1. No category

BlantonThompson
American
Legion Post
Post 155
P.O. BOX 908
Crystal
River, Fl
34423-0908
Blanton-Thompson American Legion
Post 155 Crystal River, Florida
April 2015 Scuttlebutt
Commander: John Foster
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
Crystal
River, Fl
34429
Permit No.1
Auxiliary President: Marie Pink
Published by Blanton- Thompson American Legion Post 155, P.O. Box 908, Crystal River, Florida 34423-0908.
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed herein are the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of
Blanton-Thompson American Legion Post 155 or the American Legion National Organization
To:
AMERICANISM…APRIL 2015
Another Legion year winds down and new officers will take the role of leadership to guide our post for the
next 12 months. 2014 has been a great year for #155 as we look back at the many accomplishments that
have taken place. The new restrooms in the dining hall and pool room were an added asset for all. Our
Monday and Thursday bingo games kept growing and producing profit for the post under the continued guidance of Bill Shreve.
Your honor guard, under the leadership of Phil Manley, paid homage to 112 fallen brothers and sisters at
Bushnell, Fero, and The Fountains cemeteries. This was the largest number of ceremonies for any past
year, and the guard has been extremely busy the first two months of 2015. The number of WWII veterans is
rapidly depleting as we look ahead. All of this attention is due to a group of dedicated members, 21 in all,
who care.
Looking at the front entrance to the post, the railing and ramp is new. The flow of traffic and parking in the
front is also an added asset as well as the use of the lighted sign telling of the post functions. Membership,
for all clubs and organizations continues to be a problem. As our numbers dwindle, we seem to have a
problem attracting the latest group of men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The American
Legion has been the veterans’ organization for nearly 100 years. In 2019, we will celebrate that milestone
birthday. We are only a few points of percentage away from 100%. As we meet new people at church and
other places, invite those who are veterans (or spouses) to come and see the wonderful building on Gulf to
Lake Highway that is our wonderful post. Show them and tell them about all of the great things that the
American Legion can do to enrich their lives.
For God and Country
Chuck Haffenden, Chairman.
Page 2
Commander - John Foster
My time as post Commander is quickly coming to a close. I have one more article to write before your
next Commander takes office.
Mike Rizzuto resigned from Executive Board for personal reasons. At the last Executive Board meeting, Rick Logan was approved to replace Mike. Jim Peach has resigned for personal reasons, at next Executive Board a vote will be taken to approve Kenny Deschamps to fill that vacancy.
On May 1st thru May 3rd Operation Welcome Home is putting on a Vietnam Veterans parade and ceremony; they are looking for volunteers to help. You can go to www.operationwelcomehomeveterans.org click
on Vietnam War Veterans and Their Families for more information.
This is the last General Meeting to accept nominations from the floor for Executive Board, Historian,
Chaplain, Sergeant of Arms, Finance Officer, 3rd Vice, 2nd Vice, 1st Vice, and Commander, you have to be present to accept nomination.
For God and Country,
John Foster
American Legion Riders – Director Tom Voelz
Greetings to all,
Elections are coming up. The entire Legion Family has the opportunity to look for officers who will
lead our organizations into 2016 and beyond. We need to look to our members and encourage the
ones who come to the meetings, come to the events, and volunteer whenever help is needed.
These are the people we need and these are the people we should nominate.
I encourage those who would like to do more for your post to run for office. Let it be known that you
would like to help by contacting your election committee. For the Riders, that’s Jeff Jenkins.
With that said, remember that ALR hosts a spaghetti dinner on the first Wednesday of every month.
We’ve been starting to see more of our Legion Family brothers and sisters and we love it. Please
attend if you can. The next date is Wednesday, April 1 st at 5:00 PM.
For God and Country,
Tom Voelz
Director, ALR Chapter 155
http://flpost155.org/Riders.htm
Page 3
Chaplain's Corner
"Easter Prayer"
God of life and death, we rejoice in the glory of Jesus resurrection this day. Thank you for bringing all
Christians new life in Him. Let the spirit of love and renewal continue in the lives of all who believe, that
they might be changed in your image and likeness. "O God may all who seek new life find it in you this
Easter and always. Amen
We send our thoughts and prayers to those members who have been sick or in the hospital. We wish to
express our deepest sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones this month. May the Lord be with
you during this difficult time. As always keep our Military and their families in your prayers.
I hope everyone has a blessed Easter and remember: "HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED!"
For God and Country
Garry Justice, Chaplain
ALA CHAPLAIN
April is the month that we celebrate Easter. I pray that each and every one of you have a spiritual Easter and remember: "HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED!" Please take the time to reflect on this
special day and thank God for paying our debt so that we may live to enjoy the life He has given to us.
This month I am sorry to report that the Auxiliary has lost one of their members: Wanda Bevevides
who passed away 2/14/15. Our condolences go out to her family and friends. Our sick list includes Mary
Sparenberg, who recently had surgery she is home and doing well. Nancy Hershberger had elbow replacement surgery in March. Please continue to keep those members who are dealing with health issues or whatever they maybe going through in your prayers as well.
“Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He is the one who will keep you on track.”
Proverbs 3:16
In closing, I just want to thank you for keeping me informed and please continue to do so. ''I CARE".
352-563-5358 or 352-228-1454.
For God and Country,
Maggie Justice, ALA Chaplain
**** NOTE ****
Because of increasing costs to print, label and mail the newsletter monthly, a limited amount
will be published for members to stop by the Post to pick up. Exceptions will be Boosters
and PUFL members who will continue to receive them by mail (if they wish).
E-mail receipt is available and encouraged. Just e-mail us that you wish to receive it.
Our E-MAIL is: [email protected]
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE POST WEBSITE:
www.flPost155.org
Page 4
Forty and Eight Voiture & Cabane 1219
CHEF DE GARE
Dennis Marion
LA PRESIDENTE
Liz Krusynski
VOITURE 1219
The month of April is here and we have only three months left in the Voiture year. We need PG’s for our Wreck in
July. We need to read the application three times, so please invite some new members.
Don’t forget about our Sunday Breakfast April 5th, the Friday Fish Fry on April 10th (Team #2), and the Promenade April 9th.
A lot is going on for the Voyageurs in April and May. Please see the activities listed below by the Cabane.
Additionally, we elect new officers at the May Promenade. Nominations will be accepted from the floor in April
and May.
Program Directors compile your information and fill out your reports. We need to submit all reports by 30
April to Grand.
Don’t forget to support all our fellow veteran and auxiliary functions at American Legion Post 155.
As a final note, our yearly dues ($20.00) are now past due, so please pay Correspondent Tom Smith or place
them in the 40 & 8 mailbox at Post 155 as soon as possible. Remember, you must have your new 2015 membership
card to be a member in good standing.
CABANE 1219
Sunday, April 05, 2015 breakfast will be hosted by Rolling Stock (Our Train and Box Car Fund). Please come
out and enjoy a great breakfast for only $6.00. 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Our next Rendezvous is Thursday, April 09, 2015 at 7:30 PM.
Friday, April 10, 2015 FISH FRY Team 2. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Don’t forget to support the other Legion Family dinners on Wednesdays and Fridays and the SAL breakfast
on the third Sunday of the month.
April 30 through May 04 will recognize 50 years since the Viet Nam War. Many activities are planned. The
Memorial Wall will proceed from Crystal River Mall to Inverness on April 30 and on May 02, in Inverness, there will
be a parade honoring our veterans. Please plan to attend. http://operationwelcomehomeveterans.org/
vietnamwar/index.html for more information.
Saturday, May 02, 2015 is also the Kentucky Derby Party hosted by V1219. It will be in the late afternoon
so there will be plenty of time to go to the parade and then come to the Kentucky Derby. Design your best hat and
put your dancing hooves on. Kentucky Derby Tickets can be purchased at the bar at AL Post 155. More information
to follow.
Saturday, May 09, 2015 is the Spring Picnic hosted at John and Jacque Gores. Please coordinate with Jacque
on covered dishes.
Dues are past due. Please send your dues ($25.00) to Dame Marie Pink as soon as possible. We are only at
88.3%. If your dues are not paid yet, you are now delinquent. You can also put them in the 40 & 8 mailbox at Post
155. If you have questions or concerns please contact me. I can be reached at 352-628-7743 or pkrusynski@ tampabay.rr.com.
AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Greetings!
March was a slow month compared to all the activities in February for the Auxiliary. It was very nice to see many of our
members supporting the Post at the MASH party. Bill Shreve always does a great job with this event.
We have a couple of wonderful fundraisers going on, and the proceeds from both fundraisers will go toward the programs
of the American Legion Auxiliary. First is the outstanding idea from Michele Shreve for Easter plates in the lounge. Just ask the
Bartender or an Auxiliary member for a plate to sign & donate $1 (or more). Michele also made up an Easter Basket to raffle…so
cute! Get your tickets NOW!
The second fundraiser is a raffle for a gorgeous handmade quilt. This will be on-going until November 20 at the Auxiliary
Dinner. The ticket will be pulled in the lounge after the dinner. The quilt was donated by Auxiliary member Carol Voges and was
hand made by her daughter, Barbara Voges Artuso. We thank you both! The tickets are $1 each. This would make a beautiful
Christmas present for anyone! We have pictures of the quilt on the flyers at the Post.
It has been very nice to see so many members at the monthly meetings. It’s just once a month for about an hour. We would
love to see you and hear your ideas on how to help the Auxiliary. It does not take much effort…please come join us on the 4 th Tuesday of the month at 7:30. Also, consider helping your Auxiliary by running for an elected position, or by volunteering to chair a
committee. We need your input!
For the good of the Auxiliary,
Marie Pink, President
Page 5
Sunday
Monday
Happy Hour
Mon ~ Fri
Wednesday
Thursday
2
2015
APRIL
April 2015
Tuesday
1
9
5 to 7 pm
8
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Queen of ♥: 6:30pm
7
April Fool’s
Lounge $ Day 10-5
ALR Spaghetti
Dinner: 5-6:30 pm
6
Note: Meals are
subject to change or
info not supplied
prior to publication.
5
Saturday
4
Friday
3
SubVets Mtg:11 am
11
Pool Tourney: 2 pm
Darts: 6 pm
SAL Dinner:
5-6:30 pm
Music: Roger C
6-10 pm
10
Pool Tourney: 2 pm
Darts: 6 pm
Good Friday
40/8 Fish Fry #2:
5-6:30 pm
Hall Rental: 2 pm
Lounge $ Day 10-5
Legion Dinner:
6-10 pm
18
SAL Mtg: 6:30 pm
17
Music: J & S
16
Honor Guard:10 am
Pool Tourney: 2 pm
Darts: 6 pm
Natalie Nicole Green
Dinner + Show: 6 pm
40/8 Breakfast:
8:30-11:30 am
Country Fried Steak
5-6:30 pm
15
ALR Mtg 6 pm
14
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Queen of ♥: 6:30pm
Aux Dinner: Fish
Dinner: 5-6:30 pm
Music: Cliff
Sanders 6-10 pm
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Queen of ♥: 6:30pm
40/8 Mtg: 7:30 pm
Easter Sunday
13
E-Board: 7:30 pm
Lounge $ Day 10-5
Legion Dinner:
Shrimp Scampi
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
5-6:30 pm
Tax Day
22
28
Lounge $ Day 10-5
Legion Dinner:
29
30
Special Viet Nam Veteran’s tribute on-going
through May 3rd Inverness, Florida
6-10 pm
Music: Roger C
5-6:30 pm
25
21
Lounge $ Day 10-5
Legion Dinner:
24
Citrus 10-13 Club:
23
20
7:30 pm
Legion Steak Night:
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
27
General/Aux.
Mtg: 7:30 pm
Pork Cutlet 5-6:30 pm
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Queen of ♥: 6:30pm
NARLEO: 7:30 pm
Pool Tourney: 2 pm
Darts: 6 pm
Hall Rental
Homecoming Dept
Cmdr Jay Conti
Punta Gorda Post #103
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Viet Nam Committee
Mtg: 2 pm
Auxiliary Room rented
7– 9 pm
12
19
26
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Bingo: 1-4 pm
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Queen of ♥: 6:30pm
Ham & Scalloped
Potatoes: 5-6:30 pm
Viet Nam Veteran’s
Memorial Traveling
Wall to Inverness
Page 6
Sons of The American Legion—Commander George Singer
Squadron 155, Sons of the American Legion
April 2015 SCUTTLEBUTT
Greetings S.A.L. family, this month’s events are as follows: Friday April 3rd we are having our SAL dinner but
there are different entrees this month. This month we will be having our special tacos or meatloaf. Then at 6:30 on
Tuesday the 7th, we have our monthly SAL meeting.
Last month at the meeting we started seeking those who want to be officers this next year. So far almost all
positions have someone who wants them. This is the list of people and positions they are seeking as of last meeting:
Commander, Chris Fordham; 1st Vice Commander, James White; Adjutant, Phil Fuchs; Sergeant-at-Arms, JR Calley;
Chaplain, Kennedy Parker. These are the nominated positions to date. The next two meetings will also accept
nominations. The nominee and nominator need to be present to be nominated. This month at the meeting we will
continue the nomination process to see who will be 2015-2016 officers. If you are interested in any of the positions, you
may contact any of our current officers to get the information needed. Elections will take place at our May 5 th meeting.
Thank you volunteers for all the hard work you do for our organization; please keep it up, and encourage others
to jump in and help out. We have many events that are coming in the next few months that will need more volunteers.
Have a great month and keep moving forward.
Commander George Singer has asked me to convey his appreciation of S.A.L. members who supported the post
functions throughout the month, including the Poker Run and visitation of National Commander, Mike Helm.
For God and Country,
Chris Fordham, Adjutant
On-going Events and Updated Post Information

Bingo Lunch Specials Monday and Thursday 12-3 pm. Dinners Wednesday (check calendar; not necessarily every week) and Friday sponsored by the various Legion Family members such as the Legion, Auxiliary, 40/8, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Riders and sub-groups

Bingo - Monday and Thursday from 1-4 pm [check calendar for cancellations]

Pool Tournament - Saturday at 2 pm [check calendar for cancellations]

Dart Tournaments - Saturday at 6 pm [check calendar for cancellations]

Sunday Breakfasts on the first Sunday Monthly from 8:30 - 11:30 am. Full menu [40/8]

Happy Hour Monday to Friday 5 to 7 pm (drink prices reduced). Wednesday Lounge Day: 10-5

Queen of Hearts Thursdays: Drawing at 6:30 pm
Page 7
BLANTON-THOMPSON POST 155 —
OFFICER LIST
Position
Commander
1st Vice Commander
Name
Phone
John Foster
Bob Koch
c352-212-1996
352-795-2757
2 Vice Commander
Rodney Appleby
352-228-4350
3rd Vice Commander
Larry Riviere
352-795-1569
Adjutant
Gabriella Danielson
352-513-4388
Finance Officer
Larry White
352-249-7663
Post Service Officer
Gabriella Danielson
352-601-1201
Post Historian
Chaplain
Roger Boucher
Garry Justice
352-794-0352
352-563-5358
Sergeant at Arms
Bill Shreve
352-628-5992
Judge Advocate
Darlis Greene
352-621-0402
Lounge Manager
Larry Pink
352-563-5451
nd
Past Post Commander
Mike Klyap, Jr
c352-302-6096
Executive Board - G. Danielson, W. Deagle, D. Greene,
J. Kunzer, R. Logan, S. Mikulas, J. Peach, J. Voges, J. White
American Legion Auxiliary
Position
Name
Phone
Voiture #1219--40/8
Position
Name
Phone
Chef de Gare
Dennis Marion
352-795-9838
Aumonier
Ric Romano
352-344-8919
Correspondant
Tom Smith
352-628-3369
Cabane #1219
La Presidente
Liz Krusynski
352-628-7743
Aumonier
Joyce O’Donnell
352-795-4020
Correspondante
Barb Logan
352-795-4233
Lounge Information
See Calendar for Scheduled Music Entertainment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
$ 1.50 Wednesdays
President
Marie Pink
352-563-5451
1st Vice-President
Barb Logan
352-795-4233
Domestic Beer & Well Drinks
10 am to 5 pm
Secretary
Shawn Mikulas
352-503-5325
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treasurer
Liz Krusynski
352-628-7743
Chaplain
Maggie Justice
352-563-5358
Sgt at Arms
Jacque Gore
352-746-6310
Ass’t Sgt at Arms
Pat Greene
352-621-0402
Happy Hour Drink Specials
Monday— Friday: 5-7 pm
$ 0.50 off drinks [except soda & drafts]
Historian
Mel Johnson
352-422-7469
Executive Board- Elfi Baker, Jane Griffith, Andrea Quinn
Sons of the American Legion
Position
Name
Phone
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Your 2014 Membership card has expired.
Commander
George Singer
352-613-4161
1st Vice Commander
Phil Fuchs
352-634-4864
You will be asked to show a current (2015) card
2nd Vice Commander
James White
352-476-7528
Chaplain
Kennedy Parker
352-228-4107
in order to purchase beverages in the Lounge.
Adjutant
Historian
Chris Fordham
Henry Legros
352-476-0241
352-201-4460
Sgt at Arms
J. R. Caley
352-220-0130
Judge Advocate/Liaison
Mark Hall
352-220-6210
American Legion Riders
Position
Name
Phone
Director
Assistant Director
Secretary
Chaplain
Tom Voelz
Robin Gardner
Signe Voelz
Sallie Haley
352-795-2884
352-503-6526
352-795-2884
352-679-5998
Treasurer
Linda Gasparini
352-637-5775
Sgt-at-Arms
Road Captain
Mike Bushaw
Tim Susskind
352-527-4294
c352-445-9998
Historian
Jackie Kulp
352-586-7527
Renew NOW if you have not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hand-Made Quilt Raffle
Legion/Auxiliary members John & Carol Voges’ daughter,
Barbara, has made a beautiful one-of-a-kind Quilt that she
generously gave to the Auxiliary. Raffle Tickets are available
for a $1.00 donation; date of Raffle: Friday, November 20,
2015. You do not have to be present to win. It would make
a beautiful Christmas gift for someone special in your life.
Thank you, Barbara, Carol and John for your continuous
support of the American Legion Family and all its endeavors.
Photos of the quilt are posted throughout the building.
Scuttlebutt Booster Club
Almeida, John
Ambrose, Barbara
Anderson, Neville
August, Dom & Bonnie
Bickler, Olga
Brown, Jack & Joann
Capp, Daniel & Constance
Cegelis, Bill & Betsy
Citrus County 10/13 Club
Citrus County Cabane 1219
Clutter, Albert & Linda
Coccia George & Deborah
Conti, Jay & Toni
Deschamps, Ken & Karen
Detuerk, Connie
Echos, Marshall
Fortier, William
Gore, John & Jacque
Granger, Bill & Linda
Hanlon, Robert
Hawryliak, Paul & Ann
Haynie, Merlin & Adele
Houlihan, Ronald
Hovet, Ron
Jenkins, Jeff & Pat
Jones, JJ & Betty
Kelly, Dave & Betty
Kopp, Raymond
Kunzer, John & Nikki
Kurtz, Ron & Terri
Leaf, David & Sally
Legros, Henry
Leyshon, Lawrence
Logan, Rick & Barbara
Lovelady, Doreen
Moreland, Gayle
N.A.R.L.E.O.
O’Donnell, Alva
Post 155 Honor Guard
Reed, Tom
Robinson, John
Roya, Lucile *
S.A.L.
Snead, Virginia
Stillman, Al
Telfer, Alexander
04/16
12/15
05/16
05/18
04/16
11/16
06/15
12/16
12/16
05/17
03/17
03/15
03/15
04/16
11/16
06/15
11/16
12/16
06/15
02/16
09/15
11/15
03/16
12/16
03/17
10/15
12/15
09/15
03/16
12/16
10/17
11/15
10/16
03/16
03/17
12/16
06/15
09/16
06/16
04/16
11/15
06/15
03/17
04/17
02/16
09/16
Voges, John & Carol
White, Al & Joyce
Willard, Trudy
In Loving memory of
Arthur J. Cody
Rachel “Ann” Hovet
Neal D. O'Donnell Jr.
Mary F. Jeffords
Chuck Moreland
Bob (Bubba) Perkins
Lynford Roya, USN Seabees
Jeanette Willard
10/15 If you would like to advertise a busi05/15 ness in the Scuttlebutt, the cost per
04/15 year is:
$300.00- Full Page
$170.00- Half Page
$120.00 - Quarter Page
12/23
$50.00 - Business Card
12/17
09/16
~ NOTE ~
05/15 Newsletters will be limited to Boosters,
12/16 PUFL members, and those members
12/15
who paid to have it mailed to them.
09/15
04/15
We will have extra copies in the
Lounge area, plus extra calendars for
those who are willing to stop by and
pick one up.
~ NOTE ~
If you have submitted an e-mail address to us, you will be receiving
your newsletter via e-mail. If you
change your e-mail address, please let
us know. This is a cost savings to the
Post not only by not printing more copies, but by not mailing them out.
Thank you for your cooperation!
A Donation of $10.00 a year can be
made to be a member of the Scuttlebutt Booster Club. Mail check payable
to Scuttlebutt Booster and mail to
address below . If your name is not in
this month’s edition and you are a
Booster, please advise the Post.
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE
POST WEBSITE:
www.flPost155.org
* paid mailing fee (6/15)
Blanton-Thompson American Legion Post 155
6585 W. Gulf to Lake Highway
Crystal River, Florida 34429-9355—Phone: 352-795-6526 Fax: 352-795-6561
New e-mail: [email protected]—WEBSITE: www.flPost155.org
Send any change of address or e-mail address to:
American Legion Post 155, PO Box 908, Crystal River, Florida 34423-0908
Send Scuttlebutt Articles to: [email protected]