By Colleen McGuire-Klemme

Ringing in a new year is always a little exciting. It’s a time to get organized and plan activities during the following months.

The year 2002 had its hard knocks for the staff of the VRNA. In September, we lost our dear friend and president, Kelly Ferber to lung cancer. In October, we lost a friend to veteran causes, Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.), who died in a plane crash with his wife and daughter in northern Minnesota. Losing two figures – both that spent much of their time ensuring that veteran sacrifices were not forgotten – was difficult for veterans across the country.

This loss made me think about what positive changes we can all make to put our best foot forward in 2003, and feel better about ourselves and the impact we have on people we come in contact with.

Top 10 Things To Consider During 2003

Exercise – Exercise strengthens your muscles and your heart. Clear out the cobwebs! Spend at least 20 minutes a day stretching good and bad joints. Take the steps instead of the elevator. Walk a few blocks to a nearby store instead of driving. If you are disabled, talk to a physical therapist about what you can do to enhance your lifestyle through exercise.

Strive to eliminate your debt – Make a pledge to yourself to put away the credit cards and live on your income alone. Create a monthly budget and stick to it. Allow for little pleasures once in awhile, but recognize the difference between “need” and “want.”

Connect with a veteran buddy you haven’t spoken with in a long time – Pick up the phone and talk with a fellow veteran you served with or go online and begin researching for your lost pal. Register online at the VRNA Buddy Locator site at www.vrna.org and search more than 10 million records at www.military.com.

Make a lifestyle change – You do not have the same impact on other people if you don’t feel physically or mentally healthy. Take care of your diet, see your doctor for regular check-ups, seek counseling if trauma from your past is not allowing you to live a peaceful life. Select one permanent lifestyle change that will better your sense of being.

Take time for family – Don’t live a life of regrets. Contact family members you have not seen or spoken with in a long time or just make more time for your children.

Volunteer – Many organizations and nonprofits were hurt by the economy during the Christmas holidays. If you cannot financially donate to your favorite charity, get involved by donating your time. Sign up to work at a local soup kitchen, connect with an outreach program at a church or synagogue, take time to visit the elderly at a nursing home or share one of your large meals with a shut-in down the street.

Get active in veteran legislation – State and national veteran legislation is on the table before legislators in 2003. Find out what is happening in your local community by contacting a VFW or American Legion chapter. Some of the bills before Congress to watch for include the educational center at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Armed Forces Tax Fairness. Make 2003 the year you write a letter to your U.S. represenative to express your special veteran point of view.

Become financially savvy – You don’t need a degree in accounting to be a good business manager by your personal finances. Start with researching the interest rates you are paying for your home loan and/or car loan. If you can get a better rate, refinance and pay off the debt sooner. Have a child going to college one day? Create an account for your student with a Section 529. You can contribute as much as $11,000 for each child into this account without any gift tax consequences.

Get an active-duty e-mail pen pal – Join the campaign at www.emailourmilitary.com and support our troops! This campaign originated when the “Operation Dear Abby” mail program to troops overseas was suspended due to anthrax threats. Now you can send inspirational and encouraging e-mail messages overseas to troops participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, who are far away from their loved ones.

Tell a friend about the VRNA – If you enjoy the benefits and savings you receive from the VRNA, tell a friend! Uncomfortable talking to other people? When you are finished reading this publication, leave it in a strategically planned spot for a veteran friend to find!

Resolutions are made and broken continually. Don’t get frustrated if you fail to follow through with a promise you made to yourself. Everyday is a new beginning.

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