Department of Maryland
Purchase your American Flags
from The American Legion 
and .10 for every $1 is donated
to the Post. Indicate MD Post
295 when purchasing.

ATTENTION WWII VETERANS

WWII Combat Infantryman Badge recipients were retroactively awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1947. If you have not received yours we can help. More information and criteria is available here.
The American Legion was founded in 1919. Today The American Legion is the nation's largest and most influential veterans service organization. It is made up of nearly 2 million wartime veterans who focus activities on the organization's Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Defense, Americanism, and Children & Youth.

POST COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. For those of you who don’t know
me, my name is Cliff Bergstresser, and I am your latest Post Commander. Bob
Ouellette is currently pursuing a position as Commander of the Western Region
and can not hold both the Post Commander and Regional Commander at the
same time. We feel certain Bob will be the new Regional Commander for the 2022
– 2023 year. I am honored to be your Post Commander for the second time in my
13 years here at the post.
Speaking of the 2022 – 2023 year, it’s time for membership renewal again. We
didn’t meet our goal of 100% this past year but did better than the national
average. Membership is very important to the American Legion as our numbers
give us a voice with the Federal Government. Currently we are pressing Congress
to do something about the Veterans suffering from the effects of Burn Pit smoke
inhalation, cause when the military burns the camps garbage in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
This coming year will be a challenge as we have financial woes. We lost our one
and only fund raiser during COVID (golf tournament) and are trying to determine
a replacement. We are considering an Army / Navy board if the members are
willing to buy squares. All suggestion is welcome to resolve this. Lastly we are
continuing to meet the second Thursday of the month at the Mission BBQ in
Germantown. Mission BBQ has been wonderful and have allowed us to use their
back room. Going forward we may lose this access to the room since they are
opening a catering call center. That said, we need to fine an alternate meeting
place. I will keep you in the loop.
Greetings,

My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. For those of you who don’t know
me, my name is Cliff Bergstresser, and I am your latest Post Commander. Bob
Ouellette is currently pursuing a position as Commander of the Western Region
and can not hold both the Post Commander and Regional Commander at the
same time. We feel certain Bob will be the new Regional Commander for the 2022
– 2023 year. I am honored to be your Post Commander for the second time in my
13 years here at the post.
Speaking of the 2022 – 2023 year, it’s time for membership renewal again. We
didn’t meet our goal of 100% this past year but did better than the national
average. Membership is very important to the American Legion as our numbers
give us a voice with the Federal Government. Currently we are pressing Congress
to do something about the Veterans suffering from the effects of Burn Pit smoke
inhalation, cause when the military burns the camps garbage in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
This coming year will be a challenge as we have financial woes. We lost our one
and only fund raiser during COVID (golf tournament) and are trying to determine
a replacement. We are considering an Army / Navy board if the members are
willing to buy squares. All suggestion is welcome to resolve this. Lastly we are
continuing to meet the second Thursday of the month at the Mission BBQ in
Germantown. Mission BBQ has been wonderful and have allowed us to use their
back room. Going forward we may lose this access to the room since they are
opening a catering call center. That said, we need to fine an alternate meeting
place. I will keep you in the loop.
My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. For those of you who don’t know
me, my name is Cliff Bergstresser, and I am your latest Post Commander. Bob
Ouellette is currently pursuing a position as Commander of the Western Region
and can not hold both the Post Commander and Regional Commander at the
same time. We feel certain Bob will be the new Regional Commander for the 2022
– 2023 year. I am honored to be your Post Commander for the second time in my
13 years here at the post.
Speaking of the 2022 – 2023 year, it’s time for membership renewal again. We
didn’t meet our goal of 100% this past year but did better than the national
average. Membership is very important to the American Legion as our numbers
give us a voice with the Federal Government. Currently we are pressing Congress
to do something about the Veterans suffering from the effects of Burn Pit smoke
inhalation, cause when the military burns the camps garbage in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
This coming year will be a challenge as we have financial woes. We lost our one
and only fund raiser during COVID (golf tournament) and are trying to determine
a replacement. We are considering an Army / Navy board if the members are
willing to buy squares. All suggestion is welcome to resolve this. Lastly we are
continuing to meet the second Thursday of the month at the Mission BBQ in
Germantown. Mission BBQ has been wonderful and have allowed us to use their
back room. Going forward we may lose this access to the room since they are
opening a catering call center. That said, we need to fine an alternate meeting
place. I will keep you in the loop.


My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. It’s hard to believe the summer is
over. We are now in the second month of the American Legion year and looking
forward to participating with the local community here is Gaithersburg. On Labor
Day we were represented in the annual Gaithersburg parade by our Legion Rider
group. Four motorcycles / trikes rode in the parade. Although very warm sitting
on running bike at 3 MPH, many waves, and words of thanks from the citizens in
Gaithersburg. Our next community event will be the Oktoberfest at the Kentland
on Sunday Oct 9 th noon – 5:00 pm. Come out and visit our booth plus enjoy a fall
day activity of the German tradition.
It’s that time of year for our membership renewal. We are currently at 51.90% for
the year, which is on track. Please consider renewing your membership now. That
money helps cover our budget, the Department MD, and National HQ.
Speaking of budget, we decided to have an Army / Navy football game board fund
raiser and party at the Germantown Mission BBQ Saturday Dec 10 th 2:00 – 6:00
pm. Please consider buying squares at $10 per square. The board will be at our
post meetings this fall with the next meeting being Thursday Sept 8 th 7:00-8:00
pm. We plan on having food at the party, plus 50/50 and pull tabs. Our meetings
are typically the second Thursday of the month at the Germantown Mission BBQ
starting at 7:00 pm.
In the news last month, the PACT ACT was signed into law. This act is there to
help our veterans who have been exposed to toxic Burn Pit fumes. This has been
many years in the making and the American Legion has been on the forefront of
this initiative. We are also pushing for the Afghan Interpreters relocation
legislation to help these folks who helped us in that war on terror.
Lastly, we have a new National Commander Vincent J. Troiola, who message this
year is “Be the One” with his focus on reducing veteran suicides. If you are
struggling with this issue, please consider calling the 988-emergency suicide
hotline or text 838255. There is no shame in getting help.

My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. It’s hard to believe the summer is
over. We are now in the second month of the American Legion year and looking
forward to participating with the local community here is Gaithersburg. On Labor
Day we were represented in the annual Gaithersburg parade by our Legion Rider
group. Four motorcycles / trikes rode in the parade. Although very warm sitting
on running bike at 3 MPH, many waves, and words of thanks from the citizens in
Gaithersburg. Our next community event will be the Oktoberfest at the Kentland
on Sunday Oct 9 th noon – 5:00 pm. Come out and visit our booth plus enjoy a fall
day activity of the German tradition.
It’s that time of year for our membership renewal. We are currently at 51.90% for
the year, which is on track. Please consider renewing your membership now. That
money helps cover our budget, the Department MD, and National HQ.
Speaking of budget, we decided to have an Army / Navy football game board fund
raiser and party at the Germantown Mission BBQ Saturday Dec 10 th 2:00 – 6:00
pm. Please consider buying squares at $10 per square. The board will be at our
post meetings this fall with the next meeting being Thursday Sept 8 th 7:00-8:00
pm. We plan on having food at the party, plus 50/50 and pull tabs. Our meetings
are typically the second Thursday of the month at the Germantown Mission BBQ
starting at 7:00 pm.
In the news last month, the PACT ACT was signed into law. This act is there to
help our veterans who have been exposed to toxic Burn Pit fumes. This has been
many years in the making and the American Legion has been on the forefront of
this initiative. We are also pushing for the Afghan Interpreters relocation
legislation to help these folks who helped us in that war on terror.
Lastly, we have a new National Commander Vincent J. Troiola, who message this
year is “Be the One” with his focus on reducing veteran suicides. If you are
struggling with this issue, please consider calling the 988-emergency suicide
hotline or text 838255. There is no shame in getting help.
My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. It’s hard to believe the summer is
over. We are now in the second month of the American Legion year and looking
forward to participating with the local community here is Gaithersburg. On Labor
Day we were represented in the annual Gaithersburg parade by our Legion Rider
group. Four motorcycles / trikes rode in the parade. Although very warm sitting
on running bike at 3 MPH, many waves, and words of thanks from the citizens in
Gaithersburg. Our next community event will be the Oktoberfest at the Kentland
on Sunday Oct 9 th noon – 5:00 pm. Come out and visit our booth plus enjoy a fall
day activity of the German tradition.
It’s that time of year for our membership renewal. We are currently at 51.90% for
the year, which is on track. Please consider renewing your membership now. That
money helps cover our budget, the Department MD, and National HQ.
Speaking of budget, we decided to have an Army / Navy football game board fund
raiser and party at the Germantown Mission BBQ Saturday Dec 10 th 2:00 – 6:00
pm. Please consider buying squares at $10 per square. The board will be at our
post meetings this fall with the next meeting being Thursday Sept 8 th 7:00-8:00
pm. We plan on having food at the party, plus 50/50 and pull tabs. Our meetings
are typically the second Thursday of the month at the Germantown Mission BBQ
starting at 7:00 pm.
In the news last month, the PACT ACT was signed into law. This act is there to
help our veterans who have been exposed to toxic Burn Pit fumes. This has been
many years in the making and the American Legion has been on the forefront of
this initiative. We are also pushing for the Afghan Interpreters relocation
legislation to help these folks who helped us in that war on terror.
Lastly, we have a new National Commander Vincent J. Troiola, who message this
year is “Be the One” with his focus on reducing veteran suicides. If you are
struggling with this issue, please consider calling the 988-emergency suicide
hotline or text 838255. There is no shame in getting help.

My Fellow Post 295 Gaithersburg Legionnaires. It’s hard to believe the summer is over. We are now in the second month of the American Legion year and looking forward to participating with the local community here is Gaithersburg. On Labor Day we were represented in the annual Gaithersburg parade by our Legion Rider group. Four motorcycles / trikes rode in the parade. Although very warm sitting on running bike at 3 MPH, many waves, and words of thanks from the citizens in Gaithersburg. 


Our next community event will be the Oktoberfest at the Kentland on Sunday Oct 9th noon – 5:00 pm. Come out and visit our booth plus enjoy a fall day activity of the German tradition.

It’s that time of year for our membership renewal. We are currently at 51.90% for the year, which is on track. Please consider renewing your membership now. That money helps cover our budget, the Department MD, and National HQ.


Speaking of budget, we decided to have an Army / Navy football game board fund raiser and party at the Germantown Mission BBQ Saturday Dec 10th 2:00 – 6:00 pm. Please consider buying squares at $10 per square. The board will be at our post meetings this fall with the next meeting being Thursday Sept 8th 7:00-8:00 pm. We plan on having food at the party, plus 50/50 and pull tabs. Our meetings are typically the second Thursday of the month at the Germantown Mission BBQ starting at 7:00 pm.


In the news last month, the PACT ACT was signed into law. This act is there to help our veterans who have been exposed to toxic Burn Pit fumes. This has been many years in the making and the American Legion has been on the forefront of this initiative. We are also pushing for the Afghan Interpreters relocation legislation to help these folks who helped us in that war on terror.


Lastly, we have a new National Commander Vincent J. Troiola, who message this year is “Be the One” with his focus on reducing veteran suicides. If you are struggling with this issue, please consider calling the 988-emergency suicide hotline or text 838255. There is no shame in getting help. 


Cliff Bergstresser
Commander Post 295
Western Maryland Region Commander's Message

Greetings from the Western Maryland Region, the Ferocious 4th. 

Embracing the bears that inhabit western Maryland, We are the Ferocious 4th! 


In our inaugural year as a Region, Alex Whitney did a yeoman’s job in helping to establish a sound foundation for the Region and District to accomplish American Legion programs. The WMR consisting of Districts 7 & 8 is already moving out to push the Legion’s programs forward.


At every meeting it is always the same people doing the work. Consider how you can help your Post, District or Region. Do you have a talent or passion that you can contribute to sustaining American Legion programs e.g., are you into baseball, can you help coach Oratorical students, help our youth in Scouting or at Boys State? Your membership and participation ensures the American Legion will continue to grow and support our active duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans and their families. Be the one to ask a Veteran to join. As we close ever meeting with, “Let service to the community, state and nation be ever a main objective of The American Legion and its members.”


National new emphasis for the next several years you will hear the term “Be the One… To ask veterans in your life how they are doing, To listen when a veteran needs to talk, To reach out when a Veteran is struggling.” While the main aim of Be The One is to prevent Veteran Suicides, you can also be the one who makes our greater. This year I am inviting the Warrior Canine Connection to attend WMR events to highlight the service dogs value to veterans in need.


Lastly, whenever you encounter a Veteran, ask if they belong to the American Legion. This past week in odd situations I asked and they readily joined. All you need to do ask.
There’s a new, easy-to-remember way to reach the Veterans Crisis Line—Dial 988 then Press 1. Millions of Veterans have called when they needed crisis support. We’re here if you need us. 
Here are the upcoming Post, Region and Department events:
Post 295 Meeting
  • Every 2nd Thursday, 6:30 PM
  • Mission BBQ, Germantown
District 8 Meeting
  • Oct 31st
  • , 1 pm. Lunch at Noon
Western Maryland Region 4 Meeting
  • November 6th
  • Mt Airy Post 191, 1 pm, Lunch at noon
  • My Legion.org class 10 am
Department Executive Committee Meeting
  • August 20th
  • Towson Post 22, 125 York Rd, Towson
  • Meeting at 1pm Lunch at noon
JOIN THE AMERICAN LEGION

If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving - you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!

*Because eligibility dates remain open, all active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.

**U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (WWII).

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:

    • to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;
    • to maintain law and order;
    • to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;
    • to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the great wars;
    • to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;
    • to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
    • to make right the master of might;
    • to promote peace and goodwill on earth;
    • to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
    • to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Our members have served the world over from WWII to Iraq, 
Afghanistan and other parts of the world. Every service is represented, our members are either serving on Active Duty, National Guard & Reserves or have completed their service and are Veterans and Retirees. 

George W Harrison Award

Department of Maryland


For the Post with the best website 

supporting the ideals of the American Legion

with a membership of 351-500.


2009, 2012, 2014

THE GUEST BOOK IS FOR GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE SITE.

 

SHOULD YOU NEED AN ANSWER ABOUT A QUESTION, EMAIL THE COMMANDER by clicking on the word Commander.
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