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FROMTHELEGIONCOMMANDER I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and a great Christmas or Chanukah. As we start a new year at Post 163, I want to thank all of our volunteers that did so much for our Post last year, without you our Post would not be as great as it is. I want to make everyone aware that the walk-in cooler for the Post

kitchen has been repaired for its last time. According to those that have been maintaining it, it is now no longer repairable! When it fails next, it is toast! During our last Executive Committee meeting it was voted on to replace it. A budget of $25,000 was voted on and ratified in the General Meeting. We have some money in the building fund, but we will have to finance quite a bit of the cost in order to keep a reserve for emergencies. In order to expedite the replacement, the Post will he holding fundraisers during the next few months to raise money. If you wish to help the Post in this endeavor, please address any donations to the Finance Officer with a notation “for the walk-in”. and I Thank You in advance. A lot of hard work and activities are being planned by all the Legion Family at Post 163 for this upcoming year, so keep an eye on the calendar and our great website (legionpost163.com) to see what great events that are up coming. A lot of veterans will be eligible for Exchange and Commissary privileges as of January 1, 2020. There are things that the ran must do in order to have access to these facilities. Here is the website for all you need to do: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/ As always if you have a suggestion please either call, email, or place it in the suggestion box at the Post. All ideas are read and placed under consideration See you at upcoming events. See you at upcoming events. For God and Country Robert Hughes Commander 321-525-2668 alr163rider14@outlook.com

BULLETIN BOOSTER (Date is Expiration)

BE A BOOSTER FOR ONLY $10.00 PER YEAR. YOU’LL HELP THE POST SAVE ON THE EVER-GROWING COST OF PRINTING & POSTAGE. FORGIVE ANY OMMISIONS AND/OR ERRORS3/20 LORI AND CHUCK STAGG IN MEMORY OF J.B. STAGG JR. 4/20 JIMMY GREEN IN MEMORY OF BARBARA & SHASTA GREEN 4/20 BARBARA TAYLOR IN MEMORY OF ROBERT E. TAYLOR RIP & NANCY COLLINS 5/20 SUSIE AGERSTRAND IN LOVING MEMORY OF J.P. & JERRY D. (BOOMER) AGERSTRAND 5/20 JANICE & VELLO VILGATS IN MEMORY OF ROBERT H. REAFLER 6/20 LOREN & ALMA VON RIESEN 8/20 IN MEMORY OF JIM, JACK, & HOWARD ELLIXSON 8/20 CHARLES DURHAM IN MEMORY OF OUR WWII VETERANS 11/20 MERYELLEN TUCKER/HEINS IN MEMORY OF ANDI BURGESS 11/20 ALFRED F TORTORELLI 11/20 ROBERT M. CHILCOTT IN MEMORY OF ELSIE & BOB CHILCOTT 11/20 JOHN LIPPE IN MEMORY OF WAYNE KNOWLES 11/20 ARTHUR LORETTI IN MEMORY OF ARTHUR SR & VINNY USN 01/21 GENE AND PAULINE NESS 01/2021 BOB HUGHES 01/2021 RON AND BRENDA REESE IN MEMORY OF G.W. EASTERWOOD

2/21 ROGER RHODES IN MEMORY OF JIMMIE PIERCE 7/21 DWIGHT POWLESS IN MEMORY OF JOY 8/21 WAYNE O. SMITH L. PAUL MURRY 9/21 VINCENT AMEIGH 12/21 TOM PECHACEK SPACE COAST HONOR FLIGHT, WWII 12/21 LEGION RIDERS CHAPTER 163 01/22 ANTON MARTH – U.S.A.F. 1/22 JONI MANCUSO IN MEMORY OF JOHN J. (JJ) MANCUSO 9/22 TOM PECHACEK IN MEMORY OF ANDREW W. SIMPKINS, USMC 1/23 STAR & JACK 5/23 BOBBY WENDRZYK IN MEMORY OF CHET WENDRZYK 5/23 CHERI & JERRY HARTMAN 3/24 FREN MATHEWS IN MEMORY OF CARMIE, MIKE & VAUNOY

5/24 PATRICIA WEGNER IN MEMORY OF LUCIEN, GEORGE & TERRY WEGNER JOSE (JOE) VEGA IN LOVING MEMORY OF LAURETTE CONSTANCE VEGA 10/26 THE PERATON FAMILY IN MEMORY OF NICHOLAS BYRNSIDE2/30 SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION

You can View and Print this Newsletter On-Line anytime, along with more information on upcoming events on our web site, at: http://legionpost163.com

Printed by Mike Roebuck, Legion Member / legion rider Good Impressions Printing. http://goodimpressionsprinting.com

1696 Aurora Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 * 321-255-3922

“For God and Country” Victor Donaghy

FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT Happy New Year to you,Where has this year gone? Last year we had lots of events and raised money for all our programs. Elections are in just a few months and I’m sure your new leadership team will have lots of events for you to participate in the remaining 2020 year. Meanwhile, January will

host one fundraiser, more information to follow. February is booked with Legion and Rider events, giving us a small break before our next big fundraiser… a Sock Hop!!! March 14. Dinner, dancing, door prizes and a 50/50. Tickets are on sale now $10. As the last two events were a sellout, I suggest you get your tickets right away. Don’t forget about our meetings the second Thursday of each month at 7pm. The second weekend of each month it’s our weekend to man the kitchen. Friday from 5:30 to 8pm, Saturday Morning Breakfast 8 to 11am, steak shoot Saturday 1 to 3pm, and Monday night 5:30 to 7pm. We have a lot of fun in the kitchen and will welcome you if you want to help too. We have a member who will be taking care of the coupons for National Security, bring them in even if they are expired (the Veterans can use them up to 6 months after expiration date). Cut or uncut. She will take care of the rest. Thanks to everyone for being a part of the American Legion Auxiliary, and for loving the American Veterans in the way you do. For God and Country, Shirley Fashano American Legion Auxiliary President Unit 163 321-652-4434

FROM THE 1ST VICE COMMANDERGreetings and best wishes for the New Year 2020 ! Thanks to all who have renewed their dues. We appreciate your continued support. If you have not paid your 2020 dues, your key card will no longer work to enter the building.

You may still pay online at mylegion.org or by mailing a check or dropping one off to the Post. Please be sure to include your membership number and any changes to mailing address, etc. Now, speaking of membership, I’d like to ask for feedback on what we can improve for you to participate in our functions and duties. We have over 540 paid members so far this year and yet we sadly only see about 10% of you. This is your Post, you joined here for a reason , please contact me and let’s discuss any issues that are keeping you away. We are family,( as dysfunctional at times that we may seem), BUT we do sincerely care. The Veteran’s Day Parade was a hit, thanks to all who participated. Everyone enjoyed the 3 bands we were able to secure this year. Thanks to the parade committee and special thanks to our Finance Officer, Wayne O. Smith, who keeps track of all the monies. Our 2nd annual golf tournament fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 21st. More details to follow on location and cost. Don’t get shut out of this one. Everyone had such fun last year and we had wonderful prizes and a great meal afterward. But most importantly we enjoyed the camaraderie. That’s what this Post is about. Please don’t hesitate to call me. My phone number 321 266-5115. I’ll see you at the best Post on the Coast ! For God and Country, Rosemarie Yeary 1st Vice Commander Adjutant

NEW DOOR KEY CARDS WILL BE ISSUED AT THE BAR ON JANUARY 1, 2020

If you did not pay your 2020 Dues, Your Old Card WILL NOT WORK

You Can Not get a New Door Key Card. Also! You will NOT be eligible to take part in the “Ace of Hearts”

MEMBERS WHO PASSED IN 2019

JAMES S. WHITE,ROY LEE CARTER, ROBERT D. PATTERSON, FRANCIS R. McCAFFERTY

JOHN M. CARNEY, EARL WINTERS PHILIP CHARRON, Dr. MARK “DOC” HOFFMAN

ARTHUR MOLIN, THOMAS “TOMMY” PECHACECK L. PAUL MURRAY, NORMAN FRANK FAIN Jr. MD,

ROBERT J. BRUNNER JACK WERTS, WILLIAM BROUSSARD

CHARLES DURHAM, VICTOR DONAGHY

JANUARY 1, 2020 POST 163 WILL OPEN

AT 4:00PM

KITCHEN CLOSED FOR DAY

FROM THE 2nd VICE COMMAND

FROM THE SECOND VICE COMMANDER The Two Year Discussions about the “Walk-In” Refrigerator/Freezer Unit is finally over as the Executive Committee has approved a Brand New Replacement Unit. This Unit will be installed some time in January or February. Next subject to bring up is the Re-Vamping of the Hall. It has

been in dire need of an over hall for quite some time. As 2nd Vice Commander, it is part of my job to rent the Hall. Did you know that You, as a member, get the Hall at a reduced rate? Ask me what it cost to hold your function or gathering at Post 163. We’re moving forward with many new suggestions at Post 163. So get on the wagon and show your support by attending meetings and voice you opinion for projects that need our attention. For God and Country Arthur Loretti 2nd Vice Commander/Webmaster/Kitchen Manager

FROM THE KITCHEN MANAGER Holidays are over and my first Four Months were Very Successful in the kitchen thanks to your support. Members from Post 163 and MANY Other Posts have been coming out for Both Lunch and Dinner, as well as: Show Me The Money, Texas Hold-Em, Beer Can Chicken BBQ,

Early Bird Dinner, Veterans Day Parade Lunch, and Thanksgiving Day Dinner. A Lot of NEW People stepped up to help in the Kitchen for these special events and there is a Thank-You List in this Newsletter. I’m looking forward to bringing you new and exciting specials in 2020. So check out the New Menu, and check for daily specials on the board. For God and Country Arthur Loretti 2nd Vice Commander/Webmaster/Kitchen Manager

HONOR GUARD MEETING

JAN 16– 6:30PM FEB 20– 6:30PM

PLANNING TUESDAY FEBRUARY

4TH 6:30PM

You Really Came Through. Thank You to Everyone who donated Turkeys and the Fixings

for our Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner. We Cooked 19 Turkeys this year and Served 111 Meals. PLUS! Billie Pierce

sent over Two Huge Trays of Turkey and her Stuffing. THANK-YOU ALL

I really appreciate your Efforts and Support in the Kitchen. My Heartfelt Thanks go out to:

Beer Can Chicken BBQ: Ron Reese, Dave Dupois, Rob Fowler, and Dee Norman who out did themselves with a Great Event.

Jazmine Cogswell who has been Volunteering Every Tuesday and Wednesday for High School Service Points. Toni Hovermill and Debbie Krippner for

Wednesday Wings and Thursday “Show Me The Money.” High School Students Jazmine Cogswell, Kaleb Krippner, Holden Krippner,

and Kyle Krippner for being our Wait Staff during our Annual Early Bird Dinner.

Thanksgiving Dinner. This one Blew me Away. Volunteers on Wednesday to Prep Food and Thanksgiving Day to Finish prepping and serving Dinner:

Jim Jeffries (163) Thurs. Kitchen Food Server Beth Jeffries (163) Thurs. Register Bill Ellixson(163) Wed. Tables Marta Ellixson (163) Wed. & Thurs. Food Prep, Line Server Jimmy (8191) Thurs. Line Server Cynthia (8191) Thurs. Line Server Dee Norman (163) Thurs. Turkey Carver, Kitchen Food Server Shirley Fishano Thurs. (163) Carver Bill Kelly (NEW 163) Wed.Pastry Prep Tamera Kelly (NEW 163) Wed. Pastry Prep Sean Kelly (Son 163) Wed. Clean Up A Special Thanks goes out to Tony Marth. “The Bread Man” for his continued support making sure we have fresh bread for all our daily needs and events. It is my Honor and Privilege to know and work with you All. God Bless and Thank-You.

Arthur Loretti - Kitchen Manager

NEW DOOR KEY CARDS WILL BE ISSUED AT THE BAR ON JANUARY 1, 2020

If you did not pay your 2020 Dues, Your Old Card WILL NOT WORK

You Can Not get a New Door Key Card. Also! You will NOT be eligible to take part in the “Ace of Hearts”

FROM THE S.A.L. COMMANDER

Thank you for all those who have been volunteering for S.A.L. at the Post. We are still looking for a fresh batch of volunteers. Please email us directly to volunteer

salcommander163@gmail.com Save the dates in January 11th 2020 for the 3rd Annual S.A.L. Chili Cook Off entry is $10 per pot and $2 tasters and Post St Patrick’s Day Dinner on March 28th 2020 will benefit the Special Olympics of Brevard County tickets will be $10 a plate. The US1 and south entry walkways renovations are completed. The East Wing walkway will be done by the end of December. We apology for any inconvenience for the closures but we are just trying to restore them to a better state. Next, S.A.L. project coming to the Post is renovating the hall ceiling. Remember to get your renewals turned in now to help the Squadron make all the goals by the Detachment. Thank you to all who have already renewed. Any questions or wanting to volunteer, please email us directly at salcommander163@gmail.com Respectfully, For God and Country Steve Vilgats, Ed.S. Squadron 163 Commander

FROM THE LEGION/RIDERS CHAPLAIN God, thank you for a new year. May everyone in our family be willing to begin anew with a clean slate. We know that you are always ready to forgive us. Help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one another. As

we begin a new year, remind us of our truest values and our dee pest desires. Help us to live in the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to do. Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time.

For GOD and Country, Philip Rush Chaplain American Legion Florida Post 163 ALR Florida Chapter 163

MARCH MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

BARTENDERS ALL DAY EVENT 03/07 POST 163 GOLF TOURNEMENT 03/21

ST. PATRICKS DINNER 03/28 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY 03/28

Register Between 9:30 and 11:30am KITCHEN OPENED FOR BREAKFAST 8 TO 11 AM

* SEE THE FLYER ON THE BACK PAGE FOR THE OPEN HOUSE BIG CHILL WEEKEND

FOUR CHAPLAINS CEREMONY Presented by Post 163 AUXILIARY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 6:30PM DONATED DESSERTS TO FOLLOW

ANNUAL “CHILI COOK-OFF SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 at 4:00 PM

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY AND BE THE NEXT “CHAMP” Entrée Fee: $10 – Tasters Fee: $2

1st ANNUAL TOMMY PECHACECK MEMORIAL BBQ

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 RIBS, PULLED PORK, SMOKED TURKEY

ALL COOKED ON THE SMOKER HE BUILT

JANUARY 1, 2020 POST 163 WILL OPEN AT

4:00PM KITCHEN CLOSED

FOR DAY

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16

9:00 to 2:00 ANTINQUE CARS

STREET RODS MOTORCYCLES

50/50

FROM THE 3rd VICE COMMANDER As the year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on some of the things that went on over the past year. We sponsored 2 parades,

there were several events at the post both fun and solemn, the color guard participated in several events, changes to the kitchen staff, and many upgrades to the post although they may seem small that make our post …Post 163 a little nicer place to visit…The one theme here is it took people to take the time out of their busy lives to help and to say I‘ll try and make a difference and do what little I can to help out. The post isn't a building. It’s the people the men and women, the ALR, AUX, and SAL who fill it and make it a fun, inviting place to visit; to tip a cup and have a bite to eat, to smile and laugh, and to sometime shed a tear. Unfortunately we lost several good friends this year. They will be remembered for who they were and what they did. So as we wind down the year and move into the holiday season, please stop and say what can I do next year to help, if only an hour or just to attend a function or meeting, to participate, to make post 163 a nicer friendlier more inviting place. In closing Kathy and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year For God and Country Nick Amendola 1rd Vice Commander

FROM THE A.L.R. DIRECTOR It is time again for the Big Chill Ride. This year we are once again raising money for Family Promise is Brevard and also

Project VetRelief. Family Promise is an organization that helps homeless families while keeping them together. Project VetRelief is a program of the American Legion Department of Florida the helps veterans with temporary financial problems. Under Project VetRelief is Challenge 22, a program that raises awareness of veteran’s suicides. This year we will be having a Car Show on Sunday Feb 16 and the Big Chill Scavenger Hunt on Sat Feb 22nd. Will have bands, raffles and vendors. Will be a Good Time for two Good Causes Malachy (Mack) McGuinness Director American Legion Riders Chapter 163

UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 6:00 TO 10:00 KARAOKE ON THE 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH 6:00 TO 10:00PM

SHOW ME THE MONEY EVERY THURSDAY 1:00 TO 3:00PM KITCHEN OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER

1/01: POST OPENS AT 4:00PM – NEW YEARS DAY 1/06: S.A.L. MEETING 7:30PM 1/09: LEGION MEETINGS – EC @ 6:30PM GENERAL @ 7:30PM AUXILIARY MEETINGS – EC @ 6:30PM GENERAL @ 7:00PM 1/11: S.A.L. ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF 4PM 1/12: AUX PANCAKE BREAKFAST 8 to 11AM 1/13: A.L.R. MEETING 7:30PM 1/16: HONOR GUARD/COLOR GUARD MEETING – CANCELLED (HOLIDAY)

FEBRUARY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 6:00 TO 10:00

KARAOKE ON THE 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH 6:00 TO 10:00PM SHOW ME THE MONEY EVERY THURSDAY 1:00 TO 3:00PM

KITCHEN OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER 2/01: FOUR CHAPLAIN’S CEREMONY 7:00PM 2/02: NATIONAL COMMANDER VISITING POST 2:00PM

FREE HOT DOGS AND HAMBURGERS 2/03: : S.A.L. MEETING 7:30PM 2/10: A.L.R. MEETING 7:30PM 2/13: LEGION MEETINGS – EC @ 6:30PM GENERAL @ 7:30PM AUXILIARY MEETINGS – EC @ 6:30PM GENERAL @ 7:00PM 2/16: A.L.R. CAR SHOW 9 to 2pm 2/21: BIG CHILL OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND 2/22: BIG CHILL RIDE – PHOTOGRAPHIC SCAVANGER HUNT 2/22: STEAK SHOOT – 1 to 3PM 2/22: SPACECOAST HARLEY “ALL AMERICAN BAND” 3 to 6PM 2/22: “RING OF FIRE BAND” – 6 to 9PM 2/29: 1ST ANNUAL TOMMY PECHACECK MEMORIAL BBQ 1:00PM

CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR FOR ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE OR GO ON THE WEB SITE. THERE’S JUST SO MUCH MORE INFORMATION.