Dear Auxiliary Sisters,

As we start another program year, it is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Department President.

I look forward to a successful year with each one of your help in accomplishing the philosophy of "Honoring the dead by serving the living".

Under the leadership of Shirley Kobielusz Wildman, we were able to obtain 100% membership, which had not been done in 17 years. Each of you should be proud of the work you do for our organization.

I would ask that we keep that momentum up this coming year. I don't ask this just for the numbers, but more importantly what the numbers mean when the VFW goes to Washington to represent all Veterans that they will receive the services they were promised.

My project for this year is the Department's Hospital fund. The ladies that volunteer at the hospitals in Cheyenne, Sheridan and Buffalo give countless hours to make sure our veterans have the extras that are not provided by the facilities. The money that is donated helps give them Christmas parties, picnics, bingo and sometimes money to buy a candy bar that the veterans might otherwise get. But more importantly a feeling that they are not forgotten. The Department has made a commitment each month to fund these projects, but without the support of the Auxiliaries this will not continue.

I would encourage each auxiliary to register an Auxiliary member for the National Convention whether they are able to attend or not. With the registration of $15.00 a program book will be sent after convention that give in detail the different programs for the coming year. Each program chair will be either attending the District fall "School of Instructions" meetings or have their program material available. Please feel free to contact them or myself if you have any questions.

Our National President Cortina Barnes will be making her Department visit September 7-9th. I would encourage you to attend. The information packets will be sent to each auxiliary within the next three weeks.

If you have any questions or problems please feel free to contact me at (307) 259-1339. Let's all work together "United by Love for Our Veterans and Country".

Loyally,

Sandy Slaymaker, President
Department of WY