Commander's Page

From The Commander:

Lawrence W. Bradley

American GI Forum

Omaha Chapter

Hello American G I Forum members -

It has been awhile since I have forwarded information for the WebMaster to present. I apologize. I have been relentlessly working on my dissertation at the University of Nebraska, helping my oldest daughter through her freshman year in high school as she made the honor roll and varsity soccer, helping my son with select baseball as he had 60 games and double the practice sessions, and to top it all off I have been running my campaign for a local political office. But, I have been busy with AGIF duties as well.

In March and April a couple of AGIF members and I had took trips to the Nebraska State Capitol and testified on issues that we felt were relevant to the civil rights of the Latino population in Nebraska. We testified against a legislative bill that sought to change the name of the Nebraska Mexican American Commission. The bill did not make it to the floor. I testified against a legislative bill that would have increased surveillance measures directed towards businesses that hired Latino/a people that may or may not be illegal immigrants. The bill also sought to overturn instate tuition rates for students of immigrant parents. The bill never made it out of committee.

As far as interaction with the immediate community, the AGIF-Omaha Chapter (Men's and Women's) participated in new and old events. The old would include the Cinco de Mayo parade and weekend festival. The new included marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. A first for the AGIF-Omaha Chapter. The Ancient Order of Hibernians were welcoming and we made allies. Irish and Mexican immigrants have faced similar issues throughout American history. The AGIF-Omaha Chapter also for the first time put on a car show for Veterans with Low Riders in April. Reporters from the Omaha World Herald, Cindy Gonzalez and Leia Baez, wrote good articles for the local media and an upcoming issue of Low Rider Magazine. In the article that will appear in Low Rider Magazine (verbally promised by the managing editor) that comes out in August 2008, I asked Hispanic veterans to either join their local AGIF or form a new chapter. There will also be pictures of my 64 Impala in front of the AGIF-Omaha Chapter ( I hope). This should be good public relations for the American G I Forum worldwide! Please buy the Military Issue of Low Rider Magazine this August.

The membership also had a food stand at Missouri Valley, Iowa for the annual bicycle ride across the state of Iowa. Thousands of cyclers were introduced to AGIF tacos.

Finally, as I try to implement new ideas to attract new members and especially veterans, I have asked the AGIF-Omaha Chapter Men's and Women's membership to host the first annual AGIF -Omaha Chapter's

Oktoberfest in our parking lot on October 3rd-5th. I had conversation with the American Legion Post up the street and they might have their own beer tent going as well. While I was stationed in Germany I attended Oktoberfest in Munich. This may be a good recruitment tool for each respective veterans clubs. We have to try. We plan to have the membership picnic, membership drive, and a last moment scholarship fundraiser booster all in the same weekend. I will see you there and that's and order!

Whew! No time to rest. We have to keep driving on. The AGIF-Omaha Chapter has really been super to me and assisted in every way possible. Thank You and we appreciate all your help where possible.

Lawrence W. Bradley

Commander

American G I Forum Omaha Chapter