The Almoner's and each individual's responsibility to be compassionate and caring is based on the Holy Bible and is still relevant today.

Every Brother can take pride in the fact that Freemasonry, an organization that exists all over the world, promotes a way of life that binds us, as like-minded men, in a brotherhood which transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences. We are taught the great principles of brotherly love and truth, and we learn to express our fraternal compassion and concern outwardly through our personal and Masonic philanthropies.

I am honored to be the Almoner of the Valley of Cheyenne, and we Almoners, on behalf of the Brethren of our Blue Lodge or Scottish Rite Body, search for ways to help others find relief when they suffer from homelessness, hunger, and other financial or emotional stresses. Thus we seek to serve country, family, and neighbors and so glorify God 365 days a year.

Our responsibility is based on the Holy Bible, and it is as relevant today as it was in Biblical times. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 19:9-10 tells us: "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather gleanings of the harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyards, neither shalt thou gather every grape of the vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and the stranger. I am the Lord your God."

Such responsibilities have been laid on us Almoners and as individual Masons. We have been charged to determine needs and dispense financial help or other aid in a discreet manner. This action is also biblically based in the New Testament where Matthew 6:1-6 says: "Take heed that ye do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them. Otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in Heaven. Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly." Conversely, Matthew 5:16 suggests giving openly is also good: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Seeing the response after 9/11, we are grateful for the generosity of our nation and pray that God will bless America. Funds for the service of the Almoner are generated through your generous giving. Together, we are an arm of strength for those in need and truly a vessel of God's love for all humankind.

Robert Hale is the long-time Almoner, Valley of Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received his education in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming (UW). Both his son, Timothy, and daughter, Carol Lee, are also UW graduates and were members of DeMolay and Job's Daughters. Ruth, Brother Bob's wife, who has given him her support and encouragement for 55 years, is a registered nurse. Both he and his wife are very active in the First Presbyterian Church of Cheyenne and in many community programs, including Hospice, R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), Meals on Wheels, Cheyenne Frontier Days, F.E. Warren Air Force Base (civilian support program), Exchange Club, Better Business Bureau, and various Republican Committees. After a career in public relations with General Motors, he served in administrative capacities for three Wyoming governors.