Adjutant's Corner

February 2009: The Full Article

2009-01-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I hope this finds you well and in the best of spirits for 2009! I’ve been serving as Post Adjutant and District 22 Adjutant for over 6 months now and it has been a great time!

As Post Adjutant, I’ve been part of all 2009 membership processing. With over 1,000 membership cards under my belt, I’ve learned a lot and would like to think I’ve brought some new techniques as well. After 20 plus years as a Navy Admin type, it is kind of hard not to review old processes and look for ways to make them easier and serve the post more. After all, I did relieve a team of two people. So streamlining without taking shortcuts is job part of the mix.

One important element is steady communication! So, let me kick off by pointing out a few items. First and most pressing, is that it is VITAL that members REPORT their address changes PROMPTLY and ACCURATELY. Simply put, it doesn’t get updated until I get the word. This has caused a lot of problems recently because the local post office has recently started re-enforcing policies and adding surcharges after years of not doing so. So, this has never been an issue until now. Just my luck, huh?

More specifically, it is regarding the Legion Lite. The Legion Lite is actually mailed out by our Clubroom Manager who has maintained an address database of her own to make this happen. She has done a stunning job of it because up until recently there has never been a system in place that combines all of our Post 434 Family including Post, Auxiliary, and Sons into a comprehensive database. Recently, the Chula Vista Post Office had a changing of leadership where a decision was made that for every “bulk rate” mailing the standard “Address Service Requested” is added to the mailing. This is a standard postal practice that we were able to previously get a pass for in the past. So, with the “Address Service Requested” annotation, the post office is tasked to track down addresses for those that are incorrect in order to ensure they get mailed properly. Along with that, they charge the post $0.50 for each item and then they send us back a copy with the new address for our records. Although, it hit us in a big way with nearly 100 plus addresses that I had to investigate, I look at objectively in that it is helpful to let us know when addresses change. Some of the address information was on the records incorrectly for YEARS. So, I look at it as we are fixing a longstanding issue. Chris and I are working out the kinks for us to use a unified process and we hope to make things smoother and more accurate this year. We can only do that if YOU REPORT YOUR ADDRESS changes.

Anyway, I’ve worked it out so that I can make address changes AT ONE TIME to local, Cal Dept, and National ONLINE. So, let me know and let’s get them fixed. You can leave a note at the Bar, call in at 422-9309, or email me at Adjutant@LegionPost434.org. If you have made it to this web page, you are probably internet and email savvy. Therefore, I will tell you that I juggle a lot of duties among different organizations, the Navy, and a few businesses and email is the best form of communications for me.

With a legion post family network of nearly 2,000 emails and internet have arrived. Second, there are many checks and balances to ensure that everything is well documented. That way when I get a message that a card didn’t arrive, there are many ways to verify it; because sometimes WE ALL need that to back us up. For starters, each check and cash dues paid are logged, the actual act of new member sign-up and/or renewals are logged in handwritten ledgers, info is updated on the computer (verifying accurate payment, years current, membership numbers, and other forms of data), and the membership card stubs (where your cards come from) are annotated accurately and mailed with a transmittal as well. This all happens right before the cards are mailed and they are done in the same evening. If you’ve paid and you haven’t received your card in a couple of weeks, then I ask you to not only let us know, but also ensure that you have your receipt (if you paid at the bar) or a copy of your check from the bank to show the funds as paid. I just think it is important that we all know these “inner workings” to provide a little comfort that we are taking care of “your” programs. Let me add, that by sharing this information, I in no way am addressing any pending issue or addressing anyone in particular, but just sharing information. I DO NOT take ANY question personally and my goal remains the same at all times:

“TO HELP MY FELLOW MEMBERS, TO SAFEGUARD THE POST, AND TO REINFORCE AND HELP LEGION PROGRAMS THRIVE”

So, if you don’t get a card, DON’T WORRY! Just let me know and I will get to the bottom of it. Duplicate cards are easy to make if a card does get lost in the mail. It does happen. This is not new. It’s just a good time to remind everyone.

I need to remind also that it is still the easiest and the best way for me to get the membership cards out by MAILING them. Leaving things behind the bar, makes the bartender become a Postal person and the items do start piling up. If you come in everyday, then let whomever takes your payment ensure that they note “Pick Up at Bar” if that is your desire. Otherwise, it will get mailed. Take it from the guy that does the job, it is easier when managing over 1,000 memberships.

Lastly, I am here to help. I hope my efforts to inform you and make things better NEVER gives off a vibe that I am not here to help. To the contrary, I have been accused of many things and the one I am most proud of at the Post is “doing more than before.” So, start with the notion that I am working for you and the post in all efforts. Because, friends, I truly am.

As most know, I have a day job as Admin Dept Head for the Navy SEAL/SWCC Training Command that keeps me occupied during the day, but you can always call me at home (397-0064) in the evenings, stop by on my Post Nights (Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5pm – 9pm), or leave me a note at the bar. Want to know more and don’t want to wait a month? If you have a computer, you can check out the full version of my article and more from the post website at http://www.LegionPost434.org click on the “Adjutant’s Corner.” (of course, you know that, because you are here, huh?)

Got a suggestion for my article? Let me know!

Cheers! Tony

A New Look Coming for 2009

2009-01-17T14:38:00.001-08:00

As Post Adjutant, there are many functions that I work with that is best served by getting the word out! Coming soon, this will be my home online to do so. Due to the short length of the Legion Lite, I am only about to provide half mentions, half notes, and shorter, less explanatory versions of my monthly articles. You deserve more and more thorough information. Here is where I will provide that info to you. Keep checking back! Coming soon, my first article for 2009 posted in the Legion Lite with the expanded version here! See you soon!

Welcome to the Adjutant's Office!

2008-02-23T18:54:00.001-08:00

Here you can access all the important resources needed to support Adjutant, Post Officer, and Administrative functions for Post 434.

More Details to come!

Paid Up For Life Membership – PUFL

2008-02-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

Each summer, when American Legion Posts receive their membership cards for the coming year, there will be an increasing number of Legionnaires whose dues are already paid for the coming year and for every year thereafter as long as they live. They are Legionnaires who’ve voluntarily chosen to become Paid-Up-For-Life members under the National plan.

Most Buy At Dues-Paying Time
The average Legionnaire is most apt to decide to become a Paid-Up-For-Life member at the time when dues are usually paid for the coming year. Post Commanders, Adjutants, and membership workers are asked to make sure their members know that with one payment they can take care of dues for all future years.

PUFL is Not A Discount Membership
The National Constitution & By-Laws of The American Legion is very clear that “there shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership, and dues shall be paid annually or for life.” Everyone must pay their fair share to support the organization. The National Paid-Up-For-Life plan was established for convenience only, giving members an alternative to paying dues on an annual basis.

Post Receives Dues Portion Annually
That part of the total dues now being retained by the Post will be returned every year for all Paid-Up-For-Life members. Many Posts are purchasing Paid-Up-For-Life memberships for their long-time members, and in calculating the cost to remit, they may leave out their share of the dues…this will reduce the amount to submit with the application.

Must Be In Good Standing
The member must be in good standing to become a Paid-Up-For-Life member…to be in good standing, the he/she must have a valid membership card for the current year. The Post Adjutant will certify that member’s good standing before forwarding the application.

Application Process
The applications for Paid-Up-For-Life membership have to be completed and submitted to the Post Adjutant or Finance Officer for verification/certification. The member fills out the application and turns it over to the Post along with the appropriate payment, just the same as in paying annual dues. The Post will review and endorse the application, sends it on to the Department Headquarters, and from there to National for final processing.

The PUFL application form can be downloaded in PDF format, or obtained from your Post, Department Headquarters or National Headquarters.

Membership Card
Each Paid-Up-For-Life member receives a permanent plastic card, as well as an annual paper membership card, directly from National, to verify continuing membership in The American Legion. The annual card will be mailed in June or July of each year. Upon request, a replacement card can be provided at no charge to the member.

Cost
The cost of a Paid-Up-For-Life membership is based on two factors – the member’s age at the time of application and the current annual dues of the Post. The total dues of the Post include the Department and National per capita plus dues retained by the Post. Click here to check the Paid-Up-For-Life Membership Rate Chart. Once the PUFL application is approved and processed at National Headquarters, the PUFL fee is non-refundable.

For more information on the Paid-up-for-Life Membership Plan:
See your Post Adjutant or Finance Officer or contact National at ia@legion.org

Post Membership Application

2008-02-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

If you are on active duty today, anywhere in the world, or have served during any eligible war eras, you are a veteran and you're eligible to become a Legionnaire! We're veterans just like you, nearly 3 million strong, who care about America, veterans and their families and our nation's youth. The Legion is a power voice in Washington dedicated to preserving the rights we've all earned - and were promised - by service to our nation in uniform.

Download the Post Membership Application (to the Right)
and mail (or drop off) at:
The American Legion Post 434
Attn: Adjutant's Office
47 5th Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

We invite you to join us now. Membership brings an impressive array of benefits. The American Legion is always there for you and your family - in Washington and nearly 15,000 local posts throughout America and abroad. Just like you, we're "Still Serving America!"

Eligibility Periods:
World War I - April 6th, 1917 to November 11th, 1918
World War II - December 7th, 1941 to December 31st, 1946
Koren War - June 25th, 1950 to January 31st, 1955
Vietnam Era - February 28th, 1961 to May 7th, 1975
Lebanon/Grenada - August 24th, 1982 to July 31st, 1984
Panama - December 20th, 1989 to January 31st, 1990
Persian Gulf - August 2nd, 1990 to Present

If you are eligible to become a member of The American Legion, feel free to print off an application form by clicking here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Post 434 at (619) 422-9309.

Submit Legion Lite Article

2008-02-23T17:36:00.000-08:00