October is when we celebrate the 247th birthday of the United States Navy on October 13th and on the 27th is Navy Day. I love the Navy having spent almost 30 years of service and am proud that we serve on and under the water, in the air and on the land with our Seabees. While I am proud of my Naval service, that in no way diminishes those who serve in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard or our newest branch, Space Force. Together we make an unbeatable team!
This month is also special to me for a variety of reasons. I will be getting married on the 15th to a wonderful Christian lady, but I want to honor the 41 1/2 years I had with Judy before the good Lord took her from me and my children. Losing a spouse is always a traumatic event, particularly if it is sudden and unexpected, but if I have one bit of advice to all of you, don’t overlook the impact of that lose on your children. Wives and mothers are often the glue that holds families together, especially when we warriors are off serving our country or working to take care of the financial status of our family. As a man, I was raised to provide for my family, and I did very well in that department at the expense of the emotional support for my wife and kids. It took my son and daughter whom I love very much to bring me to understand this fact. Unfortunately, it was too late for Judy, and I just pray that my kids can forgive me and allow me to try and repair the harm that I have done. I say this now and, in this manner, because there may be some of you reading this where a light bulb comes on and you realize that you are or were in the same situation as I described. Remember, it is never too late to do something about it if the parties are alive. Trust that the Lord can and will help if you just ask.
I was introduced to a new program at the conference that has a great potential to provide an opportunity for any member regardless of age or health to make a difference. Operation Gratitude provides gift boxes to troops, emergency service providers and veterans to let them know how important they are to the rest of us. Each box has notes and a letter expressing appreciation, self-care items, snacks, and other simple things that let the recipient know that you care. Do you know how to knit, sew, or make items that can bring a little joy into a person’s life? If you would like to bring some joy into the life of a veteran, let me know that you would like to help. With few veterans deployed in Harm’s Way at the present time, this is one way we can continue to support the troops. It is kind of a care package.
Our 6th annual VeteRun takes place on October 8th. We have a chance to reach our goal of $20,000 so that we can provide $10,000 each to Mighty Oaks Foundation and David’s Chair. It is not too late to help. You can go to https://ncoarogue.org and make a donation on the VeteRun tab or mail a contribution to our PO Box 5597, Central Point, OR 97502. I will report how it turned out next month.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact headquarters or 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