AMERICAN LEGION
Department of Utah
December 22. 2012
Virginia;
Thank you. I get so excited every Wed to see the Statistics
Area, Districts and Posts Commanders:
Thank you for what we have accomplished this year so far. The next few weeks now are going to be as we planned nil to nothing for membership. We are standing at 84% completed to accomplish our mission. My personal concerns are our Posts with no reports or under 50%. I am not going to get involved in your Areas and Districts but I would like a report of what you are doing to help them achieve their mission?
It is that time of the Membership Drive that you Commanders have to assess your Areas, Districts and Posts. We are 5 Months into the over all mission of our requested task. I am now frustrated for your Districts that are so close to earning money for their Districts which in turn would help Department earn money for equipment needed for our full time staff.
Many of your Posts are so close to that finish line of being on the "Commanders 100% Membership Club." What goals and incentives can we help you make that proud moment for your Posts?
We should be honored to belong to one of the largest most respected Veterans Organization in the World. Last night (Dec 21st) was the Wasatch Soldiers Send Off. Thank you Commander and Nello for stationing that event in West Valley City. How important it is to meet our next generation Soldiers and allow what we have to offer as an organization for them to join now and be here for them when they return. Or offer support if they need us in the future. I was impressed with the displays even though I could not stay. I hope to hear more from the Commander and Nello.
I want to thank Lehi for the invitation to their Christmas Social last night. I am excited and look forward being invited to their Membership meeting in January. Several of the things we talked about is creating success. Have events that give you recognition that cost nothing but time. For example this is the year of the Korean Veterans. Celebrating and giving recognition to your Korean Veterans by ordering the Korean Certificates (for your Active and especially expired membership members) signed by Defense Secretary Paneta. Letting your community know of the presentation and present those certificates to them during a Community event. (I'll give you that information below) Another idea is February is American Legion Blood Drive Month.. Call the Red Cross for a local Blood Drive. If you don't have a large post consolidate the Blood Drive event with another repututable organization like your Church or Auxiliaries, Kawanis, Chamber etc.(Provo is doing one with District 4 and the Boys Scout Council of Utah. Presidents Day from 3-8 PM.)
Commanders after February when you do not meet your goals it will be very difficult to celebrate your 100% membership for the March Legion Birthday. We have to meet March deadline. My prediction is that it will be too late to make our goal. Against Legion By-Laws and National Regulations your Adjutants and Commanders will be doing the same thing as years past and holding your memberships.
Speaking to Shiela, District 4 Commander, I realized that my communications are not the best in the world. I have a menagerie of ideas for your Post Commanders. Each community is unique. I can help if you just call me and ask for help, support, of just to talk to make your Posts succeed.
Now: Korean Veterans. Look on your membership rolls, Direct Mailings Systems, (DMS) or computer from www.Legion.org. Specifically look for your Korean Veterans under War Conflict and send Jean Davis their names, your mailing address of where you want them sent to and she will send you the Certificates for your presentation.
NO COST to you...POC: "Davis, Jean W CIV (US)"
Thank you for all you do. I want you to know that I am an active Chairman of Membership and mean that I want to help you as a Post, District, Area, and Department meet out National Goal. My second priority is to hit an all time Department goal for our Department. This can only be done if everyone is pulling for membership in Post Level Membership Drives. Commanders please follow up on every Post under 50% membership and especially non reporting Posts ASAP and let me know what I can do to help. I am at your service to help you succeed. For The good of the Department.
For God and County.
Randy D. Edwards
Vice-Commander / Membership Chairman
Department of Utah
