Members of the Veterans of  Foreign  Wars  (VFW)  State of  New  Mexico, Congratulations on being elected or appointed to a leadership position by your Post, District, or Department members. Thank you for being so dedicated to our veterans, service members, families, and communities. My theme for the new year is "Do Better, Be Better".

 

As we served our Country, we experienced many things. Some good, some not as stellar. But we all were able to return and felt the need to give back to our fellow Veterans. We have chosen to move forward and to focus on the good we can do and the positive changes that you make.

 

We joined this esteemed organization because of camaraderie, service to our community, and our 

mission to advocate for veterans. As members and leaders, we can only accomplish our mission with the support of our families. Our family is our backbone, our support system. Involving our family in our mission only strengthens our resolve. Many of us have deployed numerous times, taking us away from some important moments in their lives. They have also seen some of us at our worst; they see our demons, and they want to help us in that battle as well. Instead of taking more time away from them, let us include them in our mission.

 

This year, we need to strengthen the focus on advocating for veterans and serving the community. Our communities need to see us out and about, serving those who need it­, getting back into schools to tell our stories to the future of our country. The VFW is changing, adapting, and growing younger. Continuing to move the organization forward is critical. Utilizing the latest technologies will ensure the efficiency of both time and manpower. All Commanders and Quartermasters SHALL have an email address, and all Quartermasters MUST be able to log into OMS to conduct appropriate business. We cannot and will not stagnate change any further. The time is now to utilize all tools at our disposal. We've recently come off the pandemic years and are starting to get into the full swing of our mission once again. As an organization, more participation from members is needed to fulfill our mission. Relying solely on the Commander or Quartermaster will no longer be the norm. We must better communicate what tasks need to be accomplished and encourage new members to express new ideas and support them in executing the plan. Let's keep moving our organization forward to "MEET THE CHALLENGE" while

keeping in mind to "Do Better, Be Better!" Thank you for stepping up in the fight for veterans and 

serving New Mexico.

 

                                                                                                         James Haddox

                                                                                                       State Commander

                                                                                            VFW Department of New Mexico