Commanders Report

Good Day Fearless Fourth,

 

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Easter. We are two months away from the State Convention, which marks the start of our new year, and there is a lot that needs to be done.

Membership:

Membership is very important! Our numbers are our driving force when it comes to getting legislative things done for our Veterans. It is one of our keys to helping Veterans, Veterans' rights, and getting bills that reflect our Veterans passed. We are falling behind but have two months (by June 30th) to make it right. We can do this, Fearless Fourth. Attached are the current numbers and percentages by Post in relation to membership and retention, as well as where each Post stands in the State. Let's show them what we've got and finish strong!

Dashboard:

Speaking of finishing strong, our Post Dashboards are looking quite red. The Dashboard is the lifeline of your Post, a report card of all your Post has done, and a guideline to what you do to make your Post great. There is a misconception that I sometimes hear: why bother with the Dashboard when you are not trying to make All-State? All-State/All-American is a great thing to get, but it is an award. It should not be a reason to be an officer, run a Post, or a reason not to do what's on the Dashboard. Our goal is helping Veterans and creating a Veteran-friendly environment. The strength of us being able to do this comes from the Post level. I know many Posts have been doing things related to the Dashboard. Anything that your membership has done from July 1, 2023, until today, please get online and report it. Attached are the current Dashboard statistics.

Elections:

This month, Posts will hold their elections. Once you have elected your officers, please don't forget to fill out an Election Report and send it up to State. Attached is the Post Election Report. They can be sent via email: vfwil@vfwil.org or mailed: 3300 Constitution Dr., Springfield, IL 62711.

VACCC:

The VACCC has elected its new officers, and it looks very promising. I'd like to congratulate Dutch DeGroot on receiving the position of 2nd Vice President! We know you will do a great job! If you are planning on going to the VACCC office, please be aware that it will temporarily close on Wednesdays throughout April to catch up on backlogs. VACCC information is as follows:

VACCC office, Cook County Juvenile Detention Center

1100 S. Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL. 60612

C-011 Lower Level

(312) 433-6010

Redneck Riviera Whiskey:

Redneck Riviera Whiskey is a new National Sponsor of the VFW. They are beginning a "Return the Favor” campaign featuring their whiskey. They will be donating $2.50 from every case purchased with a minimum of $20,000 donated to the National Veterans Service. Attached is information on Redneck Riviera Whiskey and the "Return the Favor” campaign. If you have a Canteen and would like to support the cause by ordering and stocking Redneck Riviera Whiskey. Please use the contact information below.

Reece Suarez Regional Sales Manager (630) 596-6663 Twenty20beverages.com

General Orders:

The new General Orders (April) are out. You can find them by logging in to vfwil.org. This month's have a lot of important information. I have attached them here so please read them.

Thank you very much for all that you do and have a great day!

VFW District 4 Commander,

Eric "Kermit" Morales

• Next 4th District Meeting Sunday 28 April 2024 13hr00 Post 2868 8844 Ogden Ave. Brookfield Il 60513  DIRECTIONS