Sabattus American Legion Post 135 installs officers

SABATTUS — American Legion Harry J. Conway Post 135 met recently to install both Legion and Auxiliary officers for 2017-2018. The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by recognition of the POW-MIA chair prominently displayed at the front of the meeting room. The empty chair honors those who are not present because of their being missing since their time in war.

The Legion Auxiliary officers were installed first by the installing officer, Michelle McCrea; each officer, noted here, received a pin and sash signifying the office of their appointment.

A description of the office is included:
* Jen Caron, president — The unit president is an able and qualified leader representing the Auxiliary in her community, and its success or failure depends largely upon her. She acts in a supervisory capacity, is familiar with the duties of all officers and committee chairmen and encourages and inspires them in their work. It is the responsibility of the president to see that all offices are supplied with all available information and material from department and national headquarters for efficient promotion of their various activities. The unit president has many duties — presiding at all meetings of the unit and the unit executive committee; requiring strict adherence to the constitution, bylaws and rule and regulations established by the National and Department Convention, National and Department Executive Committees and the unit itself; appointing members of standing committees and creating such other committees as are necessary; appointing all non-elected officers, and performing all duties assigned to her office.

* Joan Caron and Denise Michaud, vice-president — The vice presidents are given the responsibility, with the president, for complete development of the unit program. The vice-presidents are prepared to preside at meetings in the absence of the president.

* Theresa Bradshaw, secretary/treasurer — The duties of the unit secretary are administrative; she occupies a pivotal position around which all the activities of the Unit revolve She is efficient and well-informed on all phases of the unit, department and national activities and requirements and is capable of giving authentic information on organization matters. As secretary, she makes a record of all business transacted at each meeting and of the executive board and presents her minutes for approval at the next meeting. Her additional duties as unit treasurer are to handle all unit funds, collect dues from members and make remittances of department and national dues and special funds to department headquarters monthly. An efficient unit treasurer is essential to the smooth functioning of the unit.

* Debra Devoe, chaplain — The duties of the unit chaplain are to pronounce the invocation and the benediction at Auxiliary meetings as well as to perform such other acts as would fall within the realm of her office as the spiritual leader of the unit. She conducts the memorial service when such is needed in her unit. As the Auxiliary is composed of women of different creeds and faith, she must be a woman of tolerance and sympathy toward all.

* Joan Fournier, sergeant at arms, — The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for keeping order at unit meetings, for the advancement and retirement of the unit colors and their proper care, and for such other duties as may be assigned to her by the unit president.
After the installation of the Auxiliary officers, Ron Caron led the installation of Legion officers. He is a member and former Post Commander of the Sabattus post. He also holds a key position as the American Legion Department of Maine Historian. He was assisted in the installation by Steve Caron, Past Post Adjutant who acted as his Installation Sergeant-at Arms and David Devoe, post chaplain, acted as installation chaplain. The installing officer gave the job description for each position, and explained the importance of each of their contributions will make to the success of the post. Each new officer was brought forward by the sergeant-at arms as Caron read their responsibilities and congratulated them on the appointment with a salute, handshake and presentation of their charge of office.

The 2017-2018 Sabattus Harry J Conway American Legion Post 135 officers are:
* Donald Caron, newly-elected post commander, is responsible for the overall operation of the post, including supervising the duties of all other post officers and activities to ensure they meet the highest standards and fulfill the tenants of The American Legion.

* Joseph Michaud, newly-elected first vice commander; as such, he is responsible for membership. * Joseph Tetreault is the newly-elected second vice commander. He is responsible for assisting the post commander with all duties and is key with regard to patriotic observances and developing post activities.

* James Rancourt is the re-elected adjutant. He is responsible for the administrative aspects of the post and should be concerned with the overall effectiveness of post activities and reporting activities and events of the post to the department. * Anthony “Tony” Culpovitch, was re-elected finance officer. He is responsible for receiving, safeguarding and dispersing all the post’s funds.

* David Devoe was re-elected chaplain. He is responsible for providing spiritual leadership for post membership.

* Harvey Moses, newly-elected sergeant-at-arms, is responsible for introducing all visiting comrades and guests of the post to make sure they feel welcomed and that the colors are properly maintained and displayed.

* Gordon Smith, re-elected as post historian, is responsible for compiling and preserving the records of the post.

* Amedeo Lauria was re-elected post service officer. He serves double duty as service officer for the American Legion Department of Maine at Togus. The post service officer is responsible for bringing to the attention of all veterans and their dependents the rights and benefits granted them by law. He knows how to utilize the expert services available through legion channels, as well as those of other agencies in his community. His is the job of getting information to the full-time professionals to make certain that every veteran, survivor and their dependents are adequately represented.

The post currently has a vacancy in the position of Americanism officer. The Americanism officer puts into effect the policies and programs of The American Legion dealing with youth, flag protocol, patriotic events and other related activities. The Americanism officer reports on the results of these programs up to the department and national levels.

At the conclusion of the installation, Caron was reminded by the installing officer he has a duty to see no one is turned away and is guided by the decisions of members. Caron then presented him with the gavel of his office.

During his speech, Caron talked about the projects and programs he would like to see put into place for the upcoming year. He envisions a wider array of post programs, increased membership, and continuing to improve the appearance and maintenance of the post to make it a great place from which to serve veterans and our community!

If you are an eligible wartime veterans, and are interested in what the American Legion has to offer, visit the Sabattus post website at www.americanlegionpost135.sabattus.net to see the activities of Post 135 and become a part of the largest wartime veteran’s organization in the United States.

There are many activities hosted by the post to engage veterans in the local and surrounding communities. Of course, prospective members are always welcome and encouraged to visit. The post has been newly-renovated, including paint and new lighting; it is available for rental at very reasonable prices.

CAPTION INFO:
Legion Auxiliary officers, from left, front row — Teresa Bradford (secretary/treasurer) Denise Michaud (vice president), Jen Caron (president), Debra Devoe (chaplain), Joan Caron (vice president), Joan Caron Fournier (sergeant at arms); Legion officers, back row — Amedeo Lauria (service officer) Gordon Smith (historian) Joseph Michaud (first vice commander), Donald Caron (commander), Anthony Culpovitch (finance officer), Jim Rancourt (adjutant), Harvey Moses (Sergeant at arms), David Devoe (chaplain). Absent when photo was taken, Joseph Tetreault (second vice commander).