National Vice Commander West
Update

    As this year winds down and we start to think of a new slate of officers, I would pause to reflect on what has happened this past year. Some GREAT things have happened both in the West and throughout our great organization. The membership race has been exceptionally tight all year as each region vies for the top spot. As of today’s writing, there is only 3.5% between all five regions with each region in contention for the winners circle. I would offer sincere congratulations to the other four National Vice Commanders for their camaraderie and the excellent competition all year long. You guys have made this an exciting race and those who benefit the most are our members.

    The American Legion’s Child Welfare Foundation has again been blessed through your hard work under the direction of Chairman Jeff Frain who has performed miracles this year. He set the bar high and we almost achieved his dream. Again, the real winners are the children across America who will benefit from our more than $332,435.00 in donations, again with the Son’s leading the way. Exceptionally WELL DONE…!

    I’ve also had the opportunity of visiting six (6) of the ten (10) western Detachments including Idaho, California, Arizona, Utah, Washington and Oregon where I have observed firsthand the Sons of the American Legion in the West fulfilling Commander Giehll’s challenge of “Making a Difference” on a daily basis. You guys, the ones with feet on the ground have made my job so much easier through your dedication, commitment and camaraderie and have again proved “If you want to see the best, look to the west…!”

    The west has led the membership race with four Detachments already above the 105% May 24th cutoff target, those being Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Hawaii with the addition of California and Oregon being above 100%. We have also achieved four (4) ALL TIME HIGH’s in Utah, Arizona, California and Oregon. WELL DONE GUYS, you rock…!

    Gents, I would share with you my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for all you each do every day in making our communities a better place to live and play. The Sons of the American Legion is one of the premier programs of the American Legion as is evidenced in our support of the American Legion Family and all of the aims and purposes for which the American Legion stands. We should ALL be EXCEPTIONALLY PROUD of our shared heritage. Hope to see all y’all in Phoenix.