The saying says, "April showers bring May flowers”. Well, welcome to April and what happens when it snows on April Fool’s Day? I have no clue but that is Central Oregon for you. Expect the unexpected when it comes to our weather.

It’s the start of the new program year. Have you turned in your year-end report yet? If not, please get it to me ASAP. Technically it is due April 5^th. Since that is Saturday, please text it to me or email it to me. If you send it by mail, I will accept it being a little late. As Nike says, "Just do it!”

 The year-end report is important for statistical reasons. It helps me report to our Department President who then reports to National what we have done during this program year. I know that you have been very busy supporting and working our Americanism program this year so show what you have done. I want to brag about how awesome you all are.

Let’s start the new program year strongly. Here are some dates that you can celebrate or plan events for:

April is the month of the Military Child. As an Auxiliary, why not consider donating to the National Home. Specifically, to the new concession store. Let’s help stock it up for the residents and guests.

 April 5^th is Gold Star Spouses Day. Honor them with a certificate or maybe a special dinner to show your support.

April 9^th is Former POW Day. Our former Prisoners of War deserve to be recognized and honored. I don’t need to tell you how important it is to recognize their sacrifice. Plan something special to show how much we care about and appreciate them.

 April 14^th is the Air Force Reserves birthday and April 23^rd is the Army Reserves birthday. Cake and ice cream anyone?

 Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to write that report. Hold on to it and turn it into the new Americanism chairman or sent it to me and I will pass it on to them.

 Keep up all your hard work I am so proud of all you have done this year. It has been an honor and immense pleasure being your Department Americanism Chairman. I hope to see you all at our Department Convention June 19-22 in Pendleton Oregon.