Thursday to Sunday over 100 State Juniors and Quartermasters attended many lectures and briefings designed to bring them up to speed with the most recent developments as well as prepare them for the future as they move up the chairs. There was not a wasted minute as we all kept very busy learning what each Department does. Even when we weren't in the business sessions, the atmosphere of learning and sharing was present during our meals, breaks, and evening get-togethers. I'm sure this information is going to be passed on to others in the days and weeks ahead.
I think I can speak for most of us that the keynote address by Bob McDonald, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and CEO of The Procter & Gamble Company was in a word OUTSTANDING! He spoke for two hours about Values Based Leadership and the time passed without us even knowing it. Bob is a riveting speaker and distills the essence of being a leader in simple, hard hitting points. If we can implement even a fraction of his message we will all become better leaders in the future. Bob is an unassuming man [Please, call me Bob] but his words speak volumes.
Another highlight this weekend was the visit to the VFW National Headquarters. The team broke into small groups and visited every office and section, receiving briefs on what gets done where, and most importantly, meeting the people who work in those areas. Always remember, HQ is just a building...it's the PEOPLE in the HQ that make the organization run on a daily basis. Even the Adjutant General hosted teams in his office letting them know what he did on a daily basis and what his vision for the future was. If you have never visited YOUR National Headquarters, and you find yourself in Kansas City, stop in and take a tour. You will be welcomed with open arms!
On a personal note, I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know more members of our Junior team and to share a little bit of my vision for us and the VFW in the future. The networking opportunities we had this weekend are going to pay great dividends for our group well into the future.
