For the second time this week, I must inform you of the loss of another leader in the American Legion Department of California. I was told this morning that Vice Commander Harry Woods transferred to Post Everlasting on 4 October 2021.
Vice Commander Woods was a longtime friend who worked on several Department projects, including the Department of California Legion College development. Before serving as a Department Vice Commander, Harry served California as our membership chair and helped bring California to 100% of our membership goal. In addition, Harry was responsible for helping get my district moving in the right direction several years ago; driving up from San Diego to provide membership training Legionnaires in my district. I remain thankful for his service to The American Legion Department of California and his continued friendship.
California, these two losses of our dear friends, Ed Grimsley and Harry Woods, have left me overwhelmed with grief. I know that many of you must be feeling the same way. Maybe you are asking how much more can we all take. I can tell you, we will get through these two monumental losses. Ed and Harry were called to serve this organization, and we must endeavor to work together and support one another through these difficult times. We will never forget Harry nor Ed, but together we will strengthen and support each other. Both of these leaders would be humbled that we mourn their loss, but each would want us to press on in service to the Veterans, Families, and Communities we serve.
If you find yourself in crisis because of this grief or any reason, please reach out to me or anyone else in the department. In addition, the crisis line is 1-800-273-8255, select 1.
You can also text 838255
The hearing impaired can dial: 1-800-799-4889
In grief and determination,
Autrey “AJ” James
Department Commander
Download flyer for Harry Woods Service
Author: Autrey James
Autrey James is 2021-22 Department of California commander.
We are very sorry for the loss of Harry Woods who was a tremendous leader and newly elected Area 5 officer. The family has lost a very strong father and we send our regret and prayers to the family for this great military hero.
God Bless,.
Rest in peace my brother, I will cherish the time the Lord allowed me to get to know you. I pray 🙏 for peace and strength for your grieving family
Harry was as dedicated of a Legionnaire as I have ever met, he was tireless in promoting our magnificent organization and we have hundreds of members that we might not have had without his efforts. Thank you sir for your tireless dedication.
We will miss you shipmate, rest easy, we now have the watch.
With sorrow and shock, it is difficult to realize that two great Legion leaders have left us so suddenly. Ed and Harry were my brothers that I respected and admired. We will miss them, their leadership, and their enormous institutional knowledge.
I had spoken to Harry to assure him that I would gladly serve under his leadership in any capacity. Now, I can only pray for him and Ed that the Lord will keep them close to him in paradise. I pray fortheir loved ones that they will be cared for and be in the Blessings of the Lord.
This is crazy as the ALA, Dept. of California, also lost Past Dept. President Terry Mikesell on 10/4/2021 due to cancer.