DON'S DATA Jan/Feb 2008

Each year, the national organization known as “The American Coalition for Filipino Veterans” marks the anniversary of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and adjacent Philippine bases. The group holds major tributes in San Francisco California and Cherry Hill, NJ. This year, the 66th anniversary was conducted once again at the Bataan Death March Memorial along the Cooper River and attended by dozens of supporters and allied friends. Among those community leaders was Post #372 Judge Advocate and longtime American Legion general member, Reynolds “Chin” Johnson. When called upon for remarks by the group’s executive director, Eric Lachica, “Chin” rose to the occasion. He gave a rousing address recalling the time he spent as a child visiting the Philippines, remembering the people’s shock and horror and the frightening atmosphere of the period. He urged support of a pending Congressional legislation that would give Filipino Vets the same general benefits now accorded US Veterans…Let’s give a tip of the service cap to member Dave Larsen, who noting Chef Extraordinaire Eileen Morrissey under-the-weather absence last month, jumped into the kitchen void with a luscious batch of homemade Chili. Turns out Dave loves to make mix his own-secret Chili flavors which has won him a few “Best of..” honors over the years. A ravenous group of Eagles fans cheered not only the team’s victory over the Cowboys, but to also applaud Dave’s Chili. Among the hungry tasters were Canteen regulars Pat Buchanan, Tom Wright, Ed White, “Chin” Johnson, Connie Krueger, Charlie Macukewicz, Brian Fitzgerald, Andy Johnson, Carol Doyle and her beau, Ron Colucci. Each gave Dave compliments and high marks for the tasty version of his special stockpot variety with a earnest plea that he do it again (and again..) on a regular basis…The Legion Hall, site of parties, wedding receptions and other sundry meetings and special events, has received a major face-lifting with new paint, new floor surfacing, brighter lights and other updates and improvements. This makeover, coupled with the sleek, new kitchen renovation, will continue to make our Post a destination point for community get-togethers and other lifetime milestones. FYI, all Post #372 members and their families will receive a 50% discount on Hall Rentals throughout the year…. JANUARY ALERT: Check the times with Trustee Ed White who tells this column that a bevy of beauties promoting Captain Morgan rum have scheduled a Post “visit” sometime during the month to chat up their product and “get to meet” some “typical” Legionnaires…A final reminder to those who enjoy getting and reading THE SCOOP: If you fail to pay your annual dues in the coming weeks, you will be dropped from both mailing lists of The Scoop and the American Legion Magazine. Please do it today!

Don's Data Nov/Dec 2007

  That crispy snap in the autumn air is a promise of more football, heaps of turkey, apple cider and a spiffy, updated Post property. The structure—sporting a new rear façade-- is now being prepared for the daily “Tommy O’ fireplace ceremony”. This is that inviting lure that traditionally beacons those infrequent visiting Legionnaires back to their old Post just to say hello once again to comrades and friends. Especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Again, this year, we look forward to greeting some new faces, so stop by…The newly constructed and impressive outdoor smoking area has been enhanced with new garden-type fencing keeping the smokers isolated from the heavy traffic and residential neighbors surrounding the Post. Commander Charles Macukewicz has successfully achieved the delicate diplomatic task in calming some, if not all, nearby neighbors by installing a sophisticated soundproof system in the Post Hall, a frequent target of the loud noises complaints. That Post Hall—a strong revenue producer for the Post—is also undergoing a major interior facelift of painting, reconstruction and extensive floor refurbishing to add to the recent upgrades of both men and women restrooms. All these housekeeping measures require great time and expense and members should be aware of this necessary upkeep to more appreciate their visits to Post #372 …It was great seeing a smiling Al Walker making a welcome comeback to the canteen following a recent illness. Vice Commander Walker has been the active Post tail-twister and go-to guy for many of our popular social events throughout the years and his candies and novelties are an Easter and Halloween staple…Oh Happy Day Department…There still rejoicing in the Post Lounge over the fact that Brian Fitzgerald, the 50-year-old SAL Commander caught his first real fish--ever!—as a angler aboard the Royal Flush out of Wildwood last month. Hook-baiter, Maryellen Murray, who also claims she helped him reel it in, said Brian jumped up and down “like a kid in a candy factory”…Maryellen said is was “a keeper!”…

Don's Data Sept/Oct 2007

 Getting back into the swing of things after a temporary lull in an unusually fast moving summer will be greeted with surprises. Another welcome experience for Post #372 members. That’s because of the total upgrades in canteen, kitchen and game room. The Post is now sporting two new flashy 38” widescreen HD TVs adorning the walls of the bar, a serious overhaul of aged but major kitchen equipment and a smattering of new paint and other improvements to our beloved physical plant…The Post E-Board and Commander Charles Macukewicz have shown creative leadership in spearheading the modernizing which will make for a happier membership all around…And now with an authentic hero in our midst, the buzz at the post is very much upbeat…We’re talking about member John Martorano’s life saving exploits during the summer that have been reported in all forms of news media (including our Post web page). Pix and more news on John’s feat (and Judi’s concerned plea to Post members) can be found elsewhere in this issue of The Scoop…It’s another late summer outing on the high seas set for September 29th aboard the Royal Flush when Post Adjutant Tom Heinsinger hosts his annual fishing trip while keeping the cost at a modest $60 bucks for all the extra hoopla. Bus, beer and a great networking bash…Meantime; the Posts’ popular Family Day extravaganza will be spread out on our home compound on September 22nd. You can always bank on an SRO turnout for this popular affair…Tickets are still available…The annual Erlton Fourth of July Parade drew hundreds of spectators and solid word of praise from its organizers profusely thanking Post #372 for its continuing financial support of their patriotic activities. A couple dozen officers and members were proudly featured in the festive parade route this year…. A recent New York Times story sadly detailed the fact that the long-planned World War II Memorial scheduled to be erected in Trenton has yet to break ground. The State has allocated $3 million, but with sizable donations from State-wide Legions and other private benefactors, the fund still faces a $2 million gap, while construction estimates continue to increase…

 The shock of the sudden demise of popular SAL Adjutant, Rich Sabo last month is still sending tremors throughout the membership. Everyone loved Rich. His sunny disposition and humor will be sorely missed…

 A band of daytime regulars who pride themselves on pranks of all nature, has a field day with Trustee Charlie Alberti’s new Ford Focus. After proudly showing off his new maroon model car during the afternoon, he returned later that evening to find it had been wrapped in bright yellow “crime scene” tape by the unknown

Don's Data Jan/Feb 2006