From the President

It has been a pleasure for me to represent the SE Region for the past year. I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you better and am pleased that you call, email and write me as often as you do. I really enjoy the calls and emails as it more personal and we can really chat.

I was invited to participate in the Retiree Day at Patrick Air Force Base this year, but didn’t get the invitation until three days before the event. I could not be there, but did take a stack of brochures over to the Retiree Office and I will be there next year.

In July last year I represented the Southeast Region at the National Convention in Scottsdale, AZ. It was certainly a lovely location with much to be seen, but with the hot weather we didn’t venture outside too much. I tried to use the pool late one afternoon and it was like getting in my bathtub. If any of you have not been to a National Convention please think about going. This year we will be in Madison, WI just after the Fourth of July. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how Gold Star Wives business is conducted on the national level. Our Washington Representative, John Brennan, will be available to answer questions, as will Jim Ranieri from our Birmingham office. We are lucky to have these two gentlemen as they both work very hard for GSW.

The Birmingham Chapter is always our host for the Veterans Day Celebration in Birmingham. They work so hard and the event really is lovely. We stayed at a lovely old hotel within walking distance of the convention site. It is a lot of work for those chapter members, but they take such good care of all that attend. And it is a great way to get to know more of our members. This is a wonderful patriotic and moving event and each member should attend at least once. The parade is wonderful, it looks like the entire city comes out. Everyone waves flags and calls out to those of us in the cars. I represented the SE Region of Gold Star Wives and our National Vice President, Joan Young, represent our organization on the national level. I presented Joan with a gift from the Southeast Region at the Gold Star Wives luncheon.

I am following Joan Young’s lead and when Prime Management sends me information on any new member at large I mail a letter to the new member to welcome them to our organization and to let them know we value our members. I also provide them with information about our newsletters, Region Conference, the National Convention and how to contact me should they need assistance. I encourage them to become active in our organization. Hopefully, each Chapter President is getting in touch with each new chapter member and encouraging her to be active and attend chapter meetings. Since we are losing members we need to encourage new members to become active and spread the word to other potential members. Always carry a few brochures in your purse and be prepared to explain who and what we are.

During the past year I received and responded to numerous e-mail messages, dozens of long distance telephone calls and letters from members asking for assistance with a particular problem or needing information. Since I’m also Legislative Chair it is impossible to separate the calls into categories. But, it’s really been wonderful to talk and correspond directly with so many members. Some have turned into old friends and I always smile when I see a familiar phone number on my caller id.

I have been trying to work on outreach and have written letters that have been published in several Retirement Home newsletters. We have two new members due to this, plus I was able to help two other ladies who had remarried regain their medical benefits.

My biggest challenge has been getting new chapters started. Like my predecessor I have been in touch with members who are interested in starting chapters. There are enough DIC widows in each area, but when they are contacted they are not interested in having a chapter for whatever reason. Everyone wants to be a member; no one wants to be an officer. I am currently working with a group in Fort Myers, FL and hope this turns into a real chapter.

I have made an effort to stay in touch with all of the Chapter Presidents as well as the Region Officers. I had a chance to visit the Atlanta Chapter, Birmingham Chapter and Wiregrass Chapter. I hope that I will be able to get around to more of you this year. I am very fortunate to have good chapter presidents and helpful region officers. Thank you all for being there for Gold Star Wives and supporting me.

Respectfully submitted by Kit Frazer, SE Region President

Kit Frazer
President
GSW Flamingo Chapter