March 2009: Does Everyone Really Know?

Greetings! Hey, let me kick this month off by saying “Thank You” to all recent members who’ve taken the time to ensure their address is up-to-date and thanks for your patience while we are still merging several databases into one easy-to-use system.

Next, you know sometimes when dealing with a large group like our 1000 (plus) members, it never hurts to back up our members & families with refresher info on occasion. The one thing (among the many) that I’ve learned over the years in multiple jobs is that every time you come across something that most think, “everyone should know,” there is many either who really don’t know or haven’t got the word at all. Times change. People change. Technology changes. Rules change. And sometimes, unless we take the time to refresh or check our notes, on occasion, memories can change too. It is a scientific fact. That's why the armed services that we all served in to be eligible to be a legionnaire are always training and reinforcing their information and practices through constantly revisiting the "things everyone knows." This is why communication is important. So, I challenge each fellow member, from Post Officer to general membership, from Post to SAL to Auxiliary, to take a step back when you think there is something that “everyone should know” & take the time to ensure we’re all on the same page. If in doubt, don't be embarrassed or hesitate to check things out with others. If in doubt, ask questions & keep asking until you get an answer. Ask a Post Officer. If they don't know, then rest assured that they have access to the answers, are willing to help, and took an oath to do so.

When speaking to young vets, the message received is that many don’t know what Legion benefits exist or even what questions to ask & when they do ask not everyone knows the answers that most think, “everyone should know.” Recruiting new folks is not always easy, but the task that is even harder is keeping them. As we bring new folks in, it’s important that we continue to interactive with them, take the time to see if they have questions, & get the answers they need. It also helps circulate the right answers as well. Remember, we’re often introducing new veterans & their families to American Legion as a whole & all that comes with it. Let this veteran tell you, for a new veteran, there is just as much misinformation out there as there is information. And, as most may remember, when Uncle Sam has made all your choices for so many years, some guys have a hard time adjusting to life after. That is one of the reasons why the American Legion is here... to help cut threw the fog for our fellow veterans and to collectively help take care of each other.

OK, and now, a little business: Whether you are a new member or renewing, please limit your “Leave Card at Bar” requests. Mailing it is just as easy, actually saves time for the bartenders & myself, & saves clutter from behind the bar. There are many cards that wind up behind the bar for a great while. It’s only a courtesy. So, if you leave a note, we’ll leave it there for 1 week ONLY, and then mail it. The bar is not a mail exchange and the bartenders are not postal workers. There are a few select items that are left behind the bar as a part of business, but let's limit the cards.

Lastly, if you haven’t checked out the Legion Post 434 Website lately, you may want to do so. It continues to expand & gain momentum. The one constant regarding the post website comments we receive is that everyone who takes the time to visit it (believe it or not, from ALL ages), is they are shocked at how much we actually have there. And, there is potential for more. If you would like to contribute or help with the site, let me know. It just might be the ticket for young vets who are already online a majority of the time. If you haven’t done so, check it out at Http://www.LegionPost434.org . From the “Morning Coffee” section, my “Adjutant’s Corner, ” the “Post Pit” bulletin board with Salutes, Vet2Vets Classified, Legion Laffs, Sports Chatter, Car Talk, Health Matters, Money Matters, & more, to online photo albums, the latest VA news, Healthcare info, and too much to print here. These are just a few! So, Pass the word & Make suggestions to Adjutant@LegionPost434.org! It’s your site & it’s there for you!

By the way, if you read the article here, then feel free to drop me an email or just say "Hey" at the post... I always love to hear that another person has taken the time to check out my monthly rant. After all, believe it or not, I don't do it for me, brothers and sisters. I am here for you!

Until next time, see you at the Post! Cheers! Tony