[bilcon]

New rules are clearly posted on the entrance and the web page of the Post, since the upsurge in Covid19. They are just being smart and cautious. You should tell the Commander of the Post about your feelings, not 65,000 people on this site who don't have any affiliation to the American Legion.

[Marty94]

Originally Posted by CommonSense

Thank you to those who have responded to my recent post. Yes, I understand the American Legion Post 347 is not associated with The Villages, except, the 7,000 members are primarily residents of The Villages. I totally understand the problems and concerns with the Covid variants and this local Post's ability to make rules to protect their members. My point is the attitude in which they present themselves to visiting veterans. As mentioned earlier, I am a past commander of a post in Illinois and have no intention of changing, even though I am a permanent resident in The Villages. As a veteran with 35-years of service in the Air Force, I enjoy the comradery of veterans around the world. I have always been welcomed in Posts I visited, but Post 347 does not provide that feeling. I've cooled down from Saturday's post, but I do not believe I will ever walk into this post again. The gatekeeper was rude and condescending. And if they were really concerned about Covid-19 and its variants, the bartenders would have had masks on and social distancing would be required at the bar and tables, which it wasn't. Having observed a double standard gave me an unwelcomed impression. I am sure a large percentage of their members would concur this policy does not serve in the best interest of the Post. Also debatable is the question: does their protocol actually protects anyone from coming in contact with someone who has Covid-19 or its variants? Regardless, I will play by their rules and more than likely never return to American Legion Post 347!

I am both a member of the Post and Honor Guard. So, I have a different perspective. First, the Commander posted new rules as
Taltarzac725 pointed out. It wasn’t an easy decision. I know the Commander well. She’s an incredibly dedicated veteran. She is always out speaking to members and getting their input and although you stated most members disagree with her policy, she is not one to enact a policy that members haven’t recommended or support. Legion members are very vocal. If you would like to speak to her just email me privately and I can provide her number or email. I know she will respond. Second, the folks working the door are volunteers. Some are personable and some are old salts, but their job is to enforce the rules, not make them. If you felt a member was rude, please provide the Commander a name. This will help her reassign volunteers to positions that may be more suited to them. Third, Post 347 hosted a vaccination drive last year. The response was overwhelming. Joan could probably give you data on how many members were vaccinated. This may have contributed to the Board’s decision. It’s not an uncommon one apparently as I can’t enter the Post in my husband’s State under similar rules. Thus, I would recommend that you speak to her. She can best explain the Board’s decision to change protocols.

Finally, my perspective on the door greeter as described in your first post: I joined the Post shortly after moving here and then the Honor Guard. As one of the younger members, it took me some time to fit in. Many vets have baggage and you’ll find a variety of personalities at the Post, many who saw combat. So, I try to give some leeway. You simply can’t judge all vets by the actions or personalities of a few. Not everyone has cheery dispositions. That soldier at the door may have seen or participated in combat neither you or I had to endure. For example, a few months ago, we rendered honors to a vet that was a POW. His imprisonment as described by his widow was horrific. These are the volunteers you meet at the Post. Many just want to feel useful and serve in some small way and yes, some are greeters at the door. In Illinois at your Post, perhaps things are different, but here we have many volunteers and you have quite a variety; without them, the Post doesn’t function.

So why come to the Post? As I said in a previous reply, the Post has raised millions of dollars to support multiple charities as well as scholarships. We have a large Auxiliary that does great work in the community and supports the Honor Flight. The Commander personally visits the local prison and serves vets there. Our Honor Guard with over 60 members provides military honors at Bushnell and local churches, sometimes as often as several a day. This is by far the largest contingent I’ve seen while many have only 2-4 members to render honors. It has always been an honor and privilege to participate and I’ve made some amazing friends. They drive me to the airport, cook for me when I am sick and check on me regularly, especially this past week with all that’s going on. They are nothing like the member you encountered.

When the Post fully opens back up, I hope you consider coming back. If you live here, simply join, but if you don’t understand the Post’s new protocols, then talk to the Commander. She’s really a terrific person and will certainly welcome your input and recommendations.

[talonip]

It is not a friendly place..joined about 4 years ago. Never felt welcome. They look at you with suspicion.. when I would go at noon to get tickets I would use my electronic card but as soon as I walk in there is someone there to check your ID again. When you go to get tickets they want to see your ID again. Come on get real.

[fdpaq0580]

I am a proud Navy vet. I am proud of my service in Vietnam and other places around the world. I understand the expressed reason for the rule as stated, but my feeling is that if you are not able to serve all members of the organization, rather than open only for a select few, you should close the doors to all until you are able to fully accept ALL members of the organization with open arms. Anything less smacks as operating a private club in the guise of a service club.

[kkeennyy]

I agree with you 100% I had the same problem when i moved here 2 yrs ago, i also have found the Villages 2 not be the freidlist home town....

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

but my feeling is that if you are not able to serve all members of the organization, rather than open only for a select few, you should close the doors to all until you are able to fully accept ALL members of the organization with open arms. .

If you read the National By-laws, you will see members are members of a post. You are guests at other posts. You can transfer to another post, but you must be accepted into membership.

[RICH1]

Thank you for serving this Great Country ! I am a member of Post 80
St Cloud Florida and also a Charter Rider, I support Post 80 financially because of the small membership numbers of Post 80, and I used to live in St. Cloud.. interested in how vaccinated guests would be an issue!

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Marty94

I am both a member of the Post and Honor Guard. So, I have a different perspective. First, the Commander posted new rules as
Taltarzac725 pointed out. It wasn’t an easy decision. I know the Commander well. She’s an incredibly dedicated veteran. She is always out speaking to members and getting their input and although you stated most members disagree with her policy, she is not one to enact a policy that members haven’t recommended or support. Legion members are very vocal. If you would like to speak to her just email me privately and I can provide her number or email. I know she will respond. Second, the folks working the door are volunteers. Some are personable and some are old salts, but their job is to enforce the rules, not make them. If you felt a member was rude, please provide the Commander a name. This will help her reassign volunteers to positions that may be more suited to them. Third, Post 347 hosted a vaccination drive last year. The response was overwhelming. Joan could probably give you data on how many members were vaccinated. This may have contributed to the Board’s decision. It’s not an uncommon one apparently as I can’t enter the Post in my husband’s State under similar rules. Thus, I would recommend that you speak to her. She can best explain the Board’s decision to change protocols.

Finally, my perspective on the door greeter as described in your first post: I joined the Post shortly after moving here and then the Honor Guard. As one of the younger members, it took me some time to fit in. Many vets have baggage and you’ll find a variety of personalities at the Post, many who saw combat. So, I try to give some leeway. You simply can’t judge all vets by the actions or personalities of a few. Not everyone has cheery dispositions. That soldier at the door may have seen or participated in combat neither you or I had to endure. For example, a few months ago, we rendered honors to a vet that was a POW. His imprisonment as described by his widow was horrific. These are the volunteers you meet at the Post. Many just want to feel useful and serve in some small way and yes, some are greeters at the door. In Illinois at your Post, perhaps things are different, but here we have many volunteers and you have quite a variety; without them, the Post doesn’t function.

So why come to the Post? As I said in a previous reply, the Post has raised millions of dollars to support multiple charities as well as scholarships. We have a large Auxiliary that does great work in the community and supports the Honor Flight. The Commander personally visits the local prison and serves vets there. Our Honor Guard with over 60 members provides military honors at Bushnell and local churches, sometimes as often as several a day. This is by far the largest contingent I’ve seen while many have only 2-4 members to render honors. It has always been an honor and privilege to participate and I’ve made some amazing friends. They drive me to the airport, cook for me when I am sick and check on me regularly, especially this past week with all that’s going on. They are nothing like the member you encountered.

When the Post fully opens back up, I hope you consider coming back. If you live here, simply join, but if you don’t understand the Post’s new protocols, then talk to the Commander. She’s really a terrific person and will certainly welcome your input and recommendations.

Thank you for this post. We've all travelled different paths. Not everyone has seen the sane things. Sometimes people are having a bad day. Some are simply not friendly. But if they served they have my respect.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by CommonSense

I know posting this is not the smartest thing to do, but I felt I had to say something about being denied access to the local American Legion Post 347 because of COVID-19 because I am not a member of their Post.

My wife and I just finished dinner at the Orange Blossom Hills Golf & Country Club and decided to stop at Post 347 for a drink on our way home in the Village of Hawkins.

I handed my membership card from American Legion Post 342 in St. Charles, IL, where I was a past commander and have been a member of this Post for over 40 years.

I was informed that because I was not a member of Post 347, I could not enter. The gatekeeper pointed to a posted sign stating only Post 347 members can enter because of COVID!

COVID has been around for 18 months, and this is their excuse to refuse my wife and me access to an organization I have spent over four decades as an active member.

Prior to today (8/21/21 at 1600 hours), we stopped two weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon only to leave because they were packed with BINGO players. At that time, I did not see anyone wearing a mask during BINGO or anyone wearing a mask this afternoon.

Post 347 blatantly refused access to my wife and I, both members of this national organization, and quite honestly, I am "****ed off"!

The Villages is supposed to be the friendliest community in Florida, but just outside The Villages in Lady Lake is the largest American Legion Post in the United States. They refused to allow me to enter!

OK, so maybe I am a nobody, but I am an Air Force veteran of 35 years, proud to serve my country and honored to be a member of the American Legion for forty-two years. Served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and currently undergoing cancer treatment at the VA for Agent Orange. Very active as a Veterans Advocate and presently working on a YouTube project entitled "Saluting American Veterans."

It was bad enough coming home from SEA and being spit at and rejected, but to deny a veteran who is an American Legion member access to their Post because of COVID is simply WRONG.

We moved here two months ago and recently started searching for opportunities to volunteer. One such organization is the Village Honor Flight, and they asked me to get involved. I intend to, but it seems this organization is tied to the American Legion Post 347, so I am having second thoughts!

Also, before we moved to The Villages, I heard a similar story about a member from another Post being denied entry and that bothered me!

The first time I went to Post 347 in June, I was welcomed and told that story was a misunderstanding.

Well, I hope this is a misunderstanding because today, more than ever, veterans need each other. And please, do not use COVID as an excuse because both my wife and I are vaccinated, and if you wanted us to wear masks, we would.

Please reconsider this stupid policy! Don't shut your doors to those entitled to the privileges of membership with the American Legion. Last I knew…an American Legion member, regardless of what posts they belong to, is entitled to access other posts worldwide.

Guess the rules are different in the friendliest community in Florida!

If I am wrong, I will apologize and retract this post; We were brothers and sisters when we served, so what changed?

Fred J. Rosenthal
MSgt. USAF (Retired)
5524 Brittany Terrace
The Villages, FL 32163
630-926-3109
therosenthalgroup@sbcglobal.net

I do not drink much and I do not play Bingo. I only went to Post 347 once 8 years ago. We were treated well at that time. I can see your side of the story, but also Post 347's side. I (or most other people) am not qualified to say which side has the stronger argument. What I would like to say is a general statement. We are living through modern history, which is divided into a pre CV and a post CV time period. Post 347 and yourself have merely gotten caught up in the societal entanglements from the US inability to defeat the Virus. I understand that it is hard NOT to take that personally. But, I would take consulation in the extraordinary circumstances that have roiled "normal" everyday life. Hope that you are able to work it out to your satisfaction. You have excellent military and post military credentials. You are a credit to your uniform!

[Taltarzac725]

Think my Dad went a few times to this American Legion Post 347 but did not find it to his taste. He was a medic for the Wolfhounds in the early 1950s stationed in Hawaii and South Korea.

27th Infantry Regiment (United States - Wikipedia)

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Queenie504

Just maybe they kept you from getting a deadly illness. Thank them.

I can see that point.......indoors with masks off, questionable separation, and unknown vaccine status - that adds up to serious danger - like a war zone with invisible virus soldiers all around you and very close.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by bilcon

New rules are clearly posted on the entrance and the web page of the Post, since the upsurge in Covid19. They are just being smart and cautious. You should tell the Commander of the Post about your feelings, not 65,000 people on this site who don't have any affiliation to the American Legion.

This thread has a fairly high degree of reality for the lives of TV Landers. I have seen far weaker thread subjects!

[Marty94]

Originally Posted by talonip

It is not a friendly place..joined about 4 years ago. Never felt welcome. They look at you with suspicion.. when I would go at noon to get tickets I would use my electronic card but as soon as I walk in there is someone there to check your ID again. When you go to get tickets they want to see your ID again. Come on get real.

There are lots of electronic cards floating around by members that haven’t paid their dues. Thus, at the door they are checking your ID to make sure it’s current. At the ticket window for the Queen of Hearts game, they are checking your personal ID to your card, since your card doesn’t have your photo. As I understand it, the Post has to abide by State regulations for games and this is why new protocols were put in place. I show my ID even when I’m in my Honor Guard uniform. The same rules are applied to all.

Concerning the looks… I get looks going to City Fire. Just pull up to the bar, introduce yourself and make some friends. You’ll find if you come often, the same bunch is there. If you only come on Tuesday to buy your ticket, expect some looks. This isn’t Cheers, they aren’t going to shout out your name when you come through the door, but if you come often enough, folks will get to know you. Also, think about volunteering or joining a golf team. We would love to have you join the Honor Guard. We really look out for each other. On Tuesday nights you’ll often see us sitting together. You’re more than welcome to join us. Just ask at the front desk or email me.

Finally, the Commander is aware of the need to improve orientation for members. She has only been in Command since the end of June. If you have recommendations, please reach out to her. She really is working hard to address these issues.

[daca55]

Originally Posted by Marty94

I am both a member of the Post and Honor Guard. So, I have a different perspective. First, the Commander posted new rules as
Taltarzac725 pointed out. It wasn’t an easy decision. I know the Commander well. She’s an incredibly dedicated veteran. She is always out speaking to members and getting their input and although you stated most members disagree with her policy, she is not one to enact a policy that members haven’t recommended or support. Legion members are very vocal. If you would like to speak to her just email me privately and I can provide her number or email. I know she will respond. Second, the folks working the door are volunteers. Some are personable and some are old salts, but their job is to enforce the rules, not make them. If you felt a member was rude, please provide the Commander a name. This will help her reassign volunteers to positions that may be more suited to them. Third, Post 347 hosted a vaccination drive last year. The response was overwhelming. Joan could probably give you data on how many members were vaccinated. This may have contributed to the Board’s decision. It’s not an uncommon one apparently as I can’t enter the Post in my husband’s State under similar rules. Thus, I would recommend that you speak to her. She can best explain the Board’s decision to change protocols.

Finally, my perspective on the door greeter as described in your first post: I joined the Post shortly after moving here and then the Honor Guard. As one of the younger members, it took me some time to fit in. Many vets have baggage and you’ll find a variety of personalities at the Post, many who saw combat. So, I try to give some leeway. You simply can’t judge all vets by the actions or personalities of a few. Not everyone has cheery dispositions. That soldier at the door may have seen or participated in combat neither you or I had to endure. For example, a few months ago, we rendered honors to a vet that was a POW. His imprisonment as described by his widow was horrific. These are the volunteers you meet at the Post. Many just want to feel useful and serve in some small way and yes, some are greeters at the door. In Illinois at your Post, perhaps things are different, but here we have many volunteers and you have quite a variety; without them, the Post doesn’t function.

So why come to the Post? As I said in a previous reply, the Post has raised millions of dollars to support multiple charities as well as scholarships. We have a large Auxiliary that does great work in the community and supports the Honor Flight. The Commander personally visits the local prison and serves vets there. Our Honor Guard with over 60 members provides military honors at Bushnell and local churches, sometimes as often as several a day. This is by far the largest contingent I’ve seen while many have only 2-4 members to render honors. It has always been an honor and privilege to participate and I’ve made some amazing friends. They drive me to the airport, cook for me when I am sick and check on me regularly, especially this past week with all that’s going on. They are nothing like the member you encountered.

When the Post fully opens back up, I hope you consider coming back. If you live here, simply join, but if you don’t understand the Post’s new protocols, then talk to the Commander. She’s really a terrific person and will certainly welcome your input and recommendations.

Well said! The details you provided spell out the story behind the story. I am a member who transferred from my home state post. I did it because of how this post is managed and the involvement of the members. The number of people that volunteer is unlike any other club I have been a member of. This includes the greeters at the door. They are just telling you what the rules are. Hopefully you will speak with the Commander and resolve your issue as previously suggested here.

[bluzzman21]

I too was denied access to have a drink after going there to meeting last week. I am not a member because I feel if you have a military retired ID, and not the DD214, that should be good enough for membership. I spent almost twenty five years in the service, and not reserves or National Guard, but regular Active Duty. I called the state, and national departments and said I should join and bring this up, but my stance on this is what I worked for in the service, not just guys who spent a couple of years in and treat a retiree this way. Also I found out even if your not military but you dad was you can join and get all the benifits, and a retiree gets none, because he has a military ID. And on the other note, yes the bar manager, was very rude and loud, and very disrespectful, so on that note, why would I want to join that post.