Chaplain: National College dedicated to Legion
For the past three years I have had the privilege of being a “tator” (i.e.: facilitator) at the National American Legion College in Indianapolis. It is a weeklong lift-me-up.
It is a 5 1/2-day intensive, in-person school for those in The American Legion (TAL) wanting to lead beyond post level.
The learning involves skill development, relationship building and information of right practices to ensure our organization is able to positively effect veterans and their families. This year Department Membership Director Carla Tappainer, of the 3rd District, attended. There was even a student from Puerto Rico.
Fifty-two students dedicated a little over a week to just The American Legion. Their families are the backbone of our organization because without home support, one is not able to be mentally present. In a volunteer organization, sometimes individuals bow out due to family needs.
Some step back when they need to fortify their mind, spirit and body. I have witnessed many acts of mercy acknowledging that volunteering requires agility in managing the responsibilities of our four pillars and programs. So many of us have willing hearts being tugged in many directions. Learning to lead with these variables as a reality is the heart of TAL.
The students who attend the National American Legion College have to quickly learn how to work alongside others with differing viewpoints, skills, geographical homes, ages (my students were 36 to 78 years of age; a veteran is a veteran) and of course the human element — bias, personality issues, behaviors and expectations. This human element defines us from our electronic world as computers will never have the issues humans have.
This human element often times is the spiritual barometer informing us of a world that remains unfair, inequitable and sometimes harmful. How we make room for one another is challenged at NALC for leading requires the ability to work with the volunteers we have and assess all issues to reach a workable solution. Learning to transcend one’s own foibles and make room for another is a lifelong endeavor.
Minnesota has a long tradition of sending those members who are then expected to lead together in the Minnesota American Legion College and have the skills to transcend issues that cause roadblocks in fulfilling the mission of TAL.
December high holy days are: Christians celebrate the birth of the expected savior in Jesus Christ on the 25th. Pagans and Wiccans celebrate Yule from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 (origin is Germanic, with holly, gift-giving, bonfires, mistletoe, ritual sacrifices) and the winter solstice (Northern Hemisphere when the earth is at its axis furthest from the sun).
Dec. 8 is Bodhi Day for Buddhists to observe the day Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Hanukkah is from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. It is an eight-day celebration to remember when the Jews were victorious over the Syrian Greeks. Thank you everyone for learning how to work together to fulfill a mission that is larger than one of us to complete.
Kelley Adelsman of Pine Island Post 184 is the chaplain for The American Legion Department of Minnesota.