Travelling to the Detachment of Maine Convention

The Maine Convention opened on a Friday evening at the Convention Center in Bangor. The entire Legion Family held its meetings in the updated facility. Business as usual was conducted on Saturday and then elections were held for Detachment Officers for the next Legion calendar year. Outgoing Detachment Commander Scott Morton was elected to serve a two-year term as Commander so he will also serve in 2015-2016. An incoming Commander for 2016-2017 has already been identified and is planning to transition into office at that time. About 38 members were present at the Detachment Convention representing all areas of the great state. The Adjutant, Joe Cooper, presented updated information gathered by going over some of the Consolidated Report Forms that had been submitted, they had a large percentage of CRFs already submitted and were expecting to get a few more in the coming weeks. Although the donations to CWF seem to be in line with what National is reporting (approximately 33 cents per capita) the Detachment also financially supports the Special Olympics in a big way and helps to fund all six (6) veterans’ homes throughout the state of Maine as well as the Beall House, similar to the Fisher House, that helps families of veterans when they are hospitalized. It was great to see the diversity and depth of things they do throughout their state that do not necessarily show up in our usual national reports. The most interesting thing that came up on the floor during the meeting was a proposed dues increase and a resolution to begin planning to physically construct a state headquarters building on property that the Legion owns in Winslow, Maine. The resolutions passed and the Commander will be forming a Detachment Committee to help with the planning of the comprehensive project involving funding, planning, and constructing a brand-new Detachment Headquarters. It will be exciting times for their group over the coming months and years as they step into a new venture! I, as National Vice Commander, installed their new officers in a large ceremony that included installing the Legion and Auxiliary Officers as well. It was great to see the cooperation among the entire Legion Family which made for a fabulous evening event. The hospitality afforded me by the Detachment was sincerely appreciated as well as the excellent job that their NEC David Raymond did to make my stay smooth, enjoyable, and engaging. The weekend came to a close on Sunday after a buffet breakfast at the Hollywood Casino across from the Convention Center. It was a working breakfast-meeting and much planning for the 2015-2016 was already beginning to take shape. Clear focus on membership and charitable work was highlighted again. Commander Morton already had his agenda going and assignments were confirmed at that meeting before adjournment. Expect good things to continue from this Detachment! Greg “Doc” Gibbs National Vice Commander Sons of The American Legion 21 July 15