Ron Patterson, 10th District Commander

Article by: Ron Patterson, 10th District Commander

​The gavel has been passed, and new leadership is in place. Where will the “Terrific Tenth” go from here? What will the new vision be? Before we look ahead, I’d like to take a second and look back to the past for a moment. Under the command of Past District Commander Laurie Bowman, the 10th made significant improvements in communication with the Posts and the 10th’s officers. The 10th was number one in membership for the Department one year and the top in the Department for a percentage of Post’s reaching 100% (76%) membership in 2018-2019. Laurie’s leadership has brought a massive amount of respect to the 10th, and we are grateful for her service!

These accomplishments were not done by one person by any means. I am thankful for the many great stewards of the Legion who have carried the torch before me, and grateful for the guidance and mentoring that has been given to me. To name just a few, Jerry Jordon, Mary York, Homer Loudermilk, Jim Hagler, Jere Riggs, Dick Jewell, and Paul Smith, have provided me with just enough knowledge to be dangerous lol.
I look forward to your continued support and guidance.
 
Where do we go in the future? I want to see the 10th vigorously participate in the Departments vast range of programs. My goal is to have 75% of our Post’s present at least one candidate for all of the terrific programs that the Legion offers. We are going to introduce new media forms in and during the District meetings. Making a change for our future and honoring the past is a must if we are going to capture the eye of our younger savvy Veterans. Membership is vital of course, but making a place where Veterans feel comfortable, appreciated, respected and loved is the most important thing that we can do to not only increase our numbers but also to retain them.
 
 And before you think I’m all soft and sappy, know this! I am an Airborne Infantry soldier, and I will work diligently to make the 10th the very best in the Department. I will support my fellow District Commanders with everything that I have to make the Department the best in the Nation. “What the mind can conceive the body can achieve.”
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Click HERE to download Command Photo