From the Department Commander, Steve Sperl
With excerpts from my acceptance speech included. I would like to reach out to each of you this soonest. From the day that my mentor Ken Dowse said that he could see me as the next Department Commander from our John P. Burns, American Legion Post 36 I worked to act for that dream. I sure wish he were here to witness this day, as I get Installed as Arizona’s next Department Commander. I want to thank my wife Shelley who has stood with me through thick and thin. I Love You. My daughter, Jamee, is here all the way from Montana. Two of my grandsons are here, Lukah and Giovanni. My sister Sue and her fiancé Jeff are also here. Thanks for supporting me. Two others in the audience are PDC Kenny Dowse’s daughters Liz and Kathy. I know Ken is looking down at me wearing his Wells Fargo belt buckle. Another person is here that I did not even meet, but I feel like I know him through his son, Joe Roberts. I have the honor of wearing Adrian Catfish Roberts Department Commander cap right now. I know he is looking down at this moment. Thanks to all the Legion Family, who supported me. I could not have done this without all of you.
My ongoing theme; it should be like red shirt Friday every day and do this through- Rejuvenate Educate Develop. But my Special Project is staying in harmony with the National organization’s theme with the BE THE ONE campaign, is NO BAD DAYS. It just takes one to save a life. Remember there are NO BAD DAYS. Thank you for the confidence you have in me to be your State Commander. I cannot wait to get started.
On June 25, 2023, as Arizona’s 104th Department Commander (If I am doing the right math), I begin as I live. I am guided by the motto of doing the right thing, for the right reason. Department of Arizona Auxiliary President, Madam Rose Ficklin, Sons Detachment Commander Chris Balsley, and American Legion Riders Director Gerard Brinkman; this is going to be a great year. Come and join me in this adventure.
Steve Sperl
Department Commander
Arizona
