We Are The American Legion: Mark Shreve and Patricia Liddell
In recruiting new members for The American Legion, Patricia Liddell and Mark Shreve are the Department of Georgia’s secret weapons.
Except, according to them, there’s no secret to what they do. They simply ask veterans if they belong to the Legion – and just as often, veterans approach them, asking how they can join.
Liddell says it’s the power of the hat. She wears her Legion cap everywhere she goes, leading to all kinds of questions: “Are you a veteran? When did you serve?” She’s signed people up at the grocery, the post office, church – even in parking lots, after someone spots her “American Legion National Recruiter of the Year” magnet on her car. Last year, Liddell brought in 818 new members.
“All of us know somebody who’s a veteran or somebody who knows a veteran,” she says. “If each of us recruits just one, we’ll hit the 3 million mark.”
For Shreve, membership success depends on the power of presence. He and Liddell go to events in and around Columbus, including graduations at Fort Benning. They thank people for their service, trade military stories, and soon they’re walking away with completed membership applications. They also do a road show, walking posts through conversations with potential members, each taking a turn playing recruit and recruiter.
“Whether a person served for three years or 30 years, when you ask what they miss the most, it’s the camaraderie,” Shreve says. “I tell people that if they join the Legion, they’ll experience it again. As veterans, we need each other.”
As a two-time Race to the Top winner, Shreve guided Georgia’s 3rd District past 100 percent to the highest percentage increase over the final previous year’s membership. He recommends starting with your inner circle. “You don’t have to cold call or knock on doors,” he says. “Go to the people you know, your friends and family, and tell them a few of the things the Legion has done.”
A positive attitude is key, Liddell adds. “I laugh everywhere I go. Everybody I meet I try to meet with a smile. A lot of times that’s all it takes.”
MARK SHREVE
Branch of Service Army (1979-2001)
MOSMilitary Police
RankFirst sergeant
American Legion post Post 189, Pine Mountain Valley, Ga.
Years in the Legion9
Legion activities
- National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Council (2015-2016)
- Department vice commander (2016-2017)
- Department of Georgia Medical Research Committee chairman (2015-2016)
- District commander (2013-2016)
- District senior vice commander (2011-2013)
- Post commander (2009-2013)
- Post senior vice commander (2008-2009)
PATRICIA LIDDELL
Branch of Service Army (1977-2004)
MOS Patient Administration
RankMaster sergeant
American Legion Post Eddie L. Roberts Post 333, Columbus, Ga.
Years in the Legion15
Legion activities
- National Recruiter of the Year (2015-2016)
- Department vice commander (2014-2016)
- Department VAVS officer (2016-present)
- District commander (2010-2012)
- District senior vice commander (2007-2009, 2013)
- District service officer (2007-present)
- District VAVS officer (2007-present)
- Post service officer (2005-present)
- Post VAVS officer (2005-present)