DEPARTMENT PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

2026-2027 Department President Tracie Tomsen
 
 
 
 
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Message #2

Auxiliary Members,


Well, what a wonderful turnout for our School of Instruction for 2026-2027.

We tested our abilities, conducted a hybrid session using zoom and in person attendance. We had over 104 attendees that we know of. We do not have a way to measure how many were in attendance that shared the connection on zoom; however, the known number is still impressive.

Because of the expertise and willingness to attempt new challenges, our Webmasters Robbin Seeberger and Tom Huffman did an excellent job navigating though some technical issues. At the end of the day, we were proud. They plan to continue diagnosing and finding further solutions so that next year will be better.

 To add on to the good vibe of accomplishment in a changing environment, we received many compliments on the presentations of our chairmen. The material presented was noteworthy (members taking many notes of new information), great PowerPoint presentations, heartfelt testimonies involving WA State Special Project and other very thorough updates and thanks to Chairman, Laura Bondurant, a lively enthusiastic rally for Membership.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT OF 2025-2026 NATIONAL PROGRAM CHAIR WINNERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON IN OUR DIVISION!

  • Veterans & Family Support – 1st Place – Rose Green
  • Veterans & Family Support – Award 1 – for most outstanding activity or event to celebrate/assist service members – Toutle Auxiliary.
  • Americanism – 2nd Place – Doreen Dale
  • Auxiliary Outreach – 2nd Place – Tom Huffman
  • Chief of Staff/Extension & Revitalization – 1st Place – Karen Flynn
  • Award #1 for members – Assistance to Chief of Staff in establishing a new Aux. – Bonnie Riggs
  • Award #1 for District Presidents assisting the Chief of Staff for troubling auxiliaries – Tracie Tomsen
  • Hospital – Award #1 – Most outstanding Promotion of creative/unique activity
  • Membership – 2nd Place – Adrienne Halvorsen
  • Scholarship – Award #1 – Hosting a unique activity – Toutle Auxiliary
  • Youth Activities – Award #1 – Most creative/or unique activity event working with a youth group – Auxiliary #4992
  • Department of Washington won the Circle of Excellence – Robyn Sterrett President

Total of $1200.00 to the Department.

Kindness to you and your community support teams.

Tracie Tomsen

Department of Washington Auxiliary President

 


Message #1

Dear Auxiliary Members,

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me by electing me as your Department of Washington Auxiliary President. It is both an honor and a privilege to represent the State of Washington during the 2026–2027 Auxiliary year. I look forward to serving alongside each of you as we continue our mission of supporting our veterans, their families, and our communities.

This year's Special Project theme is "Hold On, Be Strong – Suicide Awareness." Veteran suicide remains a heartbreaking concern in our nation. Approximately 6,400 veterans die by suicide each year in the United States—an average of 17 to 18 lives lost every day. Together, we can help bring hope, awareness, and support to those who need it most.

I am proud to announce our partnership with the Permission to Start Dreaming (PTSD) Foundation in Gig Harbor, Washington. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping veterans heal from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. Through monthly huddles, educational classes, workshops, and Warrior PATHH training, the Foundation empowers veterans to overcome challenges and build fulfilling lives. I encourage you to learn more about their important work at www.ptsdfoundation.org.

Our National President, Donna Mills, has chosen the theme "Serving America's Heroes." Her Special Project, Operation Bring Them Home, is a partnership with National Commander-in-Chief Cory L. Geisler and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Together with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, they are committed to locating and bringing home America's missing service members from around the world. I encourage each of you to support this meaningful effort as we continue honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

As Auxiliary members, we are stronger when we work together. By supporting our programs and one another, we can continue making a positive difference in the lives of veterans, their families, and our communities.

I look forward to a productive, rewarding, and memorable year serving with all of you. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and continued commitment to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

With appreciation,

Tracie Tomsen
Department of Washington Auxiliary President
2026–2027