June is here already, and we will be halfway through 2022. June 6th marks the anniversary of D-Day which was the beginning of the end of the Nazi threat on the European continent. The Army’s birthday on June 14th coincides with Flag Day. Father’s Day happens on June 19th and a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers out there. Summer Begins on June 21 so days will be hotter, and the vacation season officially begins.
This month I am being given a respite from my National column by our President and I want to focus on Rogue Chapter. Since the chapter was formed in 1984 by Allen Mullis, the first chairman, we have had 11 separate chairmen. In the 38 years of our existence, the Rogue Chapter has either been the Western Region Small or Large Chapter for the better part of 30 out of 38 years.
Since the Rogue Chapter was formed, we have donated close to $150,000 to support veterans’ issues like food baskets, care packages for the troops, Honor Flight, Fisher House, and many more. Our 5K fun run has raised over $60,000 in the last 5 years alone. We have contributed to or outright sponsored the Navy Vanguard at least twice. This year we are sponsoring in conjunction with the Junior ROTC program the awards luncheon at our national conference. We have contributed more than a quarter of a million volunteer hours since we were formed which makes our chapter an integral part of our community.
I am so proud of the members of this chapter that have made us a true beacon for NCOA. The following members have either contributed significant time or funding for this chapter over the years: David Bishop, Florence Blake, Charles & Paula Buckner, Michael Burns, Dale & Marsha Cannon, Byron Cordes, Barbara Cragnotti, Fred Crowder, George Eisenhauer, Gary Elkinton, Eric Gomez, Danny Gutfeld, David Haines, Judy Haines, Michael Hurtt, Ken Ishmael, Myrl Jacobsen, James Janz, Daniel Johnson, Anthony Kaiserman, Paul Kingsbury, Ron Kohl, Scott Lenz, Jeff Lindenman, Justin Maloney, Kathleen Matthews, Paul Mills, Al Mullis, Mike Myers, Henry Nussbaum, Lloyd Olds, Pete Olson, Vince Patton, Dale Peters, James Prevatt, Mike Schilling, Jack Schock, Russ Schweikert, Jack Shorb, Donald Skinner, Jesse Smith, Robert Strosser, Rachael Watters, Virginia Watson, Oscar Willis, & Keith Wittnebel. Not all these live in southern Oregon so you can see that members from across the country have helped make the Rogue Chapter a success. We have been the NCOA Small Chapter of the year probably 4 times and the NCOA Large Chapter of the Year at least 4 times.
I am proud of all of you whether your name is listed above or not. If your name is not on that list and should be, I apologize. All it takes is to give time to your community or donate to activities sponsored by the chapter. I would love to have every member in this chapter acknowledged for your contributions.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact headquarters or 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
Chairman, Rogue Chapter