Oro Valley Post 132 Newsletter, March 13, 2023.
Oro Valley Post 132 and Family activities/notices and information.
Post and Auxiliary membership meetings:
Thursday, March 16, 6:30 pm at Vistoso Memorial Chapel, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Oro Valley. Our special guest speaker will be Post member Mr. Harvey Horn. Harvey served as a navigator on B-17s during World War Two (WWII). During one mission near the end of the war, Harvey’s B-17 was forced to ditch in the Adriatic Sea and he was captured by the German Armed Forces. Attend the meeting to hear Harvey’s story. A social with complimentary refreshments follows each meeting of the Post and Auxiliary.
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 132 meeting:
Saturday, March 18, 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, April 5, 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:
March 19. The American Legion’s 104th Birthday:
On this date in 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force convened the first caucus of the new American Legion in Paris, France. Weary from war, they were concerned about their lives after discharge, the welfare of their comrades and the general condition of the nation. The founding members, all combat veterans, were determined to include everyone who served in uniform during the war, not just combat veterans, and actively encouraged women and minorities to become members. American Legion became the nation’s largest veterans service organization and continues to fulfil its commitment of advocacy for and service to veterans and service members and their families.
March 25-26, Davis-Monthan-AFB presents Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona:
Gates open to the general public at 9:00 am each day. Free admission and parking for the public for general admission. Premium tickets are available online at https://event.attendstar.com/event/show/thunder-and-lightning-over-arizona-2023. Handicap parking is available. Military ID is not required. Food, drinks and souvenirs are available for purchase. Same events/performances each day, including the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. For general information including dos and don’ts for the event, go to https://www.dmfss.com/airshow.
Past Activities and Information:
March 4, roadway cleanup:
Keeping Oro Valley the Clean Scene! On this day, nine members of Oro Valley Post 132 removed debris from the Post’s assigned one-mile stretch along Tangerine Rd. The clean-up turns into a social gathering and fun is had by all. Thanks to Tom Roblee for coordinating this quarterly activity and to the volunteers who make it happen. Photo left to right; Joe Hornat, Mike Zinkin, Larry McNamee, Danny Lemon, Michael Bartelle, Garry Lawrence, and Del Giese. Not in the photo: Rick Gonzales, and Tom Roblee who was behind the camera. This is a low-stress, fun activity. Legion, Auxiliary, and SAL members are welcome.
February 28, groundbreaking ceremony:
More than 300 attended the Arizona Heroes Memorial groundbreaking ceremony held at the site of the Memorial, Naranja Park, Oro Valley. The Memorial is a one-of-a-kind addition to Arizona, honoring active-duty Military, Veterans, First Responders and Healthcare workers, while educating future generations about the meaning of service and sacrifice to our country. Post 132 member and Korean War veteran Dick Eggerding, came up with the idea for a tribute six years ago. Two World War II veterans, both POWs, Post 132 member Harvey Horn and James Ram, were joined by veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Also present were government leaders, representatives of fire districts, police and sheriff’s departments, and local citizens. Post 132 members Steve Didio and Alan Dankwerth have filled leadership roles on the Memorial’s board since the beginning. For information about the Memorial project, visit www.azheroesmemorial.org.
March 11, On to National!:
A stellar performance by Post 132 sponsored contestant, Caleb Rasor, who competed at the state level of the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship program. Caleb placed first among the best contestants in the state, two from each of the three separate organizational areas. Caleb now advances to the national competition to be held in Indianapolis, IN on April 21 as the Arizona delegate where he will compete against the delegates from each of the 50 states and from 4 international departments. Caleb, a student at BASIS High School in Oro Valley, had placed first in the previous three levels of competition within Area A. The annual American Legion U.S. Constitution knowledge-based oratorical contest is designed to instill a greater knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution among high school students. The Post’s program is the most successful in the state with six of the last eight Arizona delegates sent to the national competition having been sponsored by Post 132. A special thank you to Larry McNamee and George Eveland for their Post 132 program leadership.
March 12, Tucson Fisher House cook off:
Ten American Legion Oro Valley Post 132 and Auxiliary Unit members convened in the kitchen of the Tucson VA Fisher House to prepare meals for the residents and staff. A Fisher House is a comfortable home away from home where the families of service members and veterans can stay free of charge while their loved ones are receiving medical care at the local VA. A complete three-course meal was packaged in 20 refrigerator containers for near-term consumption and 18 complete meals were packaged in freezer containers for the enjoyment of the residents during their stay. Thank you to our volunteers: Leon Donahue, Denise Ferchen, Bob Franke, Judy Haberski, Wayne Larroque, Diana Larroque, Dan McGregor, Marge Paloian, Peggy Smith, and Gene Wickey.
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