'Just ask'

Legionnaires who recruit 50 or more new members into The American Legion by the May membership target date qualify for the Legion’s elite Gold Brigade Award. Daniel Dellinger, a 32-year member of Post 180 in Vienna, Va., and leading candidate for 2013-2014 national commander, is a Gold Briagder.

"How did we become a Gold Brigader? We did it all by just asking," Dellinger said. "’Just Ask’ was the theme we (National Membership & Post Activities Committee) had back in 2001-2002, and in both years we had positive (membership) growth. It was a team effort because everybody bought into ‘Just Ask.’ And we can do it again.

"I promise you we will work hard together as a team this year to ensure that our membership goes up, and we have the best year ever for The American Legion."

Dellinger’s professional background is in construction, and if he’s elected to the Legion’s top position during the upcoming national convention in Houston, his slogan will be "Building for Tomorrow-Today."

"I build things, and that’s what I want to do this year," he said. "Every department has a five-year membership plan, and now it’s time to start building upon those plans."

Also, if Dellinger is elected as national commander, he will focus on revitalization efforts and Consolidated Post Reports. To date, only about 57 percent of Consolidated Post Reports are being submitted; Dellinger is tasking commander’s to get to 100 percent.

"This year will be your legacy," Dellinger said. "What will your legacy be? I know you will do the best that you possibly can because our veterans and our communities depend upon us because we still serve America.

"And I promise you, if elected in Houston, that I will work as hard as I can to assist each and every one of you so you can have the greatest year you’ve ever had."