Department Convention Registration Form

2008 – 2009 DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

We are the “Dream Team” who will see “our dreams become rainbows”!

Dear Sisters ...

It is truly a great honor to be chosen to serve as your Department President during the coming year. I assure you the privilege and accompanying responsibility is not taken lightly.   I pledge to serve you and the Department with honor, integrity, and dedication.  I pledge to live a life of love while serving the needs of others and, in doing so,  to allow "our dreams become rainbows.".  Sisters, this is not my year, it is OUR year and by trying our very best, we will share a wonderful experience and have a successful year.

All of the decisions I have made for the coming year were made with the veterans foremost in mind.  My chosen colors are red and purple.  I chose red for the blood our veterans shed during battle defending our freedom and the "royal" color purple was chosen because all of our veterans deserve to be treated like royalty!    My personal pin reflects the Third Army slogan "Victory through Valor" to honor all veterans who chose to fight valiantly and victoriously for freedom.   The peace dove cancer pin carries the pink cancer ribbon because I know that by sharing and caring, we can and will fund a cure!   For the President's Special Project, I selected the National Kidney Foundation.  Having personally witnessed the devastating effects of kidney disease on the patient and the entire family, I can attest to the worthiness of this cause.   The Poppy has been used to honor the war dead for the past century and by selecting the Poppy for my flower, I simply continuing the tradition of honoring those who have fought valiantly and fallen.  Wear the Poppy proudly, display it often, and continue a century-old tradition.  There are some things you simply cannot improve upon and the Poppy is one of them!  

Having been aware of the proposed National program changes since Spring of 2007, I have given considerable thought to bringing the Department of Virginia's Banner Program into compliance yet make it easier for each Auxiliary and District to meet the needs of the veterans and their families. Please take a time to study the guidance for each program.  By knowing your program requirements and being prepared to meet the challenging demands, you will reach our ultimate goal of supporting the veterans and their families and put your Auxiliary or District in the running for Department and National recognition.  As you will see, there have been quite a few changes at National level.  Consequently, the Department's Banner requirements must be adjusted accordingly.  I ask your support of the proposed Banner changes when it comes to vote at the June 2008 Convention.   Chairmen, know your program, promote your program, and be prepared to offer a helping hand to Auxiliaries or Districts who need it.  By being innovative, resourceful, and enthusiastic, you can instill in others the desire to excel and exceed Department and National expectations.

While there will no longer be a National or Department Publication Program, each of you are encouraged to continue to use newspapers, newsletters, radio, and other media to put your program information before the public.  And, include your publication efforts in your reports on that specific program.  Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen are now combined under one Program.  Youth Activities now includes Outstanding Young Volunteer, Youths Supporting our

Troops, Young American Creative Patriotic Art, Junior Girls, and Girl Scout Awards.  Youth Activities is a big program with big challenges but I know  that you will continue to support all of these critical areas because the youth are the future of our organization and the nation!  

Membership requirements for Banner purposes will continue to be 100% by December 31st (be sure to mail dues in sufficient time to allow processing by December 31st).    SOMETHING NEW --if the Department is 110% by December 31st, the Department will receive a National Award of $1,000!  WHAT A BOOST FOR OUR STRAINING BUDGET THAT WOULD BE!

The biggest change is in the Department's Veterans and Family Support Program.  This program now includes Continuing Education Scholarship, Military Assistance Program, Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs, Adopt-a-Unit, Snowball Express, Fisher House, Wreaths Across America, Buddy Poppy, and VFW National Home.  While all of these programs are vital to the veterans and their families, Auxiliaries must participate in a minimum of five (5) programs in order to meet the Department's Veterans and Family Support Banner requirements.

Sisters, I don't believe in setting goals.  I firmly believe that if each of you, whether you are a Chairman or an Auxiliary member, do the very best you can do, we will far exceed any goals or expectations that I could set forth.  We are dedicated volunteers and by living a life of love, we will serve the needs of others.  Through our joint effort and determination, dreams will become rainbows and the sky is the limit!  Sisters, I pass the torch to you and I'll see you at the finish line when you receive your Department and National Awards!

May God bless you all in the work you do for the veterans,

Mary Profitt

Department President

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