WOW! What a ride! And I thank everyone of you for the opportunity and incredible support! YOU epitomize “Legion Family”!
This was a year where “Legion Family” was so much more than simply a term; it was a world filled with love, trust, respect, understanding, and a lot of laughter.
The American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer, Sons of The American Legion National Commander Don “JR” Hall, Jr., and I were proud to work alongside each other throughout this year as a FAMILY…as we represented the family!
Speaking for them, rest assured we are most proud of ‘Be The One’ – our mission to prevent veteran and military suicide. ‘Be The One’ resonates with our members. At every event we attended, there was at least one member who shared their personal story about a family member’s, friend’s, battle buddy’s, or even their own suicide ideations. Some happy endings, and some not.
And it filtered down to the Departments and local levels. Throughout my travels, I have seen TAL Families working together to support our veterans, our military, and their families. For the good of our Family organization. For the betterment of our country!
I realize I have been very fortunate. This organization, this mission, and its members mean so much to me. I am proud to be a member of our Legion Family.
I am reminded of an exhibit I saw in Grand Rapids at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum: “President Ford brought to the political arena no demons, no hidden agenda, no hit list or acts of vengeance…………..once there, he stayed true to form, never believing that he was suddenly wiser and infallible because he drank his morning coffee from a cup with a presidential seal.” I can only hope that I too am remembered as “Just Lisa”, who brought all of those qualities to our National organization.
I have said it before, and I’ll continue to say it, I am first and foremost a UNIT member. Although I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to be YOUR National President, once this administrative year is complete, I will return to my Unit and my Department. There, I’ll roll up my sleeves for one thing only – not for the glory – to be the best advocate for the military and veteran community that I can.
Know that I will always be here for our National organization – as a mentor to provide advice and guidance. I’m just a call, email, or text away. It is important that we give tomorrow’s leaders the opportunity to grow, to develop, to succeed, and yes, even to fail. That’s how we move forward.
The ALA needs to and must evolve. As an organization, we must be forward thinking. We talk about involving new and younger members; this simply cannot be done with stagnant thoughts and doing things like we did 30 years ago. Our world has changed post-COVID, and we must continue to evolve and not live in the past.
However, one thing remains the same – it is all about the Mission – to support our MilVet community. Remember, we are the auxiliary of The American Legion. It’s right there in our Preamble: “to participate in and contribute to the aims and accomplishments of The American Legion”.
At the end of the day, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the most important element of all in our organization: the people. Our veterans. Our members. Us. You and me, as individuals with hearts, minds, and feelings. And passion. Yes, passion for our Mission.
Your passion feeds the organization. And, without you and the passion, I would never have had this opportunity, and for that, I truly thank you!
~Lisa Williamson, ALA National President 2023-2024
