Housekeeping, Explanations, and Helpful Information
Shannon Werner, Executive Director, Secretary, Treasurer
I love this time of year: the cooler temperatures, comfort food, and the undercurrent of excitement for the approaching holidays. However, I know it is a very difficult period for some folks–especially our Veterans. I do my best to pay attention to those around me who may need a positive conversation, assistance, or help but never ask for it. Go out of your way to be kind and help others; you never know when a “mission possible” will change a life.
Speaking of helping others, if you want to donate to one of our projects or programs, all options are listed on our website under programs/guides, and then click “donate”. The list will then be displayed. You will also find a list of worthy non-profits and/or programs that we do not accept donations for right below that information. That doesn’t mean you can’t make a donation to the non-profits listed or to any other project on that list; it just cannot be processed here at headquarters.
When you report members who have passed on our website at www.michalaux.org, please understand that a form must still be completed and sent to headquarters with all information required. You can mail it or use email, whatever works best for you. We then use the details on that form to make the necessary changes in the Nationals ALAMIS database.
If you are using any forms, please remember to check the website for the most up-to-date documents available. This will save time and money for your Unit and our Department. You can avoid lengthy delays and wasted postage, which is a benefit for our Veterans and us. We will all have more time and money to further our mission.
As you know, each Unit should receive a membership packet in or around July. Those membership packets are made up of materials provided to us by National, the incoming program representatives, and documents we have here at Headquarters. Specifically, the Unit roster provided is generated by National in early April every year. Do not use that as your working roster; by the time you receive it, it is already outdated. Up-to-date membership information can be found on ALAMIS.
I want to clear up some confusion or misunderstanding regarding ALAMIS. In order to have access to ALAMIS, you must first create (or already have) an account on Nationals website www.alaforveterans.org. The sign on information you use for the National website will then become your log in for ALAMIS. If you do not have an account on Nationals website (alaforveterans.org) and you request full access to ALAMIS, the representatives at National will assign one to you. By the way, full access requires training from National before you can utilize their database (ALAMIS).
Be well and keep each other safe. See you in February at our next gathering in Port Huron, Michigan. You will not want to miss it!