COMMANDER'S COLUMN
Mark Davis, Detachment Commander
areacommandersal@aol.com

My Fellow SAL Members,

I must start this month with the same old subject, MEMBERSHIP. Are we meeting our goals, No! Are we behind last year, YES! What I really do not understand is we had hurricanes last year and we came through like champs. This year all is quiet and we are behind. I hope that someone can explain it to me.

Now for some good stuff. It seems like the eldest PDC and current Detachment Commander has misplaced his rake that was given to him at the Fall Conference. I am sure sometime in the coming year it will come back to haunt me. Oh well, if your dumb you have to be tough. Lets see what happens. Just remember, I am old and almost ready for retirement to the Old Soldiers Home.

The Junior/SAL Pizza Social at the Fall Conference was a huge success. I cannot express my thanks to Ed Sheubrooks and Jim Roberts for making it a reality. A lot of you do not realize it almost did not happen. For all of the SAL members and Auxiliary members that helped out, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If there was any fault to be had it would be that not one Department Auxiliary Officer stopped by to see what was going on. It really showed a lack of interest on Departments part. The Sons of The American Legion will continue to support the Juniors and their programs.

This issue of The Source will come out after VETERANS DAY. I hope you will all remember our brave men and women who are serving around the world to keep us free. For those who will not return, remember them in your prayers and hearts.

I would like to thank Richard and Kay Crooker and the 15^th District for their recent hospitality. Thanks to the guys at Lanark Village #82 for their hard work. Lets keep it going guys!

On behalf of myself and my wife Emma, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

ADJUTANT'S CORNER
Ed Sheubrooks, Detachment Adjutant
fishermn9@aol.com

Gentlemen,

The Fall Conference is now behind us. I wish to thank everyone that attended. We had a good turnout for the meetings, and also for the Workshop in the afternoon. The feedback from the attendee’s was very positive. National Vice Commander Mark Arneson was very impressed with the class that was conducted. So much in fact that we may be going to Georgia to instruct at their next Conference.

Membership is coming in at a snails pace. We should have been at 50% by the Fall Conference. To date we are at 39.52% or 4,398 members. We still have several “GOOSE EGG” Squadrons as well. With the holiday season approaching we have a tendency to forget about membership and focus on Family and our Communities. There is nothing wrong with this, but we still need to keep the membership coming into Department Headquarters. Remember, you have been given the “TOOLS” and the “SEEDS”, now lets GROW MEMBERSHIP!

With the Holiday’s starting at the end of this month, I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Let us remember the Veterans, and last but not least, let us remember our service men and women who are fighting the War on Terrorism. Please keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Until next month!!!

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Stanley Viregutz, Chairman

Thanks to all of the Squadrons that presented checks for Special Olympics at the Fall Conference. We are well on our way to another Terrific year. Plan your fund raisers now and let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Also remember the Spring Special Olympics Games at U.S.F. in Tampa April 27^th and 28^th, 2007.

CHAPLAIN'S MESSAGE
Herbert Swoope, Detachment Chapain

THE NEED FOR “GOD AND COUNTRY”.

In the beginning of our Nation’s history, when it was still a colony of England, America covenanted with God in a unique sense, and later, when the Republic was born, God was recognized as the source of all fundamental rights. Since it’s very beginning, America has recognized God and God’s purposes as standing above the Nation and the Nation’s interest. The highest role a Nation can play is to reflect God’s righteousness in national policy and to promote God’s purposes in all our life’s relationships.

The greatest and most significant heritage of our Country has been its spiritual heritage, our religious heritage. Apart from faith in God, American history has no meaning. In this faith our institutions were created, our laws enacted, our liberties secured. To safeguard America today, the same dynamic force of religion must prevail in our political, social and economic life. Our aim must be the same as that of our Country’s Founders, that religion must permeate every phase of living. An individual belongs to God alone, their on purpose in life is to enhance God’s glory and do God’s will.

SOURCE ARTICLES

Anyone with articles for THE SOURCE may submit them to the Adjutant. Please have all articles to me by the 1^st of each month. Articles may be faxed to 772-595-6375 or 772-460-1559. They can also be e-mailed to Fishermn9@aol.com. Remember that this is your newsletter. Let’s put it to GOOD USE!!

ENDORSEMENTS FOR OFFICE

It is the policy of the Detachment that no endorsements for Detachment or District office be published before the annual Fall Conference. All endorsements must be sent in writing to the Detachment Adjutant. All endorsements must include the Post Commanders or Post Adjutants signature and the signature of the Squadron Commander and Adjutant. The following endorsements have been submitted.

For Detachment Commander – Stan Weyman, Squadron #24

For National Executive Committeeman – Mark Davis, Squadron #57

All endorsements will be published each month, space permitting.