It is my honor to be elected by you to lead the VFW Department of Michigan this coming year. I also find myself in the position of the first woman commander for our Department, and the significance of this milestone for our 104-year-old organization is not lost on me. I am dedicated to serve you proudly as we go forward together, showing the veterans of Michigan that the VFW reflects the entirety of our diverse military and veteran community.

This year, we will work under the theme of "One Team, One Mission." In my years involved in the VFW, I have witnessed your relentless dedication to serving Michigan's veterans and families. I am inspired by you and want to take the momentum of the membership to unify further with our Auxiliary counterparts to make lasting impacts on the lives of our military and family community.

I look forward to furthering our mission of service with you and thank you for trusting me to lead you. Together we will meet the needs of our veterans, and change lives physically, legislatively, and any other place we are called on for service.