From 1894 to the present is a respectable period of time – and that’s how long our distinguished Order has existed. Many years ago our Order held conventions every three years, now it is every two years, and we have just celebrated our 50th Convention.
For those of you who attended the 50th Convention, you know this was one of the very best and it reinforced our joint commitment to forward momentum and growth. During the convention our Order overwhelmingly approved and committed to several key issues:
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An updated Military Order of Foreign Wars Constitution;
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A first-ever Strategic Plan for 2011-2015, with goals and objectives, and guidelines to achieve the objectives;
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Charters for three newly formed Commanderies;
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Appointment of nine Organizing Secretaries in states where we have no Commandery;
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Approval to design and price MOFW Commandery Flags for all Commanderies for future display;
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Adoption of a National MOFW Flag to assist in our quest for National Veterans status;
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The adoption of three new MOFW medals for possible award to companions;
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The establishment of a National MOFW Office in the Nation’s Capitol, again to assist in our quest for national Veterans status;
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Establishment of a recognized and affirmative goal for the MOFW to support hereditary and veterans programs, such as “Thanks USA”, which provides scholarships to deserving and needy military families, and others;
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Raising the annual head tax from $6 to $10 to assist the National Order;
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Recognition by the Order in Convention that National Council meetings may be called using e-mail, snail mail, telephone, or in person, or any combination thereof; and finally,
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Designation of Rhode Island as the site of the 51st MOFW Convention.
To grow and remain a viable and resilient Hereditary and Veterans Order, the above must be accepted by us all – and a commitment to achieve the goals is necessary. Obviously, the implied message in much of what is mentioned above is that we personally contribute. Our goal must be to enhance the experience of membership in the Military Order of Foreign Wars to the point that applicants are waiting to become members and our continued growth is assured.
Our web site is a wonderful information and recruitment tool – that has already yielded significant results in gaining members and attracting distinguished speakers. While there is much work to be done, I am confident that we shall collectively succeed.
Enjoy our web site and permit us to welcome you into the Order. I invite your specific questions and you may reach me at: Lindenauwr@aol.com or Commander@mofwus.org.
Very Respectfully,
Wulf R. Lindenau
Commander-General, MOFW
