ID Card Renewal/DEERS

Published March 15, 2019

The Medford National Guard Armory is now doing ID card renewals M-F on Walk-In ONLY from 9:00 to 16:00.

Located at:
1701 South Pacific Hwy
Medford, OR 97501

Call 503-584-3040 to make sure you have all paperwork needed before you go.

Recently the US Post Office raised the cost to mail a large Flat Rate box from $18.45 each to $19.60 each. In 2019 the Rogue Chapter mailed 109 care packages to troops in Afghanistan that do not have a PX and in November 2019 the Army National Guard deployed to Africa with local units from southern Oregon going to Somalia. Neither the unit in Afghanistan or the one in Somalia have a PX and they have been requesting simple personal care items and snacks. So far in 2020 we have shipped 24 care packages.

I have gotten donations from a local dentist and have employees at the VA SORCC collecting items needed by the troops as well as a VFW in Grants Pass collecting items. With the help of the local Purple Heart chapter, the Marine Corps League and the VFW and several local businesses, we have raised and spent almost $3,000 on contents and postage. The recent postage increase was a serious hit to the program and efforts to link up with the National Guard group that is trying to offset shipping have yet to materialize.

It is important to keep the morale of our men and women in uniform high and knowing that groups back home support them is a huge boost in that area.

If you can find a way to donate at least $20 to offset the cost of mailing at least one box, that would be very helpful. You can help in two ways. Send a check made out to NCOA Rogue Chapter to PO Box 5597, Central Point, OR 97502 or you can go to our chapter website with a credit card and hit the care package option to donate. Thank you in advance for your compassion and support for our troops.

Strength in Unity & Leadership By Example

Terry M. Haines
Chairman, Rogue Chapter #1260

February 2020 Newsletter

Published February 12, 2020

NCOA Newsletter February 2020
Big Two Hearted-River_Hemingway-pdf

February 2020 Update

Published February 5, 2020

Vets at Grants Pass breakfast 2-6-20

February is here and we celebrate President’s Day which consolidates Lincoln’s birthday on February 12^th and Washington’s Birthday which is February 22^nd into one national Holiday so that most of us get a three day weekend. Additionally, February is Black History Month and we must celebrate the many contributions made to our nation by our African American brothers and sisters as well as other descendants from non-African cultures. It is still cold not the kind of weather to get too excited about unless you are a snow skier or ice skater.

There have been some questions about the creation of the sixth branch of the military that I want to address. I have seen a logo for Space Force and the new commander was recently sworn in, but it has been estimated that the full roll out could take up to 18 months. It appears that manning for this new branch will come out of the Department of the Air Force and installations will transfer from current Air Force properties to Space Force. Doctrine, Policies and Procedures, Regulations and other administrative and regulatory processes will take time to create and implement. I can assure you all that your Board of Directors and National office are aware and thoughtfully proceeding forward with a plan to make whatever changes are necessary in a comprehensive process.

Terry presenting NCOA to Grants Pass Veteran’s breakfast

We continue to look at potential partners to join forces with that add purpose and meaningful opportunities for our members to step up and make a difference in your communities and for our nation. We are also looking for the right fit for benefits that truly meet the need of our members and their families. Our goal is not to be like all of the other organizations out there, but to be unique. We are now an organization that represents all enlisted forces from all active, reserve and separated armed forces. Up to this point in history, no war was fought exclusively by one and only one branch of the military. It took the teamwork of all five up to this point and now going forward six branches of the military. A vibrant, educated and well trained enlisted force makes the United States military the best and most formidable fighting force ever compiled. Be proud of that!

The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) holds a unique place amongst military service organizations. We need you to help us remain in this unique position. If each one of you brought one family member or current or former member of the military into our roles, we would explode up the ranks of organizations. Can you, will you help?

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