Post 307 Officers for 2011 - 2012
2012 Events:
- January 2nd, the Executive Board met at Stars & Stripes and again was catered by Chick-Fil-A.
- January 9th, the General Membership Meeting was held and the guest speaker was Gary Smith of the Operation Bravo Foundation.
- January 20th, Post Commander, Geoff Toman, announced the appointment of new member Steve Ratcliffe as the Post Historian and Webmaster. Steve has been an American Legion member since 2002 and was assigned to Sewickley Post 4 in Pennsylvania.
- January 26th, Geoff Toman, Mac and Pauline McKinny, Dennis Brown, and Steve Ratcliffe attended a presentation by National Commander, Fang Wong, at Post 66 in Decatur, GA.
In the top photo is Geoff Toman, Cumming Post 307 Commander; Fang Wong, National Commander of the American Legion; and Dennis Brown, First Vice Commander of Post 307. In the bottom photo are Mac McKinny, Pauline McKinny, Geoff Toman, and Steve Ratcliffe.
- February 6th, the executive board met at Stars & Strikes. Significant decisions include nominating 'Mac' McKinny for the Georgia Department Vice Commander position, appointing Steve Ratcliffe as Webmaster for the Post 307 website, award amounts for the Oratorium, allocation of money to the North Forsyth High School ROTC detachment, and selection of the country club for the 2012 golf tournament.
- February 10th, Floyd (Andy) Anderson, our friend and brother left this world and went to be with our Lord at 4:45pm. Andy was a Korean War veteran who retired from the US Air Force with 21 years service. He mostly flew Strategic Air Command aircraft, including the B-24, B-36, and SR-71. He was a member of Post 307 for 10 years, serving as Adjutant and Sr Vice Commander. He was a true friend and a patriot who will be sorely missed.
- January 9th, the General Membership Meeting was held and the guest speaker was Gary Smith of the Operation Bravo Foundation.
- January 20th, Post Commander, Geoff Toman, announced the appointment of new member Steve Ratcliffe as the Post Historian and Webmaster. Steve has been an American Legion member since 2002 and was assigned to Sewickley Post 4 in Pennsylvania.
- January 26th, Geoff Toman, Mac and Pauline McKinny, Dennis Brown, and Steve Ratcliffe attended a presentation by National Commander, Fang Wong, at Post 66 in Decatur, GA.
In the top photo is Geoff Toman, Cumming Post 307 Commander; Fang Wong, National Commander of the American Legion; and Dennis Brown, First Vice Commander of Post 307. In the bottom photo are Mac McKinny, Pauline McKinny, Geoff Toman, and Steve Ratcliffe.
- February 6th, the executive board met at Stars & Strikes. Significant decisions include nominating 'Mac' McKinny for the Georgia Department Vice Commander position, appointing Steve Ratcliffe as Webmaster for the Post 307 website, award amounts for the Oratorium, allocation of money to the North Forsyth High School ROTC detachment, and selection of the country club for the 2012 golf tournament.
- February 10th, Floyd (Andy) Anderson, our friend and brother left this world and went to be with our Lord at 4:45pm. Andy was a Korean War veteran who retired from the US Air Force with 21 years service. He mostly flew Strategic Air Command aircraft, including the B-24, B-36, and SR-71. He was a member of Post 307 for 10 years, serving as Adjutant and Sr Vice Commander. He was a true friend and a patriot who will be sorely missed.
Oratorical Contest.
Kevin Smith, Titus Clark, Priscilla Clark, and Geoff Toman.
- During the February 12th General Membership Meeting the Post Oratorical Contest was held. Priscilla Clark, a Junior at Buford High School, was the winner f the contest and her brother, Titus Clark, was the Runner-Up. Pricilla Clark was awarded a cash prize of $250, plus a gold medal and certificate. On Feb. 25, she participated in the 9th District American Legion contest held at Post 201 of the American Legion in Alpharetta and won that contest also! Now, Priscilla will represent Post 307 and District 9 at the Area 3 Contest at Post 205 in Augusta on March 4th and, if she wins again, will attend the Department competition at Post 160 in Smyrna on March 10th.
Post 307 and SAL members attending the SAL Recruiting Day.
- On February 25th was held a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) recruiting meeting at Chick-Fil-A, Cumming, GA. The meeting was well attended. We now have enough members to resume the SAL activities at our Post. Mike Ridzon, Post 307 SAL Commander, was previously interviewed by the Forsyth County News and spoke about his father's service as a Marine at Guadalcanal during WWII.
State SAL Commander, Jason Roberts, made the new members official by being in attendance and offering his support. We appreciate the assistance of the Georgia Department in our recruiting efforts.
State SAL Commander, Jason Roberts, made the new members official by being in attendance and offering his support. We appreciate the assistance of the Georgia Department in our recruiting efforts.
Commander Geoff Toman and the Post 307 members who attended.
- On February 29th, 12 members of Post 307 gathered to see the movie "Act of Valor". The basis of the story showed the incredible danger and complexity of the missions and the bravery and sacrifice of the members of the Navy Seal teams in modern times. It was an excellent movie that was filled with action, emotion, and violence. The movie had such an impact that, when it ended, everyone in attendance (all men) left the theatre in silence.
Dennis Brown, Rob Woodall, Geoff Toman
- At the March 12 General Membership Meeting of Post 307, the guest speaker was Congressman Rob Woodall, who gave an inspiring talk about the functioning of the current congress and the dedication of the 'freshman class' to stop all the politics and focus on doing what is right for America, regardless of the impact on their re-election. He was very well received, as evidenced by the excellent questions from the 'floor', which followed.
Tom Wallace, Lucille Hatfield, Geoff Toman
Additionally, a Certificate of Appreciation was given to Lucille Hatfield for being one of the most giving and caring co-workers we've heard about this year. On several occasions, Lucille sacrificed her personal time and priorities to raise money for people with whom she works to help them get through tough times.
Pauline McKinny cuts the American Legion birthday cake.
_Before and during the brief intermission of the General Membership Meeting,
we had a wonderful cake in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the
American Legion. The Post 307 Auxiliary did their usual great job of
providing a beautiful cake, coffee, and soft drinks.
- On Saturday, March 17th, many members of Post 307 and the Auxiliary attended the Spring Convention at the Marriott Hotel Windy Hill, Marietta, GA. Among those who attended were Mac and Pauline McKinny, Bill Surls, Bobby Corbett, Steve Ratcliffe, John Brady, Phyllis Singleton, and John Arant. It was a worthwhile conference, which provided excellent updates on a wide variety of topics that are critical to the success of the American Legion.
After Chuck's presentation, Commander Geoff Toman acknowledged the WWII Vets in attendance and noted Sara Lynch, who was in the Coast Guard during WWII. Sara hasn't been to a meeting for a long time due to needing assistance to go out at night. Geoff thanked to the special guy who drove to pick her up and bring her to the meeting.
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- At the April 9th General Membership Meeting of Post 307, the guest speaker was Chuck Beaver, of the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), a retired Army Lt. Col., and a member of Post 307. Chuck gave an outstanding talk about recent changes to TSA procedures and offered several excellent suggestions to make airline travel more pleasant.
Following a break, Commander Geoff Toman acknowledged the Vietnam Vets by reading a Presidential Proclamation declaring March 29th 2012 Vietnam Veteran's Day. Senior Vice Commander Brown then handed a copy of the Proclamation to each of the vets.
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Concurrent with the Social Time, starting at 6:30PM, the Sons of the Legion, led by Commander Mike Ridzon, held their meeting.
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- On May 7th, the monthly Executive Meeting was held. Commander Toman was out of town, so Sr. Vice Commander Brown chaired the meeting.
Committee Reports
Membership - Adjutant Miller reported the Post 307 is at 118% of the goal of 200 members. Sr. Vice Commander Brown announced that Post 307 had received a 100% ribbon to be attached to our flag. Sgt. at Arms Wallace will attach the award. Adjutant Miller thanked the Board for their efforts in calling delinquent members to remind them to pay their dues for the 2011/2012 timeframe.
Finance – Bob Corbin presented the financial report and P&L statement as of 30 April.
Boys State – Director Shaughnessy provided an update on the boys attending in June. A check will be provided at the General Membership meeting on 14 May.
Baseball – Director Shaughnessy said that they are still in a fund raising mode, contacting a number of local businesses. On a related fundraising issue, nominee for 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Frank Singleton announced that Post 307 is now a member of the Chamber of Commerce and that he met with James McCoy, head of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce to discuss our involvement. Frank will be drafting a Power Point presentation to be made to the Chamber on Post 307’s community involvement, etc. and provide it to the Executive Board for approval prior to its presentation.
ROTC – Director Surls reminded board members of the Change of Command ceremony for the MCJROTC at NFHS on May 10th at 7:45 PM at the football stadium. Post 307 will be presenting medals for Scholastic and Military accomplishments plus Director Surls will attend the banquet for the Rifle team and present plaques for the Best Shooter, Most Improved Shooter and Best Rookie shooter.
BBQ – Bob Corbin discussed the plans for the BBQ on May 19th, passed around sign-up sheets for volunteers and members to bring chairs, etc. Sr. Vice Commander Brown offered a number of chairs from his campaign for overnight use.
Golf Tournament – Director Shaughnessy passed out a detailed plan for the 2nd Annual Post 307 Golf Tournament for the board members to review and comment back to him, a copy is attached.
Service Officer Sargent provided an updates on his activities plus he is planning to provide a shortened veterans benefits presentation to the membership in the near future.
Old Business:
Chairman of the Nominating Committee Ed Miller announced that with the exception of the Sr. Vice Commander slot there are individuals committed to each elected and appointed positions. The search for a Sr. Vice Commander continues.
The SAL Commander, Mike Ridzon, has notified the Post that due to his Mother’s illness, he may be unable to spend as much time as needed for the near future.
The VVA is having Congressman Graves talk to them about veteran’s issues at the Golden Corral on June 4th and they have invited Post 307 members to attend.
New Business:
Due to an unforeseen commitment, the planned speaker for our May General Membership meeting had to cancel. However, the Solicitor General for Forsyth County, Leslie Abernathy has graciously agreed to speak.
The Ladies Auxiliary is looking at different venues for the Christmas Party in December and will be coming forward with a recommendation in the near future.
Finance Officer Corbin mentioned that Legion Care Insurance in the amount of $1000 is available free through the Legion.
Sr. Vice Commander Brown read resolutions from several Legion posts supporting nominations for Department Commander and Sr. Vice Commander.
The upcoming Department Convention was discussed and members are encouraged to attend on June 22nd at the Marriot in Duluth, GA off Pleasant Hill Road. After discussion, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to contribute $100 to VFW Post 9143 for their golf tournament.
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- On May 7th, the monthly Executive Meeting was held. Commander Toman was out of town, so Sr. Vice Commander Brown chaired the meeting.
Committee Reports
Membership - Adjutant Miller reported the Post 307 is at 118% of the goal of 200 members. Sr. Vice Commander Brown announced that Post 307 had received a 100% ribbon to be attached to our flag. Sgt. at Arms Wallace will attach the award. Adjutant Miller thanked the Board for their efforts in calling delinquent members to remind them to pay their dues for the 2011/2012 timeframe.
Finance – Bob Corbin presented the financial report and P&L statement as of 30 April.
Boys State – Director Shaughnessy provided an update on the boys attending in June. A check will be provided at the General Membership meeting on 14 May.
Baseball – Director Shaughnessy said that they are still in a fund raising mode, contacting a number of local businesses. On a related fundraising issue, nominee for 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Frank Singleton announced that Post 307 is now a member of the Chamber of Commerce and that he met with James McCoy, head of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce to discuss our involvement. Frank will be drafting a Power Point presentation to be made to the Chamber on Post 307’s community involvement, etc. and provide it to the Executive Board for approval prior to its presentation.
ROTC – Director Surls reminded board members of the Change of Command ceremony for the MCJROTC at NFHS on May 10th at 7:45 PM at the football stadium. Post 307 will be presenting medals for Scholastic and Military accomplishments plus Director Surls will attend the banquet for the Rifle team and present plaques for the Best Shooter, Most Improved Shooter and Best Rookie shooter.
BBQ – Bob Corbin discussed the plans for the BBQ on May 19th, passed around sign-up sheets for volunteers and members to bring chairs, etc. Sr. Vice Commander Brown offered a number of chairs from his campaign for overnight use.
Golf Tournament – Director Shaughnessy passed out a detailed plan for the 2nd Annual Post 307 Golf Tournament for the board members to review and comment back to him, a copy is attached.
Service Officer Sargent provided an updates on his activities plus he is planning to provide a shortened veterans benefits presentation to the membership in the near future.
Old Business:
Chairman of the Nominating Committee Ed Miller announced that with the exception of the Sr. Vice Commander slot there are individuals committed to each elected and appointed positions. The search for a Sr. Vice Commander continues.
The SAL Commander, Mike Ridzon, has notified the Post that due to his Mother’s illness, he may be unable to spend as much time as needed for the near future.
The VVA is having Congressman Graves talk to them about veteran’s issues at the Golden Corral on June 4th and they have invited Post 307 members to attend.
New Business:
Due to an unforeseen commitment, the planned speaker for our May General Membership meeting had to cancel. However, the Solicitor General for Forsyth County, Leslie Abernathy has graciously agreed to speak.
The Ladies Auxiliary is looking at different venues for the Christmas Party in December and will be coming forward with a recommendation in the near future.
Finance Officer Corbin mentioned that Legion Care Insurance in the amount of $1000 is available free through the Legion.
Sr. Vice Commander Brown read resolutions from several Legion posts supporting nominations for Department Commander and Sr. Vice Commander.
The upcoming Department Convention was discussed and members are encouraged to attend on June 22nd at the Marriot in Duluth, GA off Pleasant Hill Road. After discussion, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to contribute $100 to VFW Post 9143 for their golf tournament.
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Forsyth County Solicitor, Leslie Abernathy, explains.
May 14th was the monthly General Membership Meeting at the National Guard Armory. The guest speaker was Leslie Abernathy, Solicitor General of Forsyth County.
She was introduced by Kevin Smith and gave a wonderfully descriptive account of the county Drug and Alcohol rehab program. Among other significant items, she told us that the reversion rate is down to 2.5%, which is incredible!
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She was introduced by Kevin Smith and gave a wonderfully descriptive account of the county Drug and Alcohol rehab program. Among other significant items, she told us that the reversion rate is down to 2.5%, which is incredible!
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May 21st, the BBQ Sale was held at the WalMart in Cumming. Special thanks to everyone for supporting the BBQ Fundraiser this year. We had plenty of volunteers on hand and everything ran smoothly. While we only had a small turnout of customers this year, we still managed to make our targets for income.
Preliminary profit is $2,113.08. Units delivered were 383, including walk-ups and comps. |
Coach Oldham and players for the Post 307 "Washington Nationals"
June 12th was the Monthly General Membership Meeting.
Steve Oldham, coach of the Post 307 Legion baseball team addressed the group. He stated his commitment for the long haul to the Post 307 team and praised this year's team for their dedication and ability. He then introduced the members of the 2012 team. They are expected to make the play-offs this year, which is a vast improvement over the past couple of years.
Steve Oldham, coach of the Post 307 Legion baseball team addressed the group. He stated his commitment for the long haul to the Post 307 team and praised this year's team for their dedication and ability. He then introduced the members of the 2012 team. They are expected to make the play-offs this year, which is a vast improvement over the past couple of years.
Representative Mark Hamilton
The guest speaker was Mark Hamilton, 23rd District Representative and Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee. He is also CEO & President of H&H Staffing Services. Because Cumming population has increased by 83% and resultant redistricting, he'll be running for the new 24th District.
He gave an excellent presentation, telling us that state government has been reduced by 20% and Georgia is one of only 8 states with an AAA Bond rating. Further, Georgia has a $328MM 'Rainy Day' fund, which is exceptional! The state is operating under the "Zero Based Budgeting" concept, with a focus on new spending and 10% of all department budgets must be justified each year from 'the ground up'. He also commented on the liabilities of states' taking federal money. This includes that $1 of federal highway funding adds 3 years to the road-building process. He was highly informative and a worthwhile guest.
He gave an excellent presentation, telling us that state government has been reduced by 20% and Georgia is one of only 8 states with an AAA Bond rating. Further, Georgia has a $328MM 'Rainy Day' fund, which is exceptional! The state is operating under the "Zero Based Budgeting" concept, with a focus on new spending and 10% of all department budgets must be justified each year from 'the ground up'. He also commented on the liabilities of states' taking federal money. This includes that $1 of federal highway funding adds 3 years to the road-building process. He was highly informative and a worthwhile guest.
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Post 307 providing summer alternative
John Mcwilliams
[email protected]
Published: July 1, 2012
There's no shortage of options for teenagers who want to play summer baseball, but the rising costs and demanding schedules of some travel teams can deter players. Steve Oldham believes American Legion baseball is an ideal alternative.
Oldham is in his third season as head coach of American Legion Post 307 in Cumming. The squad participates in a 10-team league and plays its home games at North Forsyth High School. There are no courtesy runners and games don't end after seven innings - the league follows Major League Baseball rules. Oldham said American Legion baseball is about playing the game the right way and preparing athletes for their high school or college schedules.
"Kids are getting ready for the next level," Oldham said. "We have two kids going to play college ball. "I want us to compete within our own league, but also to play good hard-nosed baseball. I want us to represent our post and play our games and try to do well."
Ages range from 16-19 on Post 307's 18-man roster, and players come from North Forsyth, West Forsyth, Lakeview Academy and Flowery Branch. The schedule varies from 20-35 games each season.
Michael Oldham, son of the head coach, plays center field for Post 307. Oldham partially tore his rotator cuff on his right shoulder after diving for a ball last season for the Raiders. Oldham graduated this year from North Forsyth and plans to attend Gainesville State College in the fall. Although he won't play baseball his freshman year, he will attempt to make the team his sophomore year.
"This is about as competitive as high school," Michael Oldham said. "There is a little less pressure, and it's more fun."
North Forsyth rising senior and Post 307 utility player Tony Papale said he prefers American Legion baseball to other travel leagues. "It's 10 times better," Papale said. "Coaches don't yell at you nearly as much if you make an error; it's a lot more laid
back. "I've played other travel ball teams and this is cheaper, too."
The team was inactive for two years following the 2007 American Legion baseball season, until Oldham took over as coach in 2010. Oldham, an IT consultant who played baseball at Forsyth County High, Shorter College and the University of South Alabama, realized he could provide the one thing preventing the team from returning to play - a coach.
"They weren't playing because of a lack of interest; it was because they didn't have a coach," Oldham said. "So, I decided I'd do it. It was the right time for me in my life."
For players like former West Forsyth football standout Ethan Shirley, who plays shortstop for Post 307, the team provides an opportunity to return to baseball after years away from the sport. Shirley, now 20 years old and a rising sophomore at Reinhardt University, met the age requirement to play on the Post 307 team by three months.
"I actually haven't played baseball since my freshman year of high school," Shirley said. "I'm not as rusty now since I've played a few games. I'm just out here having fun and trying to get better."
Copyright, 2012, Forsyth County News. All Rights Reserved.
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[email protected]
Published: July 1, 2012
There's no shortage of options for teenagers who want to play summer baseball, but the rising costs and demanding schedules of some travel teams can deter players. Steve Oldham believes American Legion baseball is an ideal alternative.
Oldham is in his third season as head coach of American Legion Post 307 in Cumming. The squad participates in a 10-team league and plays its home games at North Forsyth High School. There are no courtesy runners and games don't end after seven innings - the league follows Major League Baseball rules. Oldham said American Legion baseball is about playing the game the right way and preparing athletes for their high school or college schedules.
"Kids are getting ready for the next level," Oldham said. "We have two kids going to play college ball. "I want us to compete within our own league, but also to play good hard-nosed baseball. I want us to represent our post and play our games and try to do well."
Ages range from 16-19 on Post 307's 18-man roster, and players come from North Forsyth, West Forsyth, Lakeview Academy and Flowery Branch. The schedule varies from 20-35 games each season.
Michael Oldham, son of the head coach, plays center field for Post 307. Oldham partially tore his rotator cuff on his right shoulder after diving for a ball last season for the Raiders. Oldham graduated this year from North Forsyth and plans to attend Gainesville State College in the fall. Although he won't play baseball his freshman year, he will attempt to make the team his sophomore year.
"This is about as competitive as high school," Michael Oldham said. "There is a little less pressure, and it's more fun."
North Forsyth rising senior and Post 307 utility player Tony Papale said he prefers American Legion baseball to other travel leagues. "It's 10 times better," Papale said. "Coaches don't yell at you nearly as much if you make an error; it's a lot more laid
back. "I've played other travel ball teams and this is cheaper, too."
The team was inactive for two years following the 2007 American Legion baseball season, until Oldham took over as coach in 2010. Oldham, an IT consultant who played baseball at Forsyth County High, Shorter College and the University of South Alabama, realized he could provide the one thing preventing the team from returning to play - a coach.
"They weren't playing because of a lack of interest; it was because they didn't have a coach," Oldham said. "So, I decided I'd do it. It was the right time for me in my life."
For players like former West Forsyth football standout Ethan Shirley, who plays shortstop for Post 307, the team provides an opportunity to return to baseball after years away from the sport. Shirley, now 20 years old and a rising sophomore at Reinhardt University, met the age requirement to play on the Post 307 team by three months.
"I actually haven't played baseball since my freshman year of high school," Shirley said. "I'm not as rusty now since I've played a few games. I'm just out here having fun and trying to get better."
Copyright, 2012, Forsyth County News. All Rights Reserved.
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July 2nd was the monthly Post 307 Executive Board Meeting.
- Commander Toman announced that one of Post 307's most valued members, Mark Shaughnessy, has moved away and he will be sorely missed. Fortunately, Peter Hilton, who recently joined us from Post 7 in Mexico, agreed to take over Boys State from Mark and Richard Knight, who recently transferred from Duluth, agreed to take over as chairman of the Golf Tournament, scheduled for September 14th. Guy Sillay, who had previously established the tournament, had a number of observations regarding the tournament and a number of his questions were answered. He has committed to helping as soon as all the information that Mark Shaughnessy has is provided to Post 307.
- Adjutant Miller reported that Post 307 achieved 119% of the goal of 200 members for the 2011/2012 membership period.- Post 307 member, Chuck Baumrucker, was selected as Georgia Recruiter of the Year for transferring 28 members from Post 400 to Post 307. In addition, Post 307 Auxiliary was selected as having the best scrapbook and also won the Poppy sales award.
- Commander Toman reminded all that there is no General Membership Meeting in July because the National Guard Armory will be closed. The next event is the trip on July 21st to Andersonville Civil War POW Museum. He also reminded of the Old Soldiers' Day parade on August 8th and the 2013 Installation of Officers on August 13th.
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- Commander Toman announced that one of Post 307's most valued members, Mark Shaughnessy, has moved away and he will be sorely missed. Fortunately, Peter Hilton, who recently joined us from Post 7 in Mexico, agreed to take over Boys State from Mark and Richard Knight, who recently transferred from Duluth, agreed to take over as chairman of the Golf Tournament, scheduled for September 14th. Guy Sillay, who had previously established the tournament, had a number of observations regarding the tournament and a number of his questions were answered. He has committed to helping as soon as all the information that Mark Shaughnessy has is provided to Post 307.
- Adjutant Miller reported that Post 307 achieved 119% of the goal of 200 members for the 2011/2012 membership period.- Post 307 member, Chuck Baumrucker, was selected as Georgia Recruiter of the Year for transferring 28 members from Post 400 to Post 307. In addition, Post 307 Auxiliary was selected as having the best scrapbook and also won the Poppy sales award.
- Commander Toman reminded all that there is no General Membership Meeting in July because the National Guard Armory will be closed. The next event is the trip on July 21st to Andersonville Civil War POW Museum. He also reminded of the Old Soldiers' Day parade on August 8th and the 2013 Installation of Officers on August 13th.
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July 4th was the Steam Engine Parade in Cumming. Post 307 had their Color Guard and their captured Iraqi cannon along with several members of the post on the float.
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Trip to Andersonville POW Camp
Several members made the drive to the Andersonville Prisoner of War Camp and Museum on July 21, 2012. We enjoyed this field trip very much. It gave us an idea of what America's POW's were put through during all wars involving our country. Touring the actual prison camp was very interesting and informative. This museum is only 20 years old so items on display are modern and up to date. Thanks to our host, SAL Commander and Chick Fil A operator Mike Ridzon for transporting us in comfort in one of his company vans.