From: Department Commander
             Dale A. Heiligenthal

Subject: American Legion Family
                 of New Mexico
 

Our job at Department is to assist and guide the Posts and their Officers to overcome issues. Department cannot solve the Post problems but provide available resources, direction and clarity to Constitution and By-Law issues.

My goals:

1. Ensure Area Vice and District Commanders work with Post Commanders to provide all relevant information to our veterans. We must keep them informed.
2. All Post meetings are conducted under "Roberts Rules of Order". Veterans expect organized and disciplined meetings from their elected leaders. Adjutants are having a hard time keeping proper minutes because of cross talk that happens, and it often causes confusion for our members.
3. Promote an atmosphere at meetings that are welcoming and free from drama. Each meeting should have an Agenda, listing known topics concerning the Post or requests to support programs of the American Legion.
4. Be the One is an initiative of the American Legion. We need to make sure the program is understood.
5. We are the American Legion Family. We need to conduct ourselves accordingly. Supporting the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Riders, is how we grow. Having said that, my theme shall be: Mutual Helpfulness. We say it every meeting. We need to live it. If someone makes a mistake do not belittle them, help them succeed. Everyone benefits from success.

GOD BLESS,

Dale A. Heiligenthal
Department of New Mexico