From the Desk of the Chairman
June is here and we are almost halfway through 2025. June 6th is the anniversary of D-Day marking one of the biggest military engagements in our history and this date truly marked the beginning of the end for the Nazi movement. June 14th is the 250th birthday for the United States Army and is also Flag Day. June 15th is Father’s Day and a day when the father’s get equal billing with the moms who were recognized last month. Summer begins on June 20th, so if you have not yet experienced hot weather, get ready for it. June 2nd is National Cancer Survivor’s Day and June 23rd has special significance for me. It was my mother’s birthday and on that day in 2005, my friend, a single mom was killed by a suicide bomber in Fallujah, Iraq. Many of you may have special days that come to mind because of the loss of a friend or fellow service member. June is also National PTSD awareness Month.
The Rogue Chapter has now awarded over 1,592 Medallions. We now have a Cold War Medallion which is available to those who served between 1945 and 1991. The Persian Gulf/Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is awarded to those who served between 1990 to present. All Medallions are now available at a cost of $25 each and there will be a big demand, especially for the GWOT, and this next batch of Medallions will likely help with our recruiting efforts for younger veterans, which is exactly what we need. We received a grant for Medallions and should have a good supply by the first week of June. We do not charge to receive a Medallion to honor your service, but if you can help pay it forward for the next veteran or can help cover the cost of mailing Medallions to those members who do not live in southern Oregon. I have already sent Medallions to members in Virginia and Kentucky and have an order from Florida that will be shipped once my order arrives.
There has always been a lot of value to the legislative representation process in Washington and let me be clear, our representative is doing a remarkable job, but our voice could be more effective if some of our membership that have an interest in this process had some time and willingness to help. We are not a huge organization like some of the million member groups, but we should be measured not by quantity, but quality. If you have a few hours a month to give back and can participate in a zoom or teleconference call, you can make a difference. The assumption that someone else is or will get the job done is not how the enlisted force operates. We are the ones who get things done and make things work. Can you help?
I need your help! I have tried everything that I can think of to encourage you or to reward you to recruit or sponsor just 1 member. Last month I offered until July 1st for every application processed through the chapter, I out of my own pocket would provide you with the Medallion of your choice. You win by getting a Medallion and NCOA wins with another member. So far, no takers. We can and will do better than that!
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