Chapter Chat - June '23

Promotion:

Lieutenant Michael Zweifel (Session #280) was promoted to Captain with the Alaska State Troopers on April 3rd, 2023.  Captain Zweifel started with the Alaska State Trooper in 2003 and has served in Palmer, Seward, Girdwood, and Soldotna.  Michael will take over as the commander of A Detachment, where he has been the acting commander and Deputy Commander.  Michael holds an Advanced Police Certificate with the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), is an APSC Certified Instructor, and is the SERT Statewide Coordinator. He holds an Associate of Science degree.  Michael thanked his wife of 32 years for her steadfast support and the outstanding mentors who have helped him along the way. In his off time, Michael enjoys meeting up with his four adult children and two grandchildren, who are spread out across the country. He can also be found cruising the highways of Alaska in his motorhome or floating on the Kenai River.  Congratulations, and all the best in your new position.

Retirement:

Lieutenant Freddie Wells (Session #280) is retiring on July 1, 2023, with 25 years of service as an Alaska State Troop.  Freddie started in February of 1998 and has served at “D” Detachment, Fairbanks Post, where he served in Patrol, as a Field Training Officer (FTO), and as a member of the Multiagency Traffic and Accident Enforcement Team. In 2000, he transferred to “B” Detachment, Glennallen Post, where he worked patrol. In 2003, he was promoted to Sergeant in “D” Detachment, where he served as the supervisor of Tok and Northway Posts.  In 2004, he was appointed as the First Line Officer with the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), where he served for five years. In 2017, he transferred to “B” Detachment, where he was selected to serve as supervisor of Palmer Judicial Services. In January 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant as the Deputy Commander of “B” Detachment. In July 2020, he transferred to Headquarters to serve as the Lieutenant in the DPS Recruitment Unit.  Freddie is a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Supervisor, Field Training Officer (FTO), and Tactical First Aid Instructor.  He is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute, session 114; he possesses an Advanced Certificate with the Alaska Police Standards Council, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice / Strategic Intelligence from Liberty University, and attended the 280th session of the National Academy.   Prior to his law enforcement career, Freddie served in the United States Army from May 1988 to November 1997. During his tenure in the United States Army, he was deployed to Iraq in Operation Desert Shield / Operation Desert Storm and served as a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division.  Congratulations on your retirement, and best wishes in your new endeavors.

Battle with the Blue

In 2016, at an annual Masquerade Charity Ball in Anchorage, the Alaska State Troopers partnered with 907 Paintball to help raise money to benefit Standing Together Against Rape (STAR). Two “Battle with the Blue” packages were provided as live auction items for the event. Each auction package included arena and equipment rental for the successful bidders and five of their friends to go head to head in a paintball battle with six volunteer Alaska State Troopers. We would like to thank 907 Paintball owner Todd Glidewell, who provided the equipment and the facility for the event, which was held this summer, July 2017.

Battle with the Blue

Chapter Chat - June '22

In March 2022 it came to the attention of Shirley Coté (Session #164) that one of our elder members, Anchorage Police Department Retired Captain Mick Taylor (Session #88) had not been seen on Facebook for awhile. Upon checking with Mick’s son Shirley learned that Mick’s computer had broken down. She went to the Anchorage Police Department retirees Facebook page to see if anyone would be willing to contribute toward a new computer. The response was immediate and outstanding. Over $1,800 was pledged by 27 retirees. Whereas, the intention was to buy a four or five hundred dollar computer the response was so great that the group decided a nice iPad would be fitting. Shirley bought that with $450 to spare which was sent to Mick.

Mick, who now lives in long-term care, was so appreciative. If he thanked us once he thanked us a thousand times. Retired APD Lt. Bill Richardson set Mick up and Captain Gerard Asselin (Session #276) went along for a visit and a presentation of our current chapter coin. Mick said he felt so honored.

Anchorage Police Department Capt. Gerard Asselin (Session #276), Capt. (Ret.) Mick Taylor (Session #88), and Lt. (Ret.) Bill Richardson

Lieutenant Brian Wassmann (NA 265) Retired on May 31st, 2022 after over 28 years with the Alaska State Troopers. His career began Recruit in 1993 at the Public Safety Academy then as a Trooper in Fairbanks, Bethel, and Nenana. In 2003 he was promoted to Sergeant in Fairbanks then to Lieutenant in 2015. In 2021, Brian transferred to Anchorage as a deputy Commander of the Alaska Bureau of Investigations. During his career, Brian was a member of the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), Crisis Negotiator, Field Training Officer and certified instructor in various topics during his career with DPS. His experiences and knowledge in the protection of Alaskan’s have been a strong asset to the Department. Best of wishes to Brian and his family as they start a new chapter in Arizona in the fall!

Lieutenant Brian Wassmann (Tim Despain DPS)

FBI National Academy Session 281 Graduated Today (17 March, 2022)

QUANTICO, VA - Two hundred and sixty-nine law enforcement officers graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 281st session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 45 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 32 countries, five military organizations, six federal and civilian agencies.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony. Class spokesperson Jeremy Sherrod of the Texas Department of Public Safety represented the graduating officers.

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered.

A total of 53,181 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

Most notably for our Chapter of National Academy graduates, FBI National Academy Session 281 contained two Alaskans, Sergeant Dan Dahl and Captain Eric Spitzer of the Alaska State Troopers! We welcome you both into our chapter.

About the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc.

The FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. (FBINAA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest degree of law enforcement expertise, leadership training, and information to law enforcement executives around the world. The Association’s Mission is “Impacting communities by providing and promoting law enforcement leadership through training and networking.” Association members are graduates of the prestigious FBI National Academy Program. The FBINAA has nearly 16,000 members representing all 50 US states, 8,200 law enforcement agencies, and 194 Countries worldwide. The FBINAA is the strongest law enforcement leadership network in the world. Located in Quantico, VA, the FBINAA is a non-political organization and is not affiliated with any special interest group.

#GivingTuesday

Join the movement & give back

We've had a day for giving thanks... now we have a day for givingback.

Today, December 1, 2020, we recognize Giving Tuesday - a day to celebrate a culture of giving rather than receiving. It's a day when communities, charities, businesses and individuals come together to transform the way we think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season.

Your FBI National Academy experience may hold a special place in your heart and the friendships and professional contacts you have made through this great Association may have enhanced your life. Consider "Giving Back" on "Giving Tuesday" to an area of the FBI National Academy Associates you feel most passionate in supporting.

Please support the FBI National Academy Associates on this day of giving. Donations are accepted for the following:

• Youth Leadership Program

• FBINAA Charitable Foundation

• FBINAA General Fund

• FBINAA International Member Dues

As a non-profit organization, your donation to the FBINAA is tax deductible. Click the DONATE NOW button below for more information on supporting your Association.

Donate By Check:

If you would prefer to make your donation by check, please send the check with a memo line "Giving Tuesday 2020" to:

FBI National Academy Associates

FBI Academy, Building 8-102,

Quantico, VA 22135

Thank you for your support of the FBINAA, our Charitable Foundation and our many important programs on #givingtuesday.

We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season!

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April/May/June Chapter Chat

Promotions

• Gerard Asselin, NA Session 276, with the Anchorage Police Department was promoted to Captain.

• David Hanson, NA Session 246, with the Alaska State Troopers was promoted to Major, Division Headquaters.

• Derek Degraff, NA Session 266, with the Alaska State Troopers was promoted to Captain with the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.

Retirements

• Colonel Barry Wilson, NA Session 244, retired on January 15th, 2020 after nearly 30 years with the Alaska State Troopers working in Anchorage, Girdwood, Soldotna, C-Detachment and Headquarters serving in the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Colonel. “I was honored to be a member of the department and to have served for as long as I did. I look forward to seeing the future as it unfolds.” Col Wilson will remain in Alaska and plans to focus on expanding the FBINAA-AK activities with several more training and social activities in the future.

• Major Andrew Greenstreet, NA Session 234 and NEI Class 40, retired on April 30th, 2020 from the Alaska State Troopers with more than 25 years in Alaska Law Enforcement. Major Greenstreet began his law enforcement career in September of 1987 as part of the Alaska State Troopers Explorer Program. He paid his way through the Department of Public Safety Training Academy and graduated in May 1994. Later that year he was hired by the Sitka Police Department where he worked for three years before returning home to Palmer where he worked for the local police department for a year. In December 1998 he was hired by the Alaska State Troopers, and rose through the ranks after completing his bush time in Kotzebue. In retirement, he and his wife plan to establish a faith-based, non-profit Law Enforcement retreat for active LEOs and their families on their 75 acres in Southwest Missouri.

Chapter Chat - August 2019

At the monthly executive board meeting on August 16, 2019 Deputy Chief Ken McCoy, Session 265, was sworn into office by Special Agent in Charge Jeff Peterson. Ken was elected to the position of Vice President of the Southcentral Region through a special election after Colonel Barry Wilson, Session #244 won his election to the President’s position mid-term of his position as Vice President of the Southcentral Region. We are very pleased to have Ken on the executive board representing the Southcentral Region. We are appreciative of the excellent support we receive from Mr. Peterson and all his staff. Mr. Peterson echoes Director Wray that the FBI NAA is the crown jewel of the FBI.

After serving the people of Alaska for 43 years Shirley Coté, Session 164, has moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. She will continue to serve actively as Past President of the Alaska Chapter. She has also joined the Rocky Mountain Chapter and attended her first membership meeting on August 15th in Denver.

SAC Jeff Peterson, Shirley Coté, Sean McGee (Session 202), after being sworn into office as Past President and Vice President of the Northern Region, respectively

Chapter Chat for the Alaska Chapter By Barry Wilson, President (Session #244)

Deputy Commissioner Michael Duxbury began his career after graduating from the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Session # 5 at the DPS Training Academy in 1988. He began working for the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU). In 1993, he graduated from the Alaska State Trooper Recruit Academy RC-42. As a Fish and Wildlife Trooper, he was initially stationed in Ketchikan; he later transferred to the Division of Alaska State Troopers, and was stationed in Kodiak, the Warrant Fugitive Unit, B Detachment Palmer Patrol, and C Detachment Aniak post patrolling the Yukon and Kuskokwim River villages. He became an Investigator with the Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team, and eventually promoted to Sergeant in the Major Offenders Unit. In 2011, Duxbury was promoted to Lieutenant and became the Deputy Commander of C Detachment. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2015, and served as Commander of A Detachment in South East Alaska before moving over to lead the Alaska Bureau of Investigation and Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit in Anchorage immediately prior to his appointment as Deputy Commissioner. Deputy Commissioner Duxbury holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #252.

Deputy Commissioner Michael Duxbury (Session #252) State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety

Deputy Commissioner Duxbury valued his time at the National Academy and maintains contact with his fellow classmates as evidenced by his tabbed directory featured below:

He recently pointed out the benefit of the networking he experienced in a 26-year old homicide case that culminated in an arrest of the suspect in Auburn, Maine. Although his contact with fellow Session #252 classmate Deputy Chief Jason Moen, himself recently promoted to Chief of Police of the Auburn Police Department, was not the cause of solving this homicide, it did contribute to smooth communications and extradition of the suspect. Deputy Commissioner Duxbury was adamant not to take away from the excellent police work conducted by members of his department, of Chief Moen’s, of the Maine State Police Unsolved Homicide Unit and Evidence Response Team, and of the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory, but to stress that the National Academy has shrunk the sphere in which law enforcement works effectively.

In the interest of sharing the excellent investigation of such a horrific crime the following is the press release given by Alaska State Trooper Colonel Barry Wilson (Session #244):

On April 26, 1993, custodial workers at the UAF campus discovered Sophie Sergie’s body in a women’s bathroom of the Bartlett Hall Dormitory. Sophie, a resident of Pitkas Point and previous student at UAF, was in town on personal business and visiting friends on campus.

An investigation was launched by the UAF Campus Police, but was soon taken over by the Alaska State Troopers. Evidence at the scene revealed Sophie had been sexually assaulted and murdered. Suspect DNA was recovered during the investigation and a unique suspect profile was identified from the DNA; the information was uploaded into “CODIS” – A national Combined DNA Index System. CODIS, which is run by the FBI, generates investigative leads in cases where biological evidence is recovered from a crime scene. Matches made among profiles in the Forensic Index can link crime scenes together and provide investigators with the identity of suspected perpetrators. However, the DNA profile obtained in this case was not on file, and therefore the suspect remained unknown and at large.

Over the course of several months, law enforcement conducted hundreds of interviews on the UAF campus, and throughout the Fairbanks area. Dozens of leads were developed, and DNA samples were collected from many individuals in an attempt to identify the suspect - those efforts failed to identify a matching DNA profile.

As the months passed, Troopers continued to diligently investigate the case. But as months turned into years, active leads became sparse. In 2002, the Alaska State Troopers established a Cold Case Unit; the unit acquired Sophie’s case. As time passed, several members of the Cold Case Unit would pour through the report to determine if the new leads were available to investigate or if there was some other angle or new technology to work the case. For more than 20 years, AST continued to receive information about Sophie’s murder, each Tip generating a dedicated response by the members of the Cold Case Unit hoping to break the case.

Finally…in April of 2018, the AST Cold Case Unit learned of a new DNA technology that was utilized to identify the Golden State Killer. AST contacted the Virginia-based Parabon Nanolabs, a company which utilizes extracted DNA to perform genetic genealogy screening. Genetic Genealogy is the combination of genetic analysis with traditional historical and genealogical research to study family history. For forensic investigations such as the case involving Sophie’s killer, the process can be used to point to the likely identity of a perpetrator. Over the next several months, the AST Cold Case Unit collaborated with Parabon to identify the suspect’s DNA sample that had remained a mystery for over a quarter century. Results of the testing revealed the likely suspect to be Steven H. Downs, who was alive and residing in Auburn, Maine. Armed with this new information, the AST Cold Case Unit reached out to the authorities in Maine for assistance. Over the course of several weeks, a plan was developed to contact and interview Downs, collect DNA and other evidence, and search his residence for evidence of the crimes.

Steven Downs was taken into custody without incident on February 15th in Auburn Maine. He will return to Alaska where he will be tried for the murder and sexual assault of Sophie Sergie. Grand jury will be held upon his return to Alaska.

Special recognition goes out to the Auburn (ME) Police Department, the Maine State Police Unsolved Homicide Unit and Evidence Response Team, and the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory for their assistance in this investigation.

During the last 25 years, dozens of Alaska State Troopers faithfully dedicated thousands of hours to this investigation. Through their dogged persistence, advances in technology, and the spirit of cooperation exhibited by each agency that touched this case; justice for Sophie is finally within reach. As the Director of this agency, and as a member of the investigative team that originally worked on this case, I am both honored and humbled to help bring some closure to Sophie’s family.

The Youth Leadership Program

The Alaska Chapter recently conducted the selection process for the 21st Session of the Youth Leadership Program (YLP). Many Alaskan high school students with high academic standards and good citizenship participated in the process. The selection committee consisted of Chief Michael Holman, Ret. (Session #251), Lieutenant Chad Goeden (Session #266), and Chief Sean McGee, Ret. (Session #202). Chief McGee is the Northern Region Vice President and the current YLP Coordinator for Alaska.

Ultimately, the selection committee recommended that Aveline Larroque of Anchorage, Alaska be this year’s recipient of the Youth Leadership Program nomination. Aveline was recently notified by the FBINAA Executive Office and the YLP Coordinator that they had reviewed the selection committee’s recommendation and that they accepted the committee’s nomination.

Aveline will travel to the Academy in June along with 60 other highly motivated high school students, eager to participate in classes on leadership, ethics, constitutional law, and public speaking.

The Alaska Chapter wishes Aveline the best of luck as she embarks on this exciting journey!

Chapter Chat for the Alaska Chapter By Shirley A. Coté, Past President (Session #164)

It is with great pleasure that I announce that our newly elected President of the Alaska Chapter, Barry Wilson (Session #244) was recently appointed Colonel, and Director of the Division of the Alaska State Troopers. Barry is certainly up to the task and I have promised to assist him with the chapter requirements during this very busy time in his career. Colonel Wilson is going to do an excellent job in both positions, as well as with the other charitable organizations for which he volunteers. Barry has been with the Department of Public Safety since 1990 and he worked in patrol, investigations, headquarters and rural patrol command. He is excited about the opportunity to work with his staff and the entire department to improve morale amongst the ranks, improve training for all, and develop a strategic plan to make certain effective staffing is available throughout Alaska.

Colonel Barry Wilson, President (Session #244)

Colonel Wilson’s last position with the Alaska State Troopers was as the commander of C Detachment in Anchorage. Captain Andrew Merrill (Session #257), our current Secretary/Treasurer and commander of the Village Public Safety Officer program with the Alaska State Troopers has been assigned to command C Detachment.. We are very proud of Andrew as he was one of eight distinguished graduates, as well as the graduation speaker during his National Academy session. Andrew joined the Alaska State Troopers in 2002 and he has worked in various assignments to include judicial services, patrol, and rural investigations. Andrew is a certified instructor through the Alaska Police Standards Council and he was one of our excellent presenters on the use of force at our 2018 Executive Development Conference.

Captain Andrew Merrill, Secretary/Treasurer (Session #257)

Good luck to both of these outstanding professionals as they lead us into the future of policing here in Alaska.

Barry decided to run for President before his two-year term as Vice President of the Southcentral Region had concluded. The Board of Directors unanimously voted in favor of appointing Deputy Chief Ken McCoy (Session #265) from the Anchorage Police Department to fill that seat for the remainder of Barry’s term. For our first meeting of 2019, Barry was out of town, which by our chapter bylaws left Ken, at his very first meeting of the board, in charge of leading the meeting. He ran it professionally and seamlessly. Ken is an excellent addition to the Board of Directors. Ken began his law enforcement career with the Anchorage Police Department in 1994, where he has served in command assignments in patrol, investigations and internal affairs. He was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2017 where he oversees all operations and administrative activities for nearly 600 sworn and non-sworn employees.

Deputy Chief Ken McCoy, Vice President Southcentral Region (Session #265)

Chapter Chat for the Alaska Chapter by Shirley A. Coté, President (Session #164)

The Alaska Chapter held their annual meeting on December 4, 2018 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Anchorage. The meeting was well-attended and we were honored to have our National Executive Director, Howard Cook in attendance. Howard gave an excellent report on what is happening at the National level with the NAA. Our Youth Leadership Program participant, Rivers Rogers provided her report, along with photos of her experience from Quantico in June. It was moving when Howard presented Rivers with National’s commemorative coin. Rivers’ parents were in attendance and it was a very proud moment. Thank you to Rivers for representing Alaska’s youth so well, and thank you Howard for recognizing her. When Director Christopher Wray was in Anchorage in August he told us that he agreed that the NA is the crown jewel of the FBI. We believe the Youth Leadership Program is the Alaska Chapter’s (with our comparatively small contribution to National’s).

Rivers appreciating her Uncle – Kenai Police Dept. Lt. Ben Langham (Session #268) for his recommendation and support. Sean McGee (Session #202) in the background serves on the YLP Selection Committee and takes over as Chair in 2019.

Executive Director Howard Cook (Session #224) with YLP participant Rivers Rogers

As of January 1, 2018, I will become the Past President and Alaska State Trooper Captain Barry Wilson (Session # 244) is stepping in as President. Northern Region Vice President Sean McGee (Session #202) won his second two-year term and Anchorage Police Department Deputy Chief Ken McCoy (Session #265) was unanimously voted in by the board to serve Barry’s last year as Vice President of the Southcentral Region. We were pleased that Special Agent in Charge Jeff Peterson, recently assigned to Alaska, attended the meeting and gave updates on the FBI activities. He honored us by swearing in the new board.

SAC Jeff Peterson shakes hands with Vice President of the Northern Region, Sean McGee. Past President Shirley Coté looks on after Mr. Peterson swore them in, along with new President Barry Wilson (on the phone).

Our annual Executive Development Conference was also held at the Hilton Garden Inn - December 5th through December 7th. Incoming President Barry Wilson had to be at a different conference, however, he helped a great deal beforehand and solicited the help from his wife, Elizabeth and granddaughter, Sahara to put the attendee amenities together. Shirley’s daughter, Morgan Warner has helped her Mom with conferences since she was little. This year we chose 4-pistol gun cases for something different from the traditional notebooks and attaché cases. Thanks to 5.11 for some of the contents that are always a hit – socks and knives.

President-elect Barry Wilson, Morgan, Sahara and Elizabeth.

We were able to provide to our 90 registrants and members some excellent presenters. Our very own board members, Alaska State Trooper Captain Andrew Merrill (Secretary/Treasurer, Session #257) and Alaska State Trooper Lieutenant Chad Goeden (Vice President Southeast Region, Session #266) presented along with their Lieutenant Moose Sims and Sergeant Eric Spitzer on updates to the Use of Force. One of our newer graduates, Anchorage Police Department Captain Sean Case (Session #272) spoke on the “Net Generation.” John Campanella (Session #239) presented on “Mitigating Police Fatigue,” and Dr. Mitch Javidi, Chancellor of the National Command & Staff College spoke for a day and a half on “MAGNUS Leadership.” As gifts of appreciation, the speakers received an engraved Yeti mug with the NA seal.

National President Johnnie Adams had a delay with his flight, however, he made it to Anchorage in time for our annual Christmas party and the last day of Dr. Javidi’s class. President Adams was recognized by Dr. Javidi for being a MAGNUS leader for the efforts he made in coming to Alaska and supporting the Alaska Chapter. Sitting next to Johnnie, he said that he felt his face was red, but Dr. Javidi was spot on. Johnnie is our humble leader.

We had excellent financial partners with the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, the Alaska Police Standards Council, 5.11 Tactical, and the Hilton Garden Inn.

After a lunch break on Friday, I was recognized by the members of the board of directors for my service as President for the past two years.

Vice President of the Northern Region presenting a plaque to Shirley Coté for her term as President

The Chapter held their annual Christmas party on December 6th. We usually do a white elephant type of gift exchange, but opted for something different by rolling great big dice to see if we keep the gift or pass it on. Many thanks to Leonard (Skip) Coile (Session #163) and his wife, Patty for handling the party games. Skip was given a Yeti mug in recognition of being our emcee for so many years. We usually have a theme for our party and this year it was “Space: The Final Frontier in the Last Frontier.” Costumes were not required, but comfort was strongly recommended.

Howard chose comfort. Johnnie bought his lighted Star Wars Christmas sweater for the party. Shirley is an alien.

Thanks again to Howard and Johnnie for traveling to Alaska and spending so much quality time with the members of our Chapter. We were truly honored as this was a first for us, and although we are a small chapter they made us feel very important. Thank you, as well to all the staff at the National Academy who always give us immediate, friendly, and competent assistance whenever we have the need.

I have enjoyed my time as a member of the chapter and serving intermittently over a long span of time as the Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President of the Southcentral Region, Training Committee Chair and other committees appointed by then President Terry Vrabec (Session #186) who very appreciatively served as President for 16 years. It was a lot of work, but our board of directors and our members made every minute worth the effort.

On a different note, I would like to recognize and thank the FBI NAA Charitable Foundation for helping me to recover from the destruction to my home from the November 30th earthquake. When Johnnie called to see how we were doing in the aftermath I told him what had happened to my house. I had seen Doug Muldoon’s email to the members offering support from the Foundation for any members suffering from the effects of the earthquake, but I didn’t think that it might mean me. When Johnnie said, “Don’t forget the Foundation,” I decided to contact Doug. Within a couple of days I received confirmation from Doug that the Foundation would help. I will never forget the emotional and financial assistance I received, and during the time when I was trying to put on a conference. There are no words to convey the level of my gratitude.