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Latest Newsletter
Post 253 Mail Call
April & May 2026
Commander’s Corner
As I look over the past two months of Lent dinners and the Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony, I want to thank everyone for your contribution and support. Now, we are planning our next events. We will be honoring local Veterans by placing flags on their graves on May 16th (The detail leaves the Post at 9AM). The Post and all its organizations will show veteran honors in the cemeteries and at remembrance ceremonies throughout the area on the morning on Memorial Day followed by the Legion sponsored Spotswood Memorial Day Parade. These are important statements to the community reminding them of the significance of those who served while teaching the next generations the importance of service. Please join us whenever you can as your prior service to our nation and attendance at these events makes sure that veterans are not forgotten. Jim
Sons of the American Legion
As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades, April and May arrive with a quiet promise: renewal. As we welcome this season of renewal, we are reminded that our work within the Sons of the American Legion reflects that same spirit. Each act of service, each meeting held, and each new member welcomed contributes to something greater than ourselves. Like the first signs of spring, these efforts may seem small at first—but together, they create lasting impact in our communities and for our veterans. On our meeting night, April 21st, we will be putting the tent up for our outdoor functions between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. May 25th is Memorial
Day. In the morning, we will be honoring all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. We will be standing with our American Legion Veterans in our local cemeteries and monuments to honor the memory of these veterans. In the afternoon, we march in the Town Memorial Day parade alongside our veterans. I’m hoping for a large turnout from our SAL. Mike
American Legion Auxiliary
There’s a wonderful sense of renewal in the air as spring settles in, and our auxiliary has been active with meaningful moments of service and connection. Over the past few weeks, we’ve come together for events that highlight our shared commitment and the spirit that keeps our organization strong. As we look ahead, we have a few important dates to remember -Friday, May 8th for our Live Game Show Event, Tuesday, May 13th for our Auxiliary Meeting, and Monday, May 26th when we’ll take part in the Memorial Day Parade to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. We hope you’ll join us in these upcoming moments as we continue the work that makes our auxiliary so special. Elaine
At the Post
“Remembering the Angel” is a new program at our Post to help veterans in need. We will have a collection basket placed in the bar for canned foods, non-perishables and dry goods that will be distributed to veterans in need through several programs throughout the state. During the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg, a confederate soldier, against the orders of his commander and with great peril to himself, took canteens of water through “no-mans-land” between the two armies to give comfort and small kindnesses to the wounded and dying union soldiers, he was known as the “Angel of Marye’s Heights”. With his selfless sacrifice he shows us that we cannot forget our comrades who suffer or who are less fortune. Please give a can of food or other dry goods when you can to support this worthy cause.
Friday Night Food at the bar- Friday Night Food is in full swing again and I have been told the menu will reflect the new season and promises to be even more delicious. Come on in and let the Legion cook dinner for you and join us for some good home cooking, good drinks and camaraderie each Friday night.
Ramp Plaque and Dedication will be happening soon. The plaque just arrived and it looks great. The Post will be putting together a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony soon, please watch for the date when announced and come join us for this event.
Upcoming Events
5/8 at 7:00PM Game Show Night at the Post
5/16 at 9:00AM Flag Placement at cemeteries
5/26 at 6:30AM Remembrance w/Honor Guard
5/26 at 1:00PM Spotswood Memorial Day Parade
6/14 at 1:00PM Flag Retirement Service
What’s New!
At our March meeting, the Legion had the honor of performing a Flag Folding Ceremony at the request of the family of CPT John J. Isola. This veteran’s DD-214 could not be located by his family therefore he did not get recognized as a veteran at his interment. The family requested and received his DD-214 from MILPERSON afterward along with a flag. Our Legion, supported by the John Basilone Detachment of the Marine Corp League, was proud to ceremonially fold the flag and place it in its case of honor for this veteran and his family.
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY SALUTE
National Vietnam War Veterans Day provides an opportunity to pay special tribute to the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era, to the 58,000 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserved when they returned to America from war. March 29th was chosen as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. It was also on that day that Operation Homecoming was completed when the last of 591 U.S. prisoners were released. Our Post commemorated this day with a ceremony and wreath laying at the flag pole. Thank you to all who participated.
Post Service Officer
Do you know where your DD-214 is now? Does your family know where you keep it? It is important part of who we are as veterans, if you have not already done so, you can have it recorded at the County Clerk’s Office. This way it is always readily accessible. If you do not know where it is, you can request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center or the US Department of Veterans Affairs on line. If you were discharged after 2000 and were a resident of New Jersey, you can contact the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs as well. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact the PSO at (732) 353-6488 or commander@post253spotswood.org.
Post Sponsors
The following local businesses generously provided goods or services in support of our Post and veteran services. Your patronage is greatly appreciated.
Shoprite of Spotswood on Summerhill Road
Tuscany of Old Bridge, Italian Market
Meeting Schedule:
Legion: Thursday, May 14th and June 11th at 7PM
SAL: Tuesday, May 19th and June 16th at 7PM
Auxiliary: Tuesday, May 13th and June 10th 7PM
Riders: Wednesday, May 6th and June 3rd at 7PM
Published By
If you have information or something you think is good for the newsletter, please contact one of the reporters listed below:
Legion: Jim Smith, jamesmsmithst@gmail.com
SAL: Mike Kolbasowski, mikekolbs@gmail.com
Legion Auxiliary: Kathy Carlson, RAK89@aol.com
Legion Riders: Chrissy, njgardensigns@yahoo.com
The American Legion
Hermann R. Lettau Post 253
50 DeVoe Ave
Spotswood, NJ 08884
(732) 353-6488
Archives
February 2026
Post 253 Mail Call
February 2026
Commander’s Corner
Welcome to the first edition of the Post 253 Mail Call. An old term that may no longer be used however to some of us it represents a letter from home, a note from your sweetheart, news from loved ones, current events happening in your hometown or matters close to our hearts, connection to the world. We have decided to attempt this newsletter to help keep us all better connected in this extraordinarily disconnected world. As we move forward with this initiative, I hope you will all help us by sharing with us what’s going on of interest to the Post’s members and relevant to you. We would like to share news of our friends, families, and our own accomplishments as well as events that will bind us together as a unit. I also hope to share news of our members as we move on to other things and places. It’s hard as commander to know what’s important unless you keep me informed; a nephew made E-5, a son enlisted in the Army, a daughter was accepted to college, a member quietly passing when she has been away from the Post for some time. These are things that we can all celebrate or mourn, but we all would like to know what’s going on and stay connected. It is my wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year for each of you and your families. Please visit our website: https://post253spotswood.org/ and you can always contact me at (732) 796-4702 or jamesmsmithst@gmail.com. May God Bless you and keep you and may God bless the United States of America. Jim
Sons of the American Legion
Over the past few weeks, our Sons of American Legion has been working on a project to support the veterans of our post. We are thrilled to announce that we have completed the cement work, patched the painted the building and readied the site for delivery of the new ramp. This team of our members, who are proud sons and grandsons of veterans, worked hard to be part of this post project. It would be hard to name all who contributed, some did a lot, and they are talented in the field of construction, while others did unnoticed things under the leadership of our commander and Executive Board. We completed our mission. With the new year upon us, we are looking to start our new year fund raising and new projects. Mike
American Legion Auxiliary
No Report
Legion Riders
No Report
Upcoming Events at the Post
Friday Night Food at the bar- Let the Legion cook dinner for you. Come on down at dinner time and join us for some good home cooking, good drinks and camaraderie each Friday night.
Lenten Friday Nights-The old “fish Fry” has evolved and changed but the Post’s organizations are planning delicious Lent menu each Friday night of Lent thru Good Friday. Please come and join us and support the Post.
Legion Meeting: Thursday, March 12th at 7PM
SAL Meeting: Tuesday, February 17th at 7PM
Auxiliary Meeting: Wednesday, March 11th at 7PM
Legion Riders Meeting: Wednesday, March 4th at 7PM
Vietnam Veterans Day: Sunday, March 29th at 1:00PM our Post will honor those who served with a ceremony at the Flag Pole.
What’s New!
Well, our new handicapped ramp is finally finished. Just in time as the old one could no longer be safely used to enter the Post. The SAL with help from members from all the organizations removed the old ramp and made cosmetic changes that improved the appearance of the rear of our Post. The aluminum ramp was purchased from and installed by a contractor. Thank you to the Meade Family, AL Clara Barton Post 324 in Edison and our members who worked on the ramp or raised the funds to complete this enormous project. A dedication with plaque and ceremony will be scheduled for spring 2026.
During the Government shutdown the Post collected food donations for Alice’s Cup, a member of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Alice’s Cup collects and distributes food and other staples to needy families in Spotswood as well as providing a hot meal at their location on Main St. I want to thank everyone who gave to this worthy cause.
Neither rain nor snow nor icy parking lots could keep Santa from his appointed rounds at our “Breakfast with Santa” celebration on December 14th. A good time was had as the kids ran around having fun while the parents enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by our membership. Presents were distributed and though turnout was not as large as in the past, 6” of snow will do that, Santa was jolly and asked me to thank those in attendance.
Our Post, through our legion family organizations gave sixteen (16) $25.00 Walmart Gift Cards to E-6 and below stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst distributed through the Red Cross to help our veteran families.
The Post was full with members watching the Commander’s Cup Game. Army vs Navy is always an exciting game to watch. The camaraderie was fun and the food and drinks were delicious.
Post 253 received a congratulations certificate from the “Toys for Tots” program for our generous donations to that worthwhile program. Thank you for your support.
Post Service Officer
Did you know that veterans have a 58% higher risk of suicide compared to those who did not serve? This rate increases with different risk factors. If you know of a veteran or veteran family member who is in need of help please contact our Post and we will try to help the situation. Be The One who makes a difference. Post Service Officers number is (732) 353-6488
Carl Salvadore passed on December 7, 2025. Carl was a proud sailor serving in the Navy during WWII and a long-time member of our Post. His passing on December 7th has a certain significance as he was our Post’s last veteran who served in WWII. Carl will be missed.
The Post lost two Friends and Legion supporters over the holiday season, both will be missed as we mourn Mary Ellen (Orzo) Kelly and Ms. Louise Galasso.
Post Sponsors
The following local businesses generously provided goods or services in support of our Post and veteran services. Your patronage is greatly appreciated.
Shoprite of Spotswood on Summerhill Road
Tuscany of Old Bridge, Italian Market
Published By
If you have information or something you think good for the newsletter, please contact one of the
reporter listed below.
Reporters:
Legion: Jim Smith, jamesmsmithst@gmail.com
SAL: Mike Kolbasowski, mikekolbs@gmail.com
Legion Auxiliary: Kathy Carlson, RAK89@aol.com
Legion Riders:
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March 2026 (month & year)
Post 253 Mail Call
March 2026
Commander’s Corner
“Beware the Ides of March”, isn’t that how the poem starts. I don’t know about that sentiment but I’m sure looking forward to spring. I have had enough of snow and bitter cold as I am sure you have as well. We have a lot planned at the Post this year and I hope everyone has the opportunity to participate. The Legion Art Contest for fourth and fifth grader has been completed and our Spotswood winner’s entry was forwarded to the State competition; 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from Appleby Elementary School will all receive prizes from the Legion. The Vietnam Veteran’s Day salute on March 29 is our first event followed by cemetery honors and the parade on Memorial Day. Whether you enjoy these events or just stopping in for some good company or Friday Night Food, the Post has a lot to enjoy or be a part of this spring. By the time this goes out our Lenten Friday Night Dinners provided by our family of organizations will be winding down. We’ve continued our work improving the facility with the hard work of the SAL repairing the damaged ceilings in the front addition of the building. Active Legionnaires will also vote on changes to our Constitution and Bylaws at the April meeting, the last time this was done was 1994. Lastly, please don’t forget to check our website: https://post253spotswood.org, or our calendar wall in the bar so that you know what events are occurring at the Post. Jim
Sons of the American Legion
With the completion of the handicap ramp, the SAL has moved indoors for the winter. It has been a cold season, and we are now focusing on renovations to the Post Commander & Auxiliary office. Like everyone else, we are looking forward to spring so we can resume the improvements we have planned for the building. Soon enough, it will be time for our annual fundraising activities. The highlight of this season will be our annual Joe Joe Poker Run, which is scheduled for July 11th. Please mark this date on your calendar. As always, I am looking for ways to encourage more SAL members to take some time out of their busy lives to help improve the quality of life for our veterans. I always try to find ways to get more SAL brothers to find some time out of their busy lives to help improve the way of life for our Veterans. Mike
American Legion Auxiliary
Spring is in the air, and the auxiliary is buzzing with activity. We recently hosted the first of our two Lenten dinners, and it was a tremendous success. Thanks to all our auxiliary members for your hard work and to everyone who came out to support us – your participation is truly appreciated. Our second Lenten dinner will be March 27, 2026, and we look forward to seeing you there. In addition, we are actively conducting interviews for The American Legion Auxiliary Jersey Girl State Program, and we’re excited to meet this year’s candidates. Stay tuned – there are plenty of exciting events coming your way! Elaine
Legion Riders
On January 11th the American Legion Riders Post 253 attended NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park for an Elvis Christmas Special belated Event. The Riders sponsored part of the event with American Legion Auxiliary Middlesex County. The event was well attended by residents and many of the Riders were enjoying the fun. On February 20th the American Legion Riders Post 253 kicked off Lenten Fish Fry. The menu or shrimp marinara over linguini with Texas toast, salad and soup was a success! Thank you everyone who supported. The proceeds will benefit our veterans and our Post. The next Fish Fry sponsored by the Riders will be March 20th with a broiled fish platter. More updates on menu to follow. Al
Upcoming Events at the Post
“Eat’in Good in the neighborhood”
Since February 20th each of our organizations has served dinner on Friday Night for lent. Each meal has been prepared by our membership and has been excellent. We have had shrimp and pasta prepared in differing ways, fish and homemade sauces. Whether you choose to eat at the Post or take it home, the meals have been outstanding. I invite you to join us for our remaining Fridays in Lent March 13, March 20th March 27th and ending on Good Friday, April 3rd. Please come and join us.
Friday Night Food at the bar- After we finish our Lenten meals on April 3rd, Friday Night Food in the bar area will start again. Let the Legion cook dinner for you. Come on down at dinner time and join us for some good home cooking, good drinks and camaraderie each Friday night.
Vietnam Veterans Day: Sunday, March 29th is an important day in our calendar. National Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the last US combat troops leaving Vietnam and the disbanding of Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). For those veterans who served in Vietnam we honor their service and sacrifice and the hopes of our nation. We will be holding a wreath laying ceremony by the Flag Pole at 1:00PM. Everyone is invited to this service.
Meeting Schedule:
Legion: Thursday, April 9th, 7PM
SAL: Tuesday, April 21st, 7PM
Auxiliary: Wednesday, April 8th, 7PM
Riders: Wednesday, April 1st, 7PM
What’s New!
Superbowl Sunday: For those of us who had the opportunity to attend the Superbowl party at the Post the food was outstanding. It was fun to watch the game on the big screen with the projector while we had three TVs at the bar for those who prefer that setting.
On January 12 the Post hosted a community blood drive. Thanks to your support and generosity, we collected 40 units of blood, which will be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets, saving up to 120 lives within your community.
Post Service Officer
If you know of a veteran or veteran family member who is in need of help please contact our Post and we will try to help the situation. Be The One who makes a difference. Post Service Officers number is (732) 353-6488.
Post Sponsors
The following local businesses generously provided goods or services in support of our Post and veteran services. Your patronage is greatly appreciated.
Shoprite of Spotswood on Summerhill Road
Tuscany of Old Bridge, Italian Market
Shout Out
Winter is difficult for all of us including here at the Post. I want to thank Al Galasso for all his time and efforts to keep our parking lot clear, Bob Kowalski for all the shoveling he did around the Post including the new ramp. I would be remiss if I did not mention members like Mike Moriarty and others who came out to help when things got difficult. Without their hard work during and after the snow storms, opening the Post so quickly would have been problematic.
Published By
If you have information or something you think good for the newsletter, please contact one of the reporters listed below:
Legion: Jim Smith, jamesmsmithst@gmail.com
SAL: Mike Kolbasowski, mikekolbs@gmail.com
Legion Auxiliary: Kathy Carlson, RAK89@aol.com
Legion Riders: Chrissy, njgardensigns@yahoo.com
etter Three (month & year)
Newsletter Four (month & year)