I would like to start by saying Happy New Year to everyone in The American Legion Family. I am happy to say we are reaching our membership goals as the Target dates arrive. I have to relay a message from our National Membership Liaison John Kerestan. In October NEC Bob Manning and I went to the Fall NEC Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. At the Opening of the meeting, John Kerestan was the first speaker and his message was about new membership. Our National New Membership was 6,840 last year. It hasn't been that low since 1987 when it was 6,193. You could hear a pin drop in the room. Our National Commander, Raymond P. Giehll Jr. also spoke about going out and finding new members instead of waiting for them to show up at the front door.
National sponsored a Detachment Commanders Instructional Institute that weekend. I attended and found a wealth of information I will use to get South Carolina back on top and a voice at the National level. We can't wait for the fish to jump in the boat. We have to put the pole in the water. More about that at the Executive Committee meeting.
At fall conference we slated a date January 19, 2008 at American Legion Post 186 for the next EC meeting. We have to cancel that date because they are hosting elections there that day. I am contacting everyone who attended the Fall Conference and the EC will be contacted be me and we will work out another time. Another reason for canceling is NEC Bob Manning and Zone Three Commander Randy Piper have other obligations that day in Columbia.
The Fall Conference was held in Myrtle Beach the first weekend in November. I attended a reception for National Guests in the Savannah Palms room and two breakfasts with the American Legion Family. The Detachment and Squadron 186 hosted a hospitality room and for the second year in a row we heard nothing but praise for the great job that we did. It was an American Legion Post 186 Family effort.
The Executive Committee meeting started at 11:30 and the general Business Session followed after. I was presented with an award from the Child Welfare Foundation for The Detachments Achievements. Squadron 34 was also recognized by The Child Welfare Foundation.
Jim Hedman First Vice and Membership chairman of Squadron 186 was presented an award given to Squadron 186 for the highest percentage increase in membership for the Detachment and Squadron 34 was given an award for the largest membership in the Detachment.
Just a few of The 2007 SAL Accomplishments at the National level are 223,923 Volunteer hours were recorded and 11,594 visits with $915,688 in cash and gifts for the VA&R. The SAL is the single largest contributor to the Child Welfare Foundation, donating $321,228 and 20,331 hours of service. A total of $1,671,587 and 390,450 hours of service has been given in support of Americanism Programs.
Keep up the good work and let's go Fishing!
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY,
Andrew J. Hornbuckle
Detachment Commander
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