It is an honor and privilege to serve as President of the organization working hard to ensure we protect, defend and enhance your ability to serve as reserve peace officers in the State of Iowa. You are all a highly motivated group and it inspires me every day to develop and increase the efficiency and capabilities of our officers. Thank you to Past President John Gahring for your leadership and hard work to keep us moving forward.

Looking back just a few short months ago, I want to say Thank You to all of our sponsors, volunteers and attendees who helped make this Spring’s banquet one of our most successful! Your donations and support are vital to the Association’s ongoing initiatives of supporting our Iowa reserve peace officers.

As our world and communities continue to evolve, so must the association. As I look to the future, the mission remains the same, but the commitment to advance is greater than ever. The Board and I are working diligently to continue to enhance our brand and access to our services. The first and most visible change is here with an updated format and delivery of The Backup. Thank you Special Deputy Johnie Blanchett (Linn County Sheriff’s Office) for leading its evolution. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the coming year.

A foundation is only as strong as the cause that it represents. I and the Board believe in the cause and are committed to making the Iowa State Reserve Law Officers Association as strong as possible both now and for the future. However, this is not work that we can accomplish alone. I am inviting each of you to join me in recommitting ourselves to building upon our strong foundation. Together, we share the responsibility for advocacy of our association which has made much of what we accomplish possible. I not only welcome your feedback, but encourage it. Feel free to drop me a line or contact any board member.

Join me in keeping our cause front and center at our next event, the August ISRLOA Seminar and Shoot Weekend. You will leave earning 8 hours of mandatory training, rekindling friendships and hopefully making a few new ones. Refer to this issue of The Backup for additional details.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, we thank you and your families for your service. It is an extraordinary thing that you do, and you deserve the recognition and support that is equally above and beyond.