Over 100 years ago, as America declared war on Germany during WWI, the first “I Want You” poster appeared. On it was the image of a white goateed man with a chiseled face, bushy eyebrows over burning eyes, silver hair flowing out from under a tall top hat decorated with stars and one bony finger pointed toward the observer.
Uncle Sam was calling for volunteers.
As members of the Ron Asby North Cobb American Legion Post 304, we all answered that call and served our country. Well, to be honest, some were drafted, but we all still honed our devotion to God, Country and Family through our service to this great nation.
Now, The Post is calling on YOU. And, without you, we may not survive.
We all enjoy a good night out from time to time with family and friends. We all enjoy the camaraderie that comes when we share our “war stories” with others who had similar experiences. Unfortunately, many are not coming to the Post to enjoy those fun times.
If we don’t show up at the various events to support our Post, there isn’t money coming in to fund the programs we sponsor. If we don’t spend some of our hard-earned money dining on the great food that comes out of the kitchen, there may be a veteran who doesn’t receive a much-needed PTSD service dog or a high-school student who doesn’t get a scholarship to assist them with their college education.
Equally important is the work needed at the Post. We all have skills and trades that we practiced during our working careers.
Each week, I spend up to ten hours managing the Post’s website to help disseminate information that benefits all members. Do I get paid for it? Nope. It is part of what I can do, with my skills and trade experiences, to assist my Post.
Among our members, we have carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, cooks, office managers, tax accountants and any number of other represented trades that would benefit the Post if put to use by those members. Some do step up and help, but the numbers don’t lie – many more don’t take the time to volunteer and help out when and where they can.
The lack of volunteers was the primary reason the Post did not have a presence this year at the Taste of Acworth.
Therefore, I want to raise a challenge to all Post members.
If you cannot take the time to volunteer in the Kitchen, at the Post, during an event, etc., then at least take the time to come in and enjoy good food and some fun times while spending your money to help fund our Post and the programs we sponsor. Instead of going out to Henry’s or O’Charleys on a Friday night, come to the Post for dinner.
As we all once answered the call of our Uncle Sam, we now need to again answer a call and step up to help our Post. We need YOU.