Greetings, Arizona Legionnaires and Family,
Welcome to another Commander’s News Brief.
Headlines for today:
Membership, Convention, and some Program successes, and a thought:
First to Membership. You continue to knock it out of the park with our climb to 100%. The latest national report still shows us in the number 2 position with 99.75%, meaning we are less than 85 members away, new joins or renewals, from that 100% Milestone. My hat’s off to the districts that have achieved 100% or higher: District 4 with over 105%, District 6 (the newest members to the 100% Club with over 103%), and District 3 with just over 101%. Others are so very close…keep it up. I am also glad to see we are continuing to renew some of our previous members…we are at 89% now…so keep going back and inviting folks to renew.
Convention. Our annual Convention is just over a week away, June 25-28. We will open Thursday evening, June 25th at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the San Marcos Resort HOTEL in Chandler. Opening remarks from leaders and guests will be made, plus several special awards and recognitions presented. There are still rooms available in the overflow hotel nearby. Information on the rooms and the remainder of the schedule is available on our Department Website at this link or QR Code.
Come listen and learn about what we are doing in the service of our Veterans, their families, and of course, for our communities, state, and nation. I would like to spotlight one of the presentations being prepared by Paul Johnson that will address and answer questions about the property tax exemption issues that came out of the last state legislative session. I am told by our legislative team that they are gearing up to remove the salary caps the current version has with a 2027 amendment.
Please remember that at our convention this year, we will be electing our new Department Commander, Vice Commanders from Areas A, B, and C, and our National Executive Committee person and Alternate. For more information, please refer to this link or QR Code, which will take you to the Facebook page introducing you to the Candidates. Make sure your delegates are registered and per-capita fees paid, or your post may not be able to vote.
AND, DON’T MISS IT…
Of the many events going on, I invite you to attend our Commander’s Farewell Dinner and Magic Show on Saturday evening. As a special guest, we have Chris Rose, one of the few to ever fool the legendary magicians Penn and Teller. Get your tickets soon, as the deadline is 21 June…and they are going fast.
Alright, some program successes:
Last week it was Boys and Girls State events…and this week, I got to attend the graduation ceremony of our ALLECA Class for 2026. It was an incredible ceremony, and the youth we had as participants experienced a great opportunity to develop in character and leadership skills. They were simply tremendous. I want to thank the entire staff of ALLECA, made of up primarily of members from our Legion Family and Active and Retired Law enforcement officials. This year we also had several previous junior staff who continued their journey from good to great leaders as they were key in working with the Class of 2026. Gator, Matt Griffis, thank you for your years of dedicated service. I also must thank Major Diana Mondragon of the AZ Department of Public Safety for her outstanding contributions to the success of this premier program.
BASEBALL: I also want to remind you that American Legion Baseball is in full swing right now. The games are great, and the youth talent is top-notch. You should do all you can to take some time off and come see our youth, some of whom will likely be candidates for professional ball someday. Here’ the link and QR Code to get the schedules….and, also monitor games in progress. YES, you can actually tune in from afar and monitor the games of your choice.
Alright…that about winds it up for this News Brief.
And of course, my closing thought…My old favorite from long ago… just three words: “TRUST but VERIFY.”
I have all sorts of information and stories sent to me…some quite amazing, and often from folks telling me things others have supposedly said about various topics. In many cases, folks may be doing their perceived best to communicate things, but unfortunately their information is often seriously flawed, yet despite the factual inaccuracies, they were quite convincing to some. Simply look at the source, remember the reputation, and see if what is being said makes sense.
My suggestions: if you hear something and want clarification, ask for it…or go to the person mentioned to confirm the story. Nobody should get upset if someone comes asking for a better understanding of something reported…as it could actually kill the rumors and get things back on track. I am grateful for folks who take the time to verify rather than perpetuate bad information…and many times it is simply the result of misunderstandings. We should have each other’s backs, and part of that process is verifying what is being said, even if you trust the person relaying the information. Anyone can make a mistake, and it is common in some communication channels.
OK…take care…I’ll have another news brief for you soon….in the meantime, never forget our mission to BE THE ONE…with your response, I’M the One who’ll Be the One, to save the One.
I have been all over this state and met so many incredible people…and this I can say without any hesitation…everyone one of you has been proven to be of great value to your brothers and sisters in the Legion, to your families, and to our nation. I need the values, the talents you have to offer because through you we will strengthen our family. Still got some doubts? Reach out and talk…I enjoy learning about the great things each of you has to offer.
Take care.
