From the Desk of the Chairman

October is here and Fall is in full swing.  October 12^th is Columbus Day and the 13^th is the 251^st birthday of the United States Navy.  Halloween closes out the month on the 31^st.  October is National Family History Month.  It is a good time to dig into where your family came from.  Last month was Suicide prevention month and October follows that up as National Depression Education and Awareness Month.  Depression is a significant contributor to suicide, so it is fitting that they are connected.  October 2^nd is National Smile Day so spread a little kindness with a smile.  Each of you is a hero to someone for your service and October 8^th is National Heroes’ Day, so take bow fellow heroes.

Rogue Chapter sits at having awarded 2,174 Medallions.  In September our local Honor Flight did 5 Korean and 20 Vietnam Medallions and this month our Honor Flight will do another 25 Vietnam Medallions which will push us to the brink of 2,200 Medallions.  I see more and more veterans around town wearing their Medallions whenever they go out.  I know that there are a lot of you that have not yet received their Medallion, so let me know and we will get you one.

The September Member of the Month was Norman Morgan.  Norman is a Navy veteran and trustee of the chapter who lives in Grants Pass.  An active member in his 90^th year on this earth remains committed to what NCOA stands for.  If some of you in your 40’s and 50’s had as much energy as Norman, this chapter would be the talk of the whole country.  He has been actively presenting Medallions to deserving veterans.  He helps with fund raising, passing out event flyers for our VeteRun and helping promote our events on social media.  Job well done! Who will be next?  Maybe it will be you!

Your Chapter has members from 44 out of the 50 states.  That is a lot of communities and one of the greatest strengths is our involvement with all the local communities here in southern Oregon.  We are members of the local Chamber of Commerce and work hand in hand with local non-profits and organizations like Honor Flight.  The local flight came back the other night and was greeted by several hundred people.  Recently we had a dedication of an 80% size of the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC and that dedication was attended by close to 2,000 people.  We are tied into local communities and groups like the local Grange Co-op.  Last month I mentioned a member from Indiana who was tied into the USO.  With close to 800 members in this chapter from 44 different states, there must be many opportunities to help veterans and active-duty members around you.  One of the keys to success of any organization is the ability to impact their local community.  With your help, this goal is possible right where you live.  Please help.

I would love to hear from all of you with your thoughts and suggestions.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact me at [email protected] and I can assure you that your leadership will take note.

Strength in Unity & Leadership By Example,

MCPO (SCW) Terry M. Haines, USNR Retired

Chairman, Rogue Chapter #1260