March is Women’s History Month. I want to acknowledge and promote the fact that women have served honorably and side by side without complaints for decades and it is important to acknowledge their service and sacrifice. Thank you for your service!
I heard a radio spot the other day and the message has been bouncing around my head ever since. The message was “If not me, then who?” The context of the radio message was about volunteering to make things better in your community. Most people have a tendency to believe that someone else will be the who thus relieving them of the responsibility to do anything.
Every single person reading this message either joined the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) voluntarily or if coerced into joining made a conscious decision later to keep their membership by renewing or converting to life so you didn’t have to deal with those pesky renewal notices again.
There are a variety of reasons why anyone joins any organization. Maybe it is for the socialization of hanging around with friends. Maybe it is because you believe in what the organization stands for and is doing. Perhaps it is because you want to make a difference in your community and the organization gives you a vehicle with which to do that. Maybe everyone else was joining and you wanted to fit in. The bottom line is that you joined!
Let’s get back to that phrase, if not me then who. Most of you are living your life, perhaps raising a family or trying to impact the community that you live in. Some may have withdrawn from the traditional way of life either out of frustration or rebellion. In almost all cases if you had an opportunity to make a mark that improved the quality of life for your family, organization, community, state or nation, you would probably at least take a look at what was being asked of you and how much time, finances or effort would be required. If the end result or benefit exceeded your investment, most of you would probably consider doing something.
As NCOA moves forward, we are looking at programs and organizations to partner with that provide opportunities to make a difference. Less than 20% of our membership is attached to a chapter and the types of programs that we are looking at are ones that an individual nowhere close to a chapter could participate in and impact the community where you live. Come to the conference in San Antonio from July 14-17 to find out more about opportunities available.
How do you want to be remembered when your life comes to an end? Do you want to be remembered as someone who saw a need and did something about it or as someone who spent their life waiting for someone else to take care of the problem? If not me, then who?
If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact headquarters or contact me at chairman@ncoausa.org and I can assure you that your leadership will take note.
Strength in Unity & Leadership By Example,
MCPO (SCW) Terry M. Haines
Chairman, International Board of Directors