Commander’s Corner
Warm regards,
Congratulations on the 100th anniversary—March 23rd marks a century of dedicated service by American Legion Devereaux Post 141. For one hundred years, the Post has provided unwavering support to veterans, military personnel, and their families, while also investing in the development of America’s youth and community. Evolving from its origins as a gathering of veterans, the organization has become a significant advocate for cherished freedoms and remains devoted to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
The American Legion’s guiding principle is “service first.” This means prioritizing service to veterans, the military, local communities, families, and one another before personal interests. Through your ongoing commitment and the dedication of new generations of Legionnaires and Legion Family, we can continue to stand as a beacon of hope, always placing service above self.
We invite you to attend our Centennial Celebrations on March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, as we honor our history and look forward to advancing the future of our post.
In the spirit of Veterans and their families, strengthening America!
Laura Goldthwait
Commander
American Legion Auxiliary
Happy March, ALA Family!
As spring approaches, let’s renew our commitment to serving veterans, supporting our community, and working together. Thank you for all you do—let’s make March a month of unity and action!
We are collecting candy and stickers/tattoos to fill eggs for our Easter Brunch & Egg Scramble. Drop off by March 9. The plastic tote is located outside the auxiliary office. Egg stuffing will take place at our March 9 meeting. All helping hands are welcome — many hands make light work!
Thank you to Tracy McHugh for stepping up to be our March Meat Card Bingo caller. Additional volunteers are still needed. Signup sheets will be available at the March meeting. We are also gathering volunteers for the upcoming Stars and Stripes Gala. The signup sheets for gala volunteer roles will be available at the March meeting as well.
If you have questions, or would like to volunteer, or need more information about any Auxiliary programs or events, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact us anytime at:
Sons of the American Legion
Great news for all our pizza lovers!
Our ovens have been replaced, and Pizza Night is officially back at the Legion.
Join us on the second Wednesday of each month for great food and community:
- March 11
- April 8
- May 13
- (Tentatively) June 10
We’re also hoping to add an additional date to make up for the pizza night that was canceled while the ovens were being repaired. Stay tuned for updates!
On March 8 , we welcome the return of Daylight Saving Time — and with it, longer days and more sunshine to enjoy!
With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the Legion patio. Stop in and check out our new fencing and fire pit, and enjoy the extra daylight with friends and fellow members. We look forward to seeing you at the Legion as we head into a brighter season!
American Legion Riders
Post 141 American Legion Riders are prepared to commence the upcoming riding season with the continued goal of raising funds in support of veterans and the community. We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support from all who contribute to our mission.
This year, the Post 141 American Legion Riders carried on our tradition of monthly dinner rides to show appreciation for local businesses. For this month’s outing, we chose Cleary’s Pub in Howell as our destination.
For Post 141 ALR event information and photos, visit our Facebook page: Post 141 ALR Facebook, titled “American Legion Riders Post 141 – Howell, MI”.
Important Dates
- Mar 3 @ 1830 – Combat Veteran’s Peer to Peer Group
- Mar 3 @ 1700-1830 – VA Loan Seminar
- Mar 4 @ 1900 – Riders Meeting
- Mar 7 @ 1600 – Hunters Ball
- Mar 10 @ 1930 – Marine Corps League Meeting
- Mar 13 @ 1800 – Vietnam Veteran of the Month Recognition
- Mar 13 @ 1800 – Pinewood Derby Weigh-in (downstairs)
- Mar 14 @ 1200 for Cub Scouts, 1300 for Legion Members – Pinewood Derby
- Mar 15 @ 1300-1600 Meat Bingo
- Mar 18 @ 1800-2230 – Karaoke Night
- Mar 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day
- Mar 21-23 – Celebrate American Legion Devereaux Post 100 Anniversary:
- o Mar 21 st – 100 Anniversary Kickoff
- o March 22 nd – 100 th Anniversary Recognition
- o March 23 rd – 100 th Anniversary Membership Party
- Mar 28 @ 1130 American Legion Department of Michigan Oratorical Contest (Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing)
- Mar 29 @ all day – Vietnam Veterans Day
Chaplain’s Compass
Americanism and Faith
“But our citizenship is in heaven… ” — Philippians 3:20
As a Marine, I understand what it means to love this country. I remember raising my right hand and swearing to defend the Constitution. That oath shaped me. The men and women I served beside taught me about sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment. My patriotism isn’t theoretical — it was forged in service.
Over the years, I’ve also learned that Americanism and faith are not rivals. They go hand in hand when they are understood correctly.
Americanism at its best is built on principles deeply rooted in faith — liberty, personal responsibility, equality under law, and the belief that our rights come not from government, but from God. Faith provides the moral foundation that keeps freedom strong. Without character, liberty weakens. Without virtue, power corrupts.
Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. That doesn’t pull us away from loving our country — it strengthens how we love it. When our allegiance to God is secure, our patriotism becomes healthier, humbler, and steadier. We serve our nation with integrity. We defend freedom with moral clarity. We honor the flag without confusing it with worship.
As veterans, we understand loyalty. Faith ensures that loyalty is rightly ordered. And when it is, Americanism and faith stand not in competition — but in partnership.
Proud American. Faithful servant. Both can — and should — walk together.
If you ever want to talk about faith, service, or purpose beyond the uniform, your Chaplain is here.
Pastor Drew Etten
Volunteer Corner
Karen Shaper has been a driving force within the American Legion Auxiliary Devereaux Post 141 for the past two years. Drawing on a lifelong family tradition of military service, she brings purpose, energy, and heart to everything she does for Post 141.
Karen’s most visible impact has been revitalizing the Junior Auxiliary program. Through creative, hands-on activities, she teaches patriotism, leadership, respect, and volunteerism in ways that truly engage young members. Her sessions are known for being welcoming, energetic, and inspiring—helping youth feel valued while learning the importance of service.
Beyond the Junior Auxiliary, Karen has volunteered countless hours supporting poppy distributions, fundraising efforts, community meals, and events honoring veterans and their families. Always willing to step in where needed, she leads with compassion, humility, and dedication.
Karen’s commitment to service makes her an outstanding example of what the Auxiliary represents, and a well-deserving Volunteer of the Month.
Advocacy in Action
American Legion National Legislative Advocacy Grassroots Action Center: This center focuses on priority legislation impacting veterans, military personnel, and their families. To quickly review and advocate legislative priorities, you can…Go to the Action Center to quickly email a letter of support to your members of Congress.
Renewal and Recruiting
Renewal and Recruiting: If you haven’t renewed your membership for 2026, now is the time! If your membership has expired, please renew your commitment to Post 141. We also hope you continue to support the post by recruiting new members! Applications and envelopes can be found on the wall near the jukebox. Thank you!
Be The One
Be The One: The American Legion’s Be the One mission encourages American Legion Family members, veterans, service members, and others to act when they believe a veteran is at risk of suicide. It’s a mission to help destigmatize the need to ask for help. It’s a mission to save veterans’ lives. Learn more at Be The One.
