Norwich University – American Legion Post #1819
Post 1819 was Chartered in September of 2014. Post 1819 was established to serve as a support network for the student veterans attending Norwich University, the private Vermont university, as well as give Norwich University graduates scattered throughout the world a post they can call their own, and of course serving our Veterans at large around the state and beyond. For the most part, we are a “Virtual Post” (the first ever authorized by the American Legion) where we focus on supporting our Veteran community as a whole.
Read more about our beginning at this post article and follow the link to the American Legion HQ’s article about us!
Long term goals of Post 1819:
Post 1819 shall/will …
1. Provide a venue for camaraderie, networking, fellowship, and service toward NU veterans.
2. Be a source of information on veteran’s issues for members and, when required, assist them in enrolling in the VA system, applying for disability, and using education and other benefits which they have earned and are entitled to. (maintaining email list is the how on this one)
3. Provide financial support for children and youth programs that are held at NU or sponsored by NU, such as Future Leader’s Camp, Scouting events on campus, Boy’s State, Girl’s State, etc.
4. Support the American Legion award at the NU Tri Service Award Ceremony.
5. Develop a scholarship fund for attendance at NU.
6. Develop a Commander’s Fund for use at the Commander’s discretion in direct aid to Post members and NU veterans in need of financial assistance.
Mission of the American Legion itself:
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
Post 1819 Officers:
Commander – Brett Nelson
1st Vice Cdr. – Landers Symes
2nd Vice Cdr. – Tom DiTomasso
Adjutant – Tim Schaal
Ass’t Adjutant – Shawn LoPorto
Finance Officer – Craig Lamarche
Chaplain – John Kehoe
Judge Advocate – Ron Merolli
Service Officer – <vacant>
SGT-at-Arms – Raymond Quigley
Post Historian – Jonathan Finn
Member At Large #1 – Kirk Allen
Member At Large #2 – Dave Chamberlain
Member At Large #3 – Kevin Hawley
Member At Large #4 – AJ Diaz
Member At Large #5 – Leon Mable
Webmaster – Shawn LoPorto
From our “Post 1819 By-laws-FINAL-JULY 2022” document (which can be found on our “Members Only” page):
Article IV- Duties of Officers
- Section 1. Post Commander: It shall be the duty of the Post Commander to preside at all meetings of the Post and to maintain general supervision over the business and affairs of the Post. He/she shall be chief executive officer of the Post. He/she shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and shall have an annual report given to the membership covering the business of the Post for the year. He/she shall take such actions and perform such duties as required to insure smooth and efficient operation of Post 1819.
- Section 2. First Vice Commander: It shall be the duty of the First Vice Commander to assume and discharge the duties of the Commander when so requested by the Commander, or as necessitated by the Commander’s absence or disability. He/she advises the Commander on Post matters. He/she shall also chair the Membership Committee.
- Section 3. Second Vice Commander: It shall be the duty of the Second Vice Commander to perform the same functions as the First Vice Commander in his/her absence, or that of the Post Commander, or upon request or necessity. The Second Vice Commander will coordinate Post activities and chair the Activities Committee. Preference for this position shall be given to a member who is current Norwich student.
- Section 4. Post Adjutant: The Adjutant shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings; keep such records as the Department and National organization may require; render reports of membership annually or as required, and under the direction of the Commander, handle all correspondence of the Post, and request the necessary licenses each year for the Post business.
- Section 5. Assistant Adjutant: The Assistant Adjutant shall assist the Post Adjutant in performance of his/her duties. Preference for this position shall be given to a member who is current Norwich student.
- Section 6. Finance Officer: The Finance Officer is responsible for all finances and ensures that they are safely deposited in a bank. He/she shall report once per month to the general membership, or as required, the status and condition of the finances of the Post, and make such recommendations as he may deem appropriate or expedient, or necessary, regarding financial status. He/she shall disburse all Post monies, either personally, or through the Post Adjutant).
- Section 7. Post Historian: The Post Historian shall be charged with custody and compilation of individual records and data pertaining to Post activities, endeavors, members and special projects. Preference for this position shall be given to a member who is current Norwich student.
- Section 8. Post Chaplain: The Post Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Post comrades and will offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc. He/she will adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department Headquarters from time to time.
- Section 9. Post Service Officer: The Service Officer shall be responsible for looking out for the welfare of all members of Post 1819. He/she shall also be responsible for bringing to the attention of all veteran’s and their dependents, the rights and benefits granted them by law. Preference for this position shall be given to a member who is current Norwich student.
- Section 10. Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms will ensure the meeting space is properly prepared and shall preserve order at all meetings. He/she is in charge of the color detail and will ensure adherence to flag etiquette. The Sergeant-at-Arms will ensure new members are welcomed and introduced to the post. Preference for this position shall be given to a member who is current Norwich student.
- Section 11. Judge Advocate: The primary duty of the Judge Advocate is to supply professional advice in the conduct of post business or to procure proper counsel and is the guardian of constitutional form of post government.
- Section 12. Past Commander: The retiring Commander shall become Past Commander and serve as an ex-officio of the Post Executive Committee upon completion of their term of office. However, should the immediate Past Commander not be available for whatever reason, then the next Past Commander, in order of seniority, who agrees to serve will assume the post. A Past Commander cannot hold both the position of Past Commander on the Executive Committee and an elected officer position on the Executive Committee simultaneously.
- Section 13. At Large Members: The five elected at large members of the Executive Board shall have full voting power and should also make themselves available for requests or suggestions from the membership of Post 1819.