PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE


Dear Members, What an exciting time this is for our organization. Now well into our 103rd year


of serving veterans and military alike, we have such a wonderful new opportunity to grow our organization and strengthen our mission with even more new members. We have been an amazing sisterhood of dedicated volunteers with a single,


unwavering purpose. Now we can invite husbands and brothers, fathers and sons, grandfathers and grandsons and widowers to join us as we transform into a sisterhood and brotherhood, a full community of dedicated women and men serving veterans. You’ve heard the term, “there’s strength in numbers,” and it’s true. We have


come so far and accomplished so much for our heroes, our


>> veterans. I so


look forward to seeing what we will accomplish next as a family of patriots.


We have


the potential to grow our influence by at least 100%. Just think about the power of that. Our voices on Capitol Hill will be that much louder, and heard, in unison. We’ll have more hours to volunteer in hospitals, to dedicate to recruiting and retaining members. I know change isn’t easy. This is a transition, but I hope you will believe, like


me, that it will only serve to make us stronger as an organization. We have come so far and accomplished so much for our heroes, our veterans. I so look forward to seeing what we will accomplish next as a family of patriots. At National Convention back in July, I heard members with stories similar


to this: “With the new male eligibility, I can double the size of our Auxiliary,” or


“Now my dad or brother can join us.” I encourage all of you to share your stories with each other. Sometimes what


we don’t know about each other will only bring us closer. I’m thinking about the personal story Membership Ambassador Joyce Bilyeu shared with us at Convention. She shared how the Auxiliary transformed her life for the better. It was a brave, moving presentation. We all have our own stories – share them with women and men you meet. Sharing stories is your connection, it’s how you reach out and draw in women and men who want to serve our great organization, they just didn’t realize it until they talked to you. Supporting our heroes is a 24-7, 365-day-a-year calling. With the holidays


coming up – Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas – we’re reminded of those who need us just that much more this time of year. Let’s find ways to help our homeless veterans, or adopt a family whose loved one is overseas, or spend time with wounded veterans who are rehabilitating in hospitals away from home. Remember, we need our veterans and they need us. Let’s be there for them in


every way we can. Loyally,


Francisca Guilford National President


November 2015 | 3


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