Keeping a powerful Legion voice

Addressing delegates to The American Legion National Convention Aug. 22 in Reno, Nev., National Commander Charles Schmidt said that while the work of the organization continues to make an important and positive impact on this nation, membership needs to be on the minds of every Legionnaire.

“The reason Congress pays attention to us is because we are large, we are principled and we are altruistic,” Schmidt said. “And while I see no diminishment of our principles and our good works, our voice will get proportionally smaller as our numbers go down.

"And so will our ability to run the programs that benefit so many people and their communities.”

Programs such as American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Nation, Oratoricals, Shooting Sports, Scouting and flag etiquette all will suffer if the Legion’s membership rolls don’t increase.

“Who is going to advocate for veterans, just as the doughboys returning from World War I did when they formed an organization that pledged to leave no American servicemember behind and to ensure that their widows and orphans would receive the compassion and assistance of a grateful nation?” Schmidt asked. “Who is going to lobby Congress, encourage the White House and convince the media that freedom is not free and America must maintain a strong national defense in order to protect our way of life?”

The American Legion has been doing that for 98 years, Schmidt said, thanks in part to Legionnaires at the local level. “You don’t have to be a famous national leader like Harry Colmery or Teddy Roosevelt Jr. to be a legend in your own communities,” he said. “In fact, most of the great work by The American Legion family is performed by unsung heroes – people whose names we don’t know and probably will never know.”

Those Legionnaires volunteer hundreds of thousands of hours at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, conduct blood drives and facilitate Operation Comfort Warriors grants. Schmidt also pointed to the efforts of American Legion Post 171 in Colorado, which teamed up with the Home Depot Foundation to renovate the home of a 100-percent service-connected disabled veteran – Andrew Smith – and his 8-year-old special needs child. The family had been forced to vacate their home when it was determined uninhabitable, but thanks to the post and others the man and his son were able to move back into it last Father’s Day.

“The American Legion saw a challenge and our family stepped up,” Schmidt said. “Now who is going to fill their shoes and help the many other Andrew Smiths that are out there?”

Schmidt asked Legionnaires to focus both on those serving in National Guard and reserve units, as well as former members. He suggested using MyLegion.org to get a county-by-county list of those who have not renewed their membership in The American Legion.

“Make sure that every one of those former members within your post, district and department receives a personal contact – not just a form letter – from someone who cares,” he said. “Sometimes a phone number is not included in the contact information. If that is the case, Google the information that you do have or call directory assistance for a phone number. But a personal visit works even better. Find out why they left the fold and find a way to fix it. If people feel wanted and appreciated, they will renew.”

Schmidt asked national convention delegates to take what they’ve learned in Reno and take it back him with them.

“Membership determines our ability to implement and execute our Four Pillar programs,” he said. “It also determines our ability to effectively advocate, since numbers matter to Congress, the White House, governors and state legislatures. The numbers in our communities can also make the difference between mayors and city councils supporting American Legion programs or ignoring us.

“I am hopeful that with all of your help we will stop this membership slide.”