VFW Auxiliary Senior Vice President Training

 I had the opportunity to spend several days in Kansas City with my counterpart on the Auxiliary side of the house, Jean Hamil.  Jean's from the great state of Florida and will be the National President when I am [hopefully!] going to be at the helm of the VFW as the National Commander in Chief.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only a small portion of the Senior Vice Presidents from around the country were able to attend in person, with the remainder joining on Zoom along with their State Secretaries.  Even though it was a split meeting, there was an enthusiasm that you could feel.  Everyone is ready to come out of the Covid fog and hit the ground running for the future.  As Jean's slogan proclaims, they are going to be Soaring Above and Beyond!

When I say Covid restrictions were in place, they were serious about it!  We sat individually at six foot tables, with at least 6 feet between each table.  It was a huge room and there was a lot of space in between. Masks were required even when sitting at the tables for the business sessions.  Meals were interesting too as you had to sit with the same people at every meal [six of us at an eight person table] for easier tracking purposes.  I was really pleased to see everyone taking this seriously, whether they had been vaccinated or not.

I'm looking forward to a great partnership with Jean and we are both hoping that's going to extend down to the  VFW and Auxiliary Departments, Districts, and Posts.  We are all in this together and we realize the time is now to show the world that together we can make great things come to fruition!

Jean Hamil and I are going to make a great team.  We think alike on so many areas and speak with one voice for veterans!

Lots of spacing, but the material was top notch whether you were in person or on Zoom

The Auxiliary members are always so nice to me at these events.  Even Mama got a great gift bag of treats!  They know she likes Greenies!

A pensive moment on the rooftop of the Inter-Continental hotel, while the rest of use were having official photographs done.  She's probably thinking about those treats waiting for her in the room!

Some spur of the moment after dinner magical entertainment!

Commander-in-Chief's Congressional Testimony

 Chief Hal and I have been in Washington this week in preparation for his testimony before the Joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.  Today is the big day!  The last few days have seen us immersed with our Washington DC staff going over the testimony itself along with all the preparation to get us smart on possible questions that will be posed by members of the Committee.

To be transparent, I'm not the one giving the testimony!  This is all about our Commander in Chief.  However, just in case he falls down the stairs and can't do it, I'm the stand in.  Being the understudy this week I need to have the same knowledge and awareness the Chief has.  I know he's going to do great so I'm not worried at all!

This year, for the first time, we are not live in front of the Committee with hundreds of VFW and Auxiliary members behind us.  We are broadcasting virtually from our DC Headquarters and live streaming to all of you.  Once again, we are leveraging technology to show we never slow down and always move the mission forward!

Intense preparation!  No matter what the Committee asks, we will be ready!

Practicing with the teleprompter last night, ensuring everything will work correctly when the hearing starts today.

80th Annual Daytona Bike Week

Bike Week-

According to reports, this was the largest crowd in ten years.  We received outstanding support from Jesse James Dupree and all of our Harley Davidson partners.  Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Dayton Harley Davidson took great care of us the entire time.  I was able to do some interviews and drive to several local dealerships to let them know how much we appreciate their support.  You can never thank a partner enough and when possible you should patronize their businesses.  It’s always a two way street. One man who always goes above and beyond when it comes to our corporate partners is Kevin Jamison, Deputy Director of the VFW Foundation.  I’ve never met someone more driven for the mission than Kevin.  He certainly is a driving force when it comes to our VFW relationship with Jesse James Dupree, Mighty Loud Entertainment, and all of the local Harley Davidson dealerships across the country. 

Post 3282, Port Orange Florida:

Post Commander Chris, his wife Debbie, and Post Senior Vice Mike were on point for the entire run of Bike Week.  They tirelessly spent many hours and days manning the recruiting booth, being a great VFW Face to the public, and showing us all what it means to be an engaged member of the VFW and the Auxiliary. That’s why they are All Americans! I had the opportunity to attend their Friday Fish Fry.  When you walk into the Post, you are met with a location that just shouts “America!”.  They’ve done a lot of work over the years re-building their image in the community and it shows.  Two highlights of the evening for me were meeting 100 year old World War II veteran Fred and 94 year old Marine Corps veteran Muriel.  They had more energy than I had!  It was a pleasure to hand them my coin and let them know that they paved the way for people like me to be part of the greatest combat veterans organization ever! 

Jackyl Concert

As always, Jesse and his band Jackyl knocked it out of the park! The venue at Rossmeyer’s was open air, more than standing room only, and was the main event closing out Bike Week.  Even though Mama Cass wasn’t with me, I was still able to get a backstage pass.  She is the real draw of course in any event and Jesse takes care of us!  Access is critical when engaging our corporate partners.  Kevin Jamison made fantastic introductions and I spent a great deal of quality time with current and potentially future partners.  It’s easy to sell the VFW when you have solid programs like Unmet Needs!  Did I mention that Jesse has personally raised over $100,000 for this great project!!  Watching the concert from the wings is always fun [even if it is a bit loud].  Jesse brought the VFW on stage and regaled the crowd with all the great things we do.  It’s quite humbling to be a leader and see all those patriotic bikers cheering for what we do. It was great being there while we all waited to see who was going to win the 2021 Harley Davidson Street Glide

When all is said and done, I can say this was a successful week.  We recruited new members, raised awareness and money for the Unmet Needs program, thanked our partners, and ensured that going forward our partnership with Jesse James Dupree and the Harley Davidson dealerships is going to skyrocket.  It’s up to all of us to get on board and support our supporters!

Kevin holding the signed Jesse James Dupree - VFW branded chainsaw!  We had a lot of people entering the drawing to win this iconic Jackyl symbol!

Radio interview with WILL Rock, one of our big supporters.  Jesse's personal bike, Devil's Devil, in foreground

Thanking our corporate HD sponsors in Gainesville!

Port Orange VFW Post 3282

 

94 year old Marine Corps veteran Muriel.  She was as sassy as any Marine I've ever met!

100 year old WWII Vet Fred and the gang at the Post

Onstage with Jesse waiting to see who will win a dream bike from Harley Davidson!

On the way to visit a a sponsor, we crossed a bridge in Palatka and saw this statue.  It's a replica of the "Spirit of the American Doughboy".  The bridge was dedicated on 11 Nov 1927!  The statue originally looked like the real statue, complete with a rifle in the soldier’s left hand.  On that day, kids were hanging from the rifle and broke it off!  The sculptor added in a not quite correctly sized .45 caliber pistol to fix the statue.  And now you know....the rest of the story!

Six Hundred Days!

 Wow, can’t believe it’s been 600 days since I was elected to serve (yes, SERVE) as the Junior Vice Commander in Chief!

Since that time we have had massive changes in our way of life. Truly, things will never be the same as a society. However, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting fantastic men and women in my tenure and their drive and dedication to serve veterans has always been top notch. 

Always remember that the VFW did not stop or hunker down in the darkest days of the Pandemic. Of all the major Veteran Service Organizations we moved forward. Standing still was not an option!  Even though we didn’t have a national convention we elected officers and stepped up our game by leveraging technology as we never had before. I proudly assumed the mantle of Senior Vice Commander and continued the work we are known for:  veteran service. 

We have another convention coming up and we will get the work of the organization done. I’m looking forward to the future and I can’t wait to keep serving all of you as part of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!

VFW Voice of Democracy Virtual Parade of Winners - Facebook Live 1 April!!

Every year, nearly 230,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of more than $3 million in college scholarships and awards.  The competitions culminate with the Parade of Winners event, designed to celebrate and recognize the contests’ top national winners.

This year, the VFW will be hosting its first-ever, virtual Parade of Winners on April 1 at 7 p.m. CDT, live on Facebook.  Join us as VFW and VFW Auxiliary state and national leadership, representatives from program sponsors Twisted X and Dell, and this year’s 52 Voice of Democracy Department (state) winners come together from all over the world as we crown the 2021 national Voice of Democracy first place winner.

Use either of these links [you may need to cut and paste] to get a front row seat from the comfort of your home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/542331846731848

https://fb.me/e/5jOAuSuPB

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. 

Patriot's Pen

Every year students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest.  Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!  The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. 

Monument Plaza - VFW Headquarters

In Kansas City at 34th and Broadway sits our National Headquarters building.  At the corner of the property are several monuments and I'd like to showcase them today.  I got up early so I could capture the sunrise as those golden rays lit up the sights.  I hope you enjoy!

The focal point is of course, the "Citizen-Soldier" Statue, dedicated on 5 October 2001.  On the occasion of the VFW 100th Anniversary [1999] the statue was commissioned to commemorate our first century of service to veterans, those currently serving, and the communities in which they live.  The three important aspects of our history are reflected in this statue:

    - First and foremost, the VFW member is helping the soldier, symbolizing the VFW's support for veterans.

    - Second, the documents in the member's hand symbolizes VFW's fight for veterans in the public and political arenas.

    - Finally, the entire design speaks to the metamorphosis from soldier to citizen to VFW member.

The next thing that catches your eye is the wall of marble panels leading to the flag poles.  These five panels have bronze inlays that capture the VFW from its origins to the future vision of what we stand for.  The shiny marble reflects back as you look into, perhaps a subliminal message that the viewer is part of the scene.

Last is the massive viewing area, backed by the flags of the United States, POW-MIA, the VFW, and the Auxiliary. Within the arc, as you can see where Mama is sitting, is a plaque along with a large circular Cross of Malta.  The plaque inscription reads:

    "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, National Headquarters Memorial, Dedicated 21 April 1986.  Old Glory proudly waves over the hallowed ground gathered from more than 200 battlefields in which the Armed Forces of our country have been engaged in combat from 1680 through 1973.  The soil was collected by Otto Osterburg, VFW Post 998, Freeport, Illinois and is entombed in the base of the flagpole."

When I read that, I was floored, for many reasons.  1680 to 1973?  Soil from more than 200 battlefields?  A guy from my HOME STATE did this?  Who knew!  History is fascinating and learning about our monuments brings us closer together.  The next time you visit our VFW Headquarters, take a few minutes to check out these memorials.  I know you will be glad you did!

    

   

Programs Department at the VFW National Headquarters

Working through a long week of meetings, in-person and virtual!  I did get to spend some time with the Programs Department Director, Lynn R.  He does some amazing work for all of us and this week he is up to his eyeballs getting things prepared for the upcoming virtual Voice of Democracy Program.  Don't forget to tune into FaceBook Live on 1 April when we will all wait in eager anticipation of learning which student is going to walk away with the top prize of $30,000 in scholarship money!  Programs is also responsible for the Buddy Poppy project and they have done great work getting millions of poppies produced and sent out to all the Posts and Auxiliaries for their upcoming distribution drives.  I can tell you that Lynn and all the people in his Department are working hard for us every day and I'm so proud of what they do!

This is a recently completed hand painted Poppy wall in the Programs Conference room. Just above Mama's head is the iconic poem, "In Flanders Fields".  This beautiful artwork was completed by Nick L., a USMC veteran and Youth Coordinator.  It really is stunning!

In addition to all of the scholarship money [each of the 52 finalists all get something!], they also get a goodie box.  Since the Program is virtual this year, Tammy B has 52 shipping boxes and is filling them with swag!  The students get Commander pins from all over the VFW, a custom personalized Spyder fleece, a lot of swag AND.... a brand new Dell laptop!

Since I drove to Kansas City, Mama made the trip with me.  The office I'm using is similar in layout to the one I had at the United States Transportation Command.  I laid out her blanket under the credenza and she plopped right in, just like she did for so many years while I worked for USTC.

Welcome Ukraine!

 Overnight we picked up some new followers from Ukraine. Welcome to the Blog!  We hope you enjoy our adventures as we continue our three year mission to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars ever forward and upward!

The flag of Ukraine is a banner of two equally sized horizontal bands of blue and yellow.  The top represents sky and the yellow represents wheat.  The combination of blue and yellow as a symbol of Ukrainian lands coes from the flag of the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia used in the 12th Century.

Ukraine is now the 41st country to join us!  Welcome!

A Visit to Post 5789

I'm in Kansas City this week at National Headquarters.  Lots of meetings and other things going on and I'll update you at the end of the session.  I got in Sunday evening and had an opportunity to visit the Jack Ray VFW Post 5789 in Lee's Summit.  It's a cozy, welcoming Post and if you're in the area I suggest you stop in and enjoy the warmth and hospitality!

This Post is really active in the community and even more so in the VFW world.  The current Department Commander calls it home.  The Current Department Senior Vice Commander calls it home.  And a recent Past Department Commander calls it home.  You can see the pattern.  These comrades are motivated to further the VFW mission by helping veterans and their families.  I can see great things for them in the future!

[L-R:  Missouri Senior Vice Jim Nail, Missouri Past Department Commander Chris Bell, Illinois Past Department Commander Matt Claussen, Yours Truly]

  

Washington State Weekend - Part Two

Washington Mid-Winter Conference – Olympia

Friday and Saturday were chock full of meetings and it was really refreshing to see all of the newer [not necessarily younger] members eager to listen to the reports, receive valuable training, and in general enjoy each other’s company.  We certainly kept a vast social spacing and mask wearing was rigorously enforced.  There was also a large contingent of people zooming into the meetings.  One of the really significant things is their desire to be the best.  Commander Traci’s theme this year is “Stay Focused” and they are listening to it.  In fact, two of the members are so focused they are near the top in nation-wide recruitment of new members.

Friday evening we attended a dinner at local Post 318, the Ira L. Cater Post.  They are over 100 years old and going strong.  Named after a WWI veteran who died during the Battle of Chateau Thierry, near Flanders.  For those of us in the VFW and Auxiliary, the Buddy Poppy is something we hold dear.  The iconic poem’s opening lines of “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row…”  remind us of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers who fought there. Because of their namesake, Post 318 has an affinity to the poppy and do a lot with the Buddy Poppy program.

The training sessions really showed how much the Department of Washington cares about being the best.  Quartermaster and Service Officer training was not merely rote slides; they really cut to the heart of subjects and if you didn’t learn anything new then you weren’t listening.  I’m glad I sat through.  The Chairman of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Commission, Drew James, provided what I consider to be one of the best briefings I’ve heard on the subject so far.  It was inclusive of the many organizations out there doing things for the current group of veterans.  We’ve already shared information and I wish him well as he is in the running to become one of the Department’s Chair Officers.  If elected, he’s going to do a great job.

I received several gifts over the weekend, and I'm grateful to you all for presenting them to me.  They are special and I will enjoy them very much.

Overall, Commander Traci and her team are focused on being the best.  They are active and they don’t believe in declining because “we’ve never done that before”.  Looking out over the audience and on zoom it was clear that there are many newer, younger veterans who want to be a part of this winning team!

A photo of Ira L. Cater, in a place of honor at Post 318

A panorama view of the socially spaced but very engaged members of the Department of Washington VFW

Washington State Weekend - Part One

Washington State – Hitting The Ground Running

As soon as I walked off the airplane in Seattle, I was greeted by State Commander Traci and USO Volunteer Mr Pepsi.  He goes by Pepsi because his last name is even more undecipherable than mine!  We walked to the SEATAC USO and I received a tour of the facility and a great briefing from the Executive Director, Mr Don Leingang.  Talk about pride in a facility!  Pre-Covid the USO here served over 14,000 guests per month.  During the shut down, they have done so much work refurbishing, doing maintenance, and re-positioning so they can soon open their doors and do what they do best:  Serve our Armed Forces and their families.  They are going to be able to do more now as Commander Traci presented a check in the amount of $3400 from the VFW.

Don provided interesting tidbits of information while he told me of the great commercial partners they have.  One great example is the sea of leather Lazy Boy recliners and couches, donated free of charge and constantly replaced to ensure they look and feel good.  Another partner is the Starbucks located in the airport.  Say what you will about Starbucks, but when a company donates 100 pounds of coffee EACH WEEK to help our troops my hat’s off to them.  As I walked along, I was impressed with the beautiful teak floor.  It turns out the Boeing Company somehow ended up with all of the teakwood decking from the USS Colorado when it was decommissioned and they donated all of it to the USO.  I was walking on history and my mind reeled as I thought of all the sailors who walked on this deck over the many years the ship was in service.  I was floored [get it?] when Don and Pepsi gave me an actual piece of the deck.  It’s something I certainly will treasure.

Then we retrieved my luggage and off we drove to American Lake Golf Course, located on the grounds of the local VA hospital.  We were greeted by their main volunteer, Mr. Bruce, who is also a Past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  Everyone involved with the golf course is a volunteer and they exist solely on donations.  Originally built in the 1950s as a nine hole course, they expanded recently when Jack Nicklaus designed a signature back nine course.  This is his 400^th signature course.  The really exciting part of this golf course is the work they do with disabled veterans.  They have a state of the art training facility, which includes a massive simulator that a has golf courses from all over the world programmed into it.  It even has the grandfather of all golf course, St Andrews!  In fact they are the only facility that has St Andrews available.  Mr Bruce showed and demonstrated the latest models of paragolfer carts—they run up to $40,000 each and they have a stable of them.  They also have a huge inventory of standard golf carts and each one is purchased by donations.  For a mere $5000 you can have your organization’s logo…or even your smiling face…on the cart.  They know how to market!  The driving range is automated too, with automatic ball placers so a disabled veteran doesn’t have to bend over. 

There is so much right about this place and it’s no wonder Commander Traci has chosen it for her Commander’s Special Project.  The stately trees and serene setting help soothe the mind at the same time that being able to enjoy golfing is good for the body.  As we walked around in the fine mist and watched the deer walking on the driving range, I felt a sense of calm.  This place is a gem and I salute them for the great work they do every day to make a veteran’s life better.

Mr Pepsi showing me his wall plaque, referencing FOUR generations of Navy Service

Executive Director Don and Mr Pepsi talking up the great things the SeaTac USO provides.  Along the back wall are a small portion of the almost 2,000 unit patches from all branches of service

Just a few of the hundreds of loungers, here in the 80" TV viewing theater

There is a replica of the USS Colorado here with a sign saying:  "You're standing on the original teakwood decks of the USS Colorado (BB-45), a proud battleship of the U.S. Pacific fleet in World War II"

My own piece of WWII history courtesy of the USO!

Entry to the Clubhouse at the American Lake VA facility

Mr Bruce demonstrating how a paragolfer cart actually stands up a disabled golfer so they can take their swing on the fairway.  The seat then goes back into seated position and off you go for the next shot

Through this portal lay the fantastic course!

Wyoming Mid-Winter Council in Casper

 I'll start by thanking Commander Joe Tallon and the entire Wyoming Team for ensuring I got the full winter experience!  They ordered cold weather and it was MINUS TWENTY degrees while I visited.  Very nice of you all for taking care of me!!

Seriously though, all of the people I met over the weekend were so gracious and friendly.  When I think of how I'd like to see people treated by the VFW, I will always remember these folks.  Friday night we had a Council meeting at Post 9439.  This place certainly is a poster child for what a Post should be:  Bright, clean, patriotic...whatever you can think of, this Post has it.  And that's just the surface, they do so much for their community and it shows.

Saturday was all work, starting at 0700 with a casual breakfast with the Past Department Commanders.  There is so much knowledge and history to be gained when you sit down with former leaders.  It's important to know your past if you want to thrive in the present and beyond.  One of the key things I picked up was these past commanders weren't trying to run the Department today.  They understand they are mentors and their role is to provide guidance for the future leaders.  Very refreshing to see!  We had a nice crowd for the business sessions and the dinner banquet was packed [COVID restrictions being followed of course].  

A highlight of this visit was meeting Jayson Zimmerman.  He picked me up at the airport and ensured I was where I needed to be at all times.  Jason is his Post Quartermaster, and it was his Post where we met on Friday evening.  He's also the State Chaplain and next year he will be the State Junior Vice Commander.  He's going to be a great leader.  Jason was a medic in the Army and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Currently he's in nursing school and is doing well.  One other thing?  Jason is a double amputee as a result of his combat experience.  To look at him, you'd never know and he certainly doesn't hold back.  He was everywhere all the time and tireless in his efforts to get things taken care of the entire weekend.  What a powerful story and an inspirational man.  I'm certainly a better person for getting to know him and to be able to call him friend.

We all have setbacks in life, some great and some small.  Take a lesson from Jayson and don't let the past dictate your future!

Jayson Zimmerman...what an inspiration!

My counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Jim Rish.  Jim spent some time at Scott AFB, IL during his service years so we had a nice time going down memory lane.  Jim has a head for business and veterans.  He's really going to take Wyoming to new heights!

Utah Council of Administration – Moab

What a beautiful location to have a VFW meeting!  Nestled in the hills and mountains of Moab, we stayed and had our meetings at the Red Cliffs Lodge.  It was a thrill to enjoy the on-site museum showcasing all of the movies made here.  John Wayne, a personal favorite, made many of his movies on this very site.  After seeing the actual scenery, I’m looking forward to watching his movies again with a renewed interest in the surroundings.

But, the real purpose of being here was to assist with the business of the VFW.  State Commander Mark and Senior Vice Commander Dave were excellent hosts and I’ve never felt safer at a meeting—they served together on the same Special Forces team for many years while in the Army!  The meetings were well attended and the briefings presented by VFW members and state of Utah officials were top notch.  Even their congressional representative sent a recorded message thanking them all for their service as well as outlining many of the items in Congress he is working hard to get into law.  The briefings, both live and virtual, from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Utah Governor’s Office of Veterans Affairs were not only informative but I was very impressed at the dedication shown by these officials.  It’s clear that Utah takes veterans issues very seriously!

A personal highlight for me during this trip was being introduced to 90 year old Ewald Kuefner.  Born in Germany in 1930, Ewald was pressed into service in the Hitler Youth for most of World War II and was even present during the fall of Berlin at the end.  He presented me with a booklet he had written about his life, along with pictures and memories of that time.  He emigrated to the United States and was drafted to serve with the Army in the Korean War.  Even though he had become a citizen of our great Republic and was now fighting to defend democracy, he still encountered prejudice and bigotry from his fellow soldiers because of his past.  Nonetheless, Ewald persevered and has had a good life in America.  He has done great things for the VFW and is universally loved by all the comrades and auxiliary members in Utah. 

I recently created a VFW Membership Badge, based on an actual 1920’s era VFW Badge, to begin the process of re-instilling pride in our great organization.  Before leaving on this trip, and not really knowing why, I packed one of these Badges in my case.  It was my great honor and pleasure to pin that badge on Ewald’s lapel during our banquet dinner Saturday night.  I called out his name in my remarks and he marched up to the podium, standing at attention and standing so tall and proud.  When I pinned that badge on him, I saw in his eyes what this moment meant.  As he returned my salute, it hit me yet again why I love the VFW and all it stands for.  Comrade Ewald, thank you for all you have done!

On a side note, Megan traveled with me to photograph the natural beauty of Utah and its national parks.  I’ll leave you with one of her spectacular pictures, taken from our patio, with the Red Cliffs and Colorado River in the background, along with those beautiful stars.

A packed house listened and learned a lot through the Zoom platform

Meeting Ewald 

Ewald returning my salute at the banquet.  What a special moment for the two of us!

 

 

Back Up and Running!

 Hi everyone!  Yes, we’re back in business and going Around The World with Fritz again!

The Global Pandemic along with yet another back surgery has curtailed my physical travel but that hasn’t stopped the work I get to do for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Thanks to Zoom and other virtual platforms I’ve been able to attend meetings and events literally all over the world.  Perhaps the one good thing from all of this is the fact that we can continue to work on the mission for veterans!  From Post meetings to Awards banquets to every day staff meetings, I think it’s fair to say I’m actually getting more productive work done and reaching out to more venues than I ever thought possible.

I haven’t been blogging much, but that’s going to change as the country starts to loosen up on travel restrictions.  I see that we have also picked up readers from Portugal and Turkey---Welcome to the Blog!