I have the utmost respect for all nine board members and am very proud to call them my friends. They have put in years of volunteer work, donating their time, talent and, yes, their own money. I believe that when they created the Washington Veterans Benevolent Association they acted in the best interests of all the members of Post 218.

The club board makes donations to many organizations. These donations are given in the name of Post 218. Early this year Comdr. Elbert asked me to attend a club board meeting on his behalf. At that meeting, I was given a full financial statement and treated as a respected guest. The commander is invited to the board meeting every month and receives a financial statement. The board also presents a full financial report to the general membership of Post 218 each year when new board members are elected.

I want everyone to know that I disagree 100 percent with the possible lawsuit against the current board (who were all elected by the members of Post 218) and those officers who are promoting this lawsuit. The May 13 issue of The Missourian quotes Comdr. Elbert as stating, "The Post needs to run the show." Are Elbert and the finance officer willing to assume responsibility for performing (without pay) all the tasks that the club board now handles?

It is my greatest hope that those members who feel this is a matter for the courts will take seriously the words of the preamble to the constitution of the American Legion which is recited at every monthly meeting: "To promote peace and goodwill on earth . . . to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."

I have never been a member of the club board. I have been the second vice commander of Post 218 for the last two years. This letter represents my views and not necessarily those of all the Post officers.