-event tickets will be available at the the March 2, 2017 Post and Auxiliary meetings. Contact myself of Jessica Shrick. We are also making “Love Baskets” for members and relatives that could use some tender loving care. If you have someone that you would like to receive a basket, just contact myself or one of our members and we will deliver it for you.

Also two of our Legion Family members received Quilts of Valor last month. These are made by a group of ladies from Enterprise, AL. The quilts are at no charge to the Veteran, however they are hand made and there is almost a two year waiting period receive it. If you are interested in nominating an individual that served in the military to receive this recognition, contact Peggy Hendley. mjpegleg@yahoo.com

That's it for this month. God bless and have a fruitful month.

For God and country

Peggy Hendley Auxiliary President Unit 555

Matthew Blount Post 555 Recognizes Thompson High School Air Force JROTC

Members of Post 555 met with Lt. Col. Douglas Crabb and the Thompson High School Air Force JROTC cadets on February 8, 2017 to express appreciation for their service which contributed to the advancement of the American Legion programs and activities. Post members attending: Anita Bennett, Sergeant-At- Arms, Tom McDaniel, 1st Vice Cmdr., Frank Lakotich, Trustee and Ron Koonce , Adjutant.

Lt. Col. Crabb Anita Bennett

Post 555 March 20175

In conjunction with the American Legion Flag Reward program, Post 555 Flag Detail conducted a flag replacement ceremony at the Covenant Classic School on Huntley Parkway, Pelham, AL on February 24, 2017 at 9:30 pm. This was the second ceremony that has been conducted at the school.

There was a short program on Flag education with each student receiving a miniature US. Flag.

The event was attended by school faculty, students, family members and legionnaires. More photos at https://alpost555.smugmug.com/Covenant-Classical-School-Flag-Replacement-2-24-17/

Flag Replacement Ceremony

Post 555 Giving Surprise Birthday Party for WWII Veteran Dick Paxton.

Richard F.Paxton served in the US Navy during WWII. He was assigned to the USS Samar( APA-104) that made its way to Okinawa via Eniwetok and Saipan. Arriving at Saipan, he join the 121st Naval Construction Battalion. He was discharged on August 10,1946 at the Naval Receiving Station of the U. S. Naval Training and Distribution Center (TADCEN), Shoemaker, California.

Dick is a charter member of Post 555

Happy Birthday Dick!!!

Dick Paxton

Post 555 March 2017

Matthew Blount Post 55550 Racquet Club Parkway

Pelham, AL

Meets first Thursday of the month.Next Meeting March 2, 2017

Fellowship - 6:30 pmMeeting - 7:00 pm

Welcome Post 555’s FebruaryNew members

Doyle R Kernea Bruce N. Bates Charles Beard Billy Blank Kenneth S Burr Frank Chacon Billy Crocker John H.Crokin Michael A. Dulaney

Stanley Francis Samuel Glass Norman Hicks Michael A. Mathews George R. McCreless Tom McMahon Calvin J Milledge Theodore H. Opelschlager

Johnnie Parker Tracy D Simmons Jerry Smith Richard Smith James V Smitherman Christopher Watts William Weldy

Post CommanderBarry Blount

1st Vice CommanderTom McDaniel

2nd Vice CommanderRichard Kaster

Adjutant Ron Koonce

Judge AdvocateChuck Kiser

Financial OfficerBobby Averett

ChaplainDavid Coram, Jr.Sergeant-At- Arms

Anita BennettPost Service Officer

Historian Joyce Franklin

Public Relations Officer

Gene Rowley

Post TrusteesQuincy Whitehead

Frank LakotichRay Adams

Auxiliary President Peggy Hendley Sons Commander

Will HayesLegion Riders

DirectorJeff Monday Honor Guard Commander

Jerry McClainWebmasterDavid Blount

Triple Nickel EditorRon KooncePhotography

Chic CecchiniRon koonce

Eric Fort

Coming Activities

Post 555 Nominating Committee

Recommendations March 2017

Triple Nickel Shooters Commander's Cup

March 11, 2017 CMP Range Anniston, AL

Officer Elections April 2017

Officer Installation May 2017

The Triple Nickel is published monthly for members of

Matthew Blount Post 555.50 Racquet Club Parkway

Pelham, AL 35124205-678-1375

commander@ALpost555.comItems for publication are accepted on Executive Committee approval and

available space.Submit articles prior to the 10th of the

month for publication the following month. We reserve the right to edit any submission

for the purpose of publication. Letters to the Editor must include name,

address & telephone number. Names will be withheld upon request.

Send email to: Editor@alpost555.com

205-222-4495Photos by Chic Cecchini /Ron Koonce/

Eric Fort- Post 555

Copyright 2016 American Legion Post 555

6

Post 555 March 2017

Chaplain’s Thoughts

Burning Your Ships “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:33

Every now and then, when I’ve got some time to spare, I’ll turn on the History Channel and let myself get lost in the past. Recently, I started watching a documentary on the Age of Exploration, when the kingdoms of Europe were sending out ships to explore the Americas. To the Europeans, the New World was a place of limitless promise but also great danger. Faced with new cultures, strange animals, and deadly plagues, many explorations returned home in failure.

Then in February 1519, an explorer named Hernando Cortez was commissioned by the Spanish Crown to sail to the Yucatan and conquer it in the name of Spain. Cortez and his army set out at once, and when they reached the shores of the Yucatan, Cortez turned to his men and said,“Burn the boats.”

Cortez refused to let turning back be an option. For the sake of his mission, it would be all or nothing. To many of us this may sound a bit extreme, but as it turns out, Jesus had the same principle when he started his ministry.

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:57-62

Being a true Christian is something bold and dangerous. We live in a country that loves compromises, and teaches us that we are free to pick and choose what parts of religion we want to follow. Christ is different. When we become his followers, he tells us to take up our crosses and never look back. To follow him is all or nothing. We are in an election year, a turning point in our nation's history. Will we follow Him and His desire for our nation and not look back, or will we go the way of the world? Take some time to examine

your relationship with Christ, will you step out on faith and trust him by burning the ships in your life?

Remember, God Loves You and So Do I!!

For His Service,

David W Coram Chaplain American Legion AL Post 555

Post Everlasting

Jack Edward Kelley, “Kelly” “JE” 1927-2017

Jack Edward Kelley, “Kelly” “JE”, age 89, of Pelham, AL, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017.  He was one of the  last World War II Veterans in Shelby County, proudly serving his country in the U. S. Navy serving on the USS Breckenridge and a member of American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555.

He was predeceased by  his son, George Kelley; daughter, Bonnie Reynolds;   parents, George and Hallie Kelley and sister, Joann Gast.  His survivors include his wife of 44 years,   Linda Kelley; daughters,   Gerald Lynn Jared (Michael),  Gayle Lovejoy, Kris Recalde (Jose), Patty Briscoe and  B. J. Patterson; sons, Michael Kelley (Sandra) and Martin Kelley and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren.  

A visitation was on February15,2017 with a  Celebration of Kelly’s Life with Navy Honors with the Committal Service on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the  Alabama National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to a charity of your choice or a domestic violence shelter such as Safe House of Shelby County.

Please keep the Kelley family in your prayers.

Post 555 March 20178

Triple Nickel T-Shirts Matthew Blount Post 555 are selling custom designed Patriotic T-Shirts to provide a way to take pride in our American Legion Post Family and raise funds in support of Wreaths Across America and other Post projects, Military Deployment Support Program, VA Medical Center Christmas Gift Program, Oratorical and Boys State scholarships.

ORDER YOURS TODAY. COST IS ONLY $20, PRE-PAY OR PAYABLE AT THE TIME THE SHIRT IS DELIVERED. Get one while you can and help support our Active Duty Personnel, Veterans and Youth Programs.

100% Cotton Color: White Graphic on Navy Blue

TRIPLE NICKEL T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

NAME_________________________________________ PHONE____________________ EMAIL______________________________ SIZE: [] Small Qty_______ []Med Qty______ [] Lrg Qty_______ [] XLrg QTY________ @ $20 each

[] XXLrg Qty______ [] XXXLrg Qty _________@ $22 each

Standard Sizes Qty__________ @ $20 Total _______________

Extra Large Sizes Qty_______ @ $22 Total _______________

Date: _______________ Amount Due _______________ Amount Paid______________

Back Front Left

Post 555 September 2016 6

Triple Nickel T-ShirtsPre-Order September 1, 2016

Matthew Blount Post 555 will be selling custom designed Patriotic T-Shirts to provide a way to take pride in our American Legion Post Family and raise funds in support of Wreaths Across America and other Post projects: Military Deployment Support Program, VA Medical Center Christmas Gift Program, Oratorical and Boys State scholarships. WE WILL BE TAKING PRE-ORDERS AT THE SEPTEMBER 1st POST MEETING for our initial order . COST IS ONLY $20, PAYABLE AT THE TIME THE SHIRT IS DELIVERED. Get one while you can and help support our Active Duty Personnel, Veterans and Youth Programs.

100% Cotton Color: White Graphic on Navy Blue

TRIPLE NICKEL T-SHIRT Pre-ORDER FORM

NAME_________________________________________ PHONE_________________

EMAIL________________________________________

SIZE [] Small Qty_______ []Med Qty______ [] Lrg Qty_______ []XLrg @ $20 each

[] XXLrg Qty______ [] XXXLrg Qty @ $22 each

Standard Sizes Qty__________ @ $20 Total _______________

Extra Large Sizes Qty_______ @ $20 Total _______________

Date: _______________ Amount Due _______________

Back Front Pocket

Mail your order to:

American LegionMatthew Blount Post 55550 Racquet Club ParkwayPelham, AL 35124 or Submit to Jeff Monday or Ron Koonce at a Post meeting.

More photos at : https://alpost555.smugmug.com/District-23-Oratorical-Contest-2252017/

Post 555 March 20179

Post 555 Hosts District 23 2017 Oratorical Scholarship Competition

Military Appreciation Night Door Prize Winner

The winner of the American Legion District 23 Scholarship Oratorical contest on February 25, 2017 was Mason Herrington. Mason will advance to the Division 2 contest on March 4, 2017 at the Pelham First Baptist Church, 10:00 am.

Many thanks to the Judges, Austin Burdock, Lara Alvis, Kia Smith and Maurice Mercer.

Post 555 Oratorial Committee with winner Mason Herrington.L-R: Ron Koonce, Ray Adams, District 23 Commander, Barry Blount, Mason Herring, Committee Chair, Richard Kaster, Tom McDaniel, Kenneth Paschal, Frank Lakotich.

Emiley Monday wins the Military Appreciation Night Door Prize. Congratulations!!!!