I made a report to the Post Commanders of pertinent information that I learned at Mid-Winter but I thought I would pass along information that may be of interest to individual Post members.
We had a fair representation from District 1 at Mid-Winter this year. Don Wischmann, Post 2100; Denise Watkins-Calosso, Post 9417; Ron Haley and John Beam, Post 1040; Jim Traner and Don Whedon, Post 8870; and Danny Houghton and Elmer Johnson, Post 921, It was actually and enjoyable conference. One day long, concise (for the most part) reports by committee chairs, and, of course, recognition of the Voice of Democracy winners and Teachers of the Year including Susan Newman from District 1.
The big news is a proposed $10 increase in annual dues which will be voted on at the National Convention in July. The motivating factor is to increase support of the Departments’ Service Officers. I have mixed emotions on the increase and will need a lot more facts before coming to any conclusion. However, once an increase is on the table, you know it will eventually pass in some form at some time. They simply don’t go away. It may be time to to sign up for a Life Membership.
There will be another “Heroes in the Ballpark” game at Cheney Stadium in July. VFW is trying to bring 500 Wounded Warriors and their families to the park free of charge and asks each Post to consider a $100 contribution to the project. If you want to participate, send your donation check made payable to VFW Heroes in the Ballpark and Department HQ’s in Fife and for $15 bucks you can attend the game. If we have enough interest we could form a carpool. Since it’s a day game it may be a fun outing. I haven’t been down to the stadium in Tacoma since it was renovated a few years ago.
The new themes for VOD, PP, and Youth Essays are published. VOD will be “Why I’m Optimistic About our Nation’s Future”, PP is “What Patriotism Means to Me”; and the Youth Essay is “My American Hero is …….” The essays don’t need to come from the schools. If you have children or grandchildren who would like to participate, let Rock Roth know and he can help you with the paperwork.
Ted Streete, our incoming Commander for 2013-14, has some very nifty blue denim shirts with the Marine Corp monument as a patch. I have to admit, even though I am Army, it isn’t a bad looking shirt and I would expect a lot of you Marines want to order one. The cost is $28 with $4 if you wish your first name to be added. Let me know if you have an interest and I’ll get the flyer to you.
A good program not being supported this year by VFW, is Special Olympics. The past Committee Chair can no longer be involved due to health issues. If anyone has a desire to take the position, contact Department.
Consider becoming a Life Member of VFW National Home for Children. It’s relatively inexpensive ($35) and is certainly a great cause.
Last, and not least, is membership. The goal in membership is to achieve 95% by Mid-Winter. Only one Post, 7511, has done that and as a whole, our membership numbers are down from last year. As I watch what Congress is doing (or, more specifically, not doing), organizations like VFW and American Legion need to be protecting benefits earned (no given) to veterans. They can only do that through strength in numbers.
I realize that most members will never attend Mid-Winter but the highlight of the conference is the introduction of the District Voice of Democracy winners and the selection of the Department’s winner from the 16 candidates. Without exception, these are the leaders of tomorrow. Three candidates were missing. One was trying out for the U or W Varsity Soccer team, another was attending a banquet at Seattle Pacific where she was being awarded a scholarship, and the third individual was playing the violin with a Symphony Orchestra in Tacoma. The other 13 candidates were equally impressive. I always walk away with the feeling that America is in good hands for the next 40 or 50 years.