Friends and Colleagues,

Every month seems to have its own personality, and August has always felt like a month of opportunity. Between the Iowa State Fair, fresh Iowa sweet corn, veterinary students returning to campus or beginning their first year, and families squeezing in one last summer adventure, it is a month filled with traditions and moments worth looking forward to.

For our family, the highlight of this August will be participating in the Governor's Charity Steer Show (GCSS) at the Iowa State Fair. My son, Hayes, and I are incredibly excited for the opportunity, and it is truly an honor to represent the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. As a 2005 GCSS exhibitor myself, it has been especially rewarding to watch Hayes prepare for this experience. We know it will be a day filled with memories that will last a lifetime while supporting an incredible cause.

Opportunities like this remind me of a quote often attributed to Wayne Gretzky:

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

At its core, that quote is not really about sports. It is about having the courage to say yes. It is about stepping forward when there are no guarantees and being willing to pursue opportunities that matter

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