IDAHO FALLS POST 56 2018 - idahofallsveterans.org

1 IDAHO FALLS POST 56 MARCH 2018. Message from the Commander Each and every day I am humbled by ous Color Guard details, several dig- brand new look, Bob applied for and the support and dedication shown nified flag disposals, helped to elevate received a grant, through Home De- by our American Legion Family. The the quality of life for those in need pot, to renovate our meeting rooms Legionnaires of IDAHO FALLS Post 56 during our annual homeless/veterans downstairs. When all is said and have established themselves as a pillar stand-down, plus enriched the lives done, we will have new flooring, the of our community, as well as a vital of our community's youth through walls will be painted white to brighten resource to our area veterans. Our our Americanism programs. For up the room and the downstairs Auxiliary unit members are quick Veterans Day, we participated in 24 bathroom will be remodeled with a to show that they live by the motto separate events in a four-day period.

2 New vanity and sink, as well as a taller Service before Self . Our Sons of On Veterans Day, we offered a free commode for easier use. Thanks to the American Legion members have pancake breakfast to our area veter- the dedicated volunteers from our proven time after time, that they ans, as well as members of our com- Legion Family and Home Depot, this stand at the ready to assist our local munity, during our grand reopening remodel is nearing its completion and veterans and their families, plus pro- and ribbon-cutting ceremony which looking great. vide valued support for our Legion showcased our building upgrades to programs. And our American Legion the Veterans Memorial Building. And Please mark your calendars and plan Riders, who enrich the lives of the thanks to the coordinated efforts of to attend our American Legion Birth- residents of the Pocatello Veterans our Legion Family, we were able to day Dinner on Thursday, March 15, Home on a monthly basis, further deliver 8,500 items of food to the 2018.

3 Social hour will begin at 5 PM, the aims and goals of the American Pocatello Veterans Home during the with dinner being served by North Legion. 2017 Department of IDAHO Food Hi-Way Cafe at 6 PM. An Awards Convoy. presentation will follow to honor lo- Every member of our Legion Fam- cal Law Enforcement Officers, Fire- ily has contributed to our success This is a pretty impressive list of ac- fighter, Teachers and Post 56 Legion in their own unique way. Our post complishments, although not inclu- Members. This will be an opportune would not be as successful as it is sive, especially considering it only time to enjoy camaraderie, while ex- without your support and assistance. covers the first seven months of our periencing the amazing results of our For this, I am extremely grateful. A membership year. building remodel. simple Thank You does not convey my deepest gratitude, but know that Since our grand reopening and ribbon In closing, I want to Thank You.

4 Your accomplishments are appreci- cutting ceremony, Bob Skinner has for your service and continuing ser- ated more than words can express. been busy obtaining additional grants vice to our community. to continue improvements for the Since the start of our 2018 member- Veterans Memorial Building. Now Commander Darrel Homer ship year, we have conducted numer- that the front of our building has a Bonneville County Veterans Ceremonial Team POST MEETINGS. The Bonneville County Veterans The Team is getting smaller due to . Memorial had a busy year. The team passing and illness of our members. Post 56 meets the provided Military Honors for 106 If you would like to join our team, 1st and 3rd Monday each Veterans in 2017. The Team, along please give me a call. month at 7:00 with the Military Honor Guard, is privileged to provide a final tribute to Joseph Behling (208) 346-1963.

5 Veterans Memorial a deceased veteran. The request for Building Military Honors is usually requested 485 Constitution Way, and coordinated through the Funeral Service Provider. IDAHO FALLS , IDAHO . Sons of the American Legion 2018 AMERICAN LEGION POST 56 OFFICERS. The Sons of the Ameri- and Color Guard details Commander Darrel Homer 208-403-2163. can Legion meeting is at various events. 1st Vice Commander John Gentry 208-757-7909. held on the first Monday 2.) Have supported 2nd Vice Commander William Kelley 301-717-0302. of each month at 7PM. the annual food drive Finance Officer Richard Kearsley 208-821-5746. in gathering, sorting, The Sons of the Ameri- and delivery of items to Sgt-at-Arms Richard Zopff 208-346-1576. can Legion Squadron 56, the Veterans home in Chaplain Joseph Behling 208-346-1963. in IDAHO FALLS , IDAHO , Pocatello. Historian Max Harrison 208-520-9255.

6 Currently has 47 mem- 3.) Hosted several Adjutant Allen Arnold 208-520-4021. bers. We have 5 new breakfasts for our veter- Service Officer Ken Collins 208-524-1561. members and 6 renewals ans and their families Executive Bd. Member Ken Lembrich 208-313-2238. that are in the process of 4.) Hosted a fund Bill Isle 208-535-1244. being updated by Na- raiser by raffling off a tional. Currently, we are Henry golden Boy 22 Bill Robinson 208-524-3806. at 94% of meeting our LR rifle. The proceeds Past Commander Robert Skinner 208-757-7434. Goal of 50 and should help us share costs of be well over 100% the American Legion Membership as soon as Auxiliary events. From the Post Service Officer our last transmittals have The 2017 Appeals Modernization Act was signed into been processed. We are investigating the law and will take at least 18 months to go into effect possibility of starting the Our members: American Legion Junior while the VA works on the 460 back log legacy appeals.

7 1.) Continue to sup- Shooting Program. Beginning November 1st, 2017, the VA mailed out 500. port the AL Post 56 RAMP letters and another 5,000 on December 1st, with memorial team that Thank you more to come. The letters are being sent to veterans with performs Military Rights Greg T. Stultz pending appeals and offer them the option of either remain- ing in the current legacy system or to waive their rights under War Bonnet Roundup Rodeo Input the legacy system in order to move their appeal into the The War Bonnet Roundup continues to improve, Appeals Modernization system. If a veteran accepts to and the City of IDAHO FALLS is doing a great job move into the appeals modernization system, they cannot go growing the it into a destination Rodeo. This year back to the legacy system. If someone chooses to move into the parking fees have bought aluminum bleacher the new Appeals Modernization system, they can currently seats on the west side and actual chairs in the only accept 1 of 2 options.

8 Option 1, which is a higher level grandstand. If plans come to fruition, there will of review and will get a new rating decision within 30 days. be better ventilation in the kitchen, so people will If this option is chosen, no new supporting information can not have to cook while they are working in there. be submitted to support the appeal and it will be reviewed Parts of our Rodeo will be televised by the Wran- gler Network this year and we are trying to get by a Rater more senior than the one who made the previous the whole Rodeo televised next year. Our sales decision. Option 2 allows the veteran/claimant to submit have increased yearly with this year promising to additional evidence to support the appeal and it will then be be even bigger. That results in more work for us reviewed/rated again. The option of having the appeal sent but also results in more money being made for to the Board of Veterans of Appeals for a decision under the our programs.

9 Be sure to sign up with Al Arnold new Appeals Modernization Act will not go into effect until at the yearly picnic if you want to help again this February 2019 (at the earliest). If you know of anyone who year. If you cannot make the picnic be sure to let receives a RAMP Letter, please have them contact a Veteran Al know before the Rodeo that you want to work. Service Officer to discuss whether the Appeals Moderniza- As security continues to tighten your name will tion is the right fit for their current appeal or if they are bet- need to be on the list of workers to get in. Park- ter off remaining within the Legacy Appeals System. ing will probably be the same as last year, but we are always able to make it work no matter what. - Ken Collins Thanks to everyone in advance for all the help and let's make 2018 our biggest year yet. - Bob Skinner Membership Renewal FAQs official Legion business, and $1,000 the costs associated with mail- for all other covered accidents.

10 Ing membership cards, newsletter I would like to take a minute or two, bulletins and other administrative to talk about the American Legion's Our annual dues fund Americanism costs. If dues are renewed early in membership renewal procedure. programs, Children and Youth pro- the membership year, the savings Membership in the American Le- grams, plus advocacy for Veterans from additional dues mailings can gion is based on the calendar year, earned benefits at the National and be used to help support our com- beginning January 1st and continu- Department levels. munity service projects and provide ing through December 31st of each assistance to veterans. year, the renewal process actually Additional benefits and details can begins on July 1st of each year. be found by visiting and Unfortunately, if your membership clicking on the Members link. card does not have the year 2018.