Washington DC last week of February, a very interesting trip!  I was up very early to get myself organized and off to the airport for the National Conference.  Park my truck at the lot across from the airport, hopped on the shuttle and away I went.  The trip was uneventful but I had an unexpected surprise of have Past Department Commander Bob Batty on the flight with me.  Got to the hotel and checked in and ran into Pearl Behrend and Loretta Shellmann in the lobby.

Those 2 sure do know how to pick a good place to sit.  Just about everyone at the conference had to pass by where we were sitting and of course stopped to greet Pearl.  My roomie, Diane Duscheck, arrived a bit later and the fun began.

We had an interesting evening listening to the proceedings of the National Executive Committee meeting.  So much interesting information presented.  After the meeting many of us decided we needed some substance so we converged on the lobby bar/restaurant and had a fun-filled hour or so, chatting and enjoyed the good food.  Then it was off to our room for some much-needed rest.  We were good little girls and only talked for a couple hours after "lights-out". 

The next morning the NEC meeting continued with the program chairmen giving their mid-year reports.  It was a very full morning.  So much interesting information on what is going on around the nation.  It's always beneficial to hear the workings of the National Organization and how policy changes effect virtually everyone at every level of the Auxiliary. 

In the afternoon we broke into groups to attend Program Development Workshops.  Various presenters addressed the topics of Supporting Servicemembers and their families, helping veterans succeed in school, and homeless veterans.  Other than freezing in the rooms, the presentations were great and gave everyone so much to think about. 

That evening, National President Peggy Thomas hosted the Opening Session of the conference.  National Commander Jimmy Koutz and SAL National Commander Chris Huntzinger were on hand as the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard presented the Colors and veterans from the Creative Arts Festival entertained.  We enjoyed the evening but knew that we needed some rest before the next full day of activities.  So like good little girls we headed off to our room and only talked for a couple hours after "lights-out". 

It was a couple days packed with so much information.  I could go on and on but I really want to talk about the visit to "the Hill".  Wednesday was the designated day to visit our Legislators.  The day dawned to clouds but mild temperatures, but I decided to add my umbrella to my purse, just in case. 

Department Adjutant David Kurtz graciously offered to be my guide through the hall of Congress, as Commander Wayne was home recovering and unable to attend.  Adjutant Dave was an excellent companion for my first venture into the world of high government.  He was very kind and considerate and made me feel very comfortable in strange surroundings.

Our first visit was to Congressman Ribble who represents the District around Appleton.  Next we met with Congressman Duffy from the western part of the state and then it was off to visit Congressman Paul Ryan.  We got to meet Senator Ron Johnson in passing but did get to spend some time with this Aide.  Our last meeting was with Senator Tammy Baldwin.  I had the privilege of sharing all that Wisconsin is doing with our Homeless Women Veterans Grant Fund and all that has been going on at Boudicca House. 

These visit were our opportunity to share The Legions' position on various legislative issues and let our Legislators know how important it is to continue to provide programs that benefit our veterans and active duty military. 

When all our visiting was done we headed back to our hotel, and it was pouring rain!  That extra item in my purse really came in handy.  That evening, we participated in a joint reception for the 3 candidates running for National Chaplain this year.  I was very proud to stand next to our candidate, Gayle Janson and present her to the many members that passed through the room that night.  We enjoyed the evening but knew that we needed some rest before the next day of activities.  So like good little girls we headed off to our room and only talked for a couple hours after "lights-out". 

Our last day in DC was spend on an awesome tour of the city.  Our first stop was Arlington National Cemetery where we witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  We watched in silent reverence as the guards performed the silent ritual.  National President Peggy Thomas placed a wreath from the Auxiliary. 

Our tour continued around various points of interest in the Cemetery and then to monuments around the city.  It was an amazing morning seeing so much history right before our eyes. 

It was time to go home.  We were all pretty tired.  During my waiting time for my flight I happened to bring up the weather on my Ipad and noticed some disturbances around Wisconsin.  I grabbed my cell phone and called my husband Bob who informed me that Milwaukee had gotten about a foot of snow the night before!  All I could think of was my truck parked at an outside lot and me not have any boots along! 

One the flight home I was joined by Ron Kuta and Bob Batty.  We all wondered if we would have trouble getting to our vehicles that night.  It was a good flight, right on time.  We claimed our luggage, boarded the shuttle to our cars and held our breath.  The lot was piled high with snow in every direction and many of the vehicles had piles 3 & 4 feet high behind them.  When the shuttle driver pulled up behind my truck, it was all cleaned off!!!  Seems my dear husband went there when he got off work and shoveled it out and cleaned off all the snow!  What a guy!!! Ron and Bob weren't so lucky.  They had big piles behind their vehicle and it did take them several tries at "rocking" the car to finally get it out. 

I finally got home, very tired but full of so much energy from the great trip to DC.