VOL. 17 ISSUE NO. 45   |  NOVEMBER 9 – 15, 2011

BY VERN WILLER | NOVEMBER 9, 2011

American Legion 2011 Fall Conference


american legion logoPat Tillman American Legion Post 117 in Tucson sponsored this year’s American Legion Conference with the cooperation of local Legion Post 34. The event was held at the Carefree Inn Friday, Oct. 28 – Sunday, Oct. 30 and attracted over 500 attendees.

FANG WONGNational Commander Fang Wong (l) spoke of his migration to the U.S., becoming a citizen, serving in the military and attending college on the GI Bill. He talked of the Legion’s theme of the year, “We serve with Pride.” He continued, “We are committed to ensuring full employment for Veterans. We are committed to keep medical services well-staffed and funded for those requiring treatment. The budget cannot be balanced on the backs of those who already sacrificed so much.”

A number of informative seminars were presented throughout the conference. George Cushing, Department National Commander, presented training for new local Post Commanders. Bill Pakinkis, National PR Chairman, reviewed preparing PSA announcements and press releases.

Commander Pratt Ashworth, local Legion Post 33 Commander, was especially pleased with the Saturday luncheon; Post 34 Second Vice Commander Leo Reardon had managed the details. There was a large turnout of Legionnaires mingling with Commanders from all over our nation.

The conference closed with Carol Stensbr, National Chaplin, and Jose Herreea, Auxiliary Chaplain, leading a Memorial Service Sunday morning.

Local Post 34 also sponsors a Boy Scout Cub Pack, their Rummage Sales, a Service on Memorial Day at the Cave Creek Cemetery, a Veteran’s Day Dinner, Friday night Fish Fry, Bingo on Monday nights, Wednesday Auctions, the Boys/Girls State Service in the Military Selection and Luncheon, Post 34 Freedom Riders, a Veteran Service Officer, Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, Mounted Color Guard for Cave Creek parades and local events like Fiesta Days and Wild West Days, Chili Cook-off and annual special holiday events.