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.