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National American Legion commander urges broad membership recruitment
Inviting service men and women to join the American Legion -- and keeping them in the organization -- is something the group should strive for, National Commander Jimmie Foster said Thursday.
As part of a Kansas tour, Foster spoke to members of Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 at the American Legion room at Memorial Hall. About 15 people attended.
About 15 percent of the armed forces is made up of women and 29 percent meet minority status, which includes women, Foster said. The American Legion, headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., has 2.5 million members nationally. "Look at the full picture. Make sure you get females and other ethnic groups in your post," he said. "Make them feel comfortable and like they'd want to join your post."
Foster was elected national commander at a national convention Sept. 2 in Milwaukee and will step down Sept. 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minn. During his year-long tenure, he will spend 344 days on the road. His Kansas tour ended Thursday night in Louisburg and then it was on to Buffalo, N.Y., today.
"It's pretty tedious, but it's very rewarding," Foster said, adding he likes meeting people. Much of the country faces the same issues and has the similar shortcomings. "They're still looking for benefits. Everyone's affected by budgets. We have to keep a membership base that's effective in lobbying Washington, D.C."
Foster noted veterans are a unique breed with their own camaraderie and brotherhood. "We stick together pretty well," he said. "We need to tell more people what we do."
Born and raised in Oklahoma, he graduated with a degree in agriculture education from Northeastern A&M College in Miami, Okla.
After working in the textile and grocery business, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego from 1973 -1976.
Following a short break in military service, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army, ultimately retiring with 20 years of military service on Aug. 1, 1994 as the chief legal non-commissioned officer at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
Foster's 29 years of American Legion experience include offices and appointments at all levels.
He served American Legion Spenard Post No. 28 as adjutant for many years, as well as other offices, including post commander.
He served on many state-level committees.
During his term as membership chairman, the Department of Alaska finished No. 1 in the nation for membership. He served as state commander in 1999-2000.
Nationally, he served as National Executive Committeeman for the Department of Alaska from 2002-2006, as well as on the National & Homeland Security Council, Economics, Internal Affairs, Legislative Commissions and as chairman of the National Legislative Commission. Foster and his wife, Rehta, have two sons, Christopher and Michael, and five grandchildren who have been active members of the American Legion in Anchorage.
The Fort Scott post has 47 members, Adjutant and Finance Officer Ken Lyon said.
Commander is Wayne Stringer. Also attending were auxiliary Secretary-Treasurer Wilma Endy, Vice President Martha Clark and member Marge Stringer.