Post # 1 Newsletter Editor                                                                                        AMVET Post #1 Commander

Adjutant: J. E. “Gene” Foster                                                                                    Shelley Pelletier

                Now with January 2012 almost in the books, we can be grateful that for the most part, we had cooperative weather and were able to accomplish a great deal.  Here’s a recap of Post 1 activities for January 2012:

• We ended 2011 with a final tally of Post 1 AMVETS 2011 Annual Report – donations, assistants to Veterans, community, active duty armed forces, etc. totaled over $83,000.00!  While not our all time best year, this was a huge accomplishment considering the current economy.  Well done to all!
• January 1 2012 – New Years Day open house; Rose Parade, food, football, food, fun!
• January 8 2012 – Post 1 hosted the Department of Maine State Executive Committee for AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, and Sons of AMVETS.  Our three students who attended the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation spoke highly of their experiences.  After the SEC meetings ended, Post 1 hosted a roast pork dinner with all the trimmings.
• January 15 2012 – From 8 to 11 am Post 1 hosted a community breakfast with all proceeds going toward this year’s charity projects.  Assisting with breakfast were the Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS.
• January 19 2012 – Representatives from Post1 and the City of Biddeford attend a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to celebrate the successful overhaul of USS SAN JUAN (SSN751) which is going back to her home port.
• January 22 2012 – Representatives from USS SAN JUAN came to Post 1 and presented the Post with a commemorative plaque thanking Post 1 for our hospitality over the last 22 months.  That same day, AMVETS, volunteers from the Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS, and USS SAN JUAN Crewmembers packaged the last 30 boxes for shipping to members of our nations deployed Armed Forces.  Good job everyone!  And the 22^nd was culminated with a community meat loaf dinner.  Again proceeds go to fund local charitable projects.  It was a good day for every one – including Patriot & Giant fans.

                Our next public breakfast will be Sunday, February 12^th from 8 to 11 am.  This is our annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast which means all the ladies receive a complimentary, fresh carnation with their breakfast.  Remember, each breakfast is prepared from fresh ingredients and cooked to order.  If you’re in a hurry, you can call get your breakfast packed “To-Go”.

                Our regular AMVETS Meeting for Post 1 will be Sunday, February 19^th at 9:00 am.  Any Post 1 Veteran does not need to be a Post Officer to attend or speak their mind at any AMVETS meeting.

                                Here’s the schedule of Post 1 AMVETS Meetings for the rest of 2012:

                                                March 18;              April 15; May 20;                 June 10;                 July 15;

August 19;            September 16;                       October 21;           November 18;       December 16.

                                Department S.E.C. Meetings:             March 11, Post 2, Yarmouth               May 6, Post 3, Sanford

Our meeting will be Wednesday, February 1^st at 6:30 pm.  THANK YOU to our members who donate their time and efforts on our projects – especially when you report your activity and donations.  If you’re going to help – maker sure it gets reported.  As our Post Adjutant (Gene Foster) says, “If it ain’t on paper, it never happened.”  When everyone does their part, large or small, AND reports it, we all benefit.  Currently there is one area that we can do something about right away – MEMBERSHIP!  As of this writing, we have about 10 members a still have to pay their dues.  Please.  If you haven’t already, renew your membership ASAP.  Thank you.  See you at the club.  Stay warm.

                The Sons of AMVETS will meet on Sunday, February12th at 11:00 am.  No other report submitted.