PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE
Dear Members, What a remarkable year this has been for “Our Veterans – Now and
Forever.” As an organization, we’ve grown. We’re a family of dedicated volunteers
to be inspired by our grassroots initiatives that make such a difference in the lives of our servicemen and servicewomen.
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who share a common passion of supporting our veterans, active-duty military and their families. We’re a family of wonderful women and men – spouses, siblings, parents, children and grandchildren, grandparents and widows and widowers. I am so impressed with all of our contributions to the VFW Auxiliary and I continue to be inspired by our grassroots initiatives that make such a difference in the lives of our servicemen and servicewomen. As I’m writing this letter, I’m pleased to report that we now have more than 9,300 men in the VFW Auxiliary. I know you will welcome them and value their input, just as you have for all of your Auxiliary sisters. We’ve evolved over the past century, but our mission will never change.
It is our legacy, but we cannot leave a true legacy without supporting one another. You all had mentors when you first joined the Auxiliary – someone to guide you and teach you about this organization we all love so much. Be that person for a new member. Take them under your wing so they will be driven, like us, to make sure our legacy lives on. Unfortunately, we realize not everyone stays with us, which is why National Headquarters has sent out exit surveys to lapsed members. We want to understand the reason some of our members are leaving us. Some of what we’re finding is that many members really aren’t trying to exit the organization. They simply didn’t realize they were behind on their dues – which is why it is so important that Auxiliaries and Departments communicate with these members before June 30, the final deadline to pay the current year’s dues. As a reminder, if dues are not paid by the June deadline, members will need to re-join the organization. It’s hard to believe that, before we know it, it will be time once again for National Convention. This year, we’re visiting beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina. Look for resources in this magazine to prepare for your trip. If you haven’t already, you can register with the coupon in this issue or online. I very much look forward to meeting all of you in July! Keep up the great
work you do for our veterans and military! Loyally,
Francisca Guilford National President
March 2016 | 3
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