A big “Thank You” goes out to all Auxiliary members as we begin 2024 -- your commitment and hard work last year has assured that our programs and efforts to support our veterans will continue to be successful! It is my sincere hope that everyone took some time for much needed rest and enjoyed the holidays with family and friends.

 

So, here we go in a new year with new challenges and opportunities. So many of our efforts have already been successful: Membership statewide is already at nearly 96%, quality participation and input into our many programs has definitely increased, hospital visits are scheduled and are underway, struggling Auxiliaries are being supported and mentored, Boone Auxiliary (8898) has been instituted, other new Auxiliaries are being formed, and our contributions to our communities have increased in many new and creative ways. I have seen a big increase in the number and quality of training and mentoring events this past year and this has already proven to be of benefit to many members and Auxiliaries. If you have not already become involved with one of our great programs, please make it a priority this year. Find the cause that matters most to you and throw your energy behind it – contact your program chair and contribute the skills and passion that only you have.

 

There are still a few areas that need work and improvement and much of this work has already begun. Several auxiliary visits are still outstanding and those that have been completed need to be reported to Dept. Chief of Staff as soon as possible. Also, completed audits need to be sent to Dept. Treasurer as quickly as possible. Various Auxiliary paperwork needs to be updated and brought into compliance – please give this your attention right away this year so that we can move beyond this and devote our time to serving and supporting our veteran community. We have a wealth of dedicated and experienced mentors in Colorado – if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out for some support.

 

The next Convention is June 2024 and will be the 100th convention for the Auxiliary in Colorado. I plan to highlight and continue to celebrate this exciting milestone over this next year. Please, if you have some interesting memorabilia (Auxiliary uniforms and records, photos, newspaper history pieces, etc.) that you think would be great to display, contact me and I will include this in our tribute to the Colorado Auxiliary. Please make arrangements to get these items to the March COA in Denver or sooner if you can. We will ensure the safety of your items.

 

Lastly, I am so happy to announce that the long-promised Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resource is available and on our Colorado website for all Auxiliary members to download either to their phone or to print and distribute to membership. It is located right under my picture on the webpage and is the result of over 2 years of work and coordination with other partner Veterans Service and Support Agencies and the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention.Please take some time to look this over, to download, and to make a central part of your efforts this year. Do not hesitate to contact me directly if I can assist you in any way making this resource work for you.

 

With gratitude,

 

Phil Reinpold
Department VFW Auxiliary President