Thank You Letters from Somalia
March 2020 Update
March is Women’s History Month. I want to acknowledge and promote the fact that women have served honorably and side by side without complaints for decades and it is important to acknowledge their service and sacrifice. Thank you for your service!
I heard a radio spot the other day and the message has been bouncing around my head ever since. The message was “If not me, then who?” The context of the radio message was about volunteering to make things better in your community. Most people have a tendency to believe that someone else will be the who thus relieving them of the responsibility to do anything.
Newly elected trustees being sworn in by Chairman Haines. They are L-R Ron Kohl, Dan Reno & Stephen Bobian.
Every single person reading this message either joined the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) voluntarily or if coerced into joining made a conscious decision later to keep their membership by renewing or converting to life so you didn’t have to deal with those pesky renewal notices again.
There are a variety of reasons why anyone joins any organization. Maybe it is for the socialization of hanging around with friends. Maybe it is because you believe in what the organization stands for and is doing. Perhaps it is because you want to make a difference in your community and the organization gives you a vehicle with which to do that. Maybe everyone else was joining and you wanted to fit in. The bottom line is that you joined!
Chairman Haines presenting Certificate of Recognition to Trustee Dan Reno for his work on getting the Chapter Newsletter out to our membership
Let’s get back to that phrase, if not me then who. Most of you are living your life, perhaps raising a family or trying to impact the community that you live in. Some may have withdrawn from the traditional way of life either out of frustration or rebellion. In almost all cases if you had an opportunity to make a mark that improved the quality of life for your family, organization, community, state or nation, you would probably at least take a look at what was being asked of you and how much time, finances or effort would be required. If the end result or benefit exceeded your investment, most of you would probably consider doing something.
As NCOA moves forward, we are looking at programs and organizations to partner with that provide opportunities to make a difference. Less than 20% of our membership is attached to a chapter and the types of programs that we are looking at are ones that an individual nowhere close to a chapter could participate in and impact the community where you live. Come to the conference in San Antonio from July 14-17 to find out more about opportunities available.
How do you want to be remembered when your life comes to an end? Do you want to be remembered as someone who saw a need and did something about it or as someone who spent their life waiting for someone else to take care of the problem? If not me, then who?
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
Care Packages
Patriots:
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
February 2020 Update
Vets at Grants Pass breakfast 2-6-20
February is here and we celebrate President’s Day which consolidates Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th and Washington’s Birthday which is February 22nd 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