The Conventions are over and I had a great time.  The only thing I did not like was not having enough time to spend at each convention, which would have made it possible to meet more of the members and spend time with the new officers. I also would have liked to discuss with them their plans for increasing membership in the coming year and how to get more members to take leadership roles.  

         The 8th District has set a very high standard!  At the present time they are at 100.55%.  Thanks to the 2007 officers, District Vice-Commander Paul Sanford, Commander John Meyeres and Area West Vice-Commander Alvin Schugart for their work and the challenge they have set for the other 7 districts.

         We have before us a very important election, not just a President and new Commander-In-Chief for our nation, but many state and federal offices.  We must become involved in this election because our nation is at a crossroad.  The outcome of this election, both state and federal, will determine the direction the United States of America will take for decades to come.  Remember our nation is at war on many fronts and will be so for many years to come.  So the election of our next Commander-in-Chief is a vitally important decision regarding America’s image throughout the world.  Please become involved!

This will be my last article as your Department Vice-Commander.  I am so proud and yet so very humbled to have served in this capacity.  I am proud to be a part of such an organization because of what The American Legion stands for and yet humbled to be one of your leaders.  There are so many veterans who have served as leaders in the past and many at the Department Convention who are more qualified than I am.  Yet with your help we can make The American Legion of Kansas one of the best and most dedicated in our nation in the coming year.

         My challenge to you is to help The American Legion by considering a move into leadership, which will help build a stronger and a more capable organization, and will also help your local Post in the future.  So, as I leave as your Department Vice-Commander and move into the office of Department Commander I say "God Bless You", "God Bless the President" and "God Bless America"!