22nd District
“The Nation that forgets its Defenders, will itself be forgotten.” San Diego County American Legion www.LegionSD.org
"Serving San Diego County and surrounding areas"
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C OM MAN DE R
AUXIL IA RY PRESIDENT
"Look for the Gold"
Honoring Our Opportunity to Provide Service
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uring my term as District Commander, I would like everyone to “LOOK FOR THE GOLD” in all your dealings with our Legion family. This means emphasize the positive and down play the negative. It’s a proven fact, that when you criticize someone for doing something wrong, they don’t do what they were criticized for better, they avoid the activity. It’s easy to find things wrong and nitpick. Look for the things people do well and compliment them. Then if constructive criticism is warranted they’ll be more receptive. Remember we’re all volunteers. I have three areas I’d like us to focus on this year. First is Service, I’d like to borrow the mission of Rotary, which is “Service above Self.” Look for opportunities to serve our veterans, active duty service personnel and their families. Invite them to your post for a dinner or have a dinner for them Vietnam Veterans, Korean veterans etc. Look for opportunities to help in any way you can. My second area of focus is membership, I believe, if we serve, people will become members because we’ve demonstrated the value of membership. It’s important that we talk to people on channel WIIFM (what’s in it for me). Think about it, wouldn’t you be asking the same question?
Tell them why you still serve. Tell them about your community service activities and the program or programs that your post chose to participate in. Discuss your post’s goals and accomplishments and invite them to be a part of your success. Everyone likes to be on a winning team. My third area of focus is Post Service Officers. I believe that the men and women that serve in these positions are the keys to our long term success. We need to revitalize this program and every post needs to ensure they have someone who’s willing to WORK in this area. Helping our veterans get the financial benefits they’ve earned is a win win for all involved. The district has been busy, by the time this goes to press; we will have conducted two leadership trainings, a service officer training, membership training, and district membership revitalization. Also we’re getting into the 21st century with a face book page, and a twitter account. If you have a talent of ideas that you want to share contact your executive committeeman. We’re the largest district in California and we plan to lead the way. I’m surrounded by an outstanding group of district officers and with your help and support I expect great things this year. For God and Country Harry Woods District 22 Commander
San Diego County American Legion Come join the Team!
Web: www.LegionSD.org Email: Join@LegionSD.org Phone: (619) 46SDVET (467-3838) Facebook: Legion22SD Twitter: Legion22SD
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013 VETERANS DAY
In this issue
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hooting Hoops For Our Veterans is our motto chosen by Department of California American Legion Auxiliary President Anita Biggs this year. Stand Down 2013 was the beginning of my term as American Legion Auxiliary District 22 President serving lunch to homeless veterans and volunteers who provided many professional services. Proudly I am a member of Borrego Springs Unit 853. I encourage all our Auxiliary members to participate in the upcoming Veterans Day honoring them for their service. Getting the word out about all our programs is gaining success through social media as well as publications like this one. ALA District 22 in San Diego County is comprised of 18 Units and to date 9 Units have their own Facebook page as well as our American Legion Auxiliary District 22 fb page which are growing in likes! These are great opportunities to share special event information and inspire fresh ideas. Thank you to all who share with us. Many District 22 members were able to attend our National Auxiliary President Nancy Brown Parks' homecoming. Those who were not able to attend could follow the activities through up to the minute facebook pictures and postings to contribute congratulations and best wishes. Our Units are busy meeting membership goals as well as program deadlines. Thank you to all who are helping us to achieve these major PEARLS, Poppies, Education, Americanism, Rehab (VA&R), Legislative and Service Children & Youth. All
AUXILIARY PRESIDENT 22
National Commander Selects Emergency Fund Project...................3 Legion Riders Support Blue Star Mothers...............................3 Veteran Prepares for Retirement....................................5 District Commander Promotes Excellence in Leadership...................6 Legionnaire Appointed to Veteran's Commission........................6 Past Commander Enjoys Busy Retirement.................................7 Legionnaire Inducted Into Boys State Hall of Fame.....................8 District 22 Welcomes New Fellow Citizens...........................9 Dan Dellinger National Commander......................10 22nd District Inter-Post Challenge........................10 San Diego Holds Leadership Training Conference.........................11 Garage Crew 434...............................14 Girls State 2013.................................14 Sons Surf Into a Beach Bash...........15 New Legion Riders Chapter 434.....15 Ceremony Recognizes Montford Point Legionnaires.........16 It's On! Good Deed Challenge.........16 New Post Achievement Award........17 District 22 Takes to the Ballpark..................................17 Legionnaire Takes Lead for Polo Club Salute..........................18 American Legion and Oceanside Elks Join Forces...............18 We Are "The American Legion Family".......19 USAA Supports The American Legion.......................19 Stand Down Report 2013................22