Randy D. Edwards, Dean Mendenhall, Provo, Post 13
Vice-Commander / Membership Chairman
2012-2013
Comrades
I am running for Department Commander 2013-2014.
This past year has been one of the highlights of my life as your Vice-Commander of Membership. No other organization in my life fulfills me so totally as a person than serving our fellow Veteran’s and their Families. Having the privilege to serve as a member of The American Legion you have given my retirement real purpose in an opportunity to “Still Serve”. We have a legacy to be proud of and a legacy yet to fulfill.
I have been a lifetime member of The American Legion since 1979. I have served off and on during my membership. “The War on Terrorism” changed my volunteer opportunities. The years 1989-!990 became the beginning of my real service, purpose and reason to serving. I found an obligation to everything I did when I was promoted to First Sergeant (1SG) in the Utah National Guard. The commitment of service was an interview with Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Duane Wilson.
CSM Wilson and his Staff interviewed me on the fundamentals of leadership and Army knowledge. The most impact of my life was his “Pride In Ownership.” His advice and guidance have been my lifetime focus. Everything I have ever done or been involved in my life has been his example from that interview and his 1SG Conferences. Having the responsibility to lead in the Army or in your community means having pride of your obligation and responsibility, to take pride of it, own it, preserve it and protect it. He explained to me in that interview that “Pride in Ownership” meant taking care of your unit or organization, your equipment, and the welfare of your men.
Every thing in my life has been military focused on the two major goals of the Army. “Accomplishment of the Mission” and “The Welfare of your Men.” If people are taken care of first they will accomplish the mission. It will be accomplished out of respect and commitment given to them from the way they are treated by those who cared about them.
The American Legion men and women do just that. Our philosophy is our strength because “We have no rank among us,” everything is we do is surrounded by “We.” as a team. If we succeed or if we fail we have done it together.
Therefore; I am asking for your vote of confidence for the Position of Department of Utah Commander. With your vote I commit to you a Slogan CSM Wilson ( R ) allowed me to believe in and carry on in a tradition, “Pride in Ownership.” A Pride in Ownership that bonds us together in camaraderie, service and tradition.
Randy D. Edwards
Member Dean Mendenhall Provo Post 13
