First let me just say, what an honor it is for me to serve you as your State Commander for the 2008-2009 year, I have chosen "FIRST IN DEFENSE OF VETERANS" , as the motto for Illinois this year. Our Commander in Chief Glen Gardner from Texas has chosen, "HONOR - SACRIFICE - SERVICE" as his motto. Founded in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is the oldest major veterans service organization in the United States. The VFW, has and will always lead the way in Veterans service. With the passage and the signing of the GI bill for the 21st century, on June 30, 2008. by President Bush, we have again proven our commitment to our Nations Veterans. The VFW led the way in Washington DC for the passage of this Bill.

In order to maintain our strong voice in Congress, we must all do our part in signing up new members and reinstating those former members that have fallen by the wayside. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has made it easier than ever to become a Life Member with the 12 or 24 month payment plan, many of our new recruits from Iraq, and Afghanistan, are opting for the payment plan, they can see the long term benefits of being a Life Member. So when you are recruiting or out collecting your annual members be sure to explain the new plan to them.

With most schools ready to begin the new school year, now is the time to be getting the Voice of Democracy program into the high schools. The National VFW just announced that the minimum scholarship has just been raised to $2000, with the top prize of $30,000, I just do not know any college bound student who could not use the money for their education. Lets not forget the 6th, 7th, and 8th, graders and tell them about the Patriots Pen Program, it is the perfect program to prepare them for the Voice of Democracy when they enter high school.

I would like wish you my best for a successful year at your Post and District, and if you are reading this and are not yet a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, I would like to invite you to join this Nations Premier Veterans Service Organization.

I will be updating this column as the year progresses.

Thank you,
Vince Long, Commander