Sons Corner - April 2024
Happy Spring greetings to all my Squadron and Legion 574 family. Hope everyone is doing well. How did you enjoy March? I think a certain ground hog ended up on a rotisserie. I can’t wait to see what April has in store for us. Maybe the early Spring “forecaster” will redeem itself.
Squadron membership is very strong for 2024. We are currently at 106% with regular and new members paid. Welcome to the newest members to the Squadron – Jim Matteson and Kevin Morris. Welcome to the Post 574 Family. Retaining and recruiting is very important since the bigger the numbers in membership, the more votes we have on Capitol Hill for funding Veteran Services.
The American Legion Birthday Dinner and Awards Ceremony was held on March 16th. This was a great dinner and celebration of 105 years of American Legion pride. Members received awards for volunteering their time and providing support to the Post events throughout the year. Two members of our Legion Family that stood out going above and beyond in 2023 are Squadron 574 Son of the year award recipient Dave Williams and the Squadron 574 Commanders Choice Award recipient Auxiliary Unit 574 member June Gaulin. Congratulations to both and thank you to all who volunteer and keep Post 574 moving forward.
April is our nomination month for Squadron Executive Board (officers). Contact either Squadron members John Malvuccio or Bob Guyett if you would like to run for a Squadron Officers position. Nominations close at the April 23rd meeting and voting will be in May with installations in June. Never be afraid to try being an officer since being a leader can be it’s own reward.
Saturday April 13th there is a benefit lasagna dinner for our Department of NY leading candidates: Keith Koster for Dept. Commander, Kim Quick for Aux. President and Gaither Espey for SAL Detachment Commander. Dinner starts at 4:30 PM. Funds raised will go to support these candidates during their 2024/25 administration. Please sign up at the Post Lounge or contact me for reservations by April 10th. A great dinner for some great people.
Sunday the 14th is the American Legion Post 574 Family Breakfast! Serving from 8 to 11. $10 per person, $35 for a family of 4 and $5 for children under 10. Volunteers of our Legion Family put on a great spread for breakfast. Come on over and enjoy the food and company. Take out is available.
April 20th is the annual “They Marched for Us, We Walk for Them” Don Keech/Donna Graham Memorial Walkathon (that’s a mouth full isn’t it) Sign up in the Post Lounge starts at 9.30 AM, Walk starts between 10:15 and 10:30. Lunch again provided by our Auxiliary Unit 574. Anyone collecting donations can pick up the fundraising packet in the Lounge. For those who did not collect donations but would like to join the Walk, a $10 donation is suggested but not necessary.
Post 574 Spring Clean-up Day on April 27th. The more hands we have the less work for all. This is your Home so let’s make it shine.
Remember to thank those Veterans, Military and First Responders, because of them, we can do what we do. God Bless to all and our Nation
Sincerely – Dan Lancette – SAL Squadron 574 Commander