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Section 1. The Post existing under these Bylaws shall be known as Reese-Hyman Post 96 of the American Legion, Inc. Originally chartered by The American Legion on 25 June 1923 under the name The Reese-Hyman Post of The American Legion and incorporated in the County of Warren, State of Georgia, on 15 February 1924.
Section 2. The objects of this Post are set forth in the Post Constitution.
Section 1. The government and management of the Post is entrusted to a committee of no more than twelve (12) members, to be known as the "Executive Committee."
Section 2. The Executive Committee shall consist of at least one (1) but no more than two (2) regular members in addition to the elected Post officers. The officers shall be elected in accordance with the procedures stated in the Post Constitution. The Executive Committee chair shall be the Post Commander, or such other officer as the Commander shall appoint subject to majority approval of the Committee. Elections of officers and Executive Committee members shall be by majority vote of members at the meeting. If necessary, runoff elections shall be held at the same meeting between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for said position.
Section 3. All vacancies existing in the Executive Committee, or in any office of the Post from any cause other than expiration of the term, shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the committee, and a person so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired term of the member or officer who was succeeded. A vacancy shall exist when a member or officer is absent from the Post for a continuous period considered detrimental to the interest of the Post by the Executive Committee.
Section 1. The Post Executive Committee shall meet for organizational and such other business as may come before it at the call of the Post Commander. Newly elected officers of the Post shall be installed at or before the first Executive Committee meeting, following the Department Convention. Thereafter, the Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the Commander approximately one week before regular meetings and/or as often as said Commander may deem necessary. The Commander shall call a meeting of the Executive Committee upon the joint request of three or more members of said Executive Committee; sixty percent of the elected Executive Committee members shall constitute a quorum thereof.
Section 2. Any Post member in good standing may attend any Executive Committee meeting in a non-voting capacity but shall be limited to speaking only when recognized by the chair.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall hire such employees as may be necessary; shall authorize and approve all non-routine expenditures; shall fund adequate bonds for all persons having custody of Post funds; shall cause to have a reserve fund maintained of at least one year's expenditures; and generally, shall have charge of and be responsible for the management of the affairs of this Post.
Section 1. Post Commander duties. It shall be the duty of the Commander to preside at meetings of the Post and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Post, and as such shall be the chief executive officer of the Post. The Commander shall represent the Post at Eleventh District meetings. The Commander is entrusted with teaching and protecting the cardinal principles of the American Legion throughout the entire Post. The Commander shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds, shall make an annual "State of the Post"report, covering the activities of the Post for the past year, and recommendations for the coming year, which shall be read at the regular meeting prior to the election meeting. A copy of the State of the Post report will be forwarded to the department Adjutant after reading. The Commander shall perform such other duties as directed by the Post.
Section 2. Senior Vice-Commander duties. The Senior Vice-Commander shall function under the jurisdiction of the Commander in carrying out the policies of the Post. In the event the Commander is not available to preside over any function or meeting, the Senior Vice-Commander must assume the jurisdiction and duties of the Commander in the absence or disability of, or when called upon by the Commander. The Senior Vice-Commander will seek active cooperation and coordination with the Commander, take special interest in membership expansion and the teaching of "Democracy."
Section 3. Junior Vice-Commander duties. The Junior Vice-Commander shall assist the Commander in all duties, with particular interest in patriotic observances and Post social activities. Simultaneously, ensuring justice and tolerance, internally and externally, in all matters having to do with the Post.
Section 4. Post Adjutant duties. The Adjutant shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings, keep such records as the department and National Organizations may require, render reports of membership regularly, ensure recognition of deeds and tasks, attend district meetings, and under direction of the Commander handle all correspondence of the Post. The Adjutant shall assist the Commander in the wise and effective administration of the Post, ensure coordination between officers and committees, and pay particular attention to the upkeep of the American Legion Register.
Section 5. Post Finance Officer duties. The Finance Officer of the Post shall have charge of all finances. Provide the Executive Committee with a financial plan, an annual budget, and cause it to be updated quarterly if necessary. Ensure that at least one year's reserves are kept in interest bearing accounts above and beyond working capital needs for the coming twelve months. The Finance Officer shall sign all accounts, withdrawal and disbursement transactions and ensure these transactions are reviewed by the commander or adjutant, as necessary. Report monthly to the Executive Committee the condition of the finances of the Post, with such recommendations as may be deemed expedient or necessary for raising funds with which to carry out the Post activities. Report to each regular meeting of the Post a summary of all Post accounts. The Finance Officer, with assistance of the Post Judge Advocate, shall ensure an audit of all accounts occurs as required by national and Georgia department guidelines, proper Internal Revenue Services reporting occurs and ensure surety bonds in adequate amounts are maintained by the Post.
Section 6. Post Historian duties. The Historian shall be charged with the individual records and incidents of the Post and Post members, an annual report to coincide with the requirements of the department and consider a year's history and/or yearbook annually. Working with the Adjutant, the preservation and compilation of this Post's past, is the rock on which Reese-Hyman Post 96 of The American Legion stands.
Section 7. Post Chaplain duties. The Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual leadership and welfare of the Post comrades and will offer divine, but nonsectarian, service at every meeting and in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National and department headquarters from time to time.
Section 8. Post Service Officer duties. The Service Officer shall be charged with the fundamental and unselfish work of serving War Veterans and their families in need. The Service Officer advises and assists veterans in the preparation of basic VA forms and in the developing necessary supporting documentation or evidence. When fully completed, the forms and related evidence should be forwarded to the Department Service Officer, who is an accredited representative of The American Legion, for review and submission to the VA. In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Service Officer, it is essential that no actions be taken which would delay or jeopardize the timely submission of the claim and that every effort is made to ensure that the individual's rights and benefits are protected. However, it should also be explained to the individual taking advantage of these services that the final and correct completion of all forms, documents, and needed evidence, is the responsibility of the requesting person. Furthermore, that the American Legion representatives at the Post and higher levels are there to assist and advise, but are not certified experts, but rather willing volunteers. The Service Officer will also become familiar with the nationwide network of American Legion services available to America's Veterans; maintain contacts with the American Legion's staff of appeals representatives in Washington, D.C., and at VA Insurance Centers; also, petitioners to the Department of Defense Board of Review on discharges; and the Armed Forces and Decorations Board. The Service Officer shall remain abreast of pending legislation and brief the Post members on its significance. Though the Service Officer can accomplish these charges with manuals and bulletins, it is recommended that the Executive Committee ensures that the Service Officer attends at least departmental level training sessions.
Section 9. Post Judge Advocate duties. The Judge Advocate shall be charged with supplying professional and legal advice in the conduct of Post business, interpreter of parliamentary procedure, and act as guardian of constitutional form of the Post government. Furthermore, the Judge Advocate shall audit Post financial accounts just before elections, anytime the office of Finance Officer is turned over, and at the request of the Finance Officer and/or the Executive Committee.
Section 10. Sergeant-At-Arms duties. The Sergeant-At-Arms shall be charged with ensuring proper protocol, at meetings, events, and ceremonies, particularly the flag and flag etiquette, colors and procedures are proper to the event. This protocol is also extended to all new members and guests to ensure that they are properly introduced and that no one is ever a stranger at an American Legion event.
Delegates and alternates to a department or national convention shall be volunteers and elected at a regular meeting of the Post at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of such conventions.
Section 1. The Commander, immediately upon taking office, and as an indication of his or her priorities and goals, shall activate, deactivate, or continue such standing committees as he or she sees fit. The standard American Legion committees include Americanism, Ceremonial, Children and Youth, Economic, Legislative, Membership, Public Relations, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Sons of The American Legion, and Visiting or Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS). The Commander's selection of activation or continuance of any or all these committees requires the designation of members and a chair for each. The activation of any additional committees will further require tasking of said committees, as well.
Section 2. Americanism Committee. This committee shall be charged with the inspiration of patriotism and good citizenship by arrangements for proper observance of patriotic occasions; encouragement of patriotic and civic phases of instruction in schools; Americanization of aliens; combating anti-American propaganda by education of the general public in American ideals through public forums, etc., and activities for community and civic betterment.
Section 3. Ceremonial Committee. The principal duty of this committee is to ensure all new members are properly initiated. The committee also concerns itself with proper presentation of other rituals outlined int the Manual of Ceremonies and the wearing of Legion regalia. The Sergeant-at-Arms will normally chair this committee.
Section 4. Children and Youth Committee. Shall be charged with aid and service to children of veterans, cooperating with other established agencies in the community, laboring for the betterment of child conditions and in coordinating services and agencies in the community for the above purposes. To act as intermediary for the needy child of a veteran in obtaining the fulfillment of the Legion's pledge that "no child of a war veteran shall be in need of the necessities of life."
Section 5. Economic Committee. The committee is primarily concerned with local employment programs, veterans preference, government employment, and re-employment rights.
Section 6. Finance Committee. This committee shall be charged with the administration of the financial policy, preparation of budget recommendations and supervision of receiving, disbursing, and accounting of all Post funds. The Finance Officer will normally chair this committee.
Section 7. Foreign Relations. This committee shall review and advise on Post interactions with community, industry, and corporations to ensure they demonstrate America's commitment to world peace and friendship towards our allies. The combination of America's place in the world and global interconnectivity has made even local community endeavors susceptible to misinterpretation and/or negativism.
Section 8. Graves Registration and Memorial Committee. The duties of this committee involve recording of gravesites and complete information on veterans' burial in cemeteries assigned to the Post. Special assistance can be given to the Service Officer in providing flags, headstones, or proper interment in national cemeteries. Furthermore, this committee will plan and organize Memorial Day flag distribution activities.
Section 9. House and Entertainment Committee. This committee promotes all advantages and arrangements for social activities. Interacts with other civic-minded groups to promote optimal use of Post facilities. Ensures all events on Post property are in line with the principles and policies of the American Legion. That any use and distribution of alcoholic beverages on Post property is on non-profit, non-recurring basis.
Section 10. Legislative Committee. This committee needs to have knowledge of upcoming legislation at the local, state, and national levels and make recommendations as to what the Post should favor or oppose and should be ready to initiate action in support of our position when requested by the national or department organization.
Section 11. Membership Committee. This committee shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Post, including the procuring of new members, reinstatements, and eligibility of members. The Senior Vice-Commander will normally chair this committee.
Section 12. Public Relations Committee. This committee shall be charged with the promotion of public support of Legion programs by the establishment of proper contact with The American Legion Magazine, Department and National Legion news services, and by local publicity of Post programs and activities.
Section 13. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee. This committee shall supervise all matters pertaining to service to comrades in the prosecution of all just claims against the United States or state government, employment, relief, etc. The Service Officer will normally chair this committee.
Section 14. Security Committee. This committee shall work with and coordinate Legion efforts with the local Civil Defense Council on matters pertaining to national, civilian, and home defenses. It shall assist the armed forces of the United States in recruiting efforts and in every way be active in community activities for defense of the nation and the security of the American homeland.
Section 15. Sons of The American Legion Committee. This committee shall have supervision over the operations of the Post's squadron of The Sons of The American Legion.
Section 16. Visiting or VAVS Committee. This committee is charged with visiting and comforting members and their families when sick or bereaved, and with visiting ex-service personnel in hospitals.
Section 17. All members of all committees appointed by the Commander will be subject to removal at the pleasure of the Commander. However, the Post membership, by a majority vote at the next regular meeting, will have the right to override this action of the Commander.
All resolutions of state or national scope presented to the Post by a member or reported to this Post by a committee shall merely embody the opinion of this Post on the subject. A copy of the same shall be forwarded to department headquarters for its approval before any publicity is given or action taken other than mere passage by the Post is taken. Supplemental actions on the resolution shall remain within the bonds of the American Legion until the resolution can be brought before the appropriate convention.
Section 1. The regular meeting of the members of this Post shall be held on the third Thursday of the month, except in December when no regular meeting is scheduled but social gatherings are encouraged. Changes to this general plan may be made by majority vote of the members at a regular meeting of the Post.
Section 2. The Commander or a majority of the Executive Committee may call a special meeting of the Post, if deemed necessary.
Section 3. Upon written request of five (5) members in good standing, the Commander will call a special meeting of the Post.
Section 4. Four (4) members or five percent (5%) of the total Post membership in good standing, whichever number is greater, and including at least two (2) members of the Executive Committee, will constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of the Post.
Section 5. All members will be sent written or email notice at least ten (10) days in advance of a special called meeting.
Section 6. Minutes and a record of attendance shall be kept of all meetings. A copy of such minutes and attendance records will be retained by the Adjutant and kept on file. The previous minutes of a regular or special meeting will be read, corrected, and approved by the members in attendance at the next regular meeting.
Section 1. Every member shall furnish the Adjutant with a mailing address and an email address when possible.
Section 2. The Adjutant will cause notice of the annual election to be given at least ten (10) days prior thereto.
At any meeting of members held under the provisions of the Bylaws, all questions of parliamentary laws and rules of order not specifically provided for in the Bylaws will be decided according to the principles laid down in the most recent available published edition of "Robert's Rules of Order" as published by the trustee for the Robert's Rule Association.
The Post will incur, or cause to be incurred, no liability or obligation whatever which will subject to liability any other Post, subdivision, group of men, members of the American Legion, or other individuals, corporations, or organizations.
The Bylaws may be amended at any regular Post meeting by two-third (2/3) of the members of said Post attending that regular meeting, providing that the proposed amendment will have been submitted in writing and read at the preceding regular meeting of said Post. Providing, further, that written notice will have been mailed or emailed to all members at least ten (10) days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting a proposal to amend the Bylaws is to be voted upon.
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