December is here and with it we have the official start of Winter, a celebration of Christmas and the end of another calendar year. December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day, a day which marks a significant attack on the US and brought us into World War 2 which was officially declared by Congress on December 8th. Remember to fly your flag at half mast on the 7th until sunset. I happened to be at Pearl Harbor on Veterans Day and visited the Arizona Memorial and there is something sacred still today about Pearl Harbor and the significance to our country and especially anyone who ever served. December 15th marks the end of the Iraq War and December 20th marks the birthday for US Space Force that was born in 2019. Winter begins on December 21st and Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. December 31st is the end of another calendar year and in 1946 marked the official end of WW2.
As we come to the end of another year, there is much to reflect upon. Our country has become deeply divided and I sense that for all who have served, that fact hurts deeply. We didn’t write that blank check upon enlistment payable for up to and including our lives to look forward to this strife and pain. There is a brotherhood that develops through our service that we probably all wishes could transfer to the rest of our society. We have an opportunity as veterans to be a voice for calm and to speak to unity that most if not all of us yearned for when we donned the uniform to support and defend freedom and our constitution. As this year comes to an end and we look forward to the start of a new year, let us be resolved to bring us together as a nation.
This chapter has made over 240 presentations of WW2 medallions and are probably the leaders in NCOA for that fact. NCOA has now come out with Korean Medallions to honor the Forgotten War and I just received an email indicating that Vietnam War Medallions will be going to the manufacturer very shortly. Korean Medallions and Vietnam medallions can be ordered for $23 each. Start gathering a list of veterans for all these wars and let us continue to be a leader in the Association in recognizing our brothers and sisters who served and sacrificed.
During this holiday season, please consider support for Operation Gratitude that provides care packages for veterans, deployed military and first responders that serve our communities and our country. I just mailed a hundred hand made thank you cards to support this program. It is the kind of program where kids and grandkids can create thank you messages and you have an opportunity to share with them how much it meant to you to receive messages from home. Perhaps you know a shut-in member who is handy at making things with their hands. Things made with love can brighten up someone’s day in a big way. Let’s make this holiday season special for someone who could use a smile.
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