40 and 8
I offer a little 40 & 8 history along with some personal impressions from my time in the organization.
La Societé des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux ( The Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses) or more commonly referred to as the 40 & 8 was established in 1920 as an organization within the American Legion. The French Box Car used to transport troops to the front in WWI was chosen as its’ symbol and the offices/titles and terminology are based on the organization of the French railroad. The Box Car was marked with the 40/8 emblem indicating a capacity for 40 men or 8 horses. In 1959, the 40 & 8 became a separate organization.
The Chef de Gare compares to the Post Commander, Chef de Train to the First Vice Commander, Correspondant to the Post Adjutant, Commissaire Intendant to the Finance Officer and so on for an equivalent structure, but using French titles. The Cheminot is our Executive Board.
The programs are similar to those of the American Legion; however the 40 & 8 added Nurses Training for which we provide scholarship money when we can. Locale 240 has presented many at NDSU over the years. Another area currently unique to the 40 & 8 is support for research of Hanson’s disease or Leprosy. The 40 & 8 Flags for 1st Graders program visited over 30 area schools giving a program on flag etiquette, flag care and presenting flags to students, distributing over 1900 flags. The 40 & 8 also conducts BINGO at the Fargo VA hospital; visiting with the patients, providing them with coffee, cookies and juice and giving away $50 in prize money each night. The 40 & 8 has been described as the fun organization as opposed to the American Legion’s serious nature. Rather than fun, enjoyable is probably more appropriate. The tasks and obligations are taken very seriously, but accomplished in an enjoyable, fun-loving way. The 40 & 8 has a place for the clowns and jokesters.
Membership is by nomination by a current member and a vote by the local unit or Voiture Locale. A Grand Voiture or Grand officers are at the state level. The local level is more like county-wide. Our Locale 240 is primarily Cass County but does extend beyond to cover an area more like the North Dakota Legion’s First District. The membership used to be drawn exclusively from the American Legion membership, but has now been opened up to other veterans.
Robert Jacobson, Voiture Locale 240 Chef de Gare
News
Post Meetings
Quilt of Valor
Report: GI Bill Pilot Program Protects Against Risky Schools
A six-state pilot program to evaluate risk among schools that accept GI Bill education beneficiaries has “demonstrated that the bipartisan action taken to protect students and taxpayers can and does work,” according to a new report from EducationCounsel, LLC, the National Association of State Approving Agencies and The American Legion.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Thanks!
Thanks to District 1 Commander Dennis Kubischta for visiting with us at our December Post Meeting on December 7th!
Guest Speakers and Special Guests at the November Post Meeting
Thanks to Department Commander Steve Anderson for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us at our November Post Meeting!
How to Help Afghan Allies
The American Legion is in search of veterans looking to help resettled Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and refugees. Many of these Afghans assisted American forces in Afghanistan as interpreters during the Global War on Terrorism.
For more information, please CLICK HERE.
100 Miles for Hope
CLICK HERE to read a message from National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford regarding the 100 Miles for Hope.
More Ways to Help Disabled Veterans, Families in Need
The American Legion has expanded the ways in which participants in the second annual 100 Miles for Hope can support disabled veterans and military families in need. CLICK HERE to learn more!
American Legion Posts 'Saving Lives' Through Vaccine Efforts
American Legion Herman Kent Post 777 in Jamestown, NY already had a strong relationship with the VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS) prior to the coronavirus pandemic. But both entities recently expanded that relationship in an effort to get as many COVID-19 vaccines out to area veterans.
CLICK HERE to read more!
Thank You!
Thank you to District 1 Commander Ben Bush of Harwood for stopping by our Post Meeting in March! We appreciate your time and are glad to have you as our leader of our area district!
100 Miles for Hope
Be a part of the 2021 100 Miles for Hope to raise funds and awareness for the American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can participate!
What to know about the virtual Washington Conference
This year’s American Legion Washington Conference will be virtual, due to safety concerns regarding the ongoing pandemic. However, the conference, which is from March 1 to 4, has a packed agenda and technology allows Legionnaires to participate from wherever they may be.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the conference.
From the National Commander
CLICK HERE to read the latest from our National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford.
What Veterans Need to Know About Getting the Vaccine from the VA
As an influx of veterans are seeking the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, many want clarity on when and where they will be able to get their vaccines. CLICK HERE to read more.
‘We Must End This Uncivil War,’ President Biden Says
Just before noon on January 20th, Joe Biden took the oath of office of as the 46th President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States. CLICK HERE to read more.
American Legion Condemns Violence in U.S. Capitol
American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford unequivocally condemned the attacks on the U.S. Capitol. CLICK HERE to read more.
COVID-19 Vaccines
The VA is working hard to get COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans as quickly and safely as possible. CLICK HERE to sign up and help them understand your interest in getting a vaccine when one is available to you. They’ll send you updates on how they’re providing vaccines across the country - and when you can get your vaccine if you want one.
Suicide Prevention for Veterans and Military Service Members Information
Veteran e-Notifications!
Want to be notified of the latest veterans news and events in Cass County? Then sign up for eNotifications! CLICK HERE and enter your contact information to receive these handy notifications!
VALOR at NDSU
VALOR (Veteran Alliance Organization) was created to improve the campus climate for military and veteran students at North Dakota State University. The concept is to create a network of ADVOCATES made up of staff, faculty, and administrators at NDSU who are identified to our veteran students as people that they can go to for guidance and direction.
VALOR materials and training opportunities provide:
- An understanding of military culture.
- An understanding of potential issues student veterans face.
- An awareness of the resources available to student veterans on and off our campus.
VALOR is sponsored by American Legion Post 400 and an Advisory Board that provides guidance and oversight.
Questions on the program can be directed to Adjutant Christopher Hanson or Past Commander Brad Aune, both who are Advisory Board members of VALOR.
Why Join the Legion?
Looking for good reasons to join or convince someone to join the American Legion? Wondering if it would be worth it to start up again after letting your membership lapse? CLICK HERE to read more about why you should join us in our mission and cause!
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