Legionnaires
Meeting Minutes
October 6th, 2026
MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2026
Officers: Post Commander – Tommy Carberry; Sr. Vice Commander – Dave Newton; Jr. Vice Commander – Joe Siedlarz; Adjutant – Amber Hawkins.
Attendance: 15 members attended.
Finance: The current account balance was discussed. Revenue is expected to increase with the return of seasonal residents (snowbirds) and the reopening of the kitchen. Additional revenue opportunities were discussed, including hosting more events in the hall. Members were reminded that the hall is available for rent and that rental information and forms can be found on the Post’s website.
Holiday Events: Discussion was held regarding the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The VFW has a new Commander, and attempts to establish communication have not received a response. Traditionally, the Legion and VFW divide responsibilities for the two holidays. Due to the lack of communication and the VFW currently being without kitchen facilities, the Post discussed independently hosting both events. Commander Tommy Carberry made a motion for American Legion Post 54 to host both Thanksgiving and Christmas events independently. Motion voted on and passed unanimously.
Sick Call: Roger is currently receiving in-home hospice care.
Grant and Facility Improvements: Updates were provided regarding upcoming grant-funded improvements. Plans include approximately $30,000 in fencing for the rear property, with one fence separating the designated smoking area and another securing the rear section of the property. Additional improvements include a new air conditioning unit and the potential purchase and installation of a dishwasher, depending on available funding. The projected completion date is December 2026.
Outdoor Pit Improvements: Discussion was held regarding obtaining thermal blankets for the rear pit area as an alternative to using sand. Austin reported that the local Police Department may have surplus wool blankets available for donation. Further coordination will be needed to determine availability.
Committee Reports: The House Committee currently consists of five members: Curtis, Ken, Jerry, Joe, and Mike Shaw. The committee will meet on the first Tuesday of each month, following the regular Legion meeting, at approximately 7:00 pm.
New Business: Volunteers are requested to assist an 81-year-old veteran with clearing and cleaning his yard on October 24, 2026. The cleanup is necessary before the city can proceed with repairs to the veteran’s home. Members were encouraged to participate.
National Convention Updates: Updates were shared from the recent National American Legion Convention, including changes discussed regarding Auxiliary membership eligibility. The convention reportedly voted to expand eligibility to additional male family members, including grandfathers, fathers, sons, and brothers. It was also reported that eligible individuals may hold membership in both the Sons of the American Legion and the Auxiliary. Existing eligibility requirements were discussed, including the requirement that a living qualifying veteran be a member of an American Legion Post at the time of application. Continued membership by the qualifying veteran would not be required after the applicant joins.
Auxiliary Dues: Annual Auxiliary membership dues have increased to $30.
Other Business: A review of the Post’s Constitution and Bylaws is planned for November 2026.
Minutes Recorded By: Amber Hawkins, Adjutant.
Sept 1st, 2026
★ Attendance
Post Commander Tommy Carberry — Present
Sr. Vice Kevin Hanson — Present
Jr. Vice Joe Siedlarz — Present
Adjutant — Absent
Chaplain Jerry Storrs — Present
Sgt. at Arms Dave Frish — Present
Finance — Vacant.
The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM by Commander Tommy Carberry. Prayer was given by Chaplain Storrs, the POW/MIA banner was placed by Sgt. at Arms Dave Frish, and the Pledge and Preamble were recited. A quorum was present.
★ Financial Report
The minutes of the July meeting were read. Lyle Piggott moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded and passed.
The finance report was read by Tommy Carberry. The Post had approximately [$-] in the account.
★ Membership
A new membership application was received from Jason Miller, a Navy veteran. Kevin Hanson moved to accept Jason as a member. The motion was seconded and passed. Jason was present at the meeting.
★ Committee Reports
Tommy announced that a House Committee must be formed. The committee is expected to meet once per month and may consist only of Legion members.
Meetings may be held on the same day as the stated meeting, either before or after the regular meeting. The committee must have an odd number of members. A sign-up sheet will be posted.
★ Old Business
The chicken/brisket BBQ was moved to October due to the remodeling of the dining room.
★ New Business
New tables and chairs have been ordered. The old tables and chairs will be donated. Anyone who knows of a church or other organization in need of tables or chairs should contact Tommy.
A new QuickBooks program is needed for Legion financial records, payroll, and taxes because the current version is inadequate. A new laptop computer is also needed. The estimated cost of QuickBooks is approximately [$-] .
Curtis Zornes moved to purchase the QuickBooks program. Following discussion, the motion was seconded and passed.
Ty Dowdy announced that the Off Road Riders will donate [$-] toward the purchase of the computer and QuickBooks program.
★ Other Business
2027 dues cards have arrived. Members are asked to pay their dues at the bar. It is preferred that dues be paid directly to the Post rather than online or through National.
Reopening the Post on Mondays is being considered.
An indoor holiday market is being planned for November 14. Vendors would be able to sell crafts and other items and pay a fee to the Legion for table space.
The Post also discussed purchasing a generator in the future in case of another prolonged power outage. During the recent outage, the Legion nearly lost thousands of dollars in food. The estimated cost of a generator is approximately [$-] .
★ Adjournment
Closing prayer was given by Chaplain Storrs.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 PM.
★ Minutes recorded by:
Sec. Pro Tem Becky Ruiz
District 4 Auxiliary Secretary
June 2nd, 2026
Attendance
Total: 14
Commander: Tommy Carberry
Sr. Vice Commander: Dave Newton
Jr. Vice Commander: Joe Siedlarz
Scott Altman
Janice Gratto
Colton Hawkins
Amber Hawkins
Ken Uecker
Jerry Storrs
Curtis Zornes
Don Langnes
Kyle Kidwell
Thomas Doty
Tera Gaulke
Financial Report
Balance: [$-]
Tommy was in Yuma all week, he will get it to us next week. Looking better than last year though!
Motions
Nominations:
Commander: Tommy Carberry
Sr. Vice Commander: Kevin Hanson
Jr. Vice Commander: Joe Siedlarz
Votes were 100% – Stays the same.
Current News
New members & transfers were accepted.
• Lion Weiver
• Donald Lynas (Navy Vet)
– Just moved from Illinois. His son brought him down. Involved with his post back home.
New News • Upcoming Events
Ken’s Announcements & Resources
1. Simplicity Home Care
Provides in-home assistance for veterans and seniors who need extra support with daily activities.
Services may include cooking, laundry, transportation to medical appointments, companionship, and other household tasks.
A valuable resource for those who need assistance but may not qualify for or receive support through the VA.
2. My House In-Home Care
Offers a program that allows eligible spouses and family members to serve as caregivers in the home.
For individuals who qualify through Medicare, Medicaid, or other applicable programs, caregivers may receive compensation for providing care.
Helps families keep their loved ones at home rather than relying on assisted living or nursing facilities whenever appropriate.
(Click to open photos bigger)
My House Contact Numbers
Mesa: 480-222-4125
Tucson: 520-745-5222
Simplicity Home Care
Ray C Jones
505-266-6683
Ray.Jones@Simplicityhc.com
Info@Simplicityhc.com
Upcoming Events | Event Ideas
Recap – Memorial Day
We showed out for this event. Great job everyone!
Drone footage & photos of event coming soon!
4th Of July – SAL
BBQ – Ribs, Chicken, Sides
Open to everyone + public
Dine In / Take Out
$12-$20 (Different Plate Options)
Serve between 4-8pm.
Bar open about 10am (open early)
Bring Chairs Too! Sit on the patio, sit out front, etc.
Fireworks between 8:45-9pm (son goes down).
Fathers Day
All veterans eat for free (including women).
Legion Off-road Riders are paying for those meals and covering that tab.
Open to the public & community, not a closed event.
Regular Menu (No Special Menu) for non-veterans.
Convention
June 25th-28th
Downtown Chandler at San Marcos Hotel
Starts: 6pm • Guests & Awards Start
Anything Else?
Special Guest
Gary Vaughan • Department Commander
Membership Update
Last year, we achieved 110% membership and we earned a Special Award.
We narrowly missed the award this year when a post from the Philippines surpassed us by with 1,000 members total just before the awards were finalized.
We are currently sitting at 99.06% membership for the district.
Oratorical Program
The American Legion Oratorical Contest continues to provide an outstanding opportunity for youth to develop public speaking, leadership, and constitutional knowledge.
Arizona’s representative advanced to the Top 6 and ultimately the Top 3 at the national level.
Programs like the Oratorical Contest help develop the leaders of tomorrow and showcase the talent and potential of our youth.
Buddy Check Reminder
Take a moment to reach out to your friends, fellow service members, and veterans. Everyone’s journey is different. We all face unique challenges, carry different experiences, and navigate different environments.
A simple text, phone call, or conversation can make a bigger difference than you realize. Let the people in your life know they matter, that they are valued, and that they are never alone.
No matter who they are or what they’re going through, everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and reminded that their life has purpose.
Sometimes the smallest act of checking in can have the greatest impact.
GILA RIVER GRANT
Kerri
200,000 Grant
Currently at 73k
Revamping the
• Finish fencing at back
• Dinning Room
• Air conditioning
Needs to be done by December