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.
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