December is here and one major family holiday is down and one to go. Pearl Harbor Day is December 7th and a day that played a pivotal role in US and world history. It was the catalyst for US entry into WW2. December 31st marks the 78th anniversary of the official end of WW2. The coldest season, winter, begins on December 21st and a few days later we celebrate Christmas. I have a lot of Christmas memories with family, but the one for me with the most meaning was Christmas in 2005 in Fallujah, Iraq. Being away from my wife and kids for the first time where I was in a combat zone was deeply personal. The only thing that made it bearable was being there with my fellow Seabees. December is also a month to commemorate Wreaths Across America which was a project near and dear to many veterans because it was started with the idea to put a Christmas Wreath on the grave of every veteran. Many of you may have been, or still are, active in this worthy project.
The Rogue Chapter has now awarded over 1,415 Medallions. I know that there are many of you who served during a period that would qualify for one of the Medallions. Headquarters announced a contest last month to seek suggestions for the Global War on Terrorism Medallion design as well as a Medallion to cover all of the Campaigns between Vietnam and 9/11. If headquarters received some viable design options, we may be able to have the next round of Medallions available early next year.
Leadership can be, and often is, a position that is lonely. The older that we all get, the easier it is to use age and fatigue as an excuse to quit! I believe with all my heart and soul in what NCOA stands for. Some of you I have never met and I agree that the world and this organization has changed a lot since it was formed in 1960. This chapter has been around since 1984 and won multiple Small Chapter of the Year and at least 7 or 8 Large Chapter of the Year awards. Last month I shared how much your Rogue Chapter has raised through our VeteRun project over the last 8 years. Our goal for next year is to top $250,000 in our 9th year of operation. I would love to meet each of you or at least hear from you. I have been asking for guidance and suggestions for as long as I have been a leader in the Rogue Chapter. Other than local members, I rarely if ever hear from any of you. I can attest that I always listen when given constructive feedback and have many times adjusted our direction. It was a member suggestion that led to the creation of VeteRun and look where that has brought us. You all have ideas and thoughts about where the chapter is and is going. I humbly request that you share them with me. Share your experience and wisdom and I will listen.
Please, all of you, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!
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