Methow Valley American Legion Post 0143 News and events _________________________________________________

9/17/2020 Thanks to the generosity of the people of the Methow Valley the American Legion Post 143 collected hundreds of pounds of food for the food bank plus over $320 in cash to the Cove food bank in Twisp plus an equal amount is being donated directly to the people in the Cold Creek fire. Thank you all for caring and donating ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Post will be having a food drive on September 17th. We will have someone at the post for a no touch drop off location. We will also have a table set up at Hanks for money or food drop offs. This is to benefit the Cove in Twisp and 100% will go directly to the Cove. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FLAG LOWERING - 9-11-20 (PATRIOT DAY)

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Friday September 11, 2020, for national Patriot Day, the annual memorial to the victims of the 2001 tragedy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- VA Crisis Line

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and veterans, servicemembers and their loved ones can connect in confidence with VA responders 24 hours a day, seven days a week by contacting the VA's Crisis Line in the following three ways:
1. Call toll-free at (800) 273-8255 and then press 1;
2. Text the number 838255; or
3. Chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net/chat. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 16th is National American Legion day! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stress and anxiety are normal. Talk it out!
The pandemic has exacted a heavy toll on our mental health. It's normal to feel anxiety and it's healthy to talk it out. Try calling Washington Listens - it's a non-clinical support line staffed by specialists ready to lend an ear. Call 1 (833) 681-0211. Chaplain Carolyn Groninger has said that if any member would like to talk, please call her. (509) 429-1157 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ At this months meeting Commander Tristan Gilbert after serving as the post Commander for over a decade stepped down. I accepted the position of Commander of Methow Valley 16American Legion post 143. I thank Tristan for his work in keeping the post open.
One of the first things I did was to fill the open positions and establish an executive committee to help me and guide the post towards a more active and vibrant member of the community.
William (Skinny) Robinson is temporarily now in the position of First Vice Commander. Skinny is a former Commander and will also serve as Sargent at Arms for the post. His go for it attitude and always willing to help is ideal for his new position.
William Beldock has been temporarily appointed as Second Vice President and is also serving as Assistant Adjutant for Linda Vix-Hardesty. William brings excitement and a willingness to jump right in with both feet. I am looking forward to working with him and getting the post rolling.
Adjutant is Linda Vix-Hardesty, she has been serving at this capacity and with some help has consented to do it for another year.
Finance Officer is an open position and we really need someone who can do basic math. This is not a complicated position but is a very important one. If you can balance a checkbook please step up.
Chaplain is Carol Groninger. Carol is doing a fantastic job and is a level headed person that I have learned to rely on. She relayed the message if anyone needs to talk she would be available to speak with them confidentially.
The next meeting we will vote on keeping the temporary appointments in their position for the next year.


The 16th of the month we had an officers meeting at the post. We had a productive meeting and those attending had some great preliminary ideas for the direction of the post. Minutes will be read at the meeting next month or if you would like, I can email a copy or post it on the website. www.legion143.org
One of the first thing we will be doing is having a table at the Farmers Market representing the American Legion Post 143. It is important that we expand and invite all Veterans of the Methow to Join or at least be aware of the things that the American Legion is and does. Please stop by and say hi to Skinny and William.
The Town of Twisp has given us the honor and responsibility of caring for the town’s flags. We will be lowering the flag to half mast when directed by the Commander in Chief. Doing Maintenance, flag replacement and with the town’s Public Works department assisting do things like replacing hardware. We thank the town for their confidence in us to handle this responsibility.
When the Covid-19 is under control and unrestricted meetings get to the new norm the Boy/Girl scouts will begin meeting back at the post like they used to do years ago. We Welcome them back to the fold.
Building Maintenance and renovations were discussed and will be discussed again at our next regular meeting.
DNR rented our building for two days July 17th and 18th and our coffers increased by $300. They loved the facilities and I hope that they will return soon.
I am excited for the direction that the post is taking in coming back alive and want to plant a seed in everyone’s mind. We are all members of the post and to make it a vibrant and welcoming place for all of us it is going to take us all putting in man-hours. Your Post, Your community and your brothers in arms need everyone to do their part. I know some of us have limitations but most of us can still read and can still talk on the phone. Become part of the Buddy Call system, We all have veterans that we know but are not part of the Legion brotherhood. Tell them that the Legion is coming alive and invite them to our next meeting or give them my cell phone number (509) 844-6820. We cannot just sit in our chairs and attend meetings. Your brothers and sisters, your comrades need you to be an active part of the post. I need your input so that the post is something that you are proud to belong to and supports our comrades and our community.
Now is a time for reflection and a new dedication for the post and its members. I dedicate myself and I'm sure others will join me to our members and non-member veterans, to our Country, and our community.
We are a service organization. We are here to serve. ___________________________________________________________________________________ About two months ago We lost an honored veteran of WWII. SSGT Richard Grehan passed away. He was a tailgunner in the Pacific during the war to end all wars. He died alone in conditions less than ideal. The American Legion Post 0143 failed him. It is our sacred duty to find every veteran in the Methow Valley and make sure that they are ok. I challange every member, every veteran to identify other veterans and pass the word to an officer of the post to check in on them and make sure that they are ok. Please ask "are you a veteran" ___________________________________________________________________________________ Memorial Day, for most of us, will be different this year. The meaning, however, does not change.

I’m calling on The American Legion Family to encourage communities far and wide to pay tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes at dusk May 25, Memorial Day, by lighting candles of honor and placing them on front porches. Such a display will remind everyone that our resolve to honor those who served before us will continue even as social-distancing measures limit our ability to perform traditional Memorial Day remembrances.

We must adapt and overcome the pandemic in order to pay our respects to the true meaning of Memorial Day.

The manner and placement of the candles of honor are up to each individual. If possible, I recommend using a front porch as a visible reminder of the price that was paid for freedom.
Color options for consideration could include:
A red candle to remember the blood shed in battle for the protection of our freedoms.
A white candle to keep our POWs/MIAs ever in our thoughts and prayers as we await their return home
A blue candle to salute the memories of those who made it home but are no longer with us.
However you choose, whether it’s one candle or three, I ask that photos of those candles be shared on social media, tagging The American Legion National Headquarters and using the hashtag #candlesofhonor so our message will reach families everywhere. An additional option is to show your gratitude by having each member of a family or group hold up a sign spelling out a message of Memorial Day. WE SHALL NEVER FORGET would be a good choice. No matter how we remember this year, the most important message we need to send is that we will never forget.
For God and country,
James W. “Bill” Oxford
National Commander ___________________________________________________________________________________
The post relies on donations to provide support to the community of the Methow Valley, the veterans of the Methow and keep our lights on. Covid has, like everyone affected our finances and we are asking for help if you are able. Hit the Donate button and give what you can so we can give what we can.
___________________________________________________________________________________ The post may not be open for normal operations but that doesnt mean that nothing is happening. Building maintenance and repairs are happening.
___________________________________________________________________________________ With the Governer extending the stay at home order the post will not be having a meeting this month. Obviously the health and welfare of our members is paramount. We will be annoucing when the post will be continuing operations. Health and welfare calls will b stepping up operations If you know of a Veteran who is not a member but lives in the Methow Valley please contact us at (509) 844-6820 ___________________________________________________________________________________ I am very happy to pass on that the town of Twisp Washington has declared itself as an American Legion town. The meeting with the town Counsel was done by video conferencing so I was unable to attend however when the state of emergency we are currently in has passed I have been invited to speak to the counsel at their next meeting.
Keith Morden
First Vice Commander
===================================================================== The Coronavirus and the resulting temporary suspendng of activities by our post does not mean that we have halted all activities. Now more than ever it is our responsability to watch out for each other and take care of each other however we can safely. This does not mean just the members of the post, if you know of a Veteran (member or not) who needs a helping hand please contact an officer of the post. There are community resources that will help with food, electric bills, medical treatment and even a phone call just to let someone who is sheltering in home that they are not alone. Please, Please, Please call an officer of the post and we will help them in any way that we can to reach out. Call 509-844-6820. ________________________________________________ Before you go to a VA Medical facility, Call first! See the latest VA Blog by clicking here. _________________________________________________ The Methow Valley American Legion Post 143 will be temporarily suspending meetings and events until further notice to protect our members health and well being. If any Veteran in the Valley sheltering in place and needs provisions or assistance please call any Post officer or contact us at 509-844-6820 and we will do our best to assist you.
Keith Morden
Vice Commander _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The City of Twisp is voting on a proposal submitted by the Post to proclaim Twisp Washington as an American Legion Town. _______________________________________________________________________________ The Post has joined the Twisp Chamber of Commerce. our chamber page is Here ________________________________________________________________________________
We have joined with NCW Veterans to better serve our local Veterans in the area. click the link For more information about Veteran programs and events going on throughout the Valley. _________________________________________________________________________________ Your Post has negotiated a special price for Massage therapy with a respected Massage Therapist at a very special price. Leah Knowles LMT has graciously agreed to accept just a portion of her normal price for Post members of only $60. Please be sure to bring your American Legion membership card with you when you go to your therapy, she will ask for it. Her phone number is (509) 449-6368. Thank you Leah for supporting your local Veterans.