02/12/2025
FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER
Up-Coming Meetings
Monthly Membership Meetings (Second Friday of every month)
6:00 PM – Social
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:15 PM – Program & Meeting
14 February 2025
The program will include a Four Chaplains Ceremony and a presentation on the Yeomanettes.
Meal will be pizza and cake.
14 March 2025
The program is to be determined.
11 April 2025
The program is to be determined.
Up-Coming Events
4th District Conference will be held on 8 March 2025 at Post 2 in Parkland.
Department Conference will be held at the Mirabeau Hotel in Spokane 10-12 July 2025.
Post Property Sales Update
The closure of our property sales has been delayed due to county permitting and environmental studies. Studies and permitting process are proceeding.
Membership Update from Our Post Adjutant
Did you receive a renewal notice recently, but have already renewed your membership?
This may happen when you renew after the data cutoff date. Look at the right side of your renewal notice. You should see “AS OF:” and a date. That is the date that the National Headquarters in Indianapolis used to determine if your membership had been received. If you renewed sometime near that date, you notice probably crossed with your renewal.
You can go to Mylegion.org at Membership Application (legion.org) to pay on-line or email our adjutant to pay directly to the Post.
If you have questions, you can call me at (360) 701-5921 or email me at [email protected].
Larry Granish
Adjutant
Social Media
You can also follow Post activities on Facebook. Check it out and like us to follow events.
Our page is American Legion Post 94 Lacey Washington.
Sign Up for Mylegion.org if you haven’t already.
As a current registered user of www.MyLegion.org, do you know all the member benefits available to you?
As a current registered user of www.MyLegion.org, do you know all the member benefits available to you?
MyLegion is a free and secure website for American Legion and Sons of The American Legion members, as well as administrative officers of American Legion posts, districts and counties. Users can view their MyLegion.org membership account on any device with web access to quickly access member benefits.
As a registered user of MyLegion.org, you can:
- Manage profile information. You can see the information that National Headquarters has on file, such as your address, and make updates.
- Print membership card. You don’t have to wait for a new membership card to arrive in the mail. By having access to your membership record through MyLegion.org, you can easily print a current membership card.
- Renew membership. You can renew your membership online or set up automatic membership renewal.
- View member-only discounts. American Legion members have access to veteran and military family discounts from retail to travel.
- Manage American Legion subscriptions to Dispatch, e-newsletters and The American Legion Magazine.
- Find an American Legion accredited service officer. The Service Officer Directory in MyLegion.org provides access to accredited American Legion service officers who provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families.
- Use the Veteran Benefit Calculator and state benefit information. Determine your eligibility for hundreds of available benefits, including a listing of veterans benefits by state.
- Get answers to frequently asked questions:
- How can I update demographics on my membership record?
- How can I print my membership card?
- How do I get my membership card when renewing online?
- How do I transfer my membership?
- When does your membership expire?
- Why did I receive a renewal notice if I have already paid?
Safety Tips
7 Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults from FEMA.gov
Although the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil “predicted” an early spring, the threat of severe winter weather is not over. According to the National Library of Medicine, 63% of temperature-related deaths are caused by exposure to cold. As the season progresses, it is important to stay and prepare for the potential risks and hazards that come with it.
If you are, or care for an older adult, preparedness is crucial to staying safe during winter weather. Winter storms and cold weather can make it harder to stay warm, making you vulnerable and can lead to dangerous health issues. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 85% of older adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease which may increase their risk. Additionally, severe winter weather like snowstorms or ice can make it difficult or impossible to get critical healthcare services.
To ensure you or the older adults you care for are , it is crucial to create a personalized toolkit that assesses your needs, helps you develop a plan and engages your support network.
By following these tips, you can be prepared and alert this winter.
Avoiding Falls in Cold Weather
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When entering your home, make sure you:
Dry the wheels or tips of each walking aid before entering your home.
Keep the entryway clear of clutter to avoid slipping or tripping. Use ice melt or sand to clear outside walkways.
Keep a small table or shelf near the entry door to put items while unlocking the door.
Use a different entrance if your home’s main entrance is often icy during winter.
If possible, stay inside when the weather is bad. Consider delivery services for prescriptions, groceries and other necessities.
When outside your home, make sure you:
Avoid shoveling snow yourself when possible. There is a risk of heart attack for older adults while shoveling snow.
Use railings to help avoid slipping on icy stairs and walkways.
Wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear.
Ensure outdoor areas are well-lit.
Be Aware of Hypothermia
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Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95°F due to exposure to cold temperatures. It can lead to serious health problems such as irregular heartbeat and damage to organs. It can also happen at cool temperatures if you become chilled from rain, sweat or cold water.
It is important to be aware of warning signs and early symptoms, including:
Cold feet and hands
Puffy or swollen face
Pale skin
Shivering or shaking
Slowed or slurred speech
Feeling sleepy, angry, or confused
If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, call 911 right away. Try to move the person to a warmer place, offer them a warm drink, and wrap them in dry blankets, towels or coats.
Medical Conditions and Cold Weather
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If you have the following medical conditions or are caring for someone with these conditions, take extra precautions during cold weather.
Diabetes can prevent blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.
Thyroid problems can impact the body’s ability to maintain an average body temperature.
Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can make it challenging to put on more clothes, use a blanket or get out of the cold.
Memory problems can cause a person to forget to take precautions for staying weather-safe, such as wearing appropriate attire.
Some medications can affect body heat, too. These include prescription medications and those bought over the counter, such as some cold medicines. Ask your doctor if your medications may impact body heat and what you can do.
Stay Warm During a Power Outage
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Heavy snow and extreme weather conditions can cause power outages. Below are some things to consider during a power outage.
Generator safety. If you use a generator during a power outage, be mindful of the risks. Carbon monoxide poisoning has unfortunately caused deaths during these extended power outages. Know how to stay safe and NEVER use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
Stay informed. Follow a local station on a battery-powered radio for updated emergency information.
Preserve heat. Close blinds or curtains to retain as much heat as possible. Close off unused rooms to avoid wasting heat, and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Stay warm. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater.
Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Create a Winter Emergency Plan
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During extreme winter weather, older adults may face limited access to healthcare services, leading to an increased likelihood of hospitalization. Stay informed and create a plan by:
Assessing your needs before creating a plan to ensure your toolkit is specified for you.
Using the worksheets and checklists in the Take Control in 1, 2, 3—Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults to create your plan, then add it to your emergency kit or put it on your refrigerator as a visible reminder that you are prepared.
Signing up for alerts on the FEMA App, Weather.gov or your local weather channels.
Engaging your support network if you need help clearing ice and snow from your property to keep outside walkways and steps clear of snow and ice.
Having the name and contact information of a nearby family member or friend who can regularly check in on you.
Making sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.
Staying Warm Indoors
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According to the National Institute on Aging, about 20% of injuries related to exposure to cold occur in the home. Here are some tips to help keep warm:
Set your heat to at least 68°F. Even mildly cool homes with temperatures from 60 to 65°F can lead to hypothermia in older adults.
Use draft stoppers or towels under windows and doors to prevent cold air from seeping in.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
Use blankets and throws to keep warm.
Drink warm liquids like tea or hot cocoa.
Eat hot meals and snacks throughout the day.
Stay active and move around to generate body heat.
Use heating pads or hot water bottles to warm up cold feet or hands.
Energy and Food Assistance Programs for Older Adults
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You may be eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can help you pay your heating bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis.
For home improvements that save money on energy, you may qualify for help through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
You may be eligible for food assistance programs, depending on your income. Learn about food assistance programs and how to apply at Food assistance programs for older adults | USAGov.
To learn more about conditions in your area, and to request help, check with your local officials or dial 2-1-1 to get information about local resources and services or visit 211.org.
There is always time to create a winter emergency plan and take steps to ensure you are . Take steps today and prepare for the potential risks and hazards that come with winter weather to keep yourself safe and healthy during the colder months.
Release Date:
February 20, 2024
VA News
VA Secretary Collins’ message to Veterans and VA employees
For immediate release
February 5, 2025
11:38 am
It is my life’s honor to serve America’s Veterans as secretary of Veterans Affairs, and I thank President Donald J. Trump as well as the U.S. Senate for their confidence in me.
America is the greatest nation on Earth precisely because of the Veterans willing to step forward and defend our freedom. I’ve witnessed this firsthand throughout my two decades in the military, as I’ve served with some of the finest men and women our nation has to offer.
In addition to being a Navy Veteran, I am an Air Force Reserve colonel and chaplain. During my time in the military, I’ve learned that leadership is about listening, serving, motivating and setting a good example for those around you. That is the approach I will bring to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
When President Trump offered me this job, he gave me simple instructions: take great care of America’s Veterans. Here is how we’re going to accomplish the task the president has set out for us:
• We’re going to deliver timely access to care and benefits for every eligible Veteran, family member, caregiver and survivor.
• We’re going to put Veterans at the center of everything VA does, focusing relentlessly on customer service and convenience.
• We’re going to challenge the status quo in order to find new and better ways of helping VA beneficiaries.
• We’re going to celebrate the vast majority of VA employees who do a great job every day and hold employees accountable when they fall short of the mission.
• We’re going to provide Veterans with the health care choices they have earned while maintaining and improving VA’s direct health care capabilities.
• And we’re going to do a better job reaching Veterans at risk of homelessness or su***de – especially those who have had no contact with VA.
My commitment to my fellow servicemembers and Veterans will serve as my compass for the way ahead, and I am honored to be working with the men and women of VA to accomplish our noble and vital mission.
Together, we will strengthen VA so it works better for America’s heroes. Let’s get to work.
Humorous Dad Jokes of the Month
1. What did the ocean say to the beach?
Nothing, it just waved.
2. Why can’t a nose be 12 inches long?
Because then it would be a foot!
3. How do trees get online?
They log in.
4. Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
They might crack up.
5. Why was the math book sad?
It had too many problems.
6. What do you call fake spaghetti?
An impasta!
7. Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
They don’t have the guts.
8. How do you organize a space party?
You planet.
9. Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself?
It was two-tired.
10. What did the grape do when it got stepped on?
Nothing, it just let out a little wine.
Building Rental
Building Post Members Non-Members
Post Building $200.00 $400.00
There is a $200.00 refundable security deposit requirement as well. Please contact Paul Dennis at 360.688.6895 or at [email protected] to reserve either facility.
Service Officer Information
Do you feel that you have a residual health problem that is linked to your time in the service? Have you applied for benefits with the Veterans Administration and been turned down? If so, do not try to deal with the VA on your own. The Legion also has a Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program that could help you one time with paying your utilities, rent/mortgage, or other emergency needs. This is an American Legion Children and Youth program and to qualify you must have minor children in your home. If you feel you need help regarding your VA benefits or the TFA program please call the Post Veteran Service Officer, Rose Hodgeboom.
The Lacey Veterans Service Hub also provides a wide variety of assistance to veterans and now has over 35 providers working out of there. The Hub is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (except holidays) and is located at 4232 6th Avenue SE, Suite 202, Lacey, WA 98503. The phone number is 360.456.3850.
Post Officers for 2024-2025
• Commander Terry Ponton
• Past Commander Bob Nakamura
• 1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
• 2nd Vice Commander Paul Dennis
• Adjutant Larry Granish
• Finance Officer Gary Walker
• Chaplain Les Christiansen
• Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
• Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Carey
• Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
• Historian Brenda Carey
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