“For God and Country” GEORGE C. EVANS POST 103
“United We Stand”
“The Leader
Post”Post” April 2015
“The Leader
JUNE,
Editor: Harry Ciruli- 720-287-2139 [email protected]
Website-www.legionpost103.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
4-9-2015- Bingo - Slammers Bingo Hall
4-16-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
4-23-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
4-30-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
5-4-2015- Officers Meeting, Buck Rec. Center, 6:30 PM
5-6-2014- General Membership Meeting, Buck Rec. Center, 7:00 PM
5-7-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
5-9-2015- Post Breakfast, Englewood Elks
5-9-2015- District 5 Convention, Commerce City, Post 151
5-14-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
5-21-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
5-28-2015- Bingo – Slammers Bingo Hall
Englewood Elks- 3690 S. Jason St,, Englewood, CO
Buck Rec. Center—2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton, CO
Slammers Bingo Hall-1884 S. Wadsworth-Lakewood, CO
COMMANDER’S COMMENTS It’s Officially Spring-time in the Rockies. Great weather to
date. In other words, time to turn on the sprinkler system, sharpen the lawnmower blades and
enjoy the fresh air, Spring flowers & blossoming fruit trees; not to mention the start of Colorado
Rockies Baseball & Golf, for some! As Always, time to spread some Patriotism too!! Be on the
Look Out for Veterans.
Now then, it bears repeating….Special Thanks to You ALL for What You Do and If you
have Not Yet Renewed your Post 103 Membership, please do so now. Also, “Keep us
Growing”. Thanks for your continuing Efforts, as we Grow & become a Stronger Community
Support to our Veterans & Youth.
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Food for Thought……We Need a Few Good Men to step Forward & Out of the Box to Help
us with our Fundraising & Hospitality/Member Involvement Committee’s. Your Assistance,
Ideas & Leadership can make a Difference. Become Involved!!!
Likewise, We’re Recruiting Interested Legionnaires to Serve on & Provide Color Guard
Duty on an, as needed basis. It’s Simple, not requiring much time. For further information,
please contact either Adjutant Harry Ciruli and/or myself.
Congratulations to Jonn Huggins. As a relatively New Legionnaire Member, Jonn became
the 500th Geo. C. Evans Post 103 Member. Accordingly, he was presented with a Limited
Edition Geo. C. Evans Post 103 Wall Clock. Jonn, going forward, no reason to be late.
A big thank you goes out to our attending Legionnaires, Auxiliary & Sons of the American
Legion members attending our March 14th Bi-monthly Post 103 Breakfast at Englewood Elks
Lodge; 50+ attending.
Be on the Look Out Soon for: our Newly Updated Geo. C. Evans Post 103 Tri-fold
Brochure. Also, Post 103 Exec. Board will be working with our Post Home Host – Littleton
Buck Rec. Center - in re-establishing the proper Flag Lighting improvement of the Facilities
East side Flag Pole, as Serviced by Legionnaire & Auxiliary Members Jack & Ursula Pansini.
Moving right along, regarding upcoming June 2015/2016 Election of Officers, Chaplain
Mike Romero, assisted by Past Commander Bud Goodwin, the following Legionnaires have
been nominated: Commander – Richard Callan, 1st Vice Cmdr. – Roger Masse, 2nd Vice Cmdr.
– Bill Brudwick, Adjutant – Harry Ciruli, Finance Officer – Wayne Arguello, Service Officer –
Fred Himelspach, Chaplain – Mike Romero, Judge Advocate/Historian – Gene Foyle, Sergeantat-Arms – Rip Hobson, and AVHG – Harry Giglio. Officer Nominations remain Open for
Others, which will again be requested/solicited at our May 6th General Membership Meeting.
With Honor to God & Service to our Veterans, Families & America’s Youth,
Lynn E. Peterson
Commander
[email protected]
720-841-5079
General Meeting Minutes
Meeting was graveled to order at 1900 hrs.
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Acknowledgement of Past Commanders: Dean Casey, Pat Callahan , Bud Goodwin, Mike
Romero, Rich Carlson and Ed Pietsch. Thanks to one and all for fulfilling this vital role!
Adjutant Harry Ciruli declared that there was a quorum present.
Officers Reports
Harry Ciruli – Adjutant: Presently we have totaling 505 Post 103 members, of which
455 have paid their dues, and we have 24 members in the SAL 103 Squadron. Importantly, We
are required to show proof that all members were honorably discharged I also need them in case
a member’s family can’t find it for their loved ones funeral.
I have 145 at present on file. Please call me to confirm that you have your DD214 on file.
My phone No. is 720-287-2139. If there are any address and/or Email changes let me know.
Also, Please get your renewal in ASAP. I urge you all to get me your DD214’s
We can now use Square to pay dues or buy Hats and caps, etc. (Credit card).
Rich Callan - 1st. Vice Commander: No report for Vice Commander for this month.
Boys State: We now have 4 candidates, and possibly 3 more from Mountain Vista and 2
from Arapahoe High School."
Roger Masse - 2nd. Vice Commander: I am starting to work on the Post picnic in
July. The next Post breakfast and our last for the summer is May 9th. 2015 at Englewood
Elks Club 9:00 AM.
Oratorical: Meets once a month 1st. Saturday at Department, no meeting June or July.
Financial Report – Wayne Arguello: Post finances are in great shape.
Mike Romero- Chaplains’ REPORT: APRIL 2015
Danny Fountain, is now rehabilitating at home, his goal is to get well and strong enough to
attend our Legion Bingos on Thursdays.
Ray Pearson, is also at home, he and Eileen are under 24 hour care. Saturday, the 4th of
April, Eileen was back in the hospital with fluid in her lungs. She is now being tested to find
out what caused the fluid.
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A “sympathy Card was mailed to the family of William G. Noell on 4-3-2015.
Please keep those mentioned, in our thoughts and prayers.
Please contact me at: 303-973-2493 or: [email protected] if you know of any
member needing a visit or call.
Lynn Peterson - Legion Baseball American Legion Baseball (ALB) and Colorado’s
American Legion Baseball (CALB) Program has been very active & becoming busier by the
week, with much Planning & Preparation underway. Team Registration & Scheduling Meeting
set for April 12th & April 19th; with Summer Season League Play beginning in Late May. Visit
www.calb.org for further details; and upcoming Team Game Schedules Posted in Late April.
Plan to Attend our Sponsored Teams League Games this Summer.
At the Post 103 level, with Executive Board Approval, we hope to Sponsor Three High
School Baseball Programs, representing Eight Teams:: 1) Littleton High School Lions Legion
B, C & D; 2) Heritage High School Eagles Legion B, C & D; and 3) Englewood High School
Pirates Legion B & C Team(s). Sponsored Team Coaches are expected to attend our May 6th
Monthly General Membership Meeting.
At the State-level, in 2015 & 2016 Colorado will be Host to the American Legion Baseball
Western Region 8 Tournament, to be held August 5 – 10, 2015 at Scott Carpenter Park,
Boulder, CO. American Legion Post’s from throughout Colorado are expected to Assist with
Manpower & Financial Needs. Help us out by possibly Volunteering in this Regional
Tournament (Transportation/Driving, Catering, Concessions, Admission, etc.) OR Participating
in (Golfer, Hole Sponsor/Attendant, Raffle/Silent Auction, etc)/Contributing (Donator) to one
or more of the following Fundraiser Events: Two Golf Tournament’s (June 13th @ Raccoon
Creek, Littleton, CO and July 12th @ Fox Hollow, Lakewood, CO ) & Two Colorado
Rockies Games (Sunday, May 24th CR vs SF Giants & Sunday, June 21st (Fathers Day) CR vs
Milwaukee Brewers). Flyers for these Fundraising Events are Available. Please Contact me
for Details Now and Make your Reservations Soon!! Plan to Participate &/or Attend.
NOTE: These Golf Tournament Fundraisers are in our Back Yard; they’re close to us
in Littleton & Lakewood. Become a part of an Important Premiere Colorado American
Legion Baseball Event.
Sergeant-At-Arms- Rip Hobson: No Report.
JAG –Gene Foyle: No Report.
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AVHG- Harry Giglio
Month of March had 17 services
Rolling year we have had 208 total services for a total of 9812 team hours
Jan-March have serviced 26 WW II, 14 Korea, 15 Vietnam, 1 Memorial service
Bingo Manager – Ed Pietsch: We had a great month which was highlighted by the
Slammer’s Bingo Hall large screen TV drawing at our last session in March. Our profit for the
first quarter is slightly ahead of the same quarter last year when we had our best year ever.
Thanks to all the members who come out and play or help each Thursday.
The Bingo profits is our Post 103 primary fundraising activity and Bingo funds pay for most
of the great programs that the Post is able to put on every year. We encourage you to join us
and become a Bingo volunteer, have a great time with our friendly customers and enjoy
working with your other Legion Family members. There are plenty of simple tasks that need to
be accomplished each week. Volunteers should arrive by 10 am if possible.
Please consider joining us on any Thursday at the Slammers Bingo Hall which is located at
1884 South Wadsworth Boulevard (the northeast corner of Wadsworth and Jewell). Our session
starts at 11:30 am and usually ends about 1:45 pm. We also have special occasions such as the
TV drawing or “Must Go” days when we give away our Bingo Progressive Jackpot of more
than $5,000 and the crowds are much larger than normal. We always can use extra hands on
these days.
If you have questions please call Ed Pietsch at 720-287-2108, Cal Wilson 303-470-7206 or
our newest manager, Harry Ciruli at 720-287-2139.
Service Officer – Pat Callahan
The third quarter has come to an end – and a rather busy one it was. The third quarter report
was submitted on April 1 reflecting an expenditure of $14,842.37 of our $20,000 grant. During
the quarter 46 veterans were assisted with either rent/utility assistance (19) or
food/transportation assistance (27).
A request for a 5th advance of funds was submitted on Feb 28th but has yet been filled. The
grant administrator has apologized citing problems at the accounting level. At this point in
writing we have a mere $706.49 with which to assist needy veterans.
Anyone needing assistance please call me at 303-770-2857, or e-mail at [email protected]. I
may not know the answer but have sources that do.
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At this writing the Post has in storage durable medical equipment in the form of
wheelchairs, walkers, canes and, perhaps items that I am not aware of. Anyone needing any of
this equipment or know of a veteran in such need, please call me at 303-770-2857.
Arrangements will be made to make the item(s) available.
Descendants of Veterans Scholarships – Ed Pietsch & Fred Himelspach
The George C. Evans Post 103 American Legion Family will be awarding six $500
scholarships to descendants of veterans beginning this year. Who is eligible? All descendants
of living or deceased members of the Post103 American Legion Family (American Legion,
Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion). The sponsoring member’s membership must be or
had been at least two years continuous service. The residence of the descendant can be
anywhere in the United States. That means if you are a member of the Post, Auxiliary or SAL
then your child, grandchild, great grandchild, stepchild, step grandchild, or step great
grandchild is eligible to submit an application for one of these scholarships regardless of where
they live.
In addition to descendants of the George C. Evans Post 103 American Legion Family, other
descendants of honorably discharged veteran who live within the Post 103 service area are
eligible for the scholarships. Our Post service area is currently defined to include residences in
the geographic area south of Hampden Ave (HWY 285), north of C470, west of I25 and east of
C470. So if you have friends or neighbors who reside in our service area and are descendants of
honorably discharged veterans they are also eligible to compete for these scholarships.
The applicant must be a High School Senior who has a cumulative 2.5 grade point average in
high school and plans to enroll in an institution of higher learning (vocational school, technical
college, and 2-year or 4-year College). The scholarship recipients must use the scholarship
within a year or it will be forfeited.
Complete applications including all attachments (application form, essay, résumé, letter of
recommendation and copy of DD214 or discharge document) must be received by May 1, 2015.
A panel of Post 103 American Legion Family members will make the selections. Scholarship
recipients will be notified by June 1, 2015.
Application information can be obtained on the Post webpage
(http://WWW.legionpost103.org) or by calling Ed Pietsch 720-287-2108 or Fred Himelspach at
303-798-5034. Please help us pass the word on this brand new scholarship opportunity.
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Historian - Gene Foyle: All photos were taken by Gene Foyle, thank you Gene.
Nick Arceo, Squadron Commander
[email protected]
SAL – Nick Arceo: I am proud to announce our Squadron has now grown to 24 members!
Thank you all! If you are interested in joining the Sons of American Legion, please see me for
details. The Sons of the American Legion invites you to our annual Fund Raising Banquet to
benefit the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. This event will be hosted by the
Lakewood SAL Squadron and Post 178, 1655 Simms St. Lakewood C . April 11, 2015. April
is American Legion Children & Youth Month. Social hour 5-6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6.
There will also be a Silent auction of many fabulous items!! We are attempting to set our all
time height for fund raising at this event! Please join us for a great time and fun! Remember
our Golf Tournament Fundraiser will be held at Fox Hollow Saturday June 27, 2015. Proceeds
will be used for hosting the American Legion Regional Baseball tournament to be held in
Boulder Colorado. Please see me for details.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business
For the Good of the Legion: A 50/50 drawing was held, and the lucky recipient was
Charles Hatten. He donated his winnings to AVHG. A good choice and thanks Charles.
The meeting was adjourned at 2010 hours followed by refreshments.
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Janelle Rodriguez, President
720-207-8008
[email protected]
American Legion Unit 103 Auxiliary meeting was opened at 7pm by President Janelle
Rodriguez; we had 8 members in attendance. We have exceeded our membership goal set by
Dept. so are hitting 112% for the year, again congrads are in order to everyone for sending their
dues in! We discussed minutes sent out by Dept. from Mid-Year conference, Junior League Tshirt drive (Please see below for the website to order a great t-shirt and support their fundraising
efforts!), and that Unit Reports for the year are due by April 15th, Darlene Romero and Janelle
will be doing those this Tuesday evening, April 7th. Another item raised was about the
Auxiliary Emergency Fund – if every auxiliary member in CO donated $1.00 that would be a
$9000 contribution to the fund – I was asked to look further into this fund for information – it is
for Auxiliary members that need emergency assistance, they can request via an application form
up to $2400 in help. Please look at the website www.alaforveterans.org/Members/AuxiliaryEmergency-Fund/ for further information and we will discuss at the May meeting. Also it is that
time again to be thinking of selling Poppies! We are scheduled to do so on Saturday, May 23 rd
from 11am to 3pm at two different King Sooper’s stores – more details and a signup sheet will
be available at the May 6th meeting, and please call or email me if you would like to help on this
great project but will not be able to attend the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8pm.
Janelle Rodriguez
Auxiliary President
Post 103 Spotlights: April Spotlight
Fay Cunningham
Army WW II
1942-1946
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Basic Training- Fort Sill Oklahoma / Michigan State University
School University of Maryland Mechanical Engineering
Special Engineering Los Alamos Assist Chemist
One of nine selected to go Oakridge Tennessee Special Engineering Section
Trained as a shift Supervisor upgrade Uranium
Was sent to MIT Boston Massachusetts Chemical Engineering
Built a machine to reproduce Ceramic Crucibles
Fay Cunningham joined the Manhattan Project in 1944 as a metallurgical engineer at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology. Cunningham and his team of engineers helped to develop a mechanized process for
producing crucibles that were used in the separation of uranium and plutonium. After the war, Cunningham
served as a radiation monitor for the nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll during Operation Crossroads. His job was to
survey the radiological damage on navy ships that were positioned around the epicenter of the nuclear
explosion. Cunningham recalls climbing cargo nets dangling from the bow of a ship while trying to hold on to a
fifteen-pound Geiger counter. After Operation Crossroads, Cunningham returned to Michigan State and
completed his degree in chemical
Team Members for the Radiation Monitoring in the Marshal Islands
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Boarded Various Ships to monitor levels of radiation from the different blast
After the war went to Michigan State to finish Chemical Engineering Degree
Met wife at Michigan State in Chemistry class
Married for 67 years 2 children
Retired after working 40 years for the Upjohn Company traveling and going to various places
Retired Chemical Engineer who served in Civilian Conservation Corp CCC before the war
Serve in the Army and the Manhattan Project in WWII
Historical note
Part of the project for
Voices of Manhattan Project
Atomic Heritage Foundation
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