Commander's Column

Greetings Comrades

2012 is starting off to be an interesting year!   Changes are happening in the world political picture.  Changes are happening as our troops come home from Iraq after 21 years of service. 

CHANGES:    Do you know of the changes in the military?  I  read this week  of a new military command which is the lead element in CYBERWAR.  There are enemies to be fought -  and we have military units engaged in an environment most of us know little about.   And have you noticed the number of women in the military – not just working in offices – these are leaders on the new military frontier. 

LEADERSHIP:   We in the VFW understand threats to our national security AND we know that failure to respond to threats will ultimately lead to bigger threats and real shooting wars.  So we in the VFW must exercise leadership as our national leaders wrestle with the economic threat of our growing debt.  We must insure that Readiness and Modernization of a leaner and more agile military is preserved.  AND the heroes wounded in our conflicts receive the best medical care and do not become lost in the cutting of budgets by legislators that have shifted priorities.  The VFW can provide leadership in this battle of priorities. 

MEMBERSHIP:  On veteran issues, a single voice “may” be heard but a VFW with a strong vibrant membership WILL be heard in the halls of Congress.  It’s time for Pikes Peak Post to STEP UP to our leadership challenges.  We did much in 2011 but we can do more.  (See the report of 2011 accomplishments on page 4 of the Newsletter.)

            Support our active duty service people.  (Continue to support the 13^th ASOS.)

            Support returning veterans.  Help find jobs, help with relocations.

            Support wounded veterans.  Crawford House, Wounded Warrior programs.

            Support widow, widowers, and children of veterans. 

            Promote Americanism and Patriotism.  Be willing to go to schools and bring the “faces” of veterans before classes studying America’s history. 

            Promote Recognition Programs.   Expand the Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen, Scout of the Year and Teachers of the Year efforts.

            AND we need to show more “heart” when a veteran is failing. 

Pikes Peak Post needs new members to care about the hospitalized, visit the weakened at home, bring cheer to the veterans in nursing homes, be a friend to the widows and widowers while they face the changes in their lives.  We can make such a difference but it starts with membership. 

COMMITMENT:  This is a call to STEP UP.   We need a real Service Officer Team, a Buddy Poppy team,  a rebuild of the Honor Guard,  fresh ideas for the ongoing programs,  and leadership with new ideas and energy.  Thanks for all you have done.  Please expand your circles and bring in members to the Post, the Mens Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary.  Talk up membership and participation –let’s STEP UP IN 2012. 

Yours in Comradeship

Duane Knutson, Commander