22 February 2009
Dear Fellow Comrades,
Commander Ben Anderson, Betty & I attended the VFW Department Mid-Winter Conference in Milwaukee held 20-22 February. We had a great time even thou we never left the hotel due to the snowstorm on Saturday. One of the most important items to mention is that our post’s first place winner, Sarah Mattes in the Patriot Pen Program (Youth Essay) also won first place in Wisconsin. Sarah and her parents were present for the Saturday VOD/PP Luncheon at which time she read her essay and was presented with awards for winning first place. Since Sarah was spending the night, we invited Sarah, her mother, grand parents & friends to attend the Department Mid-Winter Banquet as guests of Post 2204 & 9th District. We all had a great evening. Sarah’s essay has now been forwarded to national level judging. As soon as I hear how see placed, I will let you know. We will be presenting Sarah our post award at a later date.
During the 9th District Mid-Winter Meeting in Altoona on January 24, our Department of Wisconsin Commander Gary Erickson presented me with a National “Special Aide-De-Camp” Cap. This cap is an award by our National Commander Glen Gardner for all the things that 9th District has been doing to support our Guard Unit Members and other projects we have completed so far this year. I promised Gary I would wear it with great pride.
By the time you get to read this article, all of the National Guard Units from our area will have departed for Texas. It is now time for all members to help those who are left behind to assist them if any special needs do come up during their spouse’s deployment. I would like to get a list of members who have special skills and would like to be available to help if the need would arise. (Plumbing, electrical, auto repairs, etc) Please let me know if you are willing to assist.
9th District is no longer in the lead in the state for membership. We dropped to 2nd place this month. We are currently at 94.57% and need 223 members to reach our 100% membership goal. Congratulation to Post 2204, which has meet the yearly goal and now is at 103.54% with 4 members over last year. Even better is that we still have several members who have not yet paid their 2009 dues; maybe we can hit 110.00% this year. Remember, if you have not paid your dues, you will not be able to vote at meetings.
At our post meeting in March, per national by-laws, we will be holding nominations of post officers for the 2009-2010 year. Election of officers will be held in April. If you interested in holding an office, please attend our next meeting.
**** If you know of any member who is sick or could use some sunshine, please contact Ted Kuchera at 434-3123.
Upcoming Event:
- 17 Mar 09 - Monthly Meeting (Nomination of Officers)
- 21 Apr 09 - Monthly Meeting (Election of Officers)
John L. Fredrickson
9th District Commander