Socha’s Message
As your Department Commander I want to thank you for successfully achieving our first membership target goal. Congratulations. My slogan this year is “Membership is Empowering.” It is empowering for many reasons, first and foremost is we are the largest Department of the largest Veterans Service Organization. We have a voice in Washington, speaking up for our soldiers, our veterans, our families and our way of life because of our membership. Let’s keep our voice strong by keeping our membership strong.
My Commander’s Project is the Special Olympics. Back in 2007, the National American Legion approved a resolution to adopt Special Olympics as a national children and youth project and participate in their programs to assist in providing year round sports training and athletic competition to millions of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States and around the world. This resolution urges all American Legion Posts, Districts and Departments to work with and support the Special Olympics programs.
This year I want to raise awareness of Special Olympics throughout our Department. There are many things that your Post or District can do to support the Special Olympics. You could coach a team, manage a venue or tournament, prepare and provide a meal and donate funds. For your next meeting in your Post or District, I suggest you invite a Global Messenger from Special Olympics – they will be able to give you location specific requests. Special Olympics builds confidence, determination, friendship, and strength. Be a fan of fun and support Special Olympics.
Pennsylvania’s contact information for the Special Olympics as:
Matthew B. Aaron
2570 Boulevard of the Generals
Suite 124
Norristown, PA 19403
800-235-9058 x227
610-630-9456 (fax)
I would also like to remind you that it is the beginning of the school year. Please contact your local high school; we have excellent youth programs including scholarships. Our department committees have just met for the first time this 09-10 year and we will be sending out information on programs like Essay, Oratorical, State Police Youth Week, Keystone Boys State and Boy Scouts. Take a few minutes to call your local high school guidance counselor and talk to them about our programs and the large amount of scholarship funds available.
I love to see our organization involved in these great projects. It would be a greater justice if our Department would update the forms for these programs to reflect the current year they are due and not the past year that is gone.