Newport Harbor Post 291

Elected Officers Duties

Post Commander
The Commander is the chief executive officer of the Post and shall supervise, lead and manage the Post and its Officers.

The Commander shall preside at all Board Meetings, General Meetings, Special General meetings and Special Board Meetings; nominate Standing Committees and Temporary Committees and their Chair, perform the duties necessary to keep the Post operating in an effective and efficient manner; have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board, Bylaws or as promulgated by the American Legion; and preserve the integrity of the Post Charter.

First Vice-Commander
First Vice Commander is the Chair of the Membership Committee, and shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of Commander in the absence or disability of the Commander.

Second Vice-Commander
Second Vice Commander is the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, assist with Veteran’s Affairs and Rehabilitation, public affairs and community outreach as directed by the Commander and shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of First Vice-Commander or Commander, in the absence or disability of such officers.

Third Vice-Commander
Third Vice Commander is the Chair of the Americanism Committee, and shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of Second Vice-Commander, First Vice-Commander or Commander, in the absence or disability of such officers.

Finance Officer
The Finance Officer shall be the Chair of the Finance Committee, and responsible for overseeing the financial records of the Post.

Historian
The Post Historian shall compile and preserve a pictorial Post history for print and electronic distribution.

Sergeant-at-arms
The Sergeant-at-arms shall preserve order at all meetings and shall perform such other duties as may be from time to time assigned to him by the Commander.

Chaplain
The Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of Post members and will offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., and adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department Headquarters.

Jr. Past Commander
The Jr. Past Commander shall assist in the transition to a new Board and be available to advise the Commander upon request.

Six Members-at-Large
These elected officers may serve on multiple committees at the discretion of the Commander.

Post Executive Board
The Post Executive Board is a group of eighteen officers (fourteen newly elected, the previously elected Jr. Past Commander, and three appointed) headed by the Commander who is the highest-ranking officer.

The purpose and duty of the Post Executive Board is to insure that the Post operates in conformance with: (1) Federal, State, and Local laws, (2) American Legion Rules, Regulations, and Policies, and (3) Post 291 Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, and Policies.

Appointed Officers Duties

The Adjutant
The Adjutant is the Secretary of the Board. Under the direction of the Commander, the Adjutant shall: receive and answer all correspondence of the Post; have charge of and keep a complete and correct record of the proceedings of all Official Meetings; and prepare summarized meeting minutes and reports for publication.

Judge Advocate
The Judge Advocate’s duties shall be to advise the Post Commander on the interpretation or modifications of the post’s Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations, and be responsible for an annual financial audit and the Post Responsibility Audit as described in the American Legion Officer’s Guide.

Service Officer
The Service Officer duties shall be generally that of: coordinating all Post 291 veteran’s assistance programs; assist in processing veteran’s claims; and protecting the rights and privileges of all veterans, their dependents and survivors.

Volunteer Groups and Positions within the Post

Honors Rifle Squad and Color Guard
Post 291 Honors Rifle Squad was organized to assist our regular uniformed military men and women in rendering military honors at memorial services for our fellow veterans. The squad also performs at various functions such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, and special occasions. There are approximately 15 members in the squad, but new members are always welcome and much needed.

Anyone interested in joining the ranks of the Rifle Squad should be willing to give a small amount of their personal time to training and taking part in the various ceremonies. We try to keep the close order drill very simple and basic so it should be easy for anyone to learn.

Practice is normally help the last Wednesday of the month at 6pm. If you would like to become a part of this group, don’t hesitate to call the front office and they can direct you in the right direction.

Dockmaster
Volunteer position to manage the operations of the Legion Marina.

Public Relations / Publicity
Volunteer position to assist the Post Communications Director in promoting Post awareness through print, social media and legion websites.