Here is the official announcement regarding the charter suspension of American Legion Post 68. Following that is the resolution.
March 30, 2011
RE: The American Legion Dennis J. Hendrickson Post 0068, Bremerton, WA 98310
On March 30, 2011, in accordance with the Uniform Code of Procedure for the Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of Post Charters (Adopted by the National Executive Committee of The American Legion May 10, 1941, Indianapolis, IN. Amended by that body November 6-7, 1941) and Article XIX, Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of Post Charters of the Department of Washington; The American Legion Department of Washington Executive Committee, in special session in Lacey, WA, voted unanimously to suspend the charter of The American Legion Post 68 in Bremerton, WA.
A resolution was adopted by the Committee directing that Post 68 immediately surrender its charter and that a trustee be appointed to facilitate the revitalization of the Post. A copy of the resolution is attached.
Article III, Section 3 of The American Legion Constitution specifies that upon suspension of the charter of a Post in any Department of The American Legion, said Post shall immediately cease operations and the Department Executive Committee is authorized, empowered and directed by and through its duly authorized agent to take possession, custody and control of all the records, property and assets of said Post; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as requiring any Department to take over or assume and financial responsibility as to such property.
Effective March 30, 2011, the Department Commander directs that Post 68 operations cease and the Post building be secured until further notice. A Trustee will be directed to take possession of all property and to notify all affected parties and agencies, including employees, the Washington State Gambling Commission, the Washington State Liquor Control Board of the Committee’s action. Additionally, as the duly authorized agent for The American Legion Department of Washington Executive Committee, the Trustee is directed to take possession and control of all bank accounts belonging to, affiliated with or owned by Post 68. He/she is further ordered to request that all such accounts be frozen until appropriate action is effected to appoint him/her as the sole authorized user of same.
It is important to note that the Charter of Post 68 has not been cancelled or revoked; rather, it is temporarily suspended to be held at the Department Headquarters with an expectation that it will be restored and returned to the Post upon successful reorganization. Until The American Legion Department of Washington Executive Committee votes to reinstate the Charter to Post 68, the duly appointed Trustee will act as its agent and perform all duties commensurate with his/her position.
This duly appointed individual is acting at the direction of the Department Commander and enjoys the official privilege and protection of that office. I ask all Legionnaires, as well as other affected agencies and parties to cooperate fully with his/her conduct of the trusteeship.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns regarding this action.
Sincerely,
Dale F. Davis
Department Adjutant
The American Legion
Department of Washington
The following is the resolution.
WHEREAS, The National Executive Committee of The American Legion has adopted a Uniform Code of Procedure for Revocation, Cancellation of Suspension of Post Charters; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion Department of Washington Bylaws Article XIX, Section 1, directs compliance with the provisions of the National Constitution and Bylaws and the procedures in the “Uniform Code of Procedure for the Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of Post Charters”; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Washington Executive Committee is charged with deciding whether a post charter will be revoked, cancelled or suspended; and
WHEREAS, On March 30, 2011the Department of Washington Commander presented his recommendation to the Department Executive Committee that the suspension of the Charter of Dennis J. Hendrickson Post 0068 was duly warranted; and
WHEREAS, Clear and convincing evidence showing good and sufficient cause to suspend the charter of Dennis J. Hendrickson Post 0068, Bremerton, WA has been presented before the Department of Washington Executive Committee; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion, Department of Washington Executive Committee, in special session assembled in Lacey, WA, on March 30, 2011, That Dennis J. Hendrickson Post 0068 shall surrender its charter to be held in suspension by the Department of Washington; and be it
FUTHER RESOLVED, That under the provision of Article V, Section 3 of The American Legion National Bylaws, Dennis J. Hendrickson Post 0068 shall surrender all records, property and assets; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Department of Washington to take over or assume any financial responsibility as to such property; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, That a Trustee shall be appointed and directed to conduct a re-vitalization of Post 0068, cause a fair election of new post officers, provide monthly progress reports to the Department Commander and present a detailed status report at the Pre-convention DEC meeting in July 2011.
Forgive the department, for they know not what they are getting into.
From the Post’s web site: “March is the month that we will be celebrating our Charter and Incorporation into The American Legion.”
Heck of a celebration guys, maybe you should consider an event planner in the future……