September is here and summer is gone. School is starting, so keep your eye out for the little ones and slow down around school zones. The US Air Force was established on September 18, 1947 as it transitioned from the Army Air Corps that was in existence during WW2. September 11th is now known as Patriot Day and a day the world became focused on the “War on Terror.” The US Constitution was approved on September 17, 1787 and became the standard that the United States of America has lived by since that time. September 20th is POW/MIA Recognition Day, a day that anyone who ever fought in a war has a special place in their soul to remember all of those who were prisoners or were lost track of as a result of combat. Finally, September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Far too many of us have been touched by this permanent solution to a temporary phase of life and the repercussions on those left behind never seem to go away.
The Rogue Chapter has now awarded over 1,340 Medallions. We had hoped to renew a grant that would have bolstered our Medallion escrow account, but unfortunately, that grant did not materialize. So when we are presented with a bag full of lemons, we have turned elsewhere and decided to make lemonade. I personally donated $25 to a fund to purchase more Medallions and asked our membership who believe in this program to match my investment and as of this writing over $600 has been provided. Some of you have huge hearts and I can never thank you enough for all that you can and have done to support our fellow veterans. If you have not yet matched my $25 seed, please do so.
Recruiting has been a high priority for NCOA for as long as I can remember. I believe in leading by example, so I am challenging every Knight in this chapter to support this effort and be the leaders that we call ourselves. One local knight has stepped forward and put $50 into the recruiting pool and I am offering $175 in prizes of my own funds and everyone that recruits 1 member between now and December 1st will go into a drawing. 1st prize will be $100, 2nd Prize will be $75 & 3rd prize will be $50 as it stands right now. I will adjust the prizes upward as knights agree to participate. To be entered into the prize pool, recruit one member. Send the completed application with a check or money order to PO Box 5597 Central Point, OR 97502 or go to https://ncoarogue.org and hit Membership tab to complete the application on line and use a credit card. Make sure your name is listed as sponsor online. I know all of you could use the money prior to Christmas.
At one time several years ago, I personally called many of you to get to know you and to find out how we could continue the tradition of this chapter. I am so proud of what this chapter has accomplished over the years. Rogue Chapter has been Small Chapter of the Year several times over the early years in existence and we have been Large Chapter of the Year 6 out of the last 7 years and with the good Lord’s Blessing, we will keep that string going.
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