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We are all connected as an American Legion post and family organizations through the military service of our veteran members and through our families who supported and sacrificed with us. We are connected through the mission of The American Legion’s 4 Pillars of service to veterans, defense, youth and Americanism. We are connected through Post 32, District 4, The Department of Colorado, and American Legion National, as we serve the 106-year-old mission of The American Legion. We are connected through membership in the Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Sons of the American Legion and through the American Legion Riders. When one of us is affected directly, we are all affected indirectly. We are all connected.
It has been my honor, my driving force, my pleasure and at times my pain to serve as Post 32 commander for the past two years. Much has been accomplished, much has been uncovered, much has been left undone for the next corps of officers to determine, prioritize and continue onward with the mission. It was my intention to do things the right way, to establish a culture of working together as connected people with aligned values. Our officers worked to establish an environment whereby decisions are made by consent of the post executive committee and in collaboration with Legion programs and organizations. The goal is that together we all work for the mission of The American Legion as mandated by the charters of our internal organizations. We are all connected.
It is not my intent to disappear and not be seen or heard again. Commander-elect Mike Crowder will be installed as the first order of business at the general membership meeting on June 10th and he can appoint me as post service officer, a position that Post 32 has not had for a long time. The service officer can offer assistance for veterans and family members who need help and direction to access the benefits offered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), other authorized government, and non-profit organizations that serve veterans. My passion is to help veterans, and the service officer position will provide the means to do so. We are all connected.
As I leave the commandership, I need to thank the officers and members of ALA Unit 32, SAL Squadron 32, AL Riders, and all Legion members who continue to do the right thing. You honor to the tenet of your charters. Our Legion Family members have chaired committees, made special dinners, solicited donations, provided a hall rental system and much more. You all work very hard to be connected to the mission of Post 32.
I also must thank the dedicated and caring officers of the Post 32 Executive Committee. You have made a difference in our community. Through your leadership we are all connected.
Testament to the Executive Committee of Post 32 for 2024-2025
- Adjutant Pat Lennon is truly a great adjutant. He serves with a high degree of competence and character. I have met many adjutants at every level of this organization, and Pat is among the most competent and he treats people with dignity and respect, and he is always ready to help resolve issues.
- Sr. Vice Commander Mike Crowder asked where he could help last fall and agreed to take on the office of senior vice commander. Mike got involved because he was interested in attending meetings to understand the decision-making process. Mike stepped up and serves as president of the revitalized AL Riders Chapter 32. As a former Moose governor, he brings experience of leadership in a non-profit organization, and he was elected as commander for the upcoming year. This attitude is appreciated!
- Finance Officer Paul Talafuse brought a breadth of knowledge about finance matters, tax codes, budgeting, pay roll, benefits, and efficiency of operations that was extremely valuable to help the post create and calculate savings. He spent many hours of work dealing with Legion finance and money-saving matters. Some of his recommendations were not popular and I appreciated his strength of character to stand and deliver.
- Head Trustee Chad Wiese is a working dynamo doing all he possibly can to keep the lounge, kitchen and facilities operable. When we were without a lounge manager he stepped up and took charge of staff matters, learned the intricacies of the job and hired an administrative assistant creating a new system of lounge operations. Chad put together a team to rebuild the missing pull tab finance records and is working to get our gaming license returned. Chad always stands ready to strengthen Post 32, its facilities and operations.
- Trustees Doug Risedorf, Benito Chavez and Joe Kochamba work hard to keep the facilities in working order and they always step up as necessary. Doug has taken on lawn care, snow removal duties and other outside operations. Doug also stepped up to serve as treasurer of the revitalized AL Riders Chapter 32.
- Chaplain Ron Wunsch is an ordained minister and retired Army chaplain who served as a Department of Colorado chaplain, and he serves as the chaplain for District 4. Ron stepped up to chair the Black Ink Committee to raise funds to help Post 32 dig out of debt and is always ready to help.
- Sergeant at Arms Kevin Hunt continues to impress with his love and knowledge of the flag of our country and he serves as a leader in the Honor Guard. He is very good at ceremonial duties and preparing the room for meetings. Kevin shows a willingness to take on new tasks and roles as necessary. He stepped up and was elected as senior vice commander for the upcoming year
- The Post 32 Honor Guard continues to represent Post 32 in public in many ways. Last spring, Gary Schmidt was appointed captain with the recommendation of the Honor Guard, and he stayed right in step with the traditional Honor Guard leadership. The Honor Guard, continues to offer the Vietnam War Era 50-year Commemoration pinning ceremonies, led by Gene Schiferl, and have brought honor and joy to many Vietnam Veterans and their family members.
- Ast. Sgt. At Arms John Linsennes helps Kevin with any task that is necessary and always volunteers for kitchen duty, which is appreciated.
- Historian Steven Pabst has been working to digitalize Post 32 historical records and photos, while caring for his mother in another state. Steven’s work is very valuable to Post 32, and he is appreciated.
What we say and do affects each other. I am grateful for all the good things that our Post 32 Family accomplishes. Together we continue to connect in a good way, the right way, as members of the Post 32 American Legion Family so we can remain a beacon of light for veterans, our families and the community. Thank you all, and I look forward to connecting with you again.
Yours in service,
Ralph
Ralph Bozella
Commander, Post 32
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