DATE – 16 Feb 2026

Department Commanders’ Pass Down log

Black History Month

African American veterans have consistently served this nation, from its early days to our ongoing journey toward celebrating 250 years. Servicemen and women of African descent have answered the call of duty, willing to serve and sacrifice their lives for this great country, even when it turned its back on them. Nevertheless, they have continued to respond with a commitment to honor, courage, and duty, seeking equal treatment for their sacrifices in becoming Americans.

February is designated as Black History Month, a time to honor and reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans throughout our nation’s history, including their military service. Below are some notable references and highlights regarding the contributions of Black servicemen and women:

Throughout the colonial conflicts, the transition to the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the service of the Buffalo Soldiers, right up to the 369th Harlem Hellfighters and the first African American aviators, the Tuskegee Airmen, often referred to as “Red Tails” or “Angels,” African American servicemembers went on to serve in prominent roles, including as senior enlisted personnel and general officers.

Let us also take a moment to remember the African American Legionnaires who led the Department of Georgia in years past: Willy Pitts, Charlie French, Randy Goodman, Eddie Asbury, William Simmons, Melvin Weaver, and Jim Fultz.  They carved a path forward for those who will follow in their steps.

DATE – 26 Jan 2026

Department Commanders’ Pass Down log

Mid-winter Conference is here!

I hope everyone is ready for a busy weekend of information and fellowship with our Legion family. As usual, there will be a DEC meeting on Thursday evening. Please make every effort to come to the conference sometime during the weekend, even if you can’t make it for all 3 days.
Membership numbers seem to be very inconsistent. One week is very good, and the next seems to be stuck. Please continue the hard work you all are doing, and don’t let one bad week make you feel like the cause is lost. We are moving in the right direction, and it’s going to be a good year if we keep putting our best effort forward. Remember that positive energy is infectious!
I’m so proud of the entire department coming together to make the future of the Legion in Georgia look bright and productive. We’ve experienced some bumps in the road this year, but nothing that we have not been able to overcome as a team of common-goal-oriented people. Let’s remember our mission and do all that we can to accomplish that mission as a unified family.
The best is yet to come! Commander Michael Schwartz

DATE – 8 Jan 2026

Department Commanders’ Pass Down log

A new year, a renewed enthusiasm for serving our Legion family!  We are half way through the Legion year and we have made significant improvements within the department.  Membership continues to be are soft point.  Some districts are truly struggling this year with retention and bringing new veterans into the Legion family. It’s imperative to refocus our attention on recruiting and renewing veterans.  We hear it all the time that membership is the lifeblood of the Legion.  Our combined strength comes from our combined numbers and voices to project a sense of power and authority to our legislators and elected officials at all levels of government.

House Bill 108 is a terrible bill that will hurt many veterans. The way the bill is written, unscrupulous lawyers will prey on veterans needing assistance with their VA disability claims. This bill would allow them to charge for a service that the Veterans Service Organizations perform at no cost.  They are not accredited and have no ability to assist with an appeal. This bill is predatory and does not have the veteran’s interest in mind.  On January 21^st at 11am at Liberty Plaza next to the Capital building in downtown Atlanta there will be a rally to voice our opposition to this bill.  We need all veterans and their families to come to the Liberty Plaza to have your voices heard!

As the new year moves forward, let us continue to remember: God 1^st, Family 2^nd and Legion 3^rd.

DATE – 25 Dec 2025

Department Commanders’ Pass Down log

As we enter the Christmas holiday season, let us remember this year’s theme, “We rise by lifting others”.
As a very generous organization and department, we are used to lifting others up who are less fortunate than we are. Let us exceed that generosity during the next few weeks. Let’s show our communities and neighbors just what type of heart drives the American Legion.
It’s also important to show the nation who we serve, God, our veterans and their families.
Be seen in your hometowns and social circles wearing the American Legion emblem. Reach out a helping hand to those who may not have food security. Make a random visit to the nursing home or hospital to share the warmth of Christmas with those who maybe be alone during the holidays.
It costs you nothing to pick up the phone and make a buddy check call or two, or three! Sooner than later for some of us, we will be in that very same situation and will look forward to those visits or calls.
We have honored and put to rest many of our fellow comrades this year. Take a moment to remember all their accomplishments and their service to this great nation and to the American Legion.
Remember that we have each other to rely on and call on when we need assistance. Our vast American Legion Family is a bottomless well in which we can draw from for a helping hand, a comforting and understanding confidant, or just to hear a friendly voice. Please remember that we are a family, and families need each other.
May all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless you.

“If you want to be happy, practice compassion” Dalai Lama

DATE – 24 Nov 2025

Department Commanders’ Pass Down log

As Thanksgiving approaches, I believe it’s important to reflect on the past year and realize that we have a great deal to be thankful for.

First and foremost is the fact that we are still here with family and friends.  We have honored and put to rest many of our fellow comrades this year. Take a moment to remember all their accomplishments and their service to this great nation and to the American Legion.

Secondly, we live in a country that does not persecute a person for their religious beliefs.  Our preamble clearly states that we associate for God and country. In many nations in this world, people are murdered for worshipping in a certain faith.  In this country, we are willing to give our lives so that Americans can worship as they wish. That’s one of the reasons America is great! Be thankful!

The final reason I’d like to point out is that we have each other to rely on and call when we need assistance.  Our vast American Legion Family is a bottomless well in which we can draw from for a helping hand, a comforting and understanding confidant, or just to hear a friendly voice.  Please remember that we are a family, and families need each other.

God Bless You in this Thanksgiving season, and God Bless America!

 “If you want to be happy, practice compassion”  Dalai Lama

DATE – 3 Nov 2025

Happy Veterans Day to you all!  These next 10 days are a celebration of the dedication and sacrifice that men and women who have worn the cloth of our country have given to this great nation. Let us never forget their patriotism and love for America that they displayed.

As we gather for parades, cookouts, and ceremonies honoring our veterans, make sure to take time out to speak to each veteran and thank them for what they did for our country.

I heard recently from a medic who served in Germany during the Gulf War and he told me he felt that since he had not been in combat he didn’t feel comfortable being thanked for his service.  A VET IS A VET, regardless of when or where they served.

God Bless You and God Bless America.

DATE – 15 Oct 2025

Everyone loves birthdays, and I especially love the one we celebrate this week.  The United States Navy turned 250 years old on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2025.  I remember as a young sailor celebrating number 200.  How the world has changed! No cell phones, no internet, not even a real computer to communicate.  A simpler time, a more personable time.  People were more inclined to speak to each other, rather than now where texting is the preferred method of communication.

In the Legion we have the luxury of both types of communication, in person and via electronics.  Don’t forget about this option.  Direct human contact is still the most powerful way to have meaningful communication with your fellow veterans.  Get out of the post and be approachable in the community.  Be seen and you can then be heard!  A veteran’s smile and warm handshake can mean the difference between positive interaction and a missed opportunity to share your story with theirs.  Sometimes that is all a veteran is looking for, someone to listen to them.  Be The One.  Remember this saying:  Make a friend, be a friend, bring that friend to the Legion.

Happy birthday Navy!  Fair Winds and Following Seas my comrades.

DATE – 2 Oct 2025

This week, I’d like to share a personal story.  Communication is a critical element of a successful organization.  Sometimes our personal viewpoint or position on a matter prevents us from receiving and interpreting it openly. As the Legion continues down the path of serving veterans and their families, we must never forget that we are all brothers and sisters cut of the same cloth.  That cloth is patriotism and loyalty to the United States and the American Legion. If a difference arises, please be bold enough to reach out to the other party and share your experience or position.  Guesswork is not a good way to conduct business.  I made a call this week to someone I respect very much, but had heard some disparaging information.  I waited too long to reach out directly to them to address what I had heard.  After a very good talk, we ended our conversation, agreeing that our friendship and mutual respect for each other’s position were worth preserving.  I am grateful that my friend was willing to talk with me. 

Keep the communications flowing, and we will keep growing!  God Bless You. 

DATE – 18 Sep 2025

Things are picking up throughout the Department of Georgia!  Membership is starting to build up steam as we shoot for the target goal of 55% by mid-October.  Please do not hold on to memberships and renewals until you have a “bunch”.  Submit them, as you get them so we have a steady stream instead of a dump load of memberships at one time. We would have made the September goal if posts had not been holding memberships. 

As posts are having their preparations for Veterans Day, please make sure to invite the community and their leaders to your events.  They need to see us as a vital part of their community as well as show them our pride and support for the communities in which we live. 

Enjoy the fall weather and remember we are in the business of “Changing Lives and Saving Lives” through our BE THE ONE programs! 

 Quote:  “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those doing it.” — Chinese proverb  

DATE – 4 Sep 2025

Well, the National Convention is in the rear view mirror! Now the real work starts.  The delegates should be sharing their experiences, information, and knowledge with their districts and posts to make the Department of Georgia stronger and better.  Planning should be underway, at posts and districts, throughout Georgia for membership events and post activities to bring the Legion family closer together and to strengthen our ranks.

As with any organization, we have had a few bumps and bruises along our journey this year, but we are very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders within the department and they are working diligently to move us forward in a positive and professional manner.

Looking into the future:  Veterans Day is fast approaching.  Make every effort to be involved in some type of celebration, parade, party and etc.  Let the nation see us do what we do best, serve and honor veterans!

As a final note: The Department of Georgia of the American Legion would like to pass along it’s condolences to the John Pizzo family after the loss of Past Department Commander Pizzo.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we honor the Commander for his service to his country and this department.

DATE – 21 Aug 2025

Tampa Bound! Membership Numbers! Good Times Ahead!

 Many of the department’s leadership and motivators are on their way to Tampa for the National Convention this week.  Please be in prayer for them for a safe trip and a very successful convention.  Each one will be tasked with sharing what they learned at the convention when they return to the Peach State!

Membership target numbers have been given to the District Commanders and their corresponding Department Vice Commanders. We may have to do some fine tuning over the next week or so, but let’s get this show on the road!  Remember that you have Post, District, Vice, Sr. Vice and Department Commanders to help you along the way this year.  Please use the assets available to you so we can let National know that Georgia means business about membership!  Keep up the great work and let’s light a fire under this thing!

 Commander Michael Schwartz

Quote of the week:      Winning is an attitude:  “First be the best, then we will be first.”  Lou Holtz

DATE – 5 Aug 2025

On the way to Indianapolis!

This weekend is the annual Membership workshop in Indianapolis.  We have a great team of movers and shakers in the world of membership heading north to share and learn new, as well as proven methods for recruiting members.

I’m so proud that our Recruiter of the Year (Madonna Moore) is making the trip! She has earned it and will be a great resource in the future.

The National Convention is just around the corner, and we have submitted our list of delegates to National. It’s exciting to see so many new faces making the journey to Tampa to take part in representing the Department of Georgia!

There will be an upcoming ZOOM call meeting for all attending the National Convention.  All delegates will receive an invitation to the call in the next 2 weeks.

The department had the annual Organizational Meeting at Post 594 in Warner Robins.  Post 594 did a great job hosting this event.

The last item of that meeting was a call to raise $35,000 for the Georgia Veterans’ Fund this year. (Formerly called the Commander’s Project) Here’s the motivation to raise funds:  IF the entire Legion family raises a combined total of $35,000 (or over), I as the Commander, will allow NEC Phil Youngblood, or a person of his choosing, to shave off my mustache!!!

 Fair Winds and Following Seas until the next Pass Down Log,

Commander Michael Schwartz

Quote of the Week: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want” – Zig Ziglar

DATE – 23 July 2025

Busy! Busy! Busy!

My email has been hacked, I’m getting calls from lawyers, and my back hurts! (In spite of all that, I couldn’t be happier to serve as your Department Commander!) How’s your 1^st three weeks of the Legion year going?

Your Department Executive Committee (DEC) has had multiple meetings since the convention and has made great leaps forward in combining forces like a well-oiled military machine to live up to our Department motto this year – “We Rise by Lifting Others.”

The annual Department organizational meeting will be held Saturday, July 26, at post 594 Warner Robins at 8:30 a.m. As usual, Post 594 has opened their doors with their famous hospitality and support for our department.  There will be a joint session with the Legion family in the morning, and after lunch,h there will be a DEC meeting. 2025-2026 Department polos will be available for purchase for $35. The dress code is Legion casual (no shorts).

The Department is off to a fantastic start as we are laser focused on the Membership Workshop in mid-August. We are sending a great team to Indianapolis. Upon return from this workshop, we will begin planning revitalizations at the post and district levels. Begin considering which posts/districts where you would like to schedule a revitalization.

Preparations are underway for the National Convention in Tampa at the end of August. We want to plan for a powerful 25-26 Legion year.

Fair Winds and Following Seas until the next Pass Down Log,

Commander Michael Schwartz

Quote of the Week: “We Rise by Lifting Others” – Robert Ingersoll