Commander's Time

Greetings 43ers,

I’ve been on the road again to Anaheim for the Department (State) Executive Meetings this weekend in Anaheim.

Don’t worry, Budget and Finance Committee, the Post doesn’t incur any cost for this. It’s worth noting that our revenue issues aren’t unique to the Post level. Department and even National have those issues, because when membership slows, so does their income. Some of you may not know this, but the $33.50 we charge for membership ALL goes to the state and national organizations. While other Posts add their own dues, we make nothing off of your membership. In fact, with credit card fees and postage and the time that Jerry puts in, we lose money on every membership transaction that we process. That’s your fun fact for the day.

Much of the talk at the state and national level surrounds the BeTheOne campaign. That campaign asks each of us to “be the one” who someone can talk to. We can also be proactive and “be the one” who reaches out just to check on people. Suicide prevention and crisis intervention are broad topics, and I think we can do more than even this. I believe that our camaraderie can make a difference in someone’s life, so “be the one” who invites someone to Hollywood Post 43. Be the one, who makes the Post better by joining a committee and volunteering. Be the one who helps reduce the toxic negativity, which is repelling new members and causing existing members to not renew.

We have many opportunities to #BeTheOne, right now. Our National and Department Commanders are both battling health issues. You can be the one who reaches out. Maybe you’re the one who offers a prayer (or your form of well wishes). On that note, it is unfortunate that the National Commander had to cancel his California trip due to illness, so we won’t be hosting him, this week.

We can also be the one who gives much-needed blood on our upcoming blood drive. Dust off your superhero cape and sign up to save lives.

It’s interesting that I’ve brought a few visiting friends to the Post lately and they are impressed beyond measure, with our facility. What they don’t realize is how powerful the collective character of our members can be. I was told that some of the members we just inducted, helped your 1 st Vice Commander make buddy check calls. That’s amazing and I hope more of our existing members will jump in on that important mission, as well.

I’ve asked a lot of you today, but I haven’t asked you for a dime…only your time. If we all find a way to donate a bit of your time to “be the one”, we can make a difference to serving “community, state, and nation”.

Thank you,

Jeff Daly, Commander