RWOP June 2024 Newsletter

THE TRUMPETER - June 2024

RWOP Newsletter Editor: Joan Lesko, RWOP VP Communications, contact@rwop.info

President's Message - Sue Davis

Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote...that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country- Samual Adams

How many can say that you actually research political candidates, proposed legislation, and ballot measures? Ask the difficult questions? Participate in campaigns, contribute financially and show support for your candidate?

Do you only rely on friends or family, a particular news station, talk show host, or social media to know how to vote?

Did you actually read the petition you’re signing and ask questions of the individual collecting the signatures?

How can you be sure that you’re on the right side of governance, campaigns, and candidates? Don’t let media bias lull you into complacency.

We are starting to see an onslaught of campaign emails, texts, TV ads, and mailers. The objective is often to distort, obfuscate, and pull you onto “their bandwagon.”

The Democrats know they have problems; they are targeting independents and gullible Republicans alike. Ballot measures and even liberal candidates will be packaged as moderate vs “threat to democracy” and radical rightwing conservatives.

Isn’t it obvious that the Biden regime is getting away with its scandalous liberal agenda? We are truly living in sad times with our lives under political assault. We are not the American sheeple. We have been demonized, ridiculed, censored, had our livelihoods terminated, and even imprisoned. We spoke out against the bogus “lab leak”, Dr. Evil lockdowns, fake COVID numbers, SEL, DEI, our open border, pro-abortion madness and election fraud.

You knew something wasn’t right all along - the border craziness, the $6 billion in cash for Iran, the Ukrainian flags on US warships, student protests in support of Hamas Palestinians, gender-affirming surgeries, and the list goes on.

Adams stated that voting is a very serious and important responsibility each citizen has in society. It is not just about pleasing an individual or a cause. It’s about fulfilling a duty, one that each of us is accountable for to both God and our country. I agree with his statement. Voting is a way for you, me, and all citizens to have a say in government, and it is a responsibility we should take very seriously.

I’m asking you to do your homework, attend/host candidate forums, set up meetings with candidates, ask thoughtful questions, and be bold in interviewing and studying what’s put in front of you. Then, you can make an informed decision on who will best represent you, Yavapai County, and the State of Arizona.

Even if you don’t like a person’s personality or appearance, but they have a proven capacity to demonstrate conservative leadership, swallow your pride, and make the right choice. Early voting begins July 3^rd. Be first in line! Be the one who votes for the love of all that’s right, good, and special about this country.

All the best,

Sue

RWOP Stands with

President Donald J. Trump.

We will send photos of support to President Trump from our June Luncheon.

We ask everyone attending the June Luncheon to wear Patriotic Colors to support President Donald J. Trump.

The 1st VP of Programs position is now available for an energetic, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented RWOP member.

This is a most exciting job as you have the opportunity to personally seek out and interview potential speakers for the RWOP luncheons. You will work closely with Sue Davis, RWOP President, as you decide on speaking engagements for the year 2024. Since this is an election year, most of the speakers will be candidates, and you will get first-hand information regarding their

platforms.

Another large responsibility of this position is to search for our “Main Event” speaker, the big fundraiser for RWOP. After the speaker has been agreed upon, you will chair the Main Event committee, which covers all the event details.

In addition, the First vice president's position temporarily assumes the President's responsibilities during her absence. The First vice president's position is on the Executive Committee.

If you'd like to apply, please click the button below. We are excited to hear from you.

APPLY HERE

The application deadline: June 6, 2024

Reservations Chair - Elsie Tyree

RWOP Luncheon - Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Prescott Resort & Conference Center

1500 E. Highway 69, Prescott, AZ

Luncheon: 11:00 am

Doors open and Social Hour begins at 10:00 am

For RWOP Members and Associate Members

THE MEETING STARTS PROMPTLY AT 11:00 AM

ARRIVE EARLY TO ALLOW FOR PARKING AND CHECK-IN

LUNCHEON MENU

(Choice of one entree)

Housemade Meatloaf, Green Beans, Potatoes Au Gratin
Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese Chopped Salad (Diced Grilled Chicken, Goat Cheese, Chopped Romaine Lettuce, Berries, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Raspberry White Balsamic Vinaigrette)
Vegetable Cobb Salad

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Cake

NO SUBSTITUTIONS ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT

$35 per person

Click here to be put on the Wait List!

Reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis!

A reservation made is a reservation paid...thank you!

If you have any questions, please contact:

Elsie Tyree

928-778-0235

tyree200@msn.com

To help speed up our check-in process:

Prepaying for the luncheon is encouraged - online or by check mailed prior to luncheon
Arrive early and allow time for parking
No large bills accepted
Have your payment ready – CASH or CHECK (made payable to RWOP for $35 - already filled out

We will be honoring our

First Responders

GUEST SPEAKERS

Chief Holger Durre - Bio

Fire Chief for the City of Prescott.

Chief John Feddema - Bio

Operations Chief for CAFMA

(Central Arizona Fire & Medical Authority)

CANDIDATE FORUM

Candidates for LD1 AZ Senate

Sen. Ken Bennett - Bio

Mark Finchem - Bio

Steve Zipperman - Bio

Candidates for LD1 AZ House

Rep. Selina Bliss - Bio

Rep. Quang Nguyen - Bio

Shawn Dell Wildman - Unable to Attend

Candidates for Yavapai County Sheriff

Doug Eckenrod - Bio

Invited

David Rhodes - Bio

Caring for America - Nancy Grigas

Charity of the Month

Visit their Website

Our June Charity of the month is Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 16 Prescott. DAV is a leading nonprofit charity that offers a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. The organization provides free professional assistance to help veterans access benefits they earned, such as health care, education and disability benefits. Connecting our Vets to meaningful employment opportunities, operating thrift stores, and conducting community outreach are some of the other ways they serve our veterans.

DAV is a 501c3 organization and funded solely by donations from individuals and community groups. They are always in need of funds, as well as volunteers to help work the thrift shop. There are numerous jobs there that are necessary to keep the store running. If you have time on your hands, volunteering at the thrift store is a great way to give back to our community. DAV also accepts furniture donations and will pick up if necessary.

Please stop by the Caring for America booth at the June luncheon and meet DAV representative Pete Walter.

Volunteers Needed!

Email: pollobserverinfo@ms.yavgop.org or dcarbone58@protonmail.com

2nd VP Ways & Means - Marilyn Read

Thank you, thank you! RWOP had a very successful outing at the YCCA Home Show thanks to all of our volunteers who helped make this event a great showing of patriotism.

Some volunteers just kept showing up to work, even without being scheduled - how great is that?! It made for a lively group, and we got to know each other a little bit better. And we also met and chatted with attendees who sought out our booth. There was work to do when we set up, and when we packed it all to leave. Big shout out to Merch Chair Mary Brauberger who toted our merchandise both ways, all the while continuing to replenish our inventory with new items (and, of course, Bill Brauberger who was and is the muscle and designated driver!)

Elsie Tyree - RWOP Parade Chair

The Prescott Frontier Days Parade is Saturday, July 6th at 9:00 am - staging location TBD

Come join the fun and walk or ride in the parade with the RWOP entry

Call or email the Parade Chair - Elsie Tyree at 928 778-0235 or tyree200@msn.com if you would like to participate

3rd VP Membership - Elaine Janks

As of the printing of this newsletter for the new 2024 membership year that started October 1, 2023 we have:

Total Members: 933

Active:766

Associate: 163

Student: 4

Drive thru Directory Pick Up and Food Drive

at the Prescott Resort on Thursday, June 13th

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

If you have not picked up your directory or you would like to donate food, please join us.

The food goes to the Community Cupboard, US Vets, Chino Valley Educational Foundation, Yavapai County Food Pantry.

New Active Members in May:

Sandra Jean Allen

Peggy O. Hurst

Jeanine Helen Krause

Sharon Mehr

Vicki C. Mickel

Cheryl Anne Miller

Tammie Ann Paquet

Ruth Ann Parkinson

Carrie Stacy

Debra S. Thacker

Joan Strandberg Wainer

4th VP Communications - Joan Lesko

Videos are available from the May 2024 Luncheon.

More Videos

Click HERE for the 2024 RWOP Luncheon Schedule!!

5th VP Education - Liz Davidson

It has been brought to our attention that our school libraries are flooded with left-wing books. We need to step up and give our students a balanced perspective with conservative books. We are asking our members to donate for the purchase of conservative and Republican Leaders’ books. Donations for the purchase of books can be made at the registration table during the monthly luncheon meeting

If you prefer to donate the books, hardcover new or gently used ones are ideal.

Attached is a list of recommended books. Select HERE

The Democrats have stocked the school library with history books, and we want to offer the Republican history.

For questions, please contact Liz Davidson Davidson.e.i@gmail.com or Lillian Bish lillybish456@gmail.com.

Legislation Chair - Sandra Reyes

LD-1 Legislative Update from the House – Selina Bliss

The Second Regular Session of the 56th Legislature for 2024 is rapidly winding down. At the time of this writing on June 1st we are finishing the 21st week of the session, which is long past what should’ve been Sine Die, as regular sessions are supposed to adjourn no later than the week of the 100th day which was April 20th. Let’s hope we don’t break last year’s record of the longest session in Arizona History that ended July 30th!

At this point, the holdup is the budget that is still being held in the Governor’s office. The legislature sent the Governor a budget last January, which she called “dead on arrival”, and we have not heard back since. Also left are a handful of bills to be heard and voted on in both the House and Senate Chambers. We began the session with 1,761 bills, resolutions, and memorials being introduced. At this point, 202 have been signed into law and 59 have been vetoed. Looks like we are not going to reach the veto record, which was also set last year at 143.

As we continue to advocate for bills that are driven by our House Majority Republican Plan, with the pillars being border security; election integrity; secure families, communities, and schools; water security; and providing for economic relief, we are reminded what an honor it is to serve. I am especially amazed with my seatmate, Representative Quang Nguyen, who has made my freshman term such a success. I want to take this opportunity to bring your attention to an article written by Rep. Nguyen on the topic of freedom. I know you will be as inspired as I am when we recall what a great nation we live in and the importance of defending our freedoms and constitutional rights.

Reclaiming Freedom - Quang Nguyen

Freedom is not merely a word; it is the very essence of our existence, the cornerstone of our spirit as Americans. I understand the sanctity of freedom, not only from the lessons of history but from personal experience. Born in Vietnam, a land where the shadow of communism cast a long, oppressive darkness over its people, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of a regime that feared freedom. The price of such fear was heavy, exacted in the currency of human lives, including those who dared dream of a free Vietnam.

The love of God graced each of us with the intent to live free from the moment of our birth. This divine intention was not meant to be curtailed or revoked by any man. Yet, history shows us time and again how men in power chip away at this fundamental right, eroding freedom under the guise of greater good, security, or unity. But let us be clear: when freedoms are stripped away, one by one, the loss is not just individual—it is a diminishment of our collective human spirit.

Today, as an Arizona State Representative from Prescott Valley, I stand before you as a staunch advocate for the Constitution and an unwavering supporter of the Second Amendment. These are not just political positions to me; they are deeply personal convictions, forged in the fires of a youth spent yearning for the freedoms that many so casually enjoy—and too often take for granted—in America.

The Second Amendment is more than the right to bear arms; it is a symbol of our ability to defend our freedoms against any force that seeks to diminish them. It is a reminder that freedom, once relinquished, is not easily reclaimed. In supporting this amendment, we uphold not just a constitutional right, but a safeguard for all other liberties.

In our current political climate, the word “freedom” is often hijacked, used as a tool to manipulate and control, casting shadows of fear and division among us. We must be vigilant and discerning, recognizing when our liberties are being used as political currency to further agendas that may not align with the welfare of the people. We must question, challenge, and resist any narrative that seeks to manipulate our understanding of what it means to be free.

We, as free Americans, must not allow ourselves to be lulled into complacency. We must engage actively in our democracy, informed and impassioned about our rights and responsibilities. The preservation of our freedoms is not guaranteed by the mere existence of laws or the presence of a constitution. It is secured through the vigilance and determination of its people.

Let us stand together, unified not by fear or manipulation, but by our common commitment to freedom. Let us remember the costs paid by those who lived under the yoke of tyranny and vow never to tread that path. As your representative, I pledge to uphold these values and fight for a future where freedom is not a privilege bestowed by the powerful but a right enjoyed by all.

Together, we can ensure that the word “freedom” remains a true reflection of our nation’s spirit and a beacon of hope for all who seek its light. Let us reclaim the freedoms that have been taken, one voice, one vote, one act of courage at a time. Let us live as we were meant to live from the day we were born: free and resolute in the defense of our liberties.

This article reflects the views of a man who not only understands what it means to lose freedom but who is also dedicated to ensuring that such loss is never experienced by future generations. In Arizona, and across this great nation, let us echo the calls for freedom, justice, and the unyielding defense of our constitutional rights.

Quang Nguyen is an Arizona state representative from Prescott Valley.

Legislative Update

Senator Ken Bennett

May 2024

Our TOP Senate Republican priority this year is Securing the Border. While this is primarily the responsibility of the federal government, we are going to do all we can as a state to fill in the gaps of their failure. We were delighted when Governor Hobbs said in her State of the State address in January –

“We cannot move forward without first addressing Washington’s ongoing failure to secure our southern border.” And a few seconds later she expressed support for “our neighbors, sheriffs, small business owners and local law enforcement near the border who work every day to offer solutions where the federal government has failed.”

So the first Bill we passed and sent to her this year was SB1231, which would make it a state crime to enter Arizona directly from a foreign nation WITHOUT going through a lawful Port of Entry. Without an existing state crime of entering illegally, when state, county or local law enforcement near the border encounter illegal crossers all they can do is call US Border Patrol, who are so overwhelmed that they often cannot respond for several hours. By then it’s obviously too late. Unfortunately, even after her statements above, the Governor vetoed the Bill.

Last week the Arizona Senate passed HCR2060, a Resolution that will put this proposal directly to the Arizona voters in November. I was successful in getting some amendments added to the Resolution that protected its constitutionality by only applying it prospectively, not retroactively. Creating a new law and applying it retroactively would violate the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions prohibition against “ex post facto” laws. The amendments also clarified the probable cause standards for when law enforcement officials could arrest and detain illegal crossers.

Now it goes to the House of Representatives, who will have the opportunity to consider further improvements. Once the House and Senate versions are identical, it will bypass the Governor and be on the ballot in November for Arizona voters to decide if they will support it. If so, this won’t solve all of our border security issues, but it will be an important tool for state, county and local law enforcement to help secure our border.

Campaigns, Petitions & Voter Registrations Chair

- Maureen Salfrank

Voter Registration is the First Step in Securing Our Elections.

RWOP needs volunteers to register voters in the tri-city area. Schedules are flexible to make it easier for you to sign up. Contact Maureen Salfrank at moesalfrank@gmail.com

RWOP Chaplain - Lillian Bish

"CLOUDY DAYS with CHAPLAIN LILLIAN BISH"

If anyone knows of an RWOP member who is sick, passed, or needs a note of encouragement, please contact me with their address so a personal card can be mailed. Blessings, Lillian Bish

Lillian Bish

928-350-5041

lillybish456@gmail.com

RWOP Photographer - Ginger McMahan

To view the photos on our website, CLICK HERE

Sponsor Business Card Ads are $100 for 12 months of inclusion in the monthly newsletters. Your ad will also be highlighted on RWOP website. If you are interested in highlighting your business, please contact Joan Lesko rwopweb@gmail.com

SELECT BUSINESS CARD BELOW TO GO DIRECTLY TO THEIR BUSINESS WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE