Listen up, Cooties!
(Straight Talk)
Breathe in.  Hold it.  Breathe out. 

There—we made it through another year, and somehow they’ve decided to let us do it again! 

A new Cootie year is upon us, bringing new officers, new chairmen, new ideas, a few changes, and undoubtedly a whole new collection of reasons to scratch our heads and wonder, “Who thought this was a good idea?"


Whether you are a brand-new Baby Cootie still learning where the seams are, or a well-seasoned Cootie who has been Lousy longer than some of our members have been alive, this year belongs to all of us.

There will be work to do. There will be fun to be had.  And, because we are Cooties, there will be plenty of times when nobody will be quite sure which is which.

But underneath all the foolishness is something we should never forget:  our purpose is serious even when we aren't.  We take care of veterans, their families, our communities, and one another.  That's what makes this organization special.

This year, our MOC/MOCA Supreme Special Project is the Veteran & Family Mental Health Program at the VFW National Home.  We joke that we're all a little crazy—and we probably are—but mental health is no joke.  Helping veterans and their families find strength, support, and hope is something every Cootie can get behind.  I ask every Pup Tent, Grand, Cootie and Auxiliary member to help us make this project something we can all be proud of.

Most of all, stay involved.  Attend your Scratches.  Support your Pup Tent.  Visit our hospitalized veterans.  Help another Cootie.  Try something new.  And don't be afraid to have a little fun while you're doing it.

(Cootie Talk)
It is my absolute displeasure to serve you as Supreme Seam Squirrel for 2026–2027.  I promise to do my worst, cause an appropriate amount of confusion, and keep you wondering which one of my personalities you elected. 

Let's make this a year worth scratching about.

May you always find a little crazy in your day.

Yours in LOTCS,

Tracy M. L. Woodman
Supreme Seam Squirrel 2026-2027

"Yes, join the MOC—where your service will make other veterans smile, and good deeds come with a side of fun—because who says you can't serve veterans and have a blast doing it?  Select the button below to find out how!