As I enter that age and like many boomers have a empty nest, I see so many other retired or ex CF people starting or rekindling MC clubs, Regimental ***'n, reunions, celebrate Reg't birthdays and Naval historical days while most important Rememberance Day. I am a member and have been since my Mom gave me a membership when I joined the army in the 70s. As I moved I changed branches. I always stop in the local legion during my business travels and get the inside scoop or lay of the land.
I see many of us have turned to the Legion which is Nation wide, yet many are closing or consolidating in some areas. The small town or rural Branches seem strong and very community orientated. Yet plenty of us ignore this resource.
I do notice that maybe in some cases the concept has been hijacked as there are some branches that are very heavily influenced by the associate members as there minimal ex-military. I have been in a few where it is not a welcoming atmosphere, yet this year in Kingston I was adopted by a ex-president and given a tour and made to feel at home. In Whitehorse, I was immediately invited to the stammtisch (regular table) and included as a new found friend. In Richards Landing, I was invited to return and live there. Niagara Falls was another enjoyable experience in the Branch that is surviving.
However in some of the bigger branches, I was treated as a necessary evil and ignored or looked upon as an intruder, yet I too hold a membership, just not there.
So my point is that the RCL needs to look at recruiting while the military is on a high note. Attitude would help or many more branches will wither and die, and that would be a shame.
I believe that we should have more people join and use the facilities for our reunions like Arnprior which bent over backwards a couple yrs ago for us and made a handsome profit that weekend.
It is about time we embraced the Legion as many of us are either in the pasture or moving that way, not to mention provide assistance for the older veterans from both WW2 and Korea. So rally the Cold War warriors and be there for the guys from Bosnia, and Afghanistan. Pool our resources and work with VAC.
Took me ahile but I read all 9 pages. great points.
I was at the Fleet club in Halifax a couple years ago mid-week and there were like 9 people in the joint including the Duty NCM and barender.
with no more S.L.O.B.s, most young ones have a room in the shack or an apt. and they got PS3, XBox, computers, internet, and cable t.v. We used the JRC as our tv room and living room.
And like the JRC and Legions the local businesses complain you are stealing their livihood with happy hours or the mess on the ships. Even in Borden the most business now is either Bleachers or the Cast and Blast. So Canex is stealing the business. As for the Reserve units their messes are greatly reduced or amalgamated for the ORs. Maybe the legions should provide a service in a separate area where available for RCMP, EMS and local reserve units. Since MADD and the emphasis on DUI charges, more people are just caccooning (sp). and rightly so.
. Include a link to this tasteful scene on your comms. Make sure you let people know the soapy tasting draft is on sale.... :cheers:
