By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian
In brief, here are the benefits associated with setting new year’s goals.
Most of us desire to pursue a balanced, purpose-driven life. If you’re in agreement, it’s essential to set goals that nurture not only your personal development but also your sense of community and service to others… particularly while in retirement! By taking the time to set these annual goals, you empower yourself to actively shape your life and hopefully achieve “meaningful” results. This process not only provides direction but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. It is a valuable practice for anyone seeking to live a more fulfilling life. Why wouldn’t we all want that?
Why is this in a Post 44 article?
As most of us are fully aware, memberships in traditional military veterans’ organizations like the American Legion and VFW are in decline. This is primarily due to an aging population of veterans from wars like World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In addition, younger veterans are simply showing less interest in joining us. For our veterans, military members, and those patriotic civilians, one impactful way to offset this trend is by participating more at AL Post 44.
Getting more involved at various levels – either in leadership, social activities, committee participation, or just good conversation around the bar – can bring a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and camaraderie. It can also foster personal growth that few other activities offer.
Here’s why it might matter to you!
1. Community Service and Giving Back… Post 44 is dedicated to serving veterans, military families, youth, and the broader community. By becoming actively involved, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in initiatives like supporting homeless veterans, raising funds for scholarships, or organizing community events. Volunteering your time and skills not only impacts the lives of others but also fosters a deeper sense of purpose in your own life.
2. Personal and Professional Growth… Active participation in our post can help you develop new skills and leadership qualities. From organizing events and managing budgets to public speaking and strategic planning, these responsibilities will help keep your skills sharp. You’ll also have the chance to network with other veterans, business leaders, and community influencers.
3. Building Lifelong Connections… Many of us veterans may go through life event periods of isolation (i.e. death of a spouse). Participating at this post offers a place to build meaningful relationships with people who have shared, similar life experiences. These friendships often extend beyond the post, creating a social support network that strengthens mental health and well-being.
4. Preserving Patriotism and Legacy… Our Post’s mission revolves around honoring and preserving the legacy of service members and their contributions to our great nation. By actively participating, you’re helping us to sustain these traditions, educate future generations, and ensure the sacrifices of veterans are remembered and honored
How do I incorporate Post 44 participation into my goals?
1. Set Clear, Achievable Objectives… When adding Post 44 participation to your goals, be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of stating, “Be more involved with the Legion,” aim for clear and measurable objectives like, “attend monthly general membership meetings,” “join for the color guard,” or “organize a fundraiser.” These goals can be broken down into actionable steps, making them more manageable and concrete.
2. Schedule Your Involvement… Time is one of the most significant barriers to participation. To overcome this, schedule your Post 44 activities just as you would work meetings, gym sessions, or family commitments. Whether it’s attending monthly meetings, helping with event planning, or joining a committee, organizing these tasks on your calendar will help to visualize your schedule and track your goal progress.
3. Leverage Your Unique Skills and Talents… Consider how your personal skills and professional expertise can benefit Post 44. If you’re good with art, offer to create event flyers. If you like numbers, volunteer to help with budget planning or fundraising. This approach allows you to make a significant impact while doing something you’re already good at and enjoy.
4. Track Your Progress and Reflect… End-of-year timing is crucial when tracking your progress. As the year draws to a close, review your contributions. Celebrate your or our successes, recognize areas for improvement, and set new goals for the next year. The end of the year is a natural reflection point. Reflection helps you see the personal growth and community impact you’ve achieved. This is guaranteed to help motivate you to stay engaged.
Here are some ideas for participation goals.
- Attend at least six Post 44 monthly meetings
- Serve as a post officer or committee chair
- Volunteer at Post events like the upcoming Parada
- Raise $1,000 for a one of our initiatives (i.e. poppies)
- Mentor a younger veteran or military family member
- Help recruit five new members to the post
- Recall my earlier article encouraging members to donate military service items
My final thought.
Incorporating Post 44 participation into your annual personal goals allows you to give back, grow as an individual, and foster lasting relationships. It’s an investment in our community and yourself. As you look ahead, seriously consider the impact you can have through involvement —and the impact it could have on you personally. By doing so, you’ll create a more balanced, purposeful life that extends beyond your personal and professional ambitions.
