From the Desk of the Chairman
We are already into February, the long college football season that started in late August finally finished on January 20th. Will the groundhog see his shadow or not on the 2nd? Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is on Friday, February 14th. President’s Day is celebrated on the 17th although Lincoln’s Birthday is the 12th and Washington’s Birthday is the 22nd. February is Black History Month and there are many examples of accomplishments by Black Men and Women that clearly have made this country and the world a better place. Thurgood Marshall served on the Supreme Court for 24 years, Colin Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and later as Secretary of State under George W. Bush. He was followed by Condoleezza Rice who also served as Secretary of State during the Bush years. There was an Army Battalion in WW2 made up entirely African American women called the 6888th Postal Battalion that served in Europe. They were given 6 months to clear up the backload of millions of undelivered mail and packages and against all odds did it in 90 days! Our own Vince Patton served as the 8th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard so Black Men and Women have made significant contributions to this country and the world. Finally, February 9-15 is acknowledged as Random Acts of Kindness Week. Try during this week to do something to make a person’s day!
The Rogue Chapter has now awarded over 1,450 Medallions. I was at a meeting over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend and got a briefing from headquarters about the status of the next generation of Medallions. It is hopeful that a design will be chosen this month and if the decision is made, we could have the next generation released before the conference in July.
I attended a meeting in Dallas, Texas late last month to address business before the Knights of the Square Table. There was much discussion about communication and leadership and how the Knights can have a positive impact on our chapters and our association. Without stealing the Grand Knight’s thunder, I believe that processes have been placed in motion to improve communication, demonstrate leadership and help NCOA make positive strides as an organization that not only serves its members, but also addresses the needs of our military members and their families. There is excitement on the horizon, and I hope that you can benefit from it. I will be going to Norfolk in July, and I hope to see many of you there. Start planning now!
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.
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