​Spring has sprung! At least it has here in sunny California. Spring is a time of fresh beginnings, hope for a good harvest and hearty growth. What a great segue into the heart of our Association - Membership!
 
Every organization I am involved with is struggling with growth. NCOA is no different, or are we? A lot of us are in the winter of our bloom which means we need to till the fields, plant those seeds, and fertilize and care for our current members. Then we can watch their growth as members and leaders. We all know someone who will benefit by being a bigger part of their communities, by volunteering when called and truly making a difference to our Veterans, past, present, and future. At the same time providing a network for their families with information, scholarships, grants, support, and friendship.
 
Spring is also a time when many of us "Spring Clean."  To that end our local chapters have a new and exciting project this year. We have partnered with a Veterans Homeless Shelter run by Volunteers of America (VOA). We asked what their top three needs were and the answers were surprising. First Need is new men's underwear. Wait, what? We always think of donating warm clothing, like coats, hats, gloves, socks, etc. During the intake process, the VOA provides a welcome bag with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products. Second Need is men's new or used clean jeans. Again, wait, what? We scour local Goodwill’s, thrift and charity shops (and our own closets) for these.  Third Need is coffee, sugar, and creamer. This one made sense as many of these folks have drug and alcohol addictions and if you have ever attended an AA Meeting, a lot of sugared coffee is consumed. Our local chapters meet the first Wednesday of every month and we have all agreed to bring and donate one of these three items before the meeting. I live close to the shelter and can deliver the items the next day. This year as you "Spring Clean" consider donating those jeans, hoodies, sweats, etc., to a homeless Veterans shelter, or for that matter, any homeless shelter.
 
      NCOA's annual conference will be here before we know it! The conference is in Norfolk, VA - 14-18 July 2025. I look forward to the conference every year. It is a time to learn about the annual events of NCOA, learn from a variety of speakers, renew old friendships, make new friendships and further our commitment to our Veterans. Plan to attend and I'll see you there!

Tammy Sullivan
International Auxiliary President
916-718-7750
www.ncoausa.org