Henry "Gene" Burton Sr Memorial, Post 13 Sitka, Alaska

From the Commander

New Charter for the 40 & 8, February 21, 2023, Voiture 1412

 

February 2023:  Vince Winter: Commander

This year we entered new territory as we elected new officers and adopted the mission statement; "Back to Basics" as many of our core values had fallen off track due to COVID. While during COVID Post 13 found it difficult to operate and struggled to maintain. Much appreciation goes out to those SAL and AUX members that stepped up and help us exceed when we truly needed it. A special thanks to our club manager: Margaret Carlson and SAL Adjuntant, Gary Winger for the extra sacrifice they allotted the Legion with their time and determination.

I can honestly say we did put a dent into our list, but we are nowhere near completed as like the world, our Post is ever-fluid. Many projects are still on the table due to timing and funding.  However, with the "can-do" mindset we have adopted, the sky is truly the limit. As I am heading to the end of my time as the Commander from the 2021-2022 session, I am truly grateful for each and every member and supporter of this great institution. There is a long, proud history in our post and we need to continue to grow and achieve goals and set new ones. But let us not forget to maintain the goals we achieved and carry them on to the future. 

As no one knows what the future may hold, I am inspired by the women and men that have supported Post 13. I am confident we will carry on and continue to excel. We owe that to our membership, our veterans and active duty personnel and their families, and above all, our community.

 

 

January 2023:  Vince Winter: Commander

As I sit back and type this and reflect on where we started to what we have become, I am simply overwhelmed.  Taking the position of Commander and meeting with my officers we set the theme of "Getting Back to Basics" and that's what we did. As the saying goes, "nose to the grindstone" is actually what we did. We reviewed programs that we should have been executing all along and refocused our efforts to get back to them. We brought back the School Award Medals, issuing 7 this year to those that have excelled and awarded scholarships along with them. We recalibrated the kitchen with the installation of a new stove and removed the old one. We doubled our efforts in membership and it has paid off as we continue to grow as a family, TAL, AUX, and SAL. We executed flawless programs that recognize our veterans, active duty, and their spouses. Partnering with our local USCG here in Sitka for many projects, and that is just scratching the surface.

 

        

This January, we were recognized for those efforts by our community of Sitka via the Graeter Sitka Chamber of Commerce Gala where Post 13 was awarded the 2023 Community Heros Award. Such a great honor, and to our members well deserved. Your continued support of our Post has brought this family so much closer, I could have not been prouder to be a part of this soul we have created.

Let us dwell on this accomplishment this month and reflect on how far we have come. We are not done, as we need to maintain what we have accomplished and continue to grow and add more programs. We recently discovered in 1950 we were chartered for the 40/8 and have taken steps to once again be chartered adding just another way to assist our family, our community, and our membership. If you are interested in increasing your footprint please take the time to reach out to any of the officers, and if you are interested in serving on the board of officers or participating in committees, please let us know. This Post has not grown due to one or two individuals it is the family, the voices of many, that will lead us into 2023. Moving into 2023 we will now move from "Back to Basics" to "Paving the Way"

 

 

 

December Update

 

December 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

December brought us events, new members, new partners, and reflection. We found ourselves losing many fellow veterans and thank you to those Legionnaires that came and attended each and every one of the funerals to stand to. We also spent time reflecting on the freedoms afforded us by those that set the example at Pearl Harbor. Let us never forget the price paid.

  

We started off the month with a focus on new membership in all three areas, Legion, SAL, and Auxiliary and we drove it home on our membership drive. Welcome new members and we are glad to have you aboard. On our membership day, we even had our youngest SAL member, Dylan, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army in memory of Post 13 past Legionnaire and Code Talker, George Lewis Jr, who not only served in the military but gave 45 years to the Salvation Army here in Sitka and around our community. We also supported Christmas with many gifts given to any child that was signed up given out by our own personal Marine Santa.

During Veterans Day we received a wonderful gift from a class of children as I reported before. We had the opportunity to recognize this teacher and her class with the Legion's highest honor bestowed to a school, the School Medal Award. The award will be maintained in the school award case for future generations to see the example this class has set. We spent almost an hour in the classroom answering many questions about the military, our experiences, and many other unique questions. We then handed our special treats to the students and fellowshipped with them for a while.

   

We also have partnered with two great non-profits to make us even stronger; Krieger Gaming (https://kriegergaming.com) and Vets Rolling Smoke and BBQ (www.vrsb.org). Both these organizations serve the greater good of our purpose. Krieger Gaming is an online gaming community and a veteran & first responder mental health support group under IRS code 501(c)(3). We have partnered with them with our new Gaming abilities with online play for our members via Xbox. Vets Rolling Smoke and BBQ is a Disabled Veteran Owned, Non-Profit, 501 C 3 charity that works with various companies/charities in providing BBQ and fundraising. They support the Veteran community, the Homeless, and EMS with their BBQ talents. 

                                         

    

As I sit and type this, I am reflecting on the past year as we draw 2022 to a close, and what a year we had. As we approach the end of the year, I would like to personally thank all of you for a job well done. Your efforts throughout the year have ensured that Post 13 and our community who live, work, and pass through Sitka have been supported with the best we are able to offer. I sincerely hope we are all able to take time and celebrate this new year with family, friends, and loved ones. We need to make time for the little things as they often get overlooked. As we celebrate these times together, consider how truly fortunate we are to have served alongside the men and women who continue to make selfless and courageous sacrifices in name of our freedoms. That we are fortunate to live in a community as great as Sitka where the term "Veteran" or "Active Duty" holds a place of honor. As we have witnessed over this past year we are strong not only due to our connection as military brothers and sisters but also our deep connection to our community as well. Let us not forget the most important factor of family. Family is the glue that makes it all possible and without their love, dedication, and support what our military does now or what we veterans have done in the past would have been riddled with problems.

To each and every one, have Grand New Year filled with joy, love, and wonder. 

 

 

November Update

30 November 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

November was a busy month for us as we continued to push the fold. My sincere thanks go out to all, especially my officers. Being able to rely on them has made things easy to maintain.

With anything grand, there is always sorrow, and November was especially hard on our own. We saw TAPS for 6 brothers that have gone on. Many thanks to our Nation Cemetary supervisor and Legion Historian, Jeremy DeTemple, for keeping us informed we have been able to attend all funerals this year. Being able to stand-to for our brothers and sisters enables families to gather strength during their time of grieving. 

We did have some shining moments, and spectacular moments as well. With our partnership with Sitka Elks Lodge #1662, we have become a stronger force in helping our veterans. We provided a cook crew for their Annual Marine Corp Birthday Celebration. This event was such a pleasure to bear witness to, the fellowship is unparallel to anything I have been part of recently. Such love and dedication to tradition were simply amazing. 

      

The very next day was Veteran's Day and we bonded once again and led a parade down Lincoln Street. The city gave us a proclamation as well recognizing the importance of Veteran's Day. A huge thanks go out to the USCG for supplying a Color Guard to lead our parade. Many Legionnaires carried flags in remembrance of their loved ones as well. The theme I tried to bring home was family importance during my speech. We, veterans, know if it was not for our loved ones PCS/ETS/Orders would be harder if we could not depend on our spouses to "hold down the fort", while we did assignments. All the while they are maintaining the family unit while our unit was maintaining freedom. Also a huge shout out to Harbor Mountain Brewing for their 2nd year in a row commitment to producing the Veteran's Day beer, Forward Hoperations. If you purchase at the brewery for every glass sold we will receive a $1 donation in kind. Zach and his crew are so focused on the community and veterans alike. 

I guess the biggest win was while we were marching we witnessed a small group of preschool children with their teacher. She had brought them down to see the parade and as we were passing we all could hear her explaining how important it was to honor veterans for what they had sacrificed for them to be able to play and be free. After the parade, we all fellowshipped together and shared that story. Each one of us was moved by such a grand showing of love. We also receive an envelope full of thank-you cards from a 5th-grade class. We passed these around so all the veterans could read them. We plan on visiting this class in December and repaying this gift of love.

    

 

 

October Update

 

31 October 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

The month of October brought many events and boy, did we have fun. We started off the month with our Alaska Day celebration and supported feeding the 11th Airborne Division Army Band and the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums. The pipers marched into the Legion with such a commanding presence it left everyone in awe. The Army band joined us shortly afterward and the fun-filled evening was a huge success.  Our Officers and volunteers made up the cook crew serving up Philly Cheesesteaks and Chicken Cheesesteaks made possible by the donations of our local grocery store AC Lakeside. The members got to fellowship and fill their bellies and most of all relax. Also due to the hectic week schedule, the band and pipers rarely get time to fellowship and/or see each other perform. The pipers upon their exit performed for the hall and the Army Band got to see first handed the love that is shared, with a spectacular exit of the pipers paying tribute to the Army Band by playing "The Army Goes Rolling Along".

     

Late in the month the Commander and First Vice got to travel to Wasilla to participate in the Fall Conference for TAL. It was grand to see so many fellow TAL, AUX, SAL, and Riders representing Alaska in one location. Many of our peers came forward and welcomed "Sitka" back as we have been missing in these meetings for a very long time. While there, I accepted the Membership Award from National on behalf of Post 13. It was nice to see "Henry "Gene" Burton Sr. Memorial" on our award. 

      

To finish up the month we participated in the Halloween walk sponsored by The Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce. This walk closes off Lincoln Street and provides a safe haven for our local trick-or-treaters to gather their goodies in a safe environment. As tradition dictates Margaret's famous popcorn balls were once again a sought-after delight for these ghouls, goblins, princesses, cosplays, and anything else they dressed up as. At our front door, you could see Josephine and Krystal in their happy place making all of these treaters happy and smiling all the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured: Sam Pointer (Chaplin) and Legionnaire Jack Greenhalgh

Busy Weekend

12 September 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

This weekend your hometown American Legion was very busy. On Friday, our USCG landing kicked off a community celebration of Sitka’s recertification of its designation as a Coast Guard City. Events included a free lunch with community members and Coast Guard personnel attending and tours of the helicopter.

(Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

Saturday the Legion was represented at the Welcome to Sitka hosted at the Airstation. Our Vice Commanders, Billy Glenzer and Troy Wingard were present to educate the USCG and families on what we can provide and to also drum up membership for not only the Legion but SAL and Auxilary as well.

(Vice Commanders (L-R) Billy Glenzer and Troy Wingard)

And to finish off our Sunday the American Legion, led by our Chaplin, Sam Pointer carrying the colors, participated in the Sitka Fire Department's Memorial walk in honor of those that we had lost and those left behind during the attacks on 9/11. Your hometown Legion joined Sitka Fire Department, Police Department, Elks, Alaska Trooper Academy, members of the USCG from both the Air Station and the Kukui, and many members of this wonderful community. We started at the Fire Department and walked across the bridge, did the loop, and returned to the Fire Department. AmeriCorps provided refreshments upon our return.

 

(L-R: Troy Wingard-Vice Commander, Vince Winter-Commander & Sam Pointer-Chaplin)

 

Fundraiser BBQ at AC Lakeside

 

05 September 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

Our local grocery store, AC Lakeside, part of Alaska Commercial Company, has a long history like we do (since 1867) and proudly offered to host a fundraiser for us during their Customer Appreciation Day. There was much food to go around offered by their competitive BBQ Team; The Burnt Ends. One item of huge interest was the Bake Spaghetti Grilled Cheese. It was out of bounds. 

 

           

We would like to thank Lakeside for use of their equipment, and the donation of their time and efforts in assisting our great organization in raising funds to correct some of our building issues. Also for letting out Commander and Vice Commanders for helping grill. Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and SAL were all present to help with the serving and membership drive. 

 

 

Code Talker Day Celebration

14 August 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

In celebration of National (Navajo) Code Talker Day, your hometown American Legion Post 13 partnered with the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANS) to celebrate the Code Talkers across our great nation as well as pay special tribute to recently declassified documents that acknowledge our local Tlingit Code Talkers. We kicked off our weekend on Friday, August 12th with a visit from Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and the Commandant of the USCG, Admiral Linda Fagan. While here at the post they presented the Capital Flag to the nephew of local Code Talkers, brothers Mark and Harvey Jacobs. While here at the post they made themselves available to answer questions our veterans had and spend one on one time with everyone at the post.

On Sunday, August 14th, we started off with showing the documentary “Navajo Code Talkers of World War 2 to anyone that wished to attend at our local Coliseum Theater. I am glad to say many people came out and attended this event. Afterward, we went back to the post to celebrate the Valor and Mettle of all Code Talkers and pay respects to our 5 local Code Talkers. We started off with some time with Navajo Film Team, Kody Dayish Productions. Kody and his brother Kolin talked about meeting the Navajo Code Talkers and how their new film (currently in production, “Unbroken Code” will be focused on the Navajo Code Talkers before during, and after the war and cover their side of this grand story.

Afterward, we enjoyed special performances by Haa Shagoon drummers and Sheet’ka Kwaan Dancers that performed in honor of our Tlingit Code Talkers. We paid tribute to Code Talker George Lewis Sr. as not only was he a Code Talker but also served in the Salvation Army for over 45 years.

 

We are grateful for all that were involved including Barbara and Dan from the Fresh Fish that dedicated their time to preparing and serving food to our guests during this celebration.

Below is a speech presented by our Commander in honor of Code Talker Day.

Today we honor the great bravery and skill of Alaska Native American military heroes in the course of American history. Alaska Native Americans have demonstrated outstanding valor on the battlefield, and today we remember the vital role they played as code talkers during World War II. These individuals embraced their cultural heritage and used it to prevent highly sensitive wartime messages from being intercepted by the enemy. Because of their service and unique contributions, countless lives were saved, and victory was claimed more quickly by the Allies.
Today’s celebration inspires great pride in the First Nation American hearts. But for all Americans, it should serve as a reminder of true bravery and sacrifice. During the war, the Japanese had cracked every code the United States used, but when the Marines turned to Navajo, Tlingit, and other Native American recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken codes in modern warfare and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific. During 48 hours on Iwo Jima, it is said that over 800 Native-language battle communications were received and translated. It took seconds, at a time when decoding by machine could take half an hour. These men never discussed their top-secret role, even decades after the war ended, in liberating millions of people and saving the lives of countless American soldiers.
These American heroes are shining examples of the long and proud history of Native Americans’ military service to our country. Many Americans are familiar with the story of the Navajo code talkers, but until very recently, no one knew that Tlingit code talkers also used the Tlingit language as a code that the enemy was never able to crack. Even the families of the Tlingit code talkers did not know of their secret service, but today we recognize the contributions of the 5 veterans from the Killer Whale Clan
George Lewis, Jr., (Saa.aat’, Naagei, Xaakaayí)
Harvey Jacobs (Tleeyaa Kéet, Gaandawéi)
Mark Jacobs, Jr., (Saa.aat’, Keet wú, Oodéishk’áduneek, Gusht’eihéen, Wo´ochxkaduhaa)
Richard Bean, Sr., (Joonalaxéitl)
Robert “Jeff” David, Sr., (Kaasgú Suk kees)
Using the languages of their people, these brave soldiers created unbreakable codes that aided in the Allied victory and saved the lives of many of their brothers-in-arms. Upon returning home, the service of the code talkers was kept secret to protect those programs. As a result, these veterans faced the hardship of never being able to tell their families and communities the details of their valiant service. Today, we offer this long-over-due honor in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our Nation.

 

 

 

Waypoint for Veterans Event

29 July 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

On Friday evening, July 29th, Post 13 partnered with AC Lakeside to honor visiting veterans/first responders that came to participate in Waypoint for Veterans (Sitka's local non-profit for veterans) program.  Veteran and Executive Director Lucas Goddard brought in 5 veterans/first responders to participate in a tailored experience for our brothers. We provided the end of the adventure BBQ. Commander Vince Winter, Vice Commanders Troy Wingard and Billy Glenzer served up some great food donated by AC Lakeside (Sitka grocery store) They smoked 55 pounds of boston butt for the occasion as well as many other foods. Many VIPs attended this wonderful event as well.
 
     

Waypoint's Mission Statement:

To provide an environment where Veterans and Emergency Responders can reconnect to nature, thus promoting personal growth, healing and relaxation. We believe that providing this type of support for Veterans and Emergency Responders will lessen their likelihood of suicide, substance abuse and broken families.

Words from Lucas:

"At this stopping point, I would like to bring you into Alaska's wilderness.
As an Alaskan Veteran I find it very important to bring the positive effects that nature has to other veterans, first responders and their families.

I was born and raised here in Sitka. My passion is helping others like myself. I have experienced the positive effects of nature from being surrounded by this wild and beautiful environment. Being outdoors has grounded me, challenged me and even helped me relax.

Through our list of different options that we offer I would like to tailor an adventure to fit your abilities and interests. From hiking the mountain tops to riding the waves in a kayak, each adventure will be one to remember."
 
       
 
 
All in all it was a great event!
 
https://www.waypointforveterans.com/
https://www.facebook.com/waypointforveterans
 
 

 

CHANGE OF COMMAND – U.S. Coast Guard Kukui

7 July 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

CHANGE OF COMMAND – U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Joshua W. Branthoover, left, shakes hands with Cmdr. Ray Reichl at a change of command ceremony aboard the cutter Kukui, as Rear Admiral Nathan Moore, 17th Coast Guard District commander, looks on. The Change of Command ceremony represented the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the Kukui from one commanding officer to the next.

The change of command ceremony was held aboard the Sitka-based buoy tender Kukui on the afternoon of June 30, in the open air, and the ship’s outgoing commander was commended for his service during a difficult three years. 

The senior officer present was Rear Admiral N. A. Moore, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District, which includes the entire coastline of Alaska. Admiral Moore praised the Kukui’s outgoing captain for his diligence during an unusually difficult command, which began in 2019 and included the bulk of the coronavirus pandemic. But his remarks also were aimed at the Kukui’s relatively youthful crew.

 

We wish you luck in your new assignment Cmdr. Reichl and welcome to Sitka Lt. Cmdr. Branthoover.

 

ANB Resolution # 21-01: Recognition of Tlingit Code Talkers in World War II

23 June 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

Today we honor the great bravery and skill of Alaska Native American military heroes in the course of American history. Alaska Native Americans have demonstrated outstanding valor on the battlefield, and today we remember the vital role they played as code talkers during World War II. These individuals embraced their cultural heritage and used it to prevent highly-sensitive wartime messages from being intercepted by the enemy. Because of their service and unique contributions, countless lives were saved and victory was claimed more quickly by the Allies. This ceremony inspires great pride in the First Nation American hearts. But for all Americans, it should serve as a reminder of true bravery and sacrifice.

 

During the war, the Japanese had cracked every code the United States used, but when the Marines turned to Navajo, Tlingit, and other Native American recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken codes in modern warfare and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific. During 48 hours on Iwo Jima, it is said that over 800 Native-language battle communications were received and translated. It took seconds, at a time when decoding by machine could take half an hour. These men never discussed their top-secret role, even decades after the war ended, in liberating millions of people and saving the lives of countless American soldiers.

These American heroes are shining examples of the long and proud history of Native Americans' military service to our country. Many Americans are familiar with the story of the Navajo code talkers, but until very recently, no one knew that Tlingit code talkers also used the Tlingit language as a code that the enemy was never able to crack. Even the families of the Tlingit code talkers did not know of their secret service, but today we recognize the contributions of these 5 veterans from the Killer Whale Clan and specifically here in Sitka the heroic accomplishments of Harvey Jacobs and his brother Mark Jacobs Jr.  Using the languages of their people, these brave soldiers created unbreakable codes that aided in the Allied victory and saved the lives of many of their brothers-in-arms.  Upon returning home, the service of the code talkers was kept secret to protect those programs.  As a result, these veterans faced the hardship of never being able to tell their families and communities the details of their valiant service.  Today, we offer this long-overdue honor in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our Nation.

   

 

 

Pictures here are Sam (left) and Billy (right) and what's left of the old stove.

04 June 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

Massive kudos to our Legion Chaplin Sam for all his hard work in disassembling our ancient oven/stove. We believe the building was built around it, that's how heavy and massive it was. Also a grateful thanks to Legion Vice Commanders Billy and Troy. Also, we like to thank Aaron from the Sons and Audrey, Auxilary Historian for all their hard work in clean up.
 

 

 

 

30 may 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

To those who courageously gave their lives and those who bravely fight today. Thank you!
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
Please join us Today, Memorial Day (May 30th) at 2:45pm to remember and honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to this nation.
 
   
 
 
 

26 May 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander

We achieved the 100% Club, thank you for all your support.

 

23 May 2022:  Vince Winter: Commander


Youth are often awarded for their scholastic achievements, but The American Legion believes they should also be praised when they demonstrate strong qualities of character and good citizenship. That
is why, since 1926, the Legion has recognized such students with its School Award Medal program. In 1921, the Department of Pennsylvania created the School Award Medal program for the purpose of instilling character and helping perpetuate the qualities needed in life among youth. Candidates for the award are voted upon by a school's faculty and finalized by the officers of the American Legion. The awardees today will receive a certificate and a medal with the six qualities listed on the face of the medal. The program's success for the past 100 years has been prominent. In its first year, 145 students received medals, and this year, more than 20,000 will be awarded.

   

The School Award Medal is the highest honor awarded to our American Youth by the American Legion. It is a medal that proclaims to the world that you are the kind of student that we, the comrades of men
and women who gave their lives in battle, believe worthy of such honor. It is our desire that wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will always be guided by the highest ideals.

 



The recipients today have set the highest standards in school and in our community. Their accomplishments speak volumes as to why they are among the chosen few for receiving the American Legion School Award Medal. When I was asked why this award was special I answered with a quote from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. that rounds up the meaning of the award, which states ‘the secret of success is to do the common things, uncommonly well.” These six qualities; Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship, and Service are common qualities, but to do them consistently, and execute them with a sense of urgency and passion is setting the standard. It is this that separates you from your peers.


While this is a nationally recognized award, here at Post 13 we wanted the two students that will receive the award today to look back one day in the future and remember their home, Sitka. It is for this reason we partnered with two special Sitkans to not hand you just a "piece of paper in a plastic frame", but a piece of that “heart” . . . That Beautiful Alaskan Heart. We worked with long-time Sitkan artist,
Norm Campbell lent his talents by adding the beautiful calligraphy to the certificates, and to Levi Albertson, a Sitka small business owner and skilled craftsman designed the wonderful framing. Also the
American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the Legion from Post 13 have added a $250 check to help you with your future education.

Sitka High School Seniors: Colton Ewers and Darby Osbourne. 
Mt. Edgecumbe High School Seniors: Ariella Edwards and Kaden Mwarey.
Pacific High School Seniors: Angeline Bigley and Karl Cranston-Simmons