News from the Smith-Pletcher Post
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We Are Currently Working On A Bi Annual Newsletter
If You Have Any Suggestions, Or Would Like To Share Something Please Contact
Gary L. Way - Post Commander
garylway@verizon.net
or by mail
2928 Penns valley Pike
Centre Hall Pa, 16828
2019 Dues:
Legionaires $30
SAL $30
Auxilliary $30
Social $30
Smith Pletcher Post 779
Is At An All Time High In Membership
Thank You,
For Your Continued Support
Notice All Post Members
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Monthly RAO Bulletin
This is provided as information to retired veterans and is of interest to all veterans.
Updated bulletins can be found at: http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html on the 2nd and 16th of each month.
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Obtaining Military Discharge Records
Every week we are asked how someone who wants to join the Post, Auxiliary, SALs or Legion Riders can verify their eligibility or the eligibility of a deceased family member. There are a couple of ways to get copies of these records. The first and probably only contact you will need is Brin Querry in the Centre County Veterans Affairs Office. He is there to help you and has already helped some of our members. If you need to contact Brian when the office is closed, email him at: bquerry@co.centre.pa.gov
Brian's contact information is also in the "GET RECORDS" portion of this website. The second way is to contact the National Archives for information is also in the "GET RECORDS" section of this website. You will have to provide some information. It will take a little work on your part, but you can have your paper work back in ten days or so if you submit all of the required information. Brian can help you through this process as well.
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Among the lesser known ailments facing veterans today is the threat of health complications as a result of asbestos exposure. The threat posed by asbestos exposure is a real one for veterans and they should be aware of the possibility, as well as some possible exposure points.
The great majority of asbestos exposures affect naval veterans. Naval ships and shipyards were notorious for their use of asbestos and today many veterans are paying the price. Asbestos was used to insulate and prevent temperature transfer in many parts of vessel construction, but especially around boilers and piping. Those who frequently worked among these fixtures could be at risk of a harmful exposure.
Veterans who worked among our military’s industrial complex may also be at risk. Many military structures and installations were built to withstand fire and heat, a property for which asbestos products were especially adept. Those who worked around these fixtures prior to 1980, or worked extensively with older or damaged fixtures more recently, could also be at risk of a possibly harmful exposure. No level of exposure is considered safe and veterans who worked in these sectors should consult with their physician about their asbestos history.
Asbestos was banned in the late 1970’s by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because the clear connection between asbestos exposure and respiratory health complications became impossible to ignore any longer. Asbestos exposure has been linked to deadly cancers, including lung cancer, and mesothelioma. For more information about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, or mesothelioma treatment, please visit our website at maacenter.org. Veterans of the U.S. Military served their country admirably. Now is not the time to turn our back on the possible hazards they may have encountered during their service.
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If you have not visited the Post lately you may not recognize the old place. Extensive renovations to the Post Home have been completed and membership is growing. New members are starting to take an active role in managing the Post. Our meetings are the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Post. Some meetings may be adjusted for Grange Fair, Holidays or Hunting seasons.
We have a Post website: post779.org. Please take a few minutes and check it out. If you would like periodic updates, please send us your email and we will start sending out updates as soon as we have enough members interested.
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All of our facilities are available to the community free of charge for non-profit groups and we rent the facilities for parties and weddings for a modest fee. Members receive a 50% discount on facility rental.
Thank you for your support, Dave Putnam, 1st Vice Commander
American Legion Accident Life Insurance
Are you one of those people who throw out everything that comes in the mail and isn’t a bill? The American Legion offers $1,000 worth of free life insurance to every member. While they would like to sell you additional insurance, the first $1,000 is free -IF- you fill out the required paperwork. You may also enroll on line at www.thelit.com. Or by calling 800-235-6943 you will need your membership number, address, name, and date of birth to enroll. We have plenty of extra forms at the Post and can get you one if you need it. This is one of the few free offers that I would consider and one of the only ones I would recommend. It is a promotional effort, but few families will turn down a free thousand dollars in a time of need.