I am requesting that you reconsider the proposed changes to the Gaming Laws in the state of Virginia.

I am the President of the Ladies Auxiliary of AmVets Post #18 in Winchester VA.  I am also the wife of a Disabled Vietnam Veteran (Marines 1963 - 1966) and the mother of an Airman currently serving his 19th year.  

Our post is completely volunteer with NO paid employees.  We are able to keep the doors open to help the Veterans in our area with the funding we earn from current gaming proceeds.  We provide a FREE office for the DAV, a place for The Young Marines to meet twice a month, support to a local Scout Troop and services to local Veterans including but not limited to Veteran Suicide Prevention, guidance to navigate Veteran Health Care and benefits, Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Missions to Washington DC, US flag retirement ceremonies, local Blue Ridge Hospice support, support to local foster children charities, etc.  These services we offer for FREE also take some of the burden off some of the state agencies that are understaffed and overwhelmed.  

Due to the current economic climate, monetary donations have become almost non existent, so the proceeds from the current gaming have become even so much more important to us a community service.  

Please consider the pleas from all of the nonprofits to not hinder our services to the public.  I would hope that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia to let Posts such as ours increase our help to the communities we serve, not try to shut us down.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christine H. Cregar

President - AmVets Post #18 Ladies Auxiliary