Free Transportation Within Washtenaw County For Veterans
Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs is sponsoring free rides for veterans to any destination within Washtenaw County for essential services. Accommodations can be made for the handicapped, and those with service animals, walkers, and canes. Services such as doctor's appointments, auto repair shops if your vehicle is in for repairs, visits to the VA and its outbuildings, etc. Call (734) 973-4540 to book a ride, preferably a couple of days in advance. One of their personnel will answer the call and book a ride for you.
American Legion District 2 Memorial Service
American Legion District 2 held its annual Memorial Service to pay remembrance to all the members who passed away over the past year. The service was held at Post 324 in Jackson, Michigan. The master of ceremonies was Department Chaplain Norman Soli. Norm has organized this event for the last several years. In attendance were representatives of most of the thirty-one posts within District 2. Department Commander Brian Mohlman made an appearance to say a few words on behalf of the Department. Active duty members of the six branches of service each came to the podium and recited their respective service creeds and then lit a candle for all the active duty personnel who had died in the past year. Department 2 Commander Mike Greene came forward and lit a special candle on their behalf. Each of the posts represented then had their Legion, SAL, and Auxiliary come forward to light a candle, and present a rose and poppy. Our commander, Scott Nichols, lit a candle in honor of all our members who were lost over the last year. Lunch was served afterward.
University of Michigan ROTC Tri-Service Awards
On April 18, the University of Michigan held its annual ROTC Tri-Service Awards Ceremony. As in the past, the event was held at the Rackham Auditorium on the U of M's Central Campus. Each year our Post presents a small scholarship to a Navy Mid-Shipman, and an Air Force and Army Cadet. Post 46 Judge Advocate Beverly List presented the awards to each winner of the award.
New Members Receive Their Caps
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| Ozzie James | Lloyd Kaiser |
Four new members were presented with their new Legion caps. In our Post, as a new member, if you attend three meetings within a six-month period by Zoom, in-person, or a combination of both, you earn a new cap. Sound like a good deal? Here's another. If you join our Post as a new member and are not currently a member of the Legion, you get your first year's membership free. That's a $50 value! If this sparks your interest please call our membership chair Dave Draper at (734) 417-8021.
Membership Award
At 2nd District's March meeting, Post 46 received an award for meeting 100% of its membership goals. Shown in the picture at the left is District 2's Commander Mike Greene (l), First Vice Commander of the Department of Michigan Daniel Cooper (c), and accepting the award from Post 46 is Vice Commander Dave Draper. This is the second year in a row that Post 46 has achieved this award.
A Section of I-94 Renamed
A section of I-94 was recently named Washtenaw County Vietnam Veteran Memorial Highway. LTC Charles S. Kettles Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 310 in Ann Arbor worked for over a year to get this accomplished. Credit was given to State of Michigan Representative Jimmy Wilson for sponsoring the bill in Congress and some direction was provided by Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo. An informal dedication ceremony will take place at the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial on March 29.
Vietnam Vets Get Pinned
Earlier this month four Navy and one Army Vietnam Veterans were pinned with the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Pin. This took place at the Story Point Senior Living facility during a coffee hour sponsored by American Legion Post 46 of Ann Arbor. All expressed their sincere gratitude for the recognition.
Fisher House Michigan invites you to the 2024 Build It for the Brave Gala on April 20, 2024, at the iconic War Memorial in Grosse Pointe!
Click the image above to register, or click below to consider joining these generous sponsors.
This will be an evening you won't want to miss -- just ask the folks who were in the room last year:
- A vocalist who blew the doors off the building with her rendition of the National Anthem -- TSgt Felita LaRock joins us again!
- A goosebump-inducing performance of Old Glory by the powerful and patriotic Sergeant Major James McGruder
- A LIVE auction to support construction of Fisher House Detroit
- A Fisher House story from a powerful keynote speaker -- this year, Medal of Honor Recipient James McCloughan will share his story and commitment to the Fisher House mission
Fisher House Michigan is so grateful to Ron & Mary Lamparter for sponsoring Build It for the Brave, and for allowing us to host it at the stunningly beautiful War Memorial. Get your tickets NOW as they're starting to sell quickly!
It takes a lot of funding to host these events. Please consider making a donation.
Call Dave Draper at 734-417-8021 if you want to send a check or click HERE to make an online donation.
If you plan on attending please scan the QR code above or click on the flyer so we know how much food to provide.
Post 46 Member Receives Her Legion Cap
Post 46 members can receive a free Legion cap if they attend at least three meetings within a six-month period. Shown here is Commander Scott Nichols presenting Barbara Hughes with her new cap. Barbara was recruited from Washtenaw Community College.
Camp Liberty Holds A Season Kickoff Meeting
Camp Liberty recently held a kickoff meeting at its facility in Brooklyn, Michigan. President Allan Lutes listed the camp's accomplishments over the last few years, and his vision for the next few years, and spoke of the need for volunteers and donations. After the speech and comments from other board members, awards were presented to volunteers and directors who had provided great service over the past few years. After a short recess, there were three breakout sessions provided for the attendees to get more information on three specific areas of interest. The camp is looking for volunteers to help with the various hunts that go on during the year, and various other events, help with ongoing maintenance of the facility, and, of course, donations to keep the facility and events up and running. Free breakfast and lunch were provided along with tours of the grounds.
You can find more information by going to CampLibertyMichigan.org to see more about them. If you would like to volunteer time or finances please contact them at 734-997-9777 ext. 107 or by sending an email to
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
On Sunday, February 4 Post 46 hosted Cub Scout Pack 131's annual Pinewood Derby. The kids enjoyed a few minutes of playtime as they played on the military equipment and playground equipment. Then they got down to business making last-minute adjustments to their car entries. The Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Dens each raced within their respective group against each other. The winners of each Den then competed against each other to see who was the best of all. The Pack has a pretty sophisticated system for tracking the cars. They had lasers at the beginning and end of the track. This allows the computer to track which racing lane won which position. The computer can also compute the speed of each car, over 200 miles an hour being the fastest! Everyone attending had a really great time watching the event.
UM SVA Benefit Dinner
Recently the University of Michigan's Student Veterans of America hosted a benefit dinner at the UM's Michigan Union. It was a fun evening with several speakers and great food. The keynote speaker was Michigan's own Medal of Honor Recipient James McCloughan. He spoke about his time in Vietnam as an Army medic and also about patriotism. Another highlight of the evening was a live auction for a UM football helmet signed by former head coach Jim Harbaugh and current head coach Sherrone Moore (pending appointments, I believe). Our own Eric Fretz started the bidding process and it was off to the races. Soon after it started there began a bidding war between Fisher House Michigan President Bill Holmes and the Outreach Coordinator (and Post 46 member) Steven Rose. Mr. Holmes eventually had the winning bid at $7,000. That wasn't the end of it though as Mr. Holmes gifted the helmet to Steven. Steven emotionally accepted the helmet and announced that he would add another $2,000 to the donation. The final icing on the cake was that by the end of the event the SVA had collected over $35,000. More will be coming through the SVA's silent auction. What a great night! To see more pictures click HERE.
Bingo At The Ann Arbor VA
Post 46 hosts bingo night once a month at the LTC Charles S Kettles VA Medical Center. Patients gather in the CLC (Community Living Center) to play several rounds of the game. Our post awards winners with crisp $2 bills: 3 for first prize, 2 for second prize, and 1 for third prize. The last game played is a cover-all. Whatever money is left from the previous rounds is given to the winner of the cover-all. Sometimes that could be as high as $50. Shown left is Adjutant Glen Johnston calling the numbers and to the right is member Melanie Nau presenting winnings to a patient.
Wreaths Across America
Our Post continued its annual tradition of laying wreaths on Wreaths Across America national wreath day. A few of us made the trip up to the Great Lakes National Cemetery to pay honors to our fallen members and relatives of those members. The weather was great compared to previous years which made the turnout of wreath layers very large. Pictured left is Post 46 Vice Cmdr Draper and Executive Board member Chris Campbell paying honors to Campbell's wife's dad. Pictured right is Post 46 Cmdr Scott Nichols. Word has it that over 16,000 wreaths were placed at the event which took place December 16.
Donating To A Great Cause
Member Tony Keezer and his wife Karen recently donated knitted scarves and mini stress balls to the Ann Arbor Fisher House. Karen knits these items in her spare time and while traveling and donates them to the VA and Fisher House. Great job!
Fisher House Detroit Fundraiser
On Thursday, October 26, Fisher House Michigan hosted a fundraiser at The Colony Club in Detroit, Michigan. It was a fun night with great food, great speakers, and a fun time during the auction. The results are not in yet but it looks like the fundraiser was a great success. Our Legion Department Commander Brian Molhman presented a donation of over $107,000.Their guest speaker was Retired Air Force Colonel Laurel "Buff" Burkel, who told her story of being in a helicopter crash, losing two of her fellow crewmembers, and her struggle to recover from the crash. The auctioneer made the auction fun and upbeat.
POST 46 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE
On August 30 the Ann Arbor American Legion Post 46 celebrated 100 years of service to veterans and the local community. The event took place at the Washtenaw Community College's Morris Lawrence Building. The evening started with member Horace Frazier playing guitar and Hors D'Oeuvres being served at 1700 hrs. All twenty-five tables were sponsored by various organizations and individuals. At 1800 hrs opening remarks were made by our Judge Advocate Beverly List. Commander Scott Nichols made introductions followed by the Posting of Colors by the Navy Sea Cadets, and opening prayer by our Chaplain Bob Bull. Vice Commander Dave Draper then read the Missing Man Table Ceremony which was followed by Taps being played via a video on the overhead screen. Our meals were then served. The culinary staff at the college prepared great meals with choices of steak, salmon, chicken, and vegetarian. The food was plated well and was delicious.
Rebecca Spencer was our guest speaker who delivered an emotional speech. Afterward, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, State of Michigan Representative Jason Morgan, and American Legion Department Chaplain Norman Soli presented certificates of acknowledgment of our 100-year anniversary. Then a table Legion trivia game was played, awards were presented by Cmdr Nichols, and two 50/50 drawings were made. Multiple positive comments were made after the ceremony ended as guests packed up to leave. This was certainly a very memorable event.
Click HERE to see more pictures. Click HERE to see a related article on page 18 in the October MI Legionnaire.
As worn, tattered American flags need to be replaced, or as American Legion posts need flags to place on veterans' graves for Memorial Day, Emblem Sales advises to order early and please be patient with the time of delivery. Emblem Sales is shipping flag orders as soon, and quickly, as production is received.
The purchase of gravesite flags, as well as other outdoor American, military, POW/MIA, and state flags, flagpoles, and accessories can be made through American Legion Emblem Sales at americanlegionflags.com.
When you purchase your flag(s) and designate Post 46 at checkout, our post earns rewards that allow us to offset part of the cost of future purchases that we make.
Ann Arbor VA Medical Center Food Distribution
Partnering with Food Gatherers, the VAMC started a food distribution bi-monthly event where veterans in need of food can drive up to the front of the VAMC and pick up boxes of food items. You will have to show some sort of proof that you are a veteran. The food will be available every month on the first and third Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm. At their first event, they passed out around 40 boxes of food. More recently they loaded up 52 vehicles.
Veterans Memorial Park Bench
One of the two benches at the Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan now has a new plaque memorializing its namesake (and former Legion Post 46 member) Cpl Erwin Prieskorn. Cpl Prieskorn was Ann Arbor, Michigan's first WWI casualty.
Guitars For Vets
The Ann Arbor Guitars for Vets is a national organization that helps veterans with PTSD cope through music. Students meet once a week for ten weeks to learn the art of playing a guitar. At the end of the ten weeks, the students receive a free acoustic guitar. The organization normally meets at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center but because of COVID, they are currently meeting at the Ann Arbor VFW Post 423. Click on the logo at the left to see more pictures.
Space Force veterans and the active-duty military now welcome in the American Legion
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n the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act was signed by the president in 2019 and became Public Law 116-92, the Space Force was added to Section 101(a)(4) of Title 10, which now reads: "(4) The term 'armed forces' means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. "Since Section 21703 stipulates only "Armed Forces" and U.S. Code now includes the Space Force in its definition, no actions are required by The American Legion to accept Space Force servicemembers into the organization.
(From The American Legion Magazine)
Check out a unique look at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here is presented a "birdseye" view of the flag and flagpole that was installed last year. The project was financed by American Legion Post 46, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 423, and the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department.
FOOD INSECURITIES?
Need food in these trying times. No one should go hungry. Click HERE to see a list of food pantries in Washtenaw County. This list is provided by Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor.
Landmark Presidential Signing of the POW-MIA Flag Act
Law now requires the POW/MIA flag to be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on prominent federal properties, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, every national cemetery, the buildings containing the official offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, Office of the Director of the Selective Service System, each major military installation, each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, and each U.S. Postal Service post office.
Read more here POW/MIA Flag Act
Congress Approves LEGION Act
7/23: The U.S. House passed the bipartisan LEGION Act on Tuesday, extending the recognized wartime era back to Dec. 7, 1941.
The LEGION Act — Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act — fills in the gaps of war eras and redefines The American Legion’s membership eligibility dates, beginning with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and continuing until it is determined the United States is no longer in a state of war.
President Trump is expected to sign Senate bill S.504 into law later this week. When it becomes law, the legislation opens the door for hundreds of thousands of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
