Membership Kudos, AZ American Legion College — GO!, 2026 Department Elections
Greetings everyone,
I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your INCREDIBLE efforts AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS as we move forward this new year….the 250th year of our nation’s birth.
Many great opportunities lie ahead.
I’d like to briefly address three issues of importance:
FIRST, MEMBERSHIP. With your diligence, we have progressed from the low 50s of 55 departments in The Legion to Number 12 in the nation as of January 8th. We are also ranked NUMBER ONE in the Western region…WELL DONE! We are well on our way to meet, AND EXCEED our 100% membership goals.
DO NOT LET A SINGLE VETERAN, his or her family member, cross your path without inviting them to join OUR LEGION FAMILY. Our LEGION department once had well over 40,000 members, but we have declined over the past years. I am happy to see a resurgence as it provides many new hands to carry out the missions as we hold tight to the pillars of our organization: Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. Thank YOU, for committment to get this done!
SECOND: In my travels to visit with Districts and Post memberships, I get a lot of questions about policies and procedures. I want to invite you RIGHT NOW to find a way to attend our department’s Arizona American Legion College. We have some incredible instructors who’ll guide you through various resources to teach you policy and procedures…and simply show you where we came from, what we are all about, and where we are going.
You’ll need to start out by taking Basic Training found on the National Website (legion.org and search BASIC TRAINING) that will lay the foundation to understand our Pillars that define our vision, mission, and goals.
Next, you’ll go to our AZ ALC website (azlegioncollege.org) and fill out the application to attend. The college starts on a scheduled Friday morning and ends around noon on the following Sunday where I get to attend your graduation ceremony.
We have a new class upcoming, and though the website may list a deadline to apply, if it has passed, call the Dean, Bobbie Kimelton, and seek a waiver. We even have scholarships for those who may need some financial assistance. We will do all we can to ensure you have a way to attend and YOU will come away with new light and knowledge of how to lead your posts and resolve the challenges as they arise. DON’T THINK ABOUT IT….JUST DO IT!
THIRD: We are deep into another campaign season for key offices such as Department Commander, Area Vice Commanders, and National Executive Committee representatives. I encourage you to invite the candidates to your districts and posts so you get to know them, their vision, and plans. Know them so that when the June election comes, you are selecting the candidate that you feel most emulates your desires for success in Arizona. Now, there are some 117 posts, and while candidates will try to visit them, they may not make them all…as it is almost physically impossible with the vast distances and many posts meeting on the same nights and times. If you do miss them in person, we have a “Candidates for Department Leadership” Facebook page where you can get to know who’s running by hearing their messages online. Listen and learn from them and make sound decisions. Remember this, popularity is not always the answer…pick the ones who you feel will carry through with your own ideas and goals…those who will be effective leaders. It’s about drive and accomplishments with assignments given and completed… Remember, the ONLY requirement to run for office is to be a member in GOOD STANDING….your accomplishments will speak for themselves and qualify you before your peers.
I remind you that there will be Post and District leaders elected, as well, before our convention. Select wisely, and when you do, support the winner. If you do not see a candidate that you can support, then RUN YOURSELF…. Get engaged. LEAD…but whoever is elected by the majority, once done, the rest of us need to climb aboard and work unceasingly to support our American Legion Pillars.  Help the elected to succeed…as you would want them to assist you, if elected. Unity vs division will determine the greater successes.
It is YOUR CHOICE….become informed, and CHOOSE WISELY!
IN SUMMATION:
Let’s exceed our 100% membership goals in each organization of our Legion Family…Yes, the Legion, the Sons, the Riders, and our incredible Auxiliary. CONTINUE TO RECRUIT and let’s work for the future, giving all veterans and families a place to call home.
Go to the AZ American Legion College….you can still make the next class if you hustle…and if the deadline has passed, call the Dean and ask for a waiver to attend. THE GOAL: NO EMPTY SEATS. We need enlightened leaders as we forge ahead to reap the opportunities of tomorrow.
AND, get to know the candidates for our upcoming department elections in June, and the preceding post and district elections. Get to know the candidates through personal visits, and when not possible, go to our department candidates’ facebook page and read/hear their messages.
Finally, my words of wisdom and counsel for the day: If you don’t like where you are, just picture where you want to be and GO GET IT.   You can’t just blend in when YOU were meant to STAND OUT!…Yes, I mean YOU!
BE THE ONE is the MISSION,
I’M the ONE is the personal commitment…
Until next time…
Let’s get it done!
