03/09/2016
Well, it’s that time of year again. Nominations are coming up in a couple of months, for officer’s positions within out post. Some of our officers, a few with many years of volunteering, are stepping aside. It is normal to want some time off after having stepped up for years. But what of those who are able, but do not choose to attend meetings, and refuse to step up? Would it be the work that keeps them from participating? I doubt that, since only a few show up to meetings where what we all do is discussed to begin with. What then, is it that could be keeping so many from even attending a mere 12 meetings a year? A typical meeting contains information on Post Finances, to include reports on Bingo income/expenditures, as well as the Post funds, and a report on progress in the Veteran’s Trust Fund, which will be ending in May this year. Officer’s reports, which are rare, and include reports on current ongoing functions of a non financial nature...i.e. our sponsorship of the Veteran’s dinner (put on and planned by our Auxiliary), the Golf tournament, which is put on by our Sons Squadron, and staffed with volunteers from the Post, and SAL, Halloween town where 4-6 attend, direct traffic and pass out candy to the kids, working with Mrs. Jordan at Rye H.S. on attendees for Boys’ State, and staffing of a table for recruiting at various activities in the Valley. Occasionally something else may come, and volunteers may be asked for....but nobody is “assigned” to anything. If something comes along and you would like to participate, you are welcomed. So why have meetings, and why ask for people to attend meetings if it is always the same old thing? Good question. A few, running things and always in control, burns out volunteers, and with nobody to pick up the slack...these programs will simply cease. Another reason...as we all grow older, imagine where you will be if nobody steps up to help you along the way? What would that be like?
The VA and our government (not along party lines) tends to wonder when taking care of its business especially when it comes to veterans. Where would vets be without a Legion or the other groups that fight for vets. Remember, we, a non profit, can legally lobby Congress, because we were authorized by Congress to take care of vets. What if the American Legion, and all the others doing work on the behalf of vets, all decided NOT to step up any more? So my case here is to point out, we are all getting older, as we age, our desire to be of use has nothing to do with what we can and cannot do any longer...and as age increases, ability decreases. So before you are in that position where, as much as you would like to, you simply cannot, come in, join us. Help out. I have seen several of our members show up in spite of ailments that might well force me to stay home!!! And I tip my cap to each one! Thank you so much...and you know who you are. In short....if you can still lift a folding chair and move it from one spot to another, if you can sit in a chair for about an hour, twelve times a year, and if you can help now and again with the functions mentioned in this message, and if you can say “Aye” or “Nay” according to however many times we have a vote on something....you are officer material....please, please consider becoming an officer, or at the very least....attending, 12 hours of meetings a year!! Actually now down to 10 hours for this year.
And lastly...please renew, if you have not. On line would be preferable, as I am about to leave town for two or three weeks, according to a grandson’s schedule for his arrival. Reminder......new dues are now in affect...$42.00 for the 2016 year. God bless, and thanks.
George McGoff
Adjutant, AL Post 115
