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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 |
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First Vice Commander's
Column Mid-Winter is now past history and it was a definite success for those who attended the event. This year the attendance was excellent and it was an educational and fun filled weekend. The weather even cooperated for the entire weekend with no snow or ice. I thank everyone who participated and attended the various committee meetings. They were well attended by both committee members and guests. Our National Commander, Clarence Hill, was with us the entire weekend and gave an excellent presentation at Sunday's Conference that was well received by all in attendance. The membership reports speak for themselves, some Districts are doing well and others are not. The next few months are some of the hardest times for recruiting membership. Prospective Legionnaires are out there, both unpaid renewals and NEW prospective Veterans. The Department of Ohio is behind in numbers, but working together as a TEAM, WE CAN DO IT! To aide in our quest for membership, we completed our annual Commander's Membership Round-up on February 16th thru 19th, 2010. We were able to visit each of the 14 Districts in the great State of Ohio. I would like to thank each of the Host Posts for their Participation and Hospitality. This challenging event was accomplished by the following Legionnaires: National Vice Commander James Morris, NEC Richard Zulch, ANEC Hank Long, Department Commander Lou Dimmerman, and 1st Vice Commander Dennis Clausing. I would also like to congratulate the 14 winning Legionnaires, whose names were drawn for recruiting NEW members; each received a $100.00 check. Our planning, with your help, equals successful TEAMWORK. A strong membership isn't possible without targeting the young veterans, who are major factors in the American Legion Membership drive. If a young veteran tells you he or she does not want to join The American Legion, ask "Why Not?" You may be surprised by what you hear; perhaps real or a perceived slight occurred at your Post. It is important that we listen to what the younger veterans have to say, especially, if we wish for this organization to remain strong and relevant. The "wait-your-turn" mentality and conducting business as usual because that is the way we've always done it are turn-offs to the young veteran, just as they were to preceding generations who may not have received the welcome that they deserved by Legion posts when they first returned from war. If you should need any assistance from any Officer or the Department, please ask and we will be glad to assist you. Barbara and I will be making two trips to Washington, D.C., in March of this year. The first will be to participate in the American Legion Washington Conference and the second time to "Escort" the Ohio Americanism and Government Test Winners on their trip to Washington, D.C. Should be an "Interesting" trip with 18 teenagers! Let's get OHIO back to number ONE! Dennis Clausing, 1st Vice Commander |
