By Nestor Tamayao
The Department of Washington 70th Annual Mid-Winter Conference took place on Jan. 20 and 21, 2017 in Vancouver, Wash. Those who attended the conference along with me were Quartermaster Harold Rodenberger, Senior Vice-commander / Adjutant Pete Krawitz, Trustee James Williams, Service Officer Gail Engler, Assistant QM Joe Fitzgerald and House Committee member Doug Maines.
The conference serves to provide updates to posts statewide and provide training opportunities. There was a post service officer training session, two phases of recruiting training and a quartermaster class. At the general business sessions, chairpersons of 27 committees provided updates of their respective committees, such as federal legislation, audit, inspections, public relations, POW/MIA and many others. The business session allowed candidates to inform the membership of their intent to run for office for which the elections will be held at the Summer Convention in Olympia in June. Also, pertinent information was disseminated from the State Commander and from the Council of Administration.
A highlight of the conference was the Voice of Democracy Banquet. High school students who were top finalists at each district in the state vied for the top prize of an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Competition for a $30,000 scholarship. The Department of Washington winner was Erica Roloff, who was sponsored by District 3. She will represent Washington State at the National competition. Danika Nolton, who placed 1st at District 2 (which Post 3063 is a part of) placed 5th at the State level.