Georgia AmLegion Post 304

2011-04-08T12:42:00.004-05:00

You may now contribute to North Cobb Post 304 to support the many activities, including Veteran and Youth Programs, in which your Post is participating. Just click on the "Donate" button and you'll be taken to PayPal to make the donation. You do not have to have a current PayPal account and can use most credit or bankcards.

2010-03-30T11:56:00.002-05:00

Front row, l-r: Roy Lantz, Post 29 Oratorical Chairman; Bill Beaudin, Post 29 Commander; Joseph Rondone, Post 29, District Five, Area IV and Department of Georgia Oratorical Champion; Butch Adams, Commander Department of Georgia. Back row, l-r: Jerry Hallman, District Five Junior Vice Commander; Randy Goodman, District Five Commander; Larry Diehl, District Five Senior Vice Commander.
Picture was taken after Rondone was declared the Georgia Department winnder at Macon, GA Post 3, on March 6, 2010. He is a homeschooled 11th grader from Marietta.

2010-03-29T15:56:00.004-05:00

POST 304 PRESENTS ALLATOONA SHOOTING SPORTS COACH WITH CHECK FOR $275.00

The membership of North Cobb Post 304 approved a donation of $200.00 for the Allatoona High School Shooting Sports Team at the regular membership meeting on March 18, 2009. Additionally, the members present at the meeting donated $75.00 from a "pass the hat" action. In total, the high school teacher and Shooting Team Coach, Kirk Ware, was presented with a check for $275.00, payable to the Booster Club, to be used by the Coach and Booster Club at their discretion for the team's welfare. The Team, in its second year, has accomplished much this year and Coach Ware was grateful for the donation. Adjutant Burdette presented the check to the Coach, above.

2010-03-26T14:23:00.004-05:00

This was the Silent Drill Team performing at Big Shanty Parade last April 18, 2009

U.S. MARINE CORPS SILENT DRILL TEAM TO PERFORM AGAIN AT BIG SHANTY PARADE IN KENNESAW ON APRIL 17, 2010

Just as last year, The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team will march in the Big Shanty Festival Parade on Saturday morning, April 17, 2010, and again that evening at the Kennesaw Mountain High School football stadium. The performance that evening will commence at about 7:00 p.m., but if last year is any indication of the crowd that will be there this year with advance notice, you'd better get there early if you expect to get a decent seat.

City Councilman and Post 304 Legionnaire Tim Killingsworth, a Marine, is responsible for bringing this fine unit to Kennesaw for the past two years. You will not want to miss this wonderful performance.

2009-08-16T13:02:00.000-05:00

2009-06-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

Rep. Phil Gingrey with his Appointees to Military Academies

This picture appeared in The Marietta Daily Journal this morning, June 16, 2009. Of particular interest was his reference to The American Legion Scholastic Excellence and Military Excellence Awards that were awarded to Duncan Hall and Grant Tucek, respectively, which were presented by North Cobb Post 304. Here's the speeches Rep. Gingrey delivered before Congress on June 9, 2009:

SPEECH OF
HON. PHIL GINGREY
OF GEORGIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young man from Georgia's 11th Congressional District who has distinguished himself as an excellent student and leader and has committed to serving his country. I am proud to announce that Duncan Hall from Kennesaw, Georgia has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.
Duncan attends North Cobb High School, where he has a 4.104 Grade Point Average and is the Vice President of the student body. Duncan is the Commanding Officer of the North Cobb and Harrison High School NJROTC Unit and has been the NJROTC Unit Academic Team Commander for the past two years. Duncan also serves as NJROTC Academic Tutor and a Character Education Advisor for Underclassman. He was presented the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal for Outstanding Performance of Duty in the NJROTC program by the Navy League of the United States and was selected as the Atlanta Metropolitan Navy League's 2nd runner up for Cadet of the Year. Duncan has also been recognized with the American Legion's Scholastic Achievement Medal.
In addition to Duncan's focus on academics and military preparation, he has remained very active in extracurricular activities, lettering on both North Cobb's track and cross country teams. Duncan Hall is an incredibly well-rounded young man, and I am honored to have the privilege to nominate him for an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. I ask that my colleagues take this time to congratulate Duncan as well as his parents, Duncan and Stefani Hall, for his accomplishments. It is because of dedicated young people like Duncan that America has the finest military in the world. Our nation is fortunate to have his service.

SPEECH OF
HON. PHIL GINGREY
OF GEORGIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young man from Georgia's 11th Congressional District who has distinguished himself as an excellent student and leader and has committed to serving his country. I am proud to announce that Grant Tucek from Powder Springs, Georgia has received appointments to both the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy and will enter the Military Academy this year. Grant attends Harrison High School where he has a 4.22 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club. Grant is also in the top 5% of all foreign language students. Despite Grant's heavy focus on academics, he has remained very active in extracurricular activities. During High School, Grant has participated in the Navy JRROTC, where he has served as Company Executive Officer, Orienteering Team Commander, and as a member of the Rifle Team. He was also honored with the American Legion Military medal.
Grant has also contributed to the arts and athletics at Harrison High School, playing trumpet in the Symphonic Band and running on Harrison's track and field team. Grant Tucek is an incredibly well-rounded young man, and I am honored to have the privilege to nominate him for an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. I want to take this time to congratulate Grant as well as his parents, Wayne and Denise Tucek, for his accomplishments. It is because of dedicated young people like Grant that America has the finest military in the world. Our Nation is fortunate to have his service.

2009-06-10T14:57:00.000-05:00

OUR JUDEO-CHRISTIAN NATION

Congressman Forbes asks the questions "Did America ever consider itself a Judeo-Christian nation?" and "If America was once a Judeo-Christian nation, when did it cease to be?" on the floor of the US House. Hit the arrow and listen to his speech.

2009-06-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Was On Hand to Present The American Legion Awards for Outstanding R.O.T.C. Cadets at Kennesaw State University
May 11, 2009

Capt Mike Morris, ROTC Commander at KSU, reads The American Legion Certificates about to be presented to four outstanding Cadets. He is flanked by Jr. Vice Commander and ROTC Co-chairman Fred Gaines of Post 304.

Jr. Vice Commander Gaines congratulates one of the recipients.

Gaines is shown with the four Cadet recipients.

And here are the four Cadet recipients: Silver Award for Militray Excellence (junior) Joshua Dorner, Silver Award for Academic Excellence (junior) Steven Whitton, Gold Award for Military Excellence (senior) David Warford, and Gold Award for Academic Execllence (senior) Robert James Deaton.

2009-06-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

May 4, 2009 is the Awards Ceremony at Mount Paran Christian High School

Post 304 Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson was on hand to present The American Legion School Award to a very deserving graduating senior, Wesley Michael Watt. Johnson was accompanied by Commander Larry Lieber. No pictures of the Ceremony are available.

2009-06-06T16:03:00.001-05:00

Bob Basso author of "Common Sense" plays the role of Thomas Paine to ignite the fire of change in America. Patriotism and Pride for America lead Thomas Paine to help take back America!

Click on the following url:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA

2009-06-05T14:00:00.002-05:00

Kennesaw Mountain High School
The American Legion School Award and Jr. R.O.T.C. Military and Scholastic Excellence Awards Ceremony
May 5, 2009

These are the Awards presenters at the head table. Our guys are at the right ...

Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson, Jr. Vice Larry "Tug" Hale and Commander Larry Lieber.

"Gunny" Smith opens the ceremony for the J.R.O.T.C. and other Awards for the Cadets under his and Capt. Sean King's (USN-Ret) command.

Post 304 Sr. Vice Alan Johnson tells the audience about The American Legion and The American Legion School Award that he is about to present.

Johnson presents The American Legion Award to the deserving senior, Cadet Amy Specht.

"Tug" Hale at the lectern about to present the J.R.O.T.C. Awards.

Cadet Elise K. Day was awarded the J.R.O.T.C. Scholastic Excellence Certificate and Ribbons.

And Cadet Christina A. Weiler was awarded The American Legion Award for Military Excellence.

2009-06-04T13:47:00.003-05:00

Lassiter High School was Location for Kell/Lassiter Jr. R.O.T.C. Awards for Scholastic and Military Excellence

May 1, 2009

Post 304 Jr. Vice Commander and ROTC Committee Co-chairman Larry (TUG) Hale was the Awards presenter.

This is the Lassiter High recipient for Military Excellence, awarded by Marietta Post 29 and presented by Post 304's Larry (TUG) Hale.

Hale also presented the Lassiter High recipient for the Scholastic Excellence Award for Marietta Post 29.

Cadet Ashley Forbes of Kell High School was the recipient of The American Legion Military Excellence Award.

And Cadet Lucrecia Parker, Kell High, is presented The American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award.

2009-06-04T13:39:00.002-05:00

Kell High School is Setting for Annual Awards Ceremony

Tuesday Evening, April 28, 2009

Here are the presenters: Principal Trudie Donovan is at left and State Senator Chip Rogers is sitting next to her. Our guys, Commander Lieber and Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson, are in the back row to the right (caps on).

Sr. Vice Commander, as presenter, provides a little background of The American Legion and what The American Legion School Award signifies.

He announces the winner of The American Legion School Award and presents the Certificate and the Bronze Medal to Kell senior Fabrice Julien.

Here is the recipient of the Award, Fabrice Julien, flanked by Sr. Vice Alan Johnson and Commander Larry Lieber.

2009-06-03T12:55:00.002-05:00

North Cobb High School Jr. R.O.T.C. Awards Ceremony

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Post 304 Jr. Vice Commander and ROTC Committee Co-chair Larry (TUG) Hale at the lectern, about to present JROTC Military and Scholastic Excellence Awards.

Cadets Dustin Camp (pictures with Vice Commander Hale) and David Bonham were recipients of the Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence Awards, respectively.

Acworth VFW Commander Dave Bobenhausen presents the VFW Award to a deserving cadet.

Here's the lineup of the new JROTC Cadet Officers for the coming 2009-2010 year.

2009-06-03T12:51:00.002-05:00

Harrison High School Holds Awards Ceremony in School Gym on Thursday Morning, April 23, 2009

Post 304 Adjutant David Burdette presents The American Legion School Award to Harrison senior Marshall Patrick Lorden. Picture of the presentation is not available.

2009-06-03T12:40:00.002-05:00

North Cobb High School Awards Ceremonies

North Star Church

April 22, 2009

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood tells the crowd about his annual Mayor's Award, given to an outstanding NCHS graduating senior ...

... and he presents the Mayor's Award to a grateful recipient.

Jr. R.O.T.C. Commander Joel Reaves presents the U.S. Naval Academy Appointment to Cadet Commander Duncan Hall. CDR Reaves is a Naval Academy graduate.

Post 304 Sr. Vice Commander Richard Ray presents The American Legion School Award to Zachary Taylor.

2009-06-03T12:24:00.003-05:00

Kennesaw Holds Veteran's Celebration

at Kennesaw Mountain High School

Saturday Evening, April 18, 2009

Mayor Mark Mathews, flanked by Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb High School Principals Kevin Daniels and Dr. Mike Johnson.

An impressive Marine Corps Officer Advancement Ceremony was witnessed by the spectators. One-star General to a Two-Star General. Promotions Ceremonies of this magnitude are rarely witness by civilians.

Kennesaw Mayor Matthews, Kennesaw Councilman and Post 304 member Tim Killingsworth (who organized the Celebration), and Post 304 Jr. Vice Commander Larry (TUG) Hale, watch the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team perform.

And, man, did they perform! They were awesome and obviously influenced the NCHS and KMHS Jr. ROTC Drill Teams, who also performed earlier.

2009-06-01T09:57:00.003-05:00

Big Shanty Parade - Kennesaw, GA

April 18, 2009

Our crack color guard team prepares for the Big Shanty Parade.

(l-r) Bob Titshaw, Tom Stenzel, Ron Carter, Larry Lieber and Ron Asby.

This is the USMC Silent Drill Team Color Guard, followed by the Drill Team.

North Cobb High School JROTC Color Guard ...

... and the NCHS JROTC Drill Team.

2009-05-16T14:53:00.004-05:00

Department of Georgia National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program Contest
Macon, GA Post 3, April 11, 2009

The Contestants

Fourth Place Winner

Third Place Winner

Runner-up Blake Adams, representing Powder Springs Post 294,

the Fifth District and Area IV.

And the Winner! Leanne Livingston, a home-schooled senior representing South Cherokee Post 316, the 9th District and Area III.

2009-03-13T13:46:00.002-05:00

Fifth District Oratorical Contest

March 1, 2009

Mableton Post 264

Mableton Post 264 hosted the annual Fifth District Oratorical Contest on the day it snowed - March 1, 2009. There were three contestants from the Fifth District and a reception by the hosts was held after the contest and chicken wings and a celebratory cake were served. The District is fortunate to have a great venue for an Oratorical Contest at Post 264.

After the speeches wer done, Chairman Burdette introduced the judges: (l-r) Theresa Schnider, Steve Anderson, Sean Mangieri, Jesse Bickle; and the contestants: Danielle Lash, Blake Adams, and Logan Moore.

Fifth District Commander Buddy Acree presents Third Place Winner Logan Moore, a homeschooled 10th grader with a certificate and a check for $150. Logan represented Newnan Post 57. The title of her speech was "Silent Scream."

Danielle Lash was the Second Place winner. She is from Kell High School and represented North Cobb Post 304. Here she is presented with a certificate and a check for $250. Her speech was titled "Our Constitution: A Changing Uniform."

And the winner: Homeschooled Blake Adams, a senior representing Powder Springs Post 294 received a certificate and $350. for his efforts. His speech was titled "Three Words."

Here are the three contestants - all representing their sponsoring Posts well.

And the contestants, Commander Acree, the judges, and Chairman Burdette.

Chairman Burdette thanks some of the assistants, Chaplain G.D. Hendrix of Newnan Post 57, Sr. Vice Commander and Tabulator Alan Johnson, and Jr. Vice Rich Ray, who served as Tabulator and Escort.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Fifth District Commander Buddy Acree, Tony Propst and Eldin Morris, Mableton Post 264 Contest Coordinators, Newnan Post 57 and Fifth District Chaplain G.D. Hendrix, North Cobb Post 304 Commander Lieber, Timekeeper, Fred Gaines, Timekeeper and Photographer, Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson, Tabulator and Escort, Jr. Vice Commander Richard Ray, Tabulator and Escort.

2009-03-13T12:07:00.009-05:00

Post 304 National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest - February 22, 2009, Palmer Middle School, Kennesaw, GA

Palmer Middle School auditorium was the site for the annual Post 304 Oratorical Contest.

Jr. Vice Rich Ray (standing) chats with Commander Larry Lieber and Jr. Vice Fred Gaines before the contest commenced. Rich served as Tabulator and Larry and Fred were timekeepers. Sitting behind them are (l-r) Eldin Morris and Jerry Hallman from Mableton Post 264 and Paul Aust, Commander of Carrolton Post 143.

Here, sitting next to Commander Lieber are the contestants: Marshall Lorden, Harrison High, Keith Millians, Villa Rica High, Danielle Lash, Kell High, and Matt Waldrop, North Cobb High.

Judges: (top photo) Roy Lantz and Theresa Schnider) and (lower photo) Sean Mangieri and Jesse Bickel.

Commander Lieber awards Fourth Place Certificate to Keith Millians of Villa Rica High School

And a Certificate for Third Place and a check for $50.00 to Marshall Lorden of Harrison High

Second Place winner was Matt Waldrop of North Cobb High. Here he receives a certificate and a check for $150.00 from the Commaner.

And the Winner: Danielle Lash of Kell High School. Danielle won $250.00 and the congratulations from the Post for this, her second consecutive win. She will advance to the District Five Contest, to be held on Sunday, March 1 at the Mableton Post.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Commander Lieber, Timekeeper, Jr. Vice Fred Gaines, Timekeeper, Chaplain Duane Young, Jr. Vice Richard Ray, Tabulator and Escort, Jr. Vice Larry Hale, Escort, Jr. Vice Terry Hendrix, Escort, Legionnaire Mike Kettman, Photographer, Nancy Burdette.

2009-02-02T21:30:00.003-05:00

Here's the YouTube video of last year's National Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis. Make sure you watch it to the end.

2008-12-14T18:37:00.003-05:00

We Provide the Color Guard for the Kennesaw Santa Parade

December 10, 2008

Here we are on a chilly December morning, waiting for the Annual Santa Parade to commence.

And the citizens of Kennesaw were eagerly waiting while lining Main Street, Kennesaw.

And our Color Guard leads the Parade. That's l-r: Steve Robison, Larry "Tug" Hale, Tom Stenzel, Rich Ray and Bob Titshaw. And they appear to be in step.

Here's the Color Guard as they passed. (I take that back about being in step ;-)

They were followed by Howard and Velica Daniel in their snazzy '92 convertible. That's Angela Pasquale (Dennis' daughter) waving to the crowd in the back of the car.

And our illustrious Legion Riders' group, Ron Carter and Dennis Pasquale, followed on their Harley's.

And then ... the long awaited famous reindeer (I thinks they are Donder and Blitzen), pulling -

the star of the parade - Santa Claus

Here's Titshaw, Stenzel and Ray "after the dance".

2008-12-14T17:14:00.004-05:00

Operation Hands On:

A Veteran's Day For Kids

Post 304 Provides 10th Graders from Harrison High School a "Living History" Lesson - December 9, 2009, North Cobb County

Sr. Vice Commander introduces the panel to the Harrison High 10th grade class. He's at the lectern and, l-r: Post 304 member and Past Commander Bob Titshaw, WWII veterans and Post 304 members Ray Unser and Duane Young, WWII MIA/POW Rev. Ewell Black, Post 160, WWII MIA/POW William Price, Post 304 Commander Larry Lieber.

Part of the 120 or so 10th grade Social Studies class from Harrison High School.

Post 304 Chaplain and WWII veteran Duane Young starts it off ...

... followed by WWII veteran and Past Commander Ray Unser.

Rev. Ewell Black, a captive during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII tells of his capture on December 19, 1944, and ensuing months in German captivity until being liberated in April, 1945.

And the students are enthralled by Rev. Black's comments.

William E. Price, member of American Ex-Prisoners of War and a POW of the Japanese military until liberated in August, 1945, tells a harrowing tale of being Kamikazied down after a bombing raid over Japan and his capture and solitary confinement in a Japanese prison camp.

The crowd is mesmerized by Price's story of torture and depravation while in the Japanese prison camp.

Q and A Session after the veterans told their stories.

The students show their gratitude after the Program.

The "line-up" after the Program. Third from left is Mrs. Holli Reason, Harrison High Social Studies teacher and coordinator for the Program.

2008-11-16T13:02:00.002-05:00

George is Moved Back Into His Home

On October 11, 2008, after a major inside and outside clean up, the Post 304 "crew" moved George back into his home. Seated is George and Nancy Burdette. Standing l-r is Jr. Vice Commander Rich Ray, Adjutant Dave Burdette, member and Legion Rider Ron Carter, Jr. Vice Commander Larry "TUG" Hale. Jr. Vice Commander Fred Gaines took the picture.

2008-11-16T12:51:00.002-05:00

Legion Post 304 Helps WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veteran

This is the outside of George's house in late September, 2008. All of his household belongings had been placed in "Smartbox's", his carpet removed to the bare wood floors and his house exterminated. George is a veteran of 28 years in the Air Force, having flown 30 missions over Germany in WWII, and served in the Korean Conflict and was an observer in Vietnam. He is 85 years old and needed our help.
New Post 304 member and Army Sgt.-Major Meinrad Kuettel and George.

Mienrad helping with the yard clean up. George's roof had six or more inches of pine straw on the roof and it was removed by the "crew".

Post member and Jr. Vice Commander Fred Gaines and George.

Fred manning the pitch fork.

2008-11-16T10:50:00.006-05:00

Kiwanis of East Cobb Introduced to
The American Legion

On October 23, 2008, the Kiwanis Club of East Cobb County was introduced to The American Legion, North Cobb Post 304. The Kiwanis asked to know more about what we do and what type programs we have in common. We were happy to oblige.

Commander Larry Lieber opens the presentation by briefly letting the Kiwanians know who we are and what we do and a little history about The American Legion.

Post 304 member Bernard Gilliland tells them about the role his great-uncle, a Legionnaire, played in getting Congress to enact legislation to add "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sr. Vice Commander explains the "Four Pillars" upon which The American Legion is founded.

And Adutant David Burdette explains the Youth Programs on how Post 304 is committed to comply with one of the "Four Pillars" - that of mentoring youth.

The Legionnaires are thanked by the Program Chair, Bernie Hatch, for their presentation and each was awarded a Kiwanis "Bell of Freedom" for their presence.

2008-07-30T17:31:00.018-05:00

Post 304 Installation Ceremony/Dinner

a Huge Success

Held at Provino's Italian Restuarant on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw on

Saturday, July 19, 2008

The affair was attended by 45 Legionnaires their spouses and friends. A number of dignitaries were in attendance, including Department Commander Fae Casper, National and Georgia American Legion Press Association President Martha Conway, 5th District Commander Buddy Acree, 5th District Sr. Vice Commander Randy Goodman, 5th District Junior Vice Commander Jerry Hallman, Post 29 Commander Amador "Chief"Rodriquez, the Installing Officer, past 5th District Commander and ALBA President Bill Lienhop, and 5th District ALBA Administrator and Post 160 Judge Advocate Ron Mazzola.

Most of the following pictures were taken by Post 304 past Jr. Vice Commander Mike Kettman. Because of the large number of images and the difficulty involved in getting them in chronological order, we have placed them randomly on this site. We will attemp to identify most of the people in the images but, sit back and enjoy.

Sitting: Debbie Beckley, Legionnaire Post 160, Darlene Lienhop; standing Alan Johnson, Lee Titshaw and Velica Daniel (sitting with back to camera).

One of the tables with various guests.

Post 304 Jr Vice Commander Rich Ray is presented the Legionnaire of the Year Award by Commander Lieber.

Rich Ray with guest Bill Kovach with his back to the camera.

Post 304 Finance Officer Tom Stenzel (yeah, he pays the bills for us high-spendin Post members).

Jr. Vice Commander Tug Hale (right) and friend Barbi Williams chat with Post 29 Commander Amador Rodriguez and his wife, Terri.

Commander Lieber adjusts all of his cap pens, while Dept. Commader Casper watches Larry's grandson, Jordan.

NALBA and GALPA President Martha Conway looks admiringly at Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson. That's Nancy Burdette and Post 304 member Bob Steele in the background.

Mike Kettmann and fiance Janice Wadsworth lookin' good. (Thanks for all the pictures, Mike!)

Richard Ray trying to get a word in between Martha Conway and Velica Daniel.

Ron Mazzola and the girls! (Way to go, Ron!)

Post 304 Jr. Vice Commander Fred Gaines

5th District Jr. Vice Jerry Hallman seems to be turning over his cash to Ron Mazzola.

Velica and Howard Daniel and Post 304 Jr. Vice Terry Hendrix enjoying Jerry Hallman's humor, no doubt.

Commander Lieber's grandson Jordan, who is also the Sgt.-at-Arms for Squadron 304 SAL, daughters Nikki and Kristin.

Bill Kovach holds court and keeps the other guests amused.

Past 304 Commander Bob Titshaw and wife, Juandalee.

Post 304 member Bob Steele.

Terri and "Chief" Rodriguez, honored guests.

Dave Muldenhauser, Legionnaire and Commander VFW Post 5408 in Acworth, and friend, Debbie Beckley, Post 160.

Barbara and Post 304 Chaplain Duane Young.

5th District Commander Buddy Acree and friend Patricia.

Commander Lieber's wife, Anne, and grandson Jordan.

Nancy Burdette serves birthday cupcakes to celebrate Commander Lieber's birthday the day before.

Chaplain Duane Young seems to enjoy the cupcake.

Commaner Lieber and Adjutant Burdette at the lectern to present past Post Officer Certificates of Appreciation.

Commander Lieber opens the brief business meeting.

Georgia Department Commander Fae Casper seems to enjoy the proceedings.

Martha Conway about to announce the winner of the First Place Prize for Post Newsletter, black & white, multi-page.

... and she calls upon The Situation Report Editor, Alan Johnson.

... and Johnson graciously accepts the Award for having the best damn newsletter in Georgia!

Hooray!

Commander Lieber wondering where he is.

Past 5th District Lienhop stars the Installation proceedings.

And here are the new officers, about to be installed.

Taking the oath.

Commander Casper talks "for the good of The Legion"

... as does Commander Acree.

Burdette and Lienhop chatting afterwards.

2008-05-29T11:06:00.003-05:00

Kennesaw Mountain High School is Scene of Presentation of The American Legion School Award

Tuesday morning, May 20, 2008, was a special presentation of The American Legion School Award to deserving high school senior Kimber Shealy. About 30 Kennesaw Mountain High School juniors crowded in one of the Counselor's rooms and to see the presentation of the award to Kimber by Post 304 Adjutant David Burdette.

This prestigious award is presented to a high school graduating senior and is based on those attributes of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service. The selection of the deserving student is made by the school staff and consists of a 2.5" Medallion with a dispay easel and a Certificate.

Here, Adjutant Burdette provides a little background history of The American Legion and The American Legion School Award to the group as his wife, Nancy, looks on.

He announces that senior Kimber Shealy, who had competed in Post 304's National High School Oratorical Contest the past two years, is the recipient for 2007-2008. Kimber holds the Georgia State Pole Vault record (12"5") and has a full athletic scholarship to the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.

Burdette and Kimber Shealy, with the Award Certificate and Bronze Medallion.

2008-05-14T11:51:00.003-05:00

Kennesaw Mountain High School

Conducts Annual JROTC

Awards Ceremony

Tuesday evening, May 13, 2008, was an eventful evening for the JROTC cadets, their parents and friends. The annual Awards Night saw most of the KMHS Navy cadets receive recognition for their past years' accomplishments - and there was much to be proud of.

The Color Guard opened the evening's ceremony.

Here's part of the head table. The lady at left represented The Daughters of the American Revolution, next is the representative of The Sons of the American Revolution and then there is our own Post 304 Commander Larry Lieber, and ROTC Awards Chairman Larry Hale.

The ceremony was opened by Cadet LCDR Sam Ponce, the Unit's Cadet Commander.

He was followed by the JROTC Commander, CAPT Sean King.

Larry, Larry and CAPT King. Larry Hale commented on The American Legion JROTC Awards for Scholastic Excellence and Military Excellence.

And the Award (including ribbons and certificate) for Scholastic Excellence was presented to:

Cadet Ensign Katie Jones

The Award for Military Excellence was presented to:

Cadet LCDR Sam Ponce

The Program was concluded with the Change of Command Ceremony. The new cadet officers for next school year, 2008-2009, are in the front row, l-r, Operations Officer, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer. Standing behind them are the their 2007-2008 counterparts.

2008-05-07T15:35:00.002-05:00

North Cobb High School

Honors Night

NorthStar Church

May 6, 2008

Awards (or Honors) Night at the local, Cobb County High Schools is a very special event for most of us old-timers. It gives the adult attendees a fresh, new perspective of the youth of this great country and, academically, this great county. Awards night honors (usually) some 200 students for being the best and the brightest. Tuesday night, May 6 was no exception.

One of the most prestigious awards given at the ceremony was the annual American Legion School Award, which is presented to a high school graduating senior and is based on those attributes of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service. The selection of the deserving student is made by the school staff and consists of a 2.5" Medallion with a dispay easel and a Certificate. Post 304 was well represented at the event by Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson, Finance Officer Tom Stenzel (whose son was being presented with an award), Jr. Vice Commander Fred Gaines, Sgt.-at-Arms Larry Hale and Adjutant David Burdette.

The NCHS JROTC Color Guard opened the ceremony by displaying the colors.

Principal Assistant Benji Morrell anxiously awaits the opening remarks by Principal Gary Boling and for the ceremony to get underway.

Sr. Vice Commander Johnson awaits his turn to present The American Legion School Award.

Johnson relates to the crowd The American Legion Four-Pillar legacy and the purpose of The American Legion School Award.

And here, he presents the Award to the 2008 North Cobb recipient:

Donald Gentry

Gentry is a senior JROTC Cadet and has committed to the Army National Guard. He will be training this summer at Ft. Sill and will await deployment later in the year. Our hats are off and best wishes go to Cadet Gentry.

2008-05-03T15:04:00.002-05:00

Kell High School

Honors Night

April 28, 2008

Kell High School was the setting on Monday evening, April 28, 2008, for the annual Honors Night for awarding students honors for exemplary performance during the 2007-2008 school year. North Cobb Post 304 was there to present the annual American Legion School Award. The Award is presented to a high school graduating senior and is based on those attributes of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service. The selection of the deserving student is made by the school staff and consists of a 2.5" Medallion with a dispay easel and a Certificate.

The Kell High School JROTC Color Guard honors the colors.

Post 304 Commander Larry Lieber briefs the audience on The American Legion School Award.

The recipient of The School Award is Alisha Nunez, Kell High School senior.

The beaming recipient and Commander Lieber.

2008-05-03T14:26:00.003-05:00

ROTC Awards Presented at Kennesaw State University

April 24, 2008

ROTC Commander, Capt. Paul Gates addresses the troops at Kennesaw State University and advises them about the Awards presentation by The American Legion North Cobb Post 304.

Commander Lieber presents the Gold American Legion ROTC Medal Awards and Certificates to: Junior Cadet Ryne Asher for Outstanding Military Excellence, Junior Cadet Robert Deaton for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

Also awarded Silver American Legion ROTC Medal Awards and Certificates to Sophmores: Cadet Larry Johnson for Outstandin Military Excellence and Cadet Steven Whitton for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

One Cadet was absent. Here are the recipients, along with Capt. Gates, Post 304 Commander Larry Lieber and ROTC Awards Co-Chairman Fred Gaines.

2008-05-03T12:42:00.002-05:00

North Cobb/Harrison High Schools

JROTC Awards Ceremony

April 23, 2008

The North Cobb/Harrison High JROTC Color Guard provides a stately commencement to the Awards Ceremony, which was attended by about 300 cadets, family, teachers and friends.

1st Sgt. Brian Foster introduces the young ladies who sang The National Anthem and got things started.

Post 304 ROTC Awards Co-Chairman Larry Hale (r) provides background of The American Legion and the Awards for Scholastic Excellence and Military Excellence. Standing by him are (l-r) Post 304 Commander Larry Lieber and North Cobb/Harrison Jr-ROTC CDR Joel Reaves.

The winner of the Scholastic Excellence Award (Certificate and Ribbons) is:

North Cobb Cadet Duncan Hall.

The winner of the Military Excellence Award (Certificate and Ribbons) is:

Harrison High Cadet Grant Tucek

2008-05-03T11:46:00.003-05:00

April 19, 2008 Big Shanty Parade

Downtown Kennesaw, GA

As ususal,Post 304 provided the lead Color Guard for the Big Shanty Arts & Craft Festival in Downtown Kennesaw. The Color Guard consisted of Commander Larry Lieber, Finance Officer Tom Stenzel and Jr. Vice Commander Rich Ray. Here they are ... ready to get started.

But first, the Legionnaires were greeted by U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.

Here, Senator Chambliss departs. That's Kennesaw Downtown Business Assn. and Parade organizer Marlon Longacre in the shorts.

About to get started. Kenesaw Mayor Mark Mathews is shown in the middle in the coral shirt.

The American Legion North Cobb County Post 304 Color Guard leads the way, followed by the JROTC Color Guard and Cadets from North Cobb High School.

Commander Lieber marches the Color Guard.

In passing.

North Cobb High School JROTC Color Guard passes.

Kennesaw Councilman and Post 304 member Tim Killingsworth.

Commander Lieber's grandson, Jordan, enjoys the parade - especially the part where his granddad passes.

2008-05-01T07:11:00.010-05:00

Post 304 Conducts Operation Hands-On: Veteran's Day For Kids at Sope Creek Elementary

March 10, 2008 was the day that Post 304 arranged for World War II veterans to speak to the fifth graders at Sope Creek Elementary School in Marietta, GA. There were about 180 students and teachers in attendance and the veterans told their stories of their experiences during WWII. The kids and their teachers received the veterans enthusiastically.

Sr. Vice-Commander Alan Johnson introduces the veterans and tells the students what to expect during the presentation. On stage, l-r: Legionnaire Bob Titshaw, Commander Larry Lieber, Rev. Ewell C. Black, Jr., Legionairre Ray Unser, Legionnaire and Asst. Chaplain Duane Young.

Ray Unser relates his WWII experiences to the audience.

And the Fifth Graders listen intently.

Rev. Ewell Black, a WWII MIA/POW from the Battle of the Bulge, tells of his captivity on December 19, 1944 and his experiences in German prisoner camps until he was liberated in April, 1945.

The crowd listened to Rev. Black's harrowing experiences as though they were mesmerized.

After the presentation, the students were eager to speak with the Veterans.

Rev. Black shows the students some momentos of his captivity.

And afterward, the Veterans were interviewed by a young "Barbara Walters" for SC-TV, for presentation to the student body.

Noticing that the colors were not flying on their departure from the school, Post 304 gladly posted to colors for the school before leaving the premises.

2008-02-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

Post 304 National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest a Huge Success

The annual Oratorical Contest was held at KempMemorial Library on Due West Rd. in Marietta on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Four contestants, representing the North Cobb High Schools of North Cobb, Kennesaw Mountain and Kell competed in a contest that was one of the best Post competitions in recent memory.

Here is Chairmen David Burdette just prior to giving instructions to the audience. The contestants were sequestered elsewhere in the Library and were identified to the audience and judges only by Contestant number.

Commander Larry Lieber and Jr. Vice Commander Fred Gaines are sitting on ready to perform their duties as official Timers for the event.

These were the judges for the Contest, l-r: Doug McKittrick, retired Army Lt. Colonel, Past Post 304 Commander and former District Five and Post 304 Oratorical Chairman Bob Titshaw, and Steve Anderson, recently retired Director of Parks and Recreation Department, Chamblee, GA, and an Able Toastmaster, Bronze Level.

Other Post 304 Legionnaires and significant others who made the event successful were: Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson, Tabulator, Junior Vice Commander Richard Ray, Escort, Robert Noles, Chaplain, Larry Hale, Sgt.-at-Arms and Doorkeeper, Nancy Burdette and Barbi Williams, Monitors. Their participation and support is greatly appreciated.

And here are the four Contestants, l-r: Kimber Shealy, senior at Kennesaw Mountain High, Danielle Lash, junior at Kell High, Matt Waldrop, junior at North Cobb High, and Garret McDowell, senior at North Cobb High. This was Kimber and Garrett's second consecutive Post 304 competitions.

And here is the group of Contestants again.

Fourth Place winner and recipient of a $25.00 cash award from Commander Lieber was Garret McDowell of North Cobb.

Third Place and a check for $100 was presented to Matt Waldrop of North Cobb.

Third Place, with a check for $150 was presented to Kimber Shealy, Kennesaw Mountain High, and ... the Winner ....

Danielle Lash - Kell High School, with a check for $200 from the Post. Danielle will compete in the Fifth District Contest at Post 294 in Powder Springs, GA on Saturday morning, February 16, 2008. We know that she will represent North Cobb Post 304 well and we wish her the best of luck.

2008-02-11T19:12:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Christmas Party at The Old Mill Restuarant in Acworth

The party was Saturday evening, December 22, 2007. A crowd of about 45 Post 304 Legionnaires and spouses and significant others enjoyed a choice of salmon, beef or chicken. The quarters were a bit tight but it was an enjoyable evening. Our venerable Legionnaire Pat Kelly entertained us at the piano.

And so did Commander Lieber in his elf hat.

Here are the Kettmann's enjoying the evening.

As was Kennesaw Mayor Leonard Church and his daughter.

Wish you all could have been there!

2008-01-01T15:12:00.000-05:00

THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 304 GETS NUMBER 1 SPOT WITH HONOR GUARD AT KENNESAW'S ANNUAL SANTA PARADE ON DECEMBER 8, 2007

Fred, Tom, Rich and Larry with Santa

Post 304's inimitable 2007 Color Guard

Preparing the reindeer for Santa's sleigh

The Color Guard (Titshaw is there - he was running a little late).

The Color Guard passes

Santa finally makes it!

His reindeer were getting tired - their tongues were hanging out ...

... and so were some of our Color Guard at he conclusion of the Santa Parade.

2007-12-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

JUDGED BY 12 OR CARRIED BY 6 - USMC

Regarding the news blurb about the Marine who put two rounds ("double tap") in a wounded insurgent's head in Fallujah, here's a response from a Marine:

"It's a safety issue, pure and simple. After assaulting through a target, we put a security round in everybody's head. Sorry al-Reuters, there's no paddy wagon rolling around Fallujah picking up "prisoners" and offering them a hot cup o' Joe, falafel, and a blanket. There's no time to mess around on the target. You clear the space, dump the chumps, and move on. Are Corpsmen expected to treat wounded terrorists? Negative. Hey Libs, worried about the defense budget?

Well, it would be waste, fraud, and abuse for a Corpsman to expend one man-minute or a battle dressing on a terrorist. It's much cheaper to just spend the $.02 on a 5.56mm round. By the way, in our view, terrorists who chop off civilian's heads are not prisoners, they are carcasses. Chopping off a civilian's head is another reason why these idiots are known as "unlawful combatants." It seems that most of the world's journalists have forgotten that fact. Let me be very clear about this issue.

I have looked around the web, and many people get this concept, but there are some stragglers. Here is your typical Marine sitrep (situation report): You just took fire from unlawful combatants (no uniform - breaking every Geneva Convention rule there is) shooting from a religious building, attempting to use the sanctuary status of their position as protection. But you 're in Fallujah now, and the Marine Corps has decided that they're not playing that game this time. That was Najaf.

So you set the mosque on fire and you hose down the terrorists with small arms, launch some AT-4s (Rockets), some 40MM grenades into the building and things quiet down. So you run over there, and find some tangos (bad guys) wounded and pretending to be dead. You are aware that suicide martyrdom is like really popular with these idiots, and they think taking some Marines with them would be really cool. So you can risk your life and your fire team's lives by having them cover you while you bend down and search a guy that you think is pretending to be dead for some reason.

Most of the time these are the guys with the grenade or a vest made of explosives. Also, you don't know who or what is in the next room . You're already speaking English to the rest of your fire team or squad, which lets the terrorist know you are there and you are his enemy. You are speaking loud because your hearing is poor from shooting people for several days. So you know that there are many other rooms to enter, and that if anyone is still alive in those rooms, they know that Americans are in the mosque.

Meanwhile (3 seconds later), you still have this terrorist (that was just shooting at you from a mosque) playing possum. What do you do? You double tap his head, and you go to the next room, that's what! What about the Geneva Convention and all that 'Law of Land Warfare' stuff?

What about it?

Without even addressing the issues at hand, your first thought should be, "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6." Bear in mind that this tactic of double tapping a fallen terrorist is a perpetual mindset that is reinforced by experience on a minute by minute basis.

Secondly, you are fighting an unlawful combatant in a Sanctuary, which is a double No-No on his part.

Third, tactically you are in no position to take "prisoners" because there are more rooms to search and clear, and the behavior of said terrorist indicates that he is up to no good. No good in Fallujah is a very large place and the low end of no good and the high end of no good are fundamentally the same ... Marines end up getting hurt or die.

So there is no compelling reason for you to do anything but double tap this idiot and get on with the mission. If you are a veteran, then everything I have just written is self evident. If you are not a veteran, at least try to put yourself in the situation.

Remember, in Fallujah there is no yesterday, there is no tomorrow, there is only now, Right NOW. Have you ever lived in NOW for a week? It is really, really not easy. If you have never lived in NOW for longer than it takes to finish the big roller coaster at Six Flags, then shut your mouth about putting Marines in jail for "War Crimes."

Semper fi.

2007-12-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

SOCIALISM---IS AMERICA READY

The last time this country was confronted with the possibility of electing a Socialist leaning President was in 1972, and George McGovern was the candidate. I was assigned to the United States Air Force Academy as an AOC (Air Officer Commanding) at the time. At a weekly meeting with the Commandant of Cadets, the Brigadier General said, “Gentleman, during this election, you again have the opportunity to do something good for your country”. He did not tell us how to vote, but we all understood what he meant. George McGovern would dismantle the US military, as was done immediately following WWII.
This did not quite make sense, as we were still in the middle of a war in Vietnam from which I had just returned. There were forty young patriots in that room, and all exhaled Red, White, and Blue. We understood that such a philosophy would seriously jeopardize the welfare and the security of our country. Guess where we stood???
The American People soundly rejected George McGovern’s politics, and the Democratic Party learned a valuable lesson. America was not ready for Socialism, so the Democrats moved the party closer to the center.
The question remains, where does the country stand today? Faced with the same option, will a sleepy American people allow the disaster to occur in 2008. There have been some changes since 1972 that may allow the unthinkable to happen. I spent my entire working life-time training to defend, or defending, this great nation against the threat of Socialism, which I define as “practice Communism”. My greatest fear today is that even though the external threat was unable to accomplish the unthinkable, it might be possible from within.
During the McCarthy years of the 1950s, Socialists in this country were forced to hide or find cover. Blacklists were prevalent in Hollywood, and the mood of the country left little room for the left-leaning. As could be predicted, the far-left found refuge for most part in the Democratic Party. Occasionally, they raised their heads, such as in 1972, but just as often they were met with rejection. It appears that the trend has run its course. Extreme amounts of money from the far-left have energized the Democratic Party, the Hollywood elite and the enriched main-stream media. Blitzed by the constant ranting from these sources, it appears the American people are equally divided between the two major political parties. This is frightening to me.I must admit to being a present day conservative, which was not always the case. I remember in 1960 casting my very first vote in a Presidential election, for JFK. I was right out of colle ge and a new electrical engineer ready to conquer the world. Looking back, JFK would make a pretty good Republican in this day and age. So, things change, and the Democratic Party left me. I did not leave it. The party moved so far left, that I could no longer support its outlandish pursuits, such as redistribution of wealth, over taxation, and government control of everything. It has become obvious that the present day Democratic Party was not the one our Fathers knew and supported.
Look with an open mind at the Democratic Party over the past 12 months, and it is revealing. The American people are tired of the war in Iraq, but not those fighting it, which is reflected in the polls. The Democrats are totally poll driven, so they have gone overboard in degrading the war effort, and unfortunately, those who are fighting it. Let’s look at a few who run our country now and in the past.
Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, knows that the tide has turned in Iraqi war, which is absolutely the heart of the War-On-Terror in the broader picture. His prediction that “the war is lost”, at a time our troops were giving their lives in pursuit of success, was totally wrong. Yet, he still attempts to send legislation to the President demanding immediate surrender and with-drawl. This is work of a traitor in my opinion.Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, continues to sport the deer-in-the-headlight smile and support Reid. My question is simply, will she ever get over her elevated position of being third in line for the Presidency, and start thinking of more important issues. In my opinion, Ms Pelosi is the classic, closet Socialist, but then, she has an enormous amount of company in the Democratic Party. It is tough remaining number one.
John Murtha served in Korea, but I understand he never made it to the war zone. He plays the war hero card, yet he does nothing but oppose, and degrade, our men and women in uniform.
John Kerry (I realize you are tired of hearing about this guy, but he is the Democratic-mold in my opinion) voted against the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the M-1 Abrams Tank, every Aircraft Carrier since 1988, the Aegis anti-aircraft system, the F-15 Strike Eagle, newer F-16 upgrades, the P-3 Orion upgrade, and to kill the B-1 Bomber. He is truly anti-military and a liar to boot, which detrimentally affected our efforts in Vietnam, and now the Middle-East. This guy actually had the audacity to run for President of this great nation. Again, the people were smart enough to reject such nonsense.
I understand Dick Durbine has accused our troops at Guantanimo of being Nazis, tenders of Soviet style gulags and bad as Pol Pot, who murdered two million of his own people. Yea, these guys sure support our troops.
Ted Kennedy appears to be anti-military, anti-America, and should have served hard time over the death of Mary Jo Kopeckni years ago. I honestly don’t think he has had a clear thought in 20 years---Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
In my opinion the bottom of this barrel may be Al Gore. Gore is a loser, and a poor one at that. He now needs a cause. What better than an emotional issue like global warming, which cannot be proven one way or the other. He is smart, but could care less about this nation. Gore is becoming a very rich man with this single-minded idea, and when he feels he might win, we will see him again running hard from the far-left.
Jimmy Carter, the father of the Radical-Islam movement, aided the downfall of the Shah of Iran in 1979, allowing the Ayatollah Khomeini to begin the Radical-Islam resurgence we are witnessing today. No need to mention the 18% inflation and 18% interest rates during his tax-raising term. Will they ever learn that tax breaks fuel the economy?
I think the following far-left names are self explanatory: Russ Feingold, Chuck Schumer, Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Carl Levine, George Soros, Jane Fonda, Sean Penn, Michael Moore, George Clooney (now there is an intellect), Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Danny Glover, and the list goes on, and on, and on. There is no shame.
The collective stupidity of these clowns has the potential to destroy this country, after they turn it into a Socialist, then Communist State. Putin is smiling right now. The politicians above are self-serving fools who despise President Bush, and whose insane drive to regain political power guides their actions, not what is good for the country or the people. Again, it is my opinion. Some may think I am wrong.
Now, after all those words, what is the point to this story?---Hillary Clinton!!! I smile when I hear Hillary speak about other candidate’s lack of experience. Hillary has no experienc e at all, except as under-study to her husband, Bill Clinton. Now there is a role model. Let’s take a look at who was her teacher.
Bill Clinton signed enlistment papers and took an oath to serve in Sept, 1969, then failed to show at his military duty station. He was reclassified 1-A on Oct 30, 1969, as his enlistment with the Reserves was revoked making him officially AWOL. He avoided all the consequences of those misdeeds, and received a pardon by President Jimmy Carter Jan 21, 1977. Bill Clinton was the first President of the Untied States who was a pardoned FELON, and then he went on to be IMPEACHED.
When you hear the Democrats preach about our troops serving long, multiple tours in Iraq, please keep this in mind. As memory serves me, Bill Clinton reduced our military by:
-----709,000 Regular Active Duty Personnel
-----293,000Reserve Troops
-----Eight Army Divisions
-----20 Air Force and Navy Air Wings with 2,000 Combat Aircraft
-----232 Strategic Bombers
-----19 Strategic Missile Submarines
-----Four Aircraft Carriers and 121 Surface Combat Ships and Submarines
-----and on, and on, and on.
I must admit to being one who truly believes it is time this country includes women as prospective choices for President of the United States, but Hillary Clinton is not one of them.
I must ask the question of even those real Democrats (not the far-left who embrace Socialism), do we really want to see, hear and smell the Clintons again, and for possibly another eight years. I am in great hope that the answer to that question is the same as it was for George McGovern---a very firm, yet loud---NO.
In conclusion, let me say again, no country in the world can present a true conventional threat to this great nation. The threat comes from apathy---Apathy from good, American people, who are paddling as fast as they can. There is litt le time left to get deeply involved with politics after taking care of family and the daily grind of making a living.However, we are at the McGovern cross-roads again. The outcome of the 2008 election will affect every breathing individual in this country. Socialized medicine, doing away with the Bush tax cuts, increasing taxes, reducing the military at a time this country faces possibly the biggest threat in its history, cutting and running in the Middle-East, allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons and becoming dominant in the Middle-East, bowing to the will of George Soros, the Hollywood Elite, and enriched far-left news organizations, and living with the risk of more Clinton level scandals and indiscretions is beyond comprehension to me.
My plea is for all Americans to look closely at what has occurred during the past 12 months in the Democratic Congress, and visualize the state of our country after four years of President Hillary Clinton, backed by a Democrat controlled House and Senate. I think that is scary enough to awaken the good Democrats, and even an apathetic nation.
Jim Cash, B/G, USAF. Ret.
Lakeside, Montana

2007-09-04T15:09:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Represented by Color Guard for Acworth's Pioneer Days Parade

Saturday, September 1, 2007, was the kick-off for Acworth's Pioneer Days. A parade, consisting of the North Cobb High Marching Band and many, many other North Cobb organizations, wound its way from KenWorth Park to the Acworth downtown area and beyond.

Post 304 was represented by providing the lead Color Guard to head the parade. Commander Larry Lieber, Jr. Vice Commanders Rich Ray and Fred Gaines, and Adjutant David Burdette made up the Color Guard and marched the entire 20-mile parade route (just kidding, it was only about a mile-and-a-half - it just seemed like 20!).

Commander Lieber delivers instructions to the Guard.

This is the Post 304 Color Guard.

2007-08-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

August 16, 2007, Meeting Features Rev. Ewell Black and

the MIA/POW Ceremony

The table was set for the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony ...

Rev. Ewell Black, who is the Fifth District Chaplain and a member of Smyrna Post 160, was a POW/MIA from The Battle of the Bulge, captured December 19, 1944. He explains the set up for the POW/MIA Remembrance Table, and conducted the Ceremony as follows:

"The POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony"

As you entered the Armory Mess Hall this evening, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
This Table set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!
The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember!
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!
The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!
The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!
There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember!
The Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember!
The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!
Remember! -- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!
Remember! -- Until the day they come home, Remember!

SUGGESTED TABLE SET UP:
1. A small, round bistro table
2. White tablecloth
3. Single place setting, preferably all white
4. Wine glass - inverted
5. Salt shaker
6. Slice of lemon on bread plate with a pile of spilled salt
7. Small bud vase with a single stem red rose
8. RED ribbon tied around the vase
9. Candle - lit
10. Empty chair

Those in attendance were attentive and responsive as they listened to the Ceremony and to Rev. Black's story of his capture and interment during World War II in German Stalags.

All in all, it was an impressive Ceremony.

The membership also voted to purchase a large brick at the Veteran's Memorial at Patriot's Point at Lake Acworth to commemorate our fallen comrades of The American Legion North Cobb Post 304.

Post 304 is grateful for the service provided by Chaplain, POW/MIA and Veteran and Legionnaire Ewell Black.

2007-07-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Intallation Ceremony - July 21, 2007 - Part I, The Crowd Gathers

The Post recently purchased an LCD projector, primarily for use in presenting the Post 304 story to prospective donors for the new Post Home Fund pledge drive. During the social hour, a PowerPoint presentation was rolled onto the screen, representing all the accomplishments of the Post during the past year. This is one of the 75 or so images that were shown.

Commander Lieber and Sr. Vice Johnson appear to be sharing a good story - or conspiring to pull something funny on an unsuspecting Adjutant (as usual).

Cdr. Lieber chats with Dr. John Abraham as Legionnaire Ron Deering passes.

Captain Jack Sparrow, Ron Deering and James Robinson.

Legionnaire John O'Connor and wife, Joan, chat with Mike Kettmann's friend, Janice Wadsworth.

Department Finance Officer James Robinson and Adjutant Burdette smile for the camera.

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and Dr. John Abraham in deep conversation.

Sr. Vice Tom Poston. That's his friend, Tasha Olivi, in the purple blouse.

Pondering logistics.

Guests Steve Anderson, the Rev. Ewell Black, and Burdette

2007-07-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Installation Ceremony - July 21, 2007 - Part II Getting Settled for Dinner

Auxiliary Unit 304 President Velica Daniel and hubby, Howard, prepare to order dinner.

Mayor Allegood brought his IT guy, Heung, and his date, Isabel, to assist him in preparing for his video presentation.

Adjutant Burdette chatting with Sgt.-at-Arms Larry Hale and his friend, Barbi Williams.

Howard Daniel, former Post 304 Commander and Jack-of-all-trades. Most recently Howard was the Post's Sgt.-at-Arms.

Sr. Vice Alan Johnson chats with Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood as Captain Jack and wife, Ann, look on.

Post 304 Finance and Service Officer Tom Stenzel.

Chaplain Robert Noles and wife, Frances.

Auxiliary Unit 304 Treasurer Helen Free, Barbie Williams, Larry Hale, Guest Steve Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation, Chamblee, GA, Nancy Burdette.

Velica and Howard Daniel.

Post 304 Legionnaire Ray Unser and wife, Hazel.

Newly elected Jr. Vice Commander David Menendez.

New Assistant Chaplain Duane Young and wife, Barbara enjoy the Provino's fare.

2007-07-26T14:39:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Installation Ceremony - July 21, 2007 - Part III, After-Dinner Presentations

After a delicious Italian dinner at Provino's Restuarant, Acworth, GA Mayor Tommy Allegood gave an inspirational presentation accompanied by a video featuring veterans from World War II (Allegood's father), the Korean Conflict, the Viet Nam War and the Iraq War, and the establishment of a Veteran's Memorial at Lake Acworth at Patriot's Point.

Mayor Allegood at the lectern.

The crowd listens intently. That's Mayor Allegood's uncle Carlton Allegood at left, District Five Chaplain the Rev. Ewell Black, and Post 304 Finance Officer Tom Stenzel in the foreground.

Left is Mayor Allegood's father, Bill, uncle Carlton Allegood and the Rev. Black.

Also presenting after dinner was Post 304 friend and newly-elected Cobb County Board of Education member Dr. John E. Abraham. He spoke about the his interest in veteran's affairs and in expanding Legion programs in the Cobb County school system.

After his talk, Dr. Abraham was presented the "We The People Award" from the Post for his assistance in helping the Post with the American Flag issue encountered earlier in the year. Following this award, Commander Lieber presented Certificates of Appreciation to all of the Post 304 Officers and Committee Chairman for their involvement in the Post Programs during the 20006-2007 year.

Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson was presented the prestigous LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR AWARD by Commander Lieber. The Award can only be awarded once in a Legionnaire's lifetime and it was awarded to Johnson for his work on the new Post Home Pledge Drive and as Editor of the Post Newsletter, The Situation Report. Johnson also was presented a Second Place Certificate of Merit from the Georgia American Legion Press Association for excellence in Newsletters.

Johnson salutes Commaner Lieber after receiving the Legionaire of the Year Award

Commander Lieber presents Adjutant Burdette with the "U Dun Gud David" Award.

Adjutant Burdette was also awarded a Distinguished Service Award by Commander Lieber and the Post.

Burdette's Plaque.

Following the Ceremony, Fifth District Chaplain the Rev. Ewell Black, a former WWII POW/MIA from the Battle of the Bulge thanked the Post for the development of the "Veteran's Day 4 Kids" Program, in which he has been a participant.

2007-07-26T14:22:00.000-05:00

Installation Ceremony - July 21, 2007 - Part IV, The Installation of the New Post 304 Officers:

Department Finance Officer and District 5 ALBA Chairman James Robinson was the Installing Officer. Here he gives instructions to Commander Larry Lieber and the new officers about to be installed:

Robinson at the lectern

Sr. Vice-Commander Alan Johnson, standing in for Jr. Vice Richard Ray (who was away on a fishing trip in Canada) is former Post 304 Commander Howard Daniel, Jr. Vice Mike Kettmann, Sr., and Jr. Vice Fred Gaines.

Jr. Vice Gaines, Jr. Vice David Menendez, standing in for Judge Advocate Jim Stoll (who was in Panama City, FL at his grand-daughters appearance in the World Series of Fast-Pitch Softball) Kristin Lieber, Commanders Lieber's daughter, and Chaplain Robert Noles.

Kristin, Noles, and Sgt.-at-Arms Larry Hale.

Asst. Chaplain Duane Young, Adjutant David Burdette.

The newly installed Officers for 2007-2008 face the crowd. That's Finance Officer Tom Stenzel in the forground at right.

2007-05-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Holds Election of Officers;
Program on Air Force Week
CM/Sgt John Cowman, Chief of Training and Air Force Week Co-Chairman, Dobbins AirForce Reserve Base, spoke to the members of Post 304 about the celebration for the Air Force's 60th Anniversary and the events taking place this year. The celebration culminates with Air Force Week in October, 2007.

The members listen attentively to Sgt. Cowman's presentation.

After the presentation, election of officers was held. During the discussion about Jr. Vice Commanders and the number of new Programs in which the Post is now involved, it was determined by membership vote that a fourth Jr. Vice Commander is needed. The following Post Officers were elected:
Commander - Larry Lieber
Sr. Vice Commander - Alan Johnson
Jr. Vice Commander - Richard Ray
Jr. Vice Commander - Mike Kettmann, Sr.
Jr. Vice Commander - Fred Gaines
Jr. Vice Commander - David Menendez
Judge Advocate - Jim Stoll
Finance Officer and Service Officer - Tom Stenzel
Asst. Service Officer - David Menendez
Post Home Fund Committee - Co-Chairs Alan Johnson and Bob Titshaw. Member Richard Ray
After the election of Officers, Commander Lieber announced his intention with respect to appointments of other Officers and Committee Chairs as follows:
Adjutant and Historian - David Burdette
Chaplain - Robert Noles
Asst. Chaplain - Duane Young
Sgt.-at-Arms - Larry Hale
Boys State Committee - Richard Ray, Chairman
High School Oratorical Contest Committee - David Burdette, Chairman
Jr. ROTC and ROTC Committee - Co-Chairmen Fred Gaines and Larry Hale
Civic Affairs Committee - Jim Stoll, Chairman
Awards Chairman - Co-Chairmen Mike Kettmann, Sr. and Alan Johnson
ALBA Committee - Larry Lieber, Chairman
Finance Committee - Tom Stenzel, Chairman, Alan Johnson, David Burdette and Richard Ray
The Officers will be installed by Dept. Finance Officer and ALBA Chairman James E. Robinson on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at Provino's Italian Restuarant on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. The festivities commence at 6:30 pm.

2007-05-16T19:11:00.000-05:00

Kennesaw Mountain High School Navy Junior ROTC Awards Banquet is Attended by Many Organizations to Present Awards to the Cadets

The Kennesaw Mountain High School NJROTC Awards Banquest was held in the school cafeteria on Tuesday evening, May 15, 2007.

The head table included such dignataries as (l-r) the representative from The Sons of the American Revolution, our own Post 304 Commander Larry Lieber, representative from the Naval Reserve Association, NJROTC Commander Bauers and his wife.

Here, Cadet LT Matt Angel and Cadet LCDR Chris Echevarria congratulates part of the troops for their excellent performance during the past year:

Cadet LCDR Echevarria congratulates one of the Cadets for his performance:

Post 304 Commander and Legionnaire Fred Gaines get their notes together for The American Legion Awards. That's Commander Bauers over Fred's left shoulder and Cadet Commander Ashley Montgomery is at extreme left. Montgomery was the very capable Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Commander Larry Lieber congratulates Cadet LT Matt Angel on receiving The American Legion JROTC Award for Scholastic Excellence:

Cadet LCDR Chris Echevarria is awarded The American Legion Award for Military Excellence by Cdr. Lieber.

Here's the group from Post 304 with the winning cadets: l-r Fred Gaines, Larry Hale, Cadet Angel, Cdr. Larry Lieber, and Cadet Echevarria:

And here's a couple of award presenters from The Sons of the American Revolution and the Old Guard Award:

2007-05-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

Kell High School Senior
Nicholas Niedhardt
Receives Prestigious
American Legion School Award
at Honors Ceremony

Nicholas Niedhardt, graduating senior at Kell High School, was presented The American Legion School Award at the Annual Honors Ceremony on Monday, April 30, 2007. The Award and beautiful bronze medallion, is given in recognition of Distinguished Achievement and possession of those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service which are necessary to the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of society. The recipient of the Award is determined by the school faculty and staff. Cadet Niedhardt also is the Executive Officer of the Kell NJROTC Unit.

Shown in the picture above is Post 304 Adjutant Burdette and Senior Naval Science Instructor and NJROTC Commander William Wilkerson, CAPT, USN. Picture was taken by Laura Niedhardt, Nicholas' mom.

2007-05-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Presents The American Legion School Award to Danielle Sparks, Senior at North Cobb High School

Adjutant David Burdette at lectern and North Cobb High Principal Gary Boling, right.

Burdette announces the winner, Danielle Sparks, North Cobb graduating Senior

Danielle Starks, graduating senior at North Cobb High School, was presented The American Legion School Award at the Annual Awards Day on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. The Award and beautiful bronze medallion, is given in recognition of Distinguished Achievement and possession of those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service which are necessary to the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of society. The recipient of the Award is determined by the school faculty and staff.

Post 304 was also represented at the Ceremony by Alan Johnson, Sr. Vice-Commander, who was also the photographer, and Nancy Burdette, Auxiliary Unit 304 member.

2007-05-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Provides The American Legion School Award to Kennesaw Mountain High School Graduating Senior

Joshua David Neal, graduating senior at Kennesaw Mountain High School, was presented The American Legion School Award at the Annual Awards Day on Friday, April 27, 2007. The Award and beautiful bronze medallion, is given in recognition of Distinguished Achievement and possession of those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service which are necessary to the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of society. The recipient of the Award is determined by the school faculty and staff.

Jackie Brown, Counsellor at KMHS, is shown presenting the award to Joshua.

2007-05-03T13:35:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Presents Jr. ROTC Awards at North Cobb High School

The North Cobb High School Navy Jr. ROTC

Color Guard

Legionnaires Fred Gaines, Larry Hale, David Burdette, and Auxiliary member Nancy Burdette represented Post 304 on Tuesday evening, April 24, 2007, at the Navy Jr. ROTC Awards Ceremony at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw. American Legion Ribbons and Certificates were presented to two of the cadets for Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence by Burdette and Gaines.

Here's a shot of the crowd on the left side of the room where the ceremony was conducted ...

... and here's the crowd on the right side of the room.

Presenters from the Sons of the American Revolution, Gaines and Burdette enjoy a chuckle before the start of the ceremony. Larry Hale was the photographer.

Here's an image of the "civilian" crowd that attended ...

... listening to retiring ROTC Commander Craig Smith addressing them ...

... and the cadets.

This is the Sons of the American Revolution presenting an award to one of the cadets.
That's US Marine First Sergeant Brian Foster of the ROTC Unit sitting at far right.

And Burdette about to present the ...

... American Legion Military Excellence Award to Cadet LCDR Michael Little.
The winner of The American Legion ROTC Scholastic Excellence Award was Cadet C/MCPO Chase Mizzell. Unfortunately, we were not able to get a photograph of Cadet Mizzell accepting the Award from Fred Gaines.
The entire ceremony was very impressive. Hopefully, we can involve more of our Legionnaires in future events such as this.

2007-04-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Represented Well at the Big Shanty Festival in Kennesaw on Saturday, April 21, 2007
Jr. Vice Commander Rich Ray and Finance Officer Tom Stenzel are all smiles before the start of the parade at 0900 Satuarday morning.

Here's the group, with First Sgt. Brian Foster from the Jr. ROTC unit at North Cobb High School on the left, followed by Bob Titshaw, Sr. Vice Alan Johnson, Commander Larry Lieber, Terry Hendrix, Rich Ray, Tom Stenzel and Fred Gaines.

Above is the ROTC unit from North Cobb High. At right is Alan and Larry sitting in Alan's BMW before the start of the parade.

Titshaw and Lieber guarding the colors.

Alan Johnson drove his beamer with Cdr. Lieber's wife, Anne, grandson Jordan, and daughter, Kristin riding along. Kristin, sitting in the rear and waving, wore a POW/MIA shirt for the occasion.

2007-04-29T14:17:00.000-05:00

State Rep. Ed Setzler (R), District 35,
Speaks at Post 304 Regular Meeting

State Representative Ed Setzler, who represents District 35, part of Cobb County, spoke to the membership of The American Legion Post 304 at the regular meeting on Thursday, April 19, 2007. He opened the floor for a lively Q and A after his talk.

Ed was first elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives in 2004 where he serves on the House Ways & Means and Education Committees and serves as the third ranking member of the Judiciary (Non-civil) Committee.

Born in Atlanta, Ed grew up in the Southeast and attended Furman University in Greenville, SC where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and the designation of Distinguished Military Graduate with his Army commission in 1992. Ed served his country on active duty for 9 years as a US Army Officer with challenging leadership assignments in Europe, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf. A graduate of the US Army Ranger School, Ed completed his active military service at Fort Stewart, Georgia as Commander of a 200 soldier transportation company in the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized).

Also present at the meeting was guest Amador (Chief) Rodriguez, Commander of Marietta Post 29 and a couple of his fellow legionnaires from the Post. He is shown below with our Commander Larry Lieber.

2007-04-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Federal Court Overturns Injunction against National Scout Jamboree; American Legion Hails Decision

INDIANAPOLIS (April 5, 2007) - The leader of the nation’s largest veteran’s organization hailed yesterday’s decision from the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago that dismissed the ACLU’s lawsuit against the Dept. of Defense for supporting the National Boy Scout Jamboree.

“This is a victory for not only the youth of our nation but also for the preservation of tradition and common sense,” said American Legion National Commander Paul A. Morin. “For more than 25 years, Boy Scouts have held the National Scout Jamboree every four years at Fort A.P. Hill near Fredericksburg, Va. for ten days of activities emphasizing physical fitness, appreciation of the outdoors, and patriotism. It is especially fitting that the Scouts will be able to go forward with the 2010 Jamboree as they celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.”

In 1999 the ACLU sued DoD over its support for the Jamboree. In 2005, a federal district court in Chicago concluded the Jamboree statue was unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause because Scouting has a nonsectarian “duty to God” requirement. DoD appealed the district court’s injunction against military support under that statute for the 2010 Jamboree. The American Legion filed a “friend of the court” brief supporting the Dept. of Defense in Winkler v. Gates.

Seven Presidents have attended the Jamboree since President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. The Jamboree grounds at Fort A.P. Hill are open to the public and an estimated 300,000 visitors attended in 2005 along with 43,000 Scouts and their leaders. The U.S. Congress called it an incomparable training opportunity for our armed forces; it requires the construction, maintenance, and disassembly of a “tent city” capable of supporting tens of thousands of people for a week or longer.

“Patriotism and mentoring youth are pillars of The American Legion,” Morin said. “When Scouts have the opportunity to interface with members of the finest military in the world, they acquire many of the leadership skills that will guide them throughout their lives.”
The American Legion is one of the nation’s largest sponsors of scouting units across the country.

Media Contacts: Joe March, (317) 630-1253; Cell (317) 748-1926 or Ramona Joyce, 202/263-2982; Cell, 202-445-1161. This text and a high-resolution photo of Cmdr. Morin can be downloaded at www.legion.org.

2007-04-05T13:12:00.000-05:00

R.O.T.C. American Legion Medals Awarded at Kennesaw State University

Army Capt. Paul Gates (right), ROTC Commandant at KSU, addresses the group of Cadets on Thursday morning, April 5, 2007, at their regular class and introduces American Legion Post 304 Legionnaires Fred Gaines and David Burdette. Awards, including Certificates and Ribbon/Medals are to be awarded to four deserving cadets for Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence.

Capt. Gates addresses the four recipients: John Rossi, Sr. Military Award, Sean O'Dowd, Jr. Military Award, Maxwell Thelen, Sr. Scholastic Award, and Richard Horner, Jr. Scholastic Award.

Capt. Gates presents a Military Excellence Award.

And another Military Excellence Award.

Jr. Academic Excellence Award to Cadet Horner while Cadet Walker (background) reads the Award criteria.

2007-04-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

More Pictures From Keheley Elementary School

Jim Stoll makes opening remarks to the entire Fifth Grade

The were "all ears" - and they stayed that way.

Pat Kelly and David Burdette spoke to a group in the morning session.

Larry Lieber and Rev. Ewell Black spoke to a morning group.

Duane Young relating his experiences to the students.

Jim Stoll captivates the kids with his Korean War tales.

Bob Steele and Pat Kelly hold court in the afternoon session.

Jim Stoll speaks to an attentive bunch.

Duane Young shares a picture of himself taken in 1945.

2007-04-01T09:46:00.000-05:00

Senate Passes Iraq Surrender Provision,

American Legion Urges Presidential Veto

Washington, DC (March 28, 2007) - The National Commander of The American Legion criticized an amendment narrowly passed by the U.S. Senate that would add a timeline of withdrawal to an Iraq spending bill.

“You don’t have to be a military strategist to understand the advantage a withdrawal date gives to the enemy,” Paul A. Morin said. “First the House passed a blueprint for disaster and now the Senate passes a recipe for surrender.”

Morin called on the president to honor his promise to veto legislation that includes timetables to withdraw from Iraq. “The American Legion supports the troops. You cannot support the troops if you want them to cut and run. Congress authorized Operation Iraqi Freedom, now it needs to let the troops finish the job.”

Morin pointed out that Congress cut off funding in Vietnam, even though the troops won every military battle. “Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past. The American people need to support the troops and their commander in chief, even if Congress won’t.”

The Senate voted 50-48 for the provision containing the withdraw requirement, which was supported by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV. Reid did not seem willing to compromise with the White House, saying that he is “not anxious to strip anything out of the bill.”

Morin added that the United States has only one commander in chief. “The American people did not elect 535 legislators to be armchair generals. It is outrageous that Congress would leave our troops on the battlefield without the funding that they need. It’s time for the president to veto this surrender bill and for Congress to pass a serious war-funding bill, which would provide the money without the micro-management. I call on my fellow Legionnaires to let their senators and representatives know where we stand on this war.”

2007-03-31T16:24:00.000-05:00

The American Legion Post 304 Provides WWII and Korean Veterans to Speak to Fifth Grade Students at Keheley Elementary

U.S. Navy Korean War veteran and American Legion North Cobb Post 304 member Duane Young of Kennesaw recounts his war experiences to a group of fifth-graders at Keheley Elementary. World War II and Korean veterans spent the day interacting with students.

World War II, Korean War veterans

share stories at Keheley Elementary

Saturday, March 31, 2007
By Michael French
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

MARIETTA - He was captured barely a week after entering combat in World War II. And 63 years later, he captured the attention of Marietta fifth-graders.

The Rev. Ewell Black, 82, of Austell was sent to the frontlines of the Allied army Dec. 10, 1944, mere days before the Germans counterattacked in the Battle of the Bulge.

On March 20, 2007, Black sat surrounded by students at Keheley Elementary in Marietta, telling them of his experiences in combat and as a prisoner of war more than a half-century ago.

Ewell was forced into work camps, marched to multiple prison camps in the dead of the worst winter in 40 years in Europe, and when he was rescued, he only weighed 90 pounds."My parents didn't know what had happened to me," he said.

Keheley students took notes and asked questions of the war veterans who came to visit from North Cobb American Legion Post 304.

"Why was the USA bombing the place where you were?" asked student Trey Blakenship when Black described how nondescript buildings they were housed in were in cities the Allies were bombing late in the war.Black explained the Allies didn't know prisoners were there."Did you ever meet Hitler? Did he ever come up to you?" asked Kenneth Rowedder.

Black told Kenneth that when he was a prisoner at 19 years old, late in the war, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was too busy to visit prison camps.

"Hitler didn't budge out of Berlin at that time," he said.

Students asked the veterans if they were scared, how old they were and what they disliked the most about their war experiences.

One fifth-grader even asked Black if he had ever contemplated suicide while a POW in Germany.

"Not until I got back home," he said, referring to post-traumatic stress syndrome. "I was interested in living."Black spoke about how he defied the orders of German guards to move to another prison camp when the Allied soldiers were closing in on their position. "I said I wasn't going," he said.

He recalled seeing the frozen bodies of his comrades along the roadside when he was captured and remembered funny moments such as playing pranks on the American nurses and when a German snatched a French cigarette of out of his mouth and gave him a German one instead because French cigarettes were bad.

Korean War Veteran Jim Stoll, a Navy man from Kennesaw, said talking to the students was "one of the greatest experiences of my life.

"World War II veteran Robert Steele, who served in Italy, said the children were attentive to their accounts of history.

Teacher Susie Feathers said she hoped to bring World War II and Korean War veterans again next year.

"We won't have them around much longer," she said.

mfrench@mdjonline.com

U.S. Army veteran the Rev. Ewell Black of Austell recounts his experiences during WWII, including being captureed as a prisoner of war, to a group of fifth graders:

2007-03-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

Department Oratorical Contest Winners

(Reprinted from "The Communicator", Fall-Winter 2006-07, Issue 97)

The Georgia State Oratorical Contest was held on March 3, 2007 in Perry, Georgia at 1:00 PM with four contestants representing the four areas of the Department of Georgia. James Earnhardt, Department Oratorical Chairman, ran the contest. Checks were presented to the winners by Detachment Commander Don Godell and Department Jr. Vice Commander Jeannette Shaw. Pictures: L-R: Detachment Commander Don Goddell, 4th Place winner, Kevin O'Donnell; 3rd Place winnder Jessica Cruel; 2nd Place Winner Caleb Smith; 1st Place winner Ashley Butman; and Department Jr. Vice Commander Jeanette Shaw.

First Place winner, Ashley Butman sponsored by Post #307 - Cumming with S.A.L. Detachment Commander Don Goddell and Junior Vice Commander of the American Legion, Jeanette Shaw. Ashley will go to Indianapolis to represent State of Georgia in the Southern Regional and then hopefully the National Oratorical Contest.

The National winner will receive $18,000 in scholarship assistance from the National American Legion Program.

2007-03-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

The following memorandum is provided for your information. It was retrieved from the Georgia Department website on March 2, 2007.

THE AMERICAN LEGION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206

DATE: February 28, 2007

MEMORANDUM TO: Department Commanders
Department Adjutants
National Executive Committeemen
Past National Commanders
National Officers

FROM: ROBERT W. SPANOGLE

SUBJECT: Gathering of Eagles – March 17th in Washington, DC

It has been widely reported that anti-war protesters will be gathering in Washington, DC, March 17, 2007, near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It is the responsibility of the National Park Service and the Park Police to protect the memorials, monuments and related structures that are located on the National Mall and its environs. We have been informed that Park Police will be posted throughout the area and will enforce any and all relevant laws. It is our understanding that this should not preclude the public from visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or any of the other memorials on that date.

A counter-protest group, the “Gathering of Eagles,” which appears to be comprised primarily of veterans and other patriotic individuals has been organized and will also be present on the National Mall, particularly in the area of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, on March 17th. We are aware the group has applied for a permit to gather as a pro-troop rally and, according to their mission statement, to guard our memorials and their grounds in a non-violent and non-confrontational manner. Although The American Legion has not endorsed the organization, much of the language in the mission statement is similar to that contained in Resolution No. 169 which was unanimously reaffirmed by the delegates to the 2006 National Convention, and their defined efforts are laudable. The group’s website is located at http://gatheringofeagles.org.

It is recommended that any Legionnaires or Posts planning on visiting the memorials or otherwise being in the area of the National Mall in Washington, DC on March 17th, should familiarize themselves with Resolution No. 169 on our website, http://www.legion.org.

ROBERT W. SPANOGLE
National Adjutant

2007-02-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

District Five National High School Oratorical Contest, Powder Springs Post 294, February 18, 2007

Chairman Buddy Acree declares the Fifth District Oratorical Contest has commenced. He lays out the rules and regulations of the contest for the audience.

The speakers have spoken (pictures not allowed during the speaking contest). Here are the three contestants and the judges:

Department Commander Charles French and Fifth District Commander Bill Lienhop present the Third Place Winner, Chris O'Connell, a sophomore from North Springs High School and representing Powder Springs Post 294:

Commanders French and Lienhop present Second-Place Winner Kimberly Shealy, a junior from Kennesaw Mountain High and representing North Cobb Post 304. Although Kimberly performed extremely well at the District Five Contest, she was bested by a junior from Atlanta Post 291 and came in second place. The judging for the top two winners was tight but Kimberly’s slight hesitation during the Assigned Topic, which was based on the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, may have been her downfall.

And the winner is ... Jamelia Frink, a junior from Sandy Creek High School and representing Atlanta Post 291. The winner of the District Five contest advances to the Area Contest, which will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Cartersville Post.

Here are the contestants and the Commanders:

2007-02-20T10:47:00.000-05:00

Legion: Congress Sent Wrong Message Today

WASHINGTON, February 16, 2007 - The leader of the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ organization provided the following statement in response to the House vote disapproving the President’s decision to deploy more than 20,000 additional combat troops to the Iraqi theater.

“Congress may consider its vote today on H. Con. Res. 63 to be non-binding, but veterans of previous wars and those in the field of combat right now consider Congress’s action to be a betrayal of trust and the first step toward surrender to the terrorists who caused this war in the first place.

“We must never forget the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when two U.S. commercial aircraft were used to kill nearly 3,000 innocent people in an unprovoked attack against our nation’s sovereignty. We must never forget those brave Americans who downed their plane in Pennsylvania, saving the lives of many in the Capitol. We must never forget the attack on the Pentagon, or on the USS Cole, or our embassies, or our Marine barracks in Beirut. The list goes on and on.

“Even the Clinton administration tried to kill Osama bin Laden by lobbing missiles at him. This war didn’t just start with the invasion of Iraq. It’s been going on for decades. It’s been going on in Republican and Democrat administrations and Congresses.

“It isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about America. It’s about all of us, and especially those who are at this moment risking their lives on the field of battle.

“Americans are not the enemy here. The terrorists and all of those governments that support them are the enemy. We must never forget that. And, equally important, we must never forget the primary lesson learned in Vietnam: you cannot separate the war from the warrior.

“Congress can talk all it wants to about how it supports the troops. But its actions set the table. The message they sent today to the frontline is that America is preparing to cut and run. We essentially told our fighting men and women that ‘we have taken step one in the plan to cut reinforcements, to cut armaments, and to withdraw any support you need to complete your mission.’

“The Speaker characterized it succinctly when she said, “(t)his legislation will signal a change in direction that will end the fighting and bring our troops home.’

“What she failed to add was ‘… in defeat, and without completing the mission they were trained to complete and ready to win if only America had not given up before they did.’

“The American Legion and the American people find this to be totally unacceptable and we will do everything within our power to ensure that our troops are not used as political pawns by a Congress that lacks the will to win.”

2007-02-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

The American Legion Post 304

National High School Oratorical Contest - February 10, 2007

West Cobb Regional Library

Kennesaw, GA

The official timers for the contest, Legionnaires Fred Gaines and Commander Larry Lieber. (Fred was also the official photographer - thanks, Fred.)

We wish you all could have been there to enjoy the orations given by two North Cobb County High School students on the United States Constitution. The extemporaneous part of the contest was based on Amendment II to the Contstitution - The Right to Bear Arms. The speeches were inspirational, as were the students who participated.

Contest Chairman David Burdette opens the Contest and welcomes the Legionnaires and attendees.

Part of the crowd, consisting of parents of the contestants, Legionnaires and relatives.

Another shot of the crowd.

After the speeches (no pictures were allowed to be taken during the orations), the judges and contestants were seated in front of the audience. Left to right, Chief Judge Bob Titshaw, Steve Anderson, Hervey Ross, Contestant Kimber Shealy and Contestant Garret McDowell.

Burdette presents Second Place Certificate and check for $150.00 to Garret McDowell, a junior from Acworth, attending North Cobb High School.

And the winner is ....

Kimberly Shealy, a junior from Powder Springs, attending Kennesaw Mountain High School. She was presented with a Certificate of Participation and a check for $200.00. Congratulations, Kimber! She will represent Post 304 in the District Contest to be held on Sunday, February 18, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. at the Powder Springs Post.

Commander Lieber presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Judge Steve Anderson.

And to Judge Hervey Ross.

And recognition is given to Chief Judge and Immediate Past Commander Bob Titshaw.

Judge Hervey Ross provides some encouraging words to the contestants ...

And Judge Steve Anderson also adds some constructive help to the contestants for future speaking endeavors.

2007-01-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a Post 304 planning meeting Thursday evening, February 1, 2007, in the Conference Room of the GA National Guard Armory at 7:00 p.m. All Legion members of Post 304 are invited to attend.

Meeting usually adjourns by 8:30.

Purpose of the meeting is to plan upcoming events and programs for the Post.

Hope to see you there.

David Burdette
Adjutant

2007-01-21T16:41:00.000-05:00

Post 304 National High School Oratorical Contest Scheduled for February 10

We have four contestants for our Post Oratorical Contest. Two from Kennesaw Mountain High and two from North Cobb High. Two males, two females. All very good contestants!

The Post 304 Contest will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2007. It will be held at West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw. Here are driving directions from the Central Library in Marietta:

Take Roswell Street west (it will turn into Dallas Rd.-Hwy.120- outside the city limits). Turn right onto Mars Hill Road at the Old Lost Mountain Store. Continue on Mars Hill until you reach the intersection at Mars Hill and Stilesboro. Go 1 block north of the Mars Hill / Stilesboro Road intersection and turn right onto Dennis Kemp Lane. The library site is located on the left about half way between Mars Hill Rd. and Stilesboro Rd.

(Easiest way it to go Hwy 41 North to Mars Hill Rd., take a left and go 2-3 miles to the Waffle House just before you reach Dallas Hwy. and take a left just beyond Waffle House - go up the hill to the Library.)

If you would like to be involved in the Contest as Judge, Timer, Tabulator, Escort, Usher or in any other capacity, please let Adjutant Burdette know. Feel free to visit the library at your convenience and ask the Librarian to show you the large room behind the first door to your left as you enter the Library, if you wish to familiarize yourself with the Contest location. The room will comfortably seat 40 or so in the audience and we expect about 30 or so to attend, not including the contestants.

The winner of the Post 304 Contest will advance to the District Five Contest, to be held on Sunday, February 18, 2007, at American Legion Post 294, 3282 Florence Rd., Powder Springs, GA, at 4:00 p.m. The second-place winner of the Post 304 Contest will serve as the first Alternate to the District Five Contest.

The Area IV Contest (Districts 4, 5 and 7) will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2007, at Post 42, 1 Roosevelt St., in Cartersville.

Winner of the Area Contest goes to the Department competition in Perry, GA, on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Contest will be at the Houston County Board of Education, 1100 Main St. (341 South), at 1:00 p.m.

Here is the url that will take you to last years' winning National speech: http://www.legion.org:80/video/orawinner_06.wmv It is about 9 minutes or so. The speaker is a senior from an East Tennessee high school. Pretty impressive.

Hope to see many of you at the Post contest.

2007-01-16T20:54:00.000-05:00

Above artwork was provided by illustrious Commander Larry Lieber.

Sorry, I couldn't take the credit for this one!

Have you ever been aboard a nuclear powered submarine? Ever wondered what they do when they are at sea or what their missions are? How do the men aboard spend their time? And what about navigation, propulsion and emergencies? How is submarine control similar to airplanes?

Come to the next meeting on Thursday, January 18th and learn more when retired submarine Captain Ron Deering gives us the answers to many of these questions and more. Ron had command of two nuclear submarines during his 27-year Navy career, as well as numerous other jobs in operations, training and intelligence support of submarines.

Doors of the GA Army National Guard Armory, 1901 McCollum Pkwy, Kennesaw, will open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available. The meeting will start at 7:15 and Capt. Deering's presentation will follow shortly thereafter. Please let us know if you need transportation.

See ya Thursday!

2007-01-10T20:38:00.000-05:00

American Legion Fifth District Meeting Sunday, January 14, 2007

American Legion Post 111 in Dallas, GA, at 7758 Scoggins Rd, will host our January meeting on Sunday, January 14, 2007. Telephone (770) 445-2759 if you need directions.

Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The SAL meets at 10:00 a.m. and the Legion will meet at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served (charge will probably be $5.00). The Auxiliary will not meet.

All Fifth District Committee Chairs will provide a report.

2006-12-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Planning Meeting Thursday, January 4, 2007

A regular planning meeting for the membership of Post 304 will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2007, at the GA National Guard Armory at 1901 McCollum Pkwy. in Kennesaw. The Board room will be open at 7:00 p.m. for all members and officers who wish to attend. Your input into this meeting will reflect the direction in which your Post will be headed in the new year, 2007.

Hope to see you there.

2006-11-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

The American Legion accepts Kerry's apology; renews
call for better GI Bill

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 1, 2006) Late this afternoon, Senator John Kerry issued a statement which said: "I personally apologize to any servicemember, family member, or American who was offended" by comments he made about being "stuck in Iraq."

"On behalf of The American Legion, we accept the senator's apology for his intemperate remark," said Paul A. Morin, National Commander of The American Legion.

"We hope that the senator will use this opportunity to join with his colleagues in both houses to pass a GI Bill that gives members of the National Guard and Reserves educational benefits equal to those received by their regular Army counterparts," said Morin.

"Both are standing in Harm's Way and both deserve educational benefits sufficient to pay for a first class education in a decent college. To date the Congress has been unwilling to give Guardsmen and Reservists the same benefits given to other servicemembers, and, compounding the error, the Congress has not seen fit to award any servicemember a level of benefits sufficient to pursue an education full time. It's time to correct this error," Morin said.

2006-10-31T20:47:00.000-05:00

VETERANS INFORMATION RESERVE INCOME REPLACEMENT PROGRAM (RIRP):
A New Defense Department program should ease the financial hardships of NATIONAL GUARDSMEN and Reservists who suffer income loss when on active duty. The program rules limit eligibility to only those at the very end of the longest mobilizations. RIRP will pay the difference between their total monthly military pay and their 12-month average civilian income up to a maximum of $3,000 per month. RIRP expires in 2008. Studies indicate that from 25% to 50% of Guardsmen and Reservists suffer income loss when on active duty. They now become eligible RIRP for any full month following the date they complete the requisite eligibility service requirements, which include one of the following: Be serving on active duty in an involuntary status and have completed 18 continuous months of involuntary active duty, (or) have completed 24 cumulative months of involuntary active duty within the last 60 months, ( or) be serving on involuntary active duty for a period of 180 days or more that starts within six months of separation from a previous period on involuntary active duty for at least 180 days. [Source: NGAUS NOTES - August 11, 2006]

Spouses of Seriously Injured Service Members May Get Education Benefits Sooner:
Senators Larry Craig (R-ID) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI), the Chairman and Ranking Member respectively of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, have introduced legislation that could possibly speed up education benefits to spouses of severely injured service members. Similar legislation is introduced in the House. Under current law, when a service member is discharged from the military as a "permanently and totally disabled" veteran, the veteran's spouse is eligible for education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs through a program called Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The change would allow spouses to have immediate eligibility for educational benefits when the service member is hospitalized or receiving treatment and awaiting discharge from the service. The Craig-Akaka legislation is expected to be acted on before the Senate adjourns for their October recess. It is also under fast-track consideration in the House. (Leg Update 22 Sept 06)

Veteran ID Cards and Patient ID Cards to Be Replaced:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that all VA health care facilities are beginning an aggressive campaign to assure that enrolled veterans with old versions of its ID cards are issued the new Veterans Identification Card (VIC). VA decided to initiate the mass replacement to reduce veteran vulnerability to identity theft and to demonstrate VA's commitment to securing the confidential personal information of all enrolled veterans. VA indicates that prior versions of its identification cards display sensitive information such as social security number and date of birth on the front of the card. The new VIC, which was introduced in 2004, removed the sensitive information from the face of the card. Since the new VIC was introduced in March 2004, approximately 2.4 million enrolled veterans have been issued the new VIC. VHA estimates that between 3 and 4 million enrolled veterans have not yet been issued a new VIC. VA hopes to complete the massive replacement program within the next 12 months. For more information about the new VIC card, contact your Medical Center's Eligibility & Enrollment Office or visit the VA's Eligibility Web site at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility

2006-10-31T20:32:00.000-05:00

American Legion to Sen. Kerry: Apologize Now

INDIANAPOLIS, October 31, 2006

The National Commander of The American Legion called on Sen. John Kerry to apologize for suggesting that American troops in Iraq are uneducated.

"As a constituent of Senator Kerry's I am disappointed. As leader of The American Legion, I am outraged," said National Commander Paul A. Morin. "A generation ago, Sen. Kerry slandered his comrades in Vietnam by saying that they were rapists and murderers. It wasn't true then and his warped view of today's heroes isn't true now."

While addressing a group of college students at a campaign rally in Pasadena, CA., Monday, Kerry suggested that they receive an education or "if you don't, you'll get stuck in Iraq."

"While The American Legion shares the senator's appreciation for education, the troops in Iraq represent the most sophisticated, technologically superior military that the world has ever seen," Morin said. "I think there is a thing or two that they could teach most college professors and campus elitists about the way the world works.

"And while we are on the topic of education, why doesn't the senator and his comrades in Congress improve the GI Bill so all of today's military members - reserves and guard included - can achieve the educational aspirations that the senator so highly values?" Morin said. "The senator's false and outrageous attack was over-the-top and he should apologize now."

The 2.7-million member American Legion, www.legion.org, is the nation's largest veterans organization.

2006-10-14T15:18:00.000-05:00

Reminders for October, November, 2006

Meetings and Events Reminders to Post 304 Legionnaires:

(1) Regular Membership Meeting: GA National Guard Armory, 1901 McCollum Pkwy, Kennesaw. Thursday, October 19, 2006. Get-together at 6:45 p.m., meeting starts at 7:15. Front door will be open for this meeting, so you may park and enter through the front door.

(2) Veteran's Memorial Service - November 4, 2006, at United Methodist Church, 4340 Collins Circle, Acworth, Georgia 30101. Starts at 6:30 p.m. with displays from veteran's groups (including our Post 304) in the assembly hall and service will start at 7:30. This was an especially moving service last year and we hope that you will all take advantage of this occasion to honor your fellow veterans. Chorale groups from a couple of local high schools and an impressive color guard performed at the event. Call David Burdette at (770) 428-0400 if you need directions.

(3) Patriot's Point Veteran's Memorial Dedication - November 11, 2006 at Cauble Park (Patriot's Point) on Lake Acworth in Acworth. Dedication commences at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Most Veteran's Groups in North Cobb and Cartersville will be represented. This should be an impressive ceremony - please try to attend.

(4) District Five GA American Legion meeting - November 12, 2006. Will be at Post 294 in Powder Springs. Commences at 10:00 a.m. Usually over by 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be served ($5.00 each) and there is usually a 50/50 drawing. Hope to see you there.

(5) Regular Membership Meeting: GA National Guard Armory, 1901 McCollum Pkwy, Kennesaw. Thursday, November 16, 2006. Get-together at 6:45 p.m., meeting starts at 7:15. Front door will be open for this meeting, so you may park and enter through the front door.

2006-09-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

September 21st Post 304 Meeting Well Attended!

There were several new faces at the last Thursday night meeting at the National Guard Armory. Maybe you'll be able to pick some old acquaintances out of the pictures below, which include shots of our guest speakers, Post 9-1-1 Commander Ronnie Ogletree and 9-1-1 member Pat Baisden. Cdr. Olgletree and Buddy Baisden spoke on Identity Theft and Methods to Use to Prevent It.

The ladies from Unit 304 Women's Auxiliary joined us for the program and we had a surprise visit by Fifth District Jr. Vice Commander Mary Lepley. We had a good meeting, thanks to our Commander Lieber, and we hope you will join us next month, Thursday, October 19.

Attendance drawing is worth $750.00, but you must be present to win. Last weeks' winner was Harold J. Daniel of Acworth. Unfortunately, he was not present. It pays to be there!

2006-09-20T13:47:00.000-05:00

Post 304 General Membership Meeting Thursday, September 21, 2006 Reminder

Don't forget to plan on attending the regular meeting of The American Legion Post 304 at 1900 hours on Thursday, September 21. Our special guest speaker will be Legionnaire Pat Baisden of Post 9-1-1, and she will present a program on "Identity Theft - How to Avoid It". The meeting should conclude by 2030 hours (for you Air Force guys, that 8:30 p.m.). Grinning here.

2006-09-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

If you don't think our military pilots earn their pay, take a look at this picture.

This photo was taken by a soldier in Afghanistan of a helo rescue mission. The pilot is a PA Guard guy who flies EMS choppers in civilian life.

Now how many people on the planet you reckon could set the ass end of a chopper down on the roof top of a shack on a steep mountain cliff and hold it there while soldiers load wounded men in the rear??? I can't even imagine having the nerve ... much less the talent and ability. God Bless our military!!!!!

2006-08-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Executive/Planning Committee Meeting Thursday, September 7, 2006

Post 304 will have the bi-monthly Planning Committee Meeting at the GA National Guard Armory on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. on September 7, 2006. The meeting typically covers items for discussion that would normally not be appropriate for full discussion at a regular membership meeting. Decisions made at the planning meeting typically are presented to the membership in final form at the next regular meeting. All Post officers are encouraged to attend this meeting.

If you would care to be involved in presenting items for discussion or participating in discussions that may affect the future of your Post, please make an effort to attend this meeting. You will be welcome. We generally close the meeting before 9:00 p.m.

Hope to see your there.

2006-08-23T15:48:00.000-05:00

Fifth District September, 2006 Meeting

American Legion Post 296 in Marietta, at 906 Atlanta Rd. will host the September meeting of The American Legion District Five, on Sunday, September 10, 2006.

Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The SAL meets at 10:00 a.m. and the Legion will meet at 11:00 a.m. Auxiliary will meet at same time as the Legion.

Lunch will be served. Although the announcement did not state the price for lunch, it is usually $5.00. Also, traditionally there is a 50/50 pot fundraiser for those interested (bring a couple of extra bucks).

All District Five Committee Chairmen will be expected to give their reports.

Bill Lienhop is the new District Five Commander; Hal Reeves is the Adjutant.

We hope to have a good showing from Post 304. Please let me or Commander Lieber know if you have any questions, need transportation or directions.

2006-07-30T20:29:00.000-05:00

Sr. Vice Commander Alan Johnson and 5th District Jr. Vice-Commander Randy Goodman

Post 304 Installation of Officers
Saturday, July 22, 2006, at Provino's Italian Restuarant in Kennesaw.
About 40 or so Post 304 Legionnaires and Unit 304 Auxiliary members attended the installation of the 2006-2007 Officers. Installing officers were: Donna McCain, past District Five Auxiliary President, and Randy Goodman, District Five Junior Vice Commander.
Installed for Auxiliary were Velica Daniels, President, Bernie Smith, Vice President, and Helen Free, Secretary/Treasurer.
For the Post, the following officers were installed: Commander Larry Lieber, Senior Vice-Commander Alan Johnson, Junior Vice-Commanders Richard Ray, Andy Rice and Mike Kettmann, Finance and Service Officer Tom Stenzel, Judge Advocate Jim Stohl, Chaplain Robert Noles, Sergeant-at-Arms F. D. Smith, and Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Howard Daniel.
Following are pictures that were taken at the affair.

2006-07-30T20:17:00.000-05:00

2006-07-30T12:48:00.000-05:00

2006-07-03T22:39:00.000-05:00

The last item on the right-hand column of this blog has been added to enable you to receive automatic notifications when new material is added to "Georgia AmLegion Post 304" weblog. Please type in your email address and hit "Subscribe me!". We hope that you enjoy this blog and will continue to visit the site.

2006-07-03T22:23:00.000-05:00

Senior Vice Commander Larry Lieber and I manned The American Legion booth at Kennesaw State University's Starlight Summer Concert Series on Sunday evening, July 2, 2006. The first two pictures above show the booth with Lieber talking with an interested veteran, who may join our Post. Third picture is the Fourth of July cake that Larry's wife Ann made (delicious!), and the next picture is of Larry and Ann. Larry, by the way, prepared a delicious picnic meal with 11 courses (just kiddin'), featuring baked salmon and lots of goodies (hors d'eouvres). Next is the Cobb Symphony Orchestra with a guest (local) musician playing sax and a rendition from a movie score from the early 1950's (Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift - but I can't remember the name of the movie) and next is the Symphony playing Patriotic tunes. Finale was The 1812 Overture (rousing!), followed by the fireworks and they were just great. Wish you all could have joined us. It was a worthwhile effort and most enjoyable.

2006-06-04T16:32:00.000-05:00

In case you missed this in the June, 2006 edition of "The Bright Side" ...

VETERANS MEMORIAL AT PATRIOTS POINT

The City of Acworth, the Acworth Lake Authority, and a committee of local veterans are currently accepting donations for the Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point. The Veterans Memorial will be located at Cauble Park on Lake Acworth and is being constructed and dedicated as a tribute to all men and women who have served in America's military forces.. This picturesque setting will be the backdrop for one of the most original memorial designs of its kind.

The service flags of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard will surround the American Flag. The concrete dome structure will be surrounded by a paver walkway. Both veterans and civilians alike will be able to participate in its construction by purchasing a 4" X 8" paver that includes up to 3 lines with 18 spaces for $75.00 or an 8" X 8" paver which includes 4 lines with 18 spaces for $125.00. Engraved pavers can be purchased for any person who has served America's Military.

There will be a groundbreaking ceremony held on Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the site of the memorial. The memorial will be adjacent to the Acworth Beach House at Cauble Park. Everyone is invited to attend. The ceremony will serve as a kickoff and fundraising event to begin the construction of the memorial. Following the groundbreaking ceremony there will be a reception at the Acworth Beach House. Donations and paver purchases will be accepted at the reception.

The bricks are great for a mother's day or father's day gift, birthday present, holiday gift, or any occasion that you wish to tell someone that you appreciate their service and sacrifice for our country. Order forms can be picked up at the Acworth Parks and Recreation Department Office, Acworth City Hall, or from www.acworth.org. Please contact the Acworth Parks and Recreation office at 770-917-1234 for any additional information.

2006-05-26T17:32:00.000-05:00

On This Memorial Day, Remember Our Veterans, Who Have Fought to Keep Our Country Free.

A little frazzled but, oh, the stories he could tell ...

2006-05-26T17:26:00.000-05:00

Guards of Ageless Honor

May 23, 2006
By Tom Purcell

Ted Pace served his country during World War II. Now 81, he and 21 other veterans are serving more than ever. Four years ago, Pace, a member of American Legion Post 760 in Pittsburgh, saw a problem. With Second World War veterans dying in increasing numbers, he felt more needed to be done during their funerals to recognize their military service.

Though Congress mandated in 1999 that two active duty servicemen be available to participate in veterans' funerals, Pace wanted to do more. He established a full-fledged Honor Guard, recruiting from his post, as well as VFW Post 6664 located a few miles away. Soon, 22 fellows had signed on, veterans who served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam, veterans who were eager to serve again.

This band of brothers now participates in more than 270 funerals a year – sometimes five days a week, sometimes twice a day. They've performed services in the mud in pouring rain. They've performed during blizzards and sub-zero temperatures.

Ask any of them why they do it and you'll get the same reply: It is their great honor to serve. Their service is all the more remarkable when you consider two-thirds of them are between 75 and 89 years old. I met these incredible fellows a year ago when my Uncle Jimmy, a Vietnam veteran, was laid to rest. When I arrived, I found them standing at attention. Their shoulders were square, their uniforms perfectly tailored, their shoes and buttons expertly polished. They carried on as though my uncle had been a general.

They saluted Jimmy when we carried his casket from the hearse into the chapel. With great precision and clarity, the chaplain, 89-year-old Gene Frediani, recited a version of a soldier's prayer:

"It is the soldier who has given us all our freedoms. It's the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It's the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to object. It's the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

"It's the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves under that flag and whose coffin is draped under that beautiful flag, who has given us the freedom to comfortably sit in our living rooms each evening with our loved ones.

"Our dear comrade, Jimmy Hartner, we bid you farewell and we express our great gratitude for the part you played in ensuring us that we may always continue to have all these wonderful freedoms."

The chaplain said another prayer. Then, in perfect unity, seven riflemen fired three shots. The bugler performed "Taps."

The chaplain took three bullet casings from his pocket -- casings he had buffed and polished at home -- and held them up."These three spent cartridges represent Jimmy Hartner's rifle salute. They are symbols of duty, honor and love of country."

He placed the cartridges into the flag, which two active-duty servicemen took great pains to fold expertly. They handed it to my Aunt Celie and thanked her, on behalf of America, for Jimmy's service. It was a powerful display that left a roomful of people in tears.It's impossible to be cynical in the presence of these Honor Guard men. In a free society, there should be debate about when to take up arms, but there is no debate about the men and women who serve.

Such respect was denied my Uncle Jimmy when he returned from Vietnam. He never talked about his service and it soon became a part of his forgotten past. But as we laid him to rest, his sacrifice was powerfully remembered and celebrated thanks to 22 remarkable men.

This Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, let's also remember those who continue to serve, including 22 Western Pennsylvania Honor Guard volunteers, who are ensuring that others receive the honor, dignity and respect that they deserve.

Tom Purcell's weekly political humor column runs in newspapers and Web sites across America.

2006-05-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

... And here's Jim Stoll's response to The American Legions' Ron Engel:

James E. Stoll .
3862 Nowlin Rd., Kennesaw, Ga. 30144 770-966-8219 jestoll1@earthlink.net

May 16, 2006

The American Legion
700 North Pennsylvania St.
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

Attn: Ronald A. Engle, Deputy Director
Americanism/Children & Youth Division

Refr: Unlawful Infiltration & Occupation by Foreign Nationals

Dear Mr. Engle,

I am in receipt of your letter of May 11, 2006, in response to my letter of May 6, 2006 to National Commander Thomas L. Bock. I must tell you that I was dumbfounded by the contents of your letter, which listed six (6) specific legislative positions that have been taken by the American Legion pertaining to what I consider to be the most serious problem facing our nation today, as referenced above. It is also a problem that our National Congress has been incapable of addressing since the attack on our nation by foreign nationals in 2001. I must ask; Why was I not aware of the fact that The American Legion had already taken these positions? I am a new member of The American Legion and I must be missing something. I have re-read the past three (3) issues of the Legion magazine, and I have searched the Legion web-site without finding a single reference to any of the official positions that were itemized in your letter.

When faced with a situation which could, and likely will, threaten the very survival of our nation as we know it, would it not make sense to inform the membership of The American Legion of the positions that its National Headquarters has taken to combat that eventuality . Would it not also make sense to urge each and every Legionnaire, and non-member veteran, to do his or her duty and write, call or visit their Congresspersons to make them aware of their displeasure with the methods now being proposed in our Senate to combat the problem. While our volunteer military forces are fighting and dying in an attempt to promote freedom in a foreign land that does not seem to want it, our Senate and our President are making a bold attempt to give our rights and freedoms away to an army of invading foreign nationals, free of charge, and even inviting them to expand their forces by issuing them legal work permits.

I would imagine that you all have a lot on your plates at National Headquarters, but it would seem to me that saving our nation from a threat of dissolution and\or destruction would take precedence over everything else The American Legion planned to do. Doesn't this issue demand at least the same attention as the Legion's recent request of the membership to urge passage of HR2679 and stop taxpayer funds to support the ACLU? What good would be achieved if you won every other position listed on the Legions legislative agenda and allowed our country to be destroyed, by our own Congress, while you were engaged in doing that. I am not opposed to any of the good things that The Legion plans to do but, as far as I am concerned, preserving the rights and freedoms of my nation should be the top item on every agenda.

It has been my opinion, for many years, that our Congress is incapable of governing our nation for the common good. I joined The American Legion in the hope that I could join my voice with a national organization, to rise up in unison, to tell our Congress to either start doing their jobs, in accordance with the oath they took, or get out of the way and let someone else do them. I believe my letter describes my position quite clearly. If, as you seem to indicate, The American Legion truly also supports that position, why isn’t it trying to sell the idea to the 25 million other veterans that exist out here. It is what seems to be a lackadaisical attitude toward a national catastrophe that disturbs me greatly.

Please enlighten me if I’m wrong.

Sincerely,

James E. Stoll
Active Member
American Legion Post 304

Cc: Thomas L Bock, National Commander

2006-05-23T08:46:00.000-05:00

Here's the response Post 304 member Jim Stoll received from National Headquarters regarding his letter reproduced below. It is lacking the National American Legion masthead as I was not able to reproduce it.

May 11, 2006

Mr. James Stoll
3862 Nowlin Rd. NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Dear Mr. Stoll,

Thank you for your letter to National Commander Tom Bock. The Commander is away from the office on official travels for the organization and has asked me to respond in his behalf. I serve as staff liaison to the National Americanism Commission that has administrative responsibility for our positions on illegal aliens.

The American Legion shares your frustration with the illegal alien situation in this country. We have not been silent on the issue even though you may not have heard our voice in Kenesaw. The American Legion provided written testimony to the Senate debate on reform legislation. Some of us have appeared on television and have written letters to newspapers stating our objection to legislation proposals for illegals in this country.

The American Legion has numerous position resolutions on this subject and many of them are included in our legislative agenda. As such, they are provided to Members of Congress as the official position of The American Legion. These include:

Opposition to any program, policy or directive that would grant illegal aliens legal permission to remain in the United States;
Strict enforcement of employer sanctions as called for in current employment laws (but are not being enforced);
Secure our borders from those seeking illegal entry, including the hiring and training of additional U.S. Border Patrol agents with employment preference afforded former members of the U.S. Armed Forces;
Petition the government to authorize and encourage federal, state and local law enforcement to arrest and detain individuals, including illegal aliens, who are suspected of violating the immigration laws of the United States;
Deny illegal aliens from receiving Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation and other types of taxpayer-supported forms of public assistance; and
English be designated as the official language of the United States.

The United States is a country of laws; restrictions on behavior not in the best interest of this country. They were put there for a reason. The government's failure to enforce them is the root of the problem we face today. In fact, if the immigration laws had been enforced previously, there would be no problem today.

The message I have been sharing with people, like you, who have contacted this office about the illegal aliens issue is that you, and people like you, can influence the vote of your elected representatives in Congress. I would encourage you to contact them through their local office in your district and state. Tell them that you, as a taxpaying citizen of the United States, expect them to act in the best interests of this country and not reward those who have broken our immigration laws.

Thank you for your interest in this matter and please be assured that The American Legion Shares your concerns....and your frustrations.

Sincerely,
/s/ Ronald A. Engel
RONALD A. ENGEL, Deputy Director
Americanism/Children & Youth Division

C: Thomas L. Beck, National Commander
Joseph Caouette, Jr., Chairman - National Americanism Commission
Marty Justis, Director - Americanism and Children & Youth
Robert A. Pollard, Commander - The American Legion of Georgia
Charles R. Knox, Adjutant - The American Legion of Georgia
Ray Hendrix, National Executive Committeeman - Georgia

2006-05-20T15:41:00.000-05:00

Run-Down of May 18 Meeting, Including Election of Officers

Highlight of the meeting was the election of Post 304 officers for the 2006-2007 American Legion year. Elected to serve for the coming year are:

Commander - Larry Lieber
Sr. Vice Commander - Alan Johnson
Jr. Vice Commander - Richard Ray
Jr. Vice Commander - Andy Rice
Jr. Vice Commander - Mike Kettmann
Finance Officer - Tom Stenzel
Judge Advocate - Jim Stoll
Service Officer - Tom Stenzel
Asst. Service Officer - Robert Noles

Congratulations to each of the elected officers.

Commander-Elect Lieber indicated that he would make the following appointments at the proper time:

Adjutant and Historian - David Burdette
Chaplain - Robert Noles
Sgt.-at-Arms - F. D. Smith
Asst. Sgt.-at-Arms - Howard Daniel

Adjutant Burdette introduced Post 304's representative to the National Oratorical Contest, Andrew Jones, a senior at Kennesaw Mountain High School. Burdette advised the group that Andrew had represented the Post well by winning the District Contest and placing second in the Area Contest, the winner of which proceeded to win the Department Contest and place in the top 10 in the National Contest. Jones indicated that has been accepted to Princeton University in the Fall. Burdette awarded him with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Post check for $150.00.

Jones then spoke to the group about how his experience in the American Legion contests had helped him in winning the State High School speaking contest shortly afterward.

Following are pictures of Burdette introducing Jones and Jones addressing the Post.

2006-05-20T10:10:00.000-05:00

Jim Stoll's Letter to American Legion National Commander Bock

The American Legion May 6, 2006
700 North Pennsylvania St.
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

Attn: National Commander Thomas L. Bock

Dear Commander Bock,

Most Americans look upon The American Legion as a leading voice for the rights and recognition of our nation's veterans and as a guardian of the freedoms we all enjoy as a result of their service and sacrifice. It is therefore the duty and responsibility of The American Legion, as a whole, to rise up, take a stand and speak out above the furor of the rabble, whenever an issue confronts our nation that is highly detrimental to "the common good" and tears at the very fabric of the society that we have built.

Such an issue confronts our nation and our way of life today. It is commonly referred to as "The Illegal Immigration Problem". However, the name-tag in itself is a misnomer. What is happening in our nation today is not illegal immigration. It is, in reality, an unlawful infiltration of our nation by foreign nationals, by stealth, for personal gain. Immigrants of the past, my grandparents among them, fled the horrible living conditions in the lands of their birth and came to the United States of America in search of freedom and equal opportunity. They left everything behind them and worked diligently in their new land to become responsible citizens.

I would venture to say that a great majority of our veterans today are sons and daughters of such immigrants and the largest majority of them are proud to call themselves Americans.

Those who infiltrate our nation today are knowingly and willfully breaking our nation's laws. In doing so, they forfeit any rights except those involving detection, arrest, detention and deportation. Their only defense for their actions is that they will work cheap. They bring the flag of their homeland with them to wave in our faces as they carouse and chant in our streets.
They wire a large percentage of the money they earn here to others who are left behind in their homeland, so that they might follow. They overwhelm our schools, our medical facilities, our charities, our law enforcement and our compassion, while paying little or no taxes to support the benefits they usurp. They do not seek citizenship. They seek capitulation. They openly preach their gospel, both in our nation and in their homeland, that they are seeking the rightful restoration of lands that were stolen from their homeland in past centuries. They have been trained to believe that a large portion of our nation belongs to them, and that it is only a matter of time before it is restored to its rightful owners.

A President of the United States addressed the problem we face today most succinctly when he told the American people and all immigrants at the time, "We must insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming, in every facet, an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. We have room for but one flag here, the American flag. We have room for but one language here, the English language. We have room for but one loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people". The name of that President was Theodore Roosevelt. He spoke these words almost a century ago, in 1907. They still apply today.

As a member of The American Legion, I appeal to you, the National Commander of The American Legion, to call upon the veterans of our nation to rise up in unison and make a stand to once again defend the land that they love, from chaos and eventual dissolution. If the veterans of our nation, who have already served so valiantly to protect and defend our nation and our way of life, do not once again take action, by demanding that our government close our borders and rid our nation of this scourge that has befallen it, we are faced with becoming a third world nation in the near future.

Sincerely,

James E. Stoll
Active Member,
American Legion Post 304

2006-05-16T10:18:00.000-05:00

Message From Jr. Vice-Commander Fred Gaines

On Tuesday, May 9, 2006, I attended the Kennesaw Mountain High School Navy Junior ROTC Awards banquet and ceremony and presented on behalf of North Cobb American Legion Post 304, the American Legion Military Excellence Bronze Award (medal and certificate) to Cadet Vickie Parks and the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Bronze Award (medal and certificate) to Cadet Jesse Galt. LCDR Campbell introduced me.

Thanks to Commander Titshaw for delivering the certificates and medals to Commander Campbell and GYSGT Smith on Monday, even though Commander Titshaw was not feeling well.

Thanks to Sr. Vice Commander Lieber for encouraging me to attend. Photos from the event follow this post. Cadets Robins and Torres were my photographers (first picture).

The program can only be described as excellent. There must have been 75 cadets and hundreds of parents and family members in attendance. I was inspired to see such a great group of well disciplined, proud Cadets and their outstanding leaders. Check out their excellent web site at :

http://kmhsnjrotc.50megs.com/index.html

Fred

Fred Gaines Jr. Vice Commander

2006-05-16T10:10:00.000-05:00

2006-05-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a Copy of a Letter that was sent to Our Senators, Congressman and National Commander by Member Jim Stoll:

May 7, 2006

Congressman Tom Price
506 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Subject: The Immigration Problem

Dear Congressman Price,

At the outset of each new Congress, each member who is beginning a new term in the Senate or the House of Representatives swears a solemn oath that states: "I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to same". It is therefore the sworn duty and responsibility of you and every other member of those august bodies, to rise up as a whole, to take immediate and appropriate action, without regard to the furor of the rabble, whenever a foreign force, that is highly detrimental to "the common good", confronts our Republic and tears at the very fabric of the society we and our forefathers have built, over the past 230 years.

Such an issue confronts our nation and our way of life today. It is commonly referred to as "The Illegal Immigration Problem". However, the name-tag in itself is a misnomer. What is happening in our nation today is not illegal immigration. It is, in reality, an unlawful infiltration of our nation by foreign nationals, with stealth, for personal gain. Immigrants of the past, my grandparents among them, openly fled the horrible living conditions in the lands of their birth and came to the United States of America in search of freedom and equal opportunity. They left everything behind them and worked diligently in their new land to become responsible citizens. I would venture to say that a great majority of those in our nation today, who have served and sacrificed to protect and defend our Republic in its many wars, are descendents of such immigrants and the largest majority of them are proud to call themselves Americans.

Those who infiltrate our nation today knowingly and willfully break our nation’s laws. In doing so, they forfeit any rights except those involving detection, arrest, detention and deportation. Their only defense for their actions is that they will work cheap, so cheap that no American, with a family, who pays taxes, can compete with them. They bring the flag of their homeland with them to wave in our faces as they carouse, chant and wave signs in our streets. They wire a large percentage of the money they earn here to others who are left behind in their homeland, so that they might follow. Their demands overwhelm our schools, our medical facilities, our charities, our law enforcement and our compassion, while paying little or no taxes to support the many benefits they usurp. They do not seek citizenship. They seek capitulation. They openly preach a gospel, both in our nation and in their homeland, that they seek the rightful restoration of lands that were stolen from their homeland in past centuries. They have been taught to believe that a large portion of our nation belongs to them, and it is only a matter of time before it is restored to its rightful owners.

A President of the United States addressed the problem we face today most succinctly when he told the American people and all immigrants at the time; "We must insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming, in every facet, an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. We have room for but one flag here, the American flag. We have room for but one language here, the English language. We have room for but one loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people". The name of that President was Theodore Roosevelt. He spoke these words almost a century ago, in 1907. They still aptly apply to the situation today.

As a veteran of one of this nation’s wars, I appeal to you, as a national leader who is sworn to defend this Republic, to stand up and call upon your fellow members of Congress, who are also so sworn, to take immediate action to close our borders and rid our nation of the foreign enemies that are attacking it. If you fail to do so, our grandchildren are destined to become a people faced with the reality of becoming a third world nation. Let the words of Theodore Roosevelt guide you in the performance of your duty.

Sincerely,

James E. Stoll, Active Member American Legion Post 304

2006-04-28T15:18:00.000-05:00

The April 20, 2006 Meeting of Post 304 at Our New Facility at the GA Army National Guard Facility Brought a Large Turnout.

A Few of the (almost) Record Crowd at the April 20 Meeting Enjoying Some Conversation: (l-r) Rick Hedger, John Burkhart, Robert Noles (sitting).

There was excitement in the air as the 18 Post members enjoyed their first experience of the "mess hall" at the National Guard Armory.

2006-04-28T15:13:00.000-05:00

Jr. Vice-Commander and Legionnaire Rich Ray enjoy a conversation.

2006-04-28T15:09:00.000-05:00

"The Situation Report" newsletter Editor Alan Johnson (l) and Jim Stohl discuss Stohl's Petition for H.R. 3676, and his upcoming article for the newsletter.

2006-04-28T15:05:00.000-05:00

Post 304 Members Enjoy the New Facilities

(l-r) Jim Stohl, Joe Sims, John Burkhardt, Mike Kettmann and Fred Gaines.

2006-04-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

Commander Titshaw wondering; "What did I forget?"

2006-04-26T18:36:00.000-05:00

Here's the winning speech for the 2006 National Oratorical Contest. Perhaps it will inspire some of us to get involved in next year's contest with our local High Schools.

Constitutional Democracy is not a Spectator Sport

Nick Elledge The American Legion of (Knoxville) Tennessee

Welcome to our show, "The Active American, Live." Today, I'm on the street to ask the average American citizen, "What is the biggest problem in America today? And what are you doing to help fix this problem?"

Gasoline Prices (Texan) "Uhh, I been really busy lately."

Health care costs (elderly lady) "I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income ... what can I do?"

The environment dude(Californian) "I'm just hangin'. I'm not really doing anything."

It seems that everyone can name something wrong in America, yet most people remain uninvolved and uninformed. A recent poll by the National Constitution Center found that only one in three Americans could name the three branches of government, and that just one in four could name a single first amendment right. We’ve all heard it said that, freedom comes with responsibility. This is because constitutional democracy is not a spectator sport.

In this speech, I'd like look at some background behind the constitution.

Then explore some of the ideas found in our system of government.

And then, in light of these two, look at the duties and obligations of American citizens.

The framers of the constitution lived in a time of socioeconomic crisis. There were trade wars between Britain and the United States and even between the states themselves. The farmers revolt of 1786 showed that the federal government under the Articles of Confederation was weak. It was more like a fragile league of friendship than the United States of America. Surrounded by British and Spanish colonies, The States were threatened by foreign adversaries. On top of it all, the states began issuing their own currencies, which would have lead to unimaginable economic problems, had not a little document come along we now call, the constitution. What was its purpose? To establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty. At only 4,543 words, it is the shortest, oldest, and first written national constitution. It was both evolutionary and revolutionary. James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, acquired ideas from John Locke, Montesqieu, Blackstone, and even some ancient Greek philosophers. The concepts that went into the constitution were nothing new.

They came from a gradual evolution of ideas. Yet putting them all together into a written national constitution was revolutionary. It had never been done before. This was the creation of the first true constitutional democracy, or as Plato would have termed it, a republic. The founding fathers wanted a balanced government that derived its power from the consent of the governed. In fact, the word democracy comes from two Greek words, demos (which means, the people) and kratos (which means, power or authority). Therefore, democracy literally means government by the people. In the United States, this is accomplished by the free election of public officials. As the colonies found out from Britain, taxation without representation is unjust. Although, I've been told by my parents that, while preferable, taxation with representation isn’t so great either. The constitution also guarantees a balance of power, which is assured in 4 ways: The separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the bill of rights.

The separation of powers shows itself through three, separate but equal branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Checks and balances are multi-faceted. For example, congress enacts laws, but the president can veto them. The Supreme Court can declare a presidential action unconstitutional, but the president appoints federal justices, with the senate's approval. Federalism refers to the authoritative distinction between the federal and state government. And, the Bill of Rights restricts any government action that would infringe upon a citizen’s individual liberty. The more I study history, the more I am thankful for the freedoms guaranteed in the bill of rights.

I look at an event like Tienimen Square in China, and then reflect on the first amendment, which guarantees the right of the people peaceably to assemble. I learn about religious persecution all over the world, and then see in our constitution that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. I read about the Soviet Union and their secret police, and then see in Amendment 4, the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. We can rejoice that the Constitution protects our individual rights, but the catch is, freedom comes with responsibility. Constitutional democracy is not a spectator sport. Just look at the beginning of the constitution, "we the people." We have a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, that derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Constitutional democracies are not merely founded upon the consent of the people; they are also absolutely dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people. This past summer, I met a person I will never forget. She was a middle-aged woman with a thick Russian accent and a PhD in history. I sat down to talk with her and noticed she had several scars and marks on her arms. She told me her story, how she was born in the Soviet Union, how as a child she had watched smuggled American movies and been in awe of the all the clothes and cars and food; how she had been involved in protests and marches to change the oppressive Russian government, how she had stood in front of a tank, and how she had been mercilessly beaten. I asked her, "Why did you want to come to America and why would you risk being beaten or even killed?" She looked straight at me with eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and unspeakable happiness, and said "Freedom".

Whenever I hear someone complain about being involved in politics or having to go out vote, I think of that woman from the Soviet Union, who was beaten within an inch of her life trying to have a say in her government, so that she might have constitutional rights, so that she might be free. If my freedom is the envy of the world, and if countless patriotic Americans have died for it, how much more ought I to be active in civic affairs and informed about our founding documents?

The freedoms guaranteed by our constitution are precious, but they are put at risk when we treat government like a spectator sport. At the close of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked by local townspeople what sort of government had been created in the constitution, and he replied, "A Republic, if you can keep it." I don't know about you, but I say, let's keep it.