Let me start this month’s article by saying thanks to everyone that attended the Mighty 20th District Convention last month. In my humble opinion this was one of the most successful Conventions due completely to the tireless efforts of our Convention Co-Chairpersons, Ron Cherry and Georgia Horner. Without their attention to detail there could have been many issues that would not have been overcome. It will remain in my mind the haggard look in Ron’s face on Saturday as he continually had to re-contact the hotel staff to keep increasing the number of plates to be served at the Law and Order banquet. Rosie and I were concerned that he might not survive the day, but he did and what an outstanding event it was. Let me give praise where it is due, Rick Holloway did his NORMAL outstanding job in planning the event and obtaining the right individuals to receive the awards. Also he did it and still stayed under budget. Did not know that a Chief of Police could be elevated to the status of “Rock Star” but that he was. Following his address, would have to guess that he spent at least and additional 30 minutes signing autographs and posing for photos with many of those in attendance. Again kudos to those that made this event a great success. I have named only three individuals, and won’t try to name all of you, but you know who you are, the ones that worked Credentials, Registration, Judging for awards and all of the other necessary functions that aided in the success of this event. Please accept my most grateful thanks for your support and ask that you continue to support the new group of Officers that will lead the Mighty 20th District for the next two years.

Please don’t forget to join the Boys that your Post has sponsored for Boys State at Alamo Post #2 on Wednesday, May 14th for the Boys State Orientation. Last year the District goal was 54 and we supported 48, only six short of the goal. At this writing we have signed up 26 boys or 28 short of the 54 goal. Let’s get to work and get the remaining boys and fill the bus. Last year almost all of the boys attended the Orientation, but unfortunately not every boy was represented by a member of the Post sponsoring them. Please try to attend this meeting and prepare the boys of the experience of their young lives.

The main stay of The American Legion and the Mighty 20th District is membership. The Legion can do little without a solid .membership base. As of this writing the District stands at 6084 renewals and new members. At this time last year we were at 6276 or 192 members more than this year. We have five Posts that have reached or exceeded their goal for this year, and seven Posts that need between 1 and 62 members to reach their goal. At 6084 members the District is just 200 members short of reaching its goal. If just the seven Posts short of goal reach their goal the number would be 214 renewals! That alone would place the District over 100%. Commanders, Membership Chairpersons, Adjutants and Officers, lets contact those members it can be done, but it won’t happen if we collectively wait for the members to renew. To steal a line from Past Department Commander Shorty Simmons, “You Got To Ask.”

Finally, I have lots of photos from the Convention (94) and will try to have them printed and available at the May 14th District meeting for you to view and request copies if desired.



For God and Country,

Al B. Saunders
20^th District Commander