1st Vice Commander’s January Notes
Greetings Fellow Legionnaires,
As 1st Vice Commander, I would like to make sure that we are inviting our fellow veterans to our Post meeting which is on January 6th. This month also brings us the Feast of the Epiphany (6th also known as Little Christmas with a party in San Jose’s Little Italy), De Anza Vet Lunch (8th), and District 13 Meeting (15th).
There is also Celebration of Life for Autrey James (105th Department of California Commander and Persian Gulf War Coast Guard Veteran) at the Oakland Columbia Club (25th ). He was from Detroit, so wear Lions and Tigers gear.
We are still working on increasing membership, but we have met current goals and The post has an application page for both new applications and renewals at https://www.americanlegionpost642.com/site/application.php or
your My Legion account here: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Membership/Renew
In December, we had a blustery, cold Wreaths across America, where I was able to pipe at both Gate of Heaven and Los Gatos Memorial Park ceremonies. I was able to pipe at my Mum and Dad’s grave too, whom were both “Veterans” of the Blitz as children and my Dad was a Royal Army Medical Corps medic in the British Army of the Rhine (Occupation Forces) and the Burma Uprising. We bid farewell to our 2nd Vice Gordon Hall as he entered Post Everlasting on the 28th. There was good attendance by the Post.
We would really like to get more people attending the Post meetings and events and enjoy social aspects of membership, so let us know your ideas by coming to our meetings. Do give us heads up, so that we can requisition extra rations versus our regular contingent. The next person on the meals roster will have to get the cooler with drinks, etc. If additional drinks are required, it will be reimbursed above the normal meal amount. Remember, if you need a ride, contact either me or one of the officers.
Please remember that if you have Post or Veterans events that you would like on the calendar to get them to Arturo or the District. Please include pertinent information like event information, contacts, address, where to meet, etc. https://www.americanlegionpost642.com/site/eventscalendar.php?y=2023&m=3
If you know of deceased members during the past few months either bring their name and share with our District Chaplain, Sunny Dosanjh or send to him at dos@dosanjhusa.com
To Comradeship!
Vincent Guinnane, MSME, P.E.
CW4, 881A1, USAR (Retired)
2025 Membership Report (As of 31 December)
2025 Membership Goal: 68 Total Members: 50
Paid Up for Life (PUFL): 16 New Members: 1 (Post 419 Transfer)
Online Renewals: 21 Renewals Pending Submittal: 4 (sent)
Mail Renewals: 11 Members not yet renewed: 17
Post 1000 Transfers: 0 District Rank: Tied for 5th/12 or 1st with transmittals
Newly renewed Members:
New Members:
Additional Meeting Notes for February, but RSVP’s required by January 24th.
My Fellow Area 2 Legionnaires:
National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr., his staff, along with Department Commander Nick Rosa, will arrive in San Francisco on February 5, 2025, as part of his tour of California. American Legion Cathay Post 384 has arranged a sumptuous luncheon to take place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at noon. The luncheon will be held at the Osmanthus Restaurant located at 504 Broadway Street, San Francisco, CA. 94133. This will offer legionnaires from Area 2 a chance to meet, chat, and hear the visions of the National Commander. The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person. In order to facilitate this gathering, I need a headcount of the attendees, and thus your RSVP to this email must be received no later than the end of the business day on Friday, January 24, 2025. Looking forward to seeing you.
For God and Country
Nelson Lum
8th District Commander