There are a thousand questions that could be asked. Bottom line is any PGR business should be conducted after the mission. Mission first.
Respects..Joe
I hate to take the side opposite to you on this but... What is the chapter position on it? You do realize that the chapter has to support itself. And the members only buy so much stuff....
Also, please correct me if I'm wrong, but they were not selling the stuff on the steps of the church, right? I'm sure it was in the parking lot or somewhere away from the actual mission...
You may not like how the organization choose to support itself, but that's their decision. The only thing you can do is not be a member, or try and change this policy from within.
What the Guard does is a good thing. I see no problem selling Guard items to support the organization at a mission. As long as it's not on the church steps...
Remember, this is the only time the guard chapter has a public presence. Or would be prefer them to be selling their items at Walmart like the Girl Scouts or a local high school cheerleader team?
Have you though that people may purchase an item to remember the mission? Someone may purchase a flag, if they were selling flags, to place next to a loved one's marker? Or thought to themselves, "I'm going to purchase a T-shirt, hat or whatever, to help support this wonderful organization! I'm so glad they were here today!"
How do you feel about selling t-shirts and hats at the traveling memorial like the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall? Just curious....