Greetings Lousy Cooties, 
Grand Commander spouting off in straight talk.  I am honored and thank you for this opportunity to work with all of you this coming year. The Grand of Washington is strong because of you.  We have continued to grow each of the last two years with the addition of new Pup Tents.  I am excited to announce a new Pup Tent 7 in Spokane that is scheduled to be instituted on October 5th 2025 at Hillyard Post 1474 in Spokane. 

I would like to thank all the Pup Tents for all the work you do to help Veterans and put smiles on their faces.  Last year you completed $63,750.00 in hospital work that was 1055.40%.  Keep up the great service you do for our veterans. 

This year to be eligible for the ALL STAR program the Pup Tent must meet requirements by May 31,2926.  The hospital quota is 150% with an additional 6 points for each 10% achieved over 100%.  The membership goal is 100% + 2 with an additional 4 points for each 10% achieved over 100%.  Pup Tents must be 100% in Supreme Special Projects ($1 per cootie in the Pup Tent) with an additional 5 points for each 10% achieved over 100%.  100% in donation to MOC/MOCA House Support ($1 per cootie in the Pup Tent) with an additional 3 points for each 10% achieved over 100%.

The Big Boot mission has been developed to help reduce the Veteran Suicide Rate commonly referred to as “22a day”.  Now there has been some adjustments to these numbers in the past few years i.e. in 2019 the Veteran suicide rate fell to 17.2% according to a VA study.  There are other studies to suggest the percentage is much higher than 22 a day.  We need to do what we can to get that number to Zero.  Pup Tents who submit a Big Boot Event Report separate from their Grand will receive 5 points for the All Star Program.

I am looking forward to working with you this year to continue our hospital work and continue "Making it happen for Veterans."  I am sure it will be a great year!

Yours in LOTCS,

Linda Fairbank
Grand Commander
2025-2026

"Yes, join the MOC—where your service will make other veterans smile, and good deeds come with a side of fun—because who says you can't serve veterans and have a blast doing it?  Select the button below to find out how!