From Lisa Williamson, 2023-2024 American Legion Auxiliary National President
The end of one year and the beginning of another can make a person reflect on the past year. And oh, whatta year 2023 has been!!
Much planning was centered around the National Convention held Charlotte, and ultimately, my election to American Legion Auxiliary National President on August 30th. Little did I realize that that was only the beginning.
Now I am four months into this administrative year, and my reflections bring me to so many emotions, memories, and thoughts. And all end up with one word – GRATITUDE!
I am so grateful to my local American Legion Family – those in Interior Fairbanks, as well as across Alaska. All have supported this journey from the beginning – with their time, treasure, and talent, and yes, their pocketbooks too! And the Interior Legion Family knew what the job wasn’t complete at National Convention. We had my National President Homecoming to host. And every single thing I had hoped and wished for was accomplished! From tours to meals, from local transportation to all the extras – nothing was lacking! I am still getting compliments on all that was done for our guests. Saying “Thank You” simply doesn’t seem enough.
There are many memories that have happened in my travels so far that will remain special to me.
My husband, Darrel, and I were able to be Guardians for the Lone Eagle Honor Flight. We were paired with husband-and-wife veterans. To witness the tears on his face at the Vietnam Wall, and her holding his hand in support is a special memory. The smile on her face during mail call will always be etched in my mind.
The feeling of satisfaction of being a part of a baby shower where 53 military families were helped, to include one pregnant with twins, will be remembered always.
Talking to and holding the hand of a non-vocal veteran in a veterans’ home, knowing that that simple kindness meant something to him from the twinkle in his eye still brings a smile to my face.
Seeing that patriotism is alive and well in our country throughout the Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington. And knowing that we are leaving our country in very good hands of our children – children that will remember our fallen by saying their names; children that honor those that serve and have served in the military; and children will teach our American values.
Playing BINGO at several VA hospitals – helping a grumpy old veteran and making him laugh, chatting with a married couple and keeping an eye on their cards, and even sitting back and watching the dynamics of two sisters ordering the staff and volunteers about. All of this makes me smile, even I as type this.
Another highlight of the past four months are the good friends I’ve made, particularly with my sometimes-traveling companions – the Legion and SAL National Commanders, Dan Seehafer and Don “JR” Hall, Jr., and their aides and spouses.
On Veterans Day, the Legion National Commander and I were invited to have breakfast at the White House with President Biden and 180 of his closest veteran advocates. Who can say they had breakfast with the President?? And later, together we placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown. What a memory!
Not even a month later, Commander Dan and I, along with SAL Commander JR, and their spouses and aide, we were honored to be in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, to stand at the site where it all happened 82 years earlier – “a date which will live in infamy”.
We have experienced some amazing camaraderie. We have much to accomplish yet, and I am certain our closeness and yes, inside jokes, will continue. I am grateful to their friendship.
I have been asked what makes me want to travel 300+ days this year. I am passionate about our Mission – the mission to support our veterans, our military, their families, and our communities. And although it’s a year, I remind myself that I can do one year; after all, an enlistment period is four years.
So now I look forward to 2024 and the eight remaining months of this administrative year I will serve as National President. I look forward to all the travel, all the insight, all the friends, all the good we can do. And of course, I hope to save lives by promoting veteran and military suicide prevention through our combined Legion Family’s ‘Be The One’ Mission. We can change lives and save lives by talking about it!
And once I am out of office, one thing I will guarantee you – I will continue to serve our Legion Family and our veteran and military community wherever I may be. I am #MissionDriven
