GARDEN OAKS

AMERICAN LEGION
POST 560
“FOR GOD AND COUNTRY”

POST 560 LEGIONNAIRE NEWS

May 2010 VOLUME 31 ISSUE 5

COMMANDER’S CORNER Who’s Going To Fill Our Shoes?

By Commander Bryan Coleman
As many of you know, we have our post elections are on the first
Tuesday in June, which is June 1st this year. That is only a few weeks
away. I have decided to step down as Commander; and, as you may
know, I was elected District Commander on April 17th and will take office
on June 27th. I am totally confident that there are people, in place at our
post, who have expressed a willingness to serve and who will continue on
the progressive path which Post 560 has been on for, at least, the last
three years. I hope that you will come out for the election, meet the can-
didates, and see the progress that is being made in our post, which hap-
pens to be the largest post in Houston.

As I have told many of you, I grew up in an American Legion post.

When I was a child, The American Legion was a place filled with family ac-
tivities and where children were welcomed and safe. My dad, who was the
best American Legionnaire whom I have ever known and who was the Commander of Post 488 in
New Boston, Texas, loved country music and his absolute favorite singer was George Jones a/k/a
The Possum. George had a great song, called “Who’s Gonna Fill Them Shoes?”. Today, I’d like to
briefly speak with you about who’s gonna fill our shoes and who is going to lead us on the journey
that I think is inevitable. This, I think, should be the focus of this post and our mission as we move
forward.

The people receiving this newsletter are all that remains from the most active period in
American Legion history. Almost every post in our district, division and department has fewer mem-
bers than it had fifteen years ago. There are less and less each year. The few surviving members
from World War II are almost totally gone from their positions as leaders in our posts. The Korean
War vets are only a few years younger. Even the Vietnam veterans are getting a bit long in the
tooth, and, like me, they are over sixty years old, suffering from many illnesses and the general
feelings of tiredness that strike most folks of my age. So I ask you: who’s gonna fill them shoes?

Membership in the American Legion has been open for veterans who served in twelve of the
last twenty-five years, which is one third of the total eligibility years for American Legion member-
ship. Hundreds of thousands of veterans, all of whom enlisted as volunteers, have served during
the periods between 1982 and the present, have been honorably discharged, have returned home
and have re-entered society; yet, few posts have meaningly tapped into this resource. Look around
our post. How many people in this post are veterans from the eligibility periods after August of
1982? Very, very few of you.

The answer to the question “Who’s Gonna Fill Them Shoes?” must be young people, people
below the age of forty, people who are working full-time, rearing children, supporting families, and
are involved in the activities that each of us was involved with at that stage in our lives. The ques-
tion is, how do we get them? I submit to you that, if you want a particular customer, you must tar-
get their particular market and remarket yourself as something that they want or need. We can no
longer wait on them to come to us. We must go to them, and we must sell the American Legion.

We must focus our resources and energy on activities that bring children and parents in con-
tact with the American Legion, like Boys and Girls State, Oratory, baseball, shooting sports, Child
Welfare, Scouting, Citizenship, Heroes to Hometown, Junior ROTC and Sons of the American Legion
and Junior Auxiliary. We must make our posts a family-friendly environment, with social activities
for the families of these younger members. If every post had a publicized Easter Egg Hunt and Hal-
loween Shut-In Party, we could reach a hundred kids and two hundred parents. If every post had a
website, printed a newsletter, publicized its social activities, and became more visible in its commu-
nity, we could stop the loss of members and return to a time when the American Legion functioned
as one of the cornerstones in the daily lives of our communities.

When we get younger members, we must welcome these younger people into leadership po-
sitions, mentor them, encourage them and support them; for, if we continue to lose membership by
attrition at the rate that we are currently losing members, our post will cease to meaningfully exist
in twenty more years. Everything must either change or die, for nothing in this world remains the
same. The American Legion is like our child, whom we have loved and nourished with our time, ef-
fort and money for many years; now, we must come to realize that our child has changed—grown
up differently than we might have expected—and we can either love the Legion in its new form or
cease to have a relationship with it. I urge us to embrace the change, to build on what we now
have, and to reinvent our organization in a way that will preserve it for future generations of veter-
ans. To do otherwise leads us to certain doom. This may be our final chance.

COLEMAN ELECTED DISTRICT COMMANDER

On Friday and Saturday, April 16th and 17, The 8th District of the
Department of Texas held its Spring Convention at Post 560. On
Friday night, the delegates joined Post 560 for Steak night, spon-
sored by the SAL and Auxiliary. On Saturday morning, Don Kridner
and David Lawson prepared a great breakfast for the delegates. At
lunch, the delegates had sandwiches provided by the Post 560
Auxiliary.
On Saturday afternoon, the delegates elected officers for the next
two years. Two members of Post 560 were elected to district of-
fices. Bryan Coleman, who is commander of Post 560 for 2009-
2010, was elected commander of the 8th District. (See photo)
Richard Voorhies, who is currently a member of the Post 560 Ex-
ecutive Committee, was elected adjutant of the 8th District.
The officers will be installed following the Department Convention,
which will be in Beaumont on June 27th.
Congratulations to Bryan and Richard.

Page 2
 VA Issues Warning About Phone Scam
April 19, 2010—The Department of Veterans Affairs is warning veterans not to
give credit card numbers, bank routing information or any personal and financial in-
formation over the phone to callers claiming to update, confirm, or verify VA-related
information. VA does not call veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial in-
formation over the phone.
A veteran targeted by scammers alerted VA, saying that someone called
claiming to be with the VA pharmacy and asking a lot of questions. The caller ID indi-
cated that the incoming call was from 888-555-1234. There are a number of scams
associated with this number, and it's been reported that the callers will call repeatedly
and become aggressive.
They will claim to be a VA employee and say a medical card has expired and
From the that the veteran must send a check for a certain dollar amount for a renewal. In
Editor other versions, the caller says that a bank account is listed on a public computer, and
in order to get it removed, the caller needs to verify the veteran's bank information.
David Rutz
Be leery of any calls originating from this number or other numbers asking for per-
sonal and banking/money information.
VA has not changed its process for dispensing prescriptions or for enrollment. Veterans with questions
about VA services should call 877-222-8387 or the nearest VA medical center.
Questions Veterans Ask the Most:
How do I obtain medical care from the VA Medical Center or local VA Clinic? Complete the VA form 10-10EZ
for enrollment for medication, medical care and other health benefits.
How can I get my service medals or service records? Please go to the appropriate link below:
LOST MILITARY RECORD http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/
ARMY www.army.mil/
NAVY www.navy.mil/swf/index.asp
AIR FORCE www.af.mil/
COAST GUARD www.uscg.mil/default.asp
MARINES www.usmc.mil/

What types of VA claims are there?

There are five types of VA claims:
Original Claim: The very first claim for disability benefits (compensation or pension) filed by a veteran. All
original claims must be filed on VA Form 21-526.
Claim for increase: A claim for increased compensation for a disability already found to be service-
connected.
New Claim: A claim for compensation for a disability not part of the original claim. Also known as a supple-
mental claim.
Appeal: A claim that has been denied and appealed within the one-year time limit so the case does not have
be reopened.
Reopened Claim: A claim asking for reconsideration of an issue previously considered and finally disallowed
by VA (after more than one year has passed).
The type of claim determines how much development is required by VA and/or the nature of the supporting
evidence the veteran must submit in support of the claim. The processing time for a claim varies depending
on the type of claim and the supporting evidence provided by the veteran.

Page 3
 Spring Convention at Post 560

Channelview Delegation

Left to Right-
Bryan Coleman-Post 560 Commander
Gertie Atchison-Unit 560 President
Check in at
David Lawson-Squadron 560 Commander the District
Convention at
Post 560

2009 to 2010 Post 560 Everlasting

HENRY ANGELI SR.

RANDY PERRY
HELEN G SCHRADER
ROBERT F DOWLING
ERNEST L SULAK

Advertise your business or sell what you

no longer need here in the Post Newsletter

Prices.
Business Card: $10/month
1/4 Page: $25/month
1/2 Page: $ 50/month
Page 4 Full Page: $100/month
Auxiliary Fiesta Dinner

Fish Fry

Page 5
 Veterans Courts Offer Heroes Second Chance

HOUSTON - The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have inflicted many Veterans with injuries that
are not as obvious as a missing limb. Multiple deployments have become a huge factor in the rise of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases. Blasts from improvised explosive devices or rocket-
propelled grenades can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that might not surface for years.
Furthermore, technology has made it easier to stay in touch with home, so a soldier can suf-
fer stress, anxiety, and depression caused by marital troubles, issues with children, or a parent’s ill-
ness in real time; all while trying to remain vigilant in a war zone. Returning to the civilian world, it
is not surprising that 10 percent of all adults arrested in 2009, according to the Department of Jus-
tice, had served in the military.
In fact, 300 Veterans are booked into the Harris County jail every month. That includes the
second largest number of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans in the
country, second only to Los Angeles County.
Confronted by this reality, Judge Marc Carter of the 228th Criminal District Court teamed up
with Houston State Senator Rodney Ellis, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC),
and a number of local Veterans to create one of the country’s first Veterans Treatment Courts. This
court searches for alternatives to jail time for Veterans who commit non-violent criminal offenses.
Moreover, the Veterans Treatment Court also serves as a way for the criminal-justice system to do
its part in helping our Nation’s Veterans overcome issues and obstacles in their lives.
At the MEDVAMC, Psychiatrist Andrea Stolar, Social Worker Lori Coonan, and their colleagues
developed a rehabilitation program offering not just drug and alcohol treatment but care for medical
problems like PTSD and TBI. The program is also designed to provide help with military benefits
and, if needed, assistance with finding a place to live.
Depending on the case and their plea, Veterans who successfully complete the two-year pro-
gram can have all charges expunged from their records.
We at the MEDVAMC serve as Veterans’ advocates, not adversaries, and are extremely proud
of our role in the Veterans Treatment Court. We realize that the men and women who serve their
country make incredible sacrifices and may not always come home in the same mental, emotional,
or physical condition in which they left. Because of their selfless actions, we are privileged to live in
a free country. Thus, we owe each Veteran every opportunity to stabilize his or her life and rejoin
our community.

The Cegeilski Family CRAWFISH BOIL

The Cegeilski Family, several of whom are active members of Post 560, will be holding a
Crawfish Boil/Gumbo Fundraiser on May 15, 2010, at Post 560. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m.
and continue until 9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Plates of crawfish, corn and potatoes will be sold for $10.00 each. Bowls of gumbo or craw-
fish fettuccini will be sold for $5.00 each.
For questions, contact Tammie Felchak-Oatis at 713.868,6189. Everyone is welcome to what
we anticipate will be a great fundraising event.

Page 6
 AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY NEWS

Membership dues in the Auxiliary are now past due; and, if any
members have not paid their dues for 2009-2010, please do so im-
mediately. The Auxiliary’s general membership meeting is on the 1 st
Tuesday of each month, and any wife, daughter or otherwise quali-
fied relative of anyone who is eligible for membership in The Ameri-
can Legion, are welcome to join. If you wish to contact the presi-
dent of the Post 560 Auxiliary, you may reach Gertie Atchison at 713.681.9723.

SONS of the AMERICAN LEGION

David Lawson, commander of the SAL urges the Post to support SAL
Steak Night, on the third Friday of each month, where one may pur-
chase a steak, baked potato, and salad for $12, and enjoy same while
listening to live entertainment. The SAL meets on the 1st Wednesday of
each month, in the Bar lounge. Anyone, who is a son of someone who
is eligible for membership in The American Legion, is welcome to join;
and, if you have interest, you may contact David Lawson at
832.723.8231.

2009-2010 POST 560 OFFICERS

POST OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BUILDING COMMITTEE

Bryan Coleman-Commander George Fitzgerald-Legionnaire Bryan Coleman—Commander

Cal Jones -1st Vice Commander
Tony Moreno-2nd Vice Commander
Dino DeCesare-3rd Vice Commander
Dale Mitchell - Adjutant
Terry Ward-Finance Officer
Earl & Helen Schrader-Service Officer
Steve Watkins-Judge Advocate
Jim Tucker-Historian
Jim Acker-Sergeant-at-Arms
Michael Brown-Chaplain
Bob Fleming-Past Commander
Johnny Bonilla-Legionnaire
Mike Roma—Legionnaire
Richard Voorhes- Legionnaire
John Brukner—Legionnaire
BAR COMMITTEE
Bryan Coleman—Commander
John Brukner--Jim Acker---
Terry Ward--Tommy Wade---
Michael Roma--Harvey Rasco--
Tony Moreno--Bobby Elkins----
Bob Fleming
Tony Moreno-Michael Roma---
Johnny Bonilla--Dick Shields---
Bob Fleming—John Brukner--
David Rutz
TRUSTEES
Mary Kerley-Legionnaire
Don Kridner—Legionnaire
Bob Beare-Legionnaire
Walter Goree-Legionnaire
Tommy Wade-Legionnaire

Page 7
 GARDEN OAKS NON-PROFIT
AMERICAN LEGION POST 560 ORGANIZATION
“FOR GOD AND COUNTRY” POSTAGE PAID
HOUSTON TEXAS
3720 ALBA PERMIT 3495
Houston, TX 77018

Phone: (713) 682-9287

Fax: (713) 697-8564
Email: AmericanLegion560@SBCGlobal.net
Website: AmericanLegionPost560.org

∟
Return Postage Guaranteed

POST ANNOUNCEMENTS

May 1 Monthly Barbeque

May 4 Post General Meeting at 7:00pm
May 8 Air Force Sergeant’s Association Meeting at Post 560 at 1:00pm
May 15 Guadalcanal Veterans Meeting at Post 560 at 10:30am
May 19 Post 391 Meeting at Post 560 Home at 11:00am
May 21 SAL Steak Night
May 20 Deadline for receiving articles and ads for Newsletter
May 24 40 & 8 La Femmes Meeting at Post 490 at 7:30pm
May 27 Post 560 Executive Committee Meeting at 7:00pm