December is upon us and we barely have had time to recover from Thanksgiving and now we find the official start of winter and a Christmas that has COVID pressing in on it from all sides.  Each of us has a decision to make.  The start of December marks the 79^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Our nation was hurt and hurt badly by that event but we persevered.  As admiral Yamamoto is reported to have said, “I fear that we have awakened a sleeping giant.”  Today the attack was not with bombs and bullets; it came as an invisible virus.  Our resolve is being challenged and the fight which took place 79 years ago is now hitting us in communities from one side of this country to the other.

Rogue Chapter Trustees presenting award to Paradux Media for outstanding sustained support

Christmas marks the birth of our Lord and Savior and a focus on that positive reality is a much needed diversion from the fear and hysteria being pushed upon us daily by the news cycle.  Let us start by celebrating the fact that December 13^th is the birthday of our National Guard.    Many of the members of the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) are members of the National Guard so if you know of one, wish them Happy Birthday and thank them for their service.  We can also be thankful that one of the most forgettable years in US History, if not world history, will come to an end and we have the hope for a brighter and better year ahead.

I have always tried to live my life from the perspective that the glass is half full rather than half empty.  While the difference may seem small, it boils down to whether you look at things from a positive perspective or a negative one.  I am sure that you have heard the saying “when stuck with a bag of lemons, make lemonade.”

The year 2020 has had an overabundance of lemons, but that just sets us up to make a lot of refreshing lemonade with the start of the New Year.  My fellow NCOA members reach out to that long lost buddy with whom you served.  Offer to help an elderly neighbor and generate a smile.  If you are one of our older members, perhaps contact a family member and share some of your buried treasure of experiences with them.  It may seem hard and maybe even hurt a bit, but releasing those pent up experiences will help give someone a perspective that they probably need to hear about.  In the end, you will feel better and your family or friends will learn something that may change how they view life.  For Christmas, instead of buying a present, share an experience and make a difference in our little world.

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