May is a solemn month for those who have served. Memorial Day is a day when we remember the lives of those who did not return that served alongside and prior to us. Many of us may have memories of the day when a friend or comrade went about their day and by the end of the day they were no longer here. Out of respect for the fallen, Memorial Day holds a special place in our hearts and rightfully so. This coming Memorial Day, we should all pause for a moment out of respect for those who did not return from their final mission.
The current COVID-19 situation has brought about changes to all of our daily lives. Social distancing has forced all of us to rethink how we perform many of our daily activities. Meetings have been cancelled. Businesses have been forced to either close doors or significantly alter how they deliver service or products. Your Board of Directors recently met via conference call and after much thought and discussion decided the best thing to do with our planned 2020 conference in San Antonio was to cancel it this year. Between stay at home orders across the country, travel bans for the DOD, and social distancing standards, it became clear that it was in the best interest for the health and welfare of each of you that we must cancel this year’s event.
We are looking at using technology like zoom to brief our membership and chapters on significant developments such as how to recognize our Vanguard awardees and all of our chapters for their efforts to name a few. I am hopeful that each of you are doing buddy checks on other members or family and friends. This social distancing and social isolation during travel bans and stay at home orders can easily lead to depression. Keep your spirits and the spirits of who you contact up. Stay well.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact headquarters or contact me at chairman@ncoausa.org and I can assure you that your leadership will take note.
Strength in Unity & Leadership By Example,
MCPO (SCW) Terry M. Haines
Chairman, International Board of Directors