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Posted Nov. 17, 2020

We at the American Legion Post 231 New Boston, MI. like other businesses and nonprofits have had our share of revenue reduction due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020.

We have relied on the community along with corporate donations and fundraisers to raise revenue in the past. We admit we had to do some belt tightening this year and assess our annual budget, overhead and hall rental income/reductions.

We had to look at which regular rental contracts which would be renewed for 2021 and which ones would not. All this based on the latest State of Michigan COVID-19 restriction guidelines and the American Legion core value programs which we support.

While the American Legion supports the community it also supports its youth programs. We at the American Legion are guided by the four pillars of our foundation: National Security, Americanism, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, and Children & Youth.

National security: The candidates need to know that The American Legion opposes illegal immigration and amnesty for illegal aliens, but fully supports opportunities for legal immigration.

Americanism: This organization promotes obedience to law and order, and respect for the U.S. Flag.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation: Misusing substances such as alcohol, drugs, or tobacco can increase your risk for injuries, accidents, and physical and mental health problems. To change your substance use, you do not have to do it alone.

Children & youth: The American Legion builds enthusiasm for public service among young people through such programs as Boys Nation, Little league and the National Oratorical Contest.

It is these four pillars in which guide us when choosing where we put our manpower and resources. The membership has chosen to support the Junior Shooting Sports and has welcomed them to our post. We have already made a material investment in the program and then it was stalled when COVID-19 hit. In addition, we will support the Bellville High School Junior ROTC students and their program.

Community:
The American Legion has many well established community programs to include: Fire fighter of the year, or Law Officer of the year, Teacher of the year, Family Support Network, Veterans Homeless Task Force, Temporary Financial Assistance and Volunteering.
Some people like our seniors hate change while the younger generation of veterans welcome it. However, change is necessary in order to grow our post and achieve our recruiting and retention goals set by the American Legion Department of Michigan. This year our post has already achieved 108% renewal/retention rate due to the hard work of a few members who understand the department goals and incentives.

One, we now offer an American Legion Motorcycle Rider chapter. Two, we have grown the SAL (Son’s of the American Legion) Squadron membership. We keep recruiting new American Legion members to meet the needs of the next generation of veterans.

Family & Youth:
Baseball, Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, Oratorical, Scholarships, Scouting, Student Trooper Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program.

While the American Legion is making room for new programs at the Post 231, we have taken an interest in the “Junior Shooting Sports” air rifle program. One member has already made and investment in this program by procuring two air rifles for students to train with and learn the fundamentals of required safety. Two of our members are CPL (concealed permit license) certified instructors.

The Department of Michigan has scheduled a meeting/or phone call in regards to the junior shooting sports program November, 17, 2020 3:00pm. Here the program will be discussed at length with membership, questions and answers given, fundament training and membership background checks for team leaders discussed.

POST UPGRADES: 1. We have again partnered with the LOWE’s hero’s program and received 30 feet of new cabinets and counter tops. 2. We have added all new branches of the military photos on the walls. 3. We have painted the front of the building. 4. We have added a new American Legion Post 231 sign above the windows. 5. Improved the parking lot and made many outside improvements all by volunteers. See attachment! All these volunteer hours go on our annual CPR (Consolidated Post Report) to Washington DC.

Finally, we at AL231 plan to send one student each to both Boys State & Girls State in 2021.
In summary, we are sorry to have made so many operating changes to keep up with the changing times. While some may not accept these changes, it is for the better of the American Legion core values, our Post membership that we stay focused on our dedication our programs as it for the good of the order and our youth development.

For God and Country
Kind Regards,
Jim LaCasse
Commander
Bob Longlois
Adjutant
American Legion Post 231 734-238-2342

Article and photos submitted by Bob Longlois

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