Letter to the Editor

American Legion lesson was a difficult one

Sunday, March 13, 2011

To the Editor:

Whenever bad news is announced, the stories begin.

So is the saga of the closing of American Legion Post 2, the oldest post in Indiana.

In the past few days, Commander (Nick) White has sent a letter to all the members outlining the situation. It is not a pretty picture and it would seem that quite a few poor management decisions were made by its officers.

One thing, when the economy goes sour, it doesn't seem to care who gets hurt.

Let me stop and say for all that went wrong, there is no evidence that anyone was stealing or siphoning money.

Commander White and the other officers learned a hard lesson. You always pay the state and federal bills first.

You pay them or they close you up. It is that simple.

Of course, if you are the leader and always taught that your personnel comes first, then it is only human to say if I have a few bucks, I'll pay off my employees and the others can wait. Wrong.

Now it is crunch time. Debts must be paid; members must rise like the Phoenix. We must re-establish our post and carry on for all veterans. Having been in three wars, the legion has been near and dear to me.

To all of you, the legion is still operational, meeting the second Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m., at the V.F.W. post 1127.

We'll be back smarter and stronger in the future.

If you would like to help, call Commander Nick White at 446-2710.

Don Moreau,

Colonel, United States Army Retired,

Center Point