Americanism Notes (October): Happy Fall everyone. Days are getting shorter and soon Daylight Savings time will end, actually November 3rd. What are we to do for this month. Buddy Checks. This is very important. First because as the daylight shortens, the rise of Seasonal Affective Disorder raises it's ugly head, which can increase suicide attempts. October is also Agent Orange month again bad memories of buddies lost to the medical conditions created by exposure to toxic herbicides . Lastly, all the issues with all the political promises that are constantly blasting on the airwaves or on social media, fears of what will happen to veterans & the VA system can scare some of our brother and sister veterans. Learn the methods of how to talk to our buddies by going to a session or going to the online training by the Lighthouse project. Veteran suicide is very real and you can "Be the One" to save a life by helping a buddy get to accept the need for treatment.

Moving on to happier projects, working for and with our future. The Youth of our country. Get into the schools doesn't matter the grade, but there are great coloring contest projects. Then there is the training for flag etiquette or the books on the Constitution. A good presentation can come from a book called "The Vision" . For the older students urge them to become involved in the Oratorical contest. Preparations needs to begin now for their research and writing, followed by the practice of presenting it. The Essay contest is also coming up fast. The theme : "Is the American Dream Still Relevant Today". The money earned by all the winners can help with post high school educational endeavors.

Lastly, Halloween is the end of the month. Plan a community event, some ideas include a Halloween party or a Trunk or Treat. Another idea could be to work with the police to help as safety guards as they go trick or treating in the neighborhoods.