Christmas in FODPAL
During the 2013 Christmas season, so many FODPAL posts hosted parties, gathered gifts and otherwise made their communities’ holidays brighter that we decided to put them all together in one inspiring roundup.
Ansbach Post 1982 members collect gifts for early Christmas
"To support veterans, their families and the Ansbach community" has been more than just a mission statement for Legionnaires of American Legion Post 1982 throughout the year, and during the holiday season Kenneth Aungst and other members made sure of that. When it came time to decide for the gift exchange among members during their Dec. 6 Christmas party, Aungst suggested that, like last year, everyone should bring a gift for a child or teenager instead. Presents for more than 30 children and teenagers of a local Kinderheim were collected and given out by "Santa Claus" during an event on Dec. 7, according to Master Sgt. Christopher Buchanan, commander of Post 1982. "Watching these kids with their sponsors, their eyes lighting up when Santa gave them their presents, is a very rewarding experience," Buchanan said.
2013 Children’s Christmas Party, Seward Post 5, Seward, Alaska
Santa at the post! Big thanks to Seward Fire Department and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 5 for a great day to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! The weather was great, and a lot of kids in Seward had fun riding the fire trucks and getting gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Thanks to all who came to share in a good time and help distribute lots of neat toys to deserving girls and boys! It was a record for kids at the post! We had more than 100 kids come and share in some Christmas fun! We had so many youngsters show up at the post for this annual event the Fire Department had to make two trips! Once the parade was done, all came to the post and shared in hot chocolate and spiced cider, with yummy treats for all! Post, Auxiliary and Sons, and more 100 kids waited to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, with the aid of eager elves handing out toys! It was a great day for everyone, and we were fortunate the weather cooperated with a welcoming winter snowfall! Thanks for all who came to the post and helped in this wonderful annual gift-giving celebration for our kids! Best to all! See you at the post! – Sully
American Legion Susitna Valley Post 35
People, food and presents are starting to arrive for our annual Legion Christmas Party! Come on down and join us for an evening of gathering and fun. Bree is making great drinks, too!!
Kaiserslautern Post GR01 Christmas Party
The Kaiserslautern Post GR01 Christmas Party was held Dec. 21 at the Restaurant Asia (Kaiserslautern, Germany). Attending were Department of France Commander James Settle, Isolde Settle (Department President Auxiliary), Joshua Settle (Department SAL Detachment Commander) and many guests. Many thanks to Post Webmaster (Paul Skinner) for taking and posting the pictures on the post website: www.kaiserslauternamericanlegion.org. – Stephen A. Ward, 1st Vice Commander, Kaiserslautern Post GR01, Department of France
Flanders Field post
During the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 21, members and their families took part in the post’s first annual holiday party. Thanks to the help of Comrades Paul Dunn and John Jackson, the party was held at the 3-Star lounge on the USAG Brussels compound. We were surprised with a visit from Santa Claus, who was well-received by the children and the young at heart. Overall the party was a huge success.
Seward Post 5, Seward, Alaska
The amazing Christmas Crew put together and delivered just under 80 meals in town for folks who could not get out or were working in service to our town! Once done, we had dinner upstairs at the club where we had about 70 or so share in a great Christmas dinner! Thanks all who helped and came to the post and shared in a wonderful Christmas feast!