COMMANDER'S CORNER

NOVEMBER -  DECEMBER  2002

As the first year of my three-year term as National Commander comes to a close, it is time to look back at our accomplishments and to look into the future. After 15 months of blood, sweat, and a few cuss words, America's Youngest Warriors - Volume II, was completed. The feedback that I have received from some who have received the book has been very heartwarming. For example: King Ross, MI 124, of Oakdale, NY, writes; "The book is first-class and a delight to all us old 'kid warriors' from the distant past!" He continues, "1 didn't know I had such amazing company, and the book is a prized possession for this old WWII Marine? Letters such as this one makes our efforts worthwhile.

At this time, our association is in good shape, both financially and in terms of membership. Currently, we have 1,165 active members. We have enrolled 117 new members since 1 January 2002 - not a record, but a significant accomplishment. As bur association enters its 12th year and our members and prospective members get older, we are approaching the time when finding new members will be more difficult. We must face the fact that our membership will decline, simply because of attrition. We have five members over 100 years old, and not very many under 60. Most of our members are 70 and older, which does not bode well for continued growth, but we hope that this unique association will continue to function for many years to come.

A major factor in insuring the continued functioning of our association is leadership. At present, we have very dedicated officers and board members. Our three officers, five board members, and two past commanders, are all past 70, with the exception of Allan Stover, our founder and first commander. We need younger members to start thinking about accepting leadership roles. A good way to start is as a state commander or a state vice commander. We will have an election for national officers in the fall of 2004. By then I will be 75 years old, and it will be time to pass on the gavel to a younger l

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