We finally got moved into our Capitol office location, and we would like to welcome our new department secretary Virginia McKay. She will be a great asset to our Department coming on board with a lot of knowledge of how the American Legion works.

We had our department oratorical with several fine contestants participating. District 9's Allyson Workman moved on to the national competition. And hopefully everyone is working on the Boys' and Girls' State programs which will be upon us before we know it. Remember that on Boys' State only there are no quotas again this year.

Jim Fieldler from national spent about 3 weeks helping our department work on membership during February. Jim showed what can be done with some effort in getting new members signed up and on retaining our old members. I had the opportunity to spend a few days with Jim and 99% of everyone we contacted were very receptive. Many commented by asking where we had been, they had signed up to either a local post or post 8 and never heard from anyone regarding any activities or meetings.

Revitalization meetings were held in Tooele at Post 17 with almost 40 members signing up, Heber City Post 23 with 18 new members, Pleasant Grove Post 70 also with 18 new members, and Payson Post 48 with many new members.

Work was done in other cities also but time ran out with Jims visit. There are many veterans in our communities just waiting for a contact, all we need to do is put in a little effort.

There was a lot of information shared at our spring DEC at the Salt Lake Airport Hilton. However attendance by our district commanders was very poor. Only 3 out of 9 districts had commanders in attendance. Without those in attendance who should be, or a representative in there place- how do we expect to get the information out to our respective posts for the Blue Hat members to function? I would like to make a challenge that all district commanders be in attendance at our next DEC or have someone there to represent there district.

We were treated to a visit by our National Commander Marty Conaster on March 21st and 22nd. Thanks to Post 71 for hosting a fine dinner on Friday and Post 134 in Clearfield for hosting District Two's spring convention on Saturday and having Commander Conaster in attendance at their yearly Easter Egg Hunt.

And finally be making plans for our Department Convention in June. It will be here before we know it. Also if you have intentions of taking the Department bus to Phoenix to the National Convention in August you need to get the bus fee of $100 per person to our Department Adjutant right away. The deadline to reserve the bus is coming up quickly. If we fail to have enough sign up to go on the bus, you may have to make your own arrangements for transportation.

God Bless the Legion in all you do!

My Honor to Serve.

Gary Schwartz

Commander