The American Legion Post 303
Serving El Cajon, Lakeside and Santee California
The El Cajon American Legion Post 303 was originated to support the returning veterans from WWI. Post 303, serves the East County Communities including; El Cajon, Lakeside and Santee. Post 303 was chartered in 1927 and has been in continuous operation to this day. The Legion and Post 303 has progressed from veterans’ affairs to also promoting Americanism and Children and Youth Programs that emphasize and support the American way of life. The post has met in various locations including many years at the Bostonia Recreation Center and for the last few years at the Cajon Valley School District in their Boardroom. We currently do not have a facility with a bar or restaurant to maintain. Our large membership greatly enjoys the no smoking or drinking facilities where we now meet.
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran’s organization, which is devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide. There are nearly 500 Legionnaires in El Cajon Post 303.
In addition to participating in numerous American Legion Programs, the post sponsors young men from 7 East County High Schools to participate in the Boys’ State Program, conducts a National High School Oratorical Contest and donates bicycles to El Cajon Elementary Schools at their Peace Builder Assemblies. Two of our Speech Contest participants have gone on to win the California Department Level contest. Additionally, Post Members participate in the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies at several of the local elementary schools. Post 303 is a member of the El Cajon Main Street Flag Program which puts up 165 US Flags on all the National Holidays. Also the Post annually participates in the long running Mother Goose Parade. The Post is an active supporter of the area ROTC programs and goes to their commissioning events as well presenting a saber to an outstanding NROTC Midshipman. The Post also presents an American Legion Certificate to the Honor Graduate at the graduation of the Foundry which is a leadership program for Navy Petty Officers.
Post 303 is a family oriented organization which normally has 55 people attend our Monthly General Meeting which includes a free pot luck supper. Unlike other Posts we always have a guest speaker at out monthly meetings. Past speakers have included Congressman Duncan Hunter, Pearl Harbor Survivor Stu Hedley, Carlos Montoya a Bataan Death March survivor and General Bob Cardenas who was involved in the effort to break the sound barrier as well as Eddie Murphy, the XO of the USS Pueblo. Because of our guest speaker program out Post has greatly increased membership has become known throughout District 22 as having one of the largest attendance at out monthly meetings.
All Post members who are World War II veterans receive a Special Certificate from the Post.
Every Thursday morning the Post has at least 25 people attend a breakfast located at Bonny’s Cafe in El Cajon. Every Saturday we have another breakfast at a local East County restaurant with 20-25 people in attendance. We always start out our breakfast with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Many of the patrons at the local restaurants have come up and thanked our members for their service.
Over the past five years, our membership has grown from less than two hundred to nearly 500. Members from all services and ranks participate in our events like the annual Mother Goose Parade and Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies held at the El Cajon Veteran Memorial which was installed near the El Cajon City Hall with the post providing support and selection of the granite pillar displaying the insignia of all 5 services. Post member Eddie Murphy was instrumental in insuring that the POW Flag was correctly displayed.
Our Post has many famous members which include: Rob Tade a former Department of California Legionnaire of the Year, Joe Brunner a past San Diego County Veteran of the Year and founder of the San Diego Veterans Day, Parade Stu Hedley a Pearl Harbor survivor. Also, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Retired Navy Chief Ray Moody, the El Cajon Veteran of the Year are Post 303 members.
Post 303 is an integral member of the El Cajon veteran’s community and will continue to serve the youth and veterans of our area.
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran’s organization, which is devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide. There are nearly 500 Legionnaires in El Cajon Post 303.
In addition to participating in numerous American Legion Programs, the post sponsors young men from 7 East County High Schools to participate in the Boys’ State Program, conducts a National High School Oratorical Contest and donates bicycles to El Cajon Elementary Schools at their Peace Builder Assemblies. Two of our Speech Contest participants have gone on to win the California Department Level contest. Additionally, Post Members participate in the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies at several of the local elementary schools. Post 303 is a member of the El Cajon Main Street Flag Program which puts up 165 US Flags on all the National Holidays. Also the Post annually participates in the long running Mother Goose Parade. The Post is an active supporter of the area ROTC programs and goes to their commissioning events as well presenting a saber to an outstanding NROTC Midshipman. The Post also presents an American Legion Certificate to the Honor Graduate at the graduation of the Foundry which is a leadership program for Navy Petty Officers.
Post 303 is a family oriented organization which normally has 55 people attend our Monthly General Meeting which includes a free pot luck supper. Unlike other Posts we always have a guest speaker at out monthly meetings. Past speakers have included Congressman Duncan Hunter, Pearl Harbor Survivor Stu Hedley, Carlos Montoya a Bataan Death March survivor and General Bob Cardenas who was involved in the effort to break the sound barrier as well as Eddie Murphy, the XO of the USS Pueblo. Because of our guest speaker program out Post has greatly increased membership has become known throughout District 22 as having one of the largest attendance at out monthly meetings.
All Post members who are World War II veterans receive a Special Certificate from the Post.
Every Thursday morning the Post has at least 25 people attend a breakfast located at Bonny’s Cafe in El Cajon. Every Saturday we have another breakfast at a local East County restaurant with 20-25 people in attendance. We always start out our breakfast with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Many of the patrons at the local restaurants have come up and thanked our members for their service.
Over the past five years, our membership has grown from less than two hundred to nearly 500. Members from all services and ranks participate in our events like the annual Mother Goose Parade and Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies held at the El Cajon Veteran Memorial which was installed near the El Cajon City Hall with the post providing support and selection of the granite pillar displaying the insignia of all 5 services. Post member Eddie Murphy was instrumental in insuring that the POW Flag was correctly displayed.
Our Post has many famous members which include: Rob Tade a former Department of California Legionnaire of the Year, Joe Brunner a past San Diego County Veteran of the Year and founder of the San Diego Veterans Day, Parade Stu Hedley a Pearl Harbor survivor. Also, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Retired Navy Chief Ray Moody, the El Cajon Veteran of the Year are Post 303 members.
Post 303 is an integral member of the El Cajon veteran’s community and will continue to serve the youth and veterans of our area.
Post 303 Officers
Mark Goodman
Post Commander |
Rob Tade
Adjutant -Jr. Past Commander |
Mike Wilson
1st Vice Commander |
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Harold Hunter
2nd Vice Commander |
Eddie Murphy
3rd Vice Commander |
Jon Fleming
Chaplain |
Ken Bevil
Sgt At Arms |
Fred Green
Service Officer |
Anne Turschmann
Treasurer |
Wesley Schermann
Judge Advocate |
Thomas Turschmann
Historian |
Officers Duties
Section 1. Duties of Commander - Shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Post and shall ensure the bylaws and Standing Rules are implemented and followed; security and fund controls exist; finances and business activities are on sound footing; facility meets current and future needs of veterans; officers and committees function per their assignments and they properly represent the needs of veterans and the community; coordinate with the Veterans organization Commanders and their membership who may be resident in the facility and ensure they are consulted; preside at meetings; and shall perform such other duties as directed by the membership. This position shall be bonded under a blanket bond to be procured from the Department Headquarters and paid for by the Post.
Section 2. Duties of the First Vice-Commander – Shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Commander in the absence of, disability of, or when called upon by the Post Commander, shall be concerned with matters concerning the Post’s membership, and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 3. Duties of the Second Vice-Commander - Shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the First Vice-Commander in the absence or disability of such officer, is charged with the business aspects of the Post, and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 4. Duties of the Third Vice-Commander - Shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Second Vice-Commander in the absence or disability of such officer, shall be involved with fund-raising, and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 5. Duties of Adjutant - Shall have charge of the Post’s administrative files; complete and file appropriate forms as required by Federal, State, and City entities; keep a full and correct record of the proceedings of meetings; process and account for membership; function as the yearly Nominating Committee (and appointing others as required), to help ensure identification of candidates for the various officer positions whether they be elected or appointed; administer election requirements; manage correspondence needs of the Post; and perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 6. Duties of Finance Officer - Shall be charged with the custody of Post funds and maintain funds in the Post only; prepare and follow the annual budget, advising when adjustments are needed; keep its accounts current and report thereon at regular meetings of the Post; advise and consult with the Commander and Executive Board; receive and receipt the funds of the Post; pay approved bills; shall prepare, or have them prepared, sales tax forms and the annual Federal and State Income Taxes; function as a representative to any and all Post Committees; and perform such other duties as may be required. This position shall be bonded under a blanket bond to be procured from the Department Headquarters and paid for by the Post. The Finance Officer may be a compensated position. A Finance Committee shall not exist.
Section 7. Duties of Chaplain - Shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of all Post comrades; offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, meetings, etc.. The Chaplain will adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department Headquarters from time to time.
Section 8. Duties of Judge Advocate - Shall be to advise at various meetings and Robert’s Rules of Order, advise on the construction and interpretation of the Posts’ Bylaws and Standing Rules, perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office, and shall perform such other duties as may be required. Ideally, the incumbent of this officer position is a Past Post Commander.
Section 9. Duties of Historian - Shall be charged with the individual records and incidents of the Post and Post members; assist with maintaining the Post’s website; and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 10. Duties of Service Officer - Shall be generally that of assisting members with the VA claims process and protecting the rights and privileges of all veterans, their dependents and survivors; attend and report the monthly United Veterans Council meeting; and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 11. Duties of Sergeant-at-Arms - Shall be to preserve order at all meetings; help conduct opening, closing, and other special ceremonies; and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 2. Duties of the First Vice-Commander – Shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Commander in the absence of, disability of, or when called upon by the Post Commander, shall be concerned with matters concerning the Post’s membership, and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 3. Duties of the Second Vice-Commander - Shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the First Vice-Commander in the absence or disability of such officer, is charged with the business aspects of the Post, and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 4. Duties of the Third Vice-Commander - Shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Second Vice-Commander in the absence or disability of such officer, shall be involved with fund-raising, and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 5. Duties of Adjutant - Shall have charge of the Post’s administrative files; complete and file appropriate forms as required by Federal, State, and City entities; keep a full and correct record of the proceedings of meetings; process and account for membership; function as the yearly Nominating Committee (and appointing others as required), to help ensure identification of candidates for the various officer positions whether they be elected or appointed; administer election requirements; manage correspondence needs of the Post; and perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 6. Duties of Finance Officer - Shall be charged with the custody of Post funds and maintain funds in the Post only; prepare and follow the annual budget, advising when adjustments are needed; keep its accounts current and report thereon at regular meetings of the Post; advise and consult with the Commander and Executive Board; receive and receipt the funds of the Post; pay approved bills; shall prepare, or have them prepared, sales tax forms and the annual Federal and State Income Taxes; function as a representative to any and all Post Committees; and perform such other duties as may be required. This position shall be bonded under a blanket bond to be procured from the Department Headquarters and paid for by the Post. The Finance Officer may be a compensated position. A Finance Committee shall not exist.
Section 7. Duties of Chaplain - Shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of all Post comrades; offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, meetings, etc.. The Chaplain will adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department Headquarters from time to time.
Section 8. Duties of Judge Advocate - Shall be to advise at various meetings and Robert’s Rules of Order, advise on the construction and interpretation of the Posts’ Bylaws and Standing Rules, perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office, and shall perform such other duties as may be required. Ideally, the incumbent of this officer position is a Past Post Commander.
Section 9. Duties of Historian - Shall be charged with the individual records and incidents of the Post and Post members; assist with maintaining the Post’s website; and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 10. Duties of Service Officer - Shall be generally that of assisting members with the VA claims process and protecting the rights and privileges of all veterans, their dependents and survivors; attend and report the monthly United Veterans Council meeting; and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
Section 11. Duties of Sergeant-at-Arms - Shall be to preserve order at all meetings; help conduct opening, closing, and other special ceremonies; and shall perform such other duties as may be required.
