The Non Commissioned Officers Association was founded in 1960 in San Antonio, Texas by a group of retired non-commissioned and petty officers seeking to create a patriotic, fraternal, and benevolent Association. Through the years of its existence, there have been a number of changes and improvements in the Association that should be of interest to prospective members. NCOA’s membership includes and is open to all Current, Separated, or Retired Enlisted personnel who have served honorably in an Active, Reserve, or National Guard capacity in the U.S. Armed Forces. The NCOA offers its members a wide range of benefits and services designed especially for enlisted service members and their families.
The Roguette Auxiliary falls under the International Auxiliary membership division and is compromised of spouses/former spouses, widows/widowers, and family members over the age of 18 who are related to enlisted service members, whether active duty, separated, veteran, Reserve of National Guard in grades E1 through E9. In addition to the Auxiliary membership counting towards the Associations total membership, Auxiliary members support the Non Commissioned Officers Association and its’ aims, goals and ideals in a multitude of ways.
From the Desk of the Chairman
February is here and the question for many will be whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow and thereby doom us to six more weeks of winter? Granted this is all in gest but it breaks up the mundane mood caused by prolonged cold and in some cases snowy weather. For some you will look forward to Super Bowl parties on the 8th. Guys, don’t forget Valentine’s Day on the 14th. President’s Day is on the 16th which is a consolidation of Lincoln’s birthday on the 12th and Washington’s birthday on the 22nd. February is Black History Month when we recognize the significant contributions of Black men and women. February 4th is the birthday of the USO which is an organization that brought much joy to our military family over the years. February 17th is Mardi Gras followed on the 18th by Ash Wednesday. The Coast Guard Reserve was born on the 19th.
With a big push for participation in the Medallion program, your chapter has been working hard to promote this program. To date we have awarded over 1878 Medallions. We now have a good supply of all Medallions, and I just received an order of WW2 Medallions. Don’t forget the senior retirement homes as that will likely be where many of our older veterans may be residing. I want to thank Past Grand Knight Mike Sklar and Knight Lester “Woody” Wooten for their efforts in Jacksonville, FL in promoting the Medallion program. Through the efforts of Jamie Callahan-Luckin and Cheryl Bright who make veteran’s breakfasts available in Josephine and Jackson Counties, we have been able to recognize many veterans over the years. I am currently working with a retirement facility in Jackson County that has approximately 40 veterans that have not yet received Medallions. If you need Medallions to recognize veterans in your area, let me know and we will work something out.
Last month several members came out and helped pick up the almost 3,500 wreaths placed at the Eagle Point National Cemetery. It is our intention to participate in this program again this year and with a little luck we will be able to surpass our efforts in 2025.
January Member of the Month is Army veteran Steve Armstrong. His “what can I do to help” attitude became a blessing when it came time to place and then pick up the wreaths on a cold wet winter morning. This program to recognize members for their contributions is a way to let our membership know that effort is recognized and appreciated. Who will be the Member of the Month in February? Maybe it will be you!
On May 16th we will host the 1st Sporting Clay event that will support the veteran charities recognized by our VeteRUN program. If you are an avid skeet shooter, check out this event. Information is available on our chapter website https://ncoarogue.org.
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 retiredveteran89@outlook.com 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
Desk of the Chairman February 2026