May 2009 President’s Message

Not Any More!

Would you like to buy a Pontiac? Not any more! Would you like to have your employer pay all your health and medical benefits for you and your wife until you are both gone? Not any more! Do you want to check a bag on your next flight ant no cost? Not any more! Do you want to quit your job and go across the street and hire on at John Deere, Farmall, J.I. Case or the Rock Island Arsenal? Not any more! Would you like to go to Eagles or any number of local grocery stores to do a little shopping? Not any more! How about a $10.00 ticket to see the Cubs play? Not any more!

If you haven’t noticed, the “times they are a change’n!” We cannot ignore the obvious, stick our heads in the sand, deny the changes or wish, hope and live in the past for to do so would not be a ticket to success or survival. We are and continue to be a positive influence in our community and a strong advocate of the veteran and others in need of assistance. We are also not a “meal ticket or soft touch” for those in our ranks who feel that life has dealt them a rotten hand. We are the ones who have been tested and survived, not I might add, through an abundance of support from an element of our society that once viewed us as losers and misfits unworthy of appreciation from a grateful nation.

We are the ones who have stepped forward and accepted the challenge of our critics and we have demonstrated that leadership is a measurable quality. As we watch many of our representatives in Washington waffle and dance rather than accept responsibility for the current state of affairs, we on the other hand have chosen to face reality, make decisions and act on matters that impact our membership and community. We do not shrink from issues that may be delicate or politically correct but face them straight on! It is comforting to know our membership is honest, straight forward and fair in evaluating any matter that arises from within our ranks. The organization comes first and any individual viewpoints will be entertained, however, if a viewpoint is in conflict with the good for the order, the good of the order will prevail.

We as an organization are charged with the responsibility to serve others less fortunate, and to that end we must put aside petty issues, prejudices, self-serving interests, age old animosities and long held competitive allegiances to our former military affiliations. There is no room in this organization for someone who will not abandon personal bias for the good of the team. If we are to survive, we must lead, we must demonstrate confidence and we must promote our mission through positive action. We are our community and we will step up and be counted for the good of the order.

Respectfully
Ray Hamilton
President