28
When the world emerged from its slumber
Every year, sometime in June, American Legion Hollywood Post 43 holds its Commanders Ball, when a new officer is installed, various individuals are roasted, medals given, and solemn moments of remembrance commemorate those who’ve given their lives for our freedom. This year was slightly different. The first Commanders Ball since 2019, it was held in early August, with a full house of Legionnaires, loved ones, honored guests, and friends. The mood was especially exuberant. Everyone was thrilled to be back together again.
Jennifer Campbell was running at full speed, keeping things organized, rising to the various challenges along the way. She’s a past Commander, an Army vet who serves on several veteran affairs commissions. She’s been awarded numerous medals and was in formation to board a plane to Iraq when her commander announced that the mission had been cancelled. These days, she’s a certified personal trainer, a nutritionist, and Senior VP for a global wellness company. Although she’s no longer in leadership at the Post, she’s always involved in what goes on.
Our emcee for the evening, BJ Lange, is an Air Force vet, a medic (God Loves Medics), a standup comic and standup guy. He survived two bouts of cancer, saved a young woman from suicide, and he also earned the American Legion Heroism Award for his actions at a shooting scene in Hollywood recently. Mention his name on Facebook, and you’ll hear all kinds of stories of his kindness and humility. Truly an exceptional human being in this room full of exceptional human beings. Here are some additional observations from Sara Patterson, who captures the essence of Post 43:
Attending the 2022 Commander’s Ball was an exceptional and unforgettable experience.
I felt every emotional extreme in one incredible evening, as evidenced by the tear streaks on my face by the end of the night.
I was overcome with a sentimental feeling, thinking about the rich, robust history of the building, all the men and women who, as Honorary Colonel, Kate Linder, mentioned made it possible for us to be together in celebration, how we show remembrance to those who are no longer with us.
As we got to the awards portion of the evening, I felt great pride and joy for everyone who received honors for their commitment to Post 43, as every single person who was mentioned is someone who immediately befriended me, showed me kindness and warmth, gives support and love unconditionally, and fosters a feeling of community to those around them.
Then, hiding in plain sight during our evening preparations, was a Medal of Heroism, given to my sweet Baby Jerry. At this point, I lost my composure. And though the wine probably heightened the emotion, I felt overwhelmed thinking about the fear of losing someone I care so much about in a dangerous situation--something that all Post 43 members have certainly experienced at one time in their lives, whether during service or as a family member or friend.
Lastly, I felt hope and excitement for our new Commander, Jeff Daly, who is a dedicated, natural leader, a resilient sassy Michigander, and a top notch friend.
I would be here all day if I tried to tag everyone, so just know if you were there: thank you for creating such a memorable night. Thanks for dancing with me, for wiping my tears in the ladies’ room, for playing movie star on the red carpet, for cheers’ing drinks at the Art Deco bar, for making me smile and laugh. I loved it and I love you.
Then, of course, there’s the new Post Commander, Jeff Daly, a Marine vet who helped me maintain a bit of sanity through the dark days of the pandemic. He shared his cooking adventures and politics, always calm and respectful of other’s opinions. He’s the Man of a Million Faces, the way he stretches and contorts, makes his eyes bulge out. And he’s the first black Post Commander at Post 43 in its 100+ year history. Maybe they would’ve gotten around to it eventually, but the fact that Jeff is the first is a tribute to him and the group. He makes you want to get out there and do your best, not just by saying so, but by doing so. Jeff is the kind of inspirational leader who can stand up in front of a room full of Legionnaires and speak for fifteen minutes without notes, based solely on a couple of key concepts he wishes to communicate. That’s a man driven by passion and authenticity.
There are so many others I’d like to highlight here, and I’ll be filling in gaps in coming days. Both Jeff and BJ promised me bios, so I’ll be adding to their stories soon. I want to tell you about Jenn Marshall when the time is right. She’s another hero. You’ve seen her in Stranger Things. Andre Andrews Jr leads horseback rides as therapy for vets and is an international filmmaker. He’s the good guy in the black hat. Maybe we’ll do a roundtable discussion with a few vets and a few civilians, ask them why they joined the military and what’s it like being less than 1% of the entire US population that chooses to serve. Find out what it’s like for their families. I’ve got many, many questions. How about you?
Meanwhile, I’ve posted a ton of pics of the Commanders Ball. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Musical Moment
This one’s for the heroes in our midst, for the brothers and sisters who are gone too soon, for the fight in all of us. Go down swingin’.