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Ron Mittenberger - 3/24/2009 11:07:26 AM Thank you for your commitment to Washington State 4-H Programs.

As a father of five grown children and 11 grandchildren I have lived through a family financial crisis. There were times we lived from paycheck to paycheck not knowing where our next dollar would come from. These were difficult times for our family. Those times created other problems, not just financial, that challenged our family. However, the most significant blessing that occurred was the involvement of our children in 4-H activities. I am so thankful for the 4-H programs that some what defused our family financial situation for our children. As well, my wife and I, also became leaders and saw first hand the results that could be accomplished through this organization.

As you are well aware, the 4-H programs are statewide and they encompass thousands of our youths, in numerous programs. They are taught mostly by volunteers and funded and administrated, I believe, by Washington State University Extension within each county.

At this turbulent time, most citizens, if not all in this state and the counties are facing a financial crisis. And because of these times, one of the most basic foundations for teaching our youth good sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship may be sliced from existence. This could have deprived the families of our great State of Washington the foundations that cannot be pushed aside because we have to “balance the budget”. It will only cost us more in the future if we choose to ignore these programs today. If the programs were eliminated our children will miss an opportunity to jump start their development in becoming well rounded citizens. Our future leaders, teachers, engineers, fire and police men and women, presidents from all corners of our State will be missing an opportunity of learning the values that are taught through 4-H. These programs give the State and its’ communities the mechanism to channel our children in the direction to become those valued citizens—and the type of citizens we need more of in our communities. I can’t say enough on how these programs engage our children and their parents when we needed it the most.

We are proud of the accomplishments of all of our children but our youngest daughter, Jennifer (Director of Campus Advancement and Alumni Relations at WSU Vancouver) sums it best. “Dad, I am thankful for the 4-H programs that provided me the skills to become a productive and active citizen of my community. It taught me responsibility and hard work. It taught me how to work towards goals and if not always reaching that goal, to retool and continue to strive toward those goals. Without the funds from raising and selling my lambs each year may have kept me from participating in other activities that also provided a great learning experience. If my 4-H programs were eliminated, I wouldn’t have received the public speech training, nor a scholarship that helped pay for my education at WSU. It would be detrimental if the 4-H programs become non-existent. It helped me learn life-long skills and become a valued citizen. So Dad and Mom, I am asking for your support in helping spread the word that we must not and can not remove the programs that 4-H provides. My children, your grandchildren, and other families need the same opportunities that it provided to our family.”

Thank you again,

Ron Miltenberger
Battle Ground, Washington

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