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.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
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.
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.
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