Commander's Message, December 2024

Fellow Legionnaires,

Wow! We have come to the end of another year! As a representative of our post, I am very proud to represent a Post and organization whose focus is on Veterans, their families, and our youth. I am also so proud and thankful of everyone who has contributed to the success of our Post. 

As we enter this holiday season, I would ask each of you to reflect on the many blessings this year has brought us and to look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. Planning is already underway for activities for next year at our post. 

It will not be long before we begin the process of electing new officers. I ask each of you to consider what you may be able to contribute to Post 3 and step forward to fill some of the available vacancies. We have several committees that need filling – Membership, Athletic, Finance, Youth Activities, and Americanism to name a few. While they do not meet often, their contribution, and impact, on the vitality of our Post is significant. If you find that you have a desire to serve your post, please make your interest known to Ron Hindmand, Rich Lemmerman or myself. 

I would also ask each member to participate in our monthly meetings. Our December meeting will also include some fun activities with the Auxiliary Unit, more on that below.  

There are other ways to participate in the activities of our Post. For example, if you have an hour or two available on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, you can help at the office. If you are available during the week (and occasionally on a Saturday), you could volunteer for our Honor Guard as we provide military honors to deceased Veterans. Or you could recruit an Individual who is eligible to join the American Legion. By the way, no one has yet to take me up on an offer for a free meal for a potential new member. I’ll up the ante a little... I’ll even buy dinner for the member who invites a potential new member to a meeting. 

Although we are in pretty good shape so far for membership renewals for 2025, we still have a way to go... If you look at your membership card and it says 2024, you have not paid your 2025 dues yet. We have a goal of 100% membership renewal by December 31st.  If you have not paid your 2025 membership dues, I encourage you to do so now. I thank all of you for your loyal support. 

Wreaths Across America – The wreath-laying program at Wyuka Cemetery is scheduled to be held on Saturday, December 14th at 11 a.m. Activities take place at the New Soldiers Circle inside the north entrance off Vine Street. More information to follow. 

As I previously mentioned, I hope you can join us after the December 10th meeting as we socialize with the Auxiliary. We plan to play card bingo, so feel free to bring some snacks to share as we socialize after the meeting. Also remember if you plan to play card bingo, please consider bringing a small gift (value $10-$15) to be given to the bingo winners. We will have bingo winners until all the gifts have been given away. 

As we approach this holiday season, I want to wish every Post 3 member and their family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the best during this holiday season. This is a time when families and friends will come together, eat, exchange gifts, and enjoy fun, family, and fellowship. 

From my family to yours, we wish all of you the Merriest Christmas ever and may the New Year bring Health, Prosperity, and Peace to all. 

As always, I want to ask everyone to remember our service men and women, and their families, wherever they may be dispersed, during this Holiday Season. Please lift them in prayer. 

For God and Country,

Bruce Gubser

Post 3 Commander