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.