February 25, 2010 download SAL Jr. Vice nomination letter - PDF file
In the past few weeks, I have received recommendations and spoken with many of our membership in regards to filling our vacant Jr. Vice Commander position. Careful consideration is warranted, as this position not only serves in a leadership role for the Americanism Commission, it is also viewed as a prelude to a Detachment Command.
In accordance with the Detachment Constitution as stated below, I nominate Robert T. Kelly, Jr.
to serve as the Jr. Vice Commander designate until the next regular Detachment Executive Committee meeting, whereby he will be subject to a confirmation vote by the DEC. Rob currently serves as Chairman of the VA&R Commission, and previously served as Area 6 Vice Commander. I call upon all of our membership to support Rob in his new position to ensure that our Detachment goals are exceeded. For God & Country, in support of The American Legion,
(s) Paul E. Mesmer, Commander
Detachment of California
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June 5, 2009
From Mark L. Smith, S.A.L. Vice Commander, Area 1, Detachment of California
The week of a Veteran's Son...
 I apologize for taking the day off today, it was my Fathers service at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. I realize that I've only started two Squadrons this week, Yolo-77, and Shasta-197. But this was a day that waited three and a half years to arrive. The backlog of other Veterans was that long up here due to the politicians who ignore the Northstate, and delayed the completion of this very much needed Holy ground.
 It finally opened after my Father passed away and I have been here since the ground-breaking ceremony with my Post's Color Guard, many, many times over the last 3 years for various functions and it seems that I could very likely be on the Board of Directors here after talking with the local VA representative. I would be the only non-Veteran, like at S.C.V.A.C.
Also this week I had the privilege to sit in on Squadron 746's afternoon meeting. This Squadron mostly has enough Officers and sticks to the book, usually good meetings are had. One of their "elders" brought up the scenario of; "What if we just give up, throw in the towel, call it quits and why bother?"
 This is what I told their Post's assembly: "Gentlemen, what if the local Squadrons didn't exist? What if I was never allowed entrance into Post 720 to have a cold one with my Dad after work? Never gotten that badly needed- at that time- job there as a Bartender, of which I had to join something called the "Sons of the American Legion". Become this mysterious thing called an "Adjutant", ran my way through the chairs. Became the Captain of an award winning Color Guard that traveled the Northstate? Because so few of you cannot see beyond your Post, to the "Grand Scheme of Things", as it were, you are cheating untold dozens if not hundreds of potential Squadron members the chance to do something they might not EVER get a chance to try, or do. or become. The chance to honor their own Fathers and Grandfathers like no other group can. My Father, 19 years ago when his best friend and H/P partner died suddenly, told me that he wanted to just "be burnt and scattered over Lake Shasta like Chris’s wife had had done out on the Patio Boat on the Lake after he passed away. Tomorrow (today) I will be at Igo with a full Military Honors service for my Dad- That's what being a member of the Son's of the American Legion has done for me. You just never know who's waiting to join your Squadron- Let them."
I look forward to seeing all of you in Riverside, my lovely bride and I will get a California Connection to Mr. Eby this weekend after her Unit has a Yard Sale, My Sons Squadron cooks a BBQ, and I address a luncheon for the Boys State candidates tomorrow. This is just one week in the life of a Northstate Son's of the American Legion member. and I hope to serve my home Area for another term this next year. For God, it seems, has been kind enough to give me more time-
For God and Country,
Mr. Mark L. Smith, S.A.L, Vice Commander, Area 1, Detachment of California
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