Volunteers Across America and the Globe Warm the Final Resting Places of Our Veterans
Remember. Honor. Teach. This is the mission of Wreaths Across America.
I was honored to present the U.S. Army Wreath at this powerful event which took place at the Prescott National Cemetery, Arizona on December 13, 2025.
Gold Star families, Boy Scout troops, Young Marines, Cadets, the Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard, the Legion Riders, along with numerous VFW and American Legion posts and family chapters, volunteered and supported the effort.
The Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard
Prior to this year, I was vaguely aware of this annual wreath-laying ritual, but I had no idea of the vast scope, scale and impact of it.
To remember the fallen, to honor those who serve and to teach the next generation the value of freedom. This is what I learned were the true passion and meaning behind Wreaths Across America and I was proud of my community and fellow veterans for coming out and showing their support.
Combat Vets Association Volunteer unloading wreaths at Prescott National Cemetery
To appreciate the immense scope of this event, I went to the organization’s website and saw that more than 2 million volunteers and supporters who gathered to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,500 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. I was impressed to learn that wreaths were presented and laid at the gravesites of our WWI and WWII fallen in all 26 American cemeteries overseas including Normandy, Cambridge, Luxembourg, Monilia, Sicily-Rome, Belgium, the Netherlands, Panama and Tunisia.
It was comforting to me to know that our servicemen and woman who died overseas are not forgotten.
Kermit Hunt and Dan Tillmans
The Christmas and Hannukah season are a challenging time for active-duty military and their families. It is especially challenging for Gold Star families who lost loved ones.
Veterans present U.S. Army, Marine and Navy wreaths
It is my hope that this annual ritual will bring some warmth and comfort to the many who are grieving.
It is my hope that the act of laying a wreath or placing a stone on a gravesite while taking a moment to say the veteran’s name out loud will bring some peace to the families because their loved one is not forgotten.
All five of my senses were strongly engaged during the Wreaths Across America event—the visual presence of red bows, the sound of the bugler playing Taps, the scent of pine, the taste of hot chocolate prepared by volunteers, and the warmth of greetings exchanged with fellow veterans.
Elliott from American Legion Post 6 sounds Taps
Thank you to all volunteers and supporters who helped make this event possible across America and at our cemeteries abroad.
Wreaths to remember, wreaths to honor, wreaths to teach.
Joe Weidner is a long time Legionnaire and Honor Guard member who joined Ernest A. Love Post 6 in 2012. Joe has lived in many places across the world and travelled to numerous countries during his time in U.S. Airforce.
Joe was born in an Austrian refugee camp in 1949. His father was in the German Wehrmacht in WWII and was held in a British POW camp. After the war, his father worked in a warehouse for the Americans.
The Weidner family emigrated to Ellis Island in 1950 and lived in Chicago before moving to South California. Joe attended San Gabriel Mission High School and majored in aerospace engineering in college.
Joe, like many in his generation, had three friends who died while fighting in Vietnam. He made a conscious decision to join the U.S. Air Force in 1970 and did his basic training in San Antonio, TX. Joe was the Outstanding Honor Graduate at his Tech school where he was trained as a Jet Mechanic and initially worked on 1-2 engine jets before advancing to specialize in 4-engine jets.
Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina was Joe’s first duty station where he served four years. As his Air Force career progressed, he worked on 4 engine jets like the C-141. As an E-5 he had a crew of four.
Joe Weidener supported the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions on multiple jump and cargo missions.
In 1973, he was on a mission that flew to Saudi Arabia for two weeks where they transported an Indonesian peacekeeping contingent for the UN to the Sinai Peninsula after the Yom Kippur War.
Joe spent 90 days on temporary duty assignment (TDY) in Alaska. While stationed there, he was tasked with the solemn responsibility of transporting caskets for servicemembers who had been killed in Vietnam. Each day, Joe witnessed the heartbreaking reality of war, seeing as many as 8 to 10 caskets arrive daily. Reflecting on this experience, Joe described the duty as profoundly difficult, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during the conflict.
During his time in active duty, Joe was stationed in Germany two times and did NATO missions in England. He flew into Vietnam three times on resupply flights.
Joe is known for his innovative thinking and natural curiosity. As a student, Joe excelled in Math and Physics, enjoying these subjects and achieving strong academic results. His proficiency in these areas reflects his analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities, which have been evident throughout his life and career.
To highlight his creative problem-solving skills, Joe shared a story about how he jerry-rigged an O-ring from black top tar and fixed a hydraulic leak on the left landing gear of a C-141 and then had the confidence to sign off on the condition of the aircraft.
C-141 Aircraft
When asked what he liked most about serving in the U.S. military, Joe replied, “the comradery” and then strongly stated, “I would do it again in a heartbeat”.
What did Joe like least about the military? He said, “Overbearing young officers.”
Joe left the service in 1974 and went on to worked for Pacific Bell where he met his future wife Debbie and were married in July 1982. They have been married for 43 years and have two sons, Mike and Jeff. Mike, the eldest, is a Firefighter and Paramedic working for the City of Colton Fire Department in Southern California and Jeff is a Mechanical Engineer working for a medical equipment supplier.
Joe retired from Pac Bell in 2002 after 30 years. He specialized in fiber optic cable.
In the 1990s, Joe was an active member and Officer of American Legion Post 72 in Anaheim, CA where he served as Chaplain, Finance Officer, and a member of the Executive Board (E-Board). He was also the Post’s Honor Guard Commander from 2003-2011.
After Joe moved to Prescott, he met Dan Tillman and has been in the Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard ever since. His time and service in American Legion Honor Guard total over 23 years.
Joe remembers a particularly poignant moment at a burial service in Anaheim where the widow put her hand on his when he presented the folded flag. He’ll never forget powerful emotion and energy coming from her trembling hand as her whole world was turning upside down.
Joe feels that “the American Legion is head and shoulders above the other veteran organizations due to so much community involvement.” In his experience, the other vet orgs are “all show and no go” and did not help the local veterans as much.
American Legion Post 6 Honor Guard on 9/11/25
In summary, Joe’s journey—from his early academic achievements and military service to his dedication as an officer and member of the Honor Guard in the American Legion—demonstrates a commitment to leadership, service, and community. His experiences reflect not only technical expertise and problem-solving, but also a deep sense of empathy and connection with others.
Ernest A. Love Post 6 is lucky to have Joe Weidner in its ranks as he serves as a positive force who continues to respect and honor his fellow veterans.
Lisa Thaler Honored for Outstanding Service and Dedication
The members and family chapters of Ernest A. Love Post 6 in Prescott proudly recognize Lisa Thaler for being selected as the 2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year in Arizona. Lisa’s unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to serving veterans and her community truly set her apart. Through her generous gift of time and attention, she has made a lasting impact, demonstrating what it means to lead with compassion and service.
Lisa hails from Indiana and moved quite a bit between New York, Ohio, and Kentucky before settling in Prescott, AZ. Lisa studied Mathematics in college and in the late 1980s taught math to 7th-12th graders at Eastern High School, she also served as an ESL tutor and then worked in banking.
She joined Auxiliary Unit 6 in Prescott in 2022 and is a very active volunteer for veterans in Prescott and can often be seen playing cards, doing crafts, or working at the annual Stand Down at US Vets.
Lisa is a curious person and a good listener and continually asks this important question: “What else can I do to help?”
She has always been eager to help her family and friends since she was young, and Lisa continues this dedication today by actively supporting her family at the Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 and aiding veterans within her community. In the past year, she provided service to 36 veterans and volunteered 209 hours.
As the Unit Member of the Year for Arizona, Lisa was honored to attend the National Auxiliary convention in Tampa, Florida in August.
Lisa appreciates the pillars of the American Legion Auxiliary, which include patriotism, service to others, and reverence of faith, and she lives these values every day to provide aid and comfort to many. Her generous and joyful nature, combined with a lively spirit of optimism, inspires those around her and uplifts the entire community.
When not volunteering, Lisa and her husband Eric Thaler, who is a member of the Sons of the American Legion at Post 6, enjoys bike riding and hiking.
Prescott and the American Legion are lucky to have such positive and hard-working members in our community.
It was a Flag Day to remember for reasons I did not realize when my husband and I ventured out to Mayer, AZ on the morning of June 14, 2025. It was a temperate and not so windy Saturday and the people who gathered at the Foothills Ranch were glad for it. A huge American flag was raised in honor of many things: the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, Flag Day, and a Missing Rider tribute to a fellow American who spearheaded this event in prior years.
Video by Dave the Drone Guy, Dave Smithwick
A poignant flag retirement ceremony was held thanks to the dedication and hard work of Foothills Ranch owners Wes and Phyllis Holmes. Numerous organizations also contributed to the effort by volunteering and donations, including local Boy Scout Troops, American Legion Posts and family chapters from Prescott, Cottonwood, Chino Valley, and Humboldt, the Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard, American Legion Riders and local businesses (see below for more details on that part of the story).
A tall white sign with the title What The Flag Means to Us shared what U.S. Stars and Stripes represented to hosts for the day’s event. Wes Holmes stated, “I believe it is sacred and should be treated with respect. This is why we host the retirement ceremony- to ensure these flags receive the honor they deserve.”
l. to r. Wes Holmes, Dan Tillmans, Joe Gorraiz, and Sherm Scott. Photo by Steve Smull
The event was powerful and impactful with many moving words, prayers, symbols, and traditions.
What started two years ago with two friends, Mark Meridith and Wes Holmes has grown to a large and amazing event.
Why hold such an event?
Respect for the symbol of our nation. Respect for the memory of our family and friends who have passed.
Honor for those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Yavapai County is home to many military veterans and patriotic residents, resulting in a significant number of flags that require proper disposal each year. According to the U.S. Flag Code, a worn-out flag should not be placed in a landfill and is recommended to be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
The newly built Flag Incinerator. Photo by Steve Smull
What I didn’t know while I was enjoying and appreciating the Flag Day ceremony at Foothills Ranch that day was just how much work, time, sweat, and effort went into it. Being there in person you could feel how much emotion and passion were poured into the proceedings.
Seeing a beautiful horse named Cash being led out by Phyllis was a touching Missing Rider Tribute to Mark Merdith who passed away six months prior. Wes gave a heartfelt announcement to those gathered that morning for the ceremony about his friend who was a driving force for the special Flag Day event and asked for a moment of silence. It was a moving and powerful moment I will never forget.
Cash, Phyllis Holmes, and the Post 6 Honor Guard. Photo by Steve Smull
The American Legion Post 6 Honor Guard played a pivotal role in the Flag Day traditions. Their flag folding ceremony, gun salutes, and sounding of taps presented honor and respect to our nation’s flag as well those who sacrificed their lives for it.
Photo by Steve Smull
The other striking and impressive element of Flag Day 2025 was the large, rusty brown incinerator with its five 9ft chimney stove pipes. Prior to the flag retirement ceremony, the five hand-welded doors of the converted oil tanker were flung open to reveal over 3,000 flags stacked high.
Photo by Steve Smull
The events leading up to the creation of the incinerator is a story of collaboration, persistence, and generosity. Plato’s words “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” came to mind when Wes recounted the genesis of the old 33ft railroad tanker car. There were two main reasons why Wes envisioned the need for an enclosed structure to ignite the flags- the wind and the large number of flags needing disposal (the 2024 flag retirement in a small, open burn pit had to be cancelled due to high winds).
Two weeks prior to the event on 6/14/25, Wes made a call to the Director of the Post 6 American Legion Riders (ALR) stating that if they didn’t get the funds to purchase the oil tanker then the Flag Retirement ceremony would need to be cancelled. That is when Sandra Tavares, ALR Director in Prescott sprang into action and worked with the Commander and other family chapters of the Ernest A. Love Legion post to pull together the donations needed for Wes to acquire the oil tanker he found on Facebook Market place. Now he had to drive his truck and trailer to over 375 miles to St George, Utah to pick the 13,000 lb steel metal tank. It was a harrowing trip back as the length and weight of the tank upset the balance of the trailer.
Once Wes got back to Arizona, multiple local businesses donated steel, stove pipes, welding supplies as teams of welders and other craftsmen provided many hours of skilled labor to rapidly build the incinerator just in time for the big event.
Phyllis and Wes Holmes. Photo by Steve Smull
The following businesses and organizations donated money, supplies and time to the make Flag Day 2025 in Mayer, Arizona a reality.
Lamb Chevrolet
Mayer Fire Department
Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard- Dan Tillmans, Sherm Scott, Rich Fuller, Joe Gorraiz, Peggy Schmidt, Rich Tuten, Neal Goforth, Dirk Thayer, and Bugler Dede Dexter from Post 25.
Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 with ALR, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion
The Flag Day 2025 event was a passionate and patriotic experience with prayers, the raising of a large 50×30 ft American Flag, cannon blasts, honor guard services, singing of our National Anthem, Missing Rider tribute, U.S. Flag Retirement ceremony, and the emotional sounding of taps.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a BBQ brisket meal compliments of Phyllis Holmes and American Legion Post 6 family chapters.
Photo by Steve Smull
Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported and attended this meaningful holiday service.
The honor, respect, and heartfelt tributes made it a Flag Day to remember!
How can we make a positive difference in other people’s lives?
Thirteen members of the American Legion Riders (ALR) of Ernest A. Love Post 6 recently showed us what matters with their actions and deeds. They embarked on A Ride That Matters.
Raising over $14,000 and riding their motorcycles and trikes over 2,500 miles in the western United States- the ALR team made a huge impact on hundreds of people’s live. Veterans and their families, children and burn victims were assisted in this effort.
The ALR members of Post 6 embarked on their eight-day journey on May 31, 2025 and rode from Arizona to Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. they stopped at multiple locations and met with the four non-profit organizations listed below to distribute the donations they collected.
Members of Post 6 American Legion Riders as they depart Chino Valley, AZ on 5/31/25
Each of these organizations received $3,000 donations from the American Legion Riders:
Camp Courage: Arizona Burn Foundation.
Arizona Burn Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for burn survivors and their families in Arizona, while promoting burn prevention advocacy and education. The camp is a week in Prescott, AZ for burn survivors age 6-19 to build courage as they connect with other survivors through horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, high ropes, rappelling.
Over the past nine years, the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch has touched the lives of veterans and their families through therapeutic, vocational, and agri-therapy programs on our 19-acre working ranch.
Supporting at-risk veterans with weekly movement and mindfulness sessions including yoga, tai chi, and gentle aerobics.
A leading nonprofit in therapeutic outdoor recreation, using the sport of fly fishing as an intervention. They help active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing.
Mentoring: Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”), ages 6 through 24.
Provides families life-sustaining resources like food, shelter, and medical care.
ALR Members present donation check to Camp Courage in Prescott, AZ
In addition to visiting the non-profits, the ALR team stopped at over 10 American Legion Posts along the route of A Ride that Matters. At the June 2025 General Meeting of Legion Post 6 in Prescott, Commander Sam McPherson gave praise and recognition for the outstanding hospitality to five Legion posts who went above and beyond to support and welcome the tired and weary riders.
Here are the American Legion Posts who welcomed the Post 6 ALR with open arms, big smiles, and warm spirits during their week-long ride.
Post 40 in Henderson, NV
Post 8 in Klamath Falls, OR
Post 18 in Nampa, ID
Post 112 in Salt Lake City, UT
Post 69 in Kanab, UT
A Ride That Matters was not just a success; it was an accomplishment that shows the strong impact we can have on each other’s lives. This act of goodwill exemplified two of the four pillars of the American Legion – Rehabilitation of Veterans and Youth and Children. The outpouring of love and support resonated deeply with everyone involved, making the world kinder and more compassionate through these efforts.
Thank you to everyone who participated in, supported and donated to this incredible event.
The children, veterans, and families that were helped by this ride showed their appreciation with their smiles and laughter— and that is ALL that really matters.
The Honor Guard at the Ernest A. Love Post 6 American Legion is impressive and dedicated. For 30 years, they have provided support and comfort to the families and friends of deceased veterans.
Averaging 300 services and events a year, the honor guard is committed to paying respect and providing the final salute to those who have served their country.
The American Legion Honor Guard provides military honors to deceased veterans who would otherwise not receive them, including folding and presenting the flag to survivors, and performing a three-volley gun salute at funerals.
The 17-member team here in Prescott, Arizona takes its role seriously and can be seen most afternoons gathered next to the old fireplace at the Post 6 building, raising their glasses in a closing toast to the veteran they just honored at the local or national cemetery.
Post 6 Honor Guard pays their respects at the Vietnam Veteran Day Ceremony on 3/29/25 in the Prescott, AZ Courthouse Plaza. Photo by Steve Smull.
When I asked some of the Post 6 Honor Guard members “What is the most important thing you provide to the veterans’ families at these services?”, they all replied, “Our presence”.
Wow! That simple yet powerful word, presence, hit me hard as I realized that showing and being there for these ceremonies has an immense impact on those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Sadly, sometimes the honor guard are the only ones present to pay respects to the veteran.
What these Honor Guard team members do is American Legion exemplified and is greatly respected and appreciated by American Legion members and family chapters as well as the community.
Here’s the history of the group I received from the Captain of the Post 6 Honor Guard:
“In March of 1995, Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home called the Post and asked if we could provide Military Honors for a deceased veteran. Al Tercero, a several times Past Post Commander, and Past Department Commander, said yes.
Al organized our Honor Guard, consisting of 2 VFW members and 3 Post 6 members. Our first bugler was Leonard Rosie Ross, bugler for General Eisenhower during WWII, and member of Post 6 and VFW Post 541. Our Honor Guard soon began traveling throughout Northern Arizona to render Honors for veterans, from Kingman to the Navajo Nation to Wickenburg the White Mountains. Where we were requested, we went.
In the last thirty years, our Honor Guard has rendered honors for 9,000 veterans, presented Colors at over 1,000 events, and represented Post 6 in nearly 100 parades.
Our Honor Guard is a certified Authorized Provider by the Department of Defense. That means that, when the Active-Duty services cannot provide the Honor Guard for the veteran, we are obligated to do so. Your Honor Guard takes that responsibility seriously and is ready to provide anything needed to honor our veterans.” – Clarence S. “Sherm” Scott III , Captain, Post 6 Honor Guard and Past Post 6 Commander
Taken on Flag Day, 2024 in Prescott, AZ during a flag burning ceremony.
A toast to the members of the Post 6 American Legion Honor Guard!
Thank you for your noble service. Your presence at these ceremonies holds immense significance, offering comfort and solace to those mourning their beloved veterans.
You are the embodiment of honor and respect, and your dedication enriches our community, our Legion, and our nation to which we are so indebted.
Here’s to the Post 6 Honor Guard—may your valor, dedication, and unwavering presence continue to shine brightly, honoring the legacy of those who served.
Your local American Legion Post serves numerous things- many of which are not well known, understood, or appreciated. Beyond the stereotypical cheap drinks, the Legion actively serves people, young and old, in communities across the country.
My personal experience at the Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 in Prescott, AZ, has opened my eyes and warmed my heart- showing me that The Legion ismore than a bar, more than a building.
Post 6 Commander, Sam McPherson, cooking eggs for Sunday breakfast
What are they serving at my post? Thousands of home-cooked meals of soup, sandwiches, tacos, eggs, potatoes, bacon, and pancakes per year. Grilled burgers to warm up the crowd for Queen of Hearts on Thursdays. Sunday breakfast is served with a healthy side of smiles and laughter.
Post, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion Members keeping spirits high in the kitchen
The local American Legion post is a unique and warm place where veterans and their families can come to relax and share stories. It is a place to sing and dance- a place that combats loneliness. A place that serves up cheer, good will and support.
What does it mean to serve? Well, there are over 12 definitions of the verb Serve.
Here are three main meanings:
As in to attend to. To help a person to food or drink. To work for or wait on.
As in to act. To be of use. Hold an office. Discharge or perform a duty. Respect and honor.
As in to provide services that benefit or help others. To assist or answer the needs of. The American Legion Service Officer is a prime example of this role.
I have witnessed Legion members and officers acting in all three of the above listed definitions of Serve.
Like my father (a WWII veteran), my mother (a post Auxiliary member), my husband (Post Photographer), my brother (a Son of the American Legion) and cousins (Vietnam veterans), it is my honor to serve. It is all about Veterans Helping Veterans.
So what are we serving at the American Legion?
We are serving aid to the homeless, the lonely, the sick, and the injured.
We are serving connection and support to veterans through Buddy Checks.
We are serving as a home and welcoming “3rd place” that people can go to for comfort and belonging.
We are serving smiles, hugs, and laughter.
We are serving camaraderie, meaning, and purpose.
We are serving history, honor, and remembrance.
We are serving traditions, respect for the flag, and Americanism.
We are an extended family who looks after each other. Supports and assists when the chips are down.
The Legion is light- not heavy (like in the 1969 song “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”), lifting up our veteran brothers and sisters. Lifting the burden of loneliness, trauma and grief. Giving a warm and comforting hand when it’s needed most.
This is what the American Legion is serving!
Post 6 Officer and ALR Member, Rusty Snyder, serving members at annual Picnic in Prescott, AZ
The American Legion had strong and active family units and chapters who extend and expand the service of the post members. The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L), the Auxiliary, and the American Legion Riders (ALR) all play an important role in the service to the veterans, their families and the community. They also make awesome bacon guacamole burgers and Denver omelettes!
The Legion is more than a bar. It is more than a building.
The American Legion Post in the heart and soul of the local community serving veterans and their families.
A group of fifteen American Legion Riders (ALR) from the Ernest A. Love Legion Post 6 rode their bikes to the front of BASIS Charter school-Prescott on the brisk but sunny morning of Tuesday October 29, 2024.
First grade students eagerly lined up in front of the school entrance and were greeted first by the roar of the motorcycle engines and then by the smiles of riders who are a dedicated, volunteer group of U.S. military veterans, members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Photo by Steve Smull
The ALR’s mission was to present the school with requested school supplies and gift cards valued at $450. This was the first time the group has visited BASIS Prescott.
This event was a coordinated effort between ALR Director, Sandra Tavares and Dean of Upper School- BASIS Prescott, Robin Aitken, who is also a member of the ALR and President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 40.
Sandra Tavares and ALR member present gifts at BASIS School. Photo by Steve Smull
Community outreach between veterans and their families with students and teachers is key to building stronger social connections and support in the local area.
The American Legion has a proud tradition of supporting our nation’s youth. The organization was founded on the principle in 1919, when Children and Youth was declared one of the Legion’s four pillars. In the years since, a number of youth-oriented programs have been developed including Temporary Financial Assistance, Family Support Network and child safety and well being programs.
Prescott area Legion posts and family chapters provide ongoing support to students with sponsorships and activities such as: Boys State, Girls State, Oratorical contests, and flag events.
I’m observing that many people on this earth are continually repeating negative patterns and unproductive behaviors. There doesn’t seem to be much adaptation or changing of course when mistakes are made. Learning from our mistakes and adjusting how we approach a situation is not a common occurrence today. Perhaps it is because we humans tend to base our decisions more on feelings and emotions rather than logic and facts. Can you ever really “learn” from a feeling?
I wrote the blog below ten years ago in May 2014 and I’m sad to say the sentiment is still valid today. The title “Leadership Challenges in Non-Profit Organizations” is a continuous issue for another who volunteers or is elected to an Officer.
My observations and recommendations on these phenomena also apply greatly to our local, state and federal leaders.
Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations.
Published online on May 30, 2014.
Strong leaders are critical to the success of any organization- be it a non profit, a corporation, a military unit, a church or a bicycle club. I believe that successful leaders can be developed and nurtured through mentoring, coaching and training but I have recently witnessed how unchecked power and bloated egos can corrupt leaders of volunteer groups. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been a member and/or officer in numerous nonprofit and corporate organizations and have seen a negative trend in leadership ethics.
Since college I have had the honor and privilege of serving under many inspirational officers, managers and executives who truly embodied the values of respect, humility and service. These altruistic and motivational men and women were my role models and taught me the importance of recognition, encouragement, honesty and integrity. They taught me to stay focused on the team member’s needs above my own.
In the past few years, I have become concerned by the increase in the frequency and negative impact that “corrupted” leaders are having on their organizations (this is across the board in society- from the local nonprofit and school board to the state and federal governments). There are more power-influenced leaders today and fewer selfless ones. There is more Me and less We and that’s not the way it should be! Another disappointing theme I’ve observed recently is a misplaced focus where the officers of organizations are more concerned about their own power, titles and agendas with little priority or attention given to the actual members.
I recently wrote a speech and created a presentation entitled “Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations” where I outlined issues, impediments and possible solutions to address membership growth and retention concerns in non profit groups like Toastmasters and the VFW. I sadly will cite the destructive and non-collaborative behaviors of power trips, politics and petty personal attacks as key factors negatively impacting the morale and growth of many well meaning, non-profit groups.
Solutions to these issues are often difficult to implement in a broad sense since they need to come from within the individual leaders however, a positive organizational culture coupled with strong team agreements can go a long way toward improving a group’s leadership challenges. An unwavering commitment to the organization’s core Mission, without compromise, is also a critical to ensuring that ethical leaders are rewarded, encouraged and attracted.
Here are the Mission Statements of two organizations I am a member of:
“Provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills.”
“ To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”
Notice that nowhere in the statements above does it mention the role, power or importance of the leaders or officers of the group. They are solely focused on the members of the organization. Losing sight of this simple fact is what I believe is causing many of the leadership issues we see in our volunteer organizations today.
Perhaps this message and blog can reach others and be shared in order to make a positive impact in our communities and non-profit groups. I hope so!
These words were published in the June 2024 Newsletter for American Legion Post 64 in Phoenix, Arizona.
This is my final report to you as your Commander. One year ago, I was honored to be elected to lead the Ahwatukee Post and I am happy to say that we fulfilled our promise to directly help and assist local veterans and their families.
Adjutant Roddy Charlton and Chaplain Rebecca Schmidt presented me with the Commander’s Award
In mid 2023, the officers of Post 64 came together and crafted an Action Plan which focused on meeting the needs of our members. The plan had 3 points: 1) Engage- Make Connections, 2) Expand- Build Bridges, and 3) Retain- Strengthen Social Fabric. When I look back at the last 11 months and reflect on all the good work, activities, and events that our members participated in, the words Mission Accomplished come to mind.
Engage– We listened to what was important to our members and held three social mixers, two fundraiser dinner dances and numerous activities outside of our 10 regular member meetings at the ARC. The number of veterans and guests who attended and actively participated also increased as the word got out about what value and benefit the American Legion can provide. The outstanding personal outreach of the Buddy Check program by our Service Officer Craig Annis and a small team of volunteers also had an amazingly positive impact on engagement.
Expand– Our strong partnership with Auxiliary Unit 64 helped us expand and improve the quality of our service to those in need. We built bridges to the community with active roles in the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout Troop 172, local Middle and High Schools, and other veteran service organizations which extended our service reach. With these actions and an enhanced PR/multimedia marketing emphasis, we increased awareness and visibility of the Legion programs that help those in need.
Retain– Taking care of the needs of our existing members while strengthen the social fabric of our post and local community enabled us to have the high member retain rate in District 12. The key ingredients in this area were members’ passion and service to others with meaningful causes. Having fun added the extra spice that kept people coming back and renewing their membership and increasing their involvement and commitment to our post.
As I pass the baton to our incoming Commander, Tamma Notaro, I am confident that she will keep the momentum going with our goal of Veterans Helping Veterans. Her strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills, in addition to a military intelligence background, will serve her well in coming year.
Lastly, the most important thing I need to say is Thank You to all the post members and auxiliary for supporting me this past year. We couldn’t have accomplished anything without you. I was blessed to have an amazing team of officers who all stepped up and exceeded my expectations. Words of appreciation are not enough to express my gratitude to the leaders of Post 64. I enthusiastically salute the 2023-2024 Post and Unit 64 officers: Al Hunter, Pete Meier, Roddy Charlton, Craig Annis, Jay Hendrix, Rebecca Schmidt, Mark Shillinger, David Green, Darlene Hunter, Joan Uhler, Kristy Hendrix, Judy Steffen, and Bev Shillinger. Great job everyone!
I also want to express my deep appreciation to our Post Photographer, Steve Smull, who has been creatively capturing so many memories and moments at Post 64 for the past 6 years.
A few words from Steve,
“As Post Photographer for Post 64, I was honored to serve and support Brenda’s efforts as Commander. We share a mutual respect for the efforts of our nation’s veterans, not just in defense of our borders, but also in their support of their peers.
Brenda and I will carry our efforts for veterans up the hill with us. I enjoy supporting veteran events with images which support veterans’ efforts. Thanks for allowing me to do it.”
Strong Words & Simple Truths 