And the Oyster Bowl Winners are...

Congratulations to HSE Post 86 for taking 1st Place in Category IV. Either come big or stay at home and they came big turning in 29 members to go from 100% to 108%. The other Oyster Bowl winner is Vietnam Veterans Memorial Post 295, holding onto 2nd place in Category IV for the 2nd Year.

Memberhsip in Montgomery County is growing. There are members out there to sign up. Most of the time all you need to do is ask. In Post 295, I looked at some statistics and over 280 members are Persian Gulf Era Veterans.

See you all at the Montgomery County Oratorical Contest on February 7th, 10 am, Boyds Presbyterian Church, 19901 White Ground Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.

Respectfully, For the Veteran!

Bob Ouellette

The American Legion
~ Commander, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Post 295
~ Commander, Montgomery County Council

We have a winner!!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have an answer to the question I posed a few days ago, "Who will be the 500th member?"

The 500th member is Felicia K Ewing, who is a Persian Gulf Era, Air Force Veteran! I put the challenge of recruiting our 500th members to you. As it turns out, an Active Duty member, who I thought I had already signed up for the Legion was someone I had not! Go figure. Next another Legionnaire who I had talked about transferring in December transferred from the Dept Holding Post. Then it was down to number 500. So I asked Felicia, if she wanted to be member 500 and she said yes and completed her application. Felicia's husband joined the Post late last year. All this happened within 1 hour!

500 members is a very significant milestone in the history of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial American Memorial Post 295. When the post received a temporary Charter on April 15, 1983 there were 15 members and when the Permanent Charter was issued on December 7th, 1984 there were a few more. During the next several years Post 295's membership rose to 279 members. Post 295 operated a Post home in a rented space under what is now Fuddruckers in the Quince Orchard area of Gaithersburg. When the Post ran into rent problems because the building's owners want to sell the building membership eventually fell off to 27 members in 2001. In 2002, membership began to climb again with my transfer to Post 295.

Over the last 7 Legion years, which run from July to June, the Post's membership has risen 1821%. Recruiting new members is difficult. Keeping members and encouraging members to get active is another. For the most part, members take 2 to 3 years to really become interested in participating.

Of course while we have 500 members some of the numbers may surprise you. Out of our 500 members, 1 member has 64 years of continuous membership. When George Benas enlisted in the Navy in WWII, his father a WWI Veteran and member of the American Legion signed him up for the Legion. You can see George at many events, especially the Golf Tournament that he has participated in with his three sons. Just like George's father, I signed my nephew and my two sons up for the American Legion when they went off to basic training. So can you… Next in continuous membership are John Dochod and Tom Rufty two Vietnam Veterans both with more that 33 and 34 years respectively. Only thirteen members have more than 20 years, and sixteen have more that 10 years. The second largest group of 165 members has less than 10 but more than three years. The largest group has less than 2 years of membership and has 280 members. What we can take from these numbers is that our membership is younger and certainly not dying out. We are a growing organization and we as Legionnaires must encourage that growth. Every member should bring in at least 1 new member. Not as difficult as one may think. We come from different backgrounds, Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. As the largest service the Army represents the most membership with 164 members, the Navy and Air Force each have 76 members, Marines have 33 members and the Coast Guard has the smallest representation with 17 members. Of course the numbers do not add up, because the records fail to reflect everyone's service. Our Post members served in every conflict except World War I. There are 19 World War II Veterans still with the Post. Korea is represented with 13 veterans. Vietnam Veterans, Post 295's namesake accounts for 108 members, and the small eligibility periods of Lebanon/Grenada and Panama account for 69 and 53 veterans. Again, pointing to a growing organization there are more than 209 are Persian Gulf Era members.

So Legionnaires the new challenge is for every member to make the commitment to do your best to bring in at least 1 new member and to renew for at least one year.

There are many benefits that can help you save money and have your membership pay for itself. There are discounts at Sears, and on computers, eyeglasses, prescriptions, travel, hotels and insurance.

The Department of Maryland is working on the American Legion Aggregate Electrical Cooperative. The Coop is already paying dividends for Legion Posts. As soon as the administration and enrollment issues are worked out it should get going to save us money.

For the Veterans!

Bob Ouellette
Post Commander

Important Issues to Veterans

Dear Senator,

My name is Bob Ouellette and I am your legislative representative for the American Legion in Maryland. I currently serve as Commander of the Montgomery County American Legion and of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial American Legion Post 295 in Gaithersburg/Germantown.

As a veteran and a member of the world's largest veterans organization I hope to let you know how we veterans feel about important legislation.

There are three bills that are of interest to our organization and our community, they are SB102 Gaming-Slot, SB112 Income Tax Subtraction and SB113 Sales and Use Tax-Exemption.

While SB102 Gaming -Slot Machines will probably never come to Montgomery County, please support this legislation. The American Legion has donated hundreds of throusands of dollars to groups from funds donated from slot machines on the eastern shore. Without these slots many programs will go unfunded. Of course, if we had them in Montgomery County we could use the proceeds to better serve the community.

SB112 Income Tax Subtraction is to Removie the $5,000 limitation on the amount of specified military retirement income that may be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income for Maryland income tax purposes; applying the Act to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008; etc. As a US Army retiree that only receives little over $1000 a month this will greatly help me and many more retirees to survive during these tough times. Please don't make up a budget shortfall on the back of retirees who have served our country.

SB113 Sales and Use Tax-Exemption allows our organization to save precious dollars in purchasing items that we use to serve the community through our programs.

Thank you for your time. I hope to meet with you soon.

Respectfully, For the Veteran!

Bob Ouellette

The American Legion
~ Commander, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Post 295
~ Commander, Montgomery County Council

Post 295 Legionnaires Racing to Raise $ for Fisher House

Post 295 Legionnaires Steve and John Levow are literally racing to raise money for the Fisher Houses at Walter Reed and Bethesda. Steve and John are Patriot Racing. They road race motorcycles with Championship Cup Series and the American Sportbike Racing Association in Mid-Atlantic regional races. www.ccsracing.us

Patriot Racing has partnered with the Fisher House in an effort to generate charitable donations through our racing. The Fisher House provides no-cost housing for military families which enables them to stay with their loved-ones; helping them through treatment and recovery from serious illness or injury.

Our primary goal is to generate $10,000 for the Fisher House.

Please follow this link to learn more about the Fisher House and how you can make your tax-deductable contribution to their worthwhile efforts. Patriot Racing is the program through which your donation will be submitted.

Donate to the Fisher House
All donations go directly to the Fisher House.

They feel that "Supporting Our Troops" has to go beyond the yellow ribbon magnets and that in times of war we have no greater duty than to honor our veterans and their families. Those who have come to need the services of the Fisher House have already made tremendous sacrifices. Make a donation to the Fisher House today.

For 2009, we will be hosting 25 wounded veterans at the races on the Sunday races held at Summit Point. We are stoked to be able to have an impact on these guys and hopefully have a positive role in their recovery. Join us in the paddock on May 24, July 5 and August 30 to honor the sacrifices of our wounded warriors.

This is certainly a worthy cause and goes hand in hand with Post 295's Operation Provide Comfort and The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warrior.

You can also send you donations through American Legion Post 295. All monies donated will be sent to the Fisher House to support Patriot Racings efforts. By sending through the Post we will be able to track how much money has been donated.

Disney Parks Celebrate U.S. Military With Free, Multi-day Admission to Theme Parks in 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida / ANAHEIM, California (January 4, 2009) – As Disney Parks ask “What Will You Celebrate?” and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America’s military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney’s U.S. theme parks.

With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.
“For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are grateful for their service and hope ‘Disney’s Armed Forces Salute’ will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends.”

At Disneyland Resort in Southern California:

Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.

For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

> January 4 to December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary five-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five, five-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009.

Ask about the great rates that may be available at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels for active or retired U.S. military personnel during this offer period.

For information on the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, active and retired U.S. Military personnel may call the ITT office on their base. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.

Other Offer Details:
• Complimentary "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" tickets for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort may be obtained only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists.
• Please see a participating U.S. military base ticket office for an exchange certificate for the complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. The exchange certificate will need to be redeemed for such ticket by the active or retired military personnel at a Main Entrance theme park ticket window. (maximum of 1 such complimentary ticket per service member, regardless of where the exchange certificate is obtained).
• "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for family members and friends may be purchased only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (or their spouses, but not both).
• “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows.
• Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for family members and friends at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort) will receive exchange certificates to be redeemed by such military personnel (or their spouses) for tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows (one ticket per exchange certificate).
• The military personnel (or spouse) will be required to present valid military identification (which, for activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, also includes orders showing active status between Jan. 1, 2008 – Dec. 23, 2009 for the Walt Disney World Resort and between Jan. 4, 2009 – June 12, 2009 for the Disneyland Resort) for all ticket transactions (including to exchange and redeem the exchange certificates for the tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows). A valid ID may also be required for admission.
• "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets are limited to five per service member (regardless of place of purchase and whether purchased by service member or spouse) and all five must be purchased at the same time. Accordingly, no service member (or spouse) may purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at any military base ticket office if that service member (or spouse) previously purchased "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (whether at that same military base ticket office or at any other military base ticket office or place).
• First day of use of “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Disneyland Resort must be no later than June 12, 2009 and tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or June 25, 2009, whichever occurs first. Last day of use on “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Walt Disney World Resort is Dec. 23, 2009.
• Tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days. "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" complimentary tickets may be used only by the service members to whom they are issued. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets may be used only by the friends and family members for whom they are purchased.
• This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

What Will You Celebrate?
Military personnel taking advantage of this offer will find even more to celebrate during their stay. Beginning in January, Disney Parks will embrace a newly identified nationwide travel trend called “celebration vacations,” in which Americans mark special occasions in their lives with a family vacation.
In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts ask guests “What Will Your Celebrate?” and lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones –a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion – into magical Disney experiences.
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CONTACT: DISNEYLAND RESORT P.R. 714/781-4500

WALT DISNEY WORLD PUBLIC RELATIONS 407/566-6397

VA Launches Partnership for NGO Outreach

Peake: VA Tapping the Power of Communities

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new partnership to help non-government organizations (NGOs) plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors.

“VA has a track record of success in working with non-profit groups and businesses that have their own programs for veterans, but we can do more” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “By tapping into the power and resources of NGOs, we can ensure more veterans, families and survivors receive not only VA services, but also other assistance in their own communities.”

Under the new NGO Gateway Initiative, launched today with the Veterans Coalition Inc., a non-profit organization formed more than two years ago by several major national veterans groups, the Veterans Coalition is available to assist NGOs in identifying the unmet needs of veterans, families and survivors, working with VA to help minimize duplication of effort and confusion among NGOs with programs for veterans. In addition, the program will encourage continuous feedback from NGOs on issues such as physical and mental health, employment, and satisfaction with government services and benefits affecting veterans.

“The Veterans Coalition is dedicated to marshalling energy and resources from all communities to better serve service members, veterans and their families”, said Harry Walters, chairman of the Veterans Coalition and former administrator of the Veterans Administration . “Together we can do a better job than any of us can do alone.”

VA will provide a senior-level, career federal employee to serve as an ombudsman to assist NGOs with their programs to serve veterans. To ensure a cooperative relationship, VA’s deputy secretary will serve as a non-voting advisory liaison to the group’s board of directors.

VA has a long tradition of working with national veterans service organizations on programs benefitting all veterans. VA also has had close relationships with private-sector groups, churches, charities and other non-profit organizations that provide housing for homeless veterans. This new gateway initiative is one more way to extend services to our veterans.

# # #
Contacts:
Veterans Coalition, Geoff Deutsch, (703) 408-0122
VA, Laurie Tranter, (202) 461-7600