September—November 2016 www.ALCH372.com Commander’s Message This is my first activity of the Post, our picnic grove is Sal’s, Auxiliary, Riders and chance to for- like a state park, and some new items Knights, we have a powerful base mally communi- are around the corner. of volunteers. And you deserve the cate with our Thanks to the SAL's our new grill is credit. This is OUR Post home and members as state of the art. The roof is new. The you make it outstanding. I am your new Com- outside of the building just was paint- proud to be your Commander and mander. Let me ed. The Shuffleboard was refinished. with the help of all our elected offi- thank you all for New floor and paint in the smoke cials in all the groups within our the confidence shed. The parking lot will be resur- Post, we will continue to set the you show in me, and I will strive to faced by the time you read this standards for other Post's to meet your expectations. Scoop. The picnic tables will be re- achieve. I have served in the Legion for 29 placed. How did this all happen? You. For God and Country. years and 20 of them as an officer Between the General members, Timothy Kraft—Commander in this post under 4 past Com- manders. Each Commander has shared their expertise with me and I hope to pass on some of mine to the next Commander. A special thanks to our past Commander Bill Quinn. for being my mentor. I'm sure I have been his TOR-mentor at times. My wife and I travel quite a bit, and make it a point to stop at other Legions around the country. If you haven't stopped at other Legions you are missing something. We have one of the most active, friendly, cleanest Posts in the country. Our rental hall is top- notch and a positive source of rev- enue, the Canteen is the center of

September—November 2016 Page 2 September—November 2106 Page 11 Showing Support—Veterans and Police On Saturday, September 24th, Philadelphia Police Officer and The Cherry Hill PBA has extended the Cherry Hill PBA Local #176 will Coast Guard veteran, Jesse Hart- an invitation to him to attend the Vet- be hosting a Free Veterans Dinner nett, who was viciously ambushed erans Dinners as well. (Unconfirmed as at the American Legion Post 372. and shot numerous times while in of print date if he will be coming). We are very grateful to the Cherry his police car earlier this year. Hart- These incidents effect all of our Po- Hill Police Officers for thinking of nett was one of lice Officers in probably more pro- us, showing their appreciation for the lucky ones found ways then we can imagine. all our veterans and we thank who came out of it While our veterans face PTSD and them, not only for this dinner, but alive. suicide rates in staggering numbers, for their service as well. please keep our Law Enforcement Unfortunately, our nations Police Officers in your prayers and Officers have been facing a deluge thoughts, as they too deal with some of attacks across our country—a of the same issues. fact we are reminded of in an ever If you are interested in attending the increasing frequency. Ambushes Veterans Dinner, please email call fill the airwaves, funerals too many. Sue at 856-495-7270 or email Some of you will remember read- [email protected]. Seating is lim- ing about and seeing the video of ited and first come first serve.

Matthew R. Gaskill, Manager - NJ Lic. No. 4663 33 W. Maple Ave • Merchantville, NJ • 08109 * 856-662-0813

September—November 2016 Page 10 September—November 2016 Page 3 2016 Girls State New Jersey RUN for the FALLEN The New Jersey Run for the Fallen and Sunday of September, they run families of those killed, and to aid Once Again our American Legion Government works. This is ex- is a organization of runners whose across New Jersey to raise aware- in the healing process for the na- Auxiliary was able to sponsor a few tremely important to our young mission is clear and simple: To run ness for the lives of those who fought tive New Jersey residents whose exceptional students to the Girls people to learn for they are our one mile for every New Jersey ser- and died, to rejuvenate their memo- lives have been affected by the State Program. Due to construction future leaders. I am sure these vice member killed in Operation Iraqi ries and keep their spirits alive, to war. at Georgian Court College we were fine young women will be more Freedom, Enduring Freedom and support organizations that aid the Each KIA has a Run Marker only able to send 6 girls this year. aware of the Presidential election New Dawn. Each where family and friends may You cannot imagine how difficult this year and be prepared for their mile of sweat and gather while the run- the process is to start with approxi- chance to make a difference with am sure you will be stellar at whatever pain and each flag ners come by and mately 17 girls from 3 schools and their votes in the coming years. you choose to pursue for a career. saluted, is to pay pay homage to their this year we also had a Home I am sad to say we were not able Who knows maybe in the future you homage to one life and sacrifice. Schooled Junior from our own Unit to send our own Junior Auxiliary will attend the Girls State program as service member’s Join us on Septem- as candidates. All were stellar but member due to a small clerical a counselor? life and their fami- ber 22nd to honor we could only fill our allotted spots. error. Seems she actually Gradu- This program is just one of many im- ly. our fallen heroes. After much conferring we chose 8 ated! the week prior to the pro- portant things we do as Auxiliary The last Thursday, They shall never be girls (2 alternates) for the program. gram from her Junior year of high members. Stop by a meeting some Friday, Saturday forgotten. I am proud to announce from our 6 school. She was surprised to say time and check us out. First Monday at candidates we sent, 4 were chosen the least but felt it was the proper 7:00pm Oct- May weather permitting to offices. Rachael Lim -Assembly thing to remove herself as a can- in the winter. Our September meeting person, Sarah Vesti- Election board, didate at the last minute. Special is the 2nd Monday due to Labor Day. Sofia Benedetto- Senate and Lau- shout out to Jessica Walters who We would like to get to know our ren Flood for City council. Congrats graduated a year early with hon- members. to all of our Girls who were able to ors. How proud you must be of For God and country, experience the program. Girls State your accomplishments. We wish Carol Colucci is a chance to learn how our form of you all the best in your future, I Girls State Chairperson. Cherry Hill West AFJROTC Ceremony 2016

Just prior to 2016 Graduation, Cher- AFJROTC class and who also ry Hill West held their annual ceremo- demonstrated leadership qualities ny for the NJ-781 AFJROTC. The cer- and actively participated in student emony consisted of both National and activities. This year’s award went to local awards. Presenters ranged from Cadet Margaret McCurdy. retired Air Force Command Sergeant The second award was for the Majors to members of the Daughters American Legion General Military of the American Revolution. Post 372 Excellence. The criteria for this was honored to be there to hand out award is: rank in the top 25% of their two awards that evening. AFJROTC class and demonstrates The first award was for the American outstanding qualities in military lead- Legion Scholastic Award. This award ership, discipline, character, and citi- is giving to a cadet who ranked in the zenship. This year’s award went to top 10% of the high school class, who Cadet Daniel Carpenter ranked in the top 25% of their

September—November 2016 Page 4 September—November 2016 Page 9 MESSAGE from the SAL COMMANDER Legion Clean-Up & Renovations an awesome grill for our Post. The lazy, hazy, cra- Post over the past two years. Rich The Legion has been undergoing some major upkeep and renovation ! As this Scoop goes to print, we are in Mario Papaneri donated all labor zy days of summer has kept the Legion Family Spirit the middle of repaving the driveway/parking lot. The building has been power washed, repainted, new picnic ta- for the pad, and the SAL team in- are upon us, I hope moving forward and it is my goal to bles, gravel parking area for the Nam Knights trailer, new grill, and major renovation of “Sue’s Office” to name a stalled and mounted the grill. The everyone is enjoy- continue this tradition as Rich and all few things ! Come on out and see all the work we’ve done !! Thanks to all for their help ! ing this beautiful project came in under budget, of our past SAL Commanders have time of the year. It thanks to all of our Legion Family done. I’m also glad Rich is staying has been an active donations, and the grill was official- on as Senior Vice Commander for summer for the Sons of the Ameri- ly christened (baptism by fire!) at the SALs! can Legion. SAL members happily the Rider's Rodeo. We are still in- Our attention now shifts to the up- joined the Legionnaires in the Me- vestigating a lean-to style cover coming SAL Family Day which is set morial Day services that started at and will keep all posted on our pro- for Saturday September 17th. Other Post 372 and then moved onto the gress. members of our Post family contrib- Locustwood Cemetery. We had the The Annual American Legion ute to Family Day like the Ladies honor to participate in the 21 Gun Convention in Wildwood was an Auxiliary who contributes delicious Salute as riflemen at both locations. awesome time. From a SAL per- salads and desserts. Family Day is Boys Scouts Annual Flag The following Sunday SAL mem- spective it is an impressive event. one of the best days at our Post eve- bers attended the NJ American Le- Each Squadron in the state was ry year. Fun, food, games, music gion Statewide Services at Lo- represented, our Squadron 372 and great conversation with our Retirement Ceremony at the Legion custwood, which was followed with was well represented and we guests and our American Legion a Luncheon at Post 372. claimed all 124 available dele- Family is enjoyed by all. Tickets can Our SAL members Bob Deconcini gates. Our County Commander be purchased in advance at the Can- and Joe Flynn organized an outing Bob Bascou was elected to the po- teen, along with Raffle tickets. I hope to a Phillies game over the summer. sition of State Commander. Con- to see all SALs and their families and Bob and Joe purchased tickets in gratulations to our new State Com- friends there! advance and rented a bus to take mander! After the 2 days of meet- Looking ahead we will resume Pok- everyone to the game and back to ings, we watched the American er Night at the Legion. This is held the Legion after the game. The Legion Parade just outside of Post on the last Friday night of the month cost was just $20 for the night. The 184. This was an impressive and and runs from October through April. entire night was a blast, even the moving afternoon. At the conclu- “Dealers Choice” games will begin at ride to the ballpark. The bus driver sion of the parade our members 8 PM and end at 1 AM. Also, our an- missed the entrance to the Walt and members from many posts in nual Log Splitting day will be sched- Whitman Bridge and just kept going the state joined together at Post uled one Saturday in November. Cherry Hill Scholarship Awarded and going! Luckily our Phil Beck 184 to share stories, laughs and a Lastly please remember that our came to the rescue and guided the song or two. It may be time for the SAL meetings are the third Wednes- driver to another entrance to the SALs to consider entering a float in day of each month. All SAL mem- Over the summer, the American Le- Force doctor. Bridge and we made to the game in next year’s parade. Post 372 en- bers are encouraged to come out and gion Post 372 had the honor of hand- Justin was chosen as a recip- time for the first pitch. To top off the tered a float in 2012 for the first show your support for our SAL family. ing out it’s yearly scholarship at the ient of the American Legion night Bob and Joe donated the pro- time and came in 2nd overall! Let’s It’s an opportunity to meet with your Cherry Hill West Scholarship night. Scholarship based on academ- ceeds from the event of $420 to the start floating ideas around for next friends and continue the great tradi- This year we gave out one – $5000 ic standing, who also demon- Chill and Grill Project. Thank you year’s parade. tion of supporting our Veterans and check to a very deserving young man strated outstanding qualities in both for the great time and the do- The convention marks the start of their families. With each year we – Justin Cini. military leadership , discipline nation!!! the term for the newly elected SAL grow stronger in our dedication to Justin will be attending Stockton Col- and overall good character. Speaking of the Chill and Grill pro- Officers. I’m honored to serve as improve this great organization. I lege in the fall. He will be studying Join me in congratulating Jus- ject, the new Post 372 Grill was de- the SAL Commander for this new hope to see everyone soon! Pharmacy with the intention of going tin on his accomplishments livered on schedule to our Legion. term. I want to thank our past For God and Country, on to medical school. and wishing him good luck his John Giacoboni and Jerry Salvucci commander Rich Derer for his Dave D’Orazio His ultimate goal is to become an Air future. of Smoke’n Hogs designed and built leadership and dedication to our SAL Commander Post 372

September—November 2016 Page 8 September—November 2016 Page 5 A 9/11 Service will be held at Cher- ry Hill Fire Department, Marlkress Stand Down of South Jersey Road, in front of the 9/11 Memorial The South Jersey Stand Down communities, bringing service at 8:30am on September 11th. has been held annually since providers together such as the September 17th—The American September 1996. Originally a Disabled Veterans Outreach Legion Camden County will be hold- three-day event, the Stand Down Program Specialists, Local ing the Annual POW/MIA Service at was hosted at Fort Dix New Jer- Veterans Employment repre- 10am at the Lindenwold Memoiral, sey. After a decision was made to sentatives, various veterans 2001 Egg Harbor Road, Linden- hold a one-day event, it was relo- service organizations, military wold, NJ. Service will be conducted cated to the Army National Guard personnel, civic leaders, local by County American Legion Chap- Armory in Cherry Hill, New Jer- grammar schools and a varie- lain followed by short speeches by sey. Primary support (provisions ty of other organizations. honored guests. Seating will be provided. of the structure, grounds and utili- Since 1996 this event has There are many Services being held throughout the state for both ties) is provided by the NJ De- served as a catalyst that ena- 9/11 Remembrance as well as POW/MIA Recognition Day. Check partment of Military and Veterans bles homeless veterans to re- your local newspaper for other services if you are unable to attend Affairs. enter mainstream society. the ones mentioned here. The Cherry Hill Stand Down pro- Please join Legion members vides services to homeless veter- on September 23rd at the ans along with shelter, meals, Cherry Hill Armory to help our clothing, and medical attention. homeless veterans go through Members of 196th LIB Americal Division Pay Final This annual event is an entirely stations at Stand Down. Go volunteer effort, organized within directly to the Armory. Respects at Legionnaires Funeral Camden County and New Jersey

Dave Larsen, a Upon learning or Vietnam Veter- Dave’s death, his com- an, who served rades from all over the with the 196th country banded togeth- LIB Americal er once again and came Division, out for his funeral ser- passed away in vices. Over a dozen of August. He was them came—from a Legion Mem- State, Col- ber and past orado, , New Officer—an intergral part of our Hampshire, , Connecticut, Rider Members and the Nam Legion. Maryland, New York and Pennsyl- Knights stood a Flag Line during the All that knew Dave will remember vania. viewing as all Dave’s family and the stories he would share about Dave’s services were held at Allo- friends came to bid him farewell. his comrades from Vietnam and way Funeral Home, where Legion After the Services, everyone gath- their yearly gathering in Washing- ered back at the Legion for a Lunch- ton DC. There was a deep connec- eon, where there was also a short tion between them. Although there service and Rifle Salute. were some very unpleasant memo- Please keep Dave’s wife, Peggy, ries in Vietnam for Dave and his also an Aux. member, and their chil- comrades, Dave’s face glowed dren Chrystie and Kelly, in your when ever he spoke about their thoughts and prayers during this reunions in Washington. difficult time. RIP Dave. You will be missed.

September—November 2016 Page 6 September—November 2016 Page 7 MESSAGE from Auxiliary President MESSAGE from Riders Director Well, summer Auxiliary Department or National Our first General Membership Sure has been al Roar to the Shore in Wildwood is over and now reminding you that 2017 Dues are meeting for 2016-2017 will be held a hot summer ! from September 8 -10th, which it’s back to work now due. Please pay them asap. on the 2nd Monday of September, In fact it was so some of our members attend faith- helping our Vet- There will be a Membership Table at the 12th. The remainder of our hot that we didn't fully every year. erans and Com- Family Day—if you will not be at- meetings October thru May are cur- have anyone The Fall brings some more annu- munity fulltime. I tending, please mail or drop your rently scheduled for the first Monday sign up for any al events, including NJ Run for the want to thank dues off at the Post. Our dues for of each month at 7 PM. The County of Rodeo games Fallen on Thursday, September those who have 2017 will remain at $21. Auxiliary meeting will be held the this past July 22nd, along with the annual carried the torch while others were first Thursday in December. More 23rd when we Thanksgiving for the Troops on not available this summer. details to follow on that. had our annual Riders Rodeo. Our Thanksgiving morning at the Bat- A big thank you to Carol Colucci and Please attend meetings whenever game operators had everything ready tleship NJ. You will find more infor- Sue Quinn for staying on top of possible. As your President I want to go, but due to the extreme heat, mation on them in the Scoop and things while I, like others, were off your input on worthy donations to no one opted to partake. our website. on vacation or participating in Family make, fund raisers, community help, However, despite that, our Rodeo For God and Country, events. what help should we give to Veter- was still a success, great food, great Mickey ( TrikeMan ) Van Brunt There are a lot of events coming up ans and any other ideas you have. Bike Show, great DJ and we all had a American Legion Riders in the next few months. Family Day, I need to hear your voice. This is fun day with a fantastic turn out. Director Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Stand your Auxiliary. Bring your ideas The summer will end with the annu- Down, NJ Run for the Fallen, and suggestions to the rest of the Thanksgiving for the Troops and Vet- membership. I am sure there are erans Day to mention a few. Check plenty out there that have never for more details in this Scoop news- been brought up before. letter and be sure to sign up on our Legion email list to receive late For God and Country, breaking news via email. Sandy Kraft A reminder to all Auxiliary Members; Auxiliary President You will not receive a notice from our