The meeting was held at VFW Post 7682 in Mascoutah, Illinois and was well attended. The usual reports were given and awards were handed out to our District Teachers of the Year. A highlight for me was meeting the Post Commander, Jesse Huerta. Jesse is an Air Force veteran and served in both OIF and OEF. He's been the Commander here for a little over two years and is pushing hard to rebuild the Post image and make it a focal point of the town. He even had his family members and friends helping with the dinner and making people feel welcome! As an organization we can continue down the path we are going or we can take a lesson from Mascoutah's playbook: Get enthusiastic newer veterans involved in leadership positions and help them succeed!
Commander Jesse Huerta receiving my Junior Vice CIC coin. OK, full disclosure, this was a reenactment! I did call Jesse in front of the crowd during the meeting to officially recognize him in front of his peers.
Department Membership Chairman and Past Department Commander John Davin extolling the virtues of VFW membership and the need to keep our numbers up
No need to tell these guys how to do membership! Commander Clarence Nail and Senior Vice Clyde Rowald from our Red Bud Post 6632. They were the first Post in the District over 100% in membership...back in December! Great job guys!
Clarence Nail (CC) and Clyde Rowald (SV)
