Introducing the new Legion President

Sharon McLeay  

Times Contributor  

 

Bruce Westgard was elected as the new District Nine, Legion 10 president in November 2012, after Jenny Schumann had announced she would be leaving the role.

Westgard has a few things in mind as he assumes the new posting.

“We always try to keep things pretty much the same, but there are probably a couple things will change,” Westgard said with a twinkle in his eyes.

He is hoping that younger people will be attracted to join. He thinks the majority of members are getting older and new energy and ideas are needed and welcomed. The Legion has always worked with and supported youth in the community. Some of the projects are supporting fire departments, Air Cadet Sponsorship, the Poster program for school children and bursaries for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The bursary is $500 per year towards post-secondary schooling. Proof of service in the family and good marks are required. They also put on a seniors supper and coordinate with high school students, who serve the seniors.

“We would like a few more people involved so we can continue to put more money back into the community,” said Westgard.

He said the rising building maintenance and utility costs can cut into those funds. With more members, more money can be raised. He hopes that residents remember that the hall can be rented for special functions, complete with catering, as well.

Westgard said there are benefits to being a member, such as liquor being about half the cost of regular pubs, socializing opportunities in the hub of Strathmore and supporting the good work of the military.

“There are a lot of people who just want to come in and talk. Some will come in and just have a pop or coffee and just sit and socialize,” said Westgard.

He said the Legion hosts special dinners, and they are thinking of bringing back more dances and musical groups. There was a new idea to hold wrestling, or possibly martial arts demonstrations. He said the organization has crib, darts, and pool tournaments on a regular basis. In fact, this weekend, March 1 and 2, there is a Command event. The District Senior Mixed Dart tourney will be taking place, with 19 teams from all over Alberta and NWT playoff. He envisions tough competitors eyeing up the targets, toes to the line. Each player will have their own special technique. The community is invited to drop in and see some top notch talent. Anyone without a membership can be signed in by two members and there is always someone on hand to lend a signature.

For those interested in membership, there are several rankings. The first is ordinary members, who personally have military, reserves or police background. There are 110 ordinary members; plus nine who have been voted life memberships in Strathmore. There are approximately 200 Associate members. Associates are members who have family ties to military, reserve, or police. The final category is Affiliate member. There are 73 in Strathmore. Affiliate members do not have to have a military connection, but present a desire to help in the community and believe strongly in supporting the troops. 

There are organizational meetings that give everyone an opportunity to participate in the decision making, involving the programs and events, where money is spent, and where service is needed. Everyone is awarded an equal vote with attendance at meetings. 

A particularly important event is the yearly memorial service. The Remembrance Days service was once held in the Legion, one of the oldest existing Legions in Alberta, which was once called the Great War Service Memorial Hall (1921). But the patriotism of residents honouring military sacrifice and service has been substantial and has caused the ceremonies to grow and first necessitated a move to Westmount school, and now again to the Strathmore Civic Centre. Special speakers are part of the ceremonies. 

Several years ago, MP Kevin Sorenson appeared giving information of his visit to the troops in Afghanistan, and other years, soldiers in active or past service have been asked to speak. The Legion still supports the Last Post. On family request, soldiers can be buried in the military portion of the Strathmore cemetery.

“We need to support our veterans,” said Westgard.

He said the members currently have a letter-writing initiative that is petitioning for more support for veteran rights that seems to be eroding yearly. He said part of the Legion’s job is to remind people to support the remaining veterans and the troops that continue to serve.