I keep running into Frank Vaughn at the State Capitol. He was at the swearing in of our State Legislators on January 9th and testified for the hearing at the Old Supreme Court Room to convince the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee to put our Convention of States Resolution on the Senate floor for a vote. There were also other times he’s been there to help out our Legislative Liaison, John Graboski.
He's enjoying getting involved in state government. He watched as John worked with Representative Richard Holtorf from House District 63 and was there when he agreed to be a sponsor for our Resolution.
“I’ve learned that you have to develop a relationship with these folks. I’m more resolved that we also need to talk to people who are not with us but are reasonable and are willing to listen.”
Frank retired in June 2022 and after studying up on Convention of States, he started volunteering a few months later.
“I’ve watched Republicans and Democrats get into office and neither one fixes the important issues.”
In February, Frank became a District Captain for HD27 and SD19. He will be involved in motivating his House and Senate District COS supporters to meet one another and find new petition signers in his area. He will meet with state leaders regularly to update everybody on what’s going on in his area and he’ll keep learning about all the details and how to lead.
He just recently signed up for a program given by Convention of States to volunteers called Servant Leadership. It’s an eight-week course that goes through the book of the same title written by David Kunhert. Frank just finished week one so he’ll know more about it in a couple of months. It’s about what it describes: leading with a servant’s heart. Not as easy as it sounds.
Frank is also a member of the COS Veterans Coalition. He gathers with other Veterans to support our three objectives in the Resolution: federal term limits, fiscal restraint boundaries for the federal government and limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government.
The COS Vets are not having a problem finding new Veteran team members. Frank got involved through the Veterans Coalition Director, Art Sickler, and they have a tight group. “I truly believe the Veterans Coalition is making a difference in Convention of States here in Colorado. It’s a very organized group.”
Frank joined the Colorado Air National Guard when he was 17. He was so young, his mom had to sign for him to join. He started part-time but then was able to get in full-time and was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant, the first in that squadron, the 233rd Space Communications Squadron. He retired after 38 years of service.
So why is he so involved with Convention of States? “I believe in American exceptionalism and self-governance. I wouldn’t have served as long as I did if I didn’t believe this. We sit on the sidelines or we take action. I chose to take action. Article V gives us the best answer to accomplish this.”
Frank is our April Volunteer of the Month. We’re so grateful for everybody who is able to get involved.
Frank will be at the Convention of States Rally on Thursday, April 20th. He’ll be a Gallery Captain so if you have signed up to be a Gallery Watcher at the State Capitol on April 20th, Frank will help you get where you need to be. Show up and meet him. It’s really important that all of our supporters take the time to meet each other. We must unite, network and build relationships. It’s time the United States of America represented our nation’s name: United.
To attend the rally on April 20th and for more information, sign up here.
