Commander – Ron Griffin, March 2026

The first of this month I had the honor of representing our Department in our Nation’s capital, first by presenting a wreath alongside of our Auxiliary President and White Clover Princess at the Tomb of The Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery. Except for the freezing weather and long walks this was truly the event of a lifetime. Then I joined Marvel Rupple and the President and Princess and her escort with visiting both of Wisconsin’s Senators and all our states Representatives to lobby for their support on behave of our fellow veterans. Unfortunately, few of the actual elected officials were available we did get to present our message to their staff with a mixed bag of responses to our messages. A LOT more walking and too few working elevators made this a long tiring task but well worth our efforts.
Hats off to President Emily, Princess Noel and her chaperone and Marvel, they certainly did better than I getting around and dragging me with them. Thank You ladies, you made our Department Proud.
I want to remind all our Districts and Posts that coming up on April 11th is our 3rd SEC meetings, we need every Post to be represented. This is the last one before our State Convention so its of special importance. At the event I will be introducing a new initiative to be able to help our department to be able to recognize those individuals and organizations for special efforts in supporting us and our goals.
I will also be discussing the importance of getting our standing committees fully functioning the way that our Bylaws intend. Something that is long overdue.
Of course, as is usual each year along with the Spring SEC is the Testimonial Dinner for the Commander and President of the Auxiliary. I am a bit embarrassed to be bringing this up here, I certainly am not asking you to attend for my benefit. It has been an honor to serve as your Commander but certainly President Emily deserves to be honored at this event, so your attendance is requested. There has been some confusing information put out about making reservations. But you should be sending out your reservations to Post 7, PO Box 2125, Oshkosh WI 54903-2125. Checks for the meal at $35 per person payable to AMVETs Post 7 by April 1st.