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Written by Commander Ramon Garcia
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EDITOR NEEDED FOR BUGLE CALL RAG. THIS IS A HIGH PAYING POSITION WITH PLUSH OFFICES, SHORT HOURS, THREE MARTINI LUNCHES AND NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.** PLEASE APPLY TO COMMANDER RAMON GARCIA.
**NOTE—some adjustments in salary, office and hours may be necessary. Gin to be supplied by person accepted for this position.
Seriously, a new editor for our monthly newsletter is needed. If you are interested, please consider taking on this important job for our Post. |
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Written by Victor Mahoney - Editor Emeritus
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Sixty-five years ago, December 16, 1944,was a Saturday. Christmas was nine days away. The Allies were in a relaxed mood. The Nazis seemed to be reeling backwards toward The Fatherland. The war in Europe seemed to be winding down. Field Marshall Montgomery headed for Eindhoven for a golf lesson. General Omar Bradley was off to Brussels to be measured for a shotgun. Several British and American staff officers were London or Paris bound. Ike had just been promoted to General of the Army, a five star rating, and a friend had sent him a bushel of oysters. All was well in the Allied world. Christmas was in the air. In the Ardennes area, tired American infantry divisions helped form an 80-mile front after the Huertgen Forest slugfest. One of those four divisions was the 106th, the newest and most inexperienced on any front anywhere in the world. I mention this outfit particularly because it had our own Post 134 Colonel Joe Puett (RIP) and Newt Moseley (RIP) and, I think, Duke Ward (RIP) in its ranks. Joe’s stories of The Battle of the Bulge, by the way, were the stuff of real history. These four weary divisions fell into a sort of “9 to 5” mood. The troops put in their daily patrols, manned their holes, and probably looked forward to a quiet night’s sleep and dreams of Christmas at home. While the Allies were relaxing, the Nazis were completing their preparations which they had started in October, They had assembled armored divisions, an army of some 600,000 under the noses of the Allies. They moved tanks and artillery and heavy vehicles at night on straw covered roads. In some areas they were as close as 200 yards from the Allies. It was an amazing feat of troop movement. Allied intelligence was clueless. The Nazis had another surprise for the Allies. They put roughly 1000 men in American uniforms, driving American jeeps and trucks, and got them behind Allied lines. These daredevils created confusion and panic and rumors. Add that feature to the sudden and vicious attack and one can now realize how helpless the disorganized units felt. Communication lines had been cut. Confusion and suspicion were rampant. Those who suffered most because of the complacency of the top brass were the troops in the line fighting in the snow and bitter cold. 77,000 American casualties resulted: KIA, WIA, POW. Christmas was hardly more than a passing thought then. There was a sort of bright spot in all this darkness. At the southern end of the line, the 101st Airborne, rushed in to stem the tide, though surrounded, held the Nazis at Bastogne. When called upon to surrender by the Nazis, General McAuliffe sent then-- Colonel Harper with his answer:”Nuts!” Bud Harper (RIP), later a General, was a member of Post 134. I sat at his table at meetings and heard this unassuming man reveal that he added several earthy comments to “Nuts!” He didn’t say Merry Christmas! The Battle of the Bulge has been examined in great detail. It is well known to aging Americans. I refer to it now only because on this 65th anniversary, pseudo historians among us may need a reminder! As we exchange gifts with others this Christmas, wouldn’t it be a good move to send a silent gift of thanks heavenward for those in our armed forces who have made our Christmases safe and merry? Joe and Newt and Duke and Bud would like that. |
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Commanders Column - December 2009 |
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Written by Ramon Garcia
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On Celebration I have heard the word celebrate defined as “to demonstrate grateful and happy satisfaction in an event by engaging in festivities, indulgence, merrymaking, or other similar deviation from accustomed routine”. As we enter this Christmas holiday season it is my wish that we all celebrate with family and friends, all the while keeping focus on “the reason for the season”. We are fortunate to have a special time of togetherness at our upcoming Post 134 Christmas Party. I anxiously look forward to this event, as it provides a venue for us to share the joy of the holidays with a very special group of folks. Hopefully you have made plans to attend this year’s festivities. In addition, let’s not forget those that are less fortunate, as well as those who are separated from loved ones while severing our country. May we offer our prayers for their devotion to duty and that they are girded with your strength and protection. Above all, give them the comfort that they are not forgotten, always, but especially at this time of year. In spirit, include them as you celebrate. To all of you and yours, all the best for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! |
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Your Undivided Attention Please |
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Written by George Hooten - EDITOR
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Most of the time we hear and read a “Letter to the Editor”. May I take this opportunity to change it to: “Letter to the membership”? When George Hooten and Vic Mahoney first started the “Bugle Call Rag” some twenty-one years ago they asked the membership to be part of this publication by donating $25 a year to what we called “The Booster Club” or “The Anniversary Waltz” and you responded well. Since that time, however, some of you have forgotten to include your additional $25.00 when you pay your dues, or you just plain decided not to participate in your generous giving for whatever your reason may be. This is a unique Post. We have no Post home where we can hold dances or bingo. We have no bar, or other means to generate funds. Our meetings are held in the best clubs and restaurants. We have always been proud of the generous giving of our membership as proven by the support of our Legion programs, by the members digging into their pockets to support them. Our National award winning publication is read by a distinguished group of Past National Commanders, Vice Commanders and distinguished non-member Legionnaires from all parts of the country who are listed on the back page and who show their appreciation by sending their Booster check for $25. YES, this is an appeal for you who have not participated in this year’s “Booster Club”. Our thanks to Dick Pedro, the State Adjutant of New York and Bob Morrill, National Public Relations Chairman, also from New York for their recent $25 check. I believe this makes 11 straight years they have been Boosters. It’s always great to get Yankee Booster money from the “Upper South”. Please send your check to HERMAN ABERNATHY care of Fulton County Post 134 – P.O. Box 8086 – Atlanta, Ga. 31106. |
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Written by Nimrod (Mac) McNair
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I've always said that it's best to live in the present. The past is
gone and the future is yet to come.
But sometimes I violate my thinking. For example, I recently returned to Omaha Beach where the invasion of Normandy, France took place in WWII. As a young Army Air Corp 2nd Lt I waded ashore there on D plus 20 among wounded bodies, scaled the cliffs under fire, and never planned to return. After 64 years I did. However, the visit was
nostalgic and certainly not the same. The beach was covered by French
vacationers enjoying the present.
Also I recently visited Nuremberg Germany, where 64 years ago I flew
prisoners to the Nuremberg Trials. Air Marshall Hermann Goring and
Admiral Dorniz were two of them. That return was both historical and
ghostly, as I stood in the stadium where Hitler gave the speeches that
launched WWII.
I still believe the best philosophy is to live where you are, not in
the past. Nevertheless, the past is what determines the present and
the future. So knowing history enables us to understand why the present is what
it is, and to be able to influence the future. Unless we take action to correct the past cause of the current economic situation, the condition will continue.
History proves that when a culture violates the principles that made
it great, the result is economic crisis followed by conflict. The
principles for our country are in the Constitution of the United States, and
the declaration of Independence clearly states the source of those
principles.
Two examples of research that validates this are:
1. Absolute Ethics - Executive Leadership Foundation, 1987
2. Ten Commandments in History - Dr. Paul Kuntz, 2004
We need to return to the principles our forefathers fought for, as
quoted from the Declaration of Independence; "In firm reliance upon a Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor".
My brief return to my past at Nuremberg and Normandy convinced me that
the past was costly but gave us a time of peace and prosperity.
After 30 years of service to my country in 4 wars and 30 years
experience in the business and professional world I am convinced of
the solution to our present problem.
We must return to those principles of DUTY, HONOR AND CONTRY
established by our Founding Fathers |
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SPECIAL MEETING - November 12 |
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Written by Charles Capps
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If I were to report that our speakers for this month will include a WW II Veteran, a Georgia Tech Engineer, a Ph.D. from Columbia Univ., a noted lecturer and author, a former CDC employee of ten years, an active business owner, and a Professional Private Investigator, you might rightly conclude that there is not enough time to hear from all of these people and question why would I invite all of them to begin with. Buckle in for this folks: All of these are rolled into one person and he is one of our own members. Wallace W. (Dusty) Rhodes will speak at our regular meeting at the PETITE AUBERGE on November 12th at high noon. His topic will be “Infectious diseases and how to avoid them”. This will be one of our best meetings of the year. Plan to be there. Bring guests if you care to. |
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All of These, None of These |
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Written by Bryant Roland - Finance Officer
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For 15 years plus, I have continuously been fascinated by the interesting and diverse personalities of the members of this post. We often hear remarks that we have a “unique post” – and we do. That description of our post, in one sense is the product of combining the efforts of the members with the strong desire to succeed and remain a strong and vibrant post. What, in your opinion, are the factors contributing to the sustainment of an American Legion Post? How can, and how does, a post perpetuate itself? Why and how do members remain loyal, dedicated and supportive? What motivates members to become desirous of improving the post, of increasing the membership and seeking ways to elevate the rating or standing to a more excellent reputation? One of the best. Or, THE BEST. Members and their generous contributions of self, time and resources are the life-line, the heart beat of an American Legion Post. These are prime factors which produce sustainability and viability to the entity of a post. Some members of our post feel strongly that sustenance is found in a good Commander and/or Vice Commanders. Others are inclined to say it is the Executive Committee, the Adjutant or the Chaplain. Still other members felt it is the Service Officer, the Sergeant-at-Arms or another Post Official. Could it be the quality of the Programs, the scheduled meetings or the credibility of the invited Speakers? Other considerations are the meals, the social interactions, and the camaraderie. We pride ourselves on Patriotism, dedication and loyalty. Our purpose for existing is “service to our Veterans, their families, their communities, states and nation”. The answer to our opening question about the sustainability of a post to maintain and retain its viability and vibrancy is quite simple. It is all of these! And yet, its none of these. In reality – like it or not – it is the “third ingredient” called money. It is, in fact dollars and cents and equally so, it is dollars and sense. In the American Legion Officer’s Guide we call it Finance. And from this publication we quote “The post is dependent on finance----“ Specifically, in Post 134, the finance function demands significant time and services more than many other activities of our post, and more so than in some other posts. Finance is the primary catalyst. It is the lubricant for the hub of the wheel which represents a post. It is the life-blood of a post. It establishes a post; it improves a post; it sustains a post. |
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Commander's Column - November 2009 |
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Written by Ramon Garcia
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ON SUPPORT You may have noticed a great number of people wearing the color Red on Fridays. The reason? Americans who support our troops have been referred to as “the silent majority”. We are no longer silent, and we are voicing our love of God and Country. We are not organized, boisterous, or overbearing. We get no liberal media coverage to reflect our message or opinions. Simply, we want to express thanks to those who are serving our Country. If every one of us who loves this Country will share this with co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is literally draped with Red. This will allow our troops to appreciate that the once “silent majority” is on their side more than ever…certainly more than the media portrays. When a member of our military is asked “what can we do to make things better for you?” the typical response is “we need your support and your prayers”. Let’s answer this simple request, and let it be known by getting the word out and leading with class and dignity; exemplified by wearing something Red every Friday. Remember, these men and women in uniform are volunteers; they serve of their own free will. We are fortunate to live in the Land of the Free because of the dedication these Brave individuals. Let us be mindful every day of our service men and women, as well as their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, the support will have been rendered and we will again realize that it is truly great to be an American! |
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Written by Charles Capps
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Christmas time is coming and the goose is getting fat. Druid Hills Country Club is where it’s at. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, December 19th at the 12 o’clock hour. Dr. Grimes has made sure the dinner price remains the same as last year, $45.00 per. The club is always gaily decorated. We will have the ladies present, always a treat, the fellowship we always enjoy, an outstanding meal, and a special trio of entertainers you will really enjoy. The ever versatile M.C., Bryant Roland is polishing his lines. There will be valet parking, an elevator if needed and a cash bar. What else can you ask for? Come early and stay late. |
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