VOLUME LXXXIII The Reveille, January-February 2015 NUMBER 1 DESA Group Disbanding For the past six years, it has been only go as fast as the fastest mer- the honor of LCW Post to be the chant ship, eight or 10 miles an host meeting place of a group of hour; until we would get a subma- Veterans — the DESA Group — rine scare, then it would get very for a luncheon and meeting. This interesting. For a period of time was a group of Navy Veterans who when we would get close to Europe served aboard Escort there would be German aircraft and Ships. Unfortunately, the group is so we would have to get in the disbanding because there are not machine gun turrets and shoot at enough members left who are able them. to continue to make these meetings. “Going across the Northern At- Following their last gathering on lantic there was one time we spent October 25, 2014, Mr. Francis Hugh three months in what they called a Shovlin was kind enough to spend ‘killer squadron’. A destroyer and a few minutes in the office to talk a six destroyer escorts went back and little about his experience on the forth across the Northern Atlantic USS Slater. Following is what he looking for German submarines. had to say: The Northern Atlantic was rough; “Being a Denver boy, growing bunks were three high and on up in the middle of the country nev- chains. We wrapped chains around er having seen the ocean, it was so the bunk was at an angle and we USS SLATER/HNS AETOS, before and after. At left, the terrible condition of the ship in 1993 upon her very interesting being on the ship. wouldn’t roll out. We figured out return to the U.S. after over 40 years in the Greek Navy. At right, a recent photo showing the remarkable I enjoyed it. I couldn’t have had it ways to do things. The first time I restoration work. Photos courtesy of the Historical Museum. any better if I had a million dollars, boarded the USS Slater was the first but I wouldn’t take a million dollars time I was ever on a ship. I had the to do it again. I went to Glasgow, 4 to 8 a.m. watch in the engine room Scotland; Liverpool, England; Mar- and it was pretty rough. When I seille, France; down the Suez Canal, came back up out of the engine but mostly went back and forth room and went to the galley, I smell- across the Northern Atlantic with a ed the food then grabbed an orange convoy of merchant ships. We were and some crackers and ran up to the not the ones who captured the Ger- deck—I was seasick. One of the man U-Boat that is now in the Field cooks on the ship was also seasick, Museum in Chicago, but we car- a lot. He’d come running up out of ried the torpedo back on the deck of the galley and over to the rail to our ship. It was about half again as throw up. One time he had just got- big as the ones we carried on our ten false teeth and lost them in the ship. We only ran into convoy scares ocean when he got sick. He told us where we circled around depth if he couldn’t chew meat, we charges and looked for oil slicks. weren’t going to have any meat. So During my time with the USS Slater for about a week we didn’t have (about one year) our convoy had any meat, not until he got a new set three signs of possible hits where we of dentures.” saw oil. If a submarine was hit it Thank you Mr. Shovlin for your Returning from drydocking in 2014. Heading up the toward Albany and home. never came up. My time aboard was service and for sharing some of your USS Slater DE766 Navy from 1943 to 1945. This ves- began. Over the past 20 years volun- interesting. I got to see a lot of Eu- experiences with the members of USS Slater is a Cannon class de- sel is the last remaining destroyer teer crews have attempted to restore rope. It was boring in that we could LCW Post 1. stroyer escort that served in the U.S. escort still afloat in the U.S. today. her to her original 1945 condition, It was designed to combine heavy including personal items and gear of anti-submarine, anti-aircraft wea- the men and women who once serv- pons, and the latest electronic equip- ed aboard her. ment to detect enemy vessels dur- The ship was moved to Albany, ing WWII. While in service, this NY, in 1997 where it still resides to- ship escorted supply ships, con- day. Thanks to the tireless efforts ducted shore bombardments and and hard work of countless volun- served as a radar picket in both the teers and staff, her once rusted and Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. decaying skeleton is now a living USS Slater was deactivated in and breathing memorial to destroy- 1951 and renamed AETOS, serving er escorts. USS Slater is a National in the Greek until Historic Landmark and receives no 1991. AETOS was transferred back regular Federal, State or local gov- to the United States under the care ernment funding. For information of the Destroyer Escort Historical on guided tours, donations or more Museum. Under the direction of the information on this vessel, please museum, a huge restoration project visit www.ussslater.org. Visit our website LCWPost1.org for information on upcoming The USS Slater is now a on the Hudson River in Albany, New York, the only one of its kind events and activities. afloat in the United States. Page 2, THE REVEILLE, January-February 2015 Commander’s Corner 40/8 Greetings Reminder by Commander Jeff Birdwell by Ray Moreno. to place these flags. To Sign In 40/8 Chef de Gare, We had a good turnout for our As we begin the new year, I hope everyone had This last year for the Legion has Turkey Shoot and reached the goal For The a happy and enjoyable holiday season. I salute all had its share of ups and downs and of $1,000 to donate to the Fisher the volunteers that worked hard to make the spe- 40/8 is no exception. We lost a long- House. Thank you to all who parti- cial events held at the Post an enjoyable occasion. time member and mentor for the cipated and donated to the turkey Daily Drawing Your participation and planning skills are what 40/8, Vinton Guy. We can all be races. It seems that we all have a When signing in for the drawing makes these events a success. As word gets out thankful for his support of the Post good time when it’s all the groups write or print your first and last about our meeting venues and kitchen operation, and we can be thankful for his con- sharing the work. Helping each name as clearly as possible. Includ- many groups have expressed an interest in using our tribution for a new roof. other makes us all happier. ing the last four digits of your mem- facility. As always, the priority has been and will The 40/8 thanks all the people As members of The American bership number will assure that we always be accommodating Veterans and their fam- and groups who participated this Legion family, we need to remem- know it is your signature. If you ilies. Thank you for your support of Post 1. May past summer in our annual BBQ for ber our fellow veterans, not only on are a new member who does not 2015 be of great success and accomplishment for the veterans in the Fitzsimons Nurs- Veteran’s Day but every day, by be- have your permanent nine-digit our organization. ing Home. By the looks on their ing active in our community. We number yet, write new after your faces, one could tell they enjoyed us need to instill pride so that what the name. Signing in with just your first being there. They really got a kick veterans have done to protect our name and last name initial will not out of the Sousa band and liked freedom and liberty is not forgotten. qualify. singing with them. Let’s continue to do what The The 40/8 also share in the disap- American Legion and the 40/8 was DAILY DRAWINGS pointment of not being able to place formed to do. We need to continue October 17- flags on the fallen veterans at to help our fellow veterans; Lord December 16, 2014 Crown Hill Cemetery as we have knows they are going to need us 10/17 Jack Rife done in the past. This year we hope more than ever. 10/18 Edrie O’Brien we have more volunteers from the Hope you all have a good year in 10/19 Oscar S. Quesinberry entire Legion family so we are able 2015. 10/20 Grace E. Long 10/21 Melvin Herbel From The 40/8 — 10/22 Kari Haugen We Reached Our Goal!!! 10/23 Paul M. Whitehouse 10/24 Christopher Tranchetti The weather tried to keep us down, but the generous Post 1 mem- 10/25 Paul H. Griggs bers and friends managed to help the 40&8 raise over $1,000 during 10/26 Gregory A. Miller the 2014 Turkey Shoot and Trot. Special thanks go out to Pablo Palen for running the firing line, Barb Aaker for 10/27 John L. Stoffel tending the betting window, all those 10/28 Ronald E. Carman who assisted with the turkey races, in 10/29 Patricia Barbee selling the 50/50 cards, the kitchen and 10/30 Betty Kottenstette any place needed. We especially want to 10/31 Henri L. LaBrash thank all the people who donated tur- 11/1 Herbert Jablonski Post 1 Oratorical Contestant Charlie Schmidt receives a check from keys and gifts for the event. The pro- 11/2 Frank H. Ament Commander Jeff Birdwell, and Oratorical Committee Chairwoman ceeds will go to the Fisher House. Look- 11/3 Robert Weber Clotilde Szelkowski. The Oratorical contest is January 3. A report on ing forward to a good year in 2015! 11/4 John P. Hargleroad how Charlie did at the State level will be in the next issue. 11/5 Armand R. Raymond 11/6 Andy Hoffman Birthdays Celebrated At Post 1 On Dec. 8 11/7 Robert E. Gold 11/8 Teresa Kutt At left, those joining in 11/9 James W. Kirk the celebration of their 11/10 Roger Staley 11/11 Kelly J. Golden December birthdays were, 11/12 Rose Renee Smith left to right, back row: 11/13 Dominick Minelli Connie Payne, Margaret 11/14 Clarence O. Bakken 11/15 Jack M. Bosco Stenson, Glen Stenson, 11/16 George A. Santos Lori Nepute and Jennifer 11/17 Cade Chesshire Napoleon; front row: 11/18 Glenn Walls 11/19 Kathleen Nicolai Bonnie Hahn and 11/20 Egbert M. Womack Jr Scarlett Pastore. 11/21 Michael W. Mallett 11/22 Robert Schutt 11/23 Clotilde Szelkowski Below, the December 11/24 Bernard H. Thorn birthday drawing 11/25 Peter L. Dye winner was Jennifer 11/26 Roger D. Kempton Jr 11/27 Richard K. Skerik Napoleon, center, with 11/28 Irene K. Rozman the goodie providers 11/29 Herbert Jablonski Karen Taylor, left, and 11/30 Bob O’Haire 12/1 Ken Dzikowicz Doris Petersen, right. 12/2 Glenn E. Walls 12/3 Chase Franklin Check out the calendar on the back page for all 12/4 Oscar S. Quesinberry the upcoming Post 1 events and activities! 12/5 Richard R. Rehm 12/6 Ian Fisher 12/7 David R. Pace 12/8 Raymond Lamb THE REVEILLE 12/9 Ronald L. Engelbrecht 12/10 Frederick P. Panian Published Six Times A Year, Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov. by The American Legion, 12/11 Don Wiseman Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham Post No. 1 12/12 J. Clinton Bowman 5400 E. Yale, Denver, Colorado 80222 • 303-757-1919 12/13 John Kleinheksel in Mile High Denver, Colorado, the Heart of the Rocky Mountain West. 12/14 William P. Thompson Subscription Rate: $1.00 per year. 12/15 James L. Tanquary Periodicals Postage Paid at Denver, Colorado, USPS 463-400. 12/16 Dennis Brown

POSTMASTER: Send form 3578 to: 5400 E. Yale Ave., Denver, Colorado 80222 Approved as an advertising medium by the Birthdays For January And February DENVER RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Nathan Bryant Paul Bucher Reid Fournier Juan Cabello Bob Miller Commander, Jeff Birdwell; Senior Vice Commander, Woody Glaser; Ken Dzikowicz Darrell Marten Sean Lynch Junior Vice Commanders, Mike Brunn and Jason Conklin; Adjutant, Patrick Burch; Finance Officer, Mike Pond; Chaplain, John Holland; Suzy Stasko-Robinson Michael Muscatello Raymond Frost Sergeant-At-Arms, Alan Jaffe. Robert Mason Mikayla Todd John Mathis Ron Bishop FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Jay Swenson Stan Tharp Frank McCurdy Tom McClinton John Gargano Dominick Minelli Mike Pritchard Bruce Acosta Jim Johnson Chris Lucero Raymond Bubick Sam Searcy Janice Napoleon January-February 2015, THE REVEILLE, Page 3 NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N N N N Flag N N Do You Remember? N N N N HELLO, remember me? Some people call me Old Glory, others call N President’s Report N N N me the Stars and Stripes. I have also been referred to as “The Star Etiquette N N N by Sue Wagner N Spangled Banner.” But whatever they call me . . . I am your flag, or as Q. Is it permissible to fly the N N I proudly state, the flag of the United States of America. There is some- Flag of the United States during During the Holiday season the Brandt Erickson thing that has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with inclement weather? Auxiliary continued to focus on Doris Petersen you, because it is about you and me. A. serving veterans and their families Margaret Stenson The Flag should not be dis- by raising funds to support various Ann Ritacco I remember one time . . . it was Independence Day. People lined both played on days when the weather foundations. I am humbled by the Georgia Sweeney sides of the street to watch the big parade. I was in the lead of course, is inclement, except when an all- selfless volunteerism we’ve expe- Cyndi Clavier and the high school band was right behind me. When your daddy saw weather Flag is displayed. (All- rienced and would like to use this Janice Napoleon me coming, waving in the breeze, he immediately removed his hat and weather — nylon or other non- opportunity to personally thank the LueAnne Robbins placed it against his left shoulder, so that his hand was over his heart. absorbent material). following individuals: (This is not Patricia Herring Do you remember? Q. Is the Flag to be displayed intended to be an all-encompass- We are so lucky and honored to WELL . . . I remember you! Standing there straight and tall. You did- only on National holidays? ing list so if I missed your name have so many volunteers willing to n’t have any hat, but you were giving the right salute. You were taught A. The Code suggests displaying please accept my apology in ad- help with spaghetti/burger nights, in school to place your hand over your heart. And little sister . . . not the Flag every day, but especially vance.) the holiday craft fair, planning for to be outdone, she was saluting just like you. There were some soldiers on holidays, including state holi- Donna Thompson Girls State, planning the upcoming home on leave, all standing at attention giving the military salute. days and during local celebra- Scott Thompson Mardi Gras event, receiving dona- Ladies . . . too . . . everyone was paying me the respect that I deserve, tions. Teri Mercill tions for poppies, and representing and I was very proud to be there! Q. Is the Government required Barb Aaker our unit at the Veterans Day parade NOW if I sound conceited . . . that’s because I am. I have a right to to fly the Flag every day? Orianne Atkins to mention just a few occurrences. be. I represent the finest country in the world . . . the United States of A. The Code suggests the Flag be Sharon Montbleau On the same note, this year’s holi- America . . . More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down displayed daily on or near the Diana Montalto day craft fair was a gigantic suc- . . . but they all felt the fury of this freedom-loving country. You know main administration building of Megan Melich cess and a lot of fun. Thanks to all . . . you had to go overseas and defend me. every public institution, in or near Sally Johnson who donated prizes, the crafters, or- every polling place on election Bonnie Hahn ganizers, and especially to those of WHAT happened? I am still the same old flag. Oh . . . a couple more days and in or near every school- Suzy Stasko-Robinson you who attended. I personally had stars now, and a lot more blood has been shed since that Independence house when school is in session. Carol McLaughlin a great time and enjoyed getting a Day so long ago. I haven’t really changed. Joanne Carpenter little head start shopping for Christ- BUT now, I don’t feel as proud as I used to . . . When I come down Q. Is it proper to fly the Flag of Diane Erickson mas presents. your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets . . . the United States at night? give me a quick glance and look away. And your children . . . running A. The Flag Code states that it is around and shouting, they don’t seem to know, or care, who I am. I the universal custom to display YOU COULD WIN THIS saw one man take his hat off and then look around, he didn’t see any- the Flag only from sunrise to sun- one with theirs off, so he quickly put his back on. set on buildings and on stationary GRILL/SMOKER WHAT is wrong with being patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten flag staffs in the open. However, what I stand for? Think of all the places I have been, Anzio . . . when a patriotic effect is desired, Guadalcanal . . . Korea . . . Vietnam . . . Lebanon-Granada . . . Desert the Flag may be displayed 24 Storm . . . and Afghanistan. Have you forgotten all the battlefields where hours a day if properly illuminat- men have fought and died to keep this nation free? ed during the hours of darkness. TAKE a look at the Memorial Honor Roll sometime, and read the names Q. What is considered proper of those that never came back. Some of them were friends or relatives illumination when flying the of yours. When you salute me . . . you are actually saluting them. Flag at night? WELL, it won’t be long before I’ll be coming down your street again. A. “Proper illumination” is a light This time when you see me . . . stand up straight . . . place your hand specifically placed to illuminate over your heart . . . and you will see me waving back. My salute to the Flag (preferred) or having a you. And I will know that you . . . remembered. light source sufficient to illumi- nate the Flag so it is recognizable — Author Unknown as such by the casual observer.

The retail value is $800. Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Quilts of Valor Get your tickets from the bartender. Sewing Bee Proceeds to benefit Fisher House, thanks to LCW Post 1 Color Guard. Sponsored by American Legion Drawing will be held when all tickets are sold. Auxiliary Unit One Visit our website LCWPost1.org Saturday, February 28, 2015 for information on 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. upcoming events and activities. 5400 East Yale Ave., Denver, CO 80222 Bring your tools and join us, for a few hours or all day, making quilts for our service women and men, active duty and veterans.

Your talents are needed. Sewing, pressing, and rotary cutting. Quilt kits will be provided or bring your own project.

Honor those who have served our country.

For more information please email [email protected] In the subject line: Quilts of Valor Page 4, THE REVEILLE, January-February 2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS • January-February 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Watch The Super Bowl 1 2 3 On Sunday, New Year’s Day Lunch Served February 1, 2015 Post Open 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served Karaoke At The Legion! 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Knit Wits 10:30 a.m. Lunch Served Lunch Served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served Lunch Served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Legion Riders Attend The Church 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Auxiliary Lunch Served Meeting Of Your Choice Hamburger Night PLANNING & HOUSE 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Planning Meeting 10 a.m. Art Class For Military 5-7 p.m. COMMITTEE 7-9 p.m. Appreciation Day MEETINGS 6:30 p.m. SAL Meeting 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Knit Wits 10:30 a.m. Lunch Served Lunch Served Lunch Served Attend The Church 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served 40/8 Promenade Of Your Choice 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 10 a.m. Art Class Legion EXECUTIVE 7-9 p.m. POST & AUXILIARY Hamburger Night BOARD MEETING Karaoke MEETINGS 7 p.m. 5-7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Lunch Served Knit Wits Lunch Served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served Attend The Church 10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served Mid-Year Conference 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Of Your Choice Art Class • 7-9 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Colorado Springs Lunch Served 40/8 Mid-Year Conference 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hamburger Night Gaveliers Colorado Springs 7 p.m. 5-7 p.m. 2526 27 28 29 30 31

Lunch Served Knit Wits Lunch Served Lunch Served Parliamentary Lunch Served Attend The Church 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Procedure 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Of Your Choice Training Art Class Lunch Served SAL Legion 9 a.m. 7-9 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hamburger Night Spaghetti Night 5-7 p.m. 5-7 p.m. FEB. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Lunch Served Attend The Church 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Of Your Choice Lunch Served Knit Wits Legion Riders 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Lunch Served Lunch Served Auxiliary Chili Cook-off SUPER BOWL 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hamburger Night 11 a.m.-3 p.m. SUNDAY Art Class Lunch Served 5-7 p.m. Watch The Game 7-9 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Karaoke At The Post SAL Meeting 7 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Knit Wits 10:30 a.m. Lunch Served Lunch Served Lunch Served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Legion Riders Attend The Church 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served Meeting Of Your Choice 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. PLANNING & HOUSE 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 10 a.m. Art Class Legion COMMITTEE 7-9 p.m. POST & AUXILIARY Hamburger Night MEETINGS Mardis Gras Party MEETINGS 7 p.m. 5-7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. (See Flyer) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Ash Wednesday Article deadline for next issue of Presidents’ Day Knit Wits Lunch Served Lunch Served Lunch Served The Reveille Art Class 10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 40/8 Promenade 7-9 p.m. 10 a.m. Attend The Church Lunch Served 40/8 EXECUTIVE BOARD Karaoke Of Your Choice Gaveliers 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hamburger Night MEETING 6:30 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-9 p.m. 5-7 p.m. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Lunch Served Knit Wits Lunch Served Lunch Served Quilts Of Valor Attend The Church 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Served Sewing Of Your Choice 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art Class Lunch Served SAL 40/8 7-9 p.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hamburger Night Spaghetti Night 5-7 p.m. 5-7 p.m.