Page 3 - 2022 AMERICAN LEGION SOUTHERN AREA BALL

THE AMERICAN LEG ION
FAArfucA[NE

To the members of the Southern Area, thank

you for the confidence you have placed in me
by electing me as your Commander for the
2021 -2022 Administrative Year.

During my travels in the last 6 months, I have
met many incredible Legionnaires and Legion
Family members from Stuart to Belle Glade and
all the way down to Key West. One thing
everyone had in common was the passion to
support our Veterans, the Military, their families,
and the communities they live in.

A huge thanks to my District Commanders, Geo Bograkos, Harry Malecki, Tom
Frank, and their District Officers. With their assistance, we went back to most
of the Posts ln the 9th,1lth, and 14`h Districts and provided them with
resources that would empower them to support the Four Pillars of the
American Legion. Thanks in part to the Department of Florida, we also
instituted a training program in the Southern Area since last September.

I like to thank our Department Commander Jerry Brandt, 1 St Vice Commander
Eimice Butts and Past Department Commander/ Department Trainer Jim
F}amos for providing me the mentorship to be able to continue to effectively
lead the Southern Area in the right direction.

Lastly, I want to give a huge "Thank-you" to my life partner and mentor for
making me a better me, my wife, CindyLou Castro. Without you,I would not
be standing in front of everyone this evening.