By CONNIE THOMAS
Special to the PRESS
May is election time for The American Legion family and Post 498 in Port Isabel welcomes a new Commander. Outgoing Commander Roger Rodecap has served with pride and great direction for the past four years. Taking his place is Philip Rosenlund who was the finance officer for the past two years.
Rosenlund is a 20-year Air Force veteran and volunteered with American Legion Post 6 in Cheyenne for 8 years. From Cheyenne, Wyoming, he worked most of his adult life for the University of Wyoming Extension Service. He educated adults and youth primarily in agriculture, working with the 4-H program to develop new skills and help youth gain more knowledge for their life’s work.
A new Vice Commander was also elected this year. Steve Cowell will be assisting the Commander and will assume the duties of Financial Officer.
At 4 p.m. on Monday May 20, Commander Rosenlund and Commander Rodecap, along with the Legionnaires of Post 498, presented donations to the following recipients: Veterans of America, Women’s Marine Association, Warrior United, STIVA (an Iraq/Afghanistan support group) and The Salvation Army. Each group received $1,000 to dedicate to veterans in need.
The Auxiliary, Unit 498, donated $700 each for the following Texas veteran programs this year: Cancer Research, VA&R General Fund, Continued Education and Creative Arts. Other donations included $700 to the Harlingen VA Clinic to help with local veterans, $200 to help Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) at Fort Cavazos to purchase 6000 composition books needed this year for children of military families. The Auxiliary also donated $1000 to the Vietnam Veterans of America to help fund the new Vietnam War KIA Memorial to be placed at Pendleton Park in Harlingen. The ceremony will take place on Memorial Day.
The American Military Support (AMS) box located inside the Post in Harlingen supports the 501(C3) organization which helps homeless vets and military families. Items are collected all year and include toiletries, socks, t-shirts, books, puzzles, gym bags, rain tarps, women’s pajamas, slippers, and household items.
The generosity of our Post patrons and Winter Texan friends plus many other outside contributors who participate in Legion fund raisers throughout the year enables the American Legion family to make these essential donations each year. Remember if one person can make a difference, think of what a village can do. Our thanks go out to everyone who helps us in these endeavors thus achieving these goals.
May 20 was National Patriot Day. Upcoming patriotic events include May 24 Poppy Day and May 27 Memorial Day. The Legion’s Memorial Day schedule includes breakfast from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Post 498, 810 South Garcia Street, Port Isabel. The City of Port Isabel memorial service will be held at the City Cemetery begins at 10 a.m. Lunch, sponsored by HEB, will be served at the Post at noon.
Music schedule: Friday May 24 karaoke with DJ Jimmy 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday May 25 Jeff Crocker plays country guitar dance music 4–7 p.m., followed by karaoke with DJ Jimmy 7– 10 p.m.; Monday May 27 karaoke with DJ Wally. The Post opens at 3 p.m. and is open to the public. Be sure to thank a veteran today.
CORRECTION: from column of May 9 “American Legion News,” The Mother’s Day Brunch information was incorrect as the Legion does not normally open until 3 p.m. during this slow season. An apology was posted on the door and Pizza was served in lieu of the brunch at 5 p.m. Also, the Quilt raffle was postponed until Memorial Day.
For Service Not Self, Connie Thomas District 15 President.