COMMANDERS CORNER

June 2026

I was first elected Commander in July 2019 and Very Proud to be your Commander of Albert C Kean Post 149, Bremerton WA. My apologies for not keeping current with Commander’s Corner, but time and topics are limited.

It’s amazing how much the post has been through in the last 7 years, most notably COVID and then the fire in the kitchen. Both events, among other real life situations, have driven participation to a level that is dangerously low for the post to function. Cost of operating have risen, both due to inflation and regulations, yet membership costs have not kept pace. Our key to survival is participation of the membership and continued work on gaining ne members for the Post and its pillars.

My thanks to Chrissy Huckabee, Rick and Sheryl Baker, and Willie Nelson for all their hard work to keep the post functioning, along with all our regular patrons and volunteers who assist in so many ways to keep the post going.

One item that that has been discussed, is the ability for the post to be open to the General Public to help with sales and support, After conducting some research on this, the following guidelines and laws limit our ability:

The American Legion and Department of Washington Constitutions are governed by Congressional guidelines that govern strict membership eligibility rules and dictate that the club/canteen facilities are strictly for members in good standing and their authorized Guests

2. WAC 314-40-030 The Legion must submit its Constitution and Bylaws to the Liquor Control Board. These must stipulate that the members are admitted

only after written application, investigation, and a formal vote or ballot

3. RCW 66.24.450 Qualifying Veterans Fraternal Organizations will be operated as Bona Fide Private Clubs to maintain a Private Club Liquor License.

4. WAC Title 314-40 Prohibits the sale or service of alcohol to the General Public, effectively requiring the venue to restrict its Primary Daily Privileges to

active members and their signed in guests.

5. WAC 314-40-040 Private Clubs are allowed to hold up to four (4) membership events per year (once per Calendar Quarter).

6. IRS 501(c)(19) Provides tax exempt status to Qualifying Veterans Organizations: to qualify, Posts must ensure at least 75% of their members are Past or

Present US Armed Forces Members with at least 97.5% consisting of Veterans, Cadets, or close Family Members,

Again, Thank You All for your continued support and I Hope to see more of our membership at the Post and Upcoming Events!! Be Safe and Be Happy!!

Commanders Corner

August 2019

For my fellow Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders;

For my first Commander's Corner, I would like to talk about the work we do as a team and how important it is to participate and me a member of our wonderful organization. This past year has been full of changes and struggles, a lot of which passed down from many years of improper operation and training opportunities that did not occur to correct mistakes. I want all to know I do not blame any one individual or employee, current or former, but we all need to accept ownership for our post. What was, is the way it was and we are rebuilding on a solid foundation of legal processes and and accountability that will restore the Post to maintain its integrity

We continue ti struggle financially, as we do each summer, as membership continues ti enjoy the Pacific Northwest and a fantastic weather pattern that makes lounge sales slump and hours cut back. Active participation is what we need by the membership for the doors remain open. With the passage of the "Legion Act", any honorably discharged veteran since December 7, 1941 until cessation of hostilities (as mandated by congress) is now qualified to membership within the American Legion. This also qualifies wives and children for Auxiliary and Son's of the American Legion. By this act, it will finally allow us to recognize those who have served and supported in the past during peace time. Bring yourselves and your family to the Post and enjoy our camaraderie. Bring up suggestion to make our/your post better and more entertaining, volunteer or just participate in activities, The handful of officers and staff are doing their best to make improvements and meet the needs of our membership. But that all takes effort and money to achieve a successful post and efforts fail if there are no participants.

I am looking forward to a successful year, reemergence of a strong and happy post for the 2019-2020 Legion Year and many more into the future

Thank you for the honor of this position and I will do my very best for all of you.

Respectfully,

H. Dave Marsland

Commander Post 149