11/25/2023

Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker-Post 1

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 all 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

The name of this organization shall be Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1, The
American Legion, Department of Oklahoma.

ARTICLE II
OBJECTS

The objectives and purposes of this Post shall be to promote the principles and policies as set
forth in the foregoing preamble, and the National and Departmental Constitutions of The
American Legion.

ARTICLE III
NATURE

Section 1: This Post is a civilian organization and membership therein does not affect or increase
liability for military or police service.
Section 2: This organization shall be nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of
partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or
preferment.
Section 3: Rank does not exist in The American Legion; no member shall be addressed by his
military or naval title in any meeting of this Post.

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ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Eligibility to membership in this Post shall be as prescribed by the National
Constitution of The American Legion. No person who has been expelled by a Post shall be
admitted to membership in this Post without the consent of the expelling Post or an appeal has
been approved by the Department Executive Committee.
Section. 2: Application for membership shall be made in writing to the Post Adjutant. The Post
Adjutant will confirm the applicant meets membership requirements prior to presenting the
application to the post members for approval.
Section 3: All applications for membership shall be acted upon at the next Post meeting
following the making of such application, and shall at such meeting, be accepted, rejected or
referred for further investigation and consideration. If a majority of the members cast their vote
against the acceptance of said application, then such application shall be recorded as rejected.
Section 4: Any member of this Post may be disciplined in accordance with Article XII of the
Department of Oklahoma By-laws.
Section 5: Any member disciplined by the post may appeal to the Department Executive
Committee.

ARTICLE V
OFFICERS

Section 1: The administrative affairs of this Post of The American Legion shall, except as may be
otherwise provided by the By-Laws, be under the supervision of an Executive Committee which
shall consist of four (4) members in addition to the officers of the Post. The term of office of
members of the Executive Committee shall be for one year.
Section 2: The officers of this Post shall be: Commander, Vice-commander(s), Adjutant, Finance
Officer, Historian, Chaplain, Service Officer, and Sergeant-At-Arms. Positions may be combined
and other officers may be established by a vote of the members as may be deemed necessary.
Section 3: All officers and executive committee members shall be elected annually with the term
of office commencing upon the installation of the Department Commander. They shall hold
office until their successors are duly installed or as otherwise provided. Any officer or executive
committee member may be removed for just cause in accordance with Article XII of the
Department By-laws.
Section 4: Every member of this Post in good standing shall be eligible to hold office in this
Post.
Section 5: The duties of officers and the executive committee shall be those usually appertaining
to such officers or committee and as further provided in the By-Laws.

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ARTICLE VI
FINANCE

Section 1: The revenue of this Post shall be derived from annual membership dues and from such
other sources as may be proposed by the Post Executive Committee and approved by the
members.
Section 2: The amount of such annual Post dues shall be fixed and determined by this Post.

Section 3: Additional detailed financial procedures as prescribed in Carson-Wilson-Rigney-
Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Standing Rules.

Section 4: The Post shall pay to Departmental headquarters the National and Departmental
annual membership dues for every member of the Post within 10 days of receipt.

ARTICLE VII

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

Section 1: This Post recognizes an auxiliary organization to be known as the Sons of the
American Legion Squadron 308 of Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Unit 1, The
American Legion. Membership in the Sons of the American Legion shall be as prescribed by the
National Constitution of the American Legion.

ARTICLE VIII

SONS of the AMERICAN LEGION

Section 1: This Post recognizes the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1 of Carson-Wilson-
Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1, The American Legion. Membership in the Sons of the

American Legion shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of the American Legion.

ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS

Section 1: This Constitution is adopted subject to the provisions of the national Constitution of
The American Legion and of the Department Constitution of the Department of Oklahoma, The
American Legion. Any amendment to said National Constitution or Department Constitution
which is in 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 vote of two-thirds
of the members of the Post attending such regular meeting, providing the proposed amendment
shall have been submitted in writing and read at the next preceding regular meeting, and

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providing, further, written notice shall have been given to all members at least 60 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 Constitution is to be voted upon.

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CARSON-WILSON-RIGNEY-FORRESTER-SHOEMAKER POST

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BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
ELECTIONS

Section 1: All elections of officers and executive committee members shall be by voice unless a
ballot is requested 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.
Section 2: Officer vacancies, to include the Executive Committee, from any cause other than the
expiration of the term, shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Executive Committee
and confirmed by members at the next regular meeting. A person so appointed shall hold office
for the unexpired term of the member succeeded.
Section 3: Election procedures are as prescribed in Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker
Post 1 Standing Rules.

ARTICLE II POST
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1: The Post Executive Committee shall meet for organization and such other business as
may come before it at the call of the Post commander within 10 days after the installation of the
new officers. Thereafter the Post Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the commander at
least quarterly and as often as said commander may deem necessary. The commander shall call a
meeting of the Post Executive Committee upon the joint written request of three or more
members of said Post Executive Committee, four (4) members of the committee shall constitute
a quorum thereof.
Section 2: The Post Executive Committee may hire such employees as may be necessary;
authorize and approve routine expenditures; may require adequate bonds from all persons having
the custody of Post funds; hear the reports of Post committee chairs; and generally, shall have
charge of and be responsible for the management of the affairs of this Post.
Section 3: The Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee shall
determine any Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Standing Rules to ensure
viable business operations of Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1.

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ARTICLE III
DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: Post Commander. It shall be the duty of the Post commander to preside at all meetings
of the Post and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Post. The
commander shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and assure a current
financial report is provided to members at the regular meetings.
Section 2: Vice-Commander(s). The First Vice Commander shall assume the duties of the
Membership Committee Chairperson. The Second Vice Commander shall assume the duties of
the Post Entertainment Committee Chairperson. The Vice-Commander(s) shall assume and
discharge the duties of the office of Commander in the absence or disability of, or when called
upon by the Post Commander.
Section 3: Post Adjutant. The Adjutant shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of
all proceedings of all meetings; keep such records as the Department and National Organizations
may require; process membership applications and renewal in accordance with procedures
established by the National organization; render reports of membership annually or when called
upon at a meeting; and under direction of the Commander handle all correspondence of the Post.
Section 4: Finance Officer. The Finance Officer of the Post shall have charge of all finances and
see that they are safely deposited in some local bank or banks; report once a month to the
Executive Committee and at regular post meetings the condition of the finances of the Post; and
make recommendations as may be deemed expedient or necessary for raising funds with which
to carry on the activities of the Post. The Finance Officer shall sign all checks disbursing the
monies of the Post and shall furnish such surety bonds in such sum as shall be fixed by the Post
Executive Committee.
Section 5: 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 6: Chaplain. The Post Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Post
members and will offer divine but nonsectarian 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 7: Sergeant-at-Arms. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall preserve order at meetings and shall
perform such other duties as may be from time to time assigned by the Post Executive
Committee.

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ARTICLE IV
DELEGATES

Delegates and alternates to a Department convention shall be elected by ballot by the Post at a
regular meeting of the Post to be held at least 20 days prior to the date of such convention.

ARTICLE V
APPOINTMENTS

The Post Commander, immediately upon taking office each year, shall appoint such committees
as deemed necessary to perform functions and programs established by the Post. Committee
members may be recommended by the Post Executive Committee and will be confirmed by Post
members at the next regular meeting. Vacancies that occur will be filled in the same manner.

ARTICLE VI
RESOLUTIONS

All resolutions of state or national scope presented for approval of this Post by a member or by a
committee shall merely embody the opinion of this Post on the subject and copy of same shall be
forwarded to the Department headquarters for approval before any publicity is given or action
other than mere passage by the Post is taken.

ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS

Section 1: The regular meeting of the Post shall be held, at which may be transacted such
business as may properly be brought up for action; such meetings may be converted into
entertainment meetings, as may be deemed advisable by the officers of the Post.
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 four (4) members, the committee shall call a special
meeting of the Post.

Section 4: Meeting date and time will be held as prescribed in the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-
Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Standing Rules.

Section 5: Eight (8) members shall constitute a quorum.

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ARTICLE VIII
NOTICES

Section 1: Every member shall furnish the Post adjutant with an address for mailing.
Section 2: The Post adjutant shall cause notice of the annual election to be given at least two
weeks prior thereto.
Section 3: The Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 has an email address of
adjutant@tulsapost1.org. The post shall use emails as a means of communication and notice.

ARTICLE IX
RULES OF ORDER

All proceedings of this Post shall be conducted under and pursuant to Roberts’ Rules of Order,
except as herein otherwise provided.

ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These By-laws are adopted subject to the provisions of the national Constitution of
The American Legion and of the Department Constitution of the Department of Oklahoma, The
American Legion. Any amendment to said National Constitution or Department Constitution
which conflicts with any 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 vote of two-thirds of
the members of the Post attending such regular meeting, providing the proposed amendment
shall have been submitted in writing and read at the next preceding regular meeting, and
providing, further, written notice shall have been given to all members at least 60 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 are to be voted upon.

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CARSON-WILSON-RIGNEY-FORRESTER-SHOEMAKER POST

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STANDING RULES

These Standing Rules are duly adopted by Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1.
Standing Rules have the same importance as the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker
Post 1 Constitution and By-laws and may be amended as frequently as needed.
Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee may adopt, in addition
to these Standing Rules, supplementary policies or rules as they are needed. Standing Rules may
be amended or rescinded by majority vote of the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker
Post 1 Executive Committee.
I. Finances – Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Constitution Article
VI
A. Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Banking Policies

  1. The Post Executive Committee shall appointment members of the Post 1

Executive Committee as signatories on all bank accounts owned by Carson-
Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1

  1. At least two signatories shall be required on all checking transactions for
    Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1.
  2. Debit card(s) are limited to the Post 1 Executive Committee members who have
    been appointed or elected to hold such responsibility.
    a. A Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 debit card shall be

used for payment of goods and services required by Carson-Wilson-
Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1, the receipt of the transaction shall be

returned to Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1
immediately for proper accounting of the monies expended.
B. Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Expenditure Authorizations

This Expenditure Policy shall set the limitations for the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-
Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Commander and Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-
Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee per incident for items pertaining to

maintenance of the building, essential equipment repair that affects the normal
business operations of Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1, and
donations to veterans and organizations pertaining to the Four Pillars of the American
Legion.

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  1. Post 1 Commander shall be authorized to spend up to $500.00 maximum per
    this Expenditure Policy.
  2. Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee shall
    be authorized to spend up to $1500.00 maximum per this Expenditure Policy.
  3. A membership vote shall be required for any expenditures exceeding $1500.00.
    A majority vote shall be required for the expenditure authorization.
  4. In the event of an emergency which exceeds $1500.00, that shall be detrimental

to Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 and/or Carson-Wilson-
Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 business operations, the Carson-Wilson-
Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Commander with approval of the Carson-
Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee has the

authority to address and correct the emergency immediately. The incident must

be thoroughly documented and presented to the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-
Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 membership at the next stated membership meeting.

II. Elections – Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 By-Laws Article I
A. The Election Policy for all Officers and Executive Committee members of
Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 shall be as follows:

  1. The election of new Officers and Executive Committee members shall
    be held during the May Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker
    Post 1 membership meeting.
  2. The announcement of nominations for election will be announced two
    months, March, prior to the election in a regular membership meeting.
  3. Nominations for the election will be held one month prior, April, to the
    election.
  4. Due to the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1
    business revenue and operation, no member with a felony conviction
    may hold an office as an Officer or Executive Committee member.
    The purpose of this policy is a result of the licensing requirements set

forth by the ABLE Commission, State of Oklahoma. Carson-Wilson-
Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 must submit annually to the

ABLE Commission the list of Officers and Executive Committee
members for essential business licenses. The ABLE Commission shall

conduct background checks on all Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-
Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee members. When the ABLE

Commission discovers that a Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-
Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee member has been convicted

of a felony, the ABLE Commission shall notify Carson-Wilson-
Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 and shall place a hold on all

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license processing for Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker
Post 1 until said member is replaced . The hold will remain in effect

until a new complete list of Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-
Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee is re-submitted to the ABLE

Commission.

  1. Following the nominations in the April meeting, the Carson-Wilson-
    Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Commander shall appoint, and the

Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Executive
Committee shall approve the Election Committee. The Election
Committee shall consist of an Election Committee Chairperson and
two other Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1
members, none of whom are candidates for the election. The duties of
the Election Committee shall be, but are not limited to, the supervision
of the election and tabulation of the votes.

  1. The election shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order

Newly Revised 12th Edition and the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-
Shoemaker Post 1 By-Laws Article I.

  1. All elected officers and Executive Members shall enter upon the duties

of their offices not later than the regular Carson-Wilson-Rigney-
Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 membership meeting following the

Department Convention, Department of Oklahoma, The American
Legion.

  1. No member shall hold two elected offices at the same time.
  2. Any Officer that has been removed from office for unethical or illegal
    conduct shall not be eligible to hold any future office.
  3. When a person is nominated for any Post office, they must show
    proof of creditable service for membership in the American Legion.
    III. Meetings – Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 By-Laws Article VII
    A. The Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Membership Meeting shall be
    held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. The meeting location shall
    be held at American Legion Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1, 1120 E
    8
    th Street S, Tulsa, OK 74120.
    B. The Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Executive Committee
    Meeting shall be held bi-monthly on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 5 PM
    prior to the Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Membership Meeting.
    The purpose of the meeting shall be to address any issues or situations that were
    brought to the attention of Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1
    Executive committee to address,

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C. Carson-Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker Post 1 Committees
Section 1. The Post Commander, immediately upon taking office each year, shall appoint
the following standing committees: Americanism, Ceremonials, Children and Youth,
Economic, Finance, Foreign Relations, Graves Registration and Memorial, House and
Entertainment, Legislative, Membership, Public Relations, Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation, National Security, and Visiting or VAVS. Such standing committees shall
consist of such members, and the chair thereof, as shall be designated by the Post
commander.
Section 2. 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.
Section 3. Ceremonials Committee. The principal duty of the Ceremonials Committee is
to ensure all new members are properly initiated. The committee also concerns itself with
proper presentation of other rituals outlined in the Manual of Ceremonies—burial detail
and the wearing of Legion regalia.
Section 4. Children and Youth Committee. Shall be charged with aid and service to
children of veterans, cooperating with other established agencies in the community,
laboring for the betterment of child conditions and in coordinating services and agencies
in the community for the above purposes. To act as intermediary for the needy child of a
veteran in obtaining the fulfillment of the Legion’s pledge that “no child of a war veteran
shall be in need of the necessities of life” and “a square deal for every child.”
Section 5. Economic Committee. The Post Economic Committee is primarily concerned

with local employment programs, Veterans preference, government employment and re-
employment rights.

Section 6. Finance Committee. The Finance Committee 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 7. Foreign Relations. This committee has become active as America has
recognized its responsibility as a world leader. Maintaining and securing world peace and
friendship abroad through community endeavors have become as essential as any aspect
of treaty law.
Section 8. Graves Registration and Memorial Committee. The duties of this committee
involve recording of grave sites and complete information on veterans’ burial in

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cemeteries assigned to the Post. Special assistance can be given by the service officer in
providing flags, headstones, or proper interment in national cemeteries.
Section 9. House and Entertainment Committee. The House and Entertainment quarters
promotion of club advantages and arrangement for social activities.
Section 10. Legislative Committee. The Legislative Committee needs to have knowledge
of what is going on in Congress—what we favor or oppose and should be ready to initiate
action in support of our position when requested by the national or Department
organization.
Section 11. Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall have charge of all
matters pertaining to the membership of the Post, including the procuring of new
members, reinstatements, and eligibility of members.
Section 12. Public Relations Committee. The Public Relations 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 service and by local publicity of Post programs and activities.
Section 13. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee. The Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation committee shall supervise all matters pertaining to service to comrades in
the prosecution of all just claims against the United States or state government,
employment, relief, etc.
Section 14. Security Committee. The Security Committee shall work with and coordinate
Legion efforts with the Local Civil Defense Council on matters pertaining to national,
civilian, and home defenses. It shall assist the armed forces of the United States in
recruiting efforts and in every way be active in community activities for the defense of
the nation and the security of the American home.
Section 15. Visiting or VAVS Committee. This committee is charged with visiting and

comforting members and their families when sick or bereaved, and with visiting ex-
service personnel in hospitals.

Section 16. History Committee. The History Committee is charged with preserving and
publicizing the history of Post 1. The Committee shall advise the membership, officers
and Executive Committee on matters pertaining to the preservation of Post facilities,
documents, and artifacts. The Committee shall create and administer a history
preservation plan approved by the Executive Committee.

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D. These Constitution and By-Laws supersede the Constitutions and By-Laws submitted
to the Department of OK on December 6, 2022. Wilson-Rigney-Forrester-Shoemaker
Post Executive Committee request immediate acceptance of these Constitution and
By-Laws due to our unique situation that occurred on November 21, 2023, where all
the dynamics of the leadership changed during regularly held membership meeting.