For pos 21 commander, it really is a family affair

On Friday evening, July 25, 2008, the American Legion Post 21 held its induction of officers for the 2008-2009 year. History was made that evening at the post. For the first time a father, Bill Taylor and his son Chad Taylor were sworn in as Commanders. Bill is Commander for the Post and Chad is Commander for the Sons of the American Legion. My task that evening was to report the history being made at this installation and the installation of officers for the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion. To be honest, I am watching the installation and I am having trouble grasping the significance of the two commanders being installed, unlike the post members I see these two men on a daily basis, and for me the guys are two ordinary gentlemen who have always worked together, guess that’s were the father and son come into play. Then the light bulb when off, although I see the guys working together all of the time and this was nothing new to me, I then realized what the Post was seeing, their dedication, their hard work, their loyalty and the team work my guys were providing to the American Legion, The Auxiliary, and Sons of the Legion. That evening is hopefully a beginning for many fathers and sons working together for our veterans, family and friends.  As I looked around the room I saw other past commanders that attended the installation. One past commander in attendance was Les Neal with his wife Marge, his daughter Cindy, son-in-law Ray and his great grandson Seth. Anyone that knows Les and Marge know they have been and remain very active at the Legion. I would be remiss if I omitted Ray and Cindy’s continual support. Again this is another family working together providing that dedication, loyalty and teamwork. Then I saw Betty Manselle-Brown, she was installed as the Auxiliary President, not only is she the current President she is also a past Auxiliary President. Betty was accompanied with her grandson Jason for this special occasion.

I could go on and on, we had several past commanders and many special folks in attendance but the intent was to have everyone understand what a special family Post 21 is.

The installation and dinner was a very special evening thanks to everyone in attendance, the decorations were beautiful, all the volunteers for their hard work, the installation officers, the officers being installed taking on their new responsibilities, spouses for your continual support, friends for your continued dedication, loyalty and hard work that each of you provide for Post 21.