By now, it is quite possible that you have read at least one post or forum that made mention of possible changes to the PGR's current mission statement. I wanted to take some time today bring you all up to speed regarding this issue.

Let's get this out of the way first... the BOD - after lengthy discussion - has decided that no changes will be made to the current PGR mission statement at this time.

With that said - judging by some of the heated discussions and emails I got - I'm sure some of you are breathing alittle easier. But before you get too comfortable in status quo... let me continue...

There may indeed come a day where our mission statement needs to be adjusted to better communicate the purpose, vision, and function of the PGR. When will this day arrive? Will it arrive? I don't know and certainly cannot predict it - no one can. But it could happen...

Does that mean that it's inevitable - it's just a matter of time until the whole mission statement will be rewritten. Absolutely not. A "change" may simply mean adding a word - a phrase ... anything... to better align with our organization's landscape. It may happen... it may not...

If that day should come - I want this membership to take solace in several points:
- The BOD is fully aware of how passionate our membership is about our mission statement.
- No change will ever be made without full regard for potential impact in all areas of the organization.
- No change will ever be made that isn't in the best interest of the PGR.
- No change... even the slightest... is considered lightly.

I've gotten emails citing concerns about veterans vs. KIA's - cages vs. bikers - military vs. first responders - and list goes on and on and on. Each email felt they had the pulse on the initiative and some even accused the BOD of "ramming this down our throats". Folks, I'm here to tell you - nothing could be farther from the truth.

There are few truths in this world. One of them is that change is inevitable. The PGR is not the same organization it was when it was founded... and I'd venture to say that we will not be exactly the same organization three years down the road. That is growth... and adaptability. Two things required for long term success. With that comes other changes... the mission statement being a perfect example.

Fortune 500 organizations spend countless of thousands of dollars with consulting firms when they decide to make ammendments to their corporate mission statements. Did the PGR spend thousands through this disucssion? No. But I can assure you that the conversation was carried with the same weight and importance as if we had. No one... and I mean no one... takes this lightly.

I'll leave you with a request...

I've been inspired by just how passionate some of our members are about our mission statement. I am amazed at how personally connected they are to it. The PGR is lucky to have that. However, should the day come when change is needed - I suggest the following...

Find a quiet few minutes to reflect and ask yourself:
What you are most passionate about?
What drives you?
What keeps you going back?
What keeps you standing in the heat, cold, rain, and snow?
What keeps you returning to a situation that you know leaves you sad and crying?

The mission statement? No... not even close...

You're passionate about the person that you are there to honor. You're passionate about the service the person gave. You're passionate about the sacrifice the person bore. You're passionate about the commitment of one to stand guard in defense of a nation - or respond to others in need.

Our mission statement is words. Words that have no meaning without your action. People don't join the PGR - support the PGR - or respect the PGR because of 218 words posted on our homepage...

They join because of what you do - and what you stand for - every day. We could change one word - 12 words - 86 words - or all 218... that wouldn't change the impact you have everyday on families in need, let alone this nation.

As important as a mission statement is... it's not the life blood of the PGR - you are. That doesn't mean that we regard our mission statement with any less importance - or sincerity. But we recognize that a mission statement is simply that... a statement.

The real worth... is in the action.

Respectfully,
Jeff