I would first like to thank you again for electing me as your Department Commander. When I was elected I spoke about change, and how we need to re-think the way we do certain things.
One of those changes is our American Legion Riders (ALR) program. We did have our first open election for our ALR and they are out there getting old chapters re-chartered and starting up new ones. I want to congratulate Charles Oakley on being elected State President and wish him well this year.
Other areas we need to look at are our programs. We need to get out into our communities and promote all of them: Keystone Boys State, State Police Week, Oratorical and Essay, the list goes on and on but it’s up to each and every one of us to get out and promote them.
My motto for the year is “Pride & Performance”. I have pride in this great organization and perform proudly the duties that I took an oath to uphold. That’s one way we can increase membership and help each of The American Legion programs.
Speaking of membership, we lost 11,000 members last year. I don’t know about you, but I am very proud of the fact that I come from the largest department in the world. If we don’t stop letting older members slip out the back door we will no longer be the largest department. So I urge you to make contact with all your members and ask them to renew, or find out why they are not renewing, it could be a simple fix.
Another thing that needed looking at was our employee retirement plan. I would like to thank all members of the DEC for making necessary changes so that we can not only take care of our employees but stay financially secure in the future.
My project for this year is the National Emergency Fund (NEF). I feel this is a very important program in which members and posts can and have used in the past when there was a natural disaster. All district commanders were given 1000 NEF placards at the September DEC. I hope they are being distributed to all our posts.
I hope to see and meet many of you at one of our Legion Colleges, either Legion College East on October 30th at Cumberland Valley High School or Legion College West on November 6th at Latrobe High School.
Please keep up the good work. Keep in mind Veterans Day is November 11.
God bless
State Police Youth Week is sponsored by The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania and The Pennsylvania State Police.
Program overview:
Cadets participate in a wide variety of instructional sessions with Local, State Police and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. You will learn how to work as a team and be taught self-esteem, as you will be the future Leaders of our state and nation. There will be classes in Pennsylvania Vehicle and Crime Codes, forensic sciences, radar, riot control, tactical drug operation through the use of specially trained dogs, weapon firing, and other police related skills. Recreational activities will be scheduled as time permits. This is a six-day camp used to introduce students in all procedures of law enforcement. Cadets march to their classes in platoon formation and have drill competition. You should be physically fit and have a good academic record to be able to participate. This is not a recreational camp.
Eligibility:
Cadets, male or female, must have completed either their sophomore (10th), junior (11th) or senior (12th) grade prior to June 20th of this year. The Post or District Commander, or his/her representative will interview each cadet nominated to select candidates, and their alternates. Cadets must be in good health, with no physical defects, and have an average or above standing in their class and of course express a personal interest in either law enforcement or military service.
Cost:
Fee of $125 includes meals, water bottle, ball cap and (3) t-shirts. This is paid by the sponsoring American Legion Post/Unit or other civic group.
This fee is non-refundable
Transportation:
This is the responsibility of the sponsoring group or the parent(s) of the student.
Click Here for the State Police Youth Week Brochure
Click Here for the State Police Youth Week Application
To participate or to find out additional information about State Police Youth Week contact Department Headquarters at 717-730-9100