Newsletter
COMMANDER'S COLUMN
I want to congratulate all of the new Post Officers! I’m looking forward to being your Commander for the upcoming year. I didn’t accept the job to sit back and ride the wave as we still have a lot of work to do. I hope to see a lot of new faces at the meetings. One thing I believe in is that each person can make a difference, but no one can do it all. I plan on using the appointed committees to do the planning, make recommendations to the floor where the members can vote on it, and then make it happen. This requires members to get involved. It really doesn’t take much time or effort to make a difference by being on a committee plus afterwards you will feel great for doing it. Nobody will twist your arm to participate… believe me; I know as well as any-one that it is sometimes impossible to be there. I have NEVER asked nor expected anyone to be at every function or event. Family and mental health has to take a front seat to volunteering. But I also know that there are occasions when folks are just vegetating out in front of the boob tube (myself included). It would be really helpful if every once in a while, that time could be devoted to helping out. If you’ve never done it, you will find this hard to believe, but it is fun in its own way, and extremely rewarding. The feeling you have at the end of an event knowing you were partially responsible for its success will stay with you for a long time. And the more help we have, the less work everyone has to do, which increases the fun level and extends the volunteer life of all involved. One thing I’ll not do is try to pull together a function a week or two before it happens. Don’t just talk about what’s wrong - be part of the solution. You will be amazed at just how much of a difference you can make with just a little effort.
I’d like to remind everyone that the American Legion is much more than the “Social Room”. The Legion fulfills a tremendous need by supporting veterans, children, and the community at large in many ways. Please help us help others while promoting Americanism. I encourage all our members to come out and support our Post activities with their presence - the dinners, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, 9/11, Christmas party, etc. Without the interest and involvement of you, the members, our Post will die like some of the others have recently. I have heard some members say "we don't drink anymore, so why should we come down to the Post?" There is so much more to the American Legion than drinking. Come to Meetings, come to functions, volunteer, come out and see what we do for you. YOU ARE THE POST, we cannot survive without you, please stay active. I am looking forward to seeing some new faces, and enjoying the company of old friends as well.
Commander
Bernie Lusk
