From the Desk of the Chairman
April starts off with a bit of humor as the 1st is April Fools Day, so be careful and take everything with a grain of salt on the 1st. April 6th is Army Day so pay respect to all the soldiers that you know on their day. April 15th is Tax Day which many Americans dread. This year the 18th is Good Friday and Sunday the 20th is Easter Sunday, a very special day for all Christians. I remember when I was a kid, we colored Easter eggs and the biggest challenge was whose egg could survive the egg cracking conquest. Maybe you have some fond memories of the Easter season? Some significant items that are recognized in April are April is Stress Awareness Month, Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month on the serious side and National BLT and National Grilled Cheese Month on the lighter side. It seems that there are as many ways to recognize the lighter side of life as there are with serious issues. Researching for these articles, I realize that nothing surprises me any longer.
The Rogue Chapter has now awarded over 1,469 Medallions. I have been informed that very soon we will be releasing a Medallion to cover the Cold War as well as another Medallion to cover the War on Terror starting with Desert Storm to present. I was on a cruise the last half of March which forced me to draft this letter in early March to get it to our newsletter editor to have ready to send out by the first of April. While on the cruise, I always take Medallions with me as there is usually a gathering of veterans at the start of each cruise. On my last cruise I presented 9 Vietnam Medallions so I am hopeful that I will be able to honor many more veterans.
After my March article, much has happened within the federal government and a lot of employees have been let go. In that group there have been a lot of veterans, and great concern has been raised about how cuts to the US Department of Veterans Affairs will impact health care and the processing of disability claims. If you are one who lost a job, please let me know the circumstances so that I can pass it on to our legislative group who is coordinating with all the other veteran service organizations to work to ensure that the quality of care for all veterans remains at a high level. It is true that our Nation can’t continue to spend money that we really don’t have, but we must go about it in a fashion that doesn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Headquarters has established a goal of 2025 new members in the calendar year 2025. Can you find one single person, acquaintance, neighbor, family member etc. that cares about our troops and their families? They can be signed up as regular members, associate members or auxiliary members if they support our troops and their families in spirit. During this time in our history, it is critical that every veteran and family member over the age of 18 belong to at least one organization. I personally am a life member of NCOA, VFW, FRA, Marine Corps League, DAV, American Legion & IAVA. That means that I have 7 voices representing my family and me. I urge you all to bring at least one new person into NCOA in the next 30 days.
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