It’s the last weekend before the membership drive is over. Let’s finish strong and keep our NUMBER ONE spot in the nation. See my video message and written post below. Thank YOU for your tremendous work to take us to the top...NOW, we MUST HOLD IT as others seek to unseat us.
Commander’s Video Message: https://youtu.be/-JDvJxRhNfY
The written message:
Greetings again, everyone,
As I prepare for my flight home from a week in Indianapolis, National has just released another membership status report as we race to the top with the deadline of May 13th.
You all are knocking it out of the park as we still hold the number one position with 97.11%.
Florida is creeping up on us, a mere .81% in trail, with Wyoming now surging to number 3, merely 1.38% behind…  Utah, at number 4, trailing by 1.57%, and New Hampshire moving up to number 5, only 2.28% behind. Yes, we are seeing a lot of movement…but this weekend is the time we need to close it out on our competition.
I will be home later Friday night. On Saturday morning, I’ll be on the road again, visiting a few more posts over the next few days as we press on to the end.
TIMING IS CRITICAL. Other departments, face-to-face, have said they will do all they can to catch us, to leave us in the dust… but we have the lead, have worked hard for it, and can maintain it… but only with tireless efforts in these closing few days.
Again, reach for your 100% by the 10th …. so we have a couple of days remaining to ensure all is processed for the deadline on May 13th and hopefully hit that national goal of 103%.Â
If you think 100% is out of reach for your post, don’t give up…simply do your best, as you will still touch the lives of those who may need us most.Â
The one you touch may be exactly the one you save…every effort fulfills our mission to BE THE ONE…and once you find the ONE, search for another.
Once again, make a final review and ensure that no WW2 or Korean War veteran is being overlooked. Help those who may have trouble renewing because they not computer proficient…..you know who they are. Reach out now.
2nd. As said, you know your members…make sure that NO ONE with any financial challenges is overlooked….we have to have the backs of those who may have some serious challenges at this time.
Adjutants and Membership Chairs, take a look at your online membership rosters and specifically pick out whether members are listed as ACTIVE or EXPIRED. Make a list of all EXPIRED and set up a calling team to reach out to ALL of them THIS WEEKEND.Â
Time is up, and we are into the final stretch…do not let a single expired member go without a call OR VISIT in these next few days. Sure, back it up with an email or text…Let folks know we need them to remain part of the team as we are stronger and more effective in numbers.Â
Heck, you might even find out if someone who’s been ill…perhaps the very reason they have not renewed…or if they have moved…but could still be renewed, then assisted with a transfer, and….. unfortunately, if some one has passed on…in which case we can assist the family as necessary, as many are never quite sure what to do.
3. Check your records and files…make sure there are NO APPLICATIONS sitting around that have not been processed. I walked into an adjutant’s office a while back and he opened his desk drawer that was filled with unprocessed applications with checks and cash money attached…. Not to mention some loose cash around…Trust your work, but go back and verify it is really all done.
4. Recruiting time is not over…keep asking that GOLDEN QUESTION: Are you are veteran? Are you a member of The American Legion? I invite you to join my post (and if not yours, then the closest post to where they live).Â
First, have an application in hand. 2nd, have on the tip of your tongue the date, time, and location of your next meeting. If they want more information, practice your 1-minute elevator speech… and, to make it personal, mention the 4 pillars, then give examples of your favorite related activities… we make it easy when we talk about what we love best about all the good we do. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pass on an opportunity to ask a veteran to be part of us, and then to ensure the family has a crack at the Auxiliary or Sons.
OK…this is it. As I have said, other departments across the nation are rallying these last few days, and many have vowed to take us down. We can either sit back and let them do it, or we can show them we are not about to be undone….
You have worked hard in so many ways. I am so very proud of your incredible efforts in everything we have done for the year….but now, let’s finish strong with our focus being to ensure we have left NO ONE behind in membership renewals or new member recruitment.Â
I look forward to announcing and presenting our NEW 100% membership plaques to you at our upcoming convention… that is just a few weeks away.
My closing thought for today:Â
Real friends are the ones who stick around to help you face the hard things, to engage when help is needed most….not the ones who just show up for the fun when the hard work is done.
Please remember, this is NOT about chasing fame, it is about taking that step to BE THE ONE to watch over our fellow veterans and their families….it’s about carrying responsibility, to be there for our brothers and sisters.Â
True greatness is about the lives you touch and the service you provide…….and who’ll be that one to get it done…
And….By now, I hope you have made the commitment to always respond. “I’m the ONE who’ll get this DONE.
Until next message….take care…leave NO ONE behind.
Thank you!
