We had a great Midwinter Conference last January 29-30, 2010. We need your Midwinter Evaluation Forms promptly returned. Read below for midwinter highlights and other important information. The Membership Report for February 2 2010, is posted on our web site www.wisal.org, under Membership Reports. We have dropped to 3rd in the Central Region, 14th in the Nation for our membership standings and 6th in the nation for retention. Minnesota and Illinois are only a few percentage points ahead of us, lets get those memberships in to Headquarters promptly. Calling all Sons of The American Legion:This is a call to action! American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors competes for $250K Pepsi grant Your Votes Needed! The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc. at the end of the month. There are 729 charities competing for grants, which are determined by number of votes received online. As of this morning, Operation Comfort Warriors just moved into second place. The top two vote getters at the end of the month will receive quarter-million dollar grants. Rules allow voters to vote for Operation Comfort Warriors once a day through the month of February. Visitors can cast their votes at http://www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors. Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more. Midwinter RecapOur workshop presenters did a fantastic job, our thanks to Laura Bishop and Scott Krueger from the VA Hospital System, Kevin Moshea, Director of Camp American Legion, PNC David Faust, Boy Scouts Troop 70 Portage, and Americanism Chairman Mike Pook. The Officers Development Team and Convention and Activities Committee are already making plans for the Spring DEC, Convention and Fall DEC meetings. Legion NECman Gough, introduced National Legion Commander Clarence Hill for a heartfelt speech, Department Commander Endres was on board to greet our members and provide encouragement for our members. Department Auxiliary Historian Endres rounded up the guest speakers with a strategic planning survey for our members. The Discover Wisconsin/American Legion premier exceeded my expectations; I personally cannot wait for the full-length version this summer. They are still filming segments, so make sure you wear your Sons of The American Legion cap at all functions, you may be the next homegrown movie star. While we did have a couple of officers out on the sick and injured reserve list, we had a great turn out and many new faces. Sergeant At Arms Lubich did a great job handling the crowd, doing his duties and all of the extras tossed at him! A big thank you to the Headquarters Staff, the layout of our meeting rooms was perfect, we really appreciate the efforts you put into these events. Make sure you fill out and return your Midwinter Evaluation Form. Is Your Award in the Mail?#15 Juneau, 67 Lake Mills, 70 Oshkosh, 75 Fond du Lac, 84 Monroe, 91 Oconomowoc, 151 Madison, 157 Horicon, 171 Union Grove, 220 Soldiers Grove, 243 Plymouth, 271 Poynette, 313 Black Earth, 333 Sun Prairie, 336 Onalaska, 347 Lomira, 355 Grafton, 375 Mukwonago, 387 Franklin, 405 Dousman, 433 Barneveld, and 534 McFarland. Editors Note: In the January 21st newsletter we listed the squadrons who were receiving awards at the Midwinter Conference. Have Spaghetti with Darlington Squadron 214Mark your calendar and help your fellow Squadron raise funds for their programs. Squadron 214 Darlington is hosting its annual Super Spaghetti Supper and Fundraiser
4:30p.m.-8:00p.m.
For more details, contact Squadron 214 Commander, David Blaser at, blaserelectric@yahoo.com or Post Commander and Dual Member, Dan O’brien at danhobrien@hotmail.com.
5 Districts Rise to the TopThere was another Rally Cry from the Membership Committee and at the Midwinter Conference, Squadrons turned in 121 memberships. Great Job! Our next membership goal is 100 percent by March 1st, 2010. If your Squadron is 100 percent by the Legion Birthday, you will receive a certificate from Clarence Hill, National Commander of The American Legion. 1. Eleventh District 187.88% Legion and Auxiliary District Reports are available on their web sites. Contact your Vice Commanders and District Chairmen if you need help or have any questions. |
