Hamilton, Ohio  45015

Brothers of the Department of Ohio;

 

I would like to thank all of you who attended the 126^th Department Encampment this year.  I am both honored and humbled by your trust and confidence in electing me as your Department Commander.  Let me assure you that I will work hard to do the department’s business.

Many thanks to the Dept. Encampment Committee and Chief of Staff, Jonathon Davis, for their hard work in making our encampment another success.

 

Let it be known that the Dept. of Ohio Headquarters is now located in Hamilton, Ohio.

 

As many of you are aware, the last few years have been very trying times for the Dept. of Ohio.  Our previous leadership had much to deal with in making some very tough decisions.  I applaud them for their fortitude and integrity in getting the job done for the betterment of our Order.  My hope is that this year will be one of healing and calm resolve so that we can get back to the important business of this department.  Let us strive to remember the principles for which we stand: Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty.  Quoting from General Grant, “Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect.  We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.”

 

Communication is the key to keeping our members informed and our department running properly.  The department will work earnestly to accomplish this task. 

Please note that all reports, processed membership applications, and address changes should now be sent to Secretary/Treasurer Jim Crane.

 

I look forward to attending as many camp meetings and events as my schedule permits, but please let me know as far in advance as possible, so I can make adequate arrangements.  If I cannot attend, I will ask another Dept. Officer to attend as representative of this department.  No individual shall represent the Ohio Dept., at any event, without the approval of the Dept. Commander.

 

In closing, let we wish everyone a wonderful summer.  I look forward to working with all of you so we may have a very prosperous year.

 

 

So ordered this 20th day of June, 2008

 

Yours in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

Attested,

Craig W. Keller	Jim Crane
Craig W. Keller Commander	Jim Crane Secretary