Food Drive: Saturday, 10/22

    The Reynoldsburg post had a successful food drive on Saturday, October 22nd. See photos.

    CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION: Monday 10/13

    At the Reynoldsburg city council meeting Monday, October 10, Post Cdr. Dunn and 1st Vice Cdr Margaritis made presentations to the council members and four young men they and the post sponsored to Buckeye Boys State last June. See Agenda. Also in attendance besides the proud parents was Mayor McCloud (photos).

    Post 798 Donates To Toy Drive

    After the its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 9, 2010, American Legion Reynoldsburg Post 798 presented a check to Lt. Mike Shirey of the Truro Township Fire Department. The check was a donation by the post in support of the Reynoldsburg Toys-for-Kids program. This annual event has been active in Reynoldsburg for some twenty years now. Lt. Shirey and Ms. Mary Burcham as the sole coordinators, very much active with it since its inception.

    The post officers assured Lt. Shirey that they would continue to fully support such
    community efforts by these firefighters in the future.


    Pictured here are the inimitable firefighters of the Livingston Avenue Fire Station. Presenting the check to Lt. Shirey is Post 798's commander, Tim Dunn. To their left is the Post Adjutant, Mike Thomas, and to their right, the post's 1st Vice Commander, Pete Margaritis.

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    CALL TO DUTY CEREMONY, January 6th

    The Ohio National Guard OMLT 1.6 hosted a call to Duty ceremony at 10 a.m.
    on Jan 6 at the Reynoldsburg United Methodisc Church, 1636 Graham Road, Reynoldsburg.

    Call to Duty Ceremony
    174th ADA OMLT 1.6 ARNG, Columbus,OH
    Location: Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church
    1636 Graham Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2633
    06 January 2011@ 1000 hrs.

    Staging: Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church 06 January 2011@ 0800 hrs-(8 AM )

    Post Commander Tim Dunn attended and reported the event as inspiring. God speed to our troops going over there.

    The U.S. is one of 27 nations that have pledged troops to OMLT (Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams) program. There are about 60 OMLT teams in Afghanistan.  OMLTs are multinational teams that train and deploy together in Afghanistan to train and mentor Afghan army soldiiers to defend their country. OMLTs are typically made up of combat and support soldiers from several ONG units.

    For more info, check out the Ohio National Guard Newsletter:
    http://www.ong.ohio.gov/pao/buckeyeguard/2010/FALL-09_WTR-10_BUCKEYE%20GUARD.pdfddd

    Reynoldsburg Post 1st Vice Installed
    As Head of 12th District Council

    Pete Margaritis, Reynoldsburg Post 798's 1st Vice Commander, was installed as the Commander of the Ohio 12th District Council on July 23, 2011 at Don Gentile Post 532. In his remarks, Commander Pete promised an open door policy to all veterans, especially Legionnaires. He stressed what he referred to as the "Four Cs" of the District - Communication, Cooperation, Common Sense, and Cohesion. He also emphasized that the country was at war, and that the district's activities should be more oriented around service members going off to war, and around veterans returning from active duty. "We should help revere them when they return to the United States - to help celebrate with those who come back alive, and to solemnly honor those who do not."

    Also installed were the district's new 1st and 2nd Vice Commanders, Bernie Brogan (Don Gentile Post 532), and Gary Fast (Post 82). Attending the installation and dinner following was Post 798 commander, Tim Dunn.

    Pete Margaritis giving his acceptance speech.

    Post 798 Participates in
    Annual Franklin County Veterans Stand Down

    On Tuesday, October 18 2011, members of Post 798 worked the Franklin County Veterans Stand Down (http://centralohiostanddown.com/ ) at Veterans Memorial from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Leading the effort was Pete Margaritis, the post 1st Vice commander.

    Attending the stand down were Mayor Michael Coleman of Columbus, the Columbus City Council President Pro-Tem Hearcel Craig, and several American Legion 12th District officers. and Rick Isbell, the Veteran Liaison to the mayor (and 12th District Council Sergeant-at-Arms) oversaw the event and was master of ceremonies for the opening.

    At the end of the stand down, the post volunteers were able to secure a couple cases of non-perishable food, which were later taken by the 1st vice commander to the Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Pantry, in advance of the weekend food drive.

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    Reynoldsburg Post Awards
    Buckeye Boys State Representative

    At the post’s July 8, 2010 meeting, American Legion Reynoldsburg Post 798 Commander Tim Dunn presented a certificate of achievement to high school student Paul Nessler for his participation in Buckeye Boys State this year. Sponsored by the post, Paul's involvement in this intensive event was a crowning achievement for a brave young man who against all odds, has fought a mountain of medical obstacles to be where he is today. As a child, Paul suffered a twisted intestine, which quickly developed into organ failure and subsequent gangrene. Having twice undergone intensive, extensive multi-visceral transplants in Omaha Nebraska with pioneering medical technology, he has slowly recovered over the years to gain a 3.8 high school average at St. Charles in Bexley, and to be active in several community activities, including a crack Eagle scout.


    Paul Nessler listens as his mother somberly recalls his medical ordeal.

    Paul intensely enjoyed the Buckeye Boys State experience, including running for House Representative, before being appointed clerk to City Council. Paul recalled this and other memorable experiences of that week to the post members with his family present, adding, “I have a new appreciation for government. I realize the sheer depth of politics involved. I understand now all the effort that goes into it to keep it working properly.”

    Paul fervently thanked the post for sponsoring him to this memorable event, and promised
    to stay in touch with us.


    Reynoldsburg Post Attends
    Department of Ohio Convention

    As it did last year, American Legion Post 798 Reynoldsburg attended the annual Department of Ohio Convention, held this year at the Seacroft Convention Center in Toledo, Ohio.

    One of the principal speakers at the Convention was Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, who in the course of his remarks, shared some memorable experiences about attending Buckey Boys State some 32 years ago.

    The post's own 1st Vice Commander, Pete Margaritis, along with 41 other district officers in the state, was duly ratified and sworn in as the 12th District's new 1st Vice Commander. Well done, Peter.

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    Reynoldsburg Post Decorates
    Truro Township Graves

    As it did last year, American Legion Post 798 Reynoldsburg decorated with American flags the graves of the veterans resting in the Silent Home Cemetery on Lancaster Avenue, in Truro Township. The pre-Memorial Day flag ceremony began at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 27th. Severak veterans attended and helped in this solemn occasion.

    _____________________________________ 

    Food Pantry Effort

    On Thursday December 17th 2009, the Reynoldsburg American Legion Post # 798 proudly presented a check to the Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Pantry. Present at the event were the following 798 post officers: Post Commander Timothy Dunn, our chaplin Tony DeSilva, and the post adjutant, Michael Thomas. Gratefully receiving the check was Helping Hands President Ms. Janet Munjas.

    "The Helping Hands group does quite a bit for the Reynoldsburg Community and the post wanted to assist them, especially at this time of year, when needs can be the greatest," Commander Dunn stated. The post's donation though, is not enough. The pantry is low in funds right now at the holidays, and it requires additional donations to help feed those Reynoldsburg residents in desperate need. Moreover, according to Vice Chairman Suzanne Read, the organization is not connected to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank in Columbus, so it does not get any assistance from them.

    The Helping Hands food pantry is open from 10-to-11:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Donations can be coordinated by calling Helping Hands at (614) 868-9394, or by stopping off at 7356 E. Main Street in Reynoldsburg during open hours with non-perishable food items.

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    Good to Go Green Recycling Event, October 24th

    On Saturday, October 24th, American Legion Post 798, Reynoldsburg Ohio, sponsored by American Electric Power, held a battery and flourescent bulb re-cycle day in Huber Park. This event was part of a nationwide Make A Difference Day effort (http://www.usaweekend.com/diffday/aboutmadd.html). Boxes of discharged electronic batteries of all kinds and shapes were collected and were shipped to appropriate disposal facilities in newly-designed U.S. Post Office-approved shipping containers. Also collected were many spent florescent tubes and CFL (Compact Florescent Light) bulbs. The Post would like to thank the constituents of Reynoldsburg for their support in this activity.

    This event was a positive community step in keeping our home town "green," something that Post 798 and AEP are most interested in doing.

    Our thanks all of you who took the time to come by. The Post is planning another re-cycle day in the Spring. More information will follow. Some photos of the event are below.

    The Huber Park Recycling Center, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on a chilly Saturday morning, October 24, 2009. The drop tent is in the middle at back.

    The post officers, their recycling center set up in the brisk wind, await their first 'customers' of the day. Note the small generator to provide power to cook the hot dogs and keep them warm. Pictured (l-to-r): Tim Dunn, post commander; Mike Thomas, adjutant; past post commander Carl Bradley; Taking the photo, 1st Vice Commander Pete Margaritis.


    Cars approach the Huber Park entrance to pull in and drop off spent electronic batteries
    and florescent tubes.

    Pictured here are the new specially-designed shipment boxes approved by the U.S. Post Office. In the background are hot dogs that were sold to those dropping off batteries. Past Post Commander Carl Bradley at left discusses details of the event with other post officers. Note the radio at right used to hear the start of the Ohio State-Minnesota game. After all, braving the elements was one thing. Going without hearing the game, though... That's cruel and unusual punishment..

    Reynoldsburg Post Certificates for Policeman and Firefighter of the Year

    On Thursday, October 22, 2009, with the co-operation of the Reynoldsburg Mayor's office, American Legion Reynoldsburg Post 798 presented certificates of appreciation to the Reynoldsburg Police Officer of the Year and Reynoldsburg Firefighter of the year. These individuals were selected by their peers and by their 1st Line and 2nd Line supervision. Along with the Fire Chief Jerry Foltz and Police Chief Dave Suciu, Mayor Brad McCloud and Post Commander, Timothy Dunn proudly made the presentations.

    This year's outstanding police officer is Officer Scott Manny. This year's outstanding firefighter is Mr. Charles Brooks. These two men have performed exceptionally within the past year to protect and defend our city. We owe a debt of gratitude to these fine individuals.

    Post 798 would like to thank the Mayor's office, the police chief, and the fire chief for their assistance.

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    Reynoldsburg 798 Post Initiated
    American Legion Resolution for the ASBP

    (AUG) In August of last year, Post 798 proposed and passed an ASBP blood drive resolution that was officially passed at the National Headquarters convention in August, 2009. For details, click on this ASBP Resolution link.

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