Manhasset Post 30 welcomed back Colonel David Fitzgerald, of the 301st Area Support Group (301st ASG), a unit of the 77th Regional Readiness Command (77th RRC). The unit had recently returned to the United States from Iraq.

Colonial Fitzgerald initially talked about the wonderful homecoming he and his troops experienced as they returned to the US, especially at the airports. He thanked the Post for their support in remembering all the soldiers and their families. During their term of duty, they experienced no casualties; all returned safe and well. The attitude of the soldiers after spending 13 months on active duty was that they were extremely proud to have witnessed, first hand, democracy at its finest hour when the Iraqi citizens had the freedom to vote twice during their tour of duty. He exclaimed that he was extremely proud of the troops because they are "smart, dedicated and loyal." The Colonel expressed these thoughts on today's soldiers: "I would go to war with these soldiers anywhere and anytime."

The colonial provided the legionnaires with an overview of their time in Iraq. He was the garrison commander of the Logistic Support Activity (LSA), the largest logistic base (named Anaconda) in Iraq. His responsibilities included logistics support, that is, life support to 25,000 military and civilian personnel, and air and ground support. His objectives were to transition from a master plan to full sustainment. This included establishing policies, and site and integrated planning and execution and implementation. Additionally, he would be responsible for development of airfield projects, i.e. two runways, enhancement of force protection and improvement of the quality of life. Under his command and direction, two major runways were constructed and a 12-mile perimeter was established around the base (62,000 acres). Anaconda was the most frequently attacked base in all of Iraq, but did not have one fatality during their tour of duty; they were on continuous alert.

As an example, construction materials were located miles outside of the base, and initially the threat of kidnapping by insurgents limited daily truckloads of materials to 30 truckloads a day. The operation itself was revised along with new procedures for the safety of the drivers and personnel. The transport of materials increased to an average of 290 loads per day delivered to the base, much of which was initially used for the construction of the two runways, parking ramps and taxiways that were completed in one year.

Colonel Fitzgerald discussed the future of Iraq, which is being developed through an organized transition plan including site planning, establishment of a Department of Public Works, integrated planning and implementation. For instance, he referred to a huge area north of where the Euphrates and Tigris meet, which fields are fertile, green and beautiful, and present ideal conditions for the raising of crops in the future. It might also be considered one day to become the breadbasket of this part of the world. This region in the future might, also, not only support agricultural interests, but does provide the favorable conditions for resorts and the exploration of additional oil deposits.

In expressing his appreciation for the support of the American Legion Manhasset Post, the colonel presented Commander John F. Keitz and Vice Commander Ronald G. Linn with a special, unique coin representing the 201st ASG call to duty in Iraq. The front of the special coin shows the Statue of Liberty Patch representing the 77th Regional Readiness Command, the American flag and the new Iraqi flag, LSA Anaconda Operation, Iraqi Freedom, 2004-2005. The back of the coin shows the symbols of all the services representative at the base and the inscription "For Outstanding Performance from the 301st Support Group Commander."

Earlier in the evening, Past Post Commander Richard E. Miller announced that the Manhasset Post 304 had been awarded the highest award in the nation for its Post Narrative History, by the American Legion National Historian Committee. Past Post Commander James R. Russell received the award for the Post. The Post Narrative History was composed and compiled by Past Commander Richard E. Miller as historian last year.

The officers of the post made short reports at the beginning of the meeting. Commander John F. Keitz alerted the membership to upcoming events: Dedication of the Nassau County Viet Nam Memorial, the Veterans' Day agenda, the Christmas luncheon and the annual community tree lighting ceremony. Vice Commander Ronald G. Linn discussed the preparations for the upcoming oratorical contest on Americanism. Treasurer Joseph Labella presented the treasurer's report. Service Officer Past Commander Edward Gaus updated the membership on the status of Past Post Commander Frank Padar and Legionnaire John Bjorkman.

Commander John F. Keitz congratulated Colonel Fitzgerald and the 301st ASG on a successful tour of duty and thanked him for his recollections, wishing him and his troops well in the future. He thanked everyone for coming. Refreshments were served at the end of the meeting.