Hello Comrades,

We had an excellent mid-term Department Council of Administration meeting. Many very positive actions resulted.

First, it was determined that the “Around the Pacific” publication which showcases, photographically, many of the activities you are accomplishing in support of Veterans, local communities, our military and much more, would be published monthly as a second part to our monthly Publication of the “Typhoon.”

As you know, the “Typhoon” is designed to update you on the latest policies, inform you of the various statistics showing where you are at and reporting your accomplishments.

Our Department stands high among the other Departments and States within VFW. For this, I wish to thank you all for the hard work and dedication you have put in to helping to improve our VFW, thus helping the causes of our Veterans, families and communities. Your dedication to these causes is truly appreciated by so very many.

In this regard, we are doing well in membership and recruiting, however, we have slowed and are starting to drag behind a little. It is most important that we re-energize our recruiting efforts and meet the goal of exceeding our previous 100% membership goal set by National. Most Districts are doing well; however, not all are there yet.

I can’t emphasize enough how important our larger membership is when working to help our Veterans, families, widows and orphans. Remember, our clout in Congress, which enables us to make positive movement via the Government towards improving VA and other services to Veterans, is exceedingly contingent upon our membership ranks and numbers. Recruiting – absolutely a key to better assisting our Vets.

I will be attending the Legislative Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. soon, as we (VFW) meet with the Congressional Joint Committee on Veteran’s Affairs on March 4^th. Our Commander in Chief John Stroud will testify on behalf of our Veterans. We will be “Fighting for our Vets!”

Warmest Regards,

 Bear

“Fight for our Vets!”