John Barnhill, National Sons of AMVETS Commander, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

Well, we’re over the halfway mark of my year as National SOA Commander, and this is my third article in our veterans’ magazine. I continue to travel, so I’ll just touch upon the highlights since the last article. In January, we held our second E Board meeting at Post 2000 in Warm Mineral Springs, Fla.  We toured several posts, and took part in a benefit for Loveland Home for adults with developmental disabilities.  I thank everyone there for the great hospitality.  In February, Martie and I met with the committee in Daytona, Fla., at the Ocean View Hotel for the pre-convention meeting. I took a short tour of Florida posts with National AMVETS Commander Gary Fry and National AMVETS Auxiliary President Lynda Taylor with AMVETS Department of Florida Commander A.J. John as our guide.  The following weekend I attended AMVETS Department of Florida Spring NEC.

I just returned from Spring NEC.  The SOA officers and members went to Capitol Hill, where we kept 194 appointments.  We also covered states not represented and handed out 295 veterans’ legislative points of interest.  On March 16, the SOA members and guests went to lay wreaths at the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials.  Again we had the honor of having veterans with us who helped with the wreath placement.  We conducted our meetings, and I am happy to say our new guidebook is completed and available on the website.  Our new plastic life cards are also available.  New life members will automatically receive the plastic card.  Current life members who would like a plastic card need to send in their current card and a check for $5 to National Headquarters, and Martie will issue you a new plastic card.  The following week, I attended the testifying of Commander Fry on veterans’ affairs in front of Congress.  

I just want to remind everyone that the project I picked for the Sons of AMVETS is Camp Hope with the goal of $30,000 to build a new cabin. Please remember this is a retreat for our wounded veterans, and dig deep for a donation.  No amount is too small.

Finally, my officers and I are here to assist you.  You can reach me by phone (616) 928-8422, or by email: johnbarnhill616@aol.com.