Time for an update on activities here. Its been a chore trying to 'live blog' this event, but starting tomorrow morning, that's been fixed. Seems the event center here in Louisville is not quite used to having 'livebloggers' at events and was not prepared for it. I worked with their team today to ensure that going forward, it will be ready to do so. I'll be on the floor covering events for the opening session of the National Convention. My work here with the Legion is mostly a demonstration of Web 2.0 and New Media coordination, and not so much the mechanics of how to do it. In case there are issues with 'noise' preventing updates from the floor, I'll have access to a hard-line in the back just to ensure the updates can be made. Several interesting things have happened in the last 24 hours. First off- a chat with leaders of one of the NEWEST posts in the entire Legion; a look at how the 'New Legion' is evolving; and lastly, a sneak peek at tomorrow... Does anyone know how many posts there are in the Legion? Care to take a guess? First comment in the post will have the answer- but here are some comparisons: McDonalds Franchises: 12,161 Starbucks locations: approx 11,000 (wiki) Subway Franchises: 25,000 Hint- more than the first two, but fewer than Subway. Anyway, given how many there are, its amazing that they keep opening more posts to service communities. One of the VERY newest posts established is in Lacey, Washington- Post 100, the Justin D. Norton post. I spoke with Dale Movius, Post Commander, and Mike, his Squadron Commander of the S.A.L. (Sons of the AmLegion) about establishing this new post: "We were looking to establish a new post, and were researching any local service members who were killed in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Our research took us to Mrs Chris Warnack, mother of Justin Norton, who was establishing a scholarship fund in Justin's name using his SGLI money. After talking with Chris, Justin's stepfather Gary, it was clear that this was the young man who's life was given in service to his country that deserved a Legion post named after him.'' What's especially notable is that before deploying, Justin told his mom and stepfather that if something would happen to him to please use his SGLI money to help students from Tenino H.S. to get to college. That fund was expanded to also help those at Yelm H.S. Last year, over 15k was given out in scholarships- not bad at all for the money from one young soldier. Chris, Justin's mom, is now the Auxiliary president of the Legion post, and Gary, his step-father is the Sergeant-at-arms for the post. Also- in the photo of the Legion cap, they wear a patch that has a picture of Justin. EVERY post member's cap has this photo patch; its extremely good. I'm going to get who makes these as this is a great way to honor someone. Good luck to these wonderful people- thank you for supporting vets, and we certainly wish them luck. You can find out more about Justin here and here. I was fortunate to be able to attend a meeting here that included many of the professionals who develop the messages for the Legion via its many outlets- to include magazines, press, photography, the internet, and other resources. These leaders met to discuss the way-ahead for the 'new Legion' effort that is expanding its outreach and working to attract newer, younger membership via the 'new media' and other means. They completely recognize that in order to continue to serve their communities, the 'new generation' needs to be attracted to the Legion, and given that so many more WOMEN are in uniform and serving, the Legion needs to adapt in order to attract them as well, and not just in the Auxiliary. The Legion wants to become the VSO of choice for Women, and they are going to accelerate efforts to succeed in this. These people get it- they see it as similar to the Vietnam-generation coming into the Legion in the 60's and 70's, and those Viet-era vets are very willing to help the current generation of Vets step into the fold. Remember, the efforts to support our troops today, and protect them from the idiocy of the anti-war types would not be as fervent if not for the efforts of the Vietnam vets- who are vehement in their stance that NO current vet ever have to go thru what they did. And that is extending further outward. I also attended the National Executive Committee meeting for the Legion; these are some of the most senior people within the Legion, and it sets the tone and 'agenda' for the Legion for the upcoming year. This is the 'Senate' of the Legion, and this is a serious position within the national ranks. Suffice to say it was an important meeting to observe, and few that are outside their ranks ever get a chance to see it in action. This was followed by a meeting of the Past Department Commanders luncheon, where I got to see Senator Jim Bunning receive the 'Good Guy' award, for his service in support of the Legion and their principals. Sen Bunning spoke of supporting the Flag amendment, and how 'either he will get the minds of the leadership to change on moving forward with the amendment, or I will support a change in leadership''. Stunning. I'm not going to disagree with that last part. At. All. Last, but certainly not least, I'll be getting a chance to meet with several key leaders of our armed forces tomorrow- GEN Petraeus and ADM Mullen are slated to attend the opening session, and I'll be there to quiz them on progress on the war front. If you have a comment or question, please note it below. I'll be certain to pass them along. Tomorrow, take...
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Posted
Aug 24 2009, 09:03 AM
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BLACKFIVE