From the Desk of the Chairman
February is upon us & this year an extra day is added making it a leap year. Last month was a cold month in much of the country as winter hit us with both barrels. February 3rd is celebrated as Four Chaplain’s Day where we remember the sacrifice of four military chaplains that gave up their seats in life boats to fellow soldiers on a transport ship that had been torpedoed and sank during WW2. This day of remembrance is not on the tips of most of our memories, but it is unique because it involved 4 military chaplains who did all that they could to save the lives of others. Additionally, February 14th is known for Valentine’s Day which this year coincides with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Guys, don’t let this day slip by you if you are married or seriously attached. Finally, February 19th is when we celebrate President’s Day which is a combined recognition for the birthdays of Presidents Lincoln on the 12th and Washington on the 22nd. Finally, February is Black History Month. There are a total of 94 Black Medal of Honor recipients and as a Navy veteran, who can forget the heroics of Dory Miller during the attack at Pearl Harbor that earned him the Navy Cross.
I have come to learn during my life that some decisions that are made will gain favor by some and complaints from others. More often that not, those who complain are not willing to step up and take charge of their own ideas, for often their complaint is only because you didn’t choose their idea. Finding someone willing to make decisions and then put forth the effort to accomplish those ideas is becoming harder and harder to find in our society. This chapter is the Large Chapter of the Year because of the hard work of many of you. The leaders of this chapter openly discuss options, and then once a decision is made, move forward and as they say in the Navy, Carry out the Plan of the Day!
The leadership of this chapter is very proud that we have been selected #1 for 5 out of the last 6 years and I am not just talking about me as your chairman. I do work hard as your chairman because we have solid goals and the membership, for the most part, appreciate what we do and support us with funding, words of encouragement and most importantly effort. After all, our motto, Strength in Unity, represents the combined efforts of many, not just a few. Your chapter leadership has over 160 years of NCOA membership and a deep desire to improve the quality of life for our military forces, their families and the communities where we live.
If you served in the military between 1950-1953 or 1955-1975 and have not yet gotten a Korean or Vietnam Medallion, please let me know and we will get one for you. If you have a family member who served in WW2 and they are no longer with us, you qualify to receive a WW2 Medallion so that you can have something to teach the younger generation what the “Greatest Generation” meant to your family and our country. Please let us know so that we can honor “your” service. Your chapter cares for you no matter where you live. We work for you!
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