The AHEPAN - Fall 2015 - 4

A MESSAGE FROM JOHN W. GALANIS, AHEPA SUPREME PRESIDENT

Stepping-up for Greece amid Crisis
As we begin a new administrative year, I sincerely thank the delegates of the 93rd Supreme Convention for electing me Supreme President. It is truly an honor to serve the Order at the highest
level. I pledge my unwavering commitment, as well as the commitment of the Supreme Lodge, to
advance our beloved Order and its worthy mission during a most challenging time.

John W. Galanis

Greece's economic crisis was a constant in the headlines during the summer only to be overcome by headlines detailing the massive influx to Greece of migrants fleeing Syria and the Middle
East. AHEPA has been engaged on these two important policy challenges. In July, AHEPA issued
timely statements of support during pivotal and trying moments for Greece, including one from
the AHEPA Cyprus & Hellenic Affairs Committee's meeting adopted at the Supreme Convention.
In August, Executive Director Basil Mossaidis met with the U.S. Treasury Department, and AHEPA
was represented at a select gathering of Greek American organizations and community leaders at
the White House for a roundtable discussion about Greece's economic condition to explore what,
if any, U.S. policy options exist to help our longtime NATO ally, Greece. In September, I made my
first round of visitations to Capitol Hill to meet with key legislators, including my senator, Ron
Johnson of Wisconsin, who chairs the subcommittee with oversight over relations with Europe,
to ensure Greece remains on their agendas and pledged AHEPA's support for their efforts. In early
October, I look forward to attending a conference of AHEPA's European chapters in Stuttgart, Germany, to learn more and gain feedback from our overseas brothers about how best to assist Greece
and its people.
Internally, we must strive to address membership recruitment and retention. As we approach
the fourth quarter of 2015, please make every effort to ensure AHEPA's membership remains
strong and vibrant. Take the extra effort to outreach to a family member, colleagues, and friends;
Hellenes and Philhellenes alike, and ask them to join a chapter or at-large. And do the same for a
Brother who you haven't seen in quite some time. Invite him back into the fold. Share an Ahepan
magazine or e-news edition with him. In today's social media-obsessed society, it is easy for folks
to reconnect with very little effort.
As we step back and assess the landscape of the American Hellenic community, I cannot help
but to beam with pride with how Greek Americans continue to shine. From the heroics of Alek
Skarlatos, who foiled a terrorist on a French train, to Baciliky "Betty" Cantrell, the granddaughter
of an AHEPA Life Member from Savannah, Georgia, Stavros Andris, who captured the 2016 Miss
America crown, to athletes such as the Kansas City Royals' Mike Moustakas, who is helping to lead
his team to the postseason, we certainly have a lot for which to be proud. The community's future
is bright. Let's ensure AHEPA continues to lead the way.

THE AHEPAN · Fall 2015

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