[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E551]]


            SOMETHING IS RIGHT WITH AMERICA--IN COLUMBIA, TN

                                 ______


                             HON. ED BRYANT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 1996

  Mr. BRYANT of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, we hear on every side today, 
loud and clear, about what is wrong with America. All too often the 
good that is being done never makes the news. May I tell you about the 
work being done by American Legion Post 19, Auxiliary Unit 19, the 40 & 
8 and La Femmes in Columbia, TN?
  Post 19, organized in the county on August 15, 1919, with 61 charter 
members, rose to a high of 1,270 members, and now stands at a 
membership of 933. From the very earliest days, this organization has 
been a driving force for good in the community. Men who served their 
country nobly in time of war returned home to assume leadership roles 
in the community.
  Auxiliary Unit 19 was organized a year later, and membership stands 
now at 249. The oldest member is an active 94-year-old gold star 
mother, who lost a son in World War II, to a junior member, 2 years of 
age.
  The 40 & 8 and La Femmes are also active. Let me begin with them. 
Five nursing scholarships, of $500.00 each, are given annually by this 
group. And during the past 2 years, a female veteran has been supported 
in nursing school in the amount of $3,000.00. The 40 & 8 engine is a 
familiar sight at all parades and fund raisers in this and adjoining 
counties. Many young children know how this organization got its name, 
if they know little else about American history. The veterans recycle 
aluminum cans to supplement their scholarship fund, which also helps 
the ecology by keeping the cans out of the landfill.
  The American Legion may be best known in the community for their 
sponsorship of American Legion baseball. They support many teams 
annually, and this past year the Columbia team went all the way to the 
national finals. Boys in the program learn about sportsmanship, which 
helps them get along with people as they go forward with their lives.
  Boy's State is also an important contribution to the Legion. Thirteen 
boys are sent by the Post to Boy's State where they learn about how our 
Government works. Many have gone on to become leaders in government as 
well as industry.
  The Legion sponsors an oratorical contest annually, which is 
wonderful training for youngsters. And Post 19 hosted the State 
contest, after which members of Auxiliary Unit 19 provided a 
complementary lunch for those attending, many who had come from a great 
distance.
  Scouting is also sponsored by Post 19, and many young men have gone 
on to become Eagle Scouts under the leadership of members of the post.
  The post cares for veterans who are ill, or have fallen on hard 
times, and when veterans, whether or not members of the post, pass from 
this Earth and their families request it, provide military honors at 
their burial. There have been as many as four such funerals on a day, 
and the annual number is between 80 and 100, sad to say, the number is 
increasing as World War II veterans grow older.
  Many, if not all, worthwhile charities find a sympathetic ear and a 
generous purse at Post 19. Their spacious meeting hall is used by many 
organizations. The Red Cross Bloodmobile is at the site monthly, and a 
recent fundraiser for the American Cancer Society was held there.
  Post 19 is greatly enhanced by Auxiliary Unit 19. Many local, State, 
and national causes receive their wholehearted support. Americanism is 
promoted, especially in the schools. Essay contests are held and 
hundreds of classroom flags given each year. On Memorial Day, more than 
1,000 flags are placed on graves of veterans.
  Realizing the importance of education, Unit 19 gives an annual 
scholarship in the amount of $500. Many of the recipients would not 
have been able to further their education without this assistance, as 
would those who received the nursing scholarships. Members of the unit 
visit the elementary schools and read to the children. A gun safety 
program is being taught to elementary school students. Drugs are 
purchased for children whose parents have no insurance. Essay contests 
help children learn about their country. Many would otherwise get 
little instruction in American history. An outstanding Teacher of the 
Year is recognized by the unit, and a substantial sum is given each 
year to the Educational Foundation, which uses their funds to provide 
materials for the classroom not provided by the school system. Fourteen 
girls are sponsored to Girl's State.

  As does the Legion, the auxiliary never turns a deaf ear on those 
seeking their support. Recently, it was learned that a local child who 
is suffering from cancer would attend Camp Horizon, if funding was 
found, and the unit voted unanimously to fund a scholarship in the 
amount of $386.00. This is only one example of their generosity.
  Child and spousal abuse is a concern of all Americans, and unit 19 
has generously supported a local home for battered women.
  Monthly visits are made to VA hospitals, and approximately $2,500 
spent on gifts, food, etc., annually. Monthly parties are also held at 
local nursing homes as well. At least $1,000.00 is spent locally on 
charities each year.
  Realizing that the fear of crime is a leading concern of all 
citizens, unit 19 is focusing on crime prevention this year. Citizens 
are encouraged to form Neighborhood Watch organizations. Crime 
Prevention Call-In was featured on a local cable television station, 
under the leadership of the unit.
  These are but a few of the good things being done by a group of 
veterans and their wives, sisters, and daughters. Will you not agree 
with me that something is right with America in Columbia, TN?

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