♦National Delta Tau Alpha newsletter ♦ Holidays 2003♦ Happy Holidays Meet your NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN My name is Damon Arthur Lawrence and I am the National Parliamentarian. I was born and raised in Humble, Texas and grew up working livestock with my grandfather in east Texas. My lifelong dream is to be able to work with horses and cows everyday. So in order to live my dreams I have come to Sul Ross State University to study in the equine science program. I haven't always been around livestock or any part of agriculture for that matter. I was on the varsity swimming and water polo teams in high school and was recruited by the Naval Academy to play water polo for the Navy. But the Navy didn't suit my lifelong desires so I opted for a two year service in the fleet being stationed at the amphibious base in Coronado, CA. After my service in the Navy I went to a small private university in West Virginia to swim. While in West Virginia I injured my shoulder and could no longer be an active member on the team. This is where the agriculture side of my life comes into play. The school had a very nice equine program and I changed my major and started studying horses and learning to ride. Figuring out that this is what I truly wanted to do with my life I came back to Texas and after a couple of years of working in Houston I finally made it to Alpine. Here at Sul Ross I am an active member in the school Student Government Association, am the current president of the Horseman's Association as well as a member of the show team. My future goals are to obtain a pH. D in equine exercise physiology and teach at the university level or conduct research to advance the knowledge of the athletic horse. All my travels and life experiences thus far have made me into an honest and hard working individual who loves horses and the world of agriculture. Last year at the National Convention here at Sul Ross I was introduced to a society of people who share the same goals and interest as me and I am pleased to be a part of it. Damon Arthur Lawrence National Parliamentarian

President’s Corner Howdy Y’all, Feliz Nuevo Anos! I apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter. Toward the end of the Fall semester this wonderful technology took a dive on me, coupled and with finals and preparing for judging contests, I became remiss in my duties. As the leading students in our fields, we need to continue to implement and adapt to new regulations concerning GMOs, COOL, organic foods and the increasing threat from bio-terrorism. I urge everyone to continue to promote agriculture and the fact that the U.S. food supply is still the safest in the world in spite of the recent events that may suggest the contrary. I hope everyone has had a wonderful break and is looking forward to a new semester. I cannot wait for, what seems like, a wonderful National Convention. Brian VanDelist National President Don’t Forget Check out your National To submit Form 40’s after every meeting so that you can be included in Chapter Chatters. Information for National No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, no culture comparable to that of the garden. ~ Thomas Jefferson~ Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten. ~ Cree Indian Prophecy ~