Since no one has been able to gather in large groups for many months, this opportunity reminded me of the importance of being able to gather together. Ideas were shared and friendships were renewed and created. Being able to physically interact with someone can never be replaced by a Zoom meeting. Case in point, on several different occasions I was casually talking with people. As the conversations meandered, as they do when you're engaged, I found I was able to connect these separate people with friends of mine across the country. These connections are going to help the people I was talking to. Humans need that personal interaction. Thank you Indiana for inviting me to share this time with you.
Listening to the reports from various District and State officers, I was happily surprised that, at least in Indiana, these members were in high spirits. Not once did I hear the phrases lockdown or quarantine. Not once did a member bemoan the fact they may have to shutter their doors. Instead, these folks used the word "pause", indicating this was just something they had to endure until things could start again. In fact, it was uplifting to hear they were using the pause to thoroughly clean, renovate, do maintenance and such on their Post homes. Many of them applied for and received Federal or State grants to continue operations. They were proud they could upgrade their Posts and they were happily waiting for the notice they could open once again. This is the spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars! They could have grumbled that it wasn't fair but they didn't. They took this as an opportunity to make their world better. It certainly is a lesson all of us can take to heart.
I was asked to install the incoming officers and it was an honor to do so. Although the logistics made things interesting we got through it. Once again, the members of the VFW showed that no matter what, an orderly transition of power is a hallmark of a civilized community. When you take that oath of office, even if it isn't exactly the way we've always done it, you pledge to do your best to promote the ideals and goals of our organization.
Senior Vice Commander Dick Lineberry, my counterpart at the State level. He's going to be a great State Commander!
Mama Cass comfortably kept an eye on the members and ensured the social distancing was adhered to properly.
