Dan Dellinger Past National Commander Will Be a Special Guest in January During the Illinois American Legion Family Caravan
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American Legion Department of Illinois 2014—2015 Department Commander Hank Robards DECEMBER 2014 Dan Dellinger Past National Commander Will be a Special Guest in January during the Illinois American Legion Family Caravan Dan Dellinger of Vienna, Va., was elected National Commander of the 2.4 million-member American Legion on Aug. 29, 2013 in Houston, during the 95th national convention of the nation’s largest veterans organization. As of He became an Army Infantry officer after graduating with a degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He served at Fort November 26, 2014 Benning, Ga., during the Vietnam War and entered the U.S. Army Reserve in 1972, separating from the service in 1984 at the rank of captain. A member of the Dyer-Gunnell American Legion Post 180 in Vienna since 1982, he was made a life member in 1990. He has served as Post, District and Department commander and chaired numerous committees. At the national District Commander level, he chaired the Legislative, National Security, and Economics Commissions 7 LAMPERT as well as the Aerospace Committee. He served as Chairman of the Legislative 23 HARRIS Council and Membership and Post Activities Committee. He has been a member of the Foreign Relations Council, Policy Coordination, Veterans Planning and 21 NARGELENAS Coordinating Committees as well as the Legislative Council. 11 STIEG Dellinger is a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Past Commanders 8 MC NELLIS and Adjutants Club, Past Department Commander’s Club, ANAVICUS and the 13 GROHARING Citizens Flag Alliance. He has served as a presidential appointee on the Federal Taskforce on SBA Hiring and as vice mayor of the Town of Vienna, Virginia as 17 MATHENY well as serving three terms as town councilman. He is a member of the Loyal 12 ABDELNOUR Order of the Moose and the Loyal Order of the Kentucky Colonels. 18 DUDLEY He led The American Legion’s efforts to correct problems in the Veterans 15 SCHLIEPER Administration Health care system. Calling for the resignation of the director and senior officials. Division Commander He owned and operated a construction management and general contracting 2 GEESEY firm for twenty years specializing in commercial, institutional and industrial 4 BUSKE construction. 3 WALSTON Cmdr. Dellinger’s theme is "Building for Tomorrow – Today." 1 GRAHAM, III 5 JANCEK Department of Illinois ~ Official Member of The National American Legion Press Association On Sunday, November 9th I was at On Wednesday, the 19th I attended a Veterans Appreciation Day in Anna the Legislative meeting at Depart- and the guest speaker was a retired ment. They are efficient and getting female Vice-Admiral. She did an out- things done. standing job. Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving. On Veterans Day, I was in Monticello November started off with the for their celebration. I was the guest speaker and boy was it cold. One and Haven Jamboree in Carbondale. I want a half hours on a flatbed trailer is to thank everyone who made the trip tough. Remember who made this year’s Jamboree suc- The 12th thru the 15th I was in cessful. Springfield for another revitalization at On Monday the 3rd of November, I Post 32. There were quite a few posts traveled to Cisna Park for a meeting Each One that were there to help. That’s what and was very impressed with the turn- makes them successful. out. Plus the hospitality was second to Saturday I left for Sesser to see if I none. could get them certified. On Sunday Teach One November 5th thru 8th we had a at 1:00 pm they were certified. The revitalization in the Kankakee area. members plus some new were excited On Saturday, November 8th I was in about getting the post started again Du Quoin Post for an Early Bird Dinner. under new leadership. long or not. Personal contact is often All Commanders, Sr Vice Command- the difference maker. Tell them we ers and Jr Vice Commanders are lead- need them as a member to not only ers. Have fun in your role as a leader, support our great Legion programs but enjoy what you do but don’t forget to insure the protection of our brother who you are. and sister Veterans and their families A special thanks to Post 1922 for ongratulations to the seven who are in need. inviting me to their get together and a C Districts who have reached or You may be surprised also to find job well done to Commander Matt for exceeded 80% in membership as of that many unsigned Veterans have reaching 100%. I must also recognize this writing. I know there are other questions regarding VA & R, should 21st District Commander Nargelenas hard working District Commanders that be the case be sure that a service who’s District includes Post 1922, for who are dedicated in reaching the officer is in contact with that Veteran his 3rd place standing in Membership. 105% membership goal and I believed at the earliest possible opportunity. I attended two Veterans Day cere- they will. Don’t slow down on membership monies at Lincoln and Meehan Ele- The Department has done four revi- efforts. District Commanders and mentary schools in Belvidere. Words talizations so far this year. They have Officers, call and if necessary visit can’t describe what the kids put to- been successful but the key to contin- troubled Posts. I’ll repeat what I’ve gether for Veterans and they enjoy ued success is following up. Without it said before; Membership is every doing it. The Principles and Teachers all the time and energy put in is wast- officer’s job. This isn’t the time to sit all have my greatest respect and grati- ed. The same can be said on every lev- back and let someone else do the tude. FANTASTIC! el from Post, County, District and Divi- work, it’s time to step up, work to- Wishing you and your sion. If you can’t reach a renewable gether and get the job done. member by phone make the visit. “The quality of a leader is reflected loved ones a very Merry Many Legionnaires have stopped pay- in the standards they set for them- Christmas and Happy ing dues because they feel no one at selves” Ray Kroc the local level cares whether they be- New Year. DECEMBER 2014 American Legion Department of IL - Department News Page 2 The kids are running amuck and need I had the opportunity to attend the some parental guidance. Contact our SAL Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Sr. Vice Commander Bill Geary at Pasadena, CA. Our own Father Gary [email protected] or 847-508-8102 Gummersheimer was inducted. What a for assistance. great program the Pasadena American Now for the good news, HEY! Legion Family put on. Thanks to Gene bring you holiday greetings from Steger Squadron #521 will be present- Sacco and everyone involved. I the Sons of the American Legion. ed with their charter as soon as we As we turn to the holiday season, We thank you for your service and can schedule a date. Thawville Post let us give thanks to those who have sacrifice. It was nice to see a lot of the 700, 18th District, 4th Division, has been protected and our currently protecting American Legion Family posting their mailed a starter kit along with several this great nation. Let’s not forget those involvement on Facebook on Veterans others Posts. We thank everyone less fortunate, those recuperating in Day. Happy belated birthday to the involved in these endeavors. our Veterans hospitals and communi- Marine Corp. Did you know that the current ties. Let’s start out with the not so good membership for the Central Region of From the Sons, we wish each and news and work our way to the good the SAL comprises 38.5% of the total every one of you and your families a news. Did you know the 2nd, 3rd, 15th, national SAL membership, something Merry Christmas and a Happy New and 20th SAL Districts are not certified to be proud of. Illinois stands at Year. and approximately 36 squadrons are 47.93% a little bit behind the Auxiliary Remember “When it MUST BE DONE, not certified? Many have not sent in for that gentleman’s/ladies bet for Call the SONS” one membership card! I am asking for highest membership at Patriotic Never Forget 9-11-01 your help as our parent organization. Conference in March. posts/units/squadrons/county groups Enjoy the Holiday Season, don’t rush across the state. My husband, Bill, so much to get everything done, that and I attended the Clinton County you can’t enjoy watching the little ones Veterans Day program in the morning eyes light up at the sight of the holiday and Piatt County Veterans Day decorations, or be able to read them ecember! The holiday program in the evening. Both were stories of the first Christmas, or holy D season is here already! That well attended by members of the day of your faith. Be kind and friendly, means helping with Christmas Gift American Legion Family. even when shopping, whether at a Shops and remembering our veterans, I’ve invited our unit/district/division department store or retail home active military and their families. members to publicize their fund improvement store! Your smile might Please check the November issue of raisers on our website. And have just make someone’s day a little better the ALA Today for gift shop dates. My asked them to please remember to and less stressful.