Wheaton Squadron 268
Detachment of Maryland

Welcome to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 268!  The S.A.L. is an exciting organization of the American Legion that utilizes members' talents and interests.  The S.A.L. has meetings at the Post every first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM.

There we plan fund-raising events that give back proceeds raised to the Post, community and veterans.  From old-fashioned crab feasts and Saturday brunches to an annual Preakness party, the S.A.L. is a visible and integral part of the Post.  For a little bit of your time, you may even have fun!  For God and country we associate ourselves together and look forward to your participation.

The Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) is a program of the American Legion established in 1932 in Portland, Oregon.  Since then, the S.A.L. have assisted the American Legion with their programs and activities.  The American Legion, the Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary form the "Legion Family."

Membership in the SAL is open to all male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion.  Also accepted are descendants of veterans who died in service during the  eligibility periods set forth in Article IV, Section 1, of the National Constitution of the American Legion or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service.

The Sons of the American Legion have study programs recommended for younger members, but not limited to just them.  One program is called The Ten Ideals and covers patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence and comradeship.  Once completed, members may continue with another program, called the Five-Point Program of Service.  This program covers patriotism, discipline, leadership and legionism.

The Sons of the American Legion have worked together with The American Legion to promote a wide variety of programs, including assisting the local posts in all activities, Veterans programs (VAVS), VA home and hospital volunteering, Children & Youth activities and fund raising.  Since 1988, the Sons of The American Legion have raised close to a million dollars for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, including $167,000 in 1998.  The members of the S.A.L. have donated over 153,000 volunteer hours for 1998 in the Veterans Hospitals throughout the country and raised over $649,000 that has gone directly to the VA hospitals and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, medical equipment and clothes for the patients.

Activities

The Squadron fills many needs for Post 268, as noted by the committees listed below.  Our primary function is one of support.  Many functions throughout the year are staffed, assisted, or planned by your SAL.  We stand ready (with cooker in tow!) to help fill the needs of Post 268.  Check back with this site for regular updates.

See Carroll House Report below.

Officers

Tommy Smithhisler, Dennis D’Eramo, Ray Howitz, Steve Wynne and Tom McAleer.  

Executive Committee

It started as a light conversation, just kicking around some ideas.  From two Sons grew this large idea; Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Carrol House Holiday Feast!  The Squadron’s members went to work.  We have some Very Loyal businesses and individuals waiting to be asked for help, support and supplies.  Within days, answers started to filter in.  "Food?   What can we do?"  "Cash?  Here, hope this will help."   The response was such that we were able to do Both Thanksgiving And Christmas!   Who says people don’t care, or want to be bothered?  Not Squadron 268!

A.L. Post 268 donated space in the kitchen, and now it was up to us!  On Wednesday we prepared the feast.  On Thursday, our volunteers set their personal Thanksgiving plans aside and gathered at the Post.  We prepared turkey and stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé, corn, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.  Then, it was off to the Carroll House!  We loaded up the vans and went to the Walter Reed Annex.  Here, among the old summer retreat homes built in the early 1900’s for Washington’s Elite, is a Veteran’s shelter.   We felt our own good fortunes as we loaded up the kitchen with Thanksgiving (and later, Christmas) fare.  I know this reporter felt very blessed as I walked into my warm, cheerful home barely 1 mile away.  I think this year’s good idea will become a 268 tradition!  I know my friends in Squadron 268 are intending to do just that.  I would like to thank a large group of benefactors, we count on you and you come through every time.

Thanksgiving Delivery

Left to Right:

Bottom Row
Bruce Thompson
Patrick Thompson

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