From the Desk of the Chairman
January is here and another year is at hand. It’s cold outside or for those in the southwest, not as hot! Many look forward to New Year’s Day and what will hopefully be some exciting college football games and some will be looking forward to getting the kids back to school after the winter break from school. Many of you will spend time cleaning out files as you start to put paperwork and receipts together for the inevitable tax filing. Martin Luther Kings Jr. Day is on the 15th and a holiday to celebrate the civil rights leader.
2024 is upon us and with the start of a new year we all face a variety of new challenges. Some of those challenges could be simple as we try to lose a little weight that was gained over the holiday season that just passed. Others, it may be a decision over whether we wish to change our career path or to change a major in school. Other options are whether we want to get involved at some level in some social or governmental group. Life is full of choices and many of us have been caught saying that we don’t have time to get involved as we sit down to watch a tv program or read a book rather than volunteer an hour or two to address some need within the community.
Many of you reading this are at a stage of life where we just don’t have as much energy or desire as we once did. I can tell you though, that making a difference in the life of another human being or teaching a child something that will impact them for the rest of their life is far more valuable than anything on television or any book that we may read. The Medallion program that NCOA is involved with and our chapter is a leading performer in touches men, women and children in ways that you can’t even imagine. These Medallions recognize and show appreciation to each veteran or family member that receives one. It tells them that their service meant something and had value and as a result I have seen veterans walk a little taller, family members share with their kids and grandkids what service and sacrifice truly mean and how it helps make a better world because that veteran served. Let’s start 2024 with a mindset that we are going to make a difference in our family, our community and our nation by a simple act of service to another!
If you served in the military between 1950-1953 or 1955-1975 and have not yet gotten a Korean or Vietnam Medallion, please let me know and we will get one for you. If you have a family member who served in WW2 and they are no longer with us, you qualify to receive a WW2 Medallion so that you can have something to teach the younger generation what the “Greatest Generation” meant to your family and our country.
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