[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Marty94

I am both a member of the Post and Honor Guard. So, I have a different perspective. First, the Commander posted new rules as
Taltarzac725 pointed out. It wasn’t an easy decision. I know the Commander well. She’s an incredibly dedicated veteran. She is always out speaking to members and getting their input and although you stated most members disagree with her policy, she is not one to enact a policy that members haven’t recommended or support. Legion members are very vocal. If you would like to speak to her just email me privately and I can provide her number or email. I know she will respond. Second, the folks working the door are volunteers. Some are personable and some are old salts, but their job is to enforce the rules, not make them. If you felt a member was rude, please provide the Commander a name. This will help her reassign volunteers to positions that may be more suited to them. Third, Post 347 hosted a vaccination drive last year. The response was overwhelming. Joan could probably give you data on how many members were vaccinated. This may have contributed to the Board’s decision. It’s not an uncommon one apparently as I can’t enter the Post in my husband’s State under similar rules. Thus, I would recommend that you speak to her. She can best explain the Board’s decision to change protocols.

Finally, my perspective on the door greeter as described in your first post: I joined the Post shortly after moving here and then the Honor Guard. As one of the younger members, it took me some time to fit in. Many vets have baggage and you’ll find a variety of personalities at the Post, many who saw combat. So, I try to give some leeway. You simply can’t judge all vets by the actions or personalities of a few. Not everyone has cheery dispositions. That soldier at the door may have seen or participated in combat neither you or I had to endure. For example, a few months ago, we rendered honors to a vet that was a POW. His imprisonment as described by his widow was horrific. These are the volunteers you meet at the Post. Many just want to feel useful and serve in some small way and yes, some are greeters at the door. In Illinois at your Post, perhaps things are different, but here we have many volunteers and you have quite a variety; without them, the Post doesn’t function.

So why come to the Post? As I said in a previous reply, the Post has raised millions of dollars to support multiple charities as well as scholarships. We have a large Auxiliary that does great work in the community and supports the Honor Flight. The Commander personally visits the local prison and serves vets there. Our Honor Guard with over 60 members provides military honors at Bushnell and local churches, sometimes as often as several a day. This is by far the largest contingent I’ve seen while many have only 2-4 members to render honors. It has always been an honor and privilege to participate and I’ve made some amazing friends. They drive me to the airport, cook for me when I am sick and check on me regularly, especially this past week with all that’s going on. They are nothing like the member you encountered.

When the Post fully opens back up, I hope you consider coming back. If you live here, simply join, but if you don’t understand the Post’s new protocols, then talk to the Commander. She’s really a terrific person and will certainly welcome your input and recommendations.

Thank you for this post. We've all travelled different paths. Not everyone has seen the sane things. Sometimes people are having a bad day. Some are simply not friendly. But if they served they have my respect.