My great uncle is one of the 4 million American men and women who answered the call to fight the First World War that we pay tribute to. My wife Gwen’s great uncle Joe O. Alvord’s family had no knowledge of what happened to him after he went off to fight in WWI. Recently we were able to retrieve his name through a computer in the state of Kansas which indicated that Joe O. Alvord was Killed In Action (KIA).
It takes me back in time as I think of the sacrifices made by those veterans and the privileges and rights as American Citizens that we all enjoy today because of those sacrifices. I thought of our organization, The American Legion, born from the outcome of WWI. Today one man, 107 years old, Frank Buckles is the sole surviving U.S. doughboy. But the legacy of the sacrifices of the WWI vet will live on in the hearts and minds of all veterans.
Recently my son, Captain Karl Grabin, returned home from Iraq to celebrate a never too late Christmas, Thanksgiving and birthday party all rolled into one with his family and friends. He is one of the latest generations to sacrifice for our freedoms. Karl said he was proud to wear the uniform and protect our freedoms. Karl’s mother said. “Honoring and remembering our veterans is the least we can do for someone who is fighting for our freedom”.
Our WWI founders of this organization sincerely believed that the power and desire to act resides with our membership at their local posts. It is for this reason and this reason alone that our National Constitution and By-laws sets guidelines of non-interference in post operation and activities. It was the hope of our WWI veterans that each post and its members can activate and reach out to their community and operate to support the growth and development of its citizens locally.
During my travels around the state I have experienced and witnessed the real strength of our grassroots organization, which is the blue hat legionnaire who regularly attends monthly meetings. I was recently invited to Salida Post 64 where 2 members were recognized for their 60-year tenure of legion service. I was very impressed with Commander Rich Padoven’s ritual service of rendering Post Everlasting; the tripod with brazier, stacking of rifles and taps. Department Jr. Vice Rick Friend and I were proud of the teamwork demonstrated by Commander. Larry Lowe of Westcliffe Post 170 along with his post officers to sharing in unity with Salida Post 64. What a great evening. It was like when the Army is requesting assistance the Navy sends in artillery and air support to assist and accomplish the task
A successful leader is one who understands people, their strengths and weaknesses. A leader will influence people to want to not only do things, but to do the right things. A leader gains cooperation, confidence, and loyalty by acting in professional, friendly and approachable manner. He /she have the ability to work with others, want them to be successful, and accept the fact that they may have different viewpoints. A successful leader is one who builds a great team around himself. You must assemble a full complement of Officers with new and fresh ideas. Then work together as a team for the best interest of your Post and for the betterment of The American Legion overall. Knowledge and continuity are two keys to a quality leadership team willing and capable of doing the hard work necessary to make our programs a reality in our communities and to involve and retain existing members. Current officers and members in their Post should recognize that one of their highest priorities is to actively recruit dedicated members to be officers of the Post. It is imperative to educate and encourage them in the responsibilities and rewards of being a Post Officer. “I am an American Legion Officer, and I Serve to make a difference!”
It is 2008 with a new beginning. We have four months left for the Department year. It is time for the current slate of officers to help the new incoming officers get ready to assume their office after the Colorado Department Convention. This is an important task; the current officers also need to finalize all projects and programs of the current post year. Our year is not over yet. What I have mentioned above should not stop with just the officers; it should include all the members of The American Legion Department of Colorado. Our Posts will not survive without the involvement of its members. That is just fact. Get involved volunteer and be an active participant within your Post and community. Together we can and will make the difference.
It is the responsibility of every member of the Post to make sure that our new members have the opportunity to become involved in the Legion programs, share their talents, and feel they are a valued member of the Post. Retention begins with members communicating. A mentor maintains contact, encourages involvement and sees that the new member’s entry into The American Legion is smooth and pleasant.
Why do we have such a hard time getting new members, and why can’t we keep our new members? Public relations take time and effort but you also have excellent resources at your disposal to help you get your good works announced. In today’s society, it takes more than a restaurant and bar to draw members. Men, women and family members who invest the time in belonging to an organization like The American Legion care about the image and perception of their Post. Everyone likes to have bragging rights about an organization where they are members. It is our job to provide that pride. We need to get the word out. Veterans Still Serving!!! “You must have long range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short range failures.”
Notes from National Commander Marty Conaster – as we enter 2008, it’s time for action, it’s time for commitment. And, above all, it’s time to get the job done. With your help, The American Legion can once again cast its vote for democracy. Get out the vote can be downloaded from The American Legion’s web site www.legion.org. The National Americanism Commission is coordinating efforts of the National Organization to encourage American Legion Posts and their members to become involved in this year’s elections. The involvement can come in the form of voter registration drives; get out the vote activities, sponsorship of town hall meetings and forums, or simply promoting voter participation through local media outlets. Elections are important to our Republic.
Our National Commander has also asked that we re-double our efforts on membership. He has asked that all of our leadership at all levels sign up at least one new member. And then ask each of our post members to sign up one new member. Please forward the names of the new members you sign up to me at Department Headquarters. Let’s jump on this effort.
Post Adjutants – Consolidated Post Reports (CPR) are to be sent to Department headquarters. Reports are shared with members of congress.
1952 and was 31,222 members.
Words of wisdom: Legion family: heal the past – embrace the present – dream the future. Common Sense – The quality of mind or character, which enables one to make intelligent decisions void of emotional bias or illusion.
R. Tim Grabin
Department Commander of Colorado