Oro Valley Post 132 Newsletter, January 11, 2023.
Oro Valley Post 132 and Family activities/notices and information.
Post and Auxiliary membership meetings:
Thursday, January 19, 6:30 pm at Vistoso Memorial Chapel, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley. A social with complimentary refreshments follows each meeting of the Post and Auxiliary. Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm. Auxiliary members meet in a separate room, same time, same location. POC is Gary Smith, phone 214-431-2187 or email ovpost132@gmail.com.
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year presentation:
Post 132 is proud to announce that Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) Sergeant Nate Vera has been selected as its Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The Post commander will present the award during the January 19th meeting. Sergeant Vera’s family, OVPD Chief Riley, and other members of the OVPD will be attending. Please attend to show your appreciation, and support for Sergeant. Vera.
Thank You American Legion and Family Members:
Non-perishable food items were brought to the December Post meeting by members. The items were delivered to the Tucson VA’s Patriot Pantry. The pantry serves about 40 veterans each month and the Post makes food deliveries to the pantry on a scheduled basis. All are welcome to bring non-perishable food item(s) to the Post’s December 15 meeting. This is strictly voluntary. The Patriot Pantry, which is run by SAVAHCS (Tucson VA), provides in-patients at discharge and out-patients an emergency food supply and also connects them with community resources. Tucson VA social workers identify eligible veterans.
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 132 meeting:
Saturday, January 21, 10:30 am, Vistoso Memorial Chapel, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley. POC is Ed Davis, phone 520-229-1064 or email egdavis@att.net.
Riders Chapter 132 membership meeting:
Wednesday, February 1, 6:00 pm at Elks Lodge #385, 1800 N. Oracle Rd. Meetings are on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm. Riders Chapter 132 Director – Garry Lawrence, phone 520-245-8521, email faretired@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates, activities and events to remember:
February 5, local celebration of National Four Chaplains Day:
Details will be included in the next newsletter.
February 8, The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship program:
An annual United States Constitution knowledge-based oratorical contest in which high school students compete. The Post level competition for the 2023 program takes place February 8, 3:00 pm -5:30 pm at the Vistoso Memorial Chapel at 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley. To conduct the competition, we need 10-12 volunteers performing simple assignments such as judges, timekeepers, contestant escorts, holding room monitors, and ushers. Even if you are not volunteering, please attend and support these talented and patriotic students. The annual national program consists of five levels of competition beginning at the local Post level and leading to the National competition with monetary awards at each level. POC is George Eveland, phone 540-446-9801 or email w8vg1996@gmail.com.
Past Activities and Information:
November 30, Boulder Crest Retreat’s 5th Anniversary Celebration:
The Keynote Speaker for the event was Vietnam War Prisoner of War (POW), Captain Charlie Plumb, United States Navy (Ret.). Captain Plumb was shot down and captured on his 75th mission. He spent 5 years, 9 months, and 12 days in North Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camps. His presentation was a great inspiration to all. During the event, Post representative, Commander Dan McGregor and Auxiliary Unit representative, Chris Kennedy, presented the retreat’s director with checks for $750 and $250, respectively. The Boulder Crest Retreat is located on 130 acres in Sonoita, AZ. The mission at Boulder Crest is to provide post-traumatic counseling and training for combat veterans, first responders and their families. The retreat has achieved excellent results. Post and Auxiliary Unit 132 were invited to the anniversary celebration because of past support of the retreat.
November and December Activities of Riders Chapter 132:
- On Veterans Day nine motorcycles and thirteen members of the Riders Group represented Oro Valley American Legion Post 132 in the annual Tucson parade.
- The Riders donated $100.00 to the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). The donation will be used for the National Plaque Program. Plaques are presented to the Heroes’ family during PGR missions.
- Chapter members participated as flag bearers in a local PGR mission for a fallen veteran.
- A worn American flag, flying at a local residence, was replaced by Chapter members at no cost to the resident.
December 4th, Christmas Family Day event:
For soldiers and families of the 2/285th Aviation Regiment and the 422nd Signal Battalion at the Silverbell Army Heliport, Arizona Army National Guard & Army Reserve post, Marana. In addition to a financial donation, we had a team of volunteers present to ensure a successful event. The volunteers were Post members Dan McGregor, Wayne Larroque, Jim Burt, Rick Gonzalez, Tom Roblee, and Jim Barnhart, and Auxiliary Unit members Judy Haberski, Judy Padgham, Rosie Gonzalez, Lori Roblee, and Debbie Barnhart. Jim Burt, the Post’s Guard and Reserve support committee chair, on behalf of the Post and Auxiliary, accepted a certificate of appreciation from Lieutenant Colonel Aldrich and Chief Master Sergeant Chavez. Lieutenant Colonel Aldrich thanked the members of the Post and Auxiliary for their devotion to and support of the soldiers and families. An estimated 1,500 soldiers and family members enjoyed a fun day of food, music, static displays of military equipment, and children’s activities.
December 10, Christmas Family Day event:
For soldiers and family members of the Western Army Aviation Training Site (WAATS) Battalion at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana. In addition to a financial donation, we had a team of volunteers present to ensure a successful event. The volunteers were Post members Jim Burt, Don Besse, Rick Gonzales, and Tom Roblee, and Auxiliary Unit members Judy Haberski, Judy Padgham, Rosie Gonzalez, and Dina Burt. An estimated 425 soldiers and family members enjoyed a meal and activities including a petting zoo, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, a live band, and helicopter rides for spouses and older children. Jim Burt, the Post’s Guard and Reserve support committee chair, on behalf of the Post and Auxiliary, accepted a certificate of appreciation from battalion commander, COL Jeremy Pfiffer.
Contact Info:
Facebook:
Please like, follow and share with others to help spread the word about our Post and its award winning programs. www.facebook.com/ovamericanlegionPost132.com.
Post Website:
Post Mailing address:
Oro Valley Post 132, PO Box 69665, Oro Valley, AZ 85737.
Post 132 commander:
Dan McGregor, call 425-681-3962 or email ovp132@yahoo.com.
SAL Squadron 132 commander:
Ed Davis, call 520-229-1064 or email egdavis@att.net
Riders Chapter 132 Director:
Garry Lawrence call 520-245-8521 or email faretired@gmail.com.
Service Officer:
Jim Martens call 503-939-1570 or email jamesmartens46@gmail.com.
Auxiliary Unit president:
Melinda Nay email ovunit132@gmail.com.
Past Commander/Newsletter Editor:
Ed Davis, call 520-229-1064 or email egdavis@att.net