54 students attend Legion College
National American Legion College course developer Matt Herndon welcomes class of 2010. Photo by James V. Carroll

54 students attend Legion College

The 12th annual National American Legion College got under way Sunday, Oct. 24 in Indianapolis, training 54 Legionnaires from 31 departments to be future leaders of the organization.

The program enhances knowledge and appreciation of The American Legion, and it teaches the core values and contributions of the organization, the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and many subordinate programs. The overall expertise gained during the classroom and small group sessions prepares young Legionnaires for leadership positions in posts, districts, counties and departments through education, development and motivation. The curriculum challenges the upcoming leaders to think critically and creatively about issues confronting the Legion.

National and department Legion staff and past Legion College graduates lead students through a number of classroom lectures, as well as small group sessions, with an emphasis on management techniques and leadership skills necessary to increase visibility of Legion programs, growth in membership, and public awareness of the Legion and its corresponding organizations.

Legion College chancellor and Past National Commander Butch Miller addressed the 54 Legionnaires Sunday, reminding them to maintain a level head and use tools learned during Legion College to promote The American Legion and its programs.

Throughout the weeklong program, the students will learn how to write resolutions, interact with the media, write strategic plans and develop public speaking skills. The objective of the small group sessions this year is to give students an opportunity to develop department level training classes.

And before the students graduate from Legion College on Friday, Oct. 29, American Legion National Adjutant Daniel Wheeler and National Commander Jimmie L. Foster will address the students during one of their individual small groups.

For more information on The American Legion National College, contact Matt Herndon at (317) 630-1406.