President's Letter - November 2024

That is me hanging off the bucket!  This picture was taken last December, but it sure hit close to home recently.  Hurricane Helene came through this area like, well…a hurricane!  She sure left a lot of devastation in her wake, and a lot of people who are still in need.

I think I’d really like to start off by saying a great big THANK YOU, to all of those who called and took the time to make sure that we and others were safe.  It’s hard to say how we will feel or react when the unthinkable happens.  I am grateful to have been surrounded by the prayers, voices, and helping hands of this organization.  Not only am I grateful, I am PROUD to call you family.  I hope that this example is carried forward.

One of the highlights to these past few months of enthusiasm for WFA has been the introduction of a scholarship for a Family member. All I can tell you at this moment is that Wing Family of America members will be able to apply for a scholarship to use for higher and/or more learning.  This will not be limited to people of a certain age or the type of education they are pursuing - within reason.  Be on the lookout for communication from your District Representative.  They will be reaching out to you to ask for items to add to a basket that is representative of you or your area.  Said baskets will be taken to the Annual Reunion in Gettysburg and auctioned off to raise the money for the scholarship.  We are trying to figure out how to have an online silent auction so that everyone can participate.  If you know how to make this happen, or have other ideas, please please please email or text me.

As we trade in our bathing suits and flip flops for sweaters and s’mores, your board of directors will be hard at it.  The museum has closed its doors and will start the transformation into a new story, from the Whaling Wings into a time of Revolution.  I don’t know how they will cover all of that, but I am positive I will be in awe when the doors open again next spring.  Elizabeth and the creators of the OWL will be frantically making last minute corrections, giving last minute directions and knocking on my door with last minute reminders all so that you can have an inside look. 

I close with encouragement for you.  Prayers for the southeast as they figure out how to carry on.  Prayers for the western states being ravaged by fire.  Prayers for this country and our government.  And prayers for each of you. I ask that you put on your boots - both literally and figuratively - and offer that boost of encouragement and help your neighbor.

Melanie Hendrix

The Wing that isn’t quite right