Sons of The American Legion

SAL College will take place on April 18th, 2020 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. The applications for both the Basic and Advanced Classes can be found on the forms page on the Detachment website. If you are interested in learning more about the organization, these are worthwhile classes to take. The Basic class details the structure of the S.A.L., and explains many of the programs they support in detail. The Advanced class gives instruction on organization, time management, and leadership, and teaches attendees ways to be a better officer in the organization. The deadline to submit your application is April 3, 2020.

Greetings!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is refreshed as we enter the second half of our terms. I have met a lot of good, dedicated people from our entire American Legion Family just by going out and visiting posts and attending events throughout our counties. I'm extremely pleased at what our squadrons are doing; you should be proud of what you do as well.
I want to share some of my thoughts, and progress with you; please read below:

MY PERSONAL GOALS

My main priority coming into this term was to improve our communications structure; we were only operating at a level of a little over 33% efficiency for the amount of DECs in the state. We should be at 67% once the paperwork for those that have stepped up to assume their county DEC position is filed. I am working diligently by traveling throughout the state to recruit the remainder. IF you live in a county that does not have a DEC and are interested in the position, please contact me as soon as possible.

The other problem we have is that the amount of Sons of The American Legion County Executive Councils also started this year at the 33% mark. Once the DECs are in place the opportunity to form more county organizations increases as well.

DETACHMENT COMMANDER'S PROJECT

We are working in conjunction with the entire American Legion Family to improve our veteran care facilities in many ways at Paramus, Vet Haven's North, Vineland, Menlo Park and Doyle's Cemetery. The project goal is in the neighborhood of $115,000. Our goal is to contribute $25,000. Please consider donating to the reason why we're here and help support our parent organization in helping them.

MENTORING AND MEMBERSHIP

We are a little over half-way through this year's term and we are lagging behind in membership. Regional Membership Revitalization calls are being set-up to follow the regional Mentoring sessions set up by Committee Chairman PDC Bob Phillips, Jr. Our first Mentoring/Membership date is Saturday, January 18, 2019 at Pemberton Post 294. The Mentoring session will be from 10 am to 12 pm, followed by the Membership Revitalization Calls Session from 12 to 1. I look forward to helping individuals needing help and those squadrons who need assistance with their membership. I would like us to go out to lunch together afterwards.

VETERAN AFFAIRS

Committee Chairman PDC Pat Gallagher has reported that the next Detachment Veteran's Affairs event is Saturday, January 25 at Menlo Park. Report time is 1:30. Please come out, support and interact with our veterans.

AWARDS

I am seeking candidates for review for a Performing Arts Award and Civil Service Awards. If you know a teacher, fireman or policeman that goes"above and beyond" in their profession please contact me at mrthal@yahoo.com

I've been having a lot of fun and meeting many good people and am looking forward to the second half of my term.

Hopefully I'll see you in my travels!

For God and Country,

Matthew C. Thalasinos, Commander

Sons of The American Legion

Detachment of New Jersey

2019-2020

The Polar Bear Plunge this year in Seaside is February 22 anyone wishing to plunge with the Legion Family is welcome to join team Tequila out of Mystic Island Post 493. All the funds raised go to Special Olympics New Jersey. For more information Contact Special Olympics Chairmen Nick Wingler

On December 11 Comdr. Matt made a visit to Squadron 5 Milltown. A Check was presented to the Commander for the Legion Family project this year