The meeting schedule is now 5:00 PM (changed from 4:30) on the third Wednesday, instead of the third Thursday, at the Warren PLAV Post. Please try to attend.
The next Post Meeting will be October 16, 2024.
PLAV Post 165 has advised Post leadership that it will soon be closing. For now, we will continue to hold Post meetings there until a closing date is determined. Afterwards, Post 1 will meet at the Bishop Murphy Knights of Columbus Post, 22040 Ryan Rd. in Warren. This is a bit south of 9 Mile Rd. on the East Side of Ryan Rd. Our meeting date and time can remain the same.
The pending change of Post meeting site and the future of the Post will be topics of discussion at the October meeting
Special thanks to The Pantry Restaurant in Sterling Heights and the St. Justin/St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Community in Hazel Park for their support to the Post 1 Memorial Day Poppy Drive. The support of the Pantry customers and Parishioners from St. Justin/SMM enable the Post to buy flags to place on Veteran Graves, provide financial support to Veterans in need and to provide financial support to organizations that assist Veterans and Servicemembers.
The latest meeting minutes for the Post can be viewed here: Post 1 Meeting Minutes
All Membership Renewals received as of June 30 have been processed. Please do not send an additional check if you've paid your dues. The National Department sends the notices and has been sending them even after dues are reported as paid. Any overpayments will be applied to subsequent years dues. If a member prefers a refund contact Commander Donahoe.
At the Post Meeting in May the the election of Officer's was held.
The Post has received word that Past Commander Al Susick passed earlier this year. A Post Everlasting service will be held at the September, 2024 meeting. Brother James Rocky passed in April 2023. A Post Everlasting Ceremony for him was held in May. RIP
Commander Donahoe serves as Post Adjutant and Service Officer. If you mailed in your dues and your check cleared, you may disregard any subsequent notices for payment sent by the National. YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR CARD. All cards for which dues were received have been mailed.
Post Officers for 2024-2025 are: Greg Donahoe, Commander (also Adjutant and Service Officer); Rick Zinke, Finance Officer; Leo Ohlert, Sergeant At Arms; Daniel Mack, Chaplain
The VA is administering vaccines and other sources are available to include CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens. The Post encourages all members to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Former Post and District Commander William 'Bill' Day passed away during 2020. There will be a remembrance for Bill at a future meeting. Please keep his brother, fellow member Bob and his family in your prayers.
RIP Adjutant Richard Walzcyk, 1943-2020. A Good Friend and Veteran.
Post members laid flags at veteran gravesites on Memorial Day. Pictures to follow.
Please practice safety as the days become shorter and colder, wetter weather becomes the norm.
Beginning January 1, 2020 all Veterans with a Service Connected Disability rated at 0% or higher, and who have obtained their VA Healthcare ID Card, may use ON BASE Exchanges, Commissaries and certain Morale Facilities on US Military Installations! Locally, this means eligible Veterans may use the Exchange, Commissary, Golf Course and Mulligan's Restaurant facility at Selfridge ANGB! For base access, go to the Visitor Control Center outside the entrance gate on Rosso Hwy (Hall Rd.) and Jefferson during its operating hours. Present your VA Healthcare ID Card. The staff will enable it to be scanned for base access. You may then enter the base and shop at the Exchange and Commissary simply by presenting your card.
Dan Cooper is the Department of Michigan Commander for 2024-2025.
The Post 1 sign has been installed on the West side of the PLAV Post! Stop by the PLAV to see it!
Following are some photos of graves where Post members placed flags in honor of past Veterans Days.
Sick Call: Contact Commander Donahoe to add members to the list.
Post 1 was recognized by the Schock Solaiman Ramdayal law firm for its service to Veterans. The press release follows:
Warren, MI – Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC, a Macomb County law firm located in Clinton Township, MI, recently published a list of resources of exemplary services for veterans living in Eastern Michigan. The resource list is available here: Veterans Resource List American Legion Post 1 is proud to announce that we have been listed as one such location that provides for veterans, particularly for the community and support of benefits programs we provide to veterans living in or around Warren, MI. As a part of this list, American Legion Post 1 is honored by SSR Law’s recognition of our service. We have taken strides to build and foster our community to be a strong, unified voice for veterans that have served our country, and we continue to honor those who have made sacrifices for our country each and every day. Just as American Legion Post 1 continues to lobby for support of VA healthcare and other critical benefits for veterans, many of the other locations and organizations listed do so as well. Not only do they advocate directly for veterans benefits and recognition, but they also provide counseling, support, rehabilitation, and job/education assistance for veterans that currently live in Eastern Michigan. We encourage all those who have served to explore these resources and see what benefits exist for those who have given everything to serve our country. We hope that everyone has had a safe and happy holiday season, and that 2018 provides many opportunities for our veterans and their loved ones to prosper in the new year. About Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC is a Macomb County law firm offering multiple legal services in a number of practice areas, with a unique focus in assisting senior citizens. With a commitment to defend their clients’ rights, they offer services such as Medicaid planning and wealth preservation planning, as well as contractual matters, divorces, and criminal law matters. For more information regarding SRR Law and their veterans resources, please visit their website at https://www.ssrlawoffice.com/, or contact their office directly at: Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC 37060 Garfield Road Suite T-6 Clinton Township, MI 48036 (586) 239-0871
You should have received your notice to renew. Please send this in as soon as you can. Veterans Benefits and Defense issues require a strong voice in our favor in Washington. Your membership guards against the erosion on Defense and Veterans spending. Additionally, your membership provides you with great discounts!
Post 1 celebrated its Centennial in 2019 and now begins a SECOND CENTURY of service to Veterans!
On September 4, 2016, Post 1 suffered the loss of our very good friend and Senior Vice Commander, Bruce Sollose. Bruce was a dedicated member and good family man. Please pray for his wife Barb and family.
In May, 2017, Ed Flourence, a longtime member who devoted a great deal to both the American Legion and AMVETS passed. Ed, despite a service related disability that left him in a wheelchair, devoted almost all of his time to helping other veterans. Ed will be missed. May he RIP.
If a member is interested in attending a meeting, but cannot because of a lack of transportation, contact Commander Donahoe and a ride will be arranged.
If you are a member or know of a Veteran who needs assistance because of any need, contact the Post. There are some members who will lend a hand. If you need help, we want to help. Just let a Post Officer know using the numbers on the card that came with your membership renewal, and we'll do all we can to get some assistance your way.
The Post is utilizing an automated call system to provide Post notifications via telephone. If you receive such a call, it is legitimate and is a way to save money over postal mailings.
Your efforts helped convince Congress to repeal the military pension cuts. Continue to contact your Congressional representatives on issues affecting military personnel and veterans. These efforts make a difference.
We mourn the passing of Past Commander and Brother Mel Tolonen who went to be with the Lord in June. Mel was a faithful member to the Post and provided great leadership. The Post and community lost a good friend. RIP, Mel. We will miss you.
On March 10, 2014, Post 1 lost a good friend and longtime member. Bill Gibson, Post Adjutant from 1995-2011 passed away at Riverview hospital. Bill was a devoted member of the Post and will be greatly missed.
On Saturday, May 16th, 2017, a Joint Memorial Service with PLAV 165, AMVETS Post 27 and American Legion Post 1 was held at PLAV 165 to remember our members that we lost since last Memorial Day. Post 1 has lost 8 members in the last year We mourn our lost brothers, pray that their souls are in heaven and for the comfort of their families. Please take some time this Independence Day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our great nation.
We've lost many members since Memorial Day of 2015.
See the Newsletter for other fallen brothers who we mourn the passing of.
Post 1 Members had enjoyed use of the PLAV Post 165 clubroom for many years. With the pending closure of the PLAV 165 building, the clubroom has ceased operations.
Contact your Congressman to advocate for legislation that helps Veterans. Support businesses that support veterans. You can now get a Veterans ID card through the Macomb County Clerk. See Macomb County Clerk Veterans ID for details.
Take a stand against illegal immigration by visiting NumbersUSA at the link below!
Why Join the Legion?
Resources for Legionnaires
American Legion National Homepage
American Legion Department of Michigan
Department of Veterans Affairs
Numbers USA-Fight Illegal Immigration
