Chef de Chemin de Fer Ted Lang's comments

September 2008

It was indeed an honor to be sworn in as your new Chef de Chemin de Fer last Saturday. I will do my best as we work together for the betterment of La Societe.

One of my themes this coming year will be “STAND UP FOR AMERICA”.

We must not let down, what our founding fathers wanted for a friendly, peaceful and rewarding America.

Our attitudes and our 40 et 8 programs are very essential towards this environment.

My favorite program this year will be the Boxcar program, which provides so much for many programs.

Included are Special children’s party at Promenade Nationale, donation to VAVS hospital or clinic, Boland Nurses Fund, Charles Ardery Child fare Trust Fund, Membership Recruitment Fund, Forty and Eighter Magazine, Law Officer of the Year and many others.

Membership is very important in our survival to remain a strong organization.  Last week the assembly voted yes on the resolution concerning our membership requirements.

You may ask, “What does this mean”? It means ALL new members must STILL be by invitation only as it has always been, it means ALL new members must be approved by the locale membership. You may continue as you have in the past OR you may approve any veteran with approved DD214, anyone now serving in the military and/or any American Legion member.

Which ever your locale chooses, we must concentrate on doubling our membership if we are to continue to serve our country, our communitarians, our youth, our seniors, ourselves and the general public for the betterment of our future.

Service to humanity IS the best work of life.

I can only ask that you not become upset and do acts not supportive of a Voyageur. Think of all the good programs that would suffer, if you decide to do something perhaps a little foolish or immature. Think about it, think about who will be hurt because that program does not exist any longer, if YOU are no longer involved.

Whatever your decision, may we continue to be friends and someday continue on as we have done before.

Remember, TOGETHER we CAN achieve.

Ted