I worry about the republic, I believe we are seeing the decline in many ways and the opportunity to turn the tide and reclaim our birthright is short. Today being offended seems to be a national obsession and one that leads to censorship and the alienation of those who hold on to traditional values. There are nights when I go to sleep worried about where we are headed and what my grandchildren will inherit.

There is a way to recharge your patriotic batteries. When you spend time sitting in room with good Americans, you will find it is a wonderful way to spend a couple hours and can help you chase away some of the deep concerns we have for our nation. Our state leadership (including me) has set a goal for 20 chapters in Virginia by the end of 2015. I would like to encourage all of you to attend your area chapter meetings. If there is no chapter in your area, get us a room and we will help get you started.

Trust me, you need to build ties in your local community, you served your nation (in the military, as first responders, peace officers, or as upstanding members of your community) and she needs you now too, as does your Commonwealth. Training and “fellowshipping” with people is a great way to spend two or three hours once a month and serving on a CPT is serving your community. Families are always welcome (including older children). I have heard from folks in Harrisonburg, Lexington, Gloucester, NoVA (we have one chapter starting there but need more), southeastern VA, and some places my brain cannot recall.

Richmond, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Staunton and Charlottesville could also use your help and I would not mind seeing more of you folks at the next Roanoke, Lynchburg, Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania and Winchester meetings. You joined Oath Keepers (or visited our website) because you care; I challenge you to help us grow. As one of our state chapter officers says politicians respect money and numbers, we are not getting rich so we need numbers. I might be crazy but is 50 chapters and 5000 members in the Commonwealth that won America her independence too much to ask for? We are the home of George Mason, James Madison, James Monroe, the Lee family, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, the Randolph family, etc., etc. Just as they lead our nation, you can too. Step up and make it happen, please.