Sons of The American Legion

36th Annual National Convention

Celebrating 75 Years of Service

 

August 23-26, 2007 - Delegates from across the country descend upon Reno, Nevada to attend the 36th Annual National Convention. This convention is a special one as it is the Sons 75th Anniversary.

The Florida Delegates to the 36th National Convention (L to R) - Detachment Vice Commander - Southwest Mike Dooley, Squadron 6 Member Jim Corner, 8th District Commander Stanley Weyman and Detachment Adjutant Ed Sheubrooks. Not pictured is Eugene Sacco and Jim Roberts

Photo by Jim Roberts

Having a bit of fun prior to the Convention. National Assistant Adjutants Harold Thompson (NE) and Ed Sheubrooks (FL), National Adjutant Brian O'Hearne (MA) (hiding behind the sign) and Detachment Assistant Adjutant Jim Roberts (FL) pose for a picture at the National Convention Office for the Sons.

National Commander Earl Ruttkofsky (MI) during the opening, dedicated the 36th National Convention to the memory of Past National Commander and Past National Adjutant Woodrow "Woody" Mudge (CO) (picture on the table).
President of the National Child Welfare Foundation, Dennis Boland (FL) and congratulated the Sons on raising over $311,000 for the Foundation.
Here Dennis Boland (FL) presents National Commander Earl Ruttkofsky (MI) with his Diamond CWF Pin.

 
Honorary National Junior President Ashleigh Stover (CA) addressed the delegates. Ashleigh has been a member of The American Legion Family since birth. She was presented a plaque and made a distinguished guest of the the convention by National Commander Earl Ruttkofsky (MI).
A few other guests addressed the delegates of the 36th National Convention.

Here is fellow SAL Member and driver of the Number 76 "The American Legion Race Car" Jerrick Johnson (NC).
Here is the newcomer. Michael Peterson (TN), a country music star and an SAL member from the Detachment of Tennessee. Michael is the spokesperson for The American Legion Legacy Fund. During his visit he expressed how proud he is of the activities we undertake on behalf of veterans, children and the communities in which we live.  
Here all of the Past National Commanders are made distinguished guests of the 36th National Convention. Including Eugene Sacco who transferred to Squadron 120 in Holly Hill, FL (Right picture with Blue SAL Cap).  
Chairman of the 75th Anniversary Committee and Past National Commander JR Stillwell (IL) makes the first of several presentations on behalf of the committee during the convention.
Here, Past National Commander JR Stillwell (IL) presents this set of National Colors for the family of Past National Commander Woodrow Mudge (CO). Additionally, all of the Past National Commanders, Past National Chairmen and families of the 3 deceased Past National Commanders will also receive a set of National Colors.
During a break all of the Past National Commanders that attended posed for a photo outside of the meeting hall at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

This is the largest delegation of Past National Commanders that have attended the convention at one time. Total 23 of the 32.
Past National Commander John P "Jake" Comer (MA) addressed the Convention.
The American Legion Youth Champions were introduced to the delegates. Including Corelus Bryant (FL) the winner of the National Oratorical Contest (L next to National Commander Earl) (and below).  
 
During the convention Ed Sheubrooks (R) had the duty of taking over for National Adjutant Brian O'Hearne who had to participate in the membership dunk tank with the Legion National Commander and the Auxiliary National President.
During the National Convention, there was a 75th Anniversary Luncheon where all of the delegates attended to take part in the anniversary events.

Pictured (Top L to R) - 8th District Commander Stanley Weyman and Detachment Vice Commander Southwest - Mike Dooley and his wife Donna.

Pictured (Bottom L to R) - Detachment Assistant Adjutant Jim Roberts, Detachment Ed Sheubrooks, Past National Commander Eugene Sacco, his wife Maureen and daughter Brianne.

One final picture from the luncheon was Brianne wear Daddy's Cap.

  

 

The National President of The American Legion Auxilary JoAnn Cronin (MO) and the National Commander of The American Legion Paul Morin (MA) took time out of their schedules to address the convention delegates.  
A true showing and meaning of The American Legion Family.

(L to R) Legion National Commander Paul Morin (MA), Auxiliary National President Jo Ann Cronin (MO) and SAL National Commander Earl Ruttkofsky (MI).
During a 75th Anniversary moment, Past National Commander JR Stillwell (IL) (R) introduced three members with the most continuous years in the Sons.

(L to R) Weber LaGrange (IN) with 74 years, Bert Bertrand (CA) with 74 years and George Hooten (GA) with 75 years.

All three are dual members, Mr. LaGrange is a Past National Treasurer of The American Legion, Mr. Bertrand is still an active officer within his Squadron and is serving as Chaplain for the Detachment of California and Mr. Hooten has served many years as the Executive Director of the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA).
Here is Robert Ragsdale (L) with Past National Commander JR Stillwell (IL). Mr. Ragsdale is the nations senior member of the SAL. He and his 2 brothers were charter members of the nation's first Squadron and held membership cards 001, 002 and 003. Both of his brothers were killed in World War II.

Mr Ragsdale held card 003. He is a veteran of World War II and Korea and a 62 year member of The American Legion.
Pictured is the newly elected National Commander Raymond Giehll from the Detachment of Indiana. A member for over 30 years, Commander Giehll hails from a true Legion Family. His wife Debbie and all of their children and grand children hold memberships in The American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of The American Legion.
John Jones from the Detachment of Tennessee was elected to serve as the National Vice Commander for te Southern Area this year.
Pictured (L) is the National Sons of The American Legion Officers at the head of the National Convention Parade. Waving are National Adjutant Brian O'Hearne (L) and National Assistant Adjutant Ed Sheubrooks (R).

Pictured (R) is the National Delegation of The American Legion Auxiliary Juniors.

  
Here is the Florida American Legion Family marching in the National Convention Parade.  

 

Copyright © 1999-2008
Sons of The American Legion
Detachment of Florida

Last Updated: August 28, 2007

 

E-mail: Detachment Webmaster