FROM THE DESK OF
James “Woody” Hogan, Department Adjutant
Greeting from your Department Headquarters and Staff. Hoping everyone had a Blessed Holiday Season and we are all ready to continue the mission of our American Legion.
The Department had its first Holiday tour of the Veteran’s Homes and VA Hospitals across the Commonwealth since the pandemic shut everything down. It was wonderful to get back on the road again and spread some cheer to the residents in these facilities. I would like to thank everyone that took time out of their schedules to join us when we were in your area. Especially the members in Erie. They represented well, with about 75 people in attendance. That warmed my heart. Please plan on visiting the homes with us the first week in December 2024.
We are planning our annual trip to Washington DC for the American Legion Washington Conference to storm Capitol Hill to let our legislators know our priorities. This is a very costly trip for our Department but it’s worth it to be a visible force to the elected officials that run our government. You can be a part of our efforts everyday by logging into the National website and going to the Grassroots Action Center. There you will find all the current Legislative priorities and you can contact your representative with one click. It’s simple and easy to do and you can do it every 24 hours. Please help us get the word out.
On March 9th the Department Oratorical finals will be held at the Linglestown American Legion Post 272. All are invited to attend to see three great students compete for $16,500.00 in scholarship money. The event starts at 10 am sharp. I hope to see you there.
In March, the National Commander of the American Legion will be touring our great state for 3 days. We have a dinner planned in each of our three sections for you to have the opportunity to meet him. Daniel Seehafer is a great Leader and Speaker and we are honored to have him as our National Commander. The Eastern Section Dinner will be held at Topton Post 217 on March 18th. The Central Section will be at Mechanicsburg Post 109 on March 19th and we will close out the tour with a dinner at Baden Post 641 on March 20th, in the Western Section. The advertising and dinner ticket flyers have been mailed to every Post.
The last topic I would like to share with you once again is the need for every post in this department to have a conversation at their post meeting about raising their post dues. Our National Organization and the Department has voted to raise the annual per capita dues rate for the 2025 membership year to $34. This amount does NOT include your Posts portion of the Dues. I did the research and only 40 Posts out of 674 Posts in this Department charge enough dues to cover this increase. This becomes effective on July 1st, 2024 for the 2025 year. So if your post doesn’t raise your dues to at least cover the $34 your members will not be eligible to sign up for the new three year membership plan. Please contact your District commander for more information and please ensure your Post turns in their Post Data report by April 15th to get your new dues rate correct on the renewal notices that go to each and every one of your members.
Until next time…your Department Headquarters is here to answer your questions. Most issues can be addressed at the local level. Please use your chain of command first. But don’t be afraid to call us if needed. I hope to see you at and upcoming event.
I remain devoted to mutual helpfulness.
