As we prepare to close out the year, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Tammy Rivera and Karen Mastriania for generously sharing their time, talent, and treasure by representing our Auxiliary at the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. They proudly carried the American flag and the MCLA banner alongside other veteran service organizations — and let me tell you, it was very cold that day! With wind chills in the teens, their dedication truly shone. Ladies, if anyone has a tried-and-true method for keeping warm while wearing our Auxiliary uniform, please share — I’m all ears! I know about wearing long underwear or ski layers underneath, but I am always looking for more ideas.

I was honored to represent our Auxiliary by helping to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While in the Arlington area, I also attended the Joint Armed Forces of Washington luncheon, where I had the pleasure of hearing Mrs. Usha Vance speak to military spouses of all ranks and branches. What an inspiring experience that was!

Division Vice Presidents:

• Have you received copies of all your Units’ Reports of Installation?
• Have you received copies of all your Units’ 990 forms?

If your answer is “no,” please reach out to your Unit and Department presidents right away to resolve this. We want every Unit to remain in good standing so they can vote their full delegate strength at the next regular meeting. Unfortunately, some Units have missed out on voting privileges because required paperwork was not submitted. Let us all do our part to ensure every Unit and Department is on equal footing.

As the holiday season continues, I know many of you are busy caring for family, friends, and veterans. In the midst of that, please don’t forget our Members-at-Large (MALs). We are reaching out to those MALs whose Units have closed to help connect them with a Department or National — because every member matters.

Finally, when choosing which holiday activities to join, take a moment to consider how you can best support our organization. Ask yourself, “Does this help my Unit or Department?” Every act of kindness counts — whether it’s offering a listening ear to a veteran, preparing a meal, or saying a prayer for their comfort and peace. You don’t need to hold the title of Chaplain to lift someone’s spirits.

Wishing you all a warm, meaningful, and joy-filled December. Thank you for everything you do to serve, support, and strengthen our Auxiliary and our veterans.

Semper Fidelis and Happy Holidays,

Warm regards,
Dotty Sanning

MCLANatPres2024@gmail.com