Commander’s Corner
A Message from the Commander
Warm regards,
Wow, April was a busy month! There were so many events and chances for our Legion Family to unite and advance our mission. The many accomplishments throughout the month truly showcased the strength of our Post. Thanks to everyone for a job well done!
May will be another busy month with plenty of chances to be involved. Please consider volunteering to help or attend the following events: Bob Beck Steak Dinner, Vietnam Veteran of the Month, Rider’s Blessing of the Bikers, Mother’s Day Brunch, Military Send Off, Meat Bingo and the Memorial Day parade, ceremony and luncheon. The Gone and Not Forgotten Committee will be placing flags at cemeteries this month and we look forward to support from Legion Family and community volunteers.
The Legion is sponsoring a Howell Area Junior Baseball 14U team. You can view their calendar at the American Legion U14 Baseball Team Schedule. The Auxiliary is sponsoring a T-ball team as well, and that calendar can be found at American Legion Auxiliary T-Ball Schedule. Consider attending a game to cheer them on!
Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons Officer nominations continue, and elections will take place at the May meetings. Selecting officers is crucial, as the organization’s success depends on effective leadership. Candidates should understand the Legion’s purpose, demonstrate knowledge and enthusiasm for its work, possess fairness, justice, open-mindedness, moral courage, and strong interpersonal skills. Officers must be chosen for their qualifications and ability to fulfill their duties, not social status or personal ambition. Willingness alone isn’t enough; suitability for the position should be the highest priority.
In the spirit of Veterans and their families, strengthening America!
Laura Goldthwait
Commander
American Legion Auxiliary
As we welcome the month of May, we also welcome warmer days, fresh beginnings, and renewed energy for service. I want to thank each of you for the continued dedication and kindness you bring to our Auxiliary. Your support makes a meaningful difference in our community, and I am grateful to serve alongside such an inspiring group.
Don’t forget we are selling poppies this month at the Farmers Market and are still looking for volunteers on Sunday, May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th, and May 31st, with two shifts: 8:45 am – 11 am & 11 am – 2 pm. Just asking about a couple of hours. Please let me know if I can put your name down for one of these time slots. We will be holding nominations and voting at our May meeting on Monday, May 11th. Standings from April’s meeting – President – 2 nominations, 1st Vice/Membership- 1 nomination, 2nd Vice/Events -2 nominations, Secretary- 1 nomination, Treasurer- 1 nomination, Sgt at Arms- 1 nomination, Chaplain – 2 nominations, Historian no one nominated yet.
Sons of the American Legion
Please mark your calendars for our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast on May 10th, hosted by the Sons from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us in celebrating the incredible women in our lives by bringing your wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and all the special ladies you cherish to enjoy a delicious meal in a warm and festive atmosphere. This beloved tradition is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and spend meaningful time together—we look forward to celebrating with you!
Save the date for May 3rd as we host the Bob Beck Memorial 1 lb. Steak Dinner. Appetizers will be served from 3:00–4:00 p.m., with dinner beginning at 4:00 p.m. There will be 50/50 drawings, gift baskets, and gun raffles, all supporting Fisher House. The Fisher House provides free, comfortable lodging to families of military members and veterans receiving medical care at VA and military hospitals. By easing the financial and emotional burden of travel, Fisher House helps families stay close to their loved ones during treatment and recovery.
American Legion Riders
Members of American Legion Riders Post 141 took part in the Howell Veterans Association’s Stars, Stripes, and Service Gala, helping raise funds to support the Legion’s mission. The ALR Grab and Go competition is in full swing! Our Riders have held multiple plaque runs and we are currently in second place.
Members of Post 141’s American Legion Riders attended an Accident Scene Management course to enhance their readiness for emergencies.
Please note that our annual Blessing of the Bikers event will be held on May 9th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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
May 3 – @ 1500 (appetizers) Bob Beck Steak Dinner in support of the Fisher House
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
May 5 @ 1830 – Combat Veteran’s Peer to Peer Group (Downstairs)
May 8 @ 1800 – Vietnam Veterans of the Month
May 9 @ 1100-1400 – Blessing of the Bikers
May 10 @ 0800-1300 – Mother’s Day Breakfast
May 12 @ 1930 – Marine Corps League Meeting
May 16 @ 1300-1500 – Military Send Off
May 17 @ 1300-1600 – Meat Bingo
May 25 – Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony – downtown Howell and Lakeview Cemetery
Chaplain’s Compass
A Month of Growth and Blooming
May is a month of growth, gratitude, and preparation. As spring continues to bloom, we are reminded of the blessings of new life and the importance of taking time to appreciate the goodness around us. It is a season that encourages us to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for the many gifts we receive each day.
This is also a meaningful month to reach out in fellowship and service. A kind word, a phone call to a fellow Legionnaire, or a helping hand to someone in need can strengthen the bonds of our Legion family. May reminds us that service is not only found in great acts, but also in the small, steady ways we care for one another.
As we move through this season, let us continue to live with faith, purpose, and gratitude. May we honor God through our actions, support our communities, and remain steadfast in our commitment to one another. In all we do, let us be guided by compassion, respect, and hope.
Prayer for May
Lord, thank You for the beauty of this season and the gift of a new month. Bless our Legion family, our veterans, and our communities with peace, strength, and encouragement. Help us to serve with humble hearts and to walk in faith each day. Amen.
Keith Beavers
Memorial Day Parade
Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons members and their families are invited to walk in the Memorial Day Parade. Feel free to meet us in the parade staging area at the Howell Carnegie District Library by 0930.
Volunteer Corner
Terri Ramos is a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran whose continued service to others exemplifies the spirit of the American Legion. Through her dedication, skill, and generosity, she has made a meaningful impact on American Legion Post 141, its members, and the surrounding community.
Terri is a consistent and reliable volunteer, regularly stepping up to support Post events and activities. As an active member of the American Legion Riders, she contributes not only her time but also her strong sense of camaraderie and commitment to fellow veterans.
Bringing valuable professional expertise, Terri has become an essential resource for the Post in all areas of computer systems and information technology. She is currently leading efforts to upgrade and modernize the Post’s website, improving communication and accessibility for members and the public.
Even while facing a serious illness, Terri continued to give her time and talents to the Post, demonstrating remarkable resilience, dedication, and selflessness.
Terri also previously served as Historian on the Executive Board, helping preserve and share the legacy of the Post and its members.
For her selfless service, technical contributions, and unwavering commitment—especially in the face of personal challenges—Terri Ramos is highly deserving of recognition as Volunteer of the Month.
Mission and Principles
As we step into our next 100 years, it is important to remember our purpose. Our post is dedicated to serving veterans, military members, their families, and our community. Success relies on upholding and communicating American Legion values while participating in selfless activities for the benefit of the community, state, and nation. Our roles are guided by the Preamble to the Constitution and Bylaws for the Legion and Auxiliary, which set forth our ongoing mission and principles. Moving forward, we must remain focused and united in fulfilling these commitments.
Preamble: For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. In addition, the Auxiliary Preamble includes: To participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion.
Answer the Call
There are few roles more meaningful and impactful than serving on the Honor Guard at American Legion Post 141. It is a solemn duty—one that reflects our commitment to honoring fellow veterans, preserving tradition, and standing as a visible symbol of respect for those who have served our nation.
The Honor Guard plays a vital role in our community. From rendering military honors at funerals to participating in parades, memorial ceremonies, and civic events, members represent the very best of the American Legion. These moments matter deeply to families, fellow veterans, and the public. Your presence ensures that no veteran is forgotten and that their service is recognized with dignity. We are currently seeking dedicated members to join the Post 141 Honor Guard. Prior experience is welcome but not required—training will be provided. What matters most is a willingness to serve, attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding the traditions and values of the Legion.
This is more than just a volunteer opportunity. It is a chance to:
- Pay tribute to those who came before us
- Strengthen camaraderie with fellow veterans
- Represent Post 141 with pride and professionalism
- Continue the legacy of honor and service
Whether you can commit regularly or assist as your schedule allows, your participation makes a difference. The need is real, and the impact is lasting.
If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Post leadership or attend our next meeting. Step forward and be part of something truly meaningful.
Honor the fallen. Support the living. Serve with pride.
