Megan joined me and this was her first VFW event. The generosity and hospitality shown to her makes me so proud of the people I get to associate with in my travels. Texas promised to set the bar very high for her and they succeeded.
I was really impressed with the Memorial Service. I like the way they emphasized the gravity of the service. The reading of numbers of deceased by District really makes you stop in your tracks and think. The Texas VFW lost over 5,200 members this year....the size of a small town. The Joint Opening Ceremony was packed as was the Council meeting that followed. Amazingly, when first time attendees to the Council were asked to stand, fully 30% of the audience stood up! That is incredible and once again points out that something right is happening in this state.
Saturday was full of seminars on many topics. I attended several in full and popped in and out of others. Full attention and full participation was the watchword. When it was time to work, these members worked! I want to call out the Membership Seminar specifically. The room was packed and Carlos Davis, the state membership director was fully engaged. He didn't give the same old tired briefings we have all heard over the years. He kept it fresh and exciting. Maybe that's why he is the top recruiter in the State! And, for those of us who say we don't have time to get involved? Carlos is still on active duty with the Army and is deploying to Iraq on SUNDAY. He still managed to attend the Council meeting and make his presentations!
The Texas VFW is a big sponsor of the United States Veterans Service Dog organization. BIG sponsor. Their generosity has enabled many veterans to gain a service dog for many different reason from PTSD to Diabetes to Seizures, among a few. The veterans attend a one week class after the dogs are trained. There was a special ceremony where several veterans and their dogs came forward and told their story. It was so emotional and rewarding, especially for me as I was in those same shoes almost seven years ago with Mama. She watched and enjoyed being the old girl. One young 18 month old lab, named Beignet, was fascinated with Mama and liked sitting by her. Not just sitting really, but nuzzling and then "booping" Mama's nose with her paw. This went on several times. Those of you who know Mama are probably wondering if there was a smack down! She actually enjoyed it and watched Beignet having fun.
The last event was the Voice of Democracy. Everything in Texas is big and this was no exception. I was offered an opportunity to speak but the evening belonged to the students and the winning essays were phenomenal. On the fiscal side for the awards and scholarships, almost $95,000 was spent on Patriots's Pen and almost $224,000 was spent on the Voice of Democracy. The Voice of Democracy winner walked away with a $10,000 scholarship and is headed to Washington DC!
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit. Texas has had to make many hard decisions this year but that's what leadership is all about. They will be much better for those decisions. I was treated so well by the leadership and members alike. I can't express my gratitude enough. And, apparently, they enjoyed my presence too as they presented me with a wonderful gift that could only happen in Texas: An 1851 revolver with my name and such along with the Star of Texas VFW engraved on the grip. It will forever remind me that the people in the Texas VFW have the biggest hearts and do so much for others every day!
Carlos Davis, always smiling and doing more for veterans. I'll keep you in my thoughts as you once again go overseas to serve your country and fight for freedom!
Carlos had a packed house for his membership seminar. Wonderful to see!
Mama enjoyed watching the pups go through their paces at the graduation
Megan's first ever Voice of Democracy banquet. Over 500 people attended to watch an awesome evening unfold. When a 92 year old WWII vet learned that his granddaughter was in the top ten, he wanted to drive the 150 miles himself to attend. Someone else drove him but he was there and so proud of her. He received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Beautiful engraving
This was an amazing and unexpected treasure. I can't thank you all enough!
When in Austin, go to the Museum of the Weird!
