May is often a somber month because at the end of it we celebrate Memorial Day where we remember all who gave the ultimate sacrifice. May is also the anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe after the unconditional surrender of German forces on May 7, 1945. Military spouse day is May 12th and we are thankful for all of the spouses who supported those service men and women often deployed away from the family. Do not forget your Mothers on May 14th which is Mother’s Day. We wouldn’t be here without our mothers so treat her special if she is still with you! Armed Forces Day is the 20th, so stand a little taller on that day!
The next version of Medallions commemorating Desert Storm is in the phase of design. I want to thank all of the Rogue Chapter members who have presented Medallions to assist in recognizing the service of our country’s veterans. As of this moment we have presented 300 WW2, 52 Korean & 219 Vietnam Medallions and I have no doubt those numbers will continue to increase. You can all be proud because the efforts of the Rogue Chapter have motivated NCOA members all over the country to recognize our veterans.
I attended the Memorial service for Charlie Buckner and it was standing room only. I must now report that we have lost two more life members and true friends. Florence Blake was my public affairs person and was responsible to do press releases. Her efforts brought tens of thousands of dollars of donations to the chapter over the years and she was a sweet & humble friend. Gerald Zieman was actively involved with us as well as a leader within a local VFW post. He will be missed by many. Since so many of our members are located all over the country, please let your families know to alert me if they should pass.
Your Rogue Chapter is supporting our national organization by having a recruiting drive between now and the end of June. Regular membership is normally $30 but if you recruit a new member, it will only cost $20 providing you process the application back through the chapter so that we can make up the difference. Auxiliary membership normally costs $20 and during this drive it only costs $15. This is only for new members, and they can use a credit card on our Chapter website https://ncoarogue.org and complete an application on the membership tab. Applications can be submitted with a check to NCOA, PO Box 5597, Central Point, OR 97502. Your chapter will make up the difference. Please help! Late entry, an anonymous donor has pledged to cover the cost of the first 10 members that sign up a spouse or 18+ year old child. They must be new and since most of you would qualify. Complete the application that accompanies this newsletter & return to the chapter.
Auxiliary Members are encouraged to apply for a $500 Bettsy Ross grant through the NCOA website at https://ncoausa.org. It can be used to take classes for education or self-improvement.
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