NCOA Newsletter June 2021
Desk of the Chairman June 2021
June brings about the anniversary of D-Day, the 6th of June where thousands of brave young men stormed the beaches of Normandy to begin the eviction of the German army from France and ultimately bring about the end of WW2 in Europe a little over a year later. June also celebrates the Birthday of the United States Army on the 14th. Happy Birthday US Army. Flag Day is also on the 14th followed by Father’s Day on the 20th, so a blessed June to all of you who are fathers!
Things are beginning to show signs of opening back up in this country after more than a year of isolation, fear, and erosion of our freedoms. I love this association and the service and sacrifices that each of you made in order to serve our country and protect our way of life. Some of you joined as a favor to a friend and some because you wanted a discount on an education or to be eligible for a Tricare supplement. Some of you joined out of curiosity and some even joined to get someone off of your back.
A funny thing happened to me and perhaps the same thing happened to you. I made new friends and NCOA and the things that we did grew on me. How about you? The camaraderie and friendships developed have a growing value as we age. I am thrilled to see all of the new chapters and the engagement in activities that improve the community in which you live.
I realize that it takes time and finances to go to a national conference, but I can assure you that the benefits received are long lasting. I encourage all of you to register and plan to attend. The recognition afforded our Vanguard heroes makes a lasting impression on all of us and solidifies that our military has some exceptional people. Come meet them and participate in a briefing and discussions with the SEAC and most if not all of the Senior Enlisted from our respective branches. This year we will also be releasing our newly created strategic plan that will serve to lay the foundation for our future. After more than a year in isolation, come to San Antonio and be part of our/your future!
If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact headquarters or 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
Chairman, International Board of Directors
-
- Chairman Haines awards Super Saxon to Rachael Watters
-
- Chairman Haines presenting Flo Blake Commendation award
-
- Ken Wilson presented Certificate of Achievement (1)
-
- Ron Kohl receiving Certificate of Achievement
-
- Terry Haines, Rachael Watters, Ron Kohl & Ken Wilson present Veterun check to Chad & Kathy Robichaux
-
- Colby Olson P.A. Olson CMDCM-USNR(ret.) presenting scholarship
NCOA Newsletter May 2021
2020 Regional Chapter of the Year
Desk of the Chairman May 2021
May is upon us and there are several days to remember. May 7th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. May 8th is the anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe. Mother’s Day is the 9th and date that all guys had better remember. May 16th is Armed Forces Day, so whether you served or are the family member of someone who served, thank them for their service on the 16th. Finally, May 31st is Memorial Day, the day when we honor all of our fallen brothers and sisters.
July and our annual conference will be here before you know it. We are closing in on our recruiting goal of 1,000 new members by conference. If you have a spouse or adult family member over the age of 18, please consider bringing them into the fold as it only costs $20 and it will be a tremendous help for the Association.
COVID has been a huge distraction around the world and within the military. It is another shot that our troops are being faced with. Deployments and PCS moves have been impacted. School closures for our kids and a wide variety of restrictions including having to wear masks have been imposed. I got my COVID shots because I want my freedoms back. How about you?
I am excited to see several new locations considering starting up new chapters. Ft. Campbell, Washington DC, and perhaps even Offutt AFB are showing interest and I again want to congratulate Ft. Bragg for coming online. It only takes 5 members to start a chapter and you can even start a virtual chapter with all of the technology available.
A friend of mine shared a simple quote from an unknown source but it makes a lot of sense. “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Guess what fellow members. You are the “me” in that quote. Think about it and take that training from your service and stop waiting for someone else to start the ball rolling. They are waiting on you, so we have a standoff. Make the first move and we will all be better for it. If you have any ideas or suggestions, either contact headquarters or 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
Chairman, International Board of Directors