Message from Supreme MOC Auxiliary Chaplain

Greetings Brothers & Sisters,

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected Chaplains on all levels for the ensuing year.  The office of Chaplain is where the reflection of love and caring begins.  We, as Chaplains, have the ability to lift peoples’ spirits and put smiles on their faces.  I know personally how great “Cootie Hugs” feel.  When your “Cootie Hugs” arrived in my mailbox on two separate occasions, they brought me courage amidst worry and comfort when sadness was overwhelming. 
As Chaplains, we are responsible for making sure our members and veterans are given “Cootie Hugs” in their time of need. We can hand out “Cootie Hugs” in many ways, but the most important thing is handing them out! 

• Send get well cards to your MOC/A members who are sick, hospitalized, or have had surgery, and we should include our VFW/A members as well. 
• Send sympathy cards to those who have suffered a loss.
• Is someone struggling?  Send them a “Cootie Hug” and let them know you are thinking about them.
• We can send “Cootie Hugs” by text or phone call to check on our brothers and sisters in need. 

Never underestimate the power of a kind word!
The act of spreading “Cootie Hugs” and smiles is our priority as Chaplains, but we should take the time to report how we spread those “Cootie Hugs”!  Reporting is essential!  I am asking you to please be sure to send your reports monthly.  If your auxiliary has a month where no “Cootie Hugs” are sent, I ask that you still submit a report reflecting that.

Monthly Reporting

• Auxiliaries not in a Grand - Please submit your report to me by the 1st of each month.
• Auxiliaries in a Grand - Please submit your report to your Grand Chaplain by the 1st of each month.
• Grand Chaplains - Please submit your report to me by the 15th of each month.

Year End Reporting

• Auxiliaries not in a Grand - Please submit your End of Year report by June 1
• Grand Auxiliaries - Please submit your End of Year report immediately following your Grand Convention. 

Something New for this Year!

• I will be hosting a Facebook Group titled “MOCA Supreme Chaplains Corner 2023-2024” and I’d like to invite you to the page for insight, direction, conversation, and just to get to know each other! 
• I will also be hosting Facebook Office meetings monthly or as needed to discuss the Chaplain Program and to provide support and instruction on completing reports.  These meetings will be a great way for our new members to learn the program and a way for our experienced members to share their knowledge!  The meetings will also offer the opportunity to be in fellowship with our counterparts in the MOC Auxiliary. 

The Facebook Group and meetings are optional!  I hope you consider joining me so I can get to know you!
In closing, may the Lord bless you and keep you and help us further our mission to support our Veterans. May He grant us peace as we strive to leave the world a little better than we found it, and may He watch over all of you as we do what Cooties do best and “Keep ‘em Smilin’ in Beds of White”.

Yours in Comradeship,

Dawn VanTassell
Supreme Auxiliary Chaplain
2023-2024

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