Arizona republican., 1919-06-26
Membership of the Great
 War Veterans Association

Creation of Great War Veterans association in Phoenix was an under taking of gigantic proportions and con sequently one wrought with numerous obstacles.
 Prior to the perfection of the present organization individuals and groups Of Individuals attempted to formulate or organize service men into an associa- tion founded merely upon their own ideas, and, in many instances, these personal ideas were tinged with social istic views if not bolshevism.
 In consequence, the first movements toward organization did not meet hearty response In fact the early meetings had a tendency to arouse the l ire of many veteran service men. Bul | these early meetings had the result oi | bringing together service men toWaro | the end of perfecting an organization that should meet EI-r 'hA heart i.- proval of al.-
 For Their Best Inte
 The Great War Veterans assocla,io-. of Phoenix is the continuation of earl. attempts to organize. It is foudned o-i the principles of loyalty, democTacy and Americanism
 It is, primarily, an organization de signed to further the interest Of ex- service men; to perpetuate the com radeships formed during the war and to pave the way for new friendships; to provide the men with lounGine rooms and general meeting place where they can gather and meet social ly; to promote different athletic and social events; and to find employment for the eX-service man.
 
 presented themselves when men inter ested began to formulate their plans for an organization founded on a true base but these were gradually over come. Then the matter of furnishing club rooms presented itself but this was an obstacle that was quickly overcome through the splendid CO., operation of business firms and indi- viduals of this city.
 Finding Employment
 The association had but to ask for whatever was needed and it was fur nished forthwith. Magazines and peri odicals of various kinds and descrip- tions were also supplied for the re, ding room while different musical instru- ments were donated
 With hundreds of service men re- turning to their homes each week. the labor situation became more and moro acute. Consequently the first big un- dertaking that presented itself to tn, G. w Y. A. association was that o finding employment for the unem- ployed ex-service man. And ther, were hundreds of the same in Phoeni1 and the immediate vicinity.
 This work was undertaken in a sys ! a started to determine the labor needs 0 the community. Then ex-service mel were registered at the club headquar ters, each man specifying the kind O work he preferred or could do.
 In Athletics
 In this manner, hundreds of ex service men were not only found em ployment. but employers were give experienced help. It was a mutua benefit. This work is still progressin and always will be one of the especia features of the associations acitivies
 To continue the high physical stand ard of ex-service men, the associatio has appointed an athletic committe under whose direction athletic activi ties will play an important part in tn club work A baseball team has al ready been organized and fine sched ule prepared. while other forms Of ath letic will be taken up in season. Ever member of the association is invite to participate in the various sportin events.
 At the present writing, the club in an exceptionally healthy conditiC notwithstanding the fact that it h; just recently completed the organizS ton steps. Bigger and greater thin: are in store for the Great War Vetel ans association of Phoenix.