Some comments from:
Bill Siler iii, Department Adjutant… The trip in both the North and South of California was productive and we were given a warm reception every place that we went. National Commander Martin “Marty” Conatser is a real down to earth commander. Everyone liked him and he was always just one of the Blue Cappers. He is a great National Commander and is a good Public Relations Officer for our organization.
Donald Reed – Post 293… The National Commander, Martin F. (Marty) Conatser, while on a national tour visited the Northern California, District Five country, and specifically Posts 111, Healdsburg and 293 Cloverdale, on December 10th. The two Posts cosponsored a well attended dinner/reception at the Healdsburg Post building. Post Commander Bud Simmons of Post 111 welcomed the guest, and Commander Gene Marcinkowski of Post 293 was unable to attend due to surgery. Introduction of the National Commander was made by Comrade James Hackney, Department NEC Man.
There were many short welcomes and presentation of some small area gifts ( he was in wine & redwood country) from other Posts, Past & Present Department, District Officers and Auxiliary Personnel. Healdsburg's Mayor, whose wife is Post 111 1st Vice Commander, gave him a welcome presentation from the city.
The main theme conveyed by Commander Conatser, was we should all learn what we as an organization do for active members of the military, all that we can do for our veterans, what we do for the communities at large. Most important, we need to spread the word. Most of us, members, know of maybe a couple of things we do but are unaware of many of the things that could benefit not only members, activity duty people but families within our scope. These benefits have to be used to help continue the growth of the largest veterans organization. He indicated we are the only veterans group that is increasing in size while all the rest of the organizations are in decline. We have many programs that are the Right Program for the Right Person at the Right Time. Commander Conatser is a very charismatic speaker, with a warm and sincere personality, a person that makes you proud to be a member of the Legion Family.
H. "Spike" Tattan Commander Post 283… I wish all members of the Post and their families a Happy and Healthy New Year. The National Commander Marty Conatser visited Post 283 in December. 136 veterans and guests had a wonderful evening, and the Commander challenged us to do the right thing . That is to support our military, their families, and their children particularly those currently in harms way that is the right thing to do .
The Commander left us with our donation of $5,000 for the National Emergency Fund because that was the right thing to do.
While staying at their lodging, the Commander and his aide asked a couple of strangers if they were veterans and signed them-up to The American Legion. So, ask your next door neighbor, a member of your religious group, your car mechanic, your dry cleaner, and a dozen of other men or women you come in contact with daily. Membership applications available at every Post. I challenge YOU to become more active this coming year (2008). Join one of the several committees that are available. We need your input. Come! Join us at our regular meetings and social events in Pacific Palisades.
|
Monday - December 10, 2007
Department Headquarters - San Francisco, CA
Yountville Veterans Home
Sotoyome Post 111- Healdsburg, CA
Tuesday - December 11, 2007
Monterey Peninsula Post #41 - Monterey, CA
Wednesday - December 12, 2007
Porterville Post #20 - Porterville, CA
Thursday - December 13, 2007
Charles P. Rowe Post 30 - Pomona , CA
Friday - December 14, 2007
Breakfast at V.A. Los Angeles, CA
Boat Tour - Newport Harbor
Newport Harbor Post 291 - Newport Beach, CA
Saturday - December 15, 2007
Palisades Post 283 - Pacific Palisades, CA
|
