Madam President, I’m excited to serve as your National Security Chair for the Year. What a year we’re going to have as we strengthen our “Dens” through supporting Bears of all ages, and all of our Community “Dens”.

President Janet has stated we must get back to the “Bear Basics” as we do so we must remember that National Security starts locally in our hometowns.
I urge you to encourage your Legion Family from Local, to District to Division on up to Department to host blood drives, or CPR classes.

Reach out to your Local Law Enforcement Agencies, and work with their Emergency Response group to see how your Legion Family Home can be of assistance during a time of Crisis. An excellent example of this is the Marseilles Legion family- they were the food hub for the town when a Natural Disaster hit. They made sure all First Responders and volunteers had plant of Food and water during this time.

As we reach out to the High Schools for Girls and Boy State Candidates, ask the counselors also if they know of any graduating Seniors or those who have graduated and enlisted or enlisting. These are the Families we can present a Blue Star Banner to.

Host a POW/MIA Remembrance ceremony, send care packages to those serving, support Operation Comfort Warrior, these are just a few things that one can do beyond the Local Level.

The National Website is “Packed” full of Action Plans, and Guidebooks to help lead you on your way.

This year’s Awards are as follows
Firehouse Crew National Security Plaque- award to the Unit for the best overall participation in the National Security Program. Provided to me with written documentation.

New this year there will be a Plaque awarded to each Winning Service member of the year, and there is 1 award per branch of service. More details to come on this as we receive guidance from Nationals.

Personal Awards
$10 to the Runner- Up of the Firehouse Crew National Security Plaque.
$10 to the Unit presenting the most Blue and/or Gold Star Banners. I hope and pray that no Gold Star Banners must be presented.
$10 to the Unit with the best recognition of ROTC/JROTC groups.
$10 to the Unit with the best support of the USO.

Serving in my “Pack” this year are
1st Division- Delores Roper 2nd Division- Lillian Seffrood 3rd Division- Angie Golightly 4th Division- Catherine Franklin 5th Division- Beverly Sheley