November is here and thoughts begin to switch to holidays and family gatherings. The weather is in full wintery transition and the days get shorter. We gain an extra hour of sleep this month in much of the country. Happy 248th birthday to the United States Marine Corp on the 10th. November 11th is Veteran’s Day when all who have served in our Armed Forces are recognized for that service and finally Thanksgiving is on the 23rd where families often come together to share thanks for what we do have in this country.
Your Rogue Chapter leads the entire NCOA in the number of Medallions that have been presented. As of this writing at least 19 members of the chapter have been involved in the presentation of over 871 Medallions covering WW2, Korea & Vietnam. Several members have contributed an accumulation of several thousand dollars and between donations from other veteran groups, local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce and fund-raising efforts, we have raised over $20,000 to purchase Medallions that recognize those who have served our country with distinction. Public schools no longer teach about the greatest generation and what their sacrifices meant to their families and our country. We have members that have purchased some medallions strictly for the purpose of having them in their car wherever they go in case they run into a veteran deserving of one of these precious mementos of their service and sacrifice. If we veterans can’t toot our horns, then who will. It is important that we teach our kids the true meaning of sacrifice and each of you can speak from experience because of your service. It won’t be that long until we have presented over 1,000 Medallions and that will be 1,000 families that will ever appreciate what sacrifice truly means.
The 7th annual VeteRun took place on the last day of September and established a new benchmark to strive for. We had over 330 people register to participate in this 5K fun run and between registrations, sponsorships, a first ever golf tournament to support VeteRun as well as our raffle the day of the event, we raised and will award over $43,000 at our Christmas social to the three charities that VeteRun supported this year. I went to the Chamber of Commerce Greeters recently and several businesses expressed how much fun they had at the event and we even have a pledge from a new business to VeteRun that they will sponsor next year’s event at the $1,000 level. I am so proud of this chapter. We had participants from Alabama, Los Angeles and Olympia, WA participate in this year’s event and it continues to grow. There are so many local volunteers that I can’t name them all for fear I would forget one. Next month will be our Christmas social and we have so much to celebrate this year. Thank you Rogue Chapter for being the best people in the whole wide world!
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