Hollywood Shines at California American Legion Convention
Hollywood Post 43 was the talk of the town in Riverside this past week during the 99th convention of the American Legion Department of California. Post 43 was represented by 15 delegates and alternates elected by the post membership last month. Our members fanned out at the convention, sitting on committees and setting the agenda for the next Legion year.
Post 43 Executive Committee officers Jennifer Crandall and Jennifer Campbell pictured with outgoing commander of the 24th District, Scott Wagenseller at Department convention in Riverside.
Our post was recognized for being number one in membership in our category in the state for exceeding more than 110% of our membership goal for the year. Delegates participated in a membership training workshop to learn best practices for recruiting and retaining members.
Post 43 hosted the 24th District hospitality suite at Riverside's historic Mission Inn, serving as a hub for networking and socializing with Legionnaires from throughout the state of California, including incoming Department commander for the American Legion, Art Castro. A special appearance by our friends from Pin-Ups for Vets brought a touch of our signature old Hollywood glamour to Riverside.
Caucus of 24th District, where our delegates gave reports on activities of the committees they sat on the day prior.
Members put in long hours on planning and budget meetings for the Department, our Legion's state-level organization, as well as judging and presenting awards.
Department of California American Legion High School Oratorical Contest Winner Ryan Wallace poses with his father at the Department's 99th Convention in Riverside June 24, 2017 together with Post 43 Oratorical Chair/Area & National Judge Randy Kahn and Area 6 Oratorical Commissioner David Gibson. Wallace went on to finish in the top nine in the Nationals and won more than $11,000 total in cash and college scholarships. This was Wallace's third year competing. He received a standing ovation from the convention delegates. The High School Oratorical Contest is a highly competitive patriotic speech contest on topics relating to the United States Constitution.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 43 represented at the Department convention.
Membership training
Post 43 delegates saluting the colors
Hugh Crooks received the 2017 Department of California Lifetime Achievement Award.
SHERYL SHAFFER TAKES TOP CALPA PRIZE
Post 43 member Sheryl Shaffer received first place in the videography category of the 2017 California American Legion Press Association (CALPA) Awards in Riverside Saturday for her public affairs series Veterans Helping Veterans. Congrats, Sheryl!