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.