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American Legion
CSM Gary W. Crisp Post 289 Clarksville, TN |
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American Legion Mission Statement
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation's veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership.
The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
JROTC Awards 2022
One hundred and three years ago, The American Legion was founded in Paris, France, the “City of Lights,” by a group of committed U.S. veterans of the Great War.
It has been a shining light for communities around the world ever since.
The American Legion was a figurative light for the Unknown Soldier who was given a prominent tomb in 1921 thanks to the tireless efforts of Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., an American Legion founder. Congressman Fish understood that for America to remain free, it must honor and remember the brave.
The American Legion became a literal light for the Tomb in 1969, when it gifted $200,000 for the monument to be permanently illuminated.
That’s who The American Legion is – an organization of wartime veterans that understands the darkness of combat, while providing light to the communities and country that we love and pledge to defend.
We were a light to our wounded comrades when we insisted on a Veterans Bureau that would treat their medical needs. When the bureau fell short, we pushed for the creation of the Veterans Administration and ultimately, the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Our service officers continue to provide a guiding light for veterans as they assist these men and women in obtaining benefits that they earned while defending our nation.
The American Legion also delivers on President Lincoln’s promise of care to the widows and orphans of those who have borne the battle.
Our American Legion founders had hoped that World War One would truly be “the War to “End All Wars,” but they also understood that America must always be strong and vigilant.
Defense was not only a shining pillar of The American Legion, but it was a constitutional responsibility, as the nation’s largest veterans organization would constantly remind our nation’s presidents and lawmakers.
But it is still at the local level – in communities across the United States and even overseas – where The American Legion’s light shines brightest.
The U.S. Flag is displayed prominently, proudly, and professionally in accordance with a code produced out of American Legion-led conferences that convened in 1923 and 1924.
To the Legion, Americanism encompasses far more than flying the flag, however. It is civic engagement, voting and encouraging good citizenship and patriotism.
Home-ownership, higher education and meaningful employment can all factor into living the American dream – a dream that was possible for millions courtesy of the GI Bill.
Often called the greatest legislation ever passed by Congress, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 was The American Legion’s plan to ensure that returning World War II veterans could transition into a productive society rather than a second Great Depression.
Not all veterans groups were onboard with what they feared was an expensive welfare project. The American Legion, more than any other organization, understood that veterans were not looking for hand-outs, just opportunity.
It has been estimated that the GI Bill returned $7 to the economy for every dollar invested in veterans.
The GI Bill educated eight million World War II veterans, producing some 450,000 engineers, 240,000 accountants, 238,000 educators, 91,000 scientists, 67,000 doctors and 22,000 dentists.
Seventy-seven years later, a new generation of veterans and their families continue to benefit from modern versions of this landmark legislation.
The American Legion led the fight for the government to recognize and care for veterans who have experienced the effects of Agent Orange, radiation poisoning and other toxic exposures that occurred during military service.
The American Legion shines a light on issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, military sexual trauma, and other issues that some would prefer not to discuss. We do this because we owe it to those who have served.
Throughout natural disasters, global pandemics, and local emergencies, it is The American Legion post that often shines brightest.
With programs like the National Emergency Fund, the Veterans & Children Foundation, the Legacy Scholarship and Operation Comfort Warriors, The American Legion is able to provide a safety-net to fellow Americans in need.
According to the most recent statistics by the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 17 veterans a day take their own lives. But these men and women are not just statistics. They are our parents, spouses, children, and siblings. They are our friends. They are our fellow Legionnaires.
National Commander Paul Dillard was elected on a platform of “No Veteran Left Behind.” He asks each of us to check on each other. Anybody who has served in the military understands the esprit de corps and family bonds that we shared with those whom we served beside. The American Legion gets it. We understand. By calling and reaching out to other veterans, we can be their light. We can be their sounding board. We can listen to their pain. And most importantly, we can save their lives.
Buddy checks are not simply a Legion campaign. It is a peer support program that is spreading throughout the veterans community.
The American Legion also shines a light on the future – the youth of America.
More than 3,000 American Legion Baseball teams serve nearly 50,000 young athletes in the United States and Canada. While the quality of play is high, Legion Baseball puts an even greater emphasis on sportsmanship, citizenship, and fair play. Eighty-two National Baseball Hall of Famers have played American Legion Baseball since its founding in 1925.
Through American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation – and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Girls Nation – the United States has benefited from outstanding public servants, business leaders, cultural icons, and other success stories.
The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program attracts 1,400 people annually to compete in clubs that emphasize gun-safety and marksmanship.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program not only develops great speaking skills, but it requires participants to focus on the U.S. Constitution.
By supporting veterans, defense, America and our nation’s youth, The American Legion has replicated the 1919 lights of Paris through more than 12,000 American Legion posts across the United States today.
May those lights shine eternally and may God continue to bless our American Legion through this birthday and manya more.
It has been a shining light for communities around the world ever since.
The American Legion was a figurative light for the Unknown Soldier who was given a prominent tomb in 1921 thanks to the tireless efforts of Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., an American Legion founder. Congressman Fish understood that for America to remain free, it must honor and remember the brave.
The American Legion became a literal light for the Tomb in 1969, when it gifted $200,000 for the monument to be permanently illuminated.
That’s who The American Legion is – an organization of wartime veterans that understands the darkness of combat, while providing light to the communities and country that we love and pledge to defend.
We were a light to our wounded comrades when we insisted on a Veterans Bureau that would treat their medical needs. When the bureau fell short, we pushed for the creation of the Veterans Administration and ultimately, the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Our service officers continue to provide a guiding light for veterans as they assist these men and women in obtaining benefits that they earned while defending our nation.
The American Legion also delivers on President Lincoln’s promise of care to the widows and orphans of those who have borne the battle.
Our American Legion founders had hoped that World War One would truly be “the War to “End All Wars,” but they also understood that America must always be strong and vigilant.
Defense was not only a shining pillar of The American Legion, but it was a constitutional responsibility, as the nation’s largest veterans organization would constantly remind our nation’s presidents and lawmakers.
But it is still at the local level – in communities across the United States and even overseas – where The American Legion’s light shines brightest.
The U.S. Flag is displayed prominently, proudly, and professionally in accordance with a code produced out of American Legion-led conferences that convened in 1923 and 1924.
To the Legion, Americanism encompasses far more than flying the flag, however. It is civic engagement, voting and encouraging good citizenship and patriotism.
Home-ownership, higher education and meaningful employment can all factor into living the American dream – a dream that was possible for millions courtesy of the GI Bill.
Often called the greatest legislation ever passed by Congress, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 was The American Legion’s plan to ensure that returning World War II veterans could transition into a productive society rather than a second Great Depression.
Not all veterans groups were onboard with what they feared was an expensive welfare project. The American Legion, more than any other organization, understood that veterans were not looking for hand-outs, just opportunity.
It has been estimated that the GI Bill returned $7 to the economy for every dollar invested in veterans.
The GI Bill educated eight million World War II veterans, producing some 450,000 engineers, 240,000 accountants, 238,000 educators, 91,000 scientists, 67,000 doctors and 22,000 dentists.
Seventy-seven years later, a new generation of veterans and their families continue to benefit from modern versions of this landmark legislation.
The American Legion led the fight for the government to recognize and care for veterans who have experienced the effects of Agent Orange, radiation poisoning and other toxic exposures that occurred during military service.
The American Legion shines a light on issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, military sexual trauma, and other issues that some would prefer not to discuss. We do this because we owe it to those who have served.
Throughout natural disasters, global pandemics, and local emergencies, it is The American Legion post that often shines brightest.
With programs like the National Emergency Fund, the Veterans & Children Foundation, the Legacy Scholarship and Operation Comfort Warriors, The American Legion is able to provide a safety-net to fellow Americans in need.
According to the most recent statistics by the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 17 veterans a day take their own lives. But these men and women are not just statistics. They are our parents, spouses, children, and siblings. They are our friends. They are our fellow Legionnaires.
National Commander Paul Dillard was elected on a platform of “No Veteran Left Behind.” He asks each of us to check on each other. Anybody who has served in the military understands the esprit de corps and family bonds that we shared with those whom we served beside. The American Legion gets it. We understand. By calling and reaching out to other veterans, we can be their light. We can be their sounding board. We can listen to their pain. And most importantly, we can save their lives.
Buddy checks are not simply a Legion campaign. It is a peer support program that is spreading throughout the veterans community.
The American Legion also shines a light on the future – the youth of America.
More than 3,000 American Legion Baseball teams serve nearly 50,000 young athletes in the United States and Canada. While the quality of play is high, Legion Baseball puts an even greater emphasis on sportsmanship, citizenship, and fair play. Eighty-two National Baseball Hall of Famers have played American Legion Baseball since its founding in 1925.
Through American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation – and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Girls Nation – the United States has benefited from outstanding public servants, business leaders, cultural icons, and other success stories.
The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program attracts 1,400 people annually to compete in clubs that emphasize gun-safety and marksmanship.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program not only develops great speaking skills, but it requires participants to focus on the U.S. Constitution.
By supporting veterans, defense, America and our nation’s youth, The American Legion has replicated the 1919 lights of Paris through more than 12,000 American Legion posts across the United States today.
May those lights shine eternally and may God continue to bless our American Legion through this birthday and manya more.
Starting an American Legion Riders Chapter 289
We are The American Legion Riders, Chapter 289 in Clarksville TN. Our purpose is to use our common interest and association to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion and promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness.
We support Veterans and Active-duty personnel through participation in deployment or homecoming ceremonies, funerals, escorts for our fallen heroes, and support of the families left behind. We also participate in community parades, ceremonies and veteran funerals when requested.
To Be a member of the American Legion Riders you must be a member of the Sponsoring Post, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. You must also possess a current and valid operator’s license for a highway Legal motorcycle or three wheeled vehicles, with registration and insurance for said vehicle, or be the spouse of a current member with those items.
ALR Chapter 289 Dues are currently set $5.00 per year, Plus the cost of the Rider Vest, The American Legion Rider patch, American Flag patch, POW/MIA patch, Rider Name patch and the Riders Beret. (All of these Items Can be viewed on the American Legion Emblem Sales website). These items will only be punched by the treasurer to ensure uniformity.
If you would like to be a member of our American Legion Riders Chapter 289, please contact
Marc Mathes (Director).
Email: ALR289@outlook.com
Phone: 559-967-5533
Jason Randolph (Secretary / Treasurer)
Phone: 270-498-1300
American Post 289 Email: TNpost289@gmail.com
We support Veterans and Active-duty personnel through participation in deployment or homecoming ceremonies, funerals, escorts for our fallen heroes, and support of the families left behind. We also participate in community parades, ceremonies and veteran funerals when requested.
To Be a member of the American Legion Riders you must be a member of the Sponsoring Post, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. You must also possess a current and valid operator’s license for a highway Legal motorcycle or three wheeled vehicles, with registration and insurance for said vehicle, or be the spouse of a current member with those items.
ALR Chapter 289 Dues are currently set $5.00 per year, Plus the cost of the Rider Vest, The American Legion Rider patch, American Flag patch, POW/MIA patch, Rider Name patch and the Riders Beret. (All of these Items Can be viewed on the American Legion Emblem Sales website). These items will only be punched by the treasurer to ensure uniformity.
If you would like to be a member of our American Legion Riders Chapter 289, please contact
Marc Mathes (Director).
Email: ALR289@outlook.com
Phone: 559-967-5533
Jason Randolph (Secretary / Treasurer)
Phone: 270-498-1300
American Post 289 Email: TNpost289@gmail.com
New Membership Meeting Location
Starting November 16, 1800hrs, the membership of Post 289 will gather in the meeting rooms at the Steven A. Cohen Family Military Clinic at Centerstone, 775 Weatherly Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043. The VA clinic is on the same street. The Cohen Clinic is the last building on the left before the street ends. Entrance to the meeting rooms is through the double doors on the left side (see the picture below).
The Cohen Clinic is a very nice facility and we want to demonstrate how thankful we are for this opportunity. It would be great to see a large turnout of members and visitors for this meeting. Please call your comrades and let them know about this change.
Remember, our membership meetings are always on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Our executive meeting is the first Tuesday and will continue to be at Sykes Funeral Home. Scout Troop 289 will also continue to meet at Sykes.
JULY IS THE BEGINNING OF OUR YEAR AND IT'S TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!!!
CLICK THE LINK "JOIN NOW" BELOW TO JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ON LINE.
CLICK THE LINK "JOIN NOW" BELOW TO JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ON LINE.
Why you should join! Together, We Make a Difference
The American Legion provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, disaster relief, labor, networking, volunteerism and advocacy.
Membership renewals for 2021 started 1 July, reminder notices for renewal are sent out from National headquarters periodically. For members who do not renew by 15 October, a renewal notice will go out on 13 November. If you have a 2020 membership it is good through 31 December.
Renewals are for 2021 and are good through 31 December 2021. If you ever have a question about membership, renewals, the status of your cards contact the Post Adjutant AmericanLegion.Post289Adjutant@gmail.com
The American Legion provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, disaster relief, labor, networking, volunteerism and advocacy.
Membership renewals for 2021 started 1 July, reminder notices for renewal are sent out from National headquarters periodically. For members who do not renew by 15 October, a renewal notice will go out on 13 November. If you have a 2020 membership it is good through 31 December.
Renewals are for 2021 and are good through 31 December 2021. If you ever have a question about membership, renewals, the status of your cards contact the Post Adjutant AmericanLegion.Post289Adjutant@gmail.com
GuideStar
Post 289 is a Guidestar Gold Transparency non-profit for 2021.
According to the IRS, Taxpayers who don't itemize deductions may still take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2021 to qualifying charities. Cash donations include those made by check, credit card or debit card. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act changed this law. The CARES Act also temporarily suspends limits on charitable contributions and temporarily increases limits on contributions of food inventory. There is still time to take advantage of this change.
A donation to Post 289 will help our post continue to provide services to local veterans and the communities of Clarksville-Montgomery County through 2021.
For more information on post 289 and our non-profit status, click on the Guidestar Gold Transparency icon above.
Remember, American Legion Post 289 is a 501(c)19 and eligible for tax-deductible donations.
A donation to Post 289 will help our post continue to provide services to local veterans and the communities of Clarksville-Montgomery County through 2021.
For more information on post 289 and our non-profit status, click on the Guidestar Gold Transparency icon above.
Remember, American Legion Post 289 is a 501(c)19 and eligible for tax-deductible donations.
Looking for something specific on our site? Use the search engine below!!!
Our Scout Troops Need Your Help!!
We have a great group of boys and girls in our Pack and Troops. They are in need of donations to purchase a trailer for their camping trips. If you can't donate but know someone that would like to donate a trailer you can contact Douglas Kirby - rotebard@yahoo.com or Ernest Schmidt - Eaglewarr7@yahoo.com
We have a great group of boys and girls in our Pack and Troops. They are in need of donations to purchase a trailer for their camping trips. If you can't donate but know someone that would like to donate a trailer you can contact Douglas Kirby - rotebard@yahoo.com or Ernest Schmidt - Eaglewarr7@yahoo.com
VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE AND OTHER TOXIC EXPOSURES
The American Legion has a long history of fighting for the rights of veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic exposures. We have had significant victories in the past ensuring veterans get access to care, such as the recent Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of veterans are still suffering from exposure to Agent Orange without the care and benefits they have rightfully earned.
Senate Amendment 1972 in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism to the list of Agent Orange presumptive diseases. Each of these diseases has been linked to Agent Orange by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The American Legion proudly supports this amendment, and asks that you contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to keep Senate Amendment 1972 in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Click the link below to log in and send your message: https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/XQrylG2cvoTbVdc9zIyC3g
The American Legion has a long history of fighting for the rights of veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic exposures. We have had significant victories in the past ensuring veterans get access to care, such as the recent Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of veterans are still suffering from exposure to Agent Orange without the care and benefits they have rightfully earned.
Senate Amendment 1972 in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism to the list of Agent Orange presumptive diseases. Each of these diseases has been linked to Agent Orange by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The American Legion proudly supports this amendment, and asks that you contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to keep Senate Amendment 1972 in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Click the link below to log in and send your message: https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/XQrylG2cvoTbVdc9zIyC3g
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PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please remember that our prayer list may include our comrades as well as their families!
Carmen & Fae Cherry, Richard Jackson, and Ernest and Dawn Schmidt.
Please remember that our prayer list may include our comrades as well as their families!
Carmen & Fae Cherry, Richard Jackson, and Ernest and Dawn Schmidt.
New VA Suicide Prevention Program
VA launches program to send caring letters to 90,000 Veterans
Evidence-based research shows simple act can help prevent Veteran suicide
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today its Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) formally launched the Caring Letters Program, an evidence-based suicide prevention intervention that involves sending periodic messages with simple expressions of care and concern to Veterans who use VA health care and contact the VCL.
The program aligns with the 2019 VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines, which suggests brief, non-demanding follow-up communication keeps Veterans engaged and could facilitate opportunities for connecting them with treatment options.
“In the first 11 weeks of the program VCL has mailed Caring Letters to almost 30,000 Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This is one of the largest caring letters programs ever implemented. We’re planning to send letters to over 90,000 Veterans over a 12-month period of time.”
Research has found caring letters can reduce the rate of suicide and suicide behaviors for individuals receiving them. Caring letters are thought to reduce suicide by promoting a feeling of caring connection and reminding Veterans that help is available if they need it.
Learn more about VA’s suicide prevention resources and programs.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-?800-273-8255 and Press 1, text 838255 or chat online at?VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Reporters covering this issue can download?VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices?fact sheet or visit?Reporting On Suicide?for important guidance on how to communicate about suicide?
Evidence-based research shows simple act can help prevent Veteran suicide
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today its Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) formally launched the Caring Letters Program, an evidence-based suicide prevention intervention that involves sending periodic messages with simple expressions of care and concern to Veterans who use VA health care and contact the VCL.
The program aligns with the 2019 VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines, which suggests brief, non-demanding follow-up communication keeps Veterans engaged and could facilitate opportunities for connecting them with treatment options.
“In the first 11 weeks of the program VCL has mailed Caring Letters to almost 30,000 Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This is one of the largest caring letters programs ever implemented. We’re planning to send letters to over 90,000 Veterans over a 12-month period of time.”
Research has found caring letters can reduce the rate of suicide and suicide behaviors for individuals receiving them. Caring letters are thought to reduce suicide by promoting a feeling of caring connection and reminding Veterans that help is available if they need it.
Learn more about VA’s suicide prevention resources and programs.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-?800-273-8255 and Press 1, text 838255 or chat online at?VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Reporters covering this issue can download?VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices?fact sheet or visit?Reporting On Suicide?for important guidance on how to communicate about suicide?
Do you know the number to the Suicide Hotline? (800) 273-8255
Suicide is a national public health issue. Veterans are among higher risk groups, but suicide affects all Americans, which is why VA and The American Legion are working together to adopt a public health approach to suicide prevention. The public health approach looks beyond the individual to involve peers, family members and the community in preventing suicide. Preventing veteran suicide is a top priority for VA, but they need help from dedicated partners like the American Legion Family to reach veterans outside the VA health-care system. This is just an excerpt from National Commander Brett Reistad. To read the complete article click this link: https://www.legion.org/commander/245458/legion-va-team-approach-suicide-prevention
Suicide is a national public health issue. Veterans are among higher risk groups, but suicide affects all Americans, which is why VA and The American Legion are working together to adopt a public health approach to suicide prevention. The public health approach looks beyond the individual to involve peers, family members and the community in preventing suicide. Preventing veteran suicide is a top priority for VA, but they need help from dedicated partners like the American Legion Family to reach veterans outside the VA health-care system. This is just an excerpt from National Commander Brett Reistad. To read the complete article click this link: https://www.legion.org/commander/245458/legion-va-team-approach-suicide-prevention
Legion Care Accidental
Did you know that your members can easily enroll online for the LegionCare Accidental Death coverage on any web enabled device including your smart phone.
Here’s how to do it:
And then, you’ll have no cost accidental death coverage for $1,000. In the case of an accidental death while on Legion Family business, the amount is $5,000. (Except in Washington state in which the benefit is $2,500 for all covered accidental deaths. You will never pay for this coverage and it is good for as long as you remain a dues paying member in the Legion Family organizations.
Please read all details on the website, www.theLIT.com.
Did you know that your members can easily enroll online for the LegionCare Accidental Death coverage on any web enabled device including your smart phone.
Here’s how to do it:
- Set your web browser to www.theLIT.com/LegionCare1
- Click “Sign Up Now.”
- Enter the required information.
- A few clicks and you’re all done. When you provide your email address, you will get instant confirmation in your inbox.
And then, you’ll have no cost accidental death coverage for $1,000. In the case of an accidental death while on Legion Family business, the amount is $5,000. (Except in Washington state in which the benefit is $2,500 for all covered accidental deaths. You will never pay for this coverage and it is good for as long as you remain a dues paying member in the Legion Family organizations.
Please read all details on the website, www.theLIT.com.
2021 - 2022 Officers
