Comrades,    

As we get ready for the Holiday season, I would like to start by saying Thank You to the membership of the Department of Pacific Areas.  The time and effort you have put in this year has put the Department on top in many areas.  Each year the Department Commander is talking about membership, and the many different programs that we have.  This year we are forging the way, and it is due to the efforts of each of you.  Thank you for the hard work that you are doing.

Membership, what is there to say, we are pushing to make this a record year.  In the Districts that I have visited thus far, I see that recruitment is going extremely well.  Your efforts are not going unnoticed.  Many other Department Commanders have noticed that you are/have made the Pacific Areas number one in membership across the VFW. 

Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen and Teachers awards should have been turned into the Post Chairmen by now.  And the Post’s should be judging them to send to District.  These are very important programs.  Once you have completed the judging take the time to sit down with the members of the Post that participated to see if there are any areas to improve the program for your Post next year. 

Public Servant Awards is the next deadline, which is January 1^st.  While this is no longer required for All State, it is still a program worthy to pursue.  These are typically the first responders.  If you have a Fire fighter, EMT, or Law enforcement package, please forward to the Department Chairman, Fred Berg Sr.  This will allow us to honor those that are serving us on a day to day basis.

Many of you know that the Department is treated to a trip to Taiwan each year to meet with our friends at the Veterans Affairs Commission of Taiwan.  This is truly a privilege to attend, the ability to exchange ideas and promote the support and caring of our Veterans.  While there I had to the opportunity to visit the site of a World War II POW camp and place a wreath.  Again I would like to thank the VAC for their hospitality.

I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!  I again want to thank each of you for the dedication to the VFW and helping to serve those that are still serving.   And I look forward to seeing each of you at the Council of Administration next month in Angeles City, Philippines.  Our guest this year will be Junior Vice Commander in Chief John Biedrzycki. 

Yours in Comradeship and Service

Shawn Watson