Detachment of Virginia Fall Conference - Williamsburg - November 4-6, 2011

What an awesome trip this was. I arrived at the Newport News airport at about 10:00am and was met by the Detachment NEC Jeff Evans who made sure that I go to the hotel and checked in. The ride was beautiful to see the changing colors of the leaves, but it was a little chilly.

Once we got checked in to the hotel, NEC Jeff, NECA Steve Gower and I went down and visited Colonial Williamsburg. What a nice place steeped in history and tradition. The people were dressed in clothes from the period (18th Century). Learned that the first call for the continental congress happened in a local tavern. We had visited the church grounds and the capitol. Good couple of hours spent walking around looking at the old buildings and learning a few things about the creation of the colonies.

From there we went back to the hotel to get a little down time before the Detachment Executive Committee Meeting. The Executive Committee Meeting was well attended by the officers. A few questions of me during the meeting that were answered. Lots of really good discussion about the future plans within the Detachment.

After the meeting we headed out to dinner. Dinner was at the Aberdeen Barn - what a nice restaurant and they served a great meal, which included a Delmonico steak & baked potato. On the over to the restaurant we saw a pancake house about every 20 feet (or it seemed that way). If you ever want breakfast you should come to Virginia :)

Saturday was a busy day as we had opportunities to attend The American Legion Auxiliary Meeting. they had a packed house. It was a bit tight for all of the speakers from the Legion and the Sons on the stage but we had some fun with it. I gave my remarks and thanks the Virginia American Legion Auxiliary for all of their support for the Sons. After attending the Auxiliary meeting we attended the Department Public Relations Committee where social media was a topic of discussion. I learned a couple of things relating to creating a strategy for the use of social media before launching. Will help you to identify things you want to do with your social media site(s).

The Sons of The American Legion had a very well attended meeting with 23 Squadron represented. They had many things that happened during their session to including donations over $5000 to programs of The American Legion Family. I was also surprised to accept a check for the National Emergency Fund in the name of my father James Roberts Jr. who passed before the convention. Very emotional for me. THANKS TO YOU ALL!!! Congratulations to Past Detachment Commander Nolan Warnick who was recognized by the Detachment for his dedication to the organization over the years. I was proud to present him with a plaque and a diamond Past Detachment Commander's Pin on behalf of the Detachment of Virginia. I have known Nolan for some time and know of his dedication and this was a well deserved recognition.

I cant forget the drill team that came in and performed for the Sons during their meeting. Made up of both males and females from 5 to 18. They did a wonderful job and I took some video which I will post soon.

I also had an opportunity to speak to The American Legion and I was a little nervous, but I made it though my remarks about this years program for the SAL and promoted the Detachment too as they are doing good things to support The American Legion Family. When I asked about how many were dual members a large amount of legionnaires raised their hands. I could only remember what PNC Jimmie Foster used to say "If you are not dual, you are not cool!" so I thanked them for being cool.

Last meeting was the American Legion Riders - another great turnout. I thanked them all for what they do for The American Legion Family and presented the Director with one of my pins for the year.

The last event for the day was the reception and banquet to honor Candidate for National Legion Commander Daniel Dellinger and National Vice President of The American Legion Auxiliary Peggy Thomas who is a candidate for National President. Peggy wasn't able to make but she was on assignment for National. Dinner was good and the entertainment that followed was good.

I would like to thank Detachment Commander Leonard Smith, Department Commander Doug Ramos, Department President Diane Cabot and Legion Riders Director Chuck Talley for everything. My special thanks to the Virginia Sons for making my trip a memorable one and to NEC Jeff Evans and NECA Steve Gower for being my guides during the weekend.