Hello Patriots, 

 Commander Phipps has resigned as commander. The Department of Arizona MOPH appreciates the hard work and dedication he provided to the Order. 

Per National Bylaws, the senior vice commander moves up to commander, and the junior vice assumes the senior vice position. Being so close to Department Convention and annual elections, the Junior vice commander position will remain vacant. 

 This year seems to be just racing by. By the time you read this there will only be two months until the Department Convention this year. It means that it's time to put the finishing touches on all projects being done this year and getting also necessary paperwork into Department and National. 

Also, I hope all the chapters were able to get their Patriot of the Year candidates into the Department by the deadline. The Department has to pick the state winner and forward to Regional in March. It's time for annual elections again. It would be nice if we could get some new members to be active, even if it's just on a committee or an easy appointment so you could learn what the organization does and be involved in your chapters’ business. Even if you just attend meetings, it helps. Your vote helps decide which way your Chapter goes forward. And for Chapter Officers, when you get someone new attending a meeting, don't immediately give them elective offices or committees and overwhelm them. 

We want them to come back and be an asset. If anyone is interested in running for a Department Office or would like to have a Department Appointed Position, please notify either the Department Adjutant or one of the current Department Officers. There are plenty of openings if you are interested. At our last DEC I was extremely pleased by the reports from all the Chapters. Their work in their community is nothing short of outstanding. But the working members could use any and all help. It appears that all of our chapters are going strong. We at the Department level are here for you if you need anything to make your Chapter function more smoothly. For members we request you go through your Chapters if you need any help. We are here for YOU. 

Michael J. Smaydy 

Commander Department of Arizona 

We’re always looking for, and interested in new content for the newsletters. We love sharing what our members are doing!  Whether it’s getting together, helping their communities, and fulfilling the objects of The Order. Submit your contribution's to your chapter commander.