MAY – JUNE 2021
Post 291 is Back to Full Operation!
With the discontinuance of the Tier system on Tuesday 15 June, Post 291 has returned to basically pre- pandemic operations. Familiar and popular entertainment events and other routine activities have been restarted, including:
• Hootenanny — Tuesday Afternoons from noon to 4:00 pm
• Taco Tuesday — Tuesday Afternoons and Evening
• Line Dancing — Tuesday Evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Jazz Night — Thursday Evenings (biweekly) on West Patio from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
• Friday Evening Dinner Dance — from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
• Saturday Afternoon Band — from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• Burn Your Own — daily, after the Kitchen is closed, with items available from the Bar
• Tableside Wait Service
• Buffets — but modified to “cafeteria style” service with employees handing plated meals of chosen items to the customers
• Banquets and Hall Rentals
• Post Family meetings onsite and inside
And although the drive-thru takeout food service was discontinued on Monday 31 May, further options are being explored to facilitate and enable regular takeout food service for Post members.
Stay Safe, Healthy, — and Get Vaccinated!
COVID-19 is not over yet — particularly with the Delta variant B.1.617.2, which is much more easily transmissible. Please continue to practice good hygiene and stay healthy and safe — and get your COVID- 19 vaccination as soon as you can.
For now, Post 291 will continue emphasizing recommended health and safety protocols, including:
• Facemasks — for those who are unvaccinated or who have compromised immune systems
• Reduced density of gatherings
• Ventilation
• Sanitation of shared surfaces and equipment
Post 291: The Past Two Years
• Skilled Team.
The past two years — and particularly the past 15 months — have been especially challenging for Post 291
— and for all volunteer organizations and businesses. The Post has been very fortunate over the past two years to have an exceptionally skilled and talented leadership team of Post officers and employees — along with many other dedicated and conscientious committee members and volunteers — who succeeded in maintaining a safe and healthy environment at the Post while continuing essential operations.
• Post Officers.
It’s especially important to recognize and commend the outstanding work of some of the key Post Officers who put in enormous hours of volunteer time to sustain vital Post 291 operations while keeping Post members and employees healthy and safe.
Adjutant Mike Berdine — who chaired key Post committees and served on numerous others — and whose tireless efforts enabled continuing Post meetings through videoconferencing. He also has been instrumental in retaining an operating Post organization and workplace that was and is fully supportive of members and employees. He has served with extraordinary distinction.
Finance Officer Bob Wine — whose professional financial skills and expertise played a critical role in the Post maintaining its financial strength through the many challenges of the pandemic.
Service Officer Cory Vigil — with his superb knowledge, dedication, and insight into military veterans requiring special assistance, expertly provided needed support and services.
Third Vice Commander Jim Updike — whose incredibly profound contributions to Post 291 cannot be overstated. The late Third Vice Commander, who has recently transferred to Post Everlasting, possessed a unique talent for organization and management of complex challenges that he successfully applied frequently in resolving some very difficult Post 291 issues. — He is greatly missed.
• Post Employees.
Post employees, too, were instrumental in maintaining critical services for Post 291 members.
Food and Beverage Manager Dennis Fitzpatrick — with his long experience and professional expertise in restaurant management, kept the Post bar and restaurant operating smoothly and economically and provided outstanding leadership for his bar, kitchen, and restaurant team.
Chef and Kitchen Manager Ulises Dominguez — a talented and creative food expert, who skillfully trained and continues to expertly lead his excellent food preparation staff in delivering outstanding meals of absolute highest quality.
Bar and Custodial Supervisor Peter Lara — who particularly excelled in maintaining outstanding bar service while ensuring the Post was kept healthy and safe with rigorous cleaning and sanitation practices.
Wait Staff Captain Camilo Sabogal — skillfully and energetically led his Wait Staff team through the challenges of the pandemic and is expertly guiding them through the expanded reopening of the Post.
Manager of Administration and Accounting Tracey Kleimeyer — is an extraordinary Post resource with her vast “corporate knowledge” of Post operational history and financial, personnel, and legal requirements. Her expertly prepared Post financial reports are essential tools for Post management operations.
Website Manager Mizka Brick — whose dedication and diligence in sending out daily menu emails, along with maintaining an informative, attractive Post 291 website, have been outstanding.
Post 291 Family Leadership. Through the excellent leadership of all the other Post 291 Family organizations — the Auxiliary, the SAL, ALYC, and the Honor Guard — the entire Post 291 community has faithfully carried on its primary mission to support and assist military veterans and their families and the neighboring community.
Surviving the Pandemic — Management Actions
• Safe Practices.
At the outset of the pandemic, Post 291 quickly adopted and enforced implementation of directed health and safety protocols, with facemask requirements, social distancing, and aggressive sanitation measures.
• Solvency and Strong Financial Management.
With the reduction in income, Post 291 swiftly responded by reducing expenses and taking other rigorous financial management actions — including successfully obtaining two Payroll Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans.
• Service to Members, Employees, and the Community.
With a fully functional kitchen and a talented chef and skilled food preparation staff, Post 291 proceeded to launch a drive-thru takeout food service. This provided a vital service for both Post members and the public while also enabling retaining Post employees on full time employment. And, as the Tier system allowed, the Post proceeded to expand access and reopening of full services and entertainment. Further, throughout the entire pandemic, the Post continued to strongly support military veterans needing assistance.
Going Forward!
And finally, an analogy from the past is relevant today. Benjamin Franklin, when asked about the Constitution remarked: “We’ve given you a Republic — if you can keep it.”
To paraphrase Franklin’s comment, Post 291 has been given a place for military veterans and families that is:
• Peaceful and harmonious,
• Safe and healthy,
• Financially strong,
• Attractive and inviting,
• A unique, family-friendly venue on the water in Newport Harbor for military veterans and their families to enjoy, and
• Serving its members, other military veterans, and the community
— if it can keep it.
It’s been an honor to serve you as Post 291 Commander for the past two years. Thank you for your confidence and support.
For God and Country.
Jon Reynolds Commander
Newport Harbor Post 291 of The American Legion
APRIL 2021
Heading for the Light! — Restoration and Resumption of Full Operations!
Although it’s certainly been an historic, unprecedented year for the world, there’s now promise of relief from many of the necessary restrictions we’ve all been living with as more of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19. Orange County continues to work its way through the color-coded Tiers, and the Post is responding as quickly as it can while maintaining compliance with official direction, rules, and guidance. The reference document is the “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” for Activity and Business Tiers — viewable on the California Department of Public Health website at www.cdph.ca.gov.
Once again, a portion of the Post is reopened inside for dining and beverages — while also continuing the previously available outside services on the patios, along with the drive-thru takeout food service. Not allowed yet — and it’s probably still a couple of months away — but we’re all looking forward to returning to many traditional Post activities — as soon as official direction and guidance will permit:
- Hootenanny on the West Patio on Tuesday afternoons.
- Bands on the West Patio on Sunday afternoons
- Bands and dancing in the Main Hall on Friday evenings
- Post 291 Meetings back inside
- Burn Your Own — but modified to Staff-issued items
- Table side wait service
- Buffets — but modified to “cafeteria style” service with employees handing plated meals of chosen items to the customers
- Banquets and Hall Rentals
Team Success!
The Post has enjoyed remarkably successful operations over the past two years in spite of the pandemic — thanks to active support by Post members and Post Family members, and skilled guidance and actions by an outstanding leadership team of Post Officers and Post employees. The Post has been able to not only continue to provide services to its members, but also to the Newport Beach community with the Post’s drive-thru takeout food service — which has also enabled the Post to keep most of its staff employed.
Instrumental to the success of the Post leadership team of skilled and talented professionals has been the work of Adjutant Mike Berdine, Finance Officer Bob Wine, Service Officer Cory Vigil, and Third Vice Commander Jim Updike.
Mike Berdine in particular — with his many years of American Legion membership and in-depth knowledge of American Legion and Post 291 operations, combined with his outstanding executive skills — serves brilliantly in many roles. Among his multiple duties and responsibilities, he is Chair of the House Committee (which oversees Bar, Restaurant, and Marina operations), he’s a member of the Finance Committee, he’s an expert in information technology and sets up and organizes all the Post videoconferences for official meetings, he records the Minutes of all Post official meetings, he chairs several other Post committees, and he is the Corporate Secretary of the Post nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. He has performed all these tasks with unparalleled effectiveness, which in turn has been critical to the Post’s many accomplishments over the past two years.
Bob Wine is a CPA and has skillfully applied his exceptional professional knowledge and talents in accounting and finance and in financial management to the unusual challenges of Post 291 operations. He is also Chair of the Post Finance Committee and is a core member of the House Committee. He completed all the complex and extensive application forms and succeeded in obtaining two successive Payroll Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans for the Post from the Small Business Administration (SBA). He has also ensured the Post complies with its Bylaws by securing additional fully insured banking resources when needed, and has otherwise accomplished all of the many demands of his outstanding financial stewardship for the Post. — And Post assets have increased over the past two years.
Cory Vigil possesses extraordinary and comprehensive knowledge of military veteran support organizations, and he has worked tirelessly and skillfully to coordinate with these organizations and with governmental agencies to provide urgently needed support to military veterans needing assistance. He has also launched another Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund (VEAF) campaign to solicit additional donations and contributions to fund this vital “Pillar” of The American Legion. He has been — and is — at the forefront of the Post’s extensive efforts and strong, effective actions to assist military veterans in need.
Jim Updike — a Boys State alumnus himself — has achieved exceptional success with his Committee in leading and coordinating the Post’s Boys State program. Post 291 will again this year sponsor 25 highly deserving young men to attend this outstanding program — the most of any Post in the Department of California. In addition, Jim is Chair of the Reopening Planning Committee, which has worked diligently to help keep the Post safe and healthy during this pandemic and to continue to explore appropriate steps to further reopen the Post safely.
Post Department Managers.
And of course, key members of our outstanding Post staff have played central roles in its success as well — Food and Beverage Manager Dennis Fitzpatrick, Head Chef and Kitchen Manager Ulises Dominguez, Wait Staff Captain Camilo Sabogal, Bar and Custodial Supervisor Peter Lara, and Manager of Administration and Accounting Tracey Kleimeyer.
Post 291 Family and Post Employees.
Clearly many others — on the Post Executive Board, leaders and members of the Post 291 Family, and Post employees — have also contributed their time and resources with active participation in Post committees, helping other military veterans, and with enthusiastic service to the Post and to the community. All of these dedicated efforts were major contributions to the overwhelming success of the Post over the past two years — and are enormously appreciated.
Annual Post Election of Officers.
The annual Post election of officers is scheduled for Wednesday 12 May. This year Post members will be able to vote in one of two ways:
- Onsite at the Post from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, using a paper ballot; or
- Online at approximately 7:30 pm while attending the videoconference General Membership Meeting that evening, using a ballot that will be sent out over the internet.
Prior to the election, detailed instructions on the voting process will be sent to all Post members by email — and by US Mail for those without email. — All Post 291 members are strongly encouraged to vote for Post officers on Wednesday 12 May!
Annual Conventions.
The usual American Legion annual conventions will also be held this year. The Department of California Convention will be virtual and will convene starting Friday 25 June. The American Legion National Convention will be held onsite, in person, in Phoenix, Arizona, beginning Friday 27 August.
Stay Safe, Healthy, — and Get Vaccinated!
As a reminder, the pandemic is not over yet. Please continue to practice good hygiene and stay healthy and safe — and get your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you can.
For God and Country!
Jon Reynolds
Commander
Newport Harbor Post 291 of The American Legion
JANUARY 2021
Welcome to the New Year!
During the last week in January, the Stay at Home Order that included Orange County was canceled, enabling the Post to reopen outside dining on the patios. And in spite of the sometimes challenging weather and cooler temperatures, the Post is still an outstanding, beautiful venue here on the water in Newport Harbor to enjoy great food and delicious beverages. Although Orange County is still in the Purple Tier and only outside dining at this point is permitted, additional heaters have been acquired to enhance comfort out on the patios. And the West Patio offers additional shielding from the prevailing west winds. So please keep on taking advantage of the excellent takeout service and enjoying the superb food offerings of Chef Ulises Dominguez and his highly skilled staff, and continue to visit the Post and enjoy yourselves throughout the coming months.
Current Post Operating Rules
As long as Orange County remains in the Purple Tier (Tier 1), dining at the Post is limited to outside on the patios. As a reminder, here is a summary of the current Post services and operating rules associated with that Tier.
- Drive-thru takeout food and beverage service is available daily — and open to the public — 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday; 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm Saturday; and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday.
- Outdoor dining on the patios during the same operating hours is available to Post 291 Family members and guests.
- No in-person meetings (“gatherings”) may be held at the Post.
- All Post 291 Family meetings must be held by videoconference.
- Videoconferencing (Webinars) will continue indefinitely as the primary method for holding Post meetings. — If assistance is needed, please contact Adjutant Mike Berdine.
- Marina is open — and slip renters and dry storage renters have full access to and use of their vessels.
- Reopening Planning Committee, chaired by Third Vice Commander Jim Updike, will continue to explore options and methods for further reopening the Post.
- Support of military veterans needing assistance continues — under the skilled direction of Service Officer Cory Vigil.
- Administrative services are available at the Front Office window during regular business hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Health and Safety Practices Required
The Post will continue to operate within the official direction and guidance of government authorities. As a further reminder:
- Health and safety of Post 291 Family and Post employees are the most important priority in reopening and operating the Post.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) is still an omnipresent threat.
- It’s essential to be considerate of fellow Post Family members and Post employees and their health and safety.
- CDC compliant face mask must continue to be worn.
- Social distancing must be continued.
- Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers is imperative.
- Official direction, rules, and regulations must be followed.
- Vaccinations are available at VA Long Beach for veterans.
- Enroll/ sign up at: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
- Vaccinations in Orange County are being managed and scheduled by Othena.
- Enroll / sign up at: https://othena.com
- — Expect the current operating mode to continue through this coming May or June.
On Going Post Operations
In addition to the services cited above, several other activities are scheduled or underway.
- Member Dues for 2021. As noted in the previous issue of the Sea Breeze, member dues are an essential source of income to keep Post 291 going and enabling it to provide basic services to our American Legion members. — If you haven’t yet done so, please renew your Post 291 membership for 2021 as soon as possible. And, of course, membership can now be renewed online at the Post website at al291.com as well as by stopping by the Post Front Office window, which is open during regular business hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
- Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund (VEAF) Campaign. A new VEAF campaign is underway and will run through Memorial Day, Monday 24 May. Your generous contributions to the Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund enables the continuing support to military veterans needing assistance.
- American Red Cross Blood Drive. Under the experienced and expert sponsorship of Post Auxiliary Unit 291, another blood drive was conducted by the American Red Cross at the Post on Monday 15 February. Although it was “by appointment only,” it was completely “sold out” — with all available appointments filled. — More outstanding work by our Auxiliary on this critical service, and for which the Post and the community are exceedingly grateful!
So yes, the Post is at least partially open, and everyone in the Post 291 Family is encouraged to come enjoy it! — And please continue to stay safe and healthy!
For God and Country!
Jon Reynolds
Commander
Newport Harbor Post 291 of The American Legion
August – September
With all this warm and wonderful weather, I hope you’re enjoying spending a lot of time at our Post!
Here’re some comments and updates on a few events that recently occurred:
- Yacht Clubs Committee Report — and follow-on actions.
- Luncheon for World War II and Korean War Veterans.
- National Convention of The American Legion in Indianapolis.
- Labor Day Weekend.
- Membership Goal for 2019-2020
Yacht Clubs Committee Report and Recommendations
The Yacht Clubs Committee was appointed to address issues related to the two yacht clubs, the American Legion Yacht Club (ALYC), a program of Post 291, and the Veterans 291 Yacht Club (V291YC). The Yacht Clubs Committee was chaired by ALYC Staff Commodore Frank Reinhart and was composed of members of both clubs. The Yacht Clubs Committee presented its report and recommendation to the Executive Board at its meeting on Thursday 8 August, and the Executive Board accepted and approved the Yacht Clubs Committee recommendations. And at its meeting on Monday 26 August, V291YC members approved adoption of Option A of the Yacht Clubs Committee recommendations. As a result: (1) Individuals who joined both clubs will be given a full refund of their V291YC dues; (2) V291YC members may transfer their 2019 membership to ALYC at no additional cost upon completion of a special application, and a prorated portion of the dues they paid to V291YC will be transferred to ALYC, based on the amount remaining in the V291YC bank account; (3) V291YC members who do not wish to transfer their membership to ALYC will receive a refund of a prorated portion of the dues they paid to V291YC, based on the amount remaining in the V291YC bank account. V291YC members will receive a letter from ALYC Commodore Bruce Batcheller inviting them to transfer their membership and explaining the process. The deadline for applying for transfer is Monday 30 September.
Luncheon for World War II and Korean War Veterans
We had another great turnout for the annual luncheon for World War II and Korean War veterans on Thursday 15 August, with over 250 veterans and their family members attending. Post 291 Adjutant Mike Berdine and Finance Officer Bob Wine flawlessly managed the whole event. The as-expected overflow parking was handled very efficiently by our SAL Squadron 291 member volunteers, and was carefully guided by SAL Commander Tim Sullivan. The lunch meal itself, skillfully orchestrated by Food and Beverage Manager Dennis Fitzpatrick, was outstanding – the highlight being Chef Ulises Dominguez’ legendary and incredibly delicious lasagna. And volunteers from Auxiliary Unit 291, under the expert leadership of Jan Woolford, had not only attractively decorated the tables, but also promptly served all the meals in record time. The luncheon featured outstanding entertainment by Paul Eshelman on keyboard, and Dave Alcantar and his band playing familiar big band music from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. And irresistibly (and predictably), there was a lot of dancing in the aisles by energetic and enthusiastic guests. The event was also honored by the attendance of Newport Beach City Councilman Jeff Herdman and Newport Beach City Councilman and former Mayor Kevin Muldoon, who read and presented a proclamation by Newport Beach Mayor Diane Dixon highlighting the occasion and honoring the veterans of World War II and Korea.
National Convention of The American Legion in Indianapolis
The annual National Convention of The American Legion was held this year in Indianapolis. Although the formal meeting, chaired by National Commander Brett Reistad, was from Tuesday 27 August through Thursday 29 August, the working sessions, preparation, and supporting commission meetings and committee meetings occurred on Saturday and Sunday, 24 and 25 August. There were also a number of training seminars going on concurrently throughout the week. Also, the National Convention of the American Legion Auxiliary and the National Convention of the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) were held simultaneously at the Indiana Convention Center.
Post 291 Honor Guard Commander Brian Fleming, Jr. accepts the First Place
trophy in the Advancing the Colors competition from
National Commander Brett Reistad.
Competition at the 101st American Legion National Convention
Friday, August 23, 2019 In Indianapolis.
Photo by Ryan Young/The American Legion
Ten members of Post 291 attended the Convention and participated in various events:
Post 291 Honor Guard Team Post 291 Officers
Brian Fleming, Jr., Honor Guard Commander Jon Reynolds, Commander
Dennis DeRosia Bob Brennan, First Vice Commander
Mike Mailman Mike Berdine, Adjutant
Kelse McClure
Don Putzig
Kevin Van Otterloo
Carmen Williams
The formal part of the Convention on Tuesday 27 August through Thursday 29 August featured some very impressive speakers that included Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary for Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, Former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, and Theodore Roosevelt IV. All of their presentations were exceptionally informative and inspirational, and they can be viewed online at The American Legion website — www.legion.org.
Successful legislation sponsored and supported by The American Legion during the past year was also heavily emphasized, specifically the Blue Water Navy Act that allows US Naval personnel who served in or near Vietnam to apply for VA benefits related to Agent Orange, and the Legion Act, which makes all veterans who have served on active duty since 7 December 1941 eligible for membership in The American Legion. So now, all Posts will have a much enlarged population of military veterans to recruit for membership.
Wrapping up the National Convention was the election of new National Officers. It was an interesting process that was reminiscent of national political conventions — especially when the nominations are uncontested. Newly elected officers for 2019-2020 for The American Legion are:
National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford — from North Carolina
National Vice Commander Francis J. MacDonald, Jr. — from Massachusetts
National Vice Commander David L. King — from Kentucky
National Vice Commander Bruce C. Feuerbach — from Iowa
National Vice Commander Richard A. Heigert — from Missouri
National Vice Commander Robert D. Liebenow — from Oregon
In addition, the other two National Conventions elected new officers as well:
National President of the Auxiliary Nicole Clapp — from Iowa
National Commander of the SAL Clint D. Bolt — from Virginia
Next year the National Convention of The American Legion will be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
— And much more about the National Convention and the new officers can be found on The American Legion website.
Labor Day Weekend
The Post experienced another terrific Labor Day Weekend with hundreds of our members and their families coming to the Post and enjoying its many amenities. On the West Patio, the Post kitchen and restaurant featured its superb “Extended Burn Your Own” menu — that would perhaps be better described as “Barbecue Buffet.” And the Bar introduced its new and very attractive 12-ounce wine glasses (replacing the previous 7-ounce glasses), which enable virtually spill-free transport of the standard 6-ounce wine pour.
For all of you made it to the Post during Labor Day Weekend, glad you did! — That’s the way it should be! It’s your Post, and you should make good use of it!
Membership Goal for 2019-2020
Department Adjutant Paul Brown informed me that the membership goal for Post 291 for 2019-2020 is the number of members reported to Department as of 30 June 2019 — plus one. Therefore, our membership goal for Post 291 for 2019-2020 is 4,096. Each year there is always some attrition, but also extensive accessions. This goal is challenging, but very achievable. — We all just need to get out there and recruit!
July 2019
Welcome to the Post 291 membership and command year for 2019-2020! We have a new Executive Board and we’re looking forward to a great, successful year of Post 291 fulfilling its Number 1 Mission: Serving our fellow military veterans and their families.
At the outset, I want to emphasize that this Executive Board is committed to and will:
- Serve with honesty, integrity, highest character, transparency, and fair play.
- Obey and comply with all laws and regulations:
- Obey all Federal, State, and Local laws;
- Comply with all American Legion Rules, Regulations, and Policies; and
- Comply with all Post 291 Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, and Policies.
In addition, Robert’s Rules and Post 291 Bylaws govern the conduct of all Post 291 meetings.
And since we need everyone’s support in accomplishing our mission for military veterans, it’s very important for all of us to have an understanding of how Post 291 is organized and operates.
Executive Board — 2019 – 2020
The Post 291 Executive Board for the 2019–2020 command year includes nine newly elected members, six members continuing on from the previous command year, and three appointed officers.
Committees
Members of the four Standing Committees prescribed by the Post 291 Bylaws have also been appointed and approved by the Executive Board at its meeting on Tuesday 2 July.
-
- 1. The Finance Committee, with seven members, is chaired by Finance Officer Bob Wine.
- 2. The House Committee, with eight members, is chaired by Adjutant Mike Berdine.
- 3. The Judicial Committee, with six members, is chaired by Judge Advocate Burt McChesney.
- 4. And the SAL Committee, with four members, is chaired by First Vice Commander Bob Brennan.
Three other committees have also been appointed.
-
- 1. The Donations Committee, with seven Post 291 members and four “associate” members from the other Post 291 Family organizations, is chaired by Service Officer Chase Wickersham. With the leadership of Chase Wickersham, this committee is initiating an innovative approach of coordinating the fundraising and donation activities of all the Post 291 Family organizations.
- 2. The Audit Committee, with three members, is chaired by Sverre Thomassen. This committee is essential to establishing and ensuring effective financial controls at the Post for proper fiduciary stewardship.
- 3. The Yacht Clubs Committee, with seven members, is chaired by Frank Reinhart. The primary objective of this temporary committee is to arrive at recommendation to the Executive Board for the satisfactory resolution of the arrangements with the Veterans 291 Yacht Club and the American Legion Yacht Club.
— Membership of all these committees will be published on the Post website.
Post 291 Family
The Post 291 Family plays a vital role in the success of Post 291 in serving our military veterans and their families. All these organizations — Auxiliary Unit 291, SAL Squadron 291, and the American Legion Yacht Club (ALYC) — have been and continue to be very effective in fundraising, donations, and community service. — And they’re fun and exciting organizations for their members to be a part of as well.
In addition, Post 291 is extremely fortunate to have a current staff of exceptionally capable, conscientious, and dedicated employees. There are about 40 Post employees, and most are part-time and hourly. There are only 12 full-time employees, and of those only three are salaried. But they all make the whole place work in serving all our Post 291 Family members and their guests at the Post.
American Legion Yacht Club (ALYC)
Contrary to any information or impressions that may have been conveyed over the past couple of years, ALYC is — and always has been since its inception — a Program of Post 291. Article VIII of the Post 291 Constitution and Article 5.1. of the Post 291 Bylaws make that very clear — and neither the Post 291 Constitution nor the Post 291 Bylaws has ever been amended to change that. At the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday 2 July 2019, the so-called “termination” of ALYC by the Executive Board at its meeting on Thursday 6 December 2018 was determined to be — under Post 291 Constitution and Bylaws, California State Law for Mutual Benefit Nonprofit Corporations, and Robert’s Rules — null and void, and was vacated. In addition, the Executive Board received correspondence from the American Legion Yacht Club on Tuesday 2 July 2019 thoroughly documenting full compliance by ALYC with the “Five Rules” from National American Legion. As a result, the Executive Board revoked and removed the suspension of ALYC that had been approved by the Executive Board at its meeting on Thursday 6 September 2018.
A letter was sent to National Adjutant Daniel S. Wheeler on Tuesday 9 July 2019 confirming that ALYC is in full compliance with the Five Rules and continues to be — as it has been since its founding in 1966 — a Program of Post 291.
And ALYC is authorized to immediately resume activities on Post 291 property with full access to and use of American Legion Yacht Club assets, resources, and property; and ALYC may immediately and fully restore reciprocity with other yacht clubs.
Because of the controversy about ALYC at Post 291 over the past year or so, it’s important to present a one-time expanded discussion of the organization.
Some History of Post 291 and ALYC — and Context
The American Legion Yacht Club was formed by military veterans — members of Post 291 — in 1966, and was incorporated in 1967 as a California Mutual Benefit Nonprofit Corporation. Therefore, ALYC has been in existence for over half the lifetime of Post 291 itself, which was established in 1924.
The specific purposes of ALYC, as stated in the second article of its Articles of Incorporation, “are to bring together those persons who are interested in boating and yachting in order to further and promote the sport and sportsman-like conduct of those interested in the sport.” And the ALYC Bylaws, Article III, further state that: “The purpose of this Club shall be to encourage yacht racing and cruising, to promote the science of seamanship and navigation, and with the parent American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 to provide a suitable clubhouse and marina for the education, recreational, and social use of its members and families.”
Further, ALYC is governed by Post 291 members — military veterans — since, under ALYC Bylaws, only members of Post 291 may serve as Officers and Directors of ALYC. In addition, as stated in Post 291 Bylaws, Article 5.2., “The American Legion Yacht Club (ALYC) is self-governing with their own Bylaws.”
Not surprisingly, given the unique venue of Post 291 right on the water in Newport Beach, the histories of Post 291 and ALYC since 1966 have been integrally entwined — with a result being that Post 291 has been closely involved in the boating community. Although Post 291, as an entity, operates and manages the marina and leasehold property, ALYC is the “nautical adjunct” to the Post for providing and conducting on-the-water related activities and events. In an “arms length” business arrangement, ALYC pays rent to the Post for use of the Hut, for slip fees for its two sailboats, and for dry storage of its trailerable utility boat. In turn, the Post enables yacht club reciprocity by allowing visiting members of other yacht clubs to sign in as guests and use Post amenities — primarily, the bar, restaurant, and Guest Dock.
ALYC has brought a great amount of favorable community admiration, respect, and credit for the Post as well as for itself through its many community service activities. The annual Sail for the Visually Impaired is an immensely popular humanitarian event for blind and partially sighted individuals who look forward each year to be able to spend a few hours on the water and sailing. The Fourth of July Old Glory Boat Parade is another long tradition of ALYC that emphasizes patriotism and celebration of our Nation’s Independence Day — and underscores the American Legion Pillar of Americanism. And ALYC is noted for its sponsorship of numerous highly regarded sailboat races and other boating activities that invite and encourage participation of other yachting and boating organizations in Newport Harbor, Orange County, and throughout Southern California. As a result of its extensive and highly successful involvement in boating activities, ALYC has won the coveted and prestigious “Club of the Year” award nine times from the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA).
Moreover, ALYC offers major ways for the Post to appeal to younger military veterans. ALYC provides youth sailing courses each summer for children eight to eighteen, with a certified US Sailing Association instructor and a fleet of the latest technology in beginner sailboats. Further, ALYC has an exceptionally popular and active Dive and Snorkel group; cruising and racing programs; and two sailboats that members may check out and sail on Newport Harbor. It also has opportunities for members to participate as Race Committee members in running sailboat races. And soon, it may provide model yachting (model sailboats), which has great appeal to younger Post members and their children. — In summary, ALYC is a major player and influence in attracting new members to Post 291.
Fourth of July
Post 291 enjoyed a fabulous Fourth of July this year! The SAL Squadron again sponsored an exceptionally successful Pancake Breakfast open to the public. The Auxiliary Unit again graciously hosted 250 Make-A-Wish children and their families in the Main Hall, including providing them with a delicious pancake breakfast and entertainment with face painting and balloon art. ALYC sponsored the annual Old Glory Boat Parade, featuring dozens of patriotically decorated boats proceeding around Newport Harbor — with several boats carrying active duty military members and the lead VIP boat with the Grand Marshal, Newport Beach Mayor Diane Dixon. And our outstanding kitchen staff provided a superb lunch on the West Patio. — In all, the Fourth of July was another grand celebration of Independence Day at Post 291!
Honor Guard
Our Post 291 Honor Guard continued to excel and to bring special recognition for themselves — and to Post 291 — with its First Place win in the Honor Guard competition at the Department of California Convention in Ontario, CA, last month. And next month, they will again be competing at the American Legion National Convention in Indianapolis. — Congratulations to them, and best of luck in the next competition!
Looking Ahead
Coming up next month is an especially important annual event, the World War II and Korean War Veterans Luncheon, to be held at the Post on Thursday 15 August. The usual full-capacity turnout is expected again this year, and Veterans Park will be reserved for additional parking. All WW II and Korean War veterans are invited and encouraged to attend this nostalgic and entertaining event that provides an opportunity for veterans of that era to share memories and some time with each other.
Also next month is the annual American Legion National Convention, to be held in Indianapolis from Thursday 22 August to Thursday 29 August. The Post 291 Honor Guard and other Post 291 officers will attend the Convention.
Throughout the coming year, there are numerous social events and activities going on at the Post. In addition, there are weekly events and entertainment at the Post that members are encouraged to enjoy. As former Post Commander Randy Eling used to like to say, “this is our foxhole.” This Post is a special and unique place for military veterans and their families. — Please come and enjoy it with your family and friends!