As I prepared to write this column, I had occasion to ponder the purpose – the necessity – of my writing a monthly missive. And it occurred to me that, rather than dealing with the hard and fast – the dates and times and other specifics of the month just past and the one to come – my charge is more along the lines of telling you about the intangibles and the results of our efforts, things we’re working on, and items we’re excited about.

So let me begin this month’s notes by advising you that our chapter is in exception ally good shape. We have attained a record for active, enrolled members, with still more renewals arriving regularly. If you haven’t yet renewed for 2019, please do so now. You are needed and wanted. And another unprecedented success: we just held a “Chasing the Dragon” event at Huntsville High School on 1/24. We had over 209 pre-registered to attend in-person, and thanks to FBICAAA member and WAFF News anchor Liz Hurley, the event was live-streamed on WAFF and on Facebook. Early results indicate that over 9000 followed the event live through those methods. Let’s sum it up this way: great job by Ginger Ory, by all our many FBICAAA volunteers, by the panel (including our ASAC, Todd Bobe), and of course by Liz Hurley. Phenomenal results.

So, what’s on the horizon? We expect a fund-raising event at a local restaurant in Birmingham in February. Details should be available soon. We are in the early stages of planning for a recurring FBI Day at Children’s Hospital in early Spring. We are working with Paul Daymond to offer Refresher Training for our FBI Citizens Academy graduates, to present updated information to those graduates who attended classes several years ago. Expect an announcement of a Range Day-type event in Huntsville in the very near future. I could go on…

Now back to you. What we need from you is this: involvement. You were nominated to attend the Academy because of your talents and abilities. You learned about the Bureau’s mission and the Alumni Association’s efforts. To do what we do, we have several committees, many connections, which create many opportunities for public service. So please, when we have public events – attend. Network. Join in. And when opportunities for service arise – join in. We are nothing without you. But with you? There is nothing we can’t accomplish. We look forward to seeing you soon.