Woof, woof to the Kennel.  The work is going strong in Rochester in preparation for the 70th Supreme Growl.  I hope you are planning on attending.  I am looking forward to seeing Rochester and once again joining with the many members of the League and Order coming together in fellowship to get the business of the League and Order completed for another year.

As this is my last year as the Chief Devil Dog, I want to say thank you to all of you who have made my term of office fun and rewarding.  There is a huge learning curve on becoming the head of any organization and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs is no different.  We just have more fun!  Thank you to all the Pounds and Packs who invited and hosted me at your conventions and conferences these last two years.  It is wonderful to get out and meet the voices on the other end of the phone or e-mail, to see how and what you are doing in your home areas and to see some really pretty country around this great nation.  I've had the honor of being asked to speak at various gatherings and I hope we have all learned from one another.

The best part about this organization, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, is that it is steeped in history, but not bound by it.  During my tenure the Devil Dog Creed was changed to reflect the passion of one member that once a Marine, always a Marine.  With careful negotiation, we were able to bring the League Bylaws in concert with the MODD Bylaws and allowed the option of wearing the American Flag or the MODD Shoulder Patch on the undress uniform shirt.  These things were done with an eye to history and custom, but also with a view to the future.

I know that the Order is still growing and changing.  I have had a paw in some of the changes myself, but the Order is a living organization and it will continue to evolve and grow and change, but only with your involvement.  Don't sit by and whine about something that you feel needs to be changed.  Become involved in making the Military Order of the Devil Dogs the best it can be.  I know that I will continue to be an active part of the Order as my predecessors have been.

The Military Order of the Devil Dogs is the fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League.  Remember to support the League in all of its missions and keep the fun in your Growls.  Take a moment to look up the duties of the offices of your pound or Pack and then run for office.  It isn't all that hard, and it only takes as much time as you are willing to give it.  Just please, if you do take an office, become acquainted with the duties of the office and do them.  A title or a cover is meaningless unless you do the duties of the office those things represent.  The rest of your Pound or Pack will appreciate your efforts.

Once again, thank you all for a fantastic experience and your confidence these last 6 years as you elected me Kennel Mad Dog, Junior Vice Chief Devil Dog, Senior Vice Chief Devil Dog, and especially for these last two years as your Chief Devil Dog.  I look forward to seeing you all again soon in Growl assembled.

Semper fidelis and Woof, Woof!!!
Laurel Hull
52nd Chief Devil Dog