This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

GOP Women On The Move

The Redlands Republican Women's Club are excited about the 2012 election cycle -- and its new president is one reason why.

I had the honor Friday of installing the 2012 officers for the Redlands Republican Women’s Club following a partisan and lunchtime speech about my recent military experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Usually, when I speak to civic or school groups, I tailor my pictures and presentation to the needs and concerns of the audience. I put my politics in check – somewhat – when flashing pictures and recounting stories about my war-zone deployments to those groups.

But Friday was different because I felt no-need to hold back; I gave the best red-meat speech I could. The crowd, some 50 women gathered inside the Redlands Country Club, were enthusiastic and appreciative. I got weepy when they rose for my first-ever standing ovation.

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But Friday was also different because I got to announce the names of the new Republican officers – including incoming President Lauren Briggs, an enthusiastic and creative woman who is determined to make things happen in 2012. She is a woman of action.

(For the record: I’ve known Lauren for several years. We are both members of the First Congregational Church in Redlands. Lauren and her family were abundantly helpful to my family after I had been called up to active duty in January and while I was at war.)

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Redlands Republican Women’s Club is one of several spheres of GOP influence in Redlands, a town that traditionally leans red on Election Day. Under Lauren’s leadership, her Republican club may just get Redlands to turn bright red on Election Day.

During the question and answer session, I mentioned that Obama blew a “no brain” decision to destroy the drone recently downed in Iran. One lady stood up and said, “You’re right; Obama is a ‘no brainer.’”

The crowd roared.

As a tea party conservative, I was ecstatic to see just how motivated my fellow Republicans are to eject Obama from the White House in 2012. With Lauren in charge, that likelihood will be, well, just that much more likely.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?