Monthly Meetings: Meetings are held at 0900 on the third Saturday of each month at the Senior Citizen's center at 455 Country Club Lane, Oceanside, 92054. See Map.

What we are about: The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. Oceanside Post 146 pursues these goals with the help of it's affiliates the American Legion Riders and American Legion Women's Auxiliary.

Veterans Scam Alert

District 22 Service Officer Scott Langhoff has issued a veterans scam alert and a new "Vets Caring for Vets" program in the Veterans Service Notes for May 2012.

Boys State Candidates Selected

Eleven high school boys were interviewed on March 17 and four were selected as participants to attend the 75th Session of California Boys State on the campus of California State University, Sacramento in June. The selected candidates are, in alphabetical order: Kendrick Azubuike - Carlsbad Army/Navy Academy, Davin Curtis - Carlsbad High School, Herberto Lopez - Oceanside High School, and Dominic Rivas - Carlsbad Army/Navy Academy. Alternate candidate Tyler Grove - Carlsbad High School, will also be attending thanks to Albert J. Hickman Post 460 for covering his expenses. Thanks also to District Boys State Chairman Scott Williams for coordinating this matter. Jack Moreno

Scouting Update

The Spring Scouting season is in full swing now. Last weekend all of the Scouts and adult volunteers assembled at Qualcomm stadium for our annual Scout Fair. Several thousand attended and a good time was had by all. The week before, I attended the Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner in San Diego where we honored about 150 new Eagle Scouts. If you have ever been to the Admiral Kidd Club you know what a terrific view it has. That night, Connor Stotts, son of Major and Mrs. Bryan Stotts, USMC, was awarded the highest lifesaving medal the Boy Scouts can present. In the entire 100 year history of the BSA, which has recorded millions of Scouts and adult leaders, only about 200 of these have been handed out. Last summer, Connor, who is a senior at Oceanside High School, rescued five teenagers from the ocean down near the Oceanside Pier. It was an amazing feat and we are all very proud of him. Connor has accepted a Naval ROTC Scholarship at the University of Southern California next year. He plans to become a Marine Corps officer and follow in his dad's footsteps. Finally, Mr. Marty Hammonds and Mr. Eddy Ferguson, leaders in our Cub Pack, are preparing to take their Wood Badge Leadership Training. They asked me to pass on one more time their thanks for our support and generosity that allowed them to attend this prestigious course. One final comment: if anyone would like to tour the Council Scout Camp, I would be happy to arrange a visit. I know many of you were Scouts in your early days. Our Council's camp is called Mataguay Scout Reservation and is up in the mountains near Lake Henshaw. It offers everything from horseback riding, glider training and rifle and shotgun shooting. Thanks again for your support of the Boy Scouts of America. Semper Fi, Frank Kebelman

Annual Dues

As of April 20 we have 529 paid members, that's 104% of our 2012 goal. Check your membership card, if you have not paid your 2012 dues your membership has expired. Members may pay the $35.00 annual dues at the next post meeting or by mail to American Legion Post 146, P.O. Box 1085, Oceanside, CA 92051-1085. Edd Robinson, Adjutant

Newsletter Delivery Change

SOUND OFF! distribution is available only by email or at this website. If Post Adjutant Edd Robinson does not have your updated email address, then contact him at robinson68@cox.net or 760-433-1165. Note that hard copies of the newsletter are available at each post meeting. This change will save Post 146 a significant amount of money each year that can be used to support other charitible activities. See the December Commander's Message for more information.

Volunteers Needed

The Oceanside VA Clinic needs volunteers for the Welcome Desk, scheduling appointments, coffee services, coordinating drivers, etc. Please contact Cyndy Simons at 760-533-6461 or cyndysimons1@gmail.com. In addition, drivers are needed to transport Veterans in North County to the VA Clinic in Oceanside or to the VA Medical Center in La Jolla. To be a driver, please contact either Cyndy (above) or DAV Transportation Coordinator Carolyn Jackson at 858-552-7470.

Scrap Metal Recycling/Walkers/Wheelchairs

If you have scrap metal (aluminum, steel, copper, brass, etc.) or small appliances like a vacuum cleaner, toaster, or microwave you no longer need, then don't put them in the trash. Please contact Bill St. John at 760-630-0804 to arrange for recycling. Note: Cannot take large items like refrigerators or washing machines. Any proceeds go to Post 146. Bill will also take walkers and wheelchairs which he will do his best to repair and donate to a person in need.