2nd Vice Commander's Message

By Richard Lombari, 2nd Vice Commander

It’s been an incredible year for the American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283! Serving alongside this dedicated team of leaders has been a true honor. Commander Cragg and the executive committee have shown exceptional passion and diligence in managing the post’s $1.3M in charitable giving, ensuring it best supports the four pillars of the American Legion. Despite occasional differences of opinion, their professionalism in building consensus and moving forward has been remarkable.

As 3rd Vice Commander, I focused on expanding our communication channels to better engage community leaders, media, schools, and other non-profits, raising the profile of our post and the American Legion as a whole. I also supported 2nd Vice Commander Steve Travali in the kitchen during lounge nights and coordinated the largest community event held at the post since reopening: the Veterans Gardens Bocce Holiday Party. Many of the 160 attendees had never visited our post before and left with a newfound appreciation for our contributions, especially our financial support of Veteran Gardens and its bocce courts.

 Being a dual member, it was also my honor to serve on the Sons of the American Legion Executive Committee. Commander Elder led with love and appreciation for veterans which manifested through an incredible lineup of speakers for the Living Legends series and impressive first annual Memorial Day Honor Walk from the post to Veterans Gardens.

 As a newcomer to the American Legion leadership team, I was eager to learn and serve more effectively. This drive led me to attend the California American Legion College, the American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, NC, and the California Department Executive Meeting in Santa Maria, CA.

 Thank you for your trust and confidence in me over the past year. I look forward to your continued support as I step into the role of 2nd Vice Commander.