Legionnaires Influence Delegates at Boys State and Beyond

Around the Miami University campus and throughout the recent days, American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) Legionnaires have proved to be of great resourcefulness for delegates, aiding them in their diverse endeavors. 

Esteemed, honorable veterans, Legionnaires are distinguished members of the American Legion. Of course, Legionnaires attend ALBBS for different reasons; ultimately, however, their role is to help delegates master and exceed within their jobs.

 One example is Legionnaire Mr. Dennis Aselage, who, at evening lineup in Estepp City, is a source of both humor and intelligence. For Aselage, often advising delegates for the next day’s agenda and instilling civic literacy is most important.

A native of Sidney, Ohio, Aselage was drafted into the United States Army in July 1969. Since then, he has dedicated around forty years to the American Legion. Moreover, he has been involved with ALBBS since 2015, with the rewarding ability to “teach” delegates, prompting him to return each year since. 

As for his philosophy surrounding his duties as a Legionnaire, Aselage highlights the significance of teaching parliamentary procedure, a series of rules that help meetings run with efficiency and fluidity. Ideally, with such knowledge accumulated throughout the week, Mr. Aselage wishes for delegates to continue the practice outside of ALBSS.

“Hopefully [delegates] will become involved in their own city councils,” he states. “Some cities really need help. [ALBSS] helps kids understand how they can…face their problems.” Figures like Mr. Aselage demonstrate the lasting, powerful impact that Legionnaires have on delegates, one that has the ability to reach beyond just ALBSS, even into the personal lives of delegates.

William Rosenbaul, Bishop City resident, exemplifies this lasting impact. Working in his city council, he recently began to have close interactions with Legionnaires during his city council meetings. Particularly, they graded and guided the Bishop City Council on their practice of parliamentary procedure. Additionally, Rosenbaul highlights that the Legionnaires were “encourag[ing],” politely and warmly providing helpful critiques, which will certainly help the information stick.

Ultimately, the mere influence of the ALBBS Legionnaires has singlehandedly helped Rousenbaul to take parliamentary procedure more seriously, act in a more professional sense, and learn how to work roles in city government, a series of influential skills that will undoubtedly assist him in his future.   

It is also thanks to the Legionnaires that Rosenbaul confidently states he can now see himself “tak[ing] up more leadership roles outside of [ALBSS].” That said, the influence of these reverent Legionnaires, already shaping his ALBSS experience, will undeniably mold delegates within their futures outside of the program.