Hello, Department of New Mexico VFW Auxiliary Members!

As we move into October, I want to begin by saying THANK YOU!

Our September Department Training in Las Cruces was a wonderful success. We enjoyed spending time together, sharing ideas, and learning a great deal.

Our Council of Administration meeting was also very productive. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, asked questions, and helped make the weekend successful.

Membership Cards — Continued Until Midwinter

• During our Council of Administration meeting, discussion of printing the new membership cards was continued until Midwinter.
• Between now and Midwinter, I ask our Auxiliary Presidents, Treasurers, and members to consider their thoughts and opinions regarding the new membership cards and associated costs. Please bring your feedback to the Department Midwinter Conference.
• This matter will return as unfinished business, giving us the opportunity to discuss and vote on how to proceed, including whether the Department should assist with any portion of the printing costs.

Important Fall Reminders

Please ensure that your 990s are completed and submitted as required.

This is also an important time to focus on membership dues. Please contact members who have not yet renewed.

Some members may be experiencing financial difficulties. Auxiliaries may want to consider helping through Angel Dues, which allows an Auxiliary or its members to cover the dues of a current member who is struggling financially. Please ensure that all required Department and National portions of the dues are properly covered.

Sometimes, a small act of kindness is all it takes to keep a valued member connected to our Auxiliary family.

Thank You for an Amazing Training!

I cannot say enough about our Department Chairmen and the exceptional job they did during training. Each of you helped us continue "Building a Bridge to Carry Us Together.”

Thank you to every member who traveled to Las Cruces and participated. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn made the training worthwhile.

A special thank-you to VFW Post 6917 and their Auxiliary for allowing us to use their meeting space and for hosting our dinner Saturday evening. It was wonderful!

Thank you also to Shelly Ravak for helping and supporting this successful weekend.

Forget-Me-Not Special Project

During the weekend, we held an auction and basket raffles to raise money for Department Commander Mac Dyer’s and my joint Special Project — Forget-Me-Not.

Your participation and support were wonderful! Thank you to everyone who donated, bid, purchased raffle tickets, or helped make the fundraiser successful. Every contribution helps move this special project forward.

October Auxiliary Visits

• As I continue traveling throughout New Mexico, please keep me informed of your Auxiliary meeting dates.
• If your regular meeting date, time, or location changes, please let me know. I look forward to visiting our Auxiliaries and seeing firsthand the great work you are doing for our veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and our communities.

Projector Screen Available for Bid
Department has an older projector screen available for bid. It may be a 1970s or 1980s model, and it is definitely heavy, steel, bulky, and built to last!

• A new, updated projector screen was purchased and donated by me, Department President Michelle Dennison. The new screen is lighter, easier to transport, and better suited for Department travel and training.
• Rather than leaving the older screen unused, we would like to give one of our Auxiliaries the opportunity to put it to work.
• All bids must be received by October 31, 2026, at 5 p.m.
• Please email your bid to Department President Michelle Dennison at NMVFWAMD1@GMAIL.COM
• At the end of October, the highest bid will be selected, and the winning Auxiliary will be notified.
• IMPORTANT: The winning Auxiliary will be responsible for picking up the projector screen at our Midwinter Conference.

Thank you again for everything you continue to do throughout our great state. Keep communicating, supporting one another, and finding ways to strengthen our Auxiliaries.

Together, we will continue Building a Bridge to Carry Us Together.

In Service and Friendship,

Michelle Dennison
Department President 2026–2027
Department of New Mexico

National VFW Auxiliary General Orders No.1 2026-2027