Greetings, Legionnaires and Family,

What a great opportunity we have had meeting and discussing the business of the American Legion these last few weeks, and getting acquainted with all the Legion family members throughout this state. Many good ideas as well as concerns were shared as we met in our respective meetings. I hope we were able to share the information that was to be relayed from both the department and the national organization. Some posts are able to run many programs with great success, while others struggle with their programs. This being said, please remember the help that our department and national will give if only we will ask.

Our National Commander would like us to stress the "Value of Membership" as we talk to our present and prospective members, NOT the "cost of membership.

  Please explain where our dues go and the good programs they fund.

I encourage each post to participate in some way in their communities with Veterans Day activities, and programs. What a great opportunity to get some exposure  for our organization about one of the Four Pillars of the American Legion, Service to our Veterans and their families.

The Veterans Administration recently sponsored a welcome home on the campus of the Veterans Hospital which was well attended. We were able to get information in the hands of several new prospective members.

In September a "Gold Star" mothers day ceremony was held at the National Guard Armory in Draper. It was a very special and touching program. The District Four North Honor Guard conducted the flag ceremony for this event, and many Gold Star families and Blue Star families attended.

We had the pleasure of meeting a family who lost a son in Iraq, Jesse Allen Blamire, who has had the honor of having the national organization of the Boy Scouts start and name a new scouting award in their sons honor which will be awarded each year to a deserving person. The award is called the " Heart of an Eagle Award" of which Jesse Allen Blamire was the first to receive this award.

Bill Dunlap has made some changes on the department web page and with everyone’s help we can continue to get this site more user friendly. Please inform him of any changes or updates that need to be included.

Keep in mind the programs coming up in the near future, especially the Oratorical contest, which will hold our Department Finals on Feb. the 16th.

Boys' and Girls' state will follow as well as the Scholarship pageant in the Spring. It's never to early to start planning and it would be great if each district could get a contestant for the pageant. Contact our dept. adjutant if you have any questions on the requirements.

Congratulations to Sean Fisher from Hurricane, Utah another Samsung American Legion Scholarship winner from Utah. Utah's youth have received more of these $20.000.00 scholarships than any other state.

                                                                Gary Schwartz

                                                                Commander

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