10/29-30/09
National Legion College

Originally, we were going to be in Indianapolis for the whole week for Legion College. As the first Legion College graduate to be national commander, I was looking forward to spending time with the students. But then Florida scheduled a resolution ceremony that got cancelled, so I went home. COP Keating’s final event was scheduled for Virginia, so I went there. I arrived at the hotel at 1715 with the Legion College banquet scheduled for 1800. Just in time. The class is very enthusiastic, and the chicken dinner was good. The five-member Florida delegation made a presentation of $200 for Operation Comfort Warriors. The rest of the class then collects another $515 for the same program. After the dinner, I try to get caught up on email and Facebook. Liz calls at 3 minutes past midnight to wish me happy anniversary. Tomorrow, I will try to cram a lot into the morning as we leave for Arizona at 1130.

Friday starts with a meeting with the magazine people about the kinds of things that will be happening with the new website and social networks. We then get with the Adjutant about the COP Keating events and the lack of coverage in Triangle compared to the other sites.

I then went to the Legion College graduation ceremony. This is the second largest class since the College started again in 1999. It’s one of the most important programs we have, and I encourage Legionnaires to attend at every opportunity. The students presented Mike, a representative of the local VA, with a check for $1100 toward the purchase of a TV for the dialysis unit. The class then moved outside for the group picture and a picture of each breakout post. Back in the classroom, I made some remarks about the need to be more involved in the blogs and social networks. We need a presence at all levels of the organization including the individual. I encouraged them to use the knowledge they’ve gained when they get back to their departments. Next up was passing out the diplomas and individual pictures. Each graduate also got my pin, pen and coin.

Back in my office, I recorded Sitrep 2 to cover what has occurred to date in October and what is coming in November. Nancy Vaughn then spends some time with me about issues with the schedule. Last up is a meeting with the IT guys on how to do a couple of things on my computer. Then it was back to the hotel and off to the airport.

10/30-11/1/09
Arizona

After a hectic morning at HQ, it’s off on Delta to Las Vegas via Detroit. In Vegas, we rent a car to drive to Lake Havasu, Arizona, for their Fall Conference and my seventh department visit. It’s about 150 miles and takes 2 ½ hours. We get there at 2030 and meet with Department Adjutant John Aldecoa. Jimmie Foster is also here for his campaign. He spoke at their opening session, but I missed it.

Saturday is devoted to break-out sessions, so we start at the SAL meeting and then the Auxiliary meeting. At both, I stress the social networks and how we need help in bettering our presence. The reception at both meetings was very encouraging-a lot of head nods and a lot of people talking about it after the meetings. Lake Havasu has London Bridge which they purchased years ago. We stop there so I can get my picture taken on the bridge with the plaque and at the waterfront with the bridge in the background.

Lunch was with GNUTS, and both Larry and Jimmie were inducted, but it wasn’t as good without the bucket of blood. I then attended the membership meeting, where they had a lively discussion on what works in Arizona. At the end of this meeting, I called my stepson, Jimmy, and congratulated him on his wedding today. Also talked to his wife, Sam, and wished them well.

Dinner tonight was prime rib at Post 81, where they were also having their Halloween party. John Aldecoa was absolutely hilarious in his blow-up costume. Larry posted pictures of him on the web, but a lot of people seem to think it’s Larry in the pictures. Jimmie and I judged the costumes, and there were four categories. That meant four happy people and a whole lot of unhappy people. There were a lot of people in costume and it was an exceptional party.

Sunday was the memorial service, which is where I made my remarks. Couldn’t open it for Q&A session this time, as we had to complete the service. After the service, we drove back to Vegas to spend the night and get ready for the trip to Nebraska. It will be another early morning start.