American Legion Post 853 • Desert Breeze
April 2026
FROM THE COMMANDER
With the approaching end of the 2025 - 2026 season, it’s time to nominate The American Legion (TAL) Post 853 officers and leaders for 2026 - 2027. Nominations began at our March TAL meeting and will occur in April and May with election during our May meeting. In order to participate, you must be a member in good standing - that’s it!
However, it’s important to have a desire to improve the Post and serve veterans and our community. If you’re interested please reach out to ChrisAnn for American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), Chris for Sons of the American Legion (SAL), or me for TAL. I have included information about the different roles in TAL. Per our bylaws, each year a slate of Officers and Executive Board members are elected to guide and direct the operations and development of the Post. Each of our family groups, TAL, ALA, and SAL follow a similar election process.The only indispensable qualifications for these jobs are honesty and willingness.
TAL Post 853 Officers and E-Board for Legion Year 2025 - 2026 are:
Commander: Dale Jones, 1st Vice Commander: Jim Keith, 2nd Vice Commander: Dennis O’Leary, Adjutant: Cathy Darracott, Finance Officer: Heide White, Judge Advocate: Gary Saunders, Sergeant-At-Arms: Bob Scribner, Chaplain: Richard Wheelock, Service Officer: Mike McEvoy, E-Board: Ed Cate, Dave McCleerey, Loren Butterfield, Paul Schuessler. Please consider having your name on this roster for 2026 -2027.
A summary of TAL duties can be found at the bottom of the page.
The 2026 - 2027 season will bring change to our Operations and Bargain Barn activity managers as well. Jim Keith (Ops) and Mitzi Seibert (Bargain Barn) are ready to turn over the reins. If you’re interested, I encourage you to speak with the respective manager then let the House Committee or me know of your interest. These two roles are critical to the success of the Post; a smooth transition benefits everyone.
For God and Country,
Dale Jones
Commander, Post 853
FROM OUR AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Happy April Ladies and Legion family,
The season is rapidly coming to an end which means it is time for election of officers. If you are interested in becoming an officer please let me know. Our first round of nominations will begin at our April meeting. We will have a second round of nominations at our May meeting along with the election of officers. Installation of officers will happen in May also.
Our next meeting is April 13 at 5:00 pm. Please bring your current membership card with you. Potluck to follow - bring a dish to share. Eboard meeting is at 4:30pm. The next two meetings are very important so please plan on attending. I would like to thank all of the ladies who stepped up this year as officers and volunteers. It was an exceptional year.
ALA burger nights in April are 8th and 22nd from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Bake sales will continue in the fall. Thank you to all who participated and supported the bake sales.
We are seeking volunteers for April burger nights. The current burger crew have many obligations elsewhere in April. I would like to thank the best burger crew I have ever had the privilege of working with! We pulled together every week for 7 months with no break. Stellar job one and all. Lots of fun and laughs. April will be the final month for burgers this season. Please keep up the great support.
Come out for Chuck’s Karaoke every Monday and Friday 5:00-7:00pm through April. Bring a snack to share. Come see how silly we can be even if we can’t sing.
On a somber note we lost many Auxiliary sisters this year. We were truly blessed to have known and loved these angels. The tireless dedication these ladies put in was an example of true selflessness to our Veterans, community and youth. You will all be missed. Any information on services or celebrations will be on the Post weekly blasts. Trees will be planted to honor these special ladies. Details to come.
I would like to thank Mitzi and the Bargain Barn crew for their endless devotion to making the Bargain Barn thrive this year. The money raised will help with many programs for Veterans and Community. Last day for donations will be Thursday, April 9th and last day for sales will be Saturday, April 25th.
I would like to thank our members for their support in all our events and endeavors at Post 853 this year. Our memberships continue to grow in all of the Legion families because of our events. Tell a friend about the Legion and how they could be a part of it in the future.
Please continue to support our Club room. Enjoy a cold libation and some great times.
I wish all of you a blessed Easter. With continued good health and happiness. God bless our country.
Yours in service,
ChrisAnn Wells, President
ALA Unit 853
FROM OUR SAL COMMANDER
Hello, Sons of the American Legion.
Welcome new and renewing members! The next SAL meeting is April 13th at 5pm. We’d love to see you there!
A big “thank you” to our SAL volunteers who have been helping out at Burger Nights. Interested in lending a hand? See me for details and join the fun!
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Pedersen, Commander
Sons of the American Legion Post 853
FROM OUR HOUSE COMMITTEE
The House Committee Meeting will be held on 12 April 2026 at 1300 hrs.
All members are invited to attend and give input at this meeting.
Gary Saunders, House Committee Chair
FROM OUR SERVICE OFFICER
If you know of anyone who would be interested in membership, but aren’t sure if they have the required documentation, let them know that I am available to assist with research. Interested persons can contact the Post and leave their contact info, or email me directly at mike_mcevoy@yahoo.com.
Cribbage at the Post will be on Saturdays from 3pm til 7pm. Bring a board if you have one and if you have an extra board to donate to the Post that would be great.
Thanks!
Mike McEvoy
Service Officer
FROM THE BARGAIN BARN
It has been a great year at the Bargain Barn and it wouldn't have been possible without the help of so many friendly volunteers! Thank you for all that you do to keep the Barn organized and successful.
Our last day to accept donations for the season will be Saturday, April 11th, so no more procrastinating — go through those closets and sheds and bring your donations by the deadline!
Our last day for sales will be April 25th. We look forward to seeing all you bargain hunters!
Mitzi Seibert
Bargain Barn Manager
Post 853 BINGO!
BINGO! is held every Tuesday at 5pm, unless otherwise noted. $10 buy-in.
If you are interested in volunteering for Bingo, please contact Gina Moran at 209-327-1803 or maxchibby1987@gmail.com.
Duties of American Legion Officers and Boards
Post Commander: Shall be to preside at all meetings of the Post and to have general supervision over the business affairs of the Post. Such officer shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Post.
First Vice-Commander: Shall assume and discharge the duties of the Commander in the absence of, disability of or when called upon by the Post Commander.
Second Vice-Commander: Shall assume and discharge the duties of the First Vice Commander in the absence or disability of such officer, and shall perform such other duties as directed by the Post. The second vice commander is responsible for building an atmosphere in which Legionnaires have fun primarily by developing a social calendar filled months in advance with activities designed to engage members.
Post Adjutant: Shall have charge and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings and under the direction of the Post Commander, handle all correspondence of the Post. The Adjutant is the primary administrative officer. A key concern of the Adjutant is Post 853 membership and retention.
Finance Officer: Shall be charged with the custody of the funds of the Post. The Finance Officer shall keep its accounts and report thereon at regular meetings of the Post. The Finance Officer shall receive all funds of the Post and pay allbills approved by the Post. Ideally, the Finance Officer forms a Finance Committee to make budget recommendations and provide advice on financial policies.
Sergeant-At-Arms: Shall be to preserve order at all meetings and shall perform such other duties as may be needed from time to time assigned by the Post. The Sergeant-at-Arms arranges the meeting hall and assists the Commander and Adjutant in preliminary arrangements for meetings. This person is the expert on flag etiquette, knows proper flag etiquette, and plays a leading role in the Post Color/Honor Guard, Rifle Team and oversees ceremony for Post events. The Sergeant-at-Arms
ensures new members are welcomed and introduced, and advises the Commander on who should be acknowledged. The Sergeant-at-Arms is the Post Armorer responsible for the military equipment assigned to Post 853 including rifles, ammunition, and howitzer. The howitzer and rifles require an annual certification submitted to the US Army.
Post Judge Advocate: Shall be to advise the Post Officers on the construction and interpretation of the Post’s By-Laws. The Judge Advocate supplies professional advice in the conduct of Post business. This officer is the guardian of the constitutional form of Post government. The judge advocate commonly has the duty, with others, of auditing post financial accounts.
Service Officer: The value of a post service officer is immeasurable. As the service officer’s reputation grows, so will the organization’s value in the veteran community. The job requires a competent, dedicated and organized person. A person who will familiarize themselves with and use the tools available for veterans at the Borrego Springs Library. The post service officer is responsible for bringing awareness to all veterans and their dependents of their rights and benefits.
Executive Board Committee (E-Board)
The E-Board shall consist of Four (4) members in addition to the Commander, Vice-Commanders, Adjutant, Finance Officer, Judge Advocate and Sergeant-At-Arms. The Commander, Vice Commanders and Adjutant shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and Secretary, respectively, of the Executive Committee.
The E-Board shall consider all matters affecting the Post and shall make recommendations which shall be approved by the Post before becoming effective. A key component of the E-Board is the House Committee. The operation of Post 853 is complex and decisions from the E-Board affects all members of the Post family.
Therefore, a House Committee consisting of a representative from TAL, ALA, SAL, and each activity manager (Operations, Bargain Barn, Bingo) provides recommendations to the E-Board for their consideration. The House Committee is responsible for the operation of the Post’s physical facilities with responsibilities including administration, equipment, and general rules of conduct for members while on the Post premises.
More detail can be found at:
• The American Legion 2024 Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies:
https://archive.legion.org/_flysystem/fedora/2024-03/aa011597.pdf
• Post 853 Bylaws: https://ca853.org/index.php?id=101
• Post 853 House Rules: https://ca853.org/index.php?id=100