One Family, One Mission: Serving Those Who Served
By Michael McFadden, commander, American Legion Post 271, Poynette, Wis.
What does it mean to be part of the American Legion Family?
It is a question worth asking at every Legion post in America. Do we see ourselves as three separate organizations that happen to share a common name, or do we recognize that we are one family united by a common purpose?
At Post 271 in Poynette, Wis., we believe the answer should be clear. The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion may have distinct organizational structures and responsibilities, but we share a common mission: serving our veterans, supporting their families and strengthening our communities.
Since I became commander of Post 271, cooperation among our Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and Sons has been a priority. We have worked together for the betterment of our organization because we recognize that our collective success depends on more than what any one group can accomplish alone.
I believe this is a message worth sharing ...
Three Organizations, One Family
The American Legion Family is one of our greatest strengths. Each organization brings its own talents, experience, commitment and perspective. Together, we have an opportunity to accomplish far more than we can when we operate in isolation.
Yet, in some communities, the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons function largely separately. They may hold their own meetings, plan their own activities and pursue their own projects without meaningful coordination with the other members of the Legion Family.
Certainly, each has its own officers, rules, finances, and responsibilities. Respecting those distinctions is important. But maintaining separate structures should never mean losing sight of the common purpose that brings us together.
We can be distinct without becoming three separate families.
Because when the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons stand together, our entire Legion is stronger - and the veterans we serve are better for it.
Leadership Begins with Cooperation
Since taking office as commander, I have encouraged a spirit of cooperation among the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons at Post 271. Our shared commitment is to the betterment of the organization.
