Raising the Roof Vandiver Moylan 355 Amer Legion
Donation protected
Welcome to our Post! We are excited to tell everyone that we have accomplished our 1st Goal and we now have a Brand New Roof! Mike Scheinfield Contractors completed the roof on July 2, 2021. Although we still have much to accomplish we are so proud to finally have the roof on. Now, onward.... we go. Please read our Legion story below. If you have any questions ... Please call us [phone redacted].
We are Vandiver-Moylan Post 355 American Legion in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Our membership was established just after World War I, our building completed in 1938. Originally named the Vandiver American Legion, after Thomas D. Vandiver who was killed in action during WWI. On June 28, 2021 Our Post was presented with an Award for "100 Years of Service Award" by American Legion Headquarters, PA.
Lawrence (Larry) Moylan, a World War II Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific, and his wife Thelma Moylan, a US Naval Reservist, cherished the Vandiver Post. Their family, which included 4 boys followed by 3 girls were active members of the Post, supporting monthly meetings, Memorial Day celebrations, Christmas parties, fundraising flea markets and more. The Vandiver Post was a beloved place for the Moylan family. It was the location of almost every family celebration, Family reunions, baby showers, Thanksgiving dinners and more.
David John Moylan was the second eldest son of Thelma and Larry. He was a young man who loved his motorcycle and animals. He even raised homing pigeons. He was their only son to be drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. After Boot Camp., while the others in his class were sent to Germany, David was sent to California. He was then offered a desk job if he would enlist for an additional two years of service. He made the choice to decline prolonging his time of service and he was sent to Vietnam.
In 1970, after only four months in country, while his unit was withdrawing from Cambodia, they were hit with mortar fire and David was killed. He was only 21 years old.
David received the Purple Heart and his name is one of thousands etched in stone at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
About a year after David's passing the thought of adding his name to the Vandiver American Legion Post 355 was suggested and voted upon. The membership of the post agreed that Davie was a contemporary hero to Mr. Vandiver. It was an honor for the Moylan family to have his name alongside Vandiver and to see his portrait alongside Vandiver's over the fireplace.
For years to come, Larry and Thelma were active members of the Post. Thelma even elected the first female Commander to lead Post 355. Thelma also never missed an opportunity to cook for the members of the Post either. Every monthly meeting was served with a meal lovingly created by Thelma and other members of the Auxiliary.
Larry Moylan passed-away of Leukemia in 1998 while living in West Chester. It became increasingly challenging for Thelma to continue cooking the meals for the meetings, so she retired her apron, "The Legion" as they referred to it, was a part of their family before and after David's death.
Now 96 years old and recently recovered from her second broken hip, Thelma resides in Audubon, Pennsylvania with her son Jim, and his wife Kathy. Her other five children are dotted along the East Coast and her family now includes 11 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren and counting.
Through all that life has thrown their way, the Vandiver-Moylan Post 355 American Legion still stands as a haven for men and women that have served out military and for their families. A shelter for celebratory times, and for times of mourning.
Unfortunately, Thelma can no longer visit the Post without being carried into it's hall. During a recent visit she was honored to receive a special recognition as the Post's Member of the Year award. The Vandiver-Moylan Post 355 is in desperate need of our support.
The post needs a handicap chair life, and it's roof is over 30 years old. The kitchen that Thelma created meals with love in is in need of updating and more, it is still in the same condition it was when Thelma cooked her last meal there.
Please join us in honoring the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and help us protect this treasured landmark for our veterans. We need our community's support.
Current Goal: $52,200 (MINUS $20,200 Raised from GoFundMe & private donations as of 6.23.21)
Initial Cost Est: $71,400
Fundraiser specifics
New roof cost: $0
Fireplace repair/pointing: $15,000
New Heater: $6,000
ADA Accessible Building incl. Handicap lift: $30,000
Future projected financial goals:
Kitchen renovation: $25,000
New Tables/Chairs: $2,500
Outside Storage Unit: $3,000
Golf Cart: $5,000
Total Goal: $35,500
All fundraising efforts will be directly applied to above items only. Tax exempt has been applied for. {Mr. T. Wiener, Esquire}
Our goal is to bring our building up to ADA Handicap accessibility standards with a chair lift, new roof, pointing, repairs to our post, and handicap accessible bathrooms for our growing membership.
About this fundraiser's organizer: About this fundraiser's organizer:
Naomi Mastrocola is the oldest daughter of 7 siblings (5 girls) (3 boys). Her interest in flying and all things NASA drew her to the U.S. Navy. In September 1981 she joined the Navy. During Boot Camp in Orlando, Florida the U.S. Navy asked for volunteers or "real recruits" to represent the Navy in their recruiting manual. Naomi volunteered and was selected to represent the Navy on the cover of the Naval Recruit Training command pamphlet and poster. Upon completion of boot camp, Naomi was given orders to report to a small remote base in the middle of Florida. While she was awaiting orders to Aircraft Structural mechanic school, she achieved Sailor of the Quarter while working with the Base Commander on the UCMJ. During her time at Pinecastle (PEWR), while training and shadowing with a Navy Search and Rescue team, Naomi decided to become a Hospital Corpsmen. She completed Naval Hospital Corpsmen School at the Naval Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois where she also served as adjutant. After that, she was stationed in Philadelphia, PA and other training sites. Naomi actively served from 1981-1987 during Lebanon/Grenada, Beirut eras.
Naomi currently works for Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in the Student Affairs office in New Jersey. Her father-in-law invited her to an American Legion meeting and the rest is history. She is honored to be only the 2nd female Commander at Vandiver-Moylan Post 355.
For information about our Post, please contact https://www.facebook.com/American-Legion-Post355-242991579975825
or [email redacted] or call [phone redacted].
We are Vandiver-Moylan Post 355 American Legion in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Our membership was established just after World War I, our building completed in 1938. Originally named the Vandiver American Legion, after Thomas D. Vandiver who was killed in action during WWI. On June 28, 2021 Our Post was presented with an Award for "100 Years of Service Award" by American Legion Headquarters, PA.
Lawrence (Larry) Moylan, a World War II Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific, and his wife Thelma Moylan, a US Naval Reservist, cherished the Vandiver Post. Their family, which included 4 boys followed by 3 girls were active members of the Post, supporting monthly meetings, Memorial Day celebrations, Christmas parties, fundraising flea markets and more. The Vandiver Post was a beloved place for the Moylan family. It was the location of almost every family celebration, Family reunions, baby showers, Thanksgiving dinners and more.
David John Moylan was the second eldest son of Thelma and Larry. He was a young man who loved his motorcycle and animals. He even raised homing pigeons. He was their only son to be drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. After Boot Camp., while the others in his class were sent to Germany, David was sent to California. He was then offered a desk job if he would enlist for an additional two years of service. He made the choice to decline prolonging his time of service and he was sent to Vietnam.
In 1970, after only four months in country, while his unit was withdrawing from Cambodia, they were hit with mortar fire and David was killed. He was only 21 years old.David received the Purple Heart and his name is one of thousands etched in stone at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.About a year after David's passing the thought of adding his name to the Vandiver American Legion Post 355 was suggested and voted upon. The membership of the post agreed that Davie was a contemporary hero to Mr. Vandiver. It was an honor for the Moylan family to have his name alongside Vandiver and to see his portrait alongside Vandiver's over the fireplace.
For years to come, Larry and Thelma were active members of the Post. Thelma even elected the first female Commander to lead Post 355. Thelma also never missed an opportunity to cook for the members of the Post either. Every monthly meeting was served with a meal lovingly created by Thelma and other members of the Auxiliary.Larry Moylan passed-away of Leukemia in 1998 while living in West Chester. It became increasingly challenging for Thelma to continue cooking the meals for the meetings, so she retired her apron, "The Legion" as they referred to it, was a part of their family before and after David's death.Now 96 years old and recently recovered from her second broken hip, Thelma resides in Audubon, Pennsylvania with her son Jim, and his wife Kathy. Her other five children are dotted along the East Coast and her family now includes 11 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren and counting.Through all that life has thrown their way, the Vandiver-Moylan Post 355 American Legion still stands as a haven for men and women that have served out military and for their families. A shelter for celebratory times, and for times of mourning.
Unfortunately, Thelma can no longer visit the Post without being carried into it's hall. During a recent visit she was honored to receive a special recognition as the Post's Member of the Year award. The Vandiver-Moylan Post 355 is in desperate need of our support.The post needs a handicap chair life, and it's roof is over 30 years old. The kitchen that Thelma created meals with love in is in need of updating and more, it is still in the same condition it was when Thelma cooked her last meal there.Please join us in honoring the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and help us protect this treasured landmark for our veterans. We need our community's support.Current Goal: $52,200 (MINUS $20,200 Raised from GoFundMe & private donations as of 6.23.21)
Initial Cost Est: $71,400
Fundraiser specifics
New roof cost: $0
Fireplace repair/pointing: $15,000
New Heater: $6,000
ADA Accessible Building incl. Handicap lift: $30,000
Future projected financial goals:
Kitchen renovation: $25,000
New Tables/Chairs: $2,500
Outside Storage Unit: $3,000
Golf Cart: $5,000
Total Goal: $35,500
All fundraising efforts will be directly applied to above items only. Tax exempt has been applied for. {Mr. T. Wiener, Esquire}
Our goal is to bring our building up to ADA Handicap accessibility standards with a chair lift, new roof, pointing, repairs to our post, and handicap accessible bathrooms for our growing membership.
About this fundraiser's organizer: About this fundraiser's organizer:
Naomi Mastrocola is the oldest daughter of 7 siblings (5 girls) (3 boys). Her interest in flying and all things NASA drew her to the U.S. Navy. In September 1981 she joined the Navy. During Boot Camp in Orlando, Florida the U.S. Navy asked for volunteers or "real recruits" to represent the Navy in their recruiting manual. Naomi volunteered and was selected to represent the Navy on the cover of the Naval Recruit Training command pamphlet and poster. Upon completion of boot camp, Naomi was given orders to report to a small remote base in the middle of Florida. While she was awaiting orders to Aircraft Structural mechanic school, she achieved Sailor of the Quarter while working with the Base Commander on the UCMJ. During her time at Pinecastle (PEWR), while training and shadowing with a Navy Search and Rescue team, Naomi decided to become a Hospital Corpsmen. She completed Naval Hospital Corpsmen School at the Naval Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois where she also served as adjutant. After that, she was stationed in Philadelphia, PA and other training sites. Naomi actively served from 1981-1987 during Lebanon/Grenada, Beirut eras.
Naomi currently works for Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in the Student Affairs office in New Jersey. Her father-in-law invited her to an American Legion meeting and the rest is history. She is honored to be only the 2nd female Commander at Vandiver-Moylan Post 355.For information about our Post, please contact https://www.facebook.com/American-Legion-Post355-242991579975825
or [email redacted] or call [phone redacted].
Organizer
Naomi Mastrocola
Organizer
Lower Merion Township, PA