A Message from the Commander: August 2024
Congratulations Post 7, District 5, and the Maryland American Legion Department for achieving 100% membership goals for the 2023- 2024 year (this was the first time since before the COVID lockdowns)! Ben Miles, Connie Hurley, and Frank Huebner were key for the Post 7 membership drive and getting the 100% award from Department at the state convention in Ocean City.
The Post recently installed new leadership for 2024-2025. Ambrose Cavegn (District 5, Vice Commander) conducted the swearing-in of officers. I want to congratulate the incoming officers, some are new faces, and some are continuing to perform their highly successful functions keeping the Post afloat. The results of the election are below:
Commander: Robert (Bob) Wayland
1st Vice Commander: Jason O’Neil
2nd Vice Commander: Open Position
3rd Vice Commander: Gary Rasicot
Adjutant: Ben Miles
Finance Officer: Larry Morrison
Service Officer: Open Position
Judge Advocate: Cynthia Campise
Chaplin: Vince Merlino
Sgt at Arms: Kevin Perera
Historian: Jim Sabisch
Exec Com 1st: Bill Branham
Exec Com 2nd: Frank Huebner
Exec Com 3rd: James (Vic) Ryan
Exec Com 4th: Open Position
Note: Post 7 recently lost a significant member of the leadership team. John Ogle passed away on 21 July 2024. He was an American Legion Honorary Life-time member (20 plus-years), past Post 7 officer and executive committee member. John was also a member of the Annapolis Fleet Reserve Association and sponsored multiple midshipmen at the USNA.
As we move into a new cycle the following significant issues face us:
Membership – Post 7 wants to continue our 100% membership achievement. The leadership team is striving to attract newer/younger veterans by addressing their wants/needs and entertainment preferences (while maintaining American Legion Post decorum and house rules). The American Legion offers veterans and their families:
o camaraderie with fellow vets
o a safe entertainment venue
o a place the vet can get help
Send me your ideas to bring in new veteran members. In addition, the Post will be conducting 100% membership card inspections, so please remember to have your cards on hand to enter the Post.
· Note: American Legion Membership Dues are increasing. AL Membership dues are increasing at the National level and thereby trickle-down to state, district, and individual Post. Starting for membership year 2025, dues are increased to $50.00 per year. Members can log-on to “MyLegion.com” and sign-up for multi-year payments.
Building/Facility - Post facilities and equipment continue to age requiring increased upkeep, repair, and improvements. Some recent and upcoming improvements include:
o Kitchen area cleaned and sanitized;
o A new digital electric signage is currently under construction at the main entrance of Post 7 thanks to Boys Scout Troop 396 and Annapolis Home Depot with Jason O’Neil;
o Improved (door/camera) security systems were installed;
o Digital message/informational monitors were installed in the bar/lounge areas by Frank Huebner and Vic Ryan;
o Additional gaming activities to be installed this coming year;
o Resurfacing the tile floors in the main hall and passageway is planned to begin soon with Annapolis Home Depot providing support and materials;
o New heating and air conditioning systems were installed in kitchen and main hall areas;
o The brick and stone fire-pit in the grove was completed by Boy Scout Troop 396. For his Eagle Project, Scout Alex Jordan obtained a $4,500 grant from Home Depot, designed, and led his crew in the construction of the fire-pit; and
o Horseshoe Pit Area –Boy Scout Troop 396 renovated the pit area and installed Corn Hole pits and gaming equipment.
American Legion Baseball - Post 7's Junior Admirals ended the season with a 7 and 5 record. Three strong pitchers will be ready for the senior team next summer.
Boy's State: Post 7 sponsored Connor McBride at the week-long conference in June. The straight A youngster's “Thank You Letter” highlighted his heartfelt appreciation for the experience and plans to study law in college.
Duffer's Golf League: Post 7 is sponsoring a golf league (currently consisting of 18 members) who play each Monday morning at Heritage Harbour Golf Course, (959 River Strand Loop, Annapolis, MD 21401). Please contact Jason O’Neil at jasononeil@yahoo.com if you want to join the league.
Viet Nam Veteran’s Group Meeting- Post 7 is continuing to support and host a weekly self-help group of Viet Nam Veterans still suffering from the ravages of combat. This growing group of heroes assist each other through open discussion in overcoming significant emotional issues. In the last three years the group has grown from 7 to 38. The meetings are open to all Viet Nam Veterans, they meet in the Post 7 main hall at 10:00am each Tuesday by entering thru the side door entrance. Just show up. For info contact: Ray Siever at sieverr@comcast.net
Upcoming Events- Time/date TBD
· Crab Feast in October
· SAL/Aux Brunch
· Octoberfest- Special food and drink
· Veteran’s Day (Monday, November 11, 2024)
· Christmas Eggnog Party
· New Year’s Eve Party
I want to thank all the staff, officers, and membership that continue to make my job enjoyable. Your support and professionalism is essential in maintaining and improving our service to the veteran community. I look forward to working with the S.A.L. and Auxiliary in striving to make our post the best in Maryland.