From the Desk of the Chairman
April begins with a “Fools” Day which kind of relates to why April is also Stress Awareness Month. It also fits with why April is also known as National Humor Month. However, the label that resonates the most with me is National Volunteer Month. April doesn’t have many holidays but is probably best know as the day our taxes are due, April 15th. I resonate with the concept of volunteerism. Being a volunteer allows me to spend time doing and supporting things that make me happy and fulfill a need in my life. NCOA has done that for me because I got to spend time with men and women who have served their nation, many of who have come to appreciate what it means to sacrifice. I learned early in life as a volunteer with the Big Brother program that my time and experiences can make a difference in the lives of others. Many of you, the members of NCOA and the Rogue Chapter are seasoned citizens. Your experience has value because our society has slipped backwards over the last generation. Many of our younger people look for handouts rather than looking to contribute and make us a better nation. Perhaps each of you could look for ways to share your experience and turn the tide rather than think things are a lost cause and give up. As longs as hope is alive, things can improve, but once hope dies, our future dies with it.
The Rogue Chapter has now passed the 1,000 Medallion mark for presentations. I have seen veterans and family members break down in tears during and because of receiving a Medallion. As long as I breathe, I want to be a part of putting a smile of people’s faces and giving veterans and their families a sense of pride for being remembered and appreciated. This Medallion program is the most valuable program that NCOA or any other organization has ever come up with. Your chapter has been able to recruit dozens of new members because the recipients of those medallions want, in many cases, to be involved with something that produces pride and makes them feel worthwhile. Did you serve during a time that makes you eligible for one of these Medallions? I am committed to do everything in my power to recognize every veteran that I run across who deserves one of our medallions. We have raised and given away over $20,000 worth of Medallions and we want to do more.
I pray that I will see many of you at our conference in San Antonio in July. Your chapter has raised enough funds to sponsor the award luncheon at the conference. I am hopeful that we can continue our hold on the “Best Large Chapter of the Year”. I remember how our now Executive Director Joe Terry when He was in Korea had a lock on that award for many years. That motivated me to find a way to duplicate his efforts and with the work of a lot of people we have done it 5 out of the last 6 years. My mantra has been leaders lead but it is critical to leadership to recognize the hard work of those who do the work. Your chapter has dozens of hard-working NCO’s & Petty Officers that get the job done. With programs like the Medallions give away and our VeteRun program that has raised over $131,000 for veteran charities over the last 7 years, we are entrenched in successful ventures.
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