Greetings, My fellow Legionnaires,
Wow, we have had a couple of very busy weeks, and it just keeps getting better.
We had our opening ceremonies for American Legion Baseball in both Wickenburg and Tucson at Kino Park. We have a lot of great teams, and we may even have a shot at National prominence again. I hope you’ll take time to attend a game and support the youth sponsored by many of our posts….and the hot dogs are pretty good as well. Here’s where you can find a schedule of the games: https://www.azball.us/
I had a great week visiting both Boys and Girls State events. I can tell you this, we have some incredible youth out there. Together, the two programs had well over 400 youth participants, with about 70 additional adult leaders assisting in various capacities. One special event at Boys State was the swearing-in of 49 newly naturalized immigrants as our nation’s newest citizens. Hearing the stories of their journeys was quite moving as we welcomed them as citizens of our great nation.
And now that Boys State is over, I am off to Tucson to speak at the VFW Convention, then back to Prescott for our graduation ceremonies of ALLECA, our American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy.
IN ALL programs, we have had remarkable leaders guiding our youth in preparing them to be our next generation of great leaders. I thank them all.
MEMBERSHIP: YES, we are still climbing the ladder to 100% for the year; now, we are only about 1/2% away from the 100% milestone…then we’ll keep rising to 103% or more. National will keep counting our totals until we approach the national convention in August. Keep inviting every veteran to join our ranks. Leave no veteran or family member behind.
A few days ago, I attended one post that had worked hard and had an initiation for many of the group of 36 that had transferred over from Post 100…Yes, they were able to pull in several from the holding post, and now those veterans have already met new friends and have begun to enjoy the full benefits of membership. Never doubt…Post 100 IS a great resource for members looking for a home post. Many are just waiting for the invitation.
URGENT—URGENT: Yes, it is that time of year again when we need to get our CPR Reports completed and submitted. The Deadline is June 30th, but I ask you to complete them by Convention June 25-28 so we have a few days to update them if necessary. Adjutants and Commanders have online links in their mylegion.org accounts, so make it easy and submit online. If you have trouble, call the Department HQ and we’ll help you out.
ELECTIONS: Yes, we will hold departmental elections at our State Convention upcoming June 25-28. Of most importance, make sure you have registered to attend, AND that your post has paid the required per-capita per delegate authorized to vote for candidates. When in doubt, call headquarters for assistance.
WHO IS RUNNING, YOU ASK? Well, the candidates have been traveling around the state trying to visit each of the district and post meetings. I’ll say this: with nearly 120 posts, that’s a lot of travel and many overlapping meetings. If you have NOT been able to meet a candidate, please use this QR Code or link for our Department Candidates Facebook site. Each Candidate has posted their information for you to assist in your decisions. We will be voting for: A new Department Commander, Vice Commanders for Areas A, B, and C, and also for our National Executive Committee person and Alternate. You don’t want to miss this. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/azlegioncandidates
Regarding Convention, if you still need a room, we have opened the overflow hotel, and there are plenty of rooms so far. Please use our CONVENTION LINK on the Department Website, under the RESOURCES dropdown menu, or this direct link or QR Code for information: https://azlegion.org/register-by-1-june-2026-department-convention/
There are still a few tickets for my Homecoming Dinner and Magic Show on Saturday night at Post 35, so use the flyer to RSVP, or preferably use the online link to make reservations and select food. It’s only $20 per person and the Magician, Chris Rose, is one of the few that has actually fooled Penn and Teller on their famous show. LINK: https://azlegion.org/honoring-leadership-join-us-for-the-department-commanders-homecoming-dinner-magic-show/
OK…that is a LOT of news…and there will be more to come…but right now, take a breather and get ready to enjoy a great convention….opening session with speakers and awards, Thursday evening, at 6 p.m. at the San Marcos Resort in Chandler.
A closing thought…Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Think about it, and act….
Take care…I’m looking forward to seeing you at Convention and at our Saturday evening dinner and magic show.
S/F
Gary
