A Changed ETC

My Brother Knights of the Great State of Texas,

This is the final Texas Knight of 2022.What a ride we have been on for the last 2 years. I accepted this Director’s Job with the goal of changing the attitude towards the Educational, Training, & Communications (The ETC) part of the major directors for the better. From all feedback, we have accomplished just that. We have made available any & all education, training, & communication that you could want. The Pandemic helped us in this endeavor, but we have made “The ETC” an area that has real relevance for all positions throughout the Texas State Council both live & virtual. We listened to all you brother knights and have tried to provide you with all training that you have needed.

Communications is the key to any organization. The Texas Knight & the Finish Line as gotten you back to the basics to make your local Councils successful. The ETC has made sure that all brother knights that need training whether Financial Secretary or any office training- including District Deputies, have had access to it. The old saying that “you can lead a camel to water, but you cannot make him drink…”; well that has become the case for the State of Texas. Our Worthy State Deputy, Alfredo Vela, made a promise that we would wipe out all excuses to make sure Texas becomes & stays #1 in the order.The ETC made everything accessible so no excuse could be made to keep Texas from being #1.We made sure anyone that needed the training would get it or had access to the training. We got back to the basics; we ensured you could get it done without any excuse.

I have truly enjoyed these past two years. My ETC Team has done an outstanding job. I cannot thank Mark, Craig, Greg B., Greg W., Josh, David, Michael, Pete, Barry, Steve enough for the hard work & dedication they have given to this Director’s area. I did not do this by myself. We are a team. I did not do anything that deserves recognition without these men. I truly am grateful that you agreed to hold your position.

I believe that Jesus planted us - as part of his divine plan - in a place that has lead us to this destination over these past two years. I do not know of a better team that could have gotten us to this place of success we have achieved to better the State of Texas or the overall Order. Well done Men, well done.

As a new fraternal year & administration begins at the 1^st of July, let us take the momentum from the current fraternal year and continue to keep Texas #1.

We still have 4 to 5 weeks of the fraternal year 21-22 remaining. Please strive to get that Star Council, that Lone Star for Excellence with Distinction. The Texas State Council only succeeds if the Local Council succeeds. Do not let any obstacle get in your way. There is not a State Officer or Major Director that will not come to your aid to make you Star Council if you request it.There is no excuse!

Brothers, we need to continue & finish strong. We do not to think that something is stopping & something is starting. It is always a continuation of striving for excellence. Every July set the Star Council as your goal. Embrace the opportunities, trainings, & communications and you will be successful. Your local success will then lead to District, Diocese, State, & Order wide success.You must realize that the Order is only as big as the local Council. So thank you Grand Knights. Thank your local Councils for taking care of your families, parishes, & communities. Your success is ALL we care about.

As we transfer from one administration to the next, remember nothing will change. Your goal is still Star Council & the ETC is here to make sure you achieve your goal.Never “Be Afraid” to reach out to seek out the help you want. The Texas State Family is here for you. Our only goal is to make sure the local Council succeeds.

I have loved being your ETC Director. I will always be a resource for you.

Vivat Jesus!

David Zeigler, “The ETC” Director