Corvallis Memorial Day Parade Press Release 2023

The Corvallis American Legion Post #91, Auxiliary Unit of Corvallis Post #91, and Terry Nobles Squadron of Corvallis Post #91 present

 The 103^rd Annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 29, 2023 starting at 10:00 a.m. on

Main Street, Corvallis, Montana

 

Corvallis, MT - Corvallis American Legion Post #91, Auxiliary Unit of Corvallis Post #91, and Terry Nobles Squadron of Corvallis Post #91 will host the 103^rd annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023. This year the parade theme is “Be the One”, with the goal to Reduce Veteran Suicide One Veteran at a Time.

The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated at between 17 and 22. The American Legion has elevated “Be the One” to be its top priority, empowering veterans, servicemembers, their family members and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk. This event intends to bring more awareness to the problem while providing resources to those who may be able to help save the life of a veteran.

The Parade Grand Marshall is an U.S. Army veteran, and Post #91 member Retired Colonel Ike Slaughter. Ike has served in the Corvallis American Legion Post #91 for over 25 years. For most of those 25 years he was responsible for the Corvallis Memorial Day parade. This year we pay tribute to Ike and to his service to the community, state, and nation. Please join us for the parade this year.

After the parade, at the Corvallis Cemetery at 12:00 pm Post #91 will conduct its annual memorial ceremony. Post members will name all the veterans buried at the cemetery dating back to the Mexican War (1848). After the cemetery ceremony, post members will move to the Woodside Cutoff Bridge and place a wreath in the Bitterroot River for all those who died at sea. The public is invited.

For 103 years the Bitterroot Valley has enjoyed this rich tradition of honoring those personnel and veterans who have died. We honor all the United States of America’s war dead -- those who died that freedom might live.

World War I veterans started the Corvallis Memorial Day parade after they returned from Europe. The first parade consisted of a color guard and veterans, staging in the alley to the west of Main Street. 103 years ago, the first annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade started south down a dirt Main Street.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. The holiday was first proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Until World War I many people in the South refused to acknowledge Decoration Day. Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.

To Register please fill out the registration form located here: 
 2023 Memorial Day Parade Registration . You can also register the day of the parade at the corner of 2^nd and Market Street in Corvallis. Look for the parade registration signs.

For more information go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Corvallis91HeartValleyMT or email us at corvallispost91@gmail.com or call Doug Mason at 406-546-4244.

           

Constitutional Essay Award Ceremony 2023

Constitutional Essay Award Ceremony

CSD#1 School Board Meeting 9 May 2023: 7:00 PM

Press Release: The American Legion Corvallis Post 91 and CSD#1 Recognize Student Accomplishments

A unique ceremony was held at the Corvallis School District Board meeting this past Tuesday evening, 9 May. Fifteen students from the Corvallis High School who were selected earlier this year by Mr. Phil Leonardi, their teacher for AP Government, to participate in the Americanism and Constitutional Essay competition, sponsored by The American Legion Corvallis Post 91. They were all recognized that evening with awards of Certificates of Participation for their work in writing their essays. Seven were able to attend and personally receive their awards.

The 15 students in the competition who were awarded Certificates included: Brandon Jessop, Bryce Cooper, Caitrin Allred, Clay Truth , Donovan Houser, Gavin Marston, Haylee Hoagland, Mackenzie Gross, Melania Wissenbach, Nathaniel Davis, Nicholas Wilson, SuSanna Palacios, Trinity Shippy , Tyler Weis and Violet Wissenbach.

Donovan Houser was the first place winner of the Post 91 competition. His award was a Medal and a Certificate of Recognition that were accepted by his mother and sister because he had another commitment. His essay was entered into a statewide American Legion Department of Montana competition where Donovan won second place from among all the other statewide entrants. 

Officiating at the ceremony were Harris Himes, Commander of Post 91, Cammie Knapp, Principal of Corvallis High School, and Marc Sabin, Post 91 School Programs Coordinator.

The purpose of the annual competition is to provide “students [with] an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities by using originality, accuracy and research as evidence, while learning [about] the Constitution of the United States of America.”

Mr. Leonardi developed the constitutional topic for this year’s competitors to address in their essays. He asked the students to write the essay from the perspective of an attorney seeking to persuade the court of the correctness of their client’s case in a matter involving conflict between the rights of an individual student and the responsibility of a high school administration to provide a proper learning environment for the entire school. 

Mr. Leonardi was not able to attend, but Principal Knapp stood in for him in presenting the awards to the students. She also accepted an award for Mr. Leonardi from Post 91 for “exceptional leadership and skill in organizing and conducting the Constitutional Essay and Americanism and Government Test Competitions for CHS students” in 2023.

Post 91 Regular March Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Meeting Conducted by

Corvallis Post #91, The American  Legion, 

Department of Montana, Inc.

Type of Meeting: Regular Membership Meeting

Date of Meeting: 21 March 2023

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Rural Fire Department – Corvallis, MT

Opening Time: 1900 by Commander Himes

Attendance: Post Officers - 7   Post Members - 12        Guests - 2

Minutes from February 21, 2023, Meeting – Minutes were submitted.  Doug Mason moved that the past meeting’s minutes be accepted as submitted.  Brian Wrede seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Guests and New Members – Commander Deb Strickland of Hamilton Post 47 was in attendance.

Program – Dolan McDonald, Senior Instructor of The Appleseed Project gave a presentation about the Project and its youth-oriented programs.

Membership – 2023 new members and renewals to date are 195.  Goal is 185.

Committee Reports:

·         Bitterroot Valley Military Program: Sean Smothers submitted this report previously - The Bitterroot Valley Military Program currently has 14 Cadet sign-ups. Our orientation was conducted on 3/4 and we continue to accept new members. Our first training day will be 8 April, pushed back from 25 March because of the school spring break schedules.

·         Law Enforcement Liaison – Post Liaison Randy Baird spoke about the ALERT (American Legion Emergency Response Team) program being developed by four of the Bitterroot Valley Legion Posts. There have been 25 applications submitted for background checks.  Training will be two-four hour blocks in May.

·         Radio Club – Doug Mason gave an update on the activities. With the improved weather, work will begin to erect the 100’ tower. Weekly radio nights have not been regular due to key personnel being called out of town on work projects.  Three club members have received their licenses.  One “Light Up the Firehalls” has occurred.  The monthly Emergency Communications class has 25 members and is wrapping up the classroom section and will move into practical activities.

·         Scholarships – Neither Marc Sabin nor Don Bratsch were present.  Randi Thorson said she had posted program information on the Post Facebook page.

·         Bitterroot Marksmanship Club – David Naber reported that improvements continue on the indoor range hut.  They have received two grants from the NRA – a $15,000 grant for shooting equipment and a $3000 grant for furniture and equipment.  They also received a $1100 grant from the Darby Community Fund.  He is estimating the First Shot Celebration will be in the Summer.  The Club has been asked to host a rifle safety course for the Darby 6^th grade classes when school starts in the Fall.

·         Fishing Club – Member Scott Roberts spoke about the Post’s club working together with Healing Waters, a national organization that provides outdoor fishing experiences for disabled Veterans.  He said the combined club meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at the Hamilton Masonic Temple.

·         Auxiliary – No report

·         Memorial Day Parade – Chair Jack Berman said that a theme had been chosen.  “Be The One” which is the national organizations program to bring awareness to veteran suicides.  He also said that the posters have been ordered and he will call a meeting once they are ready.

·         House and Entertainment – Commander Harris gave an overview of the upcoming District 5 meeting on April 30^th.  It will be held at the Corvallis High School.  The Post has arranged for the catering of two meals during the day.  Doug Mason also reported on the recent Pint Night held on March 15.  There were 35 attendees and the Post received $80 from The Hops for beer sales.

 

Commander’s Report –

Commander Harris thanked several in the audience for their contributions to the various post activities.  He is happy with the relationships the Post has established with the Superintendent of Schools and several CHS faculty members.  He hopes that more Post members can get involved as volunteers at the schools, which are greatly needed.

Old Business:

·         Active Duty Reconnect – Adjutant Clover reported that the weekend went very well.  The five attendees expressed their thanks for being allowed to participate.

·         School Programs – No formal report as Chair Marc Sabin was not in attendance.  Commander Harris spoke about the Oratorical contest.  The Post candidate placed fifth in the state competition.  The Essays have been judged with the winning essay forwarded to the Department for the state competition.  All oratorical and essay participants will be recognized at a future school board meeting.

·         Bylaws and Constitutional Changes – (Documents attached to these minutes)

o   Social Media User Agreement – Doug Mason performed the second reading of a proposed By-Laws change to add social media oversight to the Public Relations Committee.  Proposed changes are attached.

§  Don Helmbrecht motioned to accept the changes as read. Brian Wrede seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

·         Social Media – Randi Thorson reported that she has been working on on-line forms, such as the parade applications, as well as posting about the pint night, scholarships and March for Jesus Christ.  She is looking for backup editors.

New Business

·         ALERT Medical Component  -  Commander Himes talked about the potential for establishing a medical component to the ALERT group.  Post 47 Commander Strickland spoke about her experience as an EMT and CPR trainer.  She is willing to help organize the component, and anyone interested can reach out to her at 202-870-8542.

·         Executive Committee Nominations – Doug Mason motioned to open nominations for Executive Committee Members – Presently the positions of 1^st Vice Commander, Adjutant and one general committee member will be open.  Don Helmbrecht seconded the motion.  Motion carried by voice vote.  Elections will be held at the April 18 meeting.

·         Women’s Shooting Course – Member Vern Cortes reported that the next course will be held at the Whittecar range in either May or June.

·         Disaster Response Team – Doug Mason reported he will be participating in a tabletop exercise with Corvallis Middle School around a hazmat incident.  The Post would participate in the family reunification portion.  He asked for volunteers to be part of that team.

·         March for Jesus Christ – Doug talked about the upcoming Walk for Jesus Christ, sponsored by the Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot.  Volunteers will walk three-mile segments from Lolo to Angler’s Roost on April 8^th.  Contact Brian Wrede to sign up.

Good of The American Legion: 

·         Monthly Pot of Gold Drawing – Member John Banks’ name was drawn.  He was not present to win the $500 Frontier Guns and Ammo gift certificate.

·         Certificates of Appreciation – Don Helmbrecht motioned that the Post give Certificates of Appreciation to The Hops Brewery and The Pin Up Patriots for their participation at our recent Pint Night.  Randy Baird seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Sick Call and Memorials

Member Patrick Nolan is recovering from surgery.

 Upcoming Events:

 1.  Monday April 3 – Radio Club Monthly Meeting – 1800 @ BJ’s

 2. Monday April 3 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – 1830 @ Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3^rd St., Hamilton. – Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)

3. Tuesday April 4 - Legion Riders Meeting – 1830 @ BJ’s

4. Thursday April 6 – Emergency Communications and Response Training – 1900 @ CHS Library.

 5.Saturday April 8 - March for Jesus Christ – 0700-2000.  Contact Brian Wrede (406-369-5318)  

 6. Monday April 10- Monthly Executive Committee Meeting – 1900 @ Jack’s Place.

 7. Monday April 17 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3^rd St,   Hamilton @1830

 8. Tuesday April 18 – Monthly Membership Meeting – CRFD@ 1900.

9. Sunday April 30 – District 5 Meeting – CHS @0900.

 

Closing Time: Commander Himes adjourned the meeting at 2032 hrs.

Memorial Day Parade 2023 "Be The One"

 Corvallis American Legion Post #91 will conduct their annual Memorial Day Parade, this year’s theme is “Be The One”, with the goal to Reduce Veteran Suicide One Veteran at a Time.

At 10:00am, Monday, 29 May 2023, At Main Street Corvallis

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. The holiday was first proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Until World War I many people in the South refused to acknowledge Decoration Day. Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.

To Register please fill out the registration form located here: 
 2023 Memorial Day Parade Registration

Bitterroot Youth Marksmanship Club Fundraiser

Support the Bitterroot Youth Marksmanship Club with our MidwayUSA Endowment!

This month we are conducting a special fundraising effort in conjunction with our MidwayUSA Foundation Endowment.

MidwayUSA Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting youth shooting sports that was established by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, owners of the MidwayUSA Company. This month the Potterfields are matching any donation and the proceeds will be deposited in our endowment fund.

The endowment fund is a long term funding source that will allow us a 5% withdrawal per year. Accounts are invested in safer pension fund type accounts and investments grow with time. Hundreds of collegiate and youth teams have built this valuable endowment into a fund totalling hundreds of thousand dollars that supplies a majority of their annual expenses. Eventually, we would like to build ours to that level.

Giving is easy. Simply use the following link. Midway will send you your tax deductible receipt and your name will be recognized on their website. Midway will match your contribution and deposit it into our endowment account. No amount is too small!

https://www.midwayusafoundation.org/team-profile/?id=R20330

We are excited for this year. Range Insulation and heating is installed. Propane tanks and cabinetry are being worked on. We anticipate a "First Shot Ceremony" by early summer (Invite emails will be sent out to all of our generous donors and stakeholders) and regular youth practices to start with the upcoming school year. 

Thank You for Your Consideration,

Dave Naber and Joe Hein

Bitterroot Youth Marksmanship Club

 Bitterroot Youth Marksmanship Club

Dear Donors, Parents, and Committee Members/Coaches,

As we close out the 1st QTR of 2023 we would like to give you an update on our progress in putting the Bitterroot Marksmanship Club into active operations.

Infrastructure improvements to our range at the Darby Rodeo Grounds Quonset building are progressing nicely. We are contributing to the cost in conjunction with the Darby Rodeo Association. We have completed both sprayfoam insulation (Red Rock Insulation) and the installation of 2 propane heaters (Bitterroot Heating and Plumbing)- See attached picture. We are currently working on cabinetry and an arms room. Once that is completed we will start moving in our purchased equipment and assemble the range in the back of the structure. The Town of Darby has graciously offered to purchase and install the propane tank for the heaters purchased by the Darby Rodeo Association and us. 

We also are fully insured to start operations. 

Our 501c3 committee is meeting on a regular basis. We still have several vacancies (Finances and Public Relations). If you are interested in our club operations you are welcome to join us at our next meeting on TH 20 April at 6:30pm at the Darby Library. 

We have received grants and equipment donations that we are grateful for.  The Friends of the NRA awarded us a HUGE grant totalling $19k for range and classroom equipment that will allow us to enroll 2 complete practice relays totalling 20 youth. Our committee secretary, Krystal Flux, is contacting parents who initially filled out an interest form to see if they are still interested. If you have not yet been contacted or if you know of any youth that may be interested, please let us know! Additionally, The Darby Town Endowment is funding a projector and screen while Bitterroot Stove is providing us with a Blackstone grill and Top Down Computers is providing a PC. THANK YOU! 

We anticipate having a First Shot Ceremony this summer. Date TBD based upon range construction progress, but we will send out invites to all. We also anticipate starting regular youth practice at the start of the school year. Practices will be held after school, most likely twice during the school week with occasional practice and/or competitions on Saturday. We have not yet decided which days or times would work best for all concerned. We anticipate participating in competitions this year in Belgrade, Missoula, possibly Spokane and Walla Walla. Our goal is to qualify for and attend the CMP Regionals in Salt Lake in April 2024!

We are also exploring the possibility of providing the Darby Schools with a basic block of instruction on firearm safety and marksmanship. 

We will be working, as a fundraiser, at all of the Darby Rodeos this summer. This year, in addition to our popular hotdogs, we will also be offering hamburgers with patties from Hamilton Packing. Come by and help support us! Thank You Darby Rodeo Association for offering us this opportunity and for EVERYTHING you have done to support us. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to us!

Thank You, 

David Naber- Chair/Assistant Coach

Joe Hein- Vice Chair/Head Coach

Krystal Flux- Club Secretary

*Image of Range Insulation and heating 

Executive Committee Member nominations - Roles and Responsabilities

Nominations are open for Executive Committee Members – Presently the positions of 1st Vice Commander, Adjutant and one general committee member will be open. Below are the details of what each role is and their responsibilities.

1. DUTIES OF POST COMMANDER. It shall be the duty of the Post commander to preside at all meetings of the Post and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Post, and such officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Post. The Commander shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and shall make an annual report covering the business of the Post for the year, and recommendations for the ensuing year, which shall be read at the annual meeting and a copy thereof immediately forwarded to the department adjutant. The Commander shall perform such other duties as directed by the Post.
2. DUTIES OF 1st VICE COMMANDER. The 1st Vice-commander shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of commander in the absence or disability of, or when called upon by the Post commander.
3. DUTIES OF 2ND VICE COMMANDER. The 2nd Vice Commander provides the programs for the meetings and attracts attendance. The social calendar must always be filled several months in advance with activities that will bring out the active members, as well as those who are just card-carrying Legionnaires.

One of the first duties should be to contact other veteran and civic groups so that each patriotic holiday and observance receives the attention it deserves. He/She will be concerned with the pageantry so closely associated with the Legion.

The Second Vice Commander promotes the color guard or firing squad.

In the pursuit of "Justice," the Second Vice Commander will be concerned with the welfare of all fellow veterans and will be interested in the work of the veteran’s affairs and rehabilitation committee. The Second Vice will need to know if the economic committee is functioning.

4.     DUTIES OF POST ADJUTANT. The adjutant shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings, keep such records as the department and National Organizations may require, render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting, and under direction of the commander handle all correspondence of the Post.

5.     DUTIES OF THE FINANCE OFFICER. The finance officer of the Post shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in some local bank or banks and shall report once a month to the Executive Committee the condition of the finances of the Post, with such recommendations as he may deem expedient or necessary for raising funds with which to carry on the activities of the Post. The Finance Officer shall sign all checks disbursing the monies of the Post, and shall furnish such surety bonds in such sum as shall be fixed by the Post Executive Committee.

6.     DUTIES OF POST HISTORIAN. The Post historian shall be charged with the individual records and incidents of the Post and Post members, and shall perform such other duties as may properly pertain to the office as may be determined by the Post or the Executive Committee.

7.     DUTIES OF POST CHAPLAIN. The Post chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Post comrades and will offer divine but nonsectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the national or Department headquarters from time to time.

8.     DUTIES OF SERGEANT-AT-ARMS. The sergeant-at-arms shall preserve order at all meetings and shall perform such other duties as may be from time to time assigned to him by the Post Executive Committee.

9.     DUTIES OF SERVICE OFFICER. 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.

The Service Officer must know how to utilize the expert services available through Legion channels, as well as those of other agencies in his community. It takes a dedicated person to get the information to the full-time professionals to make certain that every veteran and dependents are adequately represented. These and many other duties are routine to a good Service Officer, but there is more, such as serving as chair of the veterans affairs and rehabilitation or service committee and working closely with the children and youth committee, Post employment officer, and the hospital visitation committee. The Auxiliary Unit frequently needs help. The Service Officer's report should be a standard part of every meeting. Working in cooperation with the Post legislative committee, the Post Service Officer can aid in coordinating the support of the Post with the national effort.

10. DUTIES OF JUNIOR PAST COMMANDER. Junior Past Commander is the chairman of the Past Commanders' Advisory Committee. Its primary purpose is social (meeting at a minimum of four times a year) and the retention of good fellowship among those who have served as Commanders. This Committee is a wealth of knowledge, know-how for the post commander. The junior past commander is also on the post's executive committee.