American Legion Post 853

American Legion Post 853 • Desert Breeze

NOVEMBER  2023

FROM THE LEGION

November is shaping up to be a busy month with Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving on the horizon. Look to the Post 853 Calendar to keep you informed about planned events.

A Veteran’s Day ceremony will be held on Saturday, Nov 11, at Christmas Circle followed by the traditional hamburger meal at the Post. More to follow as the details are set in place. The Post will host a Thanksgiving potluck. Currently, two turkeys and two hams are planned as the main dish with sides being provided by you, as the potluck portion. A sign-up list will be available, at some point closer to Thanksgiving. Please reach out to Dave Trebing, 2nd Vice Commander, if you have any questions. 

Many of you have heard about the opportunity from an anonymous donor to fund any infrastructure improvements that might be desired. Basically, the Post has been told “the sky is the limit” for the funding amount. Please know that a team is working to validate this offer. In the meantime, the House Committee is drafting a list of needed or wanted improvements and additions. This list will help define the Post’s short and long term infrastructure objectives. The House Committee meets monthly and is open to the membership. You’re welcome to attend the next meeting on November 12. Please reach out to Jim Keith, House Committee Chair, if you have any questions.

I know you’ve been asked to show your membership card when purchasing an alcoholic beverage. Thank you for complying and doing so in good spirits. If you’re interested about why this is happening, you can attend an 1.5 hour course titled “Bar Keep and ABC Training” on Nov 6 at 1:00 pm. The training will be at the Post in the dining room area. A sign up sheet will be available at the Post. Please reach out to Dale Jones, Commander, if you have any questions.

Please remember, that The American Legion is nonpolitical. Leave politics at home. Our policy at Post 853 is as follows:
No politics at or on Post facilities
No endorsing political parties
Television: no political shows including any trial coverage
No one at Post 853 stands alone when supporting this policy.
Keep focused on the mission of The American Legion: to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. All that we do at Post 853 is in support of this mission. If there’s a need that supports the mission, let Post 853 know! It’s why we’re here; it’s why we’re Legion family.

In the meantime, enjoy this desert and Borrego Springs. You know our motto: POST 853, "Hottest Legion Post in the STATE!!" It’s the place to stay when you’re here to play! https://ca853.org

Yours in Service,
Dale Jones, Commander

Correct each other in private, defend each other in public, and keep our personal business out of the Post.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT – 1st Vice Commander 

Hello to all Legionnaires of Post #853. It’s Fall in Borrego. The temperatures are dropping, the traffic is increasing, and many of our distant friends are returning. Good times are here again!

We have an obligation to our brothers and sisters in service to let each and every one of them know that we cherish their camaraderie and friendship. The American Legion is their personal place to relax and take a deep breath from the weight they have been carrying. There are many here that know the struggles you have and maybe still are going through, and they found a friendly ear from those that have been there and maybe you can too.

Veteran Suicide is still a monstrous problem. We have many resources to help you. The American Legion provides Service Officers to help. In Borrego they can be reached thru the Vet Connection at our library. Or if you’d rather not go the electronic route, ask any officer, or refer someone to any Legion officer. Suicide is forever; it needn’t be an option. We have too many other options that we can offer.  Haven’t seen that buddy for a while, take a minute and call them on the phone. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and they will feel appreciated.

Membership in our community has wonderful benefits. Just ask me!

For God and Country,
Tim Kight, 1st Vice Commander and Membership Chair


FROM OUR 2ND VICE COMMANDER

Hi y’all. Welcome home (especially you Nam Vets). As 2nd Vice I hope to live up to your expectations since this is my first trip to this rodeo.  
Hope your summer was fantastic. Ours was.

I’m going to do my best to bring you good food and fine entertainment. We’ll be doing a lot of cooking this year and as such I will be looking for volunteers to help make that happen. I’m hoping to have meals on Fridays accompanied by entertainment. Judy Taylor has been very helpful and has committed to Veteran’s Day and the two Saturdays during the Clamper extravaganzas in January and February. She will also be bringing a band with her for New Years. Dr. Bob’s Greasewood band will be here for Mardi Gras as well. I’ll be seeking various entertainers for Fridays as well. So, if you know someone who is willing to come out and play, do magic, DJ etc. please let me know. 

Rick Dobbins has agreed to look into and host a Texas Holdem tournament. We will be investigating other activities as well. If you have any ideas, please pass them on. In the meantime, enjoy our beautiful desert and stop by the Post and smile awhile. 

Here’s to a great year. 
Dave Trebing, 2nd Vice Commander
drleather1@gmail .com 


FROM OUR FINANCE OFFICER

Being complacent in a nonprofit organization, or any organization for that matter, can have significant drawbacks and potential negative consequences. Here are some reasons why complacency is not advisable:

  • Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Nonprofit organizations are subject to specific legal and regulatory requirements. Complacency in meeting these obligations can result in legal issues, fines, or even loss of tax-exempt status.
  • Impact on Mission: Nonprofits exist to fulfill a specific mission or purpose. Complacency can hinder the achievement of this mission, impacting the people or causes the organization serves.
  • Reputation Damage: Nonprofits rely on public trust and goodwill. Complacency in ethical and transparent operations can lead to a tarnished reputation, making it harder to attract donors and volunteers.
  • Financial Risks: Complacency in financial management can lead to misallocation of funds or even financial mismanagement, which can damage the organization's financial stability.
  • Lost Opportunities: Being complacent can mean missing out on opportunities for growth, partnerships, and program improvements. Nonprofits need to be proactive to make a positive impact.
  • Competitive Disadvantage: In a crowded nonprofit landscape, complacency can lead to falling behind other organizations that are more proactive and innovative in achieving their goals.
  • Stagnation: Without a drive for improvement and innovation, nonprofits risk becoming stagnant and less relevant to the changing needs of their beneficiaries and communities.
  • Volunteer and Staff Morale: A culture of complacency can lead to demotivated volunteers and staff, reducing their dedication and productivity.
  • Unforeseen Challenges: The nonprofit sector is dynamic, and unexpected challenges can arise. A complacent organization may struggle to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Donor Distrust: Donors want to see the impact of their contributions. Complacency can lead to donor distrust, as they may question the effectiveness of the organization.

If you have made it this far in reading this, I thank you and I challenge you to rethink your involvement with American Legion Post 853.

Together, imagine creating a dynamic and vibrant Post for the next generation of veterans.

Heide White, Finance Officer
760-497-8708

FROM OUR ALA PRESIDENT 

Happy Fall Ya’ll, 
Shiny Happy people are still returning to our beautiful desert Oasis. Great to see you. Things are starting to ramp up at the Post for the coming season. ALA has had our first meeting. It was great to see ladies back to our meeting. We have had our first Wednesday burger night, several bake sales and a Saturday night meal. We would love to see more participation from members at all of these events. This is the mainstay of our fund raising endeavors. We support our Veteran programs and community with the monies we raise. Our tips are donated back to the bar so we support the Post as well.  We appreciate your generosity. My terrific kitchen team who never let me down and always answer the call of duty. The team of bakers who bake and donate delectable treats to sell. The bake sale crew is always on call and available. My heartfelt thank you to all of you! We will be continuing our Wednesday burgers, we will be serving Spaghetti and meatballs in November. Bake sales every Wednesday. We will also have a basket raffle in November a cozy fall theme basket full of lovely goodies. Look for that. I hate to keep banging the volunteer drum, yet it is necessary to keep asking as we never have enough. Every hour of your time helps. Our November meeting is on the 13th at 5:00pm. Pot luck to follow. Please join us . Reminder to show your membership card to the bartender it is a law of the ABC. You can take a picture on your phone (we don’t leave home without them). Keep coming out to the Post to see what is going on it’s a work in progress. Be nice to one another.

Yours in service not self,

ChrisAnn Wells, ALA Unit 853 President

FROM ALA MEMBERSHIP
Hello Auxiliary Ladies,
Thank you all who have renewed their 2024 memberships and welcome to all new members who have joined.

I’d like to welcome new members: Doris McGuire, Carole Thompson, Adri-Ann Corral, Sandy Saska and Diane Eklund.

Just a reminder if you renew before November 11 2023 you will receive a coupon for a free burger on our Wednesday burger nights. We have a really great burger with great volunteers to serve you. So please join us.

So far we have 122 current members and 46 members paid for 2024. I’m sure most of you have received a reminder in the mail to renew. You can mail your payment or drop off at the post. Just ask the bartender to put in the Auxiliary envelope.

Thank you again for joining the American Legion Auxiliary.

If you have any questions you can contact me.

Thank you!
Ann Shelton Executive Chair/Membership
gshelton4255@gmail.com
760-805-2819

FROM OUR FROM THE HOUSE COMMITTEE

 Happy Fall American Legion Family,

We continue to see familiar faces as more people return. The House Committee continues to move forward with projects in and around the Post. With the approval of The Legion Eboard we are purchasing a new American Legion emblem for the front of the building. The landscaping will soon be returned to the beautiful area it once was. Chris Pedersen will be working on the irrigation system and lighting. ChrisAnn Wells will be planting new plants and trees. The Legions Eboard have given approval to plant memorial trees for our member’s whom have passed away. ChrisAnn is asking anyone interested in sponsoring a tree to see her.  

Dale Jones is continuing ABC training for bartenders and officers who need it. Gary Saunders continues to give the food handlers tests. As always volunteers are needed at the Post if you are interested please let any of us know. Even an hour can make an impact. I’m sure many of you have heard the jungle drums beating in regard to a possible “financial” opportunity recently presented to the Post. When our due diligence and vetting have been completed The House Committee will make recommendations to The Legions Eboard. We will then share how the process will work, with all of our members.

If you are interested in who The House Committee is and what we do for the Post just ask one of us. We are here for the continuing betterment of our Post and American Legion Family. Our monthly meeting is open to all members. Looking forward to a renewed and re-invigorated Post this season. Remember to show your membership card to the bartenders it is an ABC “LAW” not just a Post requirement. Be nice and respectful of one another. 

ChrisAnn Wells, Editor-in-Chief

BARGAIN BARN REPORT

THE BARGAIN BARN IS OPEN AND WE’RE HAVING A BALL!
As always, we need volunteers. They are the life blood of the ‘Barn’. In the first two weeks, Barners served 194 volunteer hours and had fun doing it!! You never know what’s coming thru the gate. Recently we received an old trumpet. Research shows it was manufactured in 1952 and it is silver-plated brass and plays in two keys!!! More research is being done to find out its value, and we are sitting on the edge of our chairs to find out.

Bargain Barn hours are:
Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM until 12:00 PM to receive donations
Friday and Saturday from 9 AM until 2:00 PM for sales

We are so thankful for all the old customers for their return. Don’t mind the hugs I’ve received either! Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to make deliveries or pickups yet due to the lack of help. So, if you have a good strong back and want to make a difference, Come On Down!!!

For God and Country,                            
Tim Kigh, 1st Vice Commander

Post 853 Bingo!

November is the month we are reminded to be grateful.  I am thankful for those veterans who served. I am also grateful for the Post 853 Bingo volunteers. We are able to have weekly Bingo because of our dedicated team.      
                               
For this month, Bingo will be on Nov 7, 14, and 28. Bingo will be on hiatus on November 21 (Thanksgiving week) as a small thank you to our hardworking volunteer team.

The Post will be hosting a Thanksgiving Day potluck meal. Look for the sign up sheet at the Post.

Doors open and bingo packets may be purchased beginning at 5 pm. The games start promptly at 5:30 pm in the new dining room. If you prefer, you can also play outside. We always request that you bring a snack to share. If you cannot, please consider leaving a donation.  We also welcome new or gently-used gifts for door prizes.

Thank you for supporting this fundraising program of The American Legion Post 853. Your support allows the Post to help veteran’s, our community, and youth.

If you are interested in volunteering for Bingo, please contact Gina Moran at 209-327-1803 or maxchibby1987@gmail.com.