Managing a Hectic and Difficult Process

BY SHARON HOBBS, AVVA PRESIDENT

I had the privilege of representing AVVA when the Board met in Arlington, Virginia, in October to begin our budget process for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as our review of the 2026 state and chapter elections cycle. The Board approved a reorder of the Paper Safe, and we should have a fresh supply by the time you read this. The informative American flag booklet, “Liberty and Justice for All,” also was approved for reorder.

In even-numbered years like 2026, AVVA has typically designated January through June as our election period. The election process is a simple one, but it must be followed carefully: Electing a Representative and President and properly reporting election results ensures that your state or chapter has a voice in the 2027 National AVVA Convention. We are standing by to help. Let’s make our next convention one to remember by registering more delegates than ever before.

It’s not too early to begin thinking about next year’s national award nominees. Do you know someone who is worthy of national recognition? A member who is always volunteering time and energy to veterans or their community? Please take time to nominate them for 2026 recognition for Member of the Year, the Fellowship Award, or the Cathy Keister Spirit of Excellence Award. Please, only one category nomination per person.

National awards deadlines and all the other criteria will be posted to www.avva.org no later than January 31, 2026.

AVVA’s accomplishments are still works in progress: ever-changing and ever-expanding. As AVVA and VVA plan for the future, our focus will be on taking the best path for a successful outcome. Whether it’s a merger or a consolidation with VVA, rest assured that the AVVA Board of Directors will make every effort to make sure we make the right decisions.

In the words of John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

AVVA’s future is upon us. Our goals will always be based on what’s best for our membership.

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