Detachment of Illinois Executive Committee Meeting - Belvidere, IL - March 23-25, 2012

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.