Spring Hill, Florida Post 186
BYLAWS
The
Spring Hill Sons of
the
American Legion
Post
186, Inc.
(352)597-9995
Constitution
And
By-Laws
INDEX
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
Article
I
Name
Article
II
Object
Article
III
Nature
Article IV
Organization
Article V
Membership
Article VI
Executive Committee
Article VII
Duties of Officers
BY-LAWS
Article I
Nomination and
Election
of Officers
Article II
Standing Committees
Article III
Meetings
Article IV
Quorum
Article V
Finances
Article VI
Rules of Order
Article VII
Delegates
Article VIII
Amendments
Preamble
Proud
possessors of a priceless heritage, WE, male descendents of veterans of World
War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, associate ourselves
together as Sons of The American Legion 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 true spirit of Americanism; to preserve the
memories of our former members and the associations of our members and
forefathers in the Great Wars; to inoculate a sense of individual obligation to
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 principals of justice, freedom
and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our friendship by our devotion to
mutual helpfulness; to adopt in letter and spirit all of the great principals
for which the American Legion stands; and to assist in carrying on for God and
Country.
Constitution of The
Sons of the American Legion
Spring Hill Squadron 186
ARTICLE
I - NAME
The Name of the organization
shall be The Sons of the American Legion Spring Hill Squadron #186, Detachment
of Florida.
ARTICLE
II - OBJECT
The objects and purpose of
this squadron shall be to promote the principals and policies as set forth in
the foregoing preamble, and the national and detachment Constitutions of the
American Legion.
ARTICLE
III NATURE
Section
1. The Sons of the American Legion Squadron, attached to Spring Hill Post #186,
Department of Florida, is a civilian organization. Membership therein does not
affect nor increase liability for military or police service.
Section 2. The
Squadron shall be absolutely non-political and shall not be used for
dissemination of partisan principals or for the promotion of the candidacy of
any person seeking public office.
Section 3. The Squadron shall
be absolutely non-sectarian.
Section 4. Each member shall
perform his full duty as a citizen according to his own conscience and
understanding, in accord
with the law.
ARTICLE
IV SQUADRON ORGANIZATION
Section 1. The Sons of The
American Legion Squadron shall be organized under the jurisdiction and
sponsorship of a local Post of the American Legion and shall bear the name of
such sponsoring Post as follows: Sons
of the American Legion Squadron of Spring Hill Post No. 186 Department of
Florida.
Section 2. There shall be no
more than one (1) Squadron of the Sons of the American Legion for each Post of
The American Legion in the Department of Florida.
The Squadrons sponsored by the Posts in the Department of Florida shall
be organized into the Detachment, Area and Districts as set forth in this
Constitution and shall not conflict with the Department of Florida Constitution
and By-Laws.
Section 3. No person may be a
member at any one time of more than one Squadron.
Section 4. Each Squadron
shall be the judge of the qualifications of its members, provided such members
are eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion and eligibility
is certified by the Post Adjutant.
Section 5. No person who has
been expelled by a Squadron shall be admitted to membership in another Squadron
without consent of the expelling Squadron, except that where such consent has
been asked for and denied by such Squadron, he then may appeal to the Detachment
Executive Committee for permission to apply for membership in another Squadron,
and shall be ineligible for membership until such permission is granted.
Section
6. Where only one Squadron has
received a charter within a Municipality or other political subdivision, for
which it is chartered it shall have executive jurisdiction therein in all
matters pertaining to the work of the Sons of The American Legion.
Where more than one Squadron is chartered for a Municipality or other
political subdivision, a division of territory shall be arranged by the
sponsoring Posts as set forth in the Department Constitution of The American
Legion, Department of Florida, Article X, Section 10.
Section
7. Such charter may be suspended or
revoked by the Detachment Executive Committee for the reasons and in the manner
provided in Article VII under Detachment Executive Committee.
Section
8. Each Squadron in the Detachment
of Florida shall have its own Constitution and By-Laws, provided that it shall
not conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Sons of The American
Legion, Detachment of Florida, the National Constitution and By-Laws of the Sons
of the American Legion and the Constitution and By-Laws of the American Legion,
Department of Florida. The Squadrons
Constitution and By-Laws together with any subsequent Amendments, shall be
approved by the Detachment Judge Advocate, such approval confirmed by the
Department Judge Advocate and the Detachment Commander, and a copy filed with
the Department Adjutant and the Detachment Adjutant, with certification of
approval issued to the Squadron before becoming effective.
Section
9 The Squadron officers of the Sons
of the American Legion shall consist of a Squadron Commander, Squadron Vice
Commanders (as many as may be required), Squadron Finance Officer, Squadron
Adjutant, Squadron Sergeant-At-Arms, Squadron Historian, Squadron Chaplain,
Squadron Judge Advocate, who shall be appointed by the Squadron Commander-elect
and whose names shall be placed before the Squadron or Squadron Executive
Committee as the Squadron Constitution and By-Laws shall provide, at the first
meeting following their appointment, for confirmation by a majority of the
members present.
Section 10. All officers of
Squadrons, except the Squadron Adjutant and the Squadron Judge Advocate, shall
be elected and certified to the Department Adjutant and Detachment Adjutant, not
more than fifty (50) days, nor less than ten (10) days prior to the Annual
Detachment Convention, certification to be made on forms furnished or prescribed
by the Department Adjutant. Squadron
Officers shall be installed by the District Commander or his designated
representatives, take office and enter upon their duties at a date to be fixed
by the Squadron or Post, which date shall be subsequent to, but not later than
sixty (60) days after the adjournment of the Annual Detachment Convention.
In the event of a vacancy caused by death, resignation or removal from
office, the name and address of the successor shall be reported to the
Department Adjutant and the Detachment Adjutant within one week after such
vacancy has been filled.
Section 11. Members may be
reprimanded, suspended or expelled from the Sons of the American Legion only
upon proper showing of Cause. Charges
shall be based upon disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty and conduct
unbecoming a member of the Sons 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 by
the elective officers and Executive Committeeman of the Squadron in which he is
a member.
Section 12. Any member who
has been suspended or expelled from the Sons of the American Legion shall have
the right to appeal to the Detachment Executive Committee or to the Detachment
Convention. The decision of the
Detachment shall be final. The
provisions of Sections 11 and 12 do not apply to disciplinary procedures carried
out in compliance with any state or local law, not affecting the right of the
member to attend Squadron meeting. House rule violations are not subject to
appeal, except through the Legion E-Board or the SAL E-Board.
Section 13. Any member in
good standing may transfer to another Squadron willing to accept him, subject,
to provisions of Section 7 Article X of the Constitution.
Such member shall be entitled to a certificate of membership from his
Squadron upon transfer and acceptance by another Squadron.
The transfer shall be effective upon notice sent to the Department
Adjutant.
Section 14. Any Squadron in
this Detachment shall have full power and authority to remove from the
membership roll the name of any member not paying his annual dues, as provided
in the Sons of The American Legion National Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 15. Officers of the
Squadron may be reprimanded, suspended or removed from office upon charges based
on disloyalty to the Sons of The
American Legion, The American Legion
or to the National Government, neglect of duties, dishonesty, and conduct
unbecoming a member or officer of the Sons of The American Legion.
All charges shall be made in writing by an accuser and no officer shall
be reprimanded, suspended or removed from office until given a fair trial.
The procedures to follow are as in the Department of Florida
Constitution, Article X, and Section 18.
Section 16. Each Squadron
shall use and follow the Sons of The American Legion Squadron Handbook in
conducting its meetings, initiation of members and other ceremonies prescribed
therein. Squadron meetings shall be
held no less then once a month, or in accordance with the ritual of the
organization.
Section 17. All SAL members
shall conduct themselves in accordance with current posted house rules.
ARTICLE
V Membership
Section 1. Applications for
membership shall be made in writing on forms prescribed by the National
Organization.
Section 2. All applications
for membership shall be acted upon at the next regular scheduled meeting
following the filing of such application. The First Vice Commander shall present
the application to the Squadron at its next regular meeting with its
recommendation for acceptance or rejection. If one-third or more Squadron
members cast their vote against acceptance of such applicant, then such
applicant shall be recorded as rejected.
ARTICLE
VI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section
1. Between Squadron meetings, the administrative power of the Squadron shall be
vested in the Squadron Executive Committee, which shall consist of the following
elected officers for the current year. (Commander, First Vice, Second Vice,
Finance Officer, Adjutant, Sergeant of Arms, Chaplin, Judge Advocate and
immediate past Commander) Five officers present will constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE
VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Commander: The Sons of The American Legion
Commander is the executive head of the organization at his level with full power
to carry out the mandates and policies of the Son of The American Legion as
approved by The American Legion. He shall perform such other duties as are
usually incident to the office, and shall be an ex-officio member of all
committees.
Section 2. Vice Commander: The Vice Commander or Vice
Commanders shall act as representative of the Commander on all matters referred
to them by him, and shall, on his request, preside over meetings and perform
such other duties as are usually incident to the office. The First Vice
Commander shall specifically be the chairman of the Membership Committee. The
Second Vice Commander shall be responsible for developing programs for patriotic
observances. He will be responsible for the social and entertainment activities
of the Squadron. Any other Vice Commanders must have a specific assignment or
position.
Section 3. Adjutant: The Adjutant, who corresponds to the
secretary of an organization, shall be charged with the usual duties of an
adjutant or secretary. He is the administrative officer of the policies and
mandates of the organization.
Section 4. Finance Officer. The Finance Officer shall be
the custodian of the funds of the organization. He shall be charged with the
receiving and disbursing of the funds of the Squadron, and shall make reports on
the condition of the treasury at each regular meeting, and when called for by
the Commander or Executive Committee. He shall perform such other duties as are
usually incident to the office.
Section 5. Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall
be charged with the responsibility of preserving order at all meetings and shall
be given the custody and responsibility of the colors of the organization. He
shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office.
Section 6. Chaplain: The Chaplain shall perform such
divine and nonsectarian service, as shall be necessary adhering to the
ceremonial rituals as may be prescribed.
Section 7. Historian: The Historian shall collect from
year to year all records and data of value and interest to the Sons of The
American Legion and The American Legion, and shall compile during his term of
office a complete history of the year's activities.
Section 8. Judge Advocate:
The Judge Advocate shall advise the officers and E-Board on all legal
matters, interpretation of the Constitution and By-laws, and shall perform other
such duties as required.
BY-Laws
of
The
Sons of the American Legion
Spring
Hill Squadron 186
ARTICLE I NOMINATION & ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. At the regular meeting in April the Commander shall appoint a
nominating /election committee of three members who will, acting together with
and under the advice of the Supervisory Committee of the Post, present to the
regular meeting in May a list of one or more candidates for each office required
to be elected under the Constitution of this Squadron.
Section 2. At the conclusion
of the report of the nominating committee, any Squadron member may present the
name of any other Squadron member for nomination to any office for which such
Squadron member is not nominated by the nominating committee, and upon such
nomination being seconded and the position excepted by the nominee the same
shall be considered as though contained in the report of the nominating
committee after said report has been accepted and adopted by the Squadron.
ARTICLE II STANDING COMMITTEES
Section
1. Upon nomination of the Squadron Commander, the Executive Committee shall
annually appoint such standing committees as it shall deem advisable for the
benefit of the membership of the Squadron as a whole.
ARTICLE III MEETINGS
Section
1. The annual organizational/monthly meeting of this Squadron shall be held on
the first regular meeting day of July in each calendar year.
Section
2. The regular stated meeting of
this Squadron shall be held on the third Thursday of each and every month.
Section
3. Special meetings shall be called
on a majority vote by the Executive Committee, or upon the written request of
ten Squadron members.
Section 4. Every member shall
furnish to the Adjutant his address, to which all notices and documents may be
sent, and the same shall be held to have been duly sent or served upon a member
if mailed to such address as furnished. In default of an address having been
furnished by a Squadron member, any notice or documents will be held to have
been duly served upon such member five days after the same shall have been
deposited in the local post office addressed to such member at such post office
address.
Section 5. Notice of all special meetings of the Squadron shall be posted
on the bulletin board. Any special meetings shall state the object and purpose
thereof, and no business shall be transacted at such special meeting except for
such business as is contained in the notice thereof.
Section 6. Elected officers,
appointed officers and committee chairman who miss three consecutive meetings
may be subject to termination unless officially excused.
Section
7. Any officer or committee position
of Squadron #186 that is not filled or becomes vacant for any reason the
Commander may appoint a member in good standing to that office. Such appointment
shall be for the remaining term of the vacancy. The appointment must be approved
by a two-thirds vote of the SAL E-Board.
Section
8. A member in good standing will be
defined as a member that does not owe any money to any Legion Organization and
is not under suspension.
Article IV QUORUM
Section 1. Five voting
members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Squadron.
Article V FINANCES
Section 1. All funds of this
Squadron shall be deposited in a bank by the Finance Officer. Withdrawals shall
only be made upon draft or check signed by the Finance Officer and the Squadron
Commander or First Vice.
ARTICLE VI RULES OF ORDER
Section 1. Roberts Rules of
Order, revised unless otherwise written, shall govern the proceedings of this
Squadron except when they may be in direct conflict with the 15th
District, Department of Florida or National Constitution and By-Laws of The
American Legion.
ARTICLE VII DELEGATES
Section 1. Delegates must be
elected by the SAL general membership, and attend the appropriate meetings at
the convention or conference to be reimbursed for their room expenses.
ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS
Section
1. These By-Laws are adopted,
subject to the provisions of the National By-Laws and the Detachment By-Laws, of
which this Squadron is a subordinate member. Any amendment to the National or
Detachment By-Laws which is in conflict with any provision 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 Squadron 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 the immediate preceding Squadron meeting, and
provided further, that written notice shall have been given to all members at
least five days in advance of the date and posted on the bulletin board 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.
Commander
__________________________
Larry Fortney
Adjutant
__________________________
Earl Buchanan
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