He’s out to change the stereotype.
As one of the youngest members of Campbell-Richmond American Legion Post 63 in Clarkston, 36-year-old Roger Deaton believes its time to bring more military veterans into the fold and promote patriotism among area youth.
Deaton served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1994 (during the first Persian Gulf War), and three of his grandparents were in World War II.
‘I always enjoyed listening to their stories and I thought these stories are going to be lost if someone doesn’t listen to them,? he said.
He joined the Legion, but noticed the lack of recruitment of new members. He said statistics show the loss of 1,200 veterans every day, and his two grandfathers and one grandmother died within three months of each other a couple years ago.
‘In the next two or three years, we’re going to have just a handful left,? he said.
Gradually, Deaton began attending more meetings and getting involved in more programs. He currently chairs the post’s sponsorship of the Boys State program, and recently helped in the selection of boys from both Clarkston and Brandon high schools for this summer’s programs.
The Boys State program (and the companion Girls State) are designed to give first-hand experience in the workings of government, and Deaton believes that is an area of great need in today’s society.
‘I think people need to get involved at a grass roots level,? he said. ‘It’s a great way for the veterans organization to work with our government and our schools.?
While many voice concern for today’s youth, Deaton said the experience in dealing with Boys State applicants has been a great encouragement.
‘I went home [after the selection ceremony], and I had goosebumps on my arms,? he said. ‘These kids are outstanding. They knew more about government, almost, than I did.?
His next goal is to get a couple local Boys State attendees to advance to Boys Nation, but another big plus is to expose younger people (and their parents) to the positive work of the American Legion.
Another youth tradition is American Legion baseball, and Deaton is excited about the local post’s sponsorship of members of the Brandon High School baseball team as part of their league.
‘We don’t just play bingo and drink beer,? he said. ‘We’re sponsoring the youth programs again. We’re getting back into the community. You’ve seen us in more parades the last couple years.?
On the subject of the latter, Deaton said some of his acquaintances laugh when they see him in the parades, but he laughs back.
‘Hey, this is fun,? he said. ‘This is what it’s all about. The organization should be giving back to the community.?
A member of the post for 13 years, Deaton said he was careful to do a lot of listening to the older members before he increased his leadership activity. He is grateful for people in the post who have documented local post history, and he prizes his grandfather’s diary from his military days in Germany.
‘I respect my elders,? he said. ‘You don’t just come in and step on toes. I said I’m just here to learn and have fun.?
He admits it hasn’t always been easy, but he believes the post is on the right track.
‘Politics plays into everything, but I think we’re all getting along better,? he said. ‘I just tell everyone, ‘This is what we’re supposed to be doing.??
The Clarkston post has a little more than 200 members, but Deaton is the only one under 40 years of age. He is glad to see more Vietnam era veterans involved, but there is a need to include more recent military veterans.
‘A lot of the people I talk to are from [the Vietnam] era. Even some of them are getting up in years.?
Another challenge is that younger people tend to be busy with business and family issues. Deaton owns a company involved in product packaging for the automotive industry and works part-time for another business. He has a wife and two young children, and he knows the issues of balancing time.
‘I have a lot going on, and I can only volunteer so much time,? he said, noting two regular post meetings each month and special activities. ‘People just don’t have the time to hang out.?
The American Legion was founded after World War I, and the primary motivation was ‘veterans helping veterans.? The organization has taken a strong stance on promoting patriotism, but has expanded the community service options over the years.
In addition to the Boys State program, the Legion offers scholarships ‘that do not get applied for,? and the local post donates toward an American Legion hospital in the Grand Rapids area.
When there’s time, Deaton enjoys family outings including dirt biking in northern Michigan, and he was part of the crew who designed and prepared many of the trails.
He’s also active politically, serving on President George W. Bush’s campaign committee and exploring options for himself.
While he’s proud of his involvement with the American Legion, he seems more proud of the long-term members who have devoted so much time to the post.
‘I do what I can, but there are people there every day, cleaning, getting the ice dams off. I could go through a list of about 50 people. There are some great people there.?