MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - MARK WEBB

As we enter into a new year, I am reflecting on the events that have occurred during the past year that have affected the Federal Wildlife Officers Association (FWOA). We were instrumental in pursuing the memorial for SA Joe Oliveros on a 1,000 tract of land near Mer Rouge, LA (see accompanying article in this issue); we are still pursuing a similar memorial for Joe in Florida; and have requested the FWS/LE Washington, D.C. office to assist in purchasing a plaque. FWOA supported and has watched the change to direct line authority and the classification change from 1812s to 1811s. Time will tell if this is the answer to some of our problems or the cause of new ones. One fact is for certain, that things are changing and will continue to change.

Our job as Special Agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service continues to move even farther from that of an enforcer of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or "Duck Cop" to that of a Criminal Investigator with a priority on wildlife crimes. Many of our SAs are pursuing investigations that involve the electrocution and contamination of migratory birds, the illegal smuggling of our world's wildlife resources, and the continued commercialization of wildlife by those people who are looking to turn a quick dollar or to collect that once in a lifetime wildlife specimen.

Our SAs continue to be asked to step up to the plate and fulfill roles that never would have been expected a few years ago. We have served as Air Marshals protecting the flying public; as security officers at major airports and the main Interior building in Washington, D.C.; assisting in the protection of the public and other Department of Interior employees at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; and as security guards and public relations representatives for the FWS at irrigation projects on the West Coast to protect Department of Interior property and endangered species.

In closing, I want to wish each and every one of you a safe and productive New Year and I hope that one of your resolutions is to get involved with FWOA!

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT - LEO SUAZO

Greetings and Feliz Ano Nevo! My prayer and hope is that your holidays were spent in much deserved rest and with loved ones. Another year has zoomed by! As we all are experiencing, trying to achieve a balance is seemingly more difficult. We are still in the mist of many changes within our outfit. Depending on where you stand and how you look at the changing situations in the Office of Law Enforcement, it can either be the best or worst thing to happen. As I begin to reach my tenth year, I have chosen to view the glass as half full. In my 21 years of wildlife law enforcement one thing is for sure, duck cops, special agents, federal game wardens and criminal investigators sometimes do not handle change well. But change we do as this is the way of life WE have all chosen!

As Mark reflected, much has been accomplished by our members!! Yet, many projects and requests still linger. Through the board and regional representatives, ideas and requests have been made to FWOA members seeking assistance, guidance, and direction. Unfortunately few responses, if any, are returned, FWOA will only move forward at a snail's pace if its members do not engage. For those of you who have chosen to make time to respond and lend a hand, we say "Thanks!"

The Board is receiving increasing requests for donations, contributions, and assistance from both within FWOA and outside entities in your individual areas. The board's dilemma is that we are limited by our budget. Earlier this year the board and regional reps solicited your comments to increase our dues. FWOA members do not have a problem with increasing the dues. The question is how. Some recommendations were to double the dues and other recommendations were a $5.00 biweekly payroll deduction. Please consider how much you would like the dues to be.

Remember, we are limited by our budget. I know some of you are wondering why we don't have a raffle. Raffles, with the help of the membership, can be very successful. Our current economy reduces the donations our supporters are able to give. Not to mention the tremendous effort it takes to organize a raffle. This is why an increase is dues is crucial but is not the only answer. We must also come up with ways to gain permanent financial support and yet not be compromised. I would urge you to think of what the future of FWOA should be.

Our past boards and reps have worked hard to bring us to this level. In the next newsletter we will outline some potential projects, ideas, and requests from our members, both active and retired, that can take us to another level.

The Partner's Perspective - Mrs. Leo Suazo

(The "Other Half" of Those Who Protect Our Wildlife)

My perspective throughout the years of my marriage to Leo Suazo, the State Conservation Officer, through changes and now to Leo Suazo, the Criminal Investigator, has always been that of a partner. I am sure that many of us partners can attest that it has not always been easy. The choice of a partner's attitude though is ours to choose in our relationships with these unique individuals who have answered the calling of their God-given abilities and talents to enforce the laws that protect our wildlife. Let me explain.

Along the way we all made a choice to become a part of these individual's personal lives. What about with the type of work they've chosen? We know the mission they've chosen to protect our wildlife comes at a high cost to our personal lives at times. The word "partner" can be defined as a person playing on the same team as another, an ally (to unity in a close relationship or bond). An individual's identity very often is tied up in their work. They need to be appreciated, valued, and feel successful. Their work should be a source of fulfillment and provide a sense of purpose. I believe it truly takes a special type of person to endure and accomplish the requirements put upon those who protect wildlife for our future generations. I believe many of these individuals have been enthralled with a strong vision for their responsibility as wildlife law enforcement officers.

You see, my partner's perspective helps keep my sight on the fact that I have been entrusted as a team player in Leo's purpose by supporting and encouraging him and respecting his calling. A part of this partner's perspective is understanding that the true meaning of life does not come from work. One's work should basically be the means of providing the necessities, shelter, food, and clothing. Even though work should be fulfilling, it should not be one's true sense of purpose. My responsibility as Leo's partner is to strive to provide nurturing, contentment, rejuvenation, rest, acceptance, and a balance.

It takes unique individuals to partner up with those possessing wildlife enforcement visions. So to all of us using our abilities and talents in these partner roles, may we maintain a vision of a perfect balance. You may say it is a play on words. Think about the partner's perspective as not something you just do because this is your situation. Think of it as an honor and a privilege to have been so entrusted. After all, he or she is your best friend. My hat goes off to all of you, may you all be richly blessed.