Thursday, May 21, 2020

Veterans of Foreign Wars Installation of Officers in the 21st Century

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of installing the District Commander for the 14th District of the Department of Illinois...using technology and the Zoom platform!  Following the guidance from the National Organization we did our best to ensure fairness in the process all the while following the safety precautions put in place by our Governor.

The business meeting was short as the members voted to adopt electronic meeting procedures and focused on the matter at hand.  Officers were duly elected, and I was asked to perform the installation.  Although I was directly addressing the incoming Commander, Steve Eller, by Zoom, I asked all of those members taking their oath to participate whether they were at the location or attending electronically.

This was a first for our District and I foresee many changes in the future as we move forward.  The time is now to grasp this bull by the horns and recognize the advantages technology provides for us.  Using technology we were able to elect officers to continue the good work of the VFW without skipping a beat.  Change can be difficult but we must accept the new way of life thrust upon us.