COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

ATTENTION, to all veterans, while in attendance at the fall conference in Laconia the following information was delivered; you are highly recommended to enroll in the V.A. medical care system, not only does the V.A. provide health care, they provide several other opportunities and benefits, most of which you are entitled to.   Please log onto www.myhealth.va.gov and register.   Another way you can register is contact Morton (Skip) Mobbs the Post Service Officer or George McCall the District Service Officer and one will mail a registration form to you.  As an added note, Past Commander Don Poisson has volunteered as the Post designated driver, he will assist you traveling to and from the hospital, please contact the Post and give ample notification if you require assistance.   Also at the conference, the Child and youth committee spoke on Operation Military Kids (OMK); this program is designed to help and support the children of deployed service members.  This program is supported by the American Legion, the American Red Cross, the YMCA, UNH, 4-H, the boys and girls club of America and several spiritual organizations.   Log onto www.operatrionmilitarykids.org and learn more about the program and the ways you can help.  For military or a local point of contact for OMK is Wing Family Program Coordinator, Bonnie Rice; you can reach her at (603) 430-3545.  Our next Conference is Saturday, January 30, 2010 again in Laconia at Post 1, registration time is 0800 to 0900, all delegates and alternates are required to attend.  At our last District Meeting, an American Legion member visited us from Sanford, Maine.  He informed us that a military surplus store is available to all veterans in need of military clothing or other military gear. They are a non-profit organization and do not advertise except by word of mouth, In short, a list of items that  are available at the store, wool blankets, sleeping bags, boots, a variety BDU’s, jackets, coat, gloves and pants to include  several other outdoor equipment items.  For more information they are open every Friday from 0900 to 1200 and their phone number is (207) 459-4363.  I have brochures on both; the OMK and Military Surplus Store.  Contact me at www.feboomapost6.org or call (603) 436-7575 and one or both will be in the mail to you.  My hat is off to everyone involved with the Frank E. Booma Post 6 and its purpose, to hit on a couple of key notes our meeting attendance is improving, the Grille sales are up and the fund raising events we hold are generating the necessary funds to keep our programs operating.  As Veteran’s Day approaches we need to remember that this day it is not intended or to be thought of as a day off work.  This time honored occasion is a reminder for all of us all to spare no effort in the release of those prisoners held in captivity in our associations during the great wars and to pay tribute to those who have fallen for our freedom.   The Veteran’s Day parade steps of at 10:30am in front of the V.F.W. Post 168 with Post 6 Color Guard leading the way.  The route includes passing in front of our Post home, if you cannot march please be present at the Post to represent Frank E. Booma and all of our fallen comrades from all wars and conflicts.  I want to apologize for the membership dinner that was to be held in October, as mentioned earlier, everyone has been very busy around the post to insure that every planned event is a great success, unfortunately the dinner was lost in translation and I accept responsibility for this error.  The rescheduled date is Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 6:00 pm.  The menu will be a choice of seafood newburg or chicken fettuccini over pasta served with salad, diner roll and butter.  This meal will be free to all Post/Auxiliary/SAL 6 “Early Bird” card holders.  For all other members of post 6 and guests, a $10.00 per plate donation will be required.  In keeping with tradition, this dinner is not only to promote early membership renewals it was designed to recognize those who have been long time members of the American Legion.  With that being said, please take time to attend this event and take pleasure in recognizing those who are “Still Serving America.”  This newsletter is delivered to over 1200 members, would you please contact the Post (phone or E-mail) if you are attending and provide your preference of seafood or chicken.  The Post annual Thanksgiving Day dinner will be held on Thursday, November 26, 2009 starting at 1200.  As always, lots of volunteers will be needed prepping and serving for this event as it one of our biggest turnouts, a volunteer signup sheet is posted in the Grille, please consider helping.  It is my sad duty to report that James (Jim) Jenkins (28 year member) has been called by our supreme commander, may his soul go marching on.

 Frank Desper, Post Commander

 JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

 The Children’s Halloween Party was on Sunday October 25, 2009 at 1:00 pm, it was very well attended by the children of the Post 6 family and the active service families. A big thanks to everyone that attended for the fun or to help, a good time was had by all. It’s because of your participation that makes these events a big success.  Thanksgiving Dinner at the Post will be Thursday, November 26, 2009. There is a sign-up sheet in the Grille for those that wish to volunteer to help or you can just come to have the turkey dinner with all of the fixings.  The Children’s Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 13, 2009 with visits from Santa between 10a-12p and 1p-3p. There are sign-up sheets for the children’s name, age and gender. The gifts will be for children 10 and under, the child must be present and accompanied by an adult. Cut off date for sign-up is Sunday, November 22, 2009.

 John Moulton, Junior Vice Commander

 ADJUTANT’S MESSAGE

I would like to start by welcoming our newest members to the Post. They are David Frye, Frederick Davis, George Elliott, John Denault, Shelton Thomas, Alphonse Lafrenier, Francis Studer and Louis Head; it is a pleasure to have you in the Booma Post family.  On Sunday November 15 at 1800 we will be having a membership dinner in the Post to recognize our members years of service, If you have a card for 2010 that is 5, 10, 15 years or any of those multiples you are invited to receive your certificate. If you are a Post 6 Family Early Bird there is no cost for the dinner and there is a $10 charge for guests that are not members or members that are not early birds.  It would be appreciated if you could give us an idea if you would be attending so that we may ensure we have enough for all.  If you are a member that winters in an out of state location please notify me so that I may ensure your mailing address is changed for that period of time. Please let me know the address you are at, when you will return to this area and your address here.  November 11 is Veterans Day and the Parade will start at 1030 at the V.F.W. and proceed to Goodwin Park for a service there.  There will be a brief service at Wal Mart on Lafayette road at 0900 if you are interested in attending.  We will be doing a short ceremony at the Wentworth Home in Portsmouth at 1400.  On Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2009 we will be having a dinner open to the public and free of charge to all. We will need volunteers to help prepare, cook, serve and clean up. There is a sign up sheet in the grille or you may email me at boomapost6@comcast.net Membership is coming in at a good pace. We have made our membership goals so far. Our next one is for November 17th. We need 42 more prior to that to make our goal, please help the Post by renewing now if you can so that we may attain that goal for the Commander and the Post. I thank you for you assistance in achieving this milestone.  If anyone is in need of fuel assistance the following numbers are to set up an appointment to learn about the application process, Portsmouth 4363896 or 18006393896 or on the web at www.rcaction.org, Dover 7491334, Rochester 3323963, Milton 6529893 and Farmington 7559305.  Our next E Board meeting is Thursday November 5, 2009 at 1800 and our next Post meeting is Thursday November 19, 2009 at 1800.

I am always available to any member to assist them in any way I may. I can be reached at boomapost6@comcast.net or my cell phone at 2072527532 or the Post after 5:00 daily and on weekends at 4367575.

Yours in comradeship,

 Richard "Brooksie" Brooks, Adjutant

 POST 6 COLOR GUARD MESSAGE

Our next Fish Fry will be Friday, November 6, 2009 from 4-7 p.m.  Thank you for your loyalty and please continue to support us. 

 Your 2 Time National Post 6 Color Guard

 SQUADRON COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

Next meeting is Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 6 p.m.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  The Post needs volunteers for the Thanksgiving Day Dinner.  There is a sign up sheet in the Grille if you would like to help out.  Remember to renew your dues before the January 1^st cut off.  I could use your help for the SAL Surf N Turf the second Saturday of every month.  Till next time be safe

 Grant Bergeron, S.A.L. Commander

 SQUADRON ADJUTANT’S MESSAGE

Get your 2010 dues card now before the holidays get here and you forget.  The Annual Thanksgiving dinner will be Thursday, November 26, 2009, come down and eat, or come down and help its always welcome. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

 Bob Prendergast, S.A.L. Adjutant

 GRILLE STEWARD’S MESSAGE

Hello again October was a blast we had our Halloween party with some great costumes as usual the up coming bands for the month are great Allen Roux really puts on a show as well as the talented karaoke singers. November is a busy month with the Membership Dinner and Thanksgiving right behind it - hope to see you there. I would like to remind everyone that bar tags are still available so if you haven't purchased one please do so the cut off date will be January 15, 2010 so that we can finish this project.  They make great Christmas gifts as well as in memory of a friend or loved one. If you own a business, it would also be great advertisement.  They are $25.00 per tag for individuals and $50.00 for businesses so spread the word. Until next month stay safe and warm.

 Sue Desper, Grille Steward

 UNIT NEWS

 DONATIONS NEEDED!

 We are looking for non-perishable dry or canned goods for our Annual Thanksgiving Basket Raffle which will be run next month.  A basket is located in the Grille by the bathrooms for you to place your donations.  Last year’s raffle was a success for our Unit, let’s do it again. 

 CHERRY TREE RAFFLE

 It is fundraising time for the Auxiliary as we are hosting our biggest fundraiser of the year - the Cherry Tree Raffle on Saturday, December 5, 2008 at the Post Home.  We are in need of prizes for this event.  Please call Shirley Williams at 603-431-6946 if you have something to donate or bring to the Post or give to a member by November 28, 2009 so we can have a count of gifts for the raffle.  Toys, men’s and women’s items, candles, gift cards, and other gifts are needed.  No gifts, money can be donated so that gifts can be purchased as we need to get some large items.  Remember this is the Auxiliary Fundraiser.

Shirley Williams, Chairman

 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

 Where has this year gone? The holiday season is coming on us fast. We have elected the delegates for the coming year. Hopefully the year will go well for them. Upcoming events include a Membership Dinner at the Post home on November 15, 2009. We will be recognizing those that have longevity in years of membership. November 11, 2009 is the Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade steps off at 10:30 AM from the VFW and goes past the Legion to Goodwin Park. Please jump into the parade and march with us or at least be along the parade route to support the effort. The American Legion Auxiliary is 90 years old this month, think of all that we as members do for our community and for our Veterans! WOW!! There is a Leadership School taking place on November 21, 2009 from 9:30 – 2:00 PM at the Epping Legion. All Auxiliary members are welcome to attend. Remember the Thanksgiving Day Dinner. This is a free meal and open to the public. There is no smoking allowed at any function open to the public and with the elevator there is ease of getting to the second floor to enjoy the meal. The Auxiliary 5th Annual “Cherry Tree” Fundraiser will be on December 5, 2009 (same day as the Portsmouth Christmas Parade). Please drop into the Post, buy a few “Cherries” and hopefully win some nice prizes. On December 6th the Department of New Hampshire Auxiliary will be holding their Gift Shop for the Veteran’s at the Manchester VA Hospital. If you would like to donate any NEW item for the Veteran’s to give to their family members please have them at the Post before December 3, 2009. They will be taken to the Veteran’s home on the 5th with the Gift Shop on Sunday the 6th. At the November Meeting we will be having the first readings of two Constitution and By-laws changes. Please attend and make your opinion count. Watch for the sign up sheet for the Children’s Christmas Party!!!! Welcome home Shirley Calvert. I knew you couldn’t leave New England for long! The Children’s Halloween Party will have happened before this arrives in your home. Hopefully everyone had a great time. Rockingham County Salon 264 8/40 will be having their Initiation at the Newmarket Post on November 2, 2009.

 Sheila Brooks, Unit President