Detachment of Illinois Executive Committee Meeting - Belvidere, IL - March 23-25, 2012

My second trip to Illinois brought me to Belvidere for the Detachment's Executive Committee Meeting. This was a very well attended meeting. I was picked up by the NEC Bill Geary at the airport and it was a nice trip to our first stop which was Geona Post in Geona, IL. Their post was a very nice post with lots of great people - they made me feel right at home. Dinner that evening was a fish fry at the Belvidere Post - good food and fellowship.

Saturday was meeting day and there was a full house. It was great to see all of the members of the Executive Committee doing the good work for the organization. I gave my remarks and presented everyone with my pin and I have to say that I received really good feedback on my remarks. However, I heard a tragic story that just break my heart when it comes to membership and it is a reminder that as leaders, we must ensure that membership is paid and transmitted. This year the midwest was hit with a series of devestatig tornadoes that impacted so many people including members of the Sons of The American Legion. In the aftermath of one of these tornadoes a members of the Sons applied for assistance through the National Emergency Fund and were denied because their dues were not current or transmitted to National. This tore at my heart. Being an Emergency Manager, I know that programs like the NEF help our members with something after a disaster. Although it is not meant to cover everything or replace insurance it does help our members to begin the recovery process.

So please make sure that your dues are paid and if you are a leader responsible for membership, send in the membership as soon as possible so our members can recieve the benefits of being a member.

Do not forget to donate to the National Emergency Fund - http://www.legion.org/emergency/help

Past National Commander Ray Giehll (IN) and Candidate for National Vice Commander Harrell Sorrels (IN) were both in attendance to drum up support for Harrell as he had an opportunity to address the members as part of his campaign. Good Luck Harrell - watch out for that guy from Florida though he could be trouble.

Saturday night was a great trip to dinner with the members of the Detachment of Illinois must have been 20 of us at this great Italian restaurant.

My thanks to the Detachment of Illinois for a great visit, please keep up the great work you do for the organization. Genoa Squadron 77, thank you for the very nice jacket I have been wearing it on some of my visits already.

Homecoming Weekend - Lakeland, FL - March 16-18, 2012

This was another great weekend whe had members of The American Legion Family from all across the United States that came in for the activities that surrounded the homecoming. Friday night the activities began with a dinner at Post 8 in Winter Haven that was an Italian Buffet Style dinner and some entertainment. The American Legion Family of Post 8 did a great job.

Saturday was the day for our trips. My family and I went to River Ranch along with National President Kris, her husband Terry, Leading Candidate Chris and his wife Kat, National Vice Commander Jim and his wife Deb, my Aide Bill and his girlfriend Barbara and a few others. We had several activities for us to do. Jim, Deb, the family and I took the trail ride and it was a lot of fun. President Kris and Terry took the swamp buggy ride and Leading Candidate Chris did the Airboat ride. A great time was had by the River Ranch Crowd.

Several others took adventures around Lakeland hit the Seminole Hard Rock Casino or visited the local American Legion Posts in Polk County.

The evening began with the festivities with the social hour with some finger foods and beverages before dinner. A bit of time to socilaze with all of the guests from across the nation. A few of the Past National Commanders had a few things to say and it was good to have them there to give me a little roast. The Deputy Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management the agency I work for was also there and ribbed me a little.

Finally to have my family there was a great thing especially after dad passed away this year.

I received many gifts from The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion and I am grateful for the support and appreciate all of the things that you all do for our country every day.

Washington Conference - Washington DC - February 25-29, 2012

Saturday - This trip began as have many other with an early morning flight out of Orlando. However, the difference is that I am beginning the trip on Saturday instead of Friday. Upon my arrival in DC, I picked up my car and headed to the hotel where I was greeted by NVC Jim Noble, C&Y Chairman Mike Moss and CWF Chairman Pete Sierminski. Was able to get checked into my room and get a little lunch before seeing a few folks. Saturday night all of the NVCs that were in Washington and members of the Detachment of Pennsylvania got together for a great Italian Dinner just down the street from the hotel. We had a great time.

Sunday I had an opportunity to meet with National Adjutant Brian O'Hearne and National Liaison John Kerestan for a little bit before I boarded the bus. We had some good conversations getting ready for the day. After our meeting, I boarded the bus along with 58 other SAL members and officers from across the country as we visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Women's Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Wall and the WWII Memorial. I placed a wreath at each location.

National Vice Commander - Jim Noble (NJ) and I placing the wreath at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Placing the wreath at the Tomb with me were National Vice Commanders Danny Smith (NE), Steve Blank (AZ), and Jim Noble (NJ). That was one of the most awesome experiences I have had since being in Hawaii. After we laid the wreath at the tomb, we visited with the guards in their quarters and had an opportunity to thank them for their service and for what they do to protect the tomb. From there we visited the Women Veteran's Memorial at Arlington which is the 1st time the Sons have placed a wreath at this memorial. I have always felt that we "HONOR ALL WHO SERVE" including our women veterans who I think are sometimes forgotten.

The last 2 monuments were particularly harder as they were to honor my grandfather and my father's service. Dad's hit me the most because of losing him just before the election and I did shed a few tears during my visit to the Vietnam Wall for him.

I gave my remarks during the Commander's Call before we all went to visit with our elected leaders and based on the feedback I received - I hit a home run for the Sons. Thanks especially to the Public Relations staff at Headquarters as we did an update video and they placed my remarks on the Internet which was great and we got a lot of hits.

Captain Dale Dye (USMC Retired) and I at the Hilton in Washington DC.

One of my highlights was to talk with Captain Dale Dye (USMC Retired) who was the recipient of the National Commander's Public Relations Award. Dale is a Legionnaire from North Carolina and he runs a company called Warriors Inc. He runs a boot camp for actors that are appearing in war movies so they can give their parts a little bit of realism. You may recognize him as he has served in a few movies himself. Saving Private Ryan, Under Siege, Band of Brothers and etc.

I had a great time being in Washington, DC with The American Legion Family and I am confident that we finished what we set out to do.

Detachment of Missouri Spring Conference - Jefferson City, MO - February 17-19, 2012

On this trip I got to sleep in a bit after a busy week at work and needed a little more rest, as my flight did not leave Orlando until 12:15pm. This trip took me from Orlando to Memphis and then onto Columbia, MO all-in-all the flights were very good.

I have to say that the Columbia airport is small...WOW!!! So far the smallest airport I have flown into. Walked off the plane and was greeted by a firefighter/police officer/paramedic and they were all the same person. Went into the terminal and blew by baggage claim without realizing it when I bumped into Detachment Commander Bill Basey. We turned around and went back into the room where I walked out of to see the conveyor belt for the luggage, which was only 20ft long. No worries, I got my luggage and we headed off to Jefferson City for the conference.

Once we arrived we got checked in to the hotel which was a few blocks from the Capitol Building. I had an opportunity to change clothes for dinner and the evening meetings. I attended the meeting for the Truman Day events that the Department of Missouri Legion Family participate in to honor President Harry S Truman who was the first Legionnaire to become President of the United States. A piece of history that I did not know. After that meeting, I met many of the Detachment officers during their Detachment Executive Committee Meeting where they were taking care of business. Had a good dialogue with the officers after the meeting.

Saturday morning it was breakfast with Commander Bill, NEC Joe Monti & his bride. Today was a busy day as we started with a visit to The American Legion Auxiliary to bring greetings. It was a lot of fun being with them. I am learning that like our Auxiliary members in Florida, Auxiliary members across the Nation are very creative. They appeared to be working hard on some projects.

After we met with The American Legion Auxiliary, we visited the Sons of The American Legion, where I was introduced early, but would give remarks later. After a short amount of time with the Sons, NEC Joe and I went to visit with The American Legion, where again, I was able to bring remarks and greetings on behalf of the Sons. I spoke of our program for the year and what we as Sons hope to accomplish and I have to tell you the feedback was great from the entire American Legion Family. I was honored to be in the room when American Legion Post 911 honored a Gold Star Family by naming their post of after Edward Myers a Missouri Serviceman killed in action in the War on Terrorism. I also attended the Department's Four Chaplain's Service which was nicely done.

Once this was over we had lunch and then back to the Sons meeting where I had an opportunity to give my remarks on what we needed help with this year. Expressed the program and what our goals were and those that attended genuinely appreciated the remarks and my visit. The final trip was to visit Post 5 in Springfield for dinner and I had a pork steak for dinner and it was a big'n. Had an opportunity to look around before heading back to the hotel to get ready to head home.

Sunday was a very early morning as NEC Joe and I were out the door at 4:15am to head for Columbia so I could catch my flight. I actually arrived at the airport before the Delta agents and TSA...how about that. Still amazed at the size of the airport...only one gate. This made the trip through security a breeze.

My thank to the entire American Legion Family of the Department of Missouri for making me feel a part of your family for the weekend and I look forward to serving with you this year. i truly appreciate all of the hospitality.

Springfield, Illinois - Lincoln Pilgrimage - February 10-12, 2012

Been a busy time with travel leading up to this trip. I was away on business for work and returned home on Thursday (2/9) to unpack and pack again for this trip. So as always it was late to bed and early to rise to travel to Illinois.

I arrived in Springfield, IL a little early, just before 10 local time, and was greeted by Past National Commander Tommie Cisna, his wife Kathy and NEC Bill Geary. Got my luggage and headed to the vehicle for the trip to visit the Illinois Department Headquarters. Once we arrived we met with their staff and I got the nickel tour. They have a great facility and learned that they do all of their own printing to include Legion Family publications. The really cool thing they do is they make all of the materials for the poppies at HQ also. I was told that they make enough materials to make 1 million poppies, that is awesome. Before I left I gave them all one of my pins and thanked them for all of the support they give to The American Legion Family.

From HQ it was off to lunch with Tommie, Kathy, Bill and Detachment Adjutant Jeff Van Horn. Good time we had along with discussing a few items relating to the education of membership moving forward. Sounds like they have some really good ideas.

NEC Bill and I then headed to Springfield to get checked into our hotel. Once there I saw National Commander Fang Wong and his Aide Doug Malin and we chatted before heading up to my room to drop off my things. I got a history lesson that afternoon as NEC Bill, PNC JR Stillwell and I went to the Abraham Lincoln Museum & Library. I must tell you that the museum was awesome and the shows were great. I had an opportunity to see all of the exhibits. Did you know that Lincoln was one of 4 Presidential candidates in 1860? Did you know that he did not get 40% of the popular vote. After the museum visit we returned to the hotel to get ready for a dinner that would make my doctor cringe. Dinner was at Darcy's which is home to the Horseshoe. This was a behemoth of a meal, but it was good. Two pieces of bread on the bottom, your choice of meat (I had ham & bacon), topped with french fries and to top it all off ladles of white cheese. I was told it was a heart attack on a plate. It was good and I almost ate it all, left a few fries.

Saturday was a very good day as I accompanied Commander Butch, National President Kris Nelson and others to the St John's Children's Hospital for a presentation and a tour. Kris and I had a great time on the tour, because we presented Josh Dogs to the kids. After the hospital we visited the Illinois National Guard Museum and took the tour of their Hall of Flags. A lot of history dating back to the Civil War. Finally we visited the home of Abraham Lincoln and took a tour given by the National Park Service. After the tour I had some downtime before the evening events.

Saturday evening we went to dinner at the Old Luxembourg Restaurant - real good food including a fried Lobster. Never had that before, but I got a taste and it was good. I was treated by Squadron 32 in Springfield and their Commander Dave.

Sunday, was the final day n Springfield, but it was the day most of the activities took place around the Lincoln Pilgrimage. Had breakfast with the Detachment staff and members of Squadron 32 before heading off to the Tomb of Lincoln. Once at the tomb, I placed a wreath on behalf of the Sons of The American Legion and gave remarks. Had to have some help with that and I thank PNC Joe Mayne for his assistance.

Commander Fang, President Kris and I did have our picture taken touching Lincoln's nose outside of the tomb. From there we visited the war memorials at the cemetery for WWII, Vietnam & Korea. My last stop of the day was back to the hotel for the luncheon where I gave remarks again and thanked everyone for allowing me to be a part of this event.

My thanks to Squadron 32 in Springfield, IL and the Illinois American Legion Family for the great time - I am honored to have been a part of this event.

Detachment of Louisiana Mid Winter Conference - Alexandria - January 20-22, 2012

Friday was a really early morning, I mean really, really early. 0300 Early. Good thing that I packed up the night before and checked in using my Delta App on the phone. Made it to the airport and through security with no issues. I got bumped into first class and slept the whole way to Atlanta. I was so tired, I didn't remember taking off. Arrived in Atlanta and made it to my next gate with a small layover. We boarded our flight to Alexandria, just to be taken off the flight due to mechanical problems. No worries, they moved us to another gate and got a fresh plane. We were about 2 hours later than expected but all was good.

When I arrived I was met by Detachment Adjutant Enos and a member of his Squadron Bobby. They made sure that I got to the hotel alright. There was another conference that was in the hotel during the day which caused a delay in getting into our rooms, but we made it and I got a little downtime before the evening meetings. I attended the Department Executive Committee with Detachment Commander Camille and Past National Commander Byron where all of the guests were introduced - National Vice Commander Larry Sheets (FL), Candidate for National Commander Dan Dellinger (VA) and I are the guests for the weekend. We stayed while the business was conducted until we had to leave for the Detachment Executive Committee Meeting. The Detachment Executive Committee Meeting was well attended and some good business was transacted. After the meeting I was treated to a great dinner with Commander Camille, PNC Byron and Detachment Vice Commander Al.

Saturday began with breakfast with PNC Byron and Commander Camille before the Joint Opening Session for The American Legion Family of Louisiana. The session was a good one that started with the West Monroe High School Air Force JROTC gave the best POW/MIA table ceremony that I have ever seen. It was a very moving ceremony that brought tears to the eyes of many, including mine. I had an opportunity to give my remarks to the Louisiana Legion Family. I didnt think that my remarks were too long, but I got a feeling that they may have been a little too long. Lesson learned as it relates to joint sessions - need to tailor comments for future sessions like these.

After the joint session we went to the Sons Conference. This was a very well attended conference with a lot of good business that was discussed. Ihad the opportunity to meet a couple of young SAL Members during the visit and I encouraged them to keep on being involved in the activities of the Sons, because we need more of our young members to stay interested. This past year the Sons made a coin to benefit the Boys and Girls State Governors. and they were able to present $200 to each of them from the money raised with last year's coin. This year 13 year old Darrin McCarthy designed the coin and they were selling like hotcakes.

The evening Membership Party was hosted by The American Legion Auxiliary with all of The American Legion Family participating. Even me. Tonights theme was super heroes. You had to come as a super hero or wear your PJs. Good for me I didn' have to wear my PJs. Detachment Commander Camille and I participated and his idea was to come in as Troy and Jacob from Swamp People. Good Idea and I was on board. The fun things we do to promote membership. Camille and I were a hit, we paddled down the aisle in our boat (parogie) Camille, as Troy, and I as Jacob. He hollored "CHOOT EM" and I did. Pulled out the rifle and shot the alligator. Camille and I won the contest and we decided to donate our winnings ($25.00) to the Department President's project which is the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

I had a great time during my visit to Louisiana and I would like to thank the Louisiana American Legion Family for the wonderful hospitality.

Detachment of Alabama Mid Winter Conference - Montgomery - January 13-15, 2012

Well it was an early Friday morning to travel to the Detachment of Alabama, the flights were very good with no problems. Of course I checked the weather before I left and knew it was going to be cold. It was about 40 degrees in Alabama. I arrived at the airport in Montgomery and was greeted by NEC Buddy Miller and NECA Tom Glander. It was a good ride from the airport to the hotel in Montgomery. Had to make a quick change once I arrived as I was speaking after lunch. Lunch was a taste of the local BBQ which was awesome. The restaurant was local restaurant named Dreamland and I must say it was very good.

After lunch I was introduced to The American Legion Department of Alabama and by what I have heard and been told the message was very well received. In the audience was Larry Sheets from Florida who is serving The American Legion this year as a National Vice Commander and it was good to have him there to see me in action. After my remarks i had the opportunity to sit in on the Department of Alabama Membership Workshop. The Department Membership Chairman was doing a fantastic job at presenting the information to those present.

After this I had some downtime until the Detachment Executive Committee Meeting that evening. They conducted a little business before dinner. NEC Buddy and I along with Commander Mike, his guest and Detachment Vice Commander Andy & his wife went to Post 122 in Millbrook for dinner. The nights menu was steak, potato and a salad. Of course, I am a carnivore and steak is always good. Had an opportunity to socialize with members of the Post Legion Family and then eat a superb meal. My thanks to The American Legion Family of Post 122. From there we went to Post 133 in Plattville. They had karaoke and a large crowd attending. NEC Buddy and I met the Squadron Commander Shawn, Post Commander Willie and Post 1st Vice Michael. We had a good time talking to them and listening to singers.

Saturday was an early morning, not too early though. NEC Buddy and I had breakfast prior to the beginning of their conference. The meeting was well attended and I gave my remarks to the Sons just after the opening. Of course I met Detachment Historian Josh who is 13 and has been a member for all his life. It was a busy morning with a visit to the Legion Riders and my thanks to Director Lee for allowing me the opportunity to speak and then onto to The American Legion Auxiliary and my thanks to Department President Brenda for the great introduction and the opportunity to speak. After lunch we came back to sit in the Americanism workshop and there was a lot of information that was given to the membership. Department Commander Jeff brought me back up to the podium for a few words and to present me a gift on behalf of The American Legion. Very much appreciated.

The wrap up for the day was the evening Department Banquet that was very well attended by the Alabama Legion Family. Meal was good and so was the entertainment.

Sunday will be attending the Memorial Service before heading back to Florida to get ready for my next visit which will be Louisiana.

My thanks to Department Commander Jeff, NEC Wayne & NECA Willis - Detachment Commander Mike, NEC Buddy & NECA Tom, Riders Director Lee, Department President Brenda and the entire Alabama American Legion Family for all of the true southern hospitality. I really appreciate all that you do for the organization.