Below is a link to the By-Laws. You may open and print the By-Laws or save the PDF to your computer.
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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF
THE AMERICAN LEGION
BLANCHARD-CURREY POST NO. 1040
DELMAR, NEW YORK
THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK
__________________________
CONSTITUTION
CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE
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 good will 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.
ARTICLE I – NAME AND HEADQUARTERS
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be BLANCHARD-CURREY Post No. 1040. The American Legion, Albany County, Department of New
York Inc. Organized September 1, 1930 and incorporated August 25, 1931 under the laws of the
State on New York as a Membership Corporation.
Section 2. The Post Headquarters shall be located at 16 West Poplar Drive, Delmar,
NY 12054; all notices and documents addressed to the Post shall be sent to these Headquarters.
ARTICLE II – OBJECTS
Section 1. The objects and purposes of this Post shall be to promote the principles
and policies set forth in the foregoing preamble, and the National, Department of New York, and
Albany County, Constitution and By-laws of The American Legion.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any person shall be eligible for membership in The American Legion who
was a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States
and assigned to active duty at some time during any of the following periods:
April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (WWI)
December 7, 1941 to current day
All dates inclusive, or who being a citizen of the United States at the time of his entry therein,
served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United
States during any of the said periods; provided, however, that such service shall have been
terminated by honorable discharge or honorable separation, or continued honorably after any of
said periods; provided, further, that no person shall be entitled to membership who, being in such
service during any of said periods, refused on conscientious, political, or other grounds to subject
himself to military discipline or unqualified service.
Section 2. Application for membership shall be made in writing under such
regulations as may, from time to time, be prescribed by the Post Executive Committee and
approved by the County Committee wherein this Post is located. All applications for
membership accompanied by service discharge papers shall be referred to the Membership
Committee, who shall report their finding to the Executive Committee. Upon approval of
eligibility, the application accompanied by the dues shall be presented to the Post Affairs
Committee at a regular meeting and shall be acted upon at such meeting. With a quorum, a
majority vote of the Post Affairs Committee shall be necessary for acceptance.
Section 3. There shall be no form or class of membership except an active
membership. Dues shall be paid annually or for life.
Section 4. No person who is a member of another Post may be a member of this Post.
Section 5. Members may be suspended or expelled from this Post of The American
Legion only upon proper showing of cause. Charges shall be based upon disloyalty, neglect of
duty, dishonesty, or other conduct unbecoming a member of The American Legion. All charges
must be made under oath in writing by the accusers, and no member in good standing shall lose
his membership until given a fair trial in such manner and form as The Department of New York,
Department Executive Committee shall prescribe. This action shall govern procedure whenever
charges are brought against any person at any time appearing upon the rolls of this Post as a
member, upon the grounds of his ineligibility to membership in the Post.
Section 6. Any member who has been suspended or expelled has the right of appeal
to the Department Executive committee in the manner prescribed by said Committee. The
decision of the department shall be final.
Section 7. No person, who has been expelled by a Post shall be admitted to
membership in this Post without the consent of the expelling Post, except that where such
consent has been asked for and has been denied by such Post, he may then appeal to the
Department Executive Committee for permission to be admitted to membership in the Post and
he shall be ineligible for membership until such permission is granted.
Section 8. A member who has been expelled or suspended from this Post for any
cause other than non-payment of dues may be reinstated to membership by a two-thirds vote of
the Executive Committee and a majority vote of the Post; provided, however, that he shall make
payment of any arrears in his dues from the time of the expulsion or suspension, and also other
regular dues which have been payable in the interval between his expulsion or suspension and
his reinstatement.
Section 9. Any member in good standing desiring to transfer from this Post to
another Post is entitled to a certificate from this Post stating his membership, the duration
thereof, and the date to which his dues are paid.
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ARTICLE IV – NATURE
Section 1. THE AMERICAN LEGION is a civilian organization and membership
therein does not affect or increase liability for military or police service. Rank does not exist in
The American Legion; no member shall be addressed by his military or naval title in any meeting
of the Post.
Section 2. THE AMERICAN LEGION shall be absolutely non-political and nonsectarian,
and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles or for the promotion
of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.
Section 3. Each member shall perform his full duty as a citizen according to his own
conscience and understanding.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Section 1. The Administration of the Post’s affairs, between meetings of the Post,
and except as may be otherwise provided in the By-laws of the Post, shall be under the
supervision of an Executive Committee, which shall consist of eight members, also known as
the Board of Directors, in addition to the elective officers of the Post. There are three Ex-officio
members of the Board of Directors which include the Commander, Past Commander and Finance
Officer.
Section 2. The elective officers of this Post shall be a Commander, three Vice-
Commanders, an Adjutant, Treasurer (Finance Officer), and Board of Directors (Executive
Committee). The Commander will appoint the Judge Advocate, Post Historian, Post Chaplain,
Service Officer and Sergeant-at-Arms.
Section 3. All elective officers and Board of Directors shall be elected in May and
installed in the month of June annually and they shall hold office until their successors are duly
installed or as otherwise provided. Terms of office for the Board of Directors shall be three year
terms. Director positions for election are staggered to three, three, and two per year.
Section 4. Every member of this Post, in good standing, shall be eligible to hold
office in this Post except as otherwise provided herein.
Section 5. The duties of officers and Board of Directors shall be those usually
appertaining to such officers or Board-men and as further provided in the By-laws.
ARTICLE VI – FINANCES AND DUES
Section 1. The revenue of this Post shall be derived from membership or initiation
fees from annual membership dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the Post.
Section 2. The minimum annual dues of individual members of the Post shall be set
by the National Organization and, in addition thereto, any amount charged as dues by any
intermediate body between the Post and Department of New York per member; the amount of
the Annual Post dues shall be as set forth in the Post By-laws.
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Section 3. The Post shall expeditiously collect the annual dues for its members and
shall pay to The American Legion, Department of New York such amount due to the National,
Department, District, and County Organizations.
Section 4. All monies received in any manner for welfare purposes of any nature by
the Post shall be deposited in a duly authorized banking institution and none of such monies shall
be withdrawn except for welfare purposes and, upon draft signed by the Treasurer of the Post
and drawn up by the Post Accountant.
Section 5. This Post shall not solicit another Post or County Organization for
purposes of financial aid or relief.
ARTICLE VII – AUXILIARY
Section 1. The Post recognizes an Auxiliary Organization knows as the Auxiliary
Unit of Blanchard-Currey Post 1040 The American Legion.
Section 2. Membership in the said Auxiliary Organization shall be governed by such
rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the National Executive Committee of The
American Legion Auxiliary and thereafter approved by this Department of The American
Legion.
ARTICLE VIII – SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Section 1. This Post recognizes a Sons of The American Legion Organization known
as the Sons of the American Legion Squadron Blanchard-Currey Post No. 1040, The
American Legion, Department of New York.
Section 2. Membership in the Sons of The American Legion shall be governed by
such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the National Executive Committee of The
American Legion and thereafter approved by The Department of New York Executive
Committee.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. This Constitution is adopted subject to the provisions of the National,
Department, and Albany County Constitution and By-laws, The American Legion. Any
amendments to said National, Department, or County Constitution and By-laws which conflict
with any provisions hereof shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the
provisions of this Constitution to the extent of such conflict.
Section 2. This Constitution may be amended at any regular Post meeting by a vote
of two-thirds of the members attending such regular meeting, provided that the proposed
amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at a preceding regular meeting of the
Post, and provided further that written notice, including a copy of the proposed amendment shall
have been sent to all members at least ten days in advance of the date when such amendment is
to be voted upon.
Section 3. Whenever the pronoun “he” or any declination thereof is used in the
Constitution, it shall be deemed to include persons of both sexes.
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BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – NAME AND OBJECTS
Section 1. The Post existing under these By-laws is to be known as Nathaniel Adams
Blanchard Post No. 1040, The American Legion, Department of New York Albany County.
Section 2. The objects of this Post are as set forth in the Constitution.
ARTICLE II – ADMINISTRATION
Section 1. The administration of the Post’s affairs, between meetings of the Post, and
except as may be otherwise provided in these By-laws, shall be under the supervision of the
Executive Committee (Board of Directors).
Section 2. The elective members of the Executive Committee together with the
elective officers of this Post shall be elected and installed in the month of June, annually. All
elections of officers and Executive Committeemen shall be by ballot and the candidate or
candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the respective office or
offices for which they are candidates, and they shall hold office until their successors are duly
installed or as otherwise provided. Any elective officer or Executive Committeeman may be
removed from office, for disability, neglect of duty, or for conduct unbecoming a member of the
American Legion as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee after due notice and hearing
as provided by the Department Executive Committee, a two-thirds vote of said committee being
necessary to effect such removal.
Section 3. All vacancies existing in the Executive Committee, or in any office of the
Post from any cause other than the expiration of term of office 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 of the committee or officer when he succeeds. A vacancy shall
exist when a member or officer is absent from his Post for three consecutive meetings if
considered by the Executive Committee to be detrimental to the best interests of the Post.
ARTICLE III – POST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)
Section 1. In accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation of the Post, the Board
of Directors of the Post shall consist of eleven members of this Post in good standing. The
Board of Directors shall act as and perform all the functions and duties of the Executive
Committee of the Post whenever the Executive Committee is referred to in the National,
Department or County Constitution and By-Laws. One of such directors shall be the Post
Commander; one of such directors shall be the Finance Officer, and after June 1, 1973 one of
such directors shall be the retiring Post Commander whose automatic term on the Board of
Directors shall be one year. The remaining directors shall consist of the present directors whose
term of office have not yet expired and those directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting of the
Post for three year terms to succeed those elected directors whose term has expired. Each year
thereafter three directors shall be elected to serve three year terms except that on each successive
third year two directors only shall be elected for three year terms so that the Board of Directors
shall consist of eleven members at all times.
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Section 2. Such Board shall elect its Chairman annually from one of its members
other than the Post Commander at its first meeting held after June 1 of each year. It shall be the
duty of the Chairman to preside over the meetings of the Board. He shall prepare copies of the
roster of the members of the Board, such roster showing the expiration date of the terms of office
of each of the directors and a copy of such roster shall be furnished to the Commander, the
Adjutant and to the Secretary of the Board of Directors, and a copy shall be affixed to the minute
book of the Adjutant and the Board Secretary. The Board of Directors shall also elect from its
members a secretary, or employ the Post Adjutant, who shall keep an accurate minute book of
the proceedings of such Board and shall forward a copy of such proceedings within one week
following each meeting to the Post Adjutant. If employing the Post Adjutant he is considered to
be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall meet at least once a month or more frequently as called by
the Chairman or on written notice of any three members. Six members shall constitute a quorum
of the Board of Directors. Any member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings will
automatically cause a vacancy in his office unless such absence shall be excused for good cause
by vote of a majority of the directors. If a member of the Board of Directors ceases to be a
member in good standing of the Post, it shall automatically cause a vacancy in his office. In
addition, any member of the Board of Directors may be removed from such office for disability,
neglect of duty, or for conduct unbecoming a member of the Post upon two-thirds vote of the
members of the Board of Directors and ratification of their action by two-thirds of the members
present at the next regular meeting of the Post held after such action by the Board of Directors.
A vacancy of such Board shall be filled by a majority vote of the members present at a regular
meeting of the Board of Directors. Persons so appointed shall hold office until the next annual
meeting at which time a person shall be elected to the expired term of the member whom he
replaced.
ARTICLE III – A – POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall have charge of all of the Post property and
the management thereof. It shall be its duty to supervise and manage the Post properties,
facilities and services, to employ and supervise all employees, to supervise and manage all
necessary repair and renovations of Post property, to purchase all furniture, furnishings, fittings
and supplies, to supervise the collections of all receipts and income of the Post. The Finance
Officer shall maintain the Post funds in such separate accounts as directed by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors shall audit and certify before payment all bills and charges
assessed or incurred by the Post, with the excepted expenditures made by the Post Affairs
Committee within its authorized budget, which excepted expenditures shall be subject to such
controls as may be provided by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. At the beginning of its term and at the beginning of each fiscal year of the
Post, the Board of Directors shall cause a budget to be made for the ensuing year for conduct and
management of the Post. In connection with the preparation of such budget, the Post Affairs
Committee shall submit a budget for the approval of the Board of Directors for its activities
during the ensuing year. From time to time in the judgment of the Board of Directors, upon
resolution, it may direct the Finance Officer to pay over to the Post Affairs Fund for the use of
the Post Affairs Committee such amounts as in the judgment of the Board of Directors it may
deem proper.
Section 3. The Board of Directors may set aside and keep in a special fund in the
name of the Finance Officer, such monies as it may deem advisable as an amortization fund or
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emergency fund for future repairs or replacements of Post properties, with a maximum of
$1,000.00 per month without concurrence of membership.
Section 4. The Board of Directors may make such expenditures from funds other
than those set aside in the Post Affairs Fund as it shall deem advisable for the conduct of the
business of the Post and the maintenance or replacement of its physical properties or facilities,
provided, however, it shall make no expenditure or incur no obligation in excess of $10,000.00
without the approval of the membership at a regular meeting of the Post.
Section 5. The Board of Directors shall make rules and regulations for the use of the
Post facilities and shall make appropriate provisions for the enforcement thereof.
Section 6. The Board of Directors shall render to the Post an annual account at the
first meeting of the Post held in September of each year, showing the income and disbursements
of the Post during the preceding fiscal year and an accurate inventory of the assets or liabilities
of the Post.
Section 7. The Board of Directors shall cause an audit to be made immediately after
the close of the fiscal year of the Post of the Finance Officer’s books and accounts and shall
make a report thereof at the first meeting of the Post in September.
Section 8. The Board of Directors may appoint from its membership or members of
the Post, after consultation with the Commander, such committees as it may deem necessary to
carry out its functions.
ARTICLE IV – POST AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Section 1. The Post Affairs Committee shall consist of the Commander as presiding
officer and three Vice Commanders, the Adjutant and Finance Officer, and such chairmen of
standings committees as shall be designated by the Commander as members of the Post Affairs
Committee. The Post Affairs Committee shall meet at least once each month and shall plan and
conduct the programs of the Post, its meetings, its public affairs. Its social events, community
and citizenship activities, and shall devote its energies to the conduct of such affairs of the Post
as will further the purposes and principals of the American Legion. It may expend from funds
set aside in its name, any sums within its budget approved by the Board of Directors, subject to
such controls as may be set up by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. A majority of members of the Post Affairs Committee shall constitute a
quorum.
Section 3. Any officer of the Post may be removed from office for disability, neglect
of duty, or for conduct unbecoming a member of the American Legion upon two-thirds vote of
the members of the Post Affairs Committee and ratification of their action by two-thirds of the
members present at the next regular meeting of the Post held after such action of the Post Affairs
Committee. The vacancy created by such action, or by death or resignation of any officer, shall
be filled by the Post Affairs Committee for the unexpired term of the office so vacated, with the
exception of a vacancy in the office of Commander which shall be filled by the Senior Vice
Commander, who thereupon shall automatically become the Commander for the unexpired term
of his predecessor.
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ARTICLE V – OFFICERS AND THEIR ASSIGNED DUTIES
Section 1. The officers shall consist of the Commander, a Senior Vice Commander
(First Vice), two additional Vice Commanders, Adjutant and Finance Officer, all of whom shall
be elected at the Annual meeting of the Post. Appointed Officers will be the Chaplain, Sergeantat-
Arms, Historian, Service Officer and Judge Advocate, all officers shall hold office for the
ensuing fiscal year or until their respective successors have been chosen and shall perform the
customary duties pertaining to their respective offices.
Section 2. Duties of Post Commander: It shall be the duty of the Post Commander to
preside at all meetings of the Post and Post Affairs Committee and to have general supervision
over the business and affairs of the Post. He shall approve all orders directing the disbursements
of funds and shall make an annual report covering the business of the Post for the year, and
recommendations for the coming year, which shall be read at the annual meeting and a copy
thereof immediately forwarded to the County Adjutant. He shall perform such other duties as
directed by the Post.
Section 3. Duties of Vice Commanders: The Vice Commanders shall, in the order of
their seniority, assume and discharge the duties of the office of Commander in the absence or
disability of, or when called upon by the Post Commander.
a. First Vice Commander: Shall be in charge of the Membership Committee, in
compliance to National recordkeeping. Shall be first in line of succession in
the absence of the Commander.
b. Second Vice Commander: Shall be in charge of Post sponsored events with
appropriate committees. Shall be second in the line of succession and shall be
in charge in absence of the Commander and First Vice Commander.
c. Third Vice Commander: Shall perform duties as assigned to him by the
Commander or the Executive Committee. Shall be third in the line of
succession.
Section 4. Duties of Post Adjutant: The Adjutant shall give due written (printed or
electronic) notice of all Special Meetings, and of all Post Affairs Committee meetings of the
Post. The Adjutant shall have charge of, and keep a full and correct record of, all proceedings of
all of all meetings, keep such records that the Department and National Organizations may
require, render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting, and, under
direction of the Commander, handle all correspondence of the Post. He shall receive from the
Membership Chairman all names and contact information of elected new members of the Post.
Section 5. Duties of the Treasurer: The Treasurer (Finance Officer) shall, subject to
the control of the Board of Directors, be charged with the collection and custody of the funds of
the Post, shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in a local bank or
banks and shall report, once a month, to the Executive Committee the condition of the finances
of the Post, with such recommendations as he may deem expedient or necessary for raising funds
with which to carry on the activities of the Post. He shall sign all checks disbursing the monies
of the Post. He shall furnish such surety bond in such sum as shall be fixed by the Post
Executive Committee.
Section 6. Duties of the Judge Advocate: The Judge Advocate duties will be to give
advice to officers and the Executive Committee in matters pertaining to their duties. No opinion
shall be rendered affecting Department or National policies of The American Legion until a
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conference is held with the Department Judge Advocate. Judge Advocates renders opinions
only.
Section 7. Duties of Post Historian: The Post Historian shall be charged with the
individual records and incidents of the Post and Post members, and shall perform such other
duties as may properly pertain to the office as may be determined by the Post or the Executive
Committee.
Section 8. Duties of Post Chaplain: The Post Chaplain shall be charged with the
spiritual welfare of the Post comrades and will offer divine, but non-sectarian service in the event
of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are
recommended by the National or Department Headquarters from time to time.
Section 9. Duties of Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall preserve order at
all meetings. He shall also be charged with setting up the Post for membership meetings and
shall perform such other duties as may be, from time to time, assigned to him by the Post
Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1 No person shall be eligible to membership in the Post unless he is eligible
to membership in the American Legion under the Constitution of the Department of New York
of the American Legion. Any person eligible to membership as aforesaid, may become a
member of this Post upon his election by the Post Affairs Committee and payment of dues for
the current year, and upon signing an enrollment card for membership in the American Legion.
Section 2. The amount of annual Post dues shall be thirty five dollars ($35.00),
payable in advance on the 20th day of August of each year. Annual dues amount may be changed
by a majority of the members attending a regular meeting disclosed to the membership for said
purpose, prior to that meeting.
From such dues the Post shall pay such sums per member as shall be prescribed by the
Constitution and By-Laws of the National, Department and County Organizations.
Section 3. A member whose dues for the current year have not been paid by January
first, shall be classed as delinquent. If his dues are paid on or before February first, he shall be
automatically reinstated. If he is still delinquent after February first, he shall be suspended from
all privileges. If he is still under such suspension on June thirtieth of such year, his membership
in THE AMERICAN LEGION shall be forfeited. A member so suspended or whose
membership has been so forfeited may be reinstated to active membership in good standing by
vote of the Post and payment of current dues for the year in which the reinstatement occurs;
provided, however, that the Post, Department, and National organizations may waive the
provisions thereof, upon payment of dues for the year in which the reinstatement occurs, with
reference to former members who have been prevented from the payment of dues by reason of
active military service.
Section 4. A member of this Post may be suspended or expelled from membership
only as provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws of the Department of New York.
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ARTICLE VII – FINANCES
Section 1. All Post monies shall be deposited in a duly authorized banking institution
as designed by the Post Executive Committee, and none of such monies shall be withdrawn
except upon draft or check drawn up by the Post Accountant and signed by the Post Treasurer.
Section 2. The fiscal year of the Post shall be from June 1st through the following
May 31st.
ARTICLE VIII – APPOINTMENTS
Section 1. The Post Commander, immediately upon taking office each year, shall
appoint the following standing committees: Membership, Finance, Legal, Publicity, Service,
Visiting and Americanism. Such standing committees shall consist of such members, and the
chairman thereof, as shall be designated by the Post Commander.
Section 2. Membership Committee shall be chaired by the 1st Vice Commander, and
shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Post, including procuring of
new members, reinstatement, and eligibility of members.
Section 3. Finance Committee – The Finance Committee shall be chaired by the
Finance Officer and 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.
Section 4. Legal Committee – The Legal Committee shall be charged with the legal
supervision of Post affairs and audit of Post financial accounts.
Section 5. Publicity Committee – The Publicity Committee shall be charged with the
promotion of public support of the Legion’s program 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 6. Service Committee – The Service Committee shall supervise all matters
pertaining to service to comrades in the prosecution of all claims against the United States or
State Governments, employment, relief, etc., and community welfare matters.
Section 7. Visiting Committee – The Visiting committee chaired by the Chaplain is
charged with the visiting and comforting of members and their families when sick or bereaved.
Section 8. Americanism Committee – The Americanism 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.
ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS
Section 1. The regular meetings of the Post shall be held at the Post Headquarters or
a place to be decided upon by the Post, on the 1st Monday of each month, at which may be
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transacted such business as may properly be brought up for action. Except during the months of
July and August when membership meetings are suspended and any regular meeting falling on a
holiday, which shall be held on the day following such holiday.
Section 2. The Post Commander or a majority of the Executive Committee shall have
power to call a special meeting of the Post at any time.
Section 3. Upon the written request of ten Post members, the Commander or the
executive committee shall call a special meeting of the Post.
Section 4. Thirteen members of the Post shall constitute a quorum for an official
meeting to take place. This will consist of a minimum of three Officers of the Post. (Resolution
#7 Approved 7 May 2012 and Adopted 1 June 2012)
Section 5. An annual meeting of the Post shall be held each May at the regular
membership meeting at which the annual reports of the officers shall be submitted, the election
of the next years slate of officers and such other business transacted as shall be found desirable.
ARTICLE X – ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS.
Section 1. The Post officers and members of the Board of Directors shall be elected
at each annual meeting of the Post.
Section 2. Any candidates for Post Commander must have held a minimum office
previously, of an elected Vice Commander for a minimum of one complete term.
Section 3. The candidates for elections shall be nominated in the following manner:
a. The Post Commander shall appoint a nominating committee no later than February 1st
which will present to the membership a slate of nominees for the meeting in April. No
member of the nominating committee shall be a candidate for elected office.
b. The nominating slate shall include one or more names for each office and for the
members of the Board of Directors.
c. Other names may be placed in nomination from the floor after the nominating
committee’s report is received.
Section 4. These names shall be presented for election by ballot at the annual
meeting providing nominees have agreed to accept the position they are nominated for.
Section 5. Should a tie vote be cast for any office, a new vote shall be taken until the
election is decided.
ARTICLE XI – NOTICES
Section 1. Each member shall furnish the Post Adjutant with an address for US
Postal mailing purposes and a current electronic address (e-mail, if available) and inform the
Adjutant of any change in such address.
Section 2. The Adjutant shall cause to be mailed or e-mailed to each member, at the
address furnished by such member, notice of meetings and each special meeting of the Post at
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least three days prior to such meeting, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution and Bylaws,
and all notices as required by the Constitution and By-laws.
Section 3. Notices of meetings at which nominations or elections of officers are to be
held shall specify that such nominations or elections are to be held at such meeting, and shall be
sent at least two weeks prior to each such meeting.
ARTICLE XII – RULES
Section 1. The order of procedure at meetings of this Post shall be governed by
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, except as otherwise provided herein.
ARTICLE XIII – LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Section 1. This Post shall not incur, nor cause to be incurred, any liability or
obligation whatever which will subject to liability any other Post, Sub-division, group of men,
members of The American Legion, or other individuals, corporations, or organizations.
Section 2. With the exception of the expenditures herein above authorized to be
made by the Board of Directors and the Post Affairs Committee no expenditure shall be made or
obligation incurred by the membership of the Post except by a majority vote of the members
present at a regular or a special meeting of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XIV – CONFORMANCE TO THE PRINCIPALS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION.
Section 1. The Post shall uphold the declared principals of the American Legion,
shall conform and abide by the regulations and decisions of the New York State Organization
and the national Executive Committee or other duly constituted national governing bodies of the
American Legion.
ARTICLE XV – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-laws are adopted subject to the provisions of the National,
Department, and Albany County Constitution and By-laws. Any amendments to said National,
Department or County Constitution and By-laws, which are in conflict with the provisions hereof
shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of these By-laws to the
extent of such conflict.
Section 2. These By-laws may be amended at any regular Post meeting by a vote of
two-thirds of the members attending such regular meeting, provided that the proposed
amendment shall have been submitted in writing, and read at a preceding regular meeting of said
Post, and provided further, that written or electronic notice shall have been given to all members
at least ten 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 By-laws is to be voted upon.
Section 3. The Constitution and By-laws of this Post shall be reviewed every five
years dating from the latest amendment or resolution. This is to ensure compliance with
National, Department of New York, and Albany County Constitution and By-laws of The
American Legion.
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Section 4. Whenever the pronoun “he” or any declination thereof is used in the
Constitution, it shall be deemed to include persons of both sexes.
Adopted: February 1, 1960
Effective: June 1, 1960
Amended: February 20, 1967
Amended: April 6, 1970
Amended: January 2, 1973
Amended: September 7, 1976
Amended: September 4, 1979
Amended: December 5. 1994
Amended: November 28, 1998
Amended: March 31, 2008
Amended: May 7, 2012
Amended: November 4, 2013
ARTICLE XVI– RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION #1 – ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 7, 1976
Superseded by Resolution #5 adopted March 31, 2008
RESOLUTION #2 – ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 7 1976
Expired upon payment of the Post Building Mortgage in full.
RESOLUTION #3 – ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 4, 1979
RESOLVED that the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post #1040 apply for a license to operate
games of chance under the rules and regulations of the New York State Racing and Wagering
Board.
RESOLUTION #4 – ADOPTED DECEMBER 5, 1994
Superseded by Resolution #6 adopted March 31, 2008
RESOLUTION #5 – ADOPTED MARCH 31, 2008
Superseding Resolution #1 adopted September 7, 1976
BINGO COMMITTEE
1. The Bingo Committee will function as a committee under the direction of the Board of
Directors (Executive Committee). The Chairman of the Bingo Committee is to be
appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors after the approval of the majority of
the remaining Board Members. The Chairman of the Bingo Committee will, as required
by New York State law, receive, disburse and account for the funds of the bingo
operations.
2. A report will be prepared monthly by the Chairman of the Bingo Committee and be made
available to the membership.
3. The funds of the Bingo Committee are to be legally disbursed and to be reported to the
Board of Directors monthly along with the Finance Officer’s report. No expenditure for
maintenance and repairs may be disbursed without prior approval of the Board of
Directors.
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RESOLUTION #6 – ADOPTED MARCH 31, 2008
Superseding Resolution #4 adopted December 5,1994.
BELL JAR COMMITTEE
1. The Bell Jar Committee will function under the direction of the Board of Directors
(Executive Committee). The Chairman of the Bell Jar Committee is to be appointed by
the Chairman of the Board of Directors after the approval of the majority of the
remaining Board Members. The Chairman of the Bell Jar Committee will, as required by
New York State law, receive, disburse and account for the funds of the Bell Jar
operations.
2. A report will be prepared monthly by the Chairman of the Bell Jar Committee and be
made available to the membership.
3. The funds of the Bell Jar Committee are to be legally disbursed and to be reported to the
Board of Directors monthly along with the Finance Officer’s report. No expenditure for
maintenance and repairs may be disbursed without prior approval of the Board of
Directors.
RESOLUTION #7 – ADOPTED JUNE 1, 2012
Superseding Original By-Laws of this organization.
1. ARTICLE XI MEETINGS , Section 4:
Quorum for official meetings. Thirteen Members shall constitute a quorum. This will
consist of a minimum of three elected Officers of the Post.
ARTICLE XVII– CERTIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have made, signed, acknowledged, and filed these
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS as approved by the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post #1040
membership.
DATED this 4th day of November, 2013.
Jeremy Martelle
Commander
Philip Giacone
Chairman Board of Directors
Lawrence Justice
Judge Advocate
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Steven Riedel
Chairman By-Laws Committee
Michael Kanuk
Adjutant