As I write this, we are approaching the end of February and it has been a busy time for the board and our members. As our Spring events are rapidly approaching, please allow me to call your particular attention to a special few. First, we eagerly anticipate the new FBI Citizens Academy class that is slated to begin in Huntsville on the evening of March 12th. The first evening of class is always a special time – community leaders and opinion-makers coming together to learn about the mission and methods of the FBI, new acquaintances to make, and the opportunity to share with them about the Alumni Association. And of course we hope that a good percentage of this cohort joins with us and becomes a part of the CAA’s continuing efforts. A number of us will be on hand to provide a meal and a warm welcome to the new class.
I have just received official word that the FBI Birmingham CAAA will co-sponsor an Active Shooter Preparedness workshop for houses of worship. The workshop will take place April 4th at Rosewood Hall in the Soho section of (Birmingham suburb) Homewood. This all-day presentation will be limited to 100 participants, and holds great promise for being very timely and useful. An official announcement will follow shortly, and we will be seeking volunteers to assist us.
Additionally, there are two extremely special events that we are working to finalize, and I can tell you that I am excited about both. But unfortunately, I can’t yet provide details until the necessary final arrangements and agreements have been made. The most I can say at this point is that one will take place in Huntsville and will feature educational and social aspects; the other will be in Birmingham and will be a heart-warming day of community service. Watch this space – we will be making announcements on both events soon. And you’ll want to register for both early, as they should fill up fast.
The last item – The Washington, DC, trip. There are only a few signatory annual events in the life of our chapter, and chief among them is the absolutely perfect trip to HQ, Quantico, and other major sites in the Capitol, that Paul Daymond arranges each year. If you have been on one of these trips, you understand what I’m attempting to convey here. If not, let me tell you that this is a trip you’ll remember forever – a behind-the-scenes tour of much of what makes the FBI and our government “tick.” A trip you could never hope to duplicate on your own. The dates are April 15-17. It’s easy to do and a perfect way to get to know your fellow alumni on a deeper level. We share this tour with the Jackson, MS, chapter, and I can commend them to you as being good companions. So please seriously consider joining Paul Daymond on this trip.
I’ll close now by thanking you for your continued interest and attention. Please be in touch.
Paul H. Franklin, President FBICAAA
