August 2008 Newsletter
Commander's Corner
 It’s been one month since I took the reins of leadership and I can truthfully say you made some good choices for the subordinate officers and trustee board. As some of you know I was traveling the west for the past month. My 1st and 2nd vice-commanders stepped up and provided leadership while I was away. I was, however, available to the membership via telephone and e-mail. In fact a few of you took the opportunity to call me. I do encourage this and if you have any questions feel free to call me. My phone number is listed in the Howdy.
Several events took place while I was gone, one of which was the 4th of July celebration at Central Park in Santa Clara. 419 participated with District13 Honor Guard and with the Santa Clara Veterans Committee information booth. Megann Marten and Steve Villegas helped staff the booth and signed up a couple of new members. Ralph Jacob, Michael Harms, Charlie Baker and Ken Lowe attended the 4th of July celebration at Menlo Park VA hospital.
The B-B-Q hosted by the Army recruiters was a tremendous success and Megann signed six of the recruiters up as new members.
Karaoke is now going to be an ongoing event every Sunday at the Post. I attended the first one on Sunday July 13th. We had about thirty people there and all had a good time. The DJ, Gary Carnes, had just about any music that can be sung to. I encourage any one who likes good music good times and dancing to attend.
During my travels I had the opportunity to visit several Legions. All were very friendly and involved with promoting veteran’s issues in their area. I also had the opportunity to visit a friend in Canada who took me to his Canadian Legion Post. I was treated as an honored guest, which meant I was not allowed to buy any drinks. That’s not to say we didn’t consume a few. While speaking with them I discovered they share some of the same veterans’ issues we do. Stu Lavatai, the 2nd VC from Post 99 is organizing a trip to Normandy for any WII veterans for June 2nd thru June 7th 2009. In case anyone is interested, he is still in the early stages of planning, you can reach him by phone 408-793-5105 or e-mail
imstugatz@yahoo.comHope to see you all at the meetings.
John Boyles, Commander
1st Vice Commander
 As I hope everyone enjoyed the July 4th festivities with their families and loved ones. My wife and daughter reported that the Santa Clara Central Park fireworks were fabulous this year. The Central Park fireworks have become so popular that traffic congestion and lack of parking mandated an early arrival or having Dad dropping off and picking up.
It's time to renew your American Legion membership. Your membership, combined with your fellow members, support the valuable work the American Legion performs on behalf of all veterans to ensure continued recognition of
the contribution you have made - and to protect and further the benefits you've earned by serving in America's armed forces. You should have received your 2009 American Legion Annual Dues Notice. It's very easy to renew your American Legion membership. Just detach the top portion of your Dues Notice and either mail it with your payment or bring it
to the clubhouse. It's a good excuse to go visit with your friends.
I want to thank you for ensuring the continued success of Post 419 through your help in recruiting new members. When you meet a suitable candidate, please tell them about the American Legion and our Post.
Steve
2nd Vice Commander
 Here we are heading into Aug. and Sep. already. In June we had the installation of the new Post/Auxiliary Officers and July 11th the District 13 Officers. On Aug 15 we will have a chance for all of you to meet your Post/Auxiliary Officers. There will be the normal Friday dinner and dancing. The meet and greet will be from 18:30-17:30 (6:30-7:30 PM). I invite all to come and meet those serving you in the post.
In addition we are having our annual post picnic on Sunday Sep. 28th. I am still looking for volunteers to assist in setting up and cleaning up. The picnic will be from 9AM-5PM, located in the ARBOR section of Santa Clara Central Park. This is the location we have had the picnic for the past few years. Come out and meet other members of the post and have a good time. There will be fun and games. Please support your post in some of the activities during the year.
Thank you. EARL
Post Adjutant
 We will be having elections at the August meeting. Nominated were, Ernie Rose, Sgt At Arms, Jim Kowal, Trustees, and Ken Lowe for Executive Board. We still need volunteers for the Executive Board. Since the beginning of July we have had several new members join the post, Frederico Sagabaen, Army, WWII, Jorge Garza, Army,Current; Adrian Bennett, Army, Current; Brad Winchester, Army, Current; Jeffery Williams, Army, Vietnam; Chandan Randhana, Army, Current; Ernie House, Navy, WII;
Joe Higgins, Army/AF, WWII; Andrea Jeffers, Army, Current. Those new members currently on active duty joined thru Megann and the Army Recruiters who served us lunch on 3 July. We welcome all the new members to post 419 and hope that they will join us in some of the many coming activities.
At the August meeting we will be having initiation into the American Legion. If you have not been initiated, don’t be afraid. Come to the meeting and fully join the post. No secret hand signs or special pass words, just knowledge of what the Legion stands for. Cynthia Kepple, was not at the July meeting when her name was drawn so she lost the $60 raffle prize. Be at the meeting in Aug and you could win $65.
Do you have an idea for how the post can better serve the veterans and the community?? We have started a new year with new officers all looking for new ideas. I have been a member of this post for 25 years and active for 20 of those. Each year we get many suggestions and one or two make a big difference in how we operate. Don’t be afraid to suggest.
Thank You.
Ralph Jacob, rjjinsj@yahoo.com
American Legion
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