Promote awareness of the Naval Services with the MN Business communities, chambers of Commerce, Minnesota Business Council, Rotaries and Veterans Organizations through speaking engagements.  Seek avenues for the Council to support Veterans organization from manpower for their events, volunteer time, funding, and other resources as appropriate.  Outline an annual plan for engagement and recommendation for funding. 

For the Quarter from Jan 2024-March of 2024, Joyce Lacey, VP Community Engagement kicked off the new year by joining the Stop Soldier Suicide Challenge, rolling a mile each day and trying to collect pledges.   If you are interested in joining this worthwhile cause, please visit www.StopSoldierSuicide.org.

 Lacey made sure that MACV had warm socks, gloves, scarfs and hats for the winter months and dropped off books with large print at Veterans Homes, along with treats for Valentine's Day.

 VP Community Engagement attended the St. Paul Winter Carnival Coronation at the St. Paul RiverCentre with VP Membership, Bob Dolan and VP Communications, Pat Dolan to support the Prince of the North Wind, Eddie Wiegert, whom the Minnesota Council sponsored. Lacey volunteered, on behalf of the Navy League, at volunteer check-in and to assist with the Memorabilia Display during the ten days of Carnival. 

Lacey attended the Twin Cities Squadron U. S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps Dining Out Event January 6th at VFW Post 1296 in Bloomington and donated a couple gift baskets for their Silent Auction Fundraiser. 

 February 17th Lacey had the opportunity to promote the Navy League documentary "The African American Submarine Experience" at an event at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis. 

She addressed the public and members of the Legislature February 27th regarding the importance of supporting our Sea Services at the State Capitol Administration Building in the Conference Room.

Lacey represented the Navy League in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and volunteered following the parade for the Hooley at CHS Field.

VP of Community Engagement will be representing the Navy League serving Dinner at the American Legion Post 357 March 23rd for the American Legion Birthday Celebration, attending the Disability Forum at the Minnesota State Capitol March 27th, attending Veterans Day on the Hill April 17th, attending the Regional Conference April 19-20 and helping with the Honor Flight May 6th.

Upcoming events are participation at Twin Cities Auto Show for Military Appreciation Day, and the Youth Wheels, Tracks & Wings Event for the month of the Military Child at the Elbow Lake Airport April 27th from 1100 hours to 1400 hours. Don't miss these exciting upcoming events.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling Wall will be at the MOA June 14th, along with a ceremony for Vietnam Veterans.