By Erwin Gus Williams
Have you been looking for a way to revitalize your post, sign up new members, increase meeting attendance, get media attention, attract interesting speakers, energize young people and maybe even save lives – all with one new project?
If so, look for the latest guide coming out from national headquarters: Disaster Preparedness and Response for American Legion Posts. It provides advice and recommendations about getting involved in your community’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
In 2005, The American Legion signed a Statement of Affiliation with the Department of Homeland Security. Since then, Resolutions 97 and 98, “The American Legion Role in Homeland Security” and “The Citizen Corps” directed Legionnaires to get involved in local disaster preparedness and response activities. After all, who better than military veterans know the value of survival skills and being prepared for anything? The booklet, prepared by the National Security and Public Relations Commissions, provides everything a post needs to get started.
“We’re grateful to The American Legion family for its tireless service to our nation,” says Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. “America’s dedicated volunteers embody our nation’s great spirit of service and bring our Citizen Corps program to life, helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of hazards.”
With American Legion posts located in nearly every community in the country, experienced veterans who value preparedness and the concept of service to their communities, the affiliation was meant to be. Not unlike the civil defense activities so many Legionnaires were part of during the Cold War, readying for a possible terrorist attack or monumental natural disaster today are part and parcel of carrying out the precepts of the four pillars of service given to us by the founders of our organization in 1919.
Participation in a post Disaster Preparedness and Response plan can range from simply giving the local Emergency Management Agency a post contact number to forming an active DP&R Team, training post members in first aid, CPR, AED, etc, forming a community CERT team, getting the post home ready to serve as a shelter, sponsoring local youth disaster preparedness training, conducting town hall meetings on disaster preparedness at the post, etc. Every post can participate in a variety of ways. What is important is making the commitment to do something to help your community get ready for the unexpected.
“My theme has been ‘Back to the Basics, Together We Win,’ said National Commander Paul Morin. “Helping our neighbors prepare to survive catastrophic events fits that bill perfectly as it addresses service that can involve all four pillars of The American Legion.”
The guide is full of disaster preparedness suggestions, training ideas, contact information, suggested media templates and information campaign materials. Posts that establish a Disaster Preparedness and Response Team and outreach program will receive a certificate of disaster preparedness from the national commander by sending in the postage-paid feedback form in the booklet.
“With hurricane season in full swing, severe storms regularly sweeping the nation and terrorists plotting more violence against America, it’s time for Legionnaires to engage and educate our friends and neighbors – and their families – to be disaster-ready,” Morin said.
The guide may be downloaded here. Hard copies are available free on request to pr@legion.org or by calling (317) 630-1253.
Erwin Gus Williams is chairman of The American Legion Homeland Security and Civil Preparedness Committee.
Comments (1)
Gus, great article & great job you've been doing. Keep up the good work, we'll all prosper and gain knowledge. Knowledge is a powerful tool.
Posted by Jim LaCoursiere | 08/22/07 4:09 PM |