It is a pleasure to get responses from readers out of this area. From New York I got an email written by CMSgt (Ret) John Stenstrom. a musician who joined the only musicians Post for the American Legion in New York.
" I hate to admit it, but I do not know our Commander," Stenstrom said " have never been to the post. I joined because I wanted to belong to a post and, when a friend from New York invited me, I accepted. I'd even have to look at my dues card (not on me) to know the post number.
I realize I'm not the kind of member any group wants, but I do hope my dues are welcome."
photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2008
The other side of that coin came in my e-mail when the commander of my post said there is the possibility that he may have to close our post, not because of the number of members we have, but that there is only a handful of men and women who can be officers on the post. From that handful, a small percentage are willing to be officers.
This possible action scares the living frijoles out of me. Unlike the members I've pictured above, the new members we need to keep fresh blood going in the Post seem to have the same attitude reflected by Stenstrom. An organization needs more than just the dues from its member.
It needs the passion that drove these people to fill out the membership forms in the first place, the feeling that brought them to this society of veterans. Their is a responsibility to membership that dollars alone cannot alleviate. To be a comrade, one needs to roll up the sleeves and work aside people who start out as strangers but end up as family.
The American Legion is a family of veterans which needs its dues paying members to join the family We honor those comrades when they die, but prefer to honor them while they are alive and able to help the Post.
About Me: Let's rake it up.
Gary,
Very good, you are right on target.
Thor Sparre
Commander - Post 259