Members of the American Legion family from across District 2 gathered at American Legion Post 50 in Tahlequah for the annual Fall Conference, a day devoted to honoring veterans, strengthening the mission of the Legion and conducting official business.
— Opening Ceremonies
The conference opened at 10 a.m. with a formal Call to Order and the Honoring of the Colors, followed by an invocation. A POW/MIA remembrance was presented in line with Resolution Number 288, which requires an empty chair to remain at all official Legion meetings as a continual symbol of America’s unaccounted-for prisoners of war and those still missing in action.
The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited, and the assembly moved into introductions of visitors and guests. Special presentations included updates from the Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion (SAL).
Guest speaker Heather Houser, Account Consultant for Our Blood Institute (OBI), delivered a presentation on OBI’s mission and community partnership opportunities.
Following a 15-minute break, attendees returned for the training phase of the fall conference, designed to strengthen leadership and organizational effectiveness within the Legion Family.
— Afternoon Business
After lunch, the conference resumed with a Roll Call of Posts and the reading of the preamble. A series of detachment presentations followed, including remarks from:
• District 2 Commander Richard Stewart
• Sgt.-at-Arms Steve Sherbourne
• Vice Commander East Kent Kirkham
• National Executive Committeeman Chris Cook
• Commander Chris Sherbourne Additional department presentations were delivered by Vice Commander East Karen Cruice and Senior Vice Commander Shirley May.
Further reports included:
• Adjutant Rick Redden
• Alternate National Executive Committeeman Michael Taylor
• National Executive Committeeman Charlie O’Leary
• Commander Steven Thomas II The assembly also reviewed minutes from the spring meeting, heard committee reports and worked through old and new business.
Key highlights of new business included: • Membership Awards recognizing strong recruitment and retention efforts • Updates on The Daughters of the American Legion Program
• Joint District Caucus discussions The Sons of the American Legion held their own caucus during a scheduled break. — Closing Ceremonies
The day concluded with remarks “for the good of The American Legion,” emphasizing unity, service, and remembrance of fallen comrades. The conference officially closed with a benediction and the retirement of the colors, ending a day that balanced ceremony, training and organizational direction.
