Greetings Legionnaires of Arizona, You have done an incredible job to pull us from the ranks in the 50’s of 55 Departments, to NUMBER ONE in the Nation in Membership for 2025-2026. We, however, cannot rest just yet. There are other states lurking within reach of a last-minute push to overtake us....We cannot let them pass us by.
Regroup and make one last, but efficient, effort to:
1. Contact all members of your post showing an expired membership and invite them to return. If they feel they don’t have much to add, remind them that, as a member, their sheer number alone helps us when we go before legislators to fight for veterans’ benefits. EVERY VETERAN has value in the cause.
2. Invite every veteran you know to join our organization. They may be involved in other organizations, but many of us are also members of other VSOs. As we compare notes on how other organizations operate, the best ideas and solutions emerge from mutual effort. The only guarantee of a “negative” response if we don’t present an invitation.
3. I have encountered several who face financial difficulties and cannot afford dues at the time. HELP THEM. We cannot leave anyone behind, and personal struggles, even financially, can never be a roadblock. We need every veteran on the team.
4. No WW2 or Korean War veteran should be carrying the load of membership costs. I’ll say the same for other eras as time moves on…but for now, make sure every one of those veterans, and others with special challenges, is afforded membership. It is part of watching each other’s backs.
5. Realize that our Be The One Mission is intimately tied to our mission to invite new members and retain our seasoned members. Those who find value and camaraderie find new friends and purpose in life. Give every veteran a chance to be involved.
The DEADLINE to submit all our membership applications/updates to National is Tuesday, May 13th. Strive to get the bulk of your submissions in by May 10th so any administrative issues can be resolved…and don’t put off for tomorrow what can be done TODAY, as time is extremely short and we cannot let our “buddies” down. We must keep our organization strong in numbers and strong in talent.
We barely have 10 days left…do not procrastinate your calls or visits to vets and families…many simply have not been asked…do not let that be the story in your post.
Thanks for all you do…I hope you enjoy my short video message. Link: https://youtu.be/ubz3ExYNRNs
