Post 642 members attend convention

STATE CONVENTION
Eight members of George A. Whiteman Memorial Post 642 of the American Legion attended the Missouri State Convention July 10-13 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.
The Post Color Guard competed for state honors and to  become the State Color Guard. In their first attempt, they were runners-up in the competition. They plan to attend the national convention in Phoenix.
Besides several membership awards, the post received a citation for meritorious service, Toot Your Horn Award and first place in the “One Year Post History — Narrative” competition.
Post member Jeff Leeman was elected Zone II state vice commander and Paul Bennett was retained as the historian for the state of Missouri. This will be Bennett’s eighth year.
Victor Stragliati, of St. Louis, was elected Missouri state commander.

LEADERSHIP COLLEGE SEMINAR
Post 642 members Jeff Leeman and Paul Bennett recently attended a state of Missouri American Legion leadership college seminar in Jefferson City. This seminar was geared toward the members of the department executive committee. Topics covered included membership, legion programs, officer responsibilities, status of the Direct Mailing System and the need for a national membership program geared toward the active duty service members and National Guard/Reserve personnel who are deployed. 
Sedalia Post 642 submitted a resolution, written by Leeman, to the national convention and to give a free one-year membership card to all active duty personnel and to all deployed National Guard and Reserves personnel who request it.
Bennett is co-chairman of the Department American Legion Leadership College.