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The Commander's
Column As I travel throughout this State of Ohio, I am always reminded of the proud dedication each of you demonstrates as part of the "Ohio American Legion Family." Your commitment to the aims and purposes of this great organization is a fine example of volunteerism and the impact it has on our communities, our state and our nation. Each of you, as members of the American Legion, makes a difference by paying your dues. However, the contributions many of you make as active members help keep our traditions alive while setting the example for the mind set of today's society. Simply put, as one, we can do some, as many, we can do much. I, along with many of you dread to hear the word membership and what usually comes after, a speech about the importance of renewal, retention and recruitment. The "Three R's" of membership with no care of what it means because I, too am human and want to see why it is important. Not tomorrow but, right at this moment. After all, what difference does it make to act instead of react? Renewal, the first of the "Three R's"; an act or process of renewing, repetition or being repeated, usually counting. Thinking about this, all members of the "Legion Family" do count; each and every one of us. But, if we did not renew our membership, there would be nothing to count and no one to help make the differences we make in our communities. The second word of the "Three R's" is retention; the act of retaining or to keep in one's service. Part of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion states: "by our devotion to mutual helpfulness." This statement reminds me of our organization's purpose to serve our youth, our veterans, our service members and their families while advocating patriotism and honor as well as promoting a strong national security. What would happen to our purpose if we did not retain or keep the members we have? What would happen if we did not recruit new ones which is the third word of the "Three R's" of membership? The meaning of recruitment according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is: the process of adding new individuals to a population or subpopulation by growth. What would happen to the American Legion if there was no new growth? Who would be part of an organization that inculcates a sense of individual obligation to their communities, states and nation? According to the National American Legion website, what distinguishes our organization from other veterans' service organizations is that we offer a number of local programs and activities to strengthen our commitment to our nation's grass roots and the people we serve. So, what difference does it make to act instead of react? Act is the state of real existence rather than possibility. React means to act in opposition to a force or influence. For me, it is simple, I want the real thing, what about you? The American Legion and its family are the real deal. No ifs, ands or buts about it &endash; the real thing. The members are part of the largest veteran's service organization in the United States existing since 1919. Our success depends entirely on our members and their active participation and volunteerism. Thank you to those who could attend our successful Mid-Winter Conference in January. Your participation in the meetings and information sessions are keys to the success we share as legionnaires and supporting organizations. Thank you to those who participated in our revitalized "Department Commander's Membership Roundup" during the month of February. Your hospitality in each of the 14 cities we visited during those four days of travel proves your devotion to mutual helpfulness and to the Department of Ohio American Legion. Thank you to those whom have contacted their state or federally elected officials regarding issues effecting our veterans' rights and quality of life. Your support of our legislative conference in Washington, D.C., during the month of March will give us a voice when we speak regarding these same topics. Thank you for your strong show of support for COTA, my chosen charity this year as your Department Commander. With your kind donations, we continue to make a difference in the lives of those whose life may depend on the efforts of others. If you need further information regarding COTA, feel free to call me or call their office at 1-800-366-2682. In closing, I want to thank each of you for helping make good things happen in our Department of Ohio. With your commitment to the "Three R's" of this great organization, we will continue with renewed success, retaining the exemplary service we are publicly known for while recruiting those who share the same values we believe in for the future of those we help. I look forward to seeing many of you in Toledo at our Department convention at the end of June. May God Bless each and every one. Lou Dimmerman, Department of Ohio
Commander Commander Lou Dimmerman has chosen the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) as his project for the year. COTA is the premier fundraising organization for families facing a life-saving transplant for one of the children. One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for transplant related expenses. Call 1-800-366-2682 for information. |
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Second Vice Commander's Column Department Midwinter Conference 2010 Department of Ohio Convention set for Toledo Law & Order nominations encouraged Legion Scholarship deadline is April 15 |