As we reflect on the remarkable success of our recent L.A. Fleet Week event and Memorial Day “Honor Walk,” I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for each of you, our Legion Family members. Our efforts at these events were nothing short of inspiring, as we welcomed a bus of 55 uniformed sailors from Fleet Week to the Palisades and simultaneously managed events at the Battleship Iowa and USS Carl Vinson, which brought in 366 new membership applications. It was truly a worthwhile weekend filled with remembrance, purpose and meaning.

These numbers are not merely a statistic — they represent our commitment to spreading the word about The American Legion, serving as a vital touchpoint for many servicemembers who are now joining our civilian ranks. Not many American Legion posts are as fortunate as we are.

Our presence at Fleet Week, positioned proudly alongside the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and the Battleship Iowa, was a testament to our innovation and dedication. The 14 video gaming stations we set up offered a unique platform, uniting veterans and active-duty sailors through the shared joy of gaming. These games bridged gaps and fostered camaraderie and connection. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our mission to support active duty and veterans, providing a space for community through shared interests.

View more photos from Memorial Day here: https://richschmittphotography.com/legion052724/

I want to thank outgoing Sons Commander Hank Elder for pulling our Memorial Day efforts together. Brandon Olson and everyone else who stepped up to help make this happen should be proud of what we’ve accomplished. For our L.A. Fleet Week efforts, thanks to Commander Jim Cragg, 2nd Vice Commander Steve Travali, Finance Officer Todd Hickman, and members Andre Andrews, Michelle and Alex Heaton, Sam Miller, Timothy Rowe, Ranee Rubio.

American Legion National Headquarters was there and produced an article and video about the event: https://www.legion.org/community/261766/legionnaires-active-duty-sailors-connect-gaming

Department of California Membership Director Jeff Freeman was also on hand to answer membership questions during LA Fleet Week.

Related: View more photos from:

• LA Fleet Week

• Memorial Day ‘Honor Walk’ and BBQ
  

Commander Jim Cragg, who has been at the helm for the past four years, has been a cornerstone of our success in several events and programs. Under his leadership, we have grown our Post, enhancing our programs and expanding our outreach. From introducing new events and developing a marketing push for a newfound respect for veterans and the military in America, Jim’s vision and hard work have set a high bar for all of us. As he transitions onto the Executive Committee as junior past commander, we thank him for his unwavering dedication and look forward to further nurturing the legacy he leaves behind.

With Jim’s transition, we welcome Joe Ramirez as our new commander. Joe brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to Post 283. His commitment to continuity and innovation ensures that our momentum will not only be maintained but will thrive. Joe’s leadership promises to build on the foundation Jim has laid, driving us towards even greater achievements. We are excited about the journey ahead and the continued growth of our community under his guidance.

More on gaming

Looking forward, we are committed to not just recruiting new members but building a vibrant online community that could drive active duty service members into American Legion posts across the country as they change duty stations or transition into civilian life.

Here are just a few of our plans for future gaming initiatives:

Department and National Conventions

We will establish gaming booths at both the Department and National conventions, showcasing our gaming initiative to active members of The American Legion. These activations will feature gaming stations similar to those at L.A. Fleet Week, allowing these legionnaires to experience firsthand the camaraderie and connection gaming fosters. This could influence many of them to pursue a similar initiative at their own posts.

Game Days with LA Air Force Base

We are hoping to plan regular Game Days with the Los Angeles Air Force Base. These events will provide opportunities for active-duty airmen and veterans to come together, bond over shared interests, and learn more about The American Legion. These Game Days will also include tournaments, workshops, and social events to enhance engagement and community building.

San Diego Fleet Week

During San Diego Fleet Week, we will partner with local Legion districts and posts to replicate the success of our L.A. Fleet Week activation. By collaborating with San Diego Legion posts, we aim to expand our reach and create a lasting impact on their local veteran community. The event will feature gaming stations and opportunities for active-duty service members to connect with veterans.

Online Events

To maintain engagement and foster a sense of community among our members, we will host regular online gaming events, which will provide a platform for veterans to compete, connect, and build lasting relationships with one another. We will ensure these events are well-organized and widely promoted to maximize participation and impact.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

We will continue to seek partnerships with gaming companies, veteran organizations, and community groups to support our gaming initiatives. These partnerships will help us secure resources, increase visibility, and create more opportunities for veterans to engage with our programs. Our outreach efforts will include attending local gaming and entertainment business conventions, hosting community events, and collaborating with influencers to spread the word about our mission.

As we move ahead, let us carry forward the spirit of camaraderie and innovation that defines us. Together, we will continue to honor our mission, support our veterans, and enhance the lives of those who served. Thank you.