THE LARIAT. President s Message. Save The Date MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER. Inside This Edition:

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1 MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER THE LARIAT Volume 34, Number 9 Five Star Chapter September We are getting closer to the general elections for our Representatives and Senator for the Federal offices and as importantly Governor, Lt. Governor and Senators and Representatives at the State level. These elections will be crucial for the military at the Federal and State levels and perhaps more importantly for veterans in the State of Texas. I hope that you took heed of my encouragement in last month s message to get to your elected officials offices to talk with them about what MOAA is trying to do at the Federal and State levels. In addition, you have hopefully had an opportunity to talk with those who are running in opposition about these things and developed a sense of what their positions are toward the military and our veterans and spouses. Remember that we need to continue these efforts to visit and keep our representatives and senators on their toes insofar as keeping to our goals of enhancing and/or maintaining hard fought and deserved benefits to our military, veterans and families. Inside This Edition: Pg 2 Chapter News & Notices Pg 3 7th Annual Golf Tournament Pg 4 Membership Stats Pg 8 Speaker Bio - Eric Cooper Pg 10 Golf Tournament Flyer Pg 14 Chapter Events Calendar President s Message At the Federal level, we always have a task of educating and reeducating the Congress as to what is needed, but this year, with the almost total upheaval of key elected officials in Texas, we will have a huge task of meeting, educating and getting new officials in our corner. This will be regardless of who is the new Governor or Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor is probably by far the most important state executive, other than the Speaker of the House, who we need to have attuned to our needs. We also know that the chairmanship of the Veterans and Military Installations Committee in the Senate will undoubtedly change so it is our hope that the new chairman will be friendly to our causes that I outlined last month. We should all vote for whomever we think will do the best job representing us. As you know MOAA is apolitical as it concerns the Congress or the State, but we do encourage all of our members to participate in the process and get out and VOTE. Your vote and your participation in the process is important to the long term goals of MOAA and military community that it works for whether active, Guard, Reserve, having served or retired and their families Last month (August) we had the pleasure of participating in a new joint venture of JBSA and the Military Veteran Community Council (MVCC) called the TX-TIP. This is a seminar put on as an elective part of the ATAP for transitioning military members who want to learn more about what will be available to them in our community and the State of Texas in the way of employment, housing, education, healthcare, etc. All in all, it was a very successful event and of great value to these transitioning members. MVCC will continue working with JBSA to improve and enhance these programs. September will be a busy month with the Chapter s 7 th Annual Golf Tournament at the River Crossing Golf Club on September 12 th. This is our annual fund raiser that benefits the Warrior and Family Support Center and our MOAA Alamo JROTC scholarships fund. If you need information regarding the tournament and Continued on Page 8) Save The Date Thursday, October 30 6pm Ft Sam Golf Club The Lariat September 2014

2 WANTED! All Active Duty or Retired Job Seekers If you would like to be added to the regular blast that lists job opportunities in San Antonio and the surrounding area, please our Alamo Chapter Transition Liaison Officer David Patrick at If you are an area employer who is interested in hiring career transitioning officers or their spouses.. or if you are a MOAA member who is interested in helping a career transitioning officer or spouse as a San Antonio Networker.. or if you are a MOAA member Job Seeker, please contact me David Patrick, Chapter Transition Liaison Officer & MOAA Texas Networking Coordinator at or by the above. Mission Statement Vision: To be the primary advocate for the military community Mission: To be a major source of information, support and social engagement for the membership; To provide programs and services for the common good of our military community; To be a powerful voice supporting MOAA at the local, state and national levels. To help us fulfill our mission come join us at our monthly leadership meetings - the 1st Thursday each month at 10am, at the Chapter Offices. Call (210) for more info. Chapter News & Notices Thank You! Each of our members listed below have donated a little (or a lot) to either the Scholarship Fund, Chapter Operations, or both! LtCol John Bandy USAF (Ret) LTC Robert E. Blake USA (Ret) LTC Anton Blieberger USA (Ret) LTC Margaret Canfield USA (Ret) LtCol George Carruthers USAF (Ret) Col William Clarke USAF (Ret) COL Raymond Cole USA (Ret) LTC Martha Dingey USA (Ret) Capt Andrew Duncan USAF (Ret) Linda Gayer Helen Grizzard Pat Higgins Col Bill Jurczyn USAF (Ret) LTC Roland Keller USA (Ret) Col Preston Kleinman USAF (Ret) LTC Dean Lansing USA (Ret) COL Douglas McCary USA (Ret) Maj Terrence Mish USAF (Ret) Capt Keith Nelson USAF (Ret) Col Paul Parker USAF (Ret) COL Charles Reding USA (Ret) LTC William Render USAF (Ret) Col Jim Roberts USAF (Ret) MGen Chuck Rodriguez USA (Ret) Maj James Rosskopf USAF (Ret) Gwendolyn Sampson Florence Schulenberg Betty Shelton Mills COL Mary Anne Svetlik USA (Ret) Betty Tarbox COL Louis Vogler USA (Ret) Col Jon Whiting USAF (Ret) CAPT Janice Wynn USN (Ret) Cookie Angels Grateful thanks to those who either baked and or took items to the wounded soldiers at Ft Sam Houston s Warrior and Family Support Center. If you were able to give this month on behalf of the Alamo Chapter please call Susie at (210) , so we may add your name to our list. Thank you. Maryada Artiglia Irene Collier Nita Felder Susan Filipini Joe & Adele Genualdi John Gibbs Rochelle Koltz Sue McCarthy Mac and Lori McDonald Goldie Monroe JC & Marilyn Newell Lolly Orlowski Phyllis Smith Lou Strong Brenda Tobey Susie Tolman Dot Wise Tom & Evelyn Woods The Lariat September

3 MOAA Alamo Chapter 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament co-workers and fellow golfers who may desire to support this worthy cause. Alamo Chapter Your Alamo Chapter is conducting its 7th Annual Golf Tournament on September 12, 2014 at the same location as last year - the River Crossing Golf Club in Spring Branch. As in the past the tournament raises funds for the Warrior and Family Support Center and for our Chapter Scholarship Fund. The funds we donate will help Warriors and their families make the transition back to some degree of normalcy and in the process less of a burden on them and their family. The funds donated to our Scholarship Fund will assist promising local high school students afford a college education. If you wish to contact us about a sponsorship, donations, prizes, or being a volunteer, please call Frank Rohrbough at cell (703) or call our MOAA Office at (210) Information, sponsorships and registration/donation forms are attached to this . Alternatively you can sign up and/or donate on line at our website and pay using our secure Paypal option. Go to Thank you. Frank Rohrbough Co-Chair, Golf Committee (See Tournament Flyer on Page 10) If you have been a donor in the past, we are very grateful for such support and we need your help again this year. If you have not provided support in the past, please consider doing so. Here are the ways you can help: 1. Be a sponsor by selecting one of the many options as noted in the attached flyer. 2. Be a golfer -- submit an entry form for yourself or your team using the attached registration form. 3. Be a contributor -- please consider donating an entry fee of $125 and give a Warrior an opportunity to play free of charge. 4. Be a supporter by providing an item or service as a prize (gift certificates from local restaurants, or vendor products, etc.) for our tournament. 5. Be a volunteer to help during the tournament collecting money for special events, selling tickets for Special Prizes or witnessing certain events. Your support of this funding-raising event will be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to distribute this information and flyers to any of your family, friends, 3 The Lariat September 2014

4 WELCOME New Members! THANK YOU! Renewing Members: LtCol Dale Johnson USAF (Ret) Col Graham Aitken USAF (Ret) LTC Roland Keller USA (Ret) Col Alex Archibald, Jr USAF (Ret) CDR Gary Lindley USN COL Carol Huebner USA (Ret) LTC Brian Niday USA (Ret) COL Art Jackson USA (Ret) LtCol Bob Sartor USMC (Ret) Col Harvey Johnson USAF (Ret) LTC Victoria Wood ARNG (Ret) Col Preston Kleinman USAF (Ret) MAJ Earl Downs USA COL Douglas McCary USA (Ret) MAJ Raul Macias USA (Ret) Col Wright Nodine USAF (Ret) Maj Marvin Hsie USAF Col James Quinn USAF (Ret) Maj Willis Humiston USAF (Ret) COL Mary Anne Svetlik USA (Ret) Maj Keith Nelson USAF (Ret) Col John Tully USA (Ret) MAJ Joseph Topinka USA COL Louis Vogler USA (Ret) Maj Michael Walker USA (Ret) Col Jai Yang USAF (Ret) Maj David Winney USAF (Ret) CAPT Jerry Wiens USN (Ret) Maj Ben Winters USAF (Ret) CAPT Janice Wynn USN (Ret) Capt James Martin USAF (Ret) LtCol Walter Ague USAF (Ret) Capt James Mathias USAF (Ret) LTC Anton Blieberger USA (Ret) CPT Eliseo Nuncio USA (Frmr) LTC Clayton Hadick USA (Ret) Capt Joseph Sanchez USAF (Ret) LTC Clarence Hall Jr USA (Ret) CPT Andrew Ullmann USA (Ret) LtCol Loretta Henderson USAF (Ret) CW3 Kathleen Kaberides USA (Ret) LTC Richard Holzmann USA (Ret) VADM John Bird USN (Ret) LTG Richard Graves USA (Ret) LtGen Buford Lary USAF (Ret) MG Gerald Bethke USA (Ret) MajGen John Farrington USAF (Ret) BrigGen Charles Bishop USAF (Ret) BrigGen Richard Hersack USAF Col Richard Anderson USAF Col Jerry Bailey USAF (Ret) Col John Barber USAF (Ret) Col Robert Bayless USAF (Ret) Col Raymond Becker USMC (Ret) Col Andrew Belko USAF (Ret) Col Joan Blankenbeker USAF (Ret) COL James Boelens USA (Ret) Col Randy Borg USAF (Ret) Col John Borland USAF Col Kenneth Brady USAF (Ret) Col Edward Brogan USAF Col Steve Caberto USAF Col Charles Cadenhead USAF (Ret) COL Gary Carlson USA (Ret) CAPT Martin Cawley USN (Ret) Col Charles Cheatam USMC (Ret) COL James Chevallier USA Col Joseph Coleman USAF (Ret) Col Karen Currie USAF (Ret) Col Mark Delaney USAF (Ret) Col Nancy Dezell USAF Col Eddie Douglas USAF (Ret) Col Sheila Earle USAF (Ret) Col Ronald Ellis USAF (Ret) COL Joseph Fay USA (Ret) CAPT Edward Funk USN (Ret) Col Edward Garland USAF (Ret) CAPT James Gibson USN (Ret) Col James Gifford Jr USAF Col Walter Goff USAF (Ret) COL James Gustine USA (Ret) CAPT Gail Hathaway USN Col Jerrold Harrington USAF (Ret) COL John Head USA Col Robert Hennessey USAF (Ret) (Continued on Page 5) The Lariat September

5 New Members (Continued from Page 4) COL John Holdsworth (Ret) COL Charles Hood USA (Ret) COL Gary Hyde USA (Ret) Col Gilbert Inman USAF (Ret) COL Helmut Kiessling USA (Ret) COL Thomas Kilpatrick USA (Ret) Col Michael Lakos USAF CAPT Larry Lowe USN (Ret) Col Vernon Lucas USAF COL Franklin Lum USA (Ret) Col Tim MacGregor USAF COL Kristian Marks USA Col Richard Marks USAF (Ret) Col John Mateer USAF Col Michael Mendoza USAF COL Nancy Molter USA (Ret) Col Lucia More USAF Col Mason Pigue USAF Col Michael Romero USAF CDR Gary Abbott USN (Ret) CDR Linda Acosta USN (Ret) LtCol Edward Antoine USAF (Ret) LtCol Carlos Ayala USAF (Ret) LtCol David Barker USAF LTC Gregory Borden USA LTC George Bradley USA (Ret) LtCol James Bray USAF (Ret) LTC James Campbell USA LTC Kenneth Chorn USA (Ret) CDR Edith Clark USPHS (Ret) LtCol Mike Clayton USAF LtCol Russell Coleman USAF (Ret) LtCol Jackie Collins USAF (Ret) LtCol Byron Copeland USAF (Ret) LtCol John Dickinson USAF (Ret) LtCol James Duecker USAF LTC Frank Elizondo USA (Ret) CDR John Fahsl USN (Ret) LTC Rick Fisher USA (Ret) LtCol Donald Fowler USAF (Ret) LTC Thomas Gendry USA (Ret) LtCol Scott Graham USAF (Ret) LtCol Robert Guerra USAF (Ret) LtCol Michael Hackett USAF (Ret) LTC Jeanette Hammond USA (Ret) LtCol Terry Hamrick USAF LtCol James Hawkins USAF CDR Linda Hearin USN (Ret) LtCol Len Heimer USAF (Ret) LtCol Raymond Hengel USAF (Ret) CDR Karl Hilberg USN LtCol Mary Holmstrand USAF (Ret) LtCol Elaine Howell USAF (Ret) CDR William Huston USN (Ret) LtCol Robert Johnson USAF (Ret) LtCol R. Jones USAF (Ret) LtCol Craig Jordan USAF (Ret) CDR David Jordan USN (Ret) LTC David Krause USA (Ret) LTC Diane LaGesse USA (Ret) CDR Sue Larkin USPHS LTC Thomas Leonard USA (Ret) CDR Jonathan Lovejoy USN (Ret) LtCol Charles Macrander USAF (Ret) LtCol Caleb Malcolm USAF LtCol James Martin USAF (Ret) LtCol Kathryn Meyers USAF (Ret) LTC Francis Moran USA (Ret) LtCol Ray Sirak USAF LtCol Rosalyn Walker USAF LtCol James Washington USAF LtCol Zak Zimmerman USAF Maj Lorraine Adams USAF (Ret) Maj Roy Allen USAF (Ret) Maj Todd Arvidson USAF Maj Ronald Bransford USAF (Ret) MAJ Thomas Brooks USA Maj John Cane USAF (Ret) Maj Wayne Crist USAF (Ret) LCDR Bernard Crook USN (Ret) Maj Robert Curtis USAF Maj Dolores Dever USAF (Ret) Maj Victoria Elliott USAF Maj Robert Everdeen USAF Maj Timoteo Fierro USMC (Ret) Maj Jose Garcia USA (Ret) LCDR Lashelle Hamilton USN MAJ Kelly Hays USA (Ret) Maj Jerold Hjelmstad USAF (Ret) MAJ John James USA Maj Scott Jobe USAF (Ret) Maj Robert Laroche USAF (Ret) MAJ Jose Longoria USA (Ret) MAJ Terrence Mayclin USA (Ret) Maj Jason Shropshire USA Maj Gerald Stepman USAF (Ret) CPT Kyle Becker AFRNG Capt Richard Blake USAF (Ret) Capt Mary Crooks USAF (Ret) Capt Alfred Felipe USAF (Ret) CPT James Guthrie USA (Ret) CPT Robert Hammond USA (Frmr) Capt Jessica Herndon USAF CPT Adam Jonasz USA (Ret) Capt Richard Lewis USAF (Ret) Capt Brian McKay USAF (Ret) Lt Jonathan McKelvain USN (Frmr) Capt Crystal McKinnon USAF Capt Alex Rio USAF Capt Robert Stewart USAF 1Lt Rockie Carter USAFR 1Lt Samuel Dimmerling USAF 1LT Kenya Hightower USA 1LT Robert Klein USA (Ret) 1LT Ismael Moran (Frmr) 1Lt Jacob Williams USAF 2LT Alexander Alaniz ARNG 2Lt Eric Badger USAF 2LT Alexander Barraza USA 2Lt Keith Buehler USAF 2LT Nicholas Castillo ARNG 2Lt Eric Estvanko USAF 2LT Deven Gaston USA 2Lt Tilli Ghale USAF 2LT James Jones USA 2LT Jacob Kjar USA 2Lt Cristina Lucero USAF 2LT Angela Mayo USA 2LT Charles Mazal USA 2LT Kyle Pachencia USA 2LT Jeremy Smith USA 2Lt Sonya Yelbert USAF 2Lt Joshua Zinkhon USAF CW4 Clyde Keniston USMC (Ret) CW4 Barry Mattis USA (Ret) CW3 Russell Ferrell USA CW3 Loren Mathews USA (Ret) CW3 Tommy McKay USA (Ret) CW2 Earl Bush USA (Ret) 5 The Lariat September 2014

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7 Medical Minute How to Sharpen Thinking and Memory Skills Experiencing a little fuzzy thinking and forgetfulness is just a normal part of aging. Just as we exercise to maintain physical strength, there are tricks you can use to maintain your cognitive skills. Here are four tricks you can use to enhance your memory skills. 1) Repeat: Repeat names, things you want to remember several times. Take notes. Write it down. Repeat a name after you hear it. Use it again in your next sentence. Paraphrase what you want to remember. Rehearsing information before bedtime takes advantage of the fact that memory consolidation occurs during sleep. 2) Organize: Pilots use a check list before flying. Use a check list before leaving home for errands. Use a daily planner or calendar. Make a list first thing in the morning of what you want to accomplish that day. Going to the grocery store? List like things together such as cold items, canned goods fruit etc. 3) Visualize: Forget people s names when introduced? Be sure that you heard the name clearly. Then use enhanced coding or visualization to strengthen the association between face and name. 4) Cue: Can t recall a word? Talk around it, describing it, and it will usually come to you. Need to make a phone call? Place something on the phone receiver to remind you to make the call later. (Continued on Page 11) Hero Dogs Dog has been man's best friend since the caveman domesticated the first wolf pup. He serves in many different capacities - from military war dog, companion, service dog, playmate, guard, search and rescue and medicine to being a pampered family member. When we think of hero dogs, we generally think of military war dogs. War dogs were used by the early Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Samarians, Slavs, Britons, and Romans. The earliest recorded use of dogs in battle was by the Aylett s of Lydia in 600 BC. The Russians in WW1 used them to pull cannons. They would also go out on the battlefield and crawl under tanks wearing explosives which blew up under the tank. They were also used to drag wounded soldiers to an aid station. In the US the first organized use of war dogs came in March 1942 at Fort Royal, VA. The K-9 Corps was activated. There were multiple training sites around the US. The dogs were considered expendable operational equipment under the quartermaster. A service number was tattooed in each dog s ear. Initially training was only eight to twelve weeks. Platoons were formed and dogs earned rank up to Sergeant by deeds. They were given medals for bravery and even given discharge papers at the end of the war. Today Lackland AFB, TX is the only military dog training site in the US. Dogs are purchased on a regular basis from shelters, breeders, or private donations. Any breed or gender dog can qualify. Preferred breeds are Belgian Malinois, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers. Not all dogs graduate. They can't be too docile or too aggressive. They must be willing to follow commands, be loyal, disease free. A poor sense of smell or unstable Solitaires temperament disqualifies them. Usually they train with a handler and are at least 7 months old. The handler must be the "alpha dog." Two "betas" won't make it. Their most extensive use was in the Viet Nam war. It is estimated that Viet Nam dogs saved 10,000 lives by alerting handler or unit of an enemy or explosives. They used sentry dogs especially around nuclear sites. No unit was ever attacked. On one occasion the dog's keen sense of smell detected a group of Vietnamese submerged in water with reeds used as breathing tubes. The Navy Seal Team that killed Bin Laden had Cairo, their Belgian Malinois jump with his handler. He was equipped with night vision goggles, oxygen mask and body armor. Today military war dogs are used all over, especially in Afghanistan. The literature is replete with stories of the valor and accomplishments of these heroes. We all recall the picture of a casket lying in state with the handler's dog lying at the foot of the casket. He didn't move until the casket was carried away. 232 military war working dogs were killed in Viet Nam along with 295 handlers. Only 549 dogs were left. Some went home with their handlers. Only four could be returned to civilian life. Many were thought to be too aggressive. 200 were sent to other stations in the US. The rest were either turned over to the Vietnamese or euthanized. The Marines thought so highly of their canine partners they sought a silver star and purple heart for one. But the government disapproved saying the dog had disobeyed orders and left his handler--regardless of the fact he captured a machine gun nest with six men in it while receiving a bullet in his shoulder. So the Marines created a special service medal for the dogs. (Continued on Page 11) 7 The Lariat September 2014

8 Speaker Bio - Eric Cooper Eric Cooper is the President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Texas. Through a network of more than 530 nonprofit agencies and a myriad of distribution programs, the San Antonio Food Bank provides more than 57 million pounds of food and grocery items to needy Texans in a 16 county service area. In 2001, the San Antonio Food Bank selected Eric to become the youngest Executive Director in the history of the organization; followed by Board appointment to President and CEO in During his 12 year tenure, the San Antonio Food Bank has grown to more than 160 employees, increased food distribution from 10 million pounds to more than 54 million pounds last year, increased the number and impact of its programs, and was awarded Food Bank of the Year in 2007 by Feeding America, the national network of 200+ Food Banks. Locally, Eric serves on a number of committees around food and nutrition, such as the Mayor s Fitness Council Executive Committee and Chair of the Nutrition Committee. At the state level, he has served on the Executive Committee of the Texas Food Bank Network. Nationally, he serves on several of Feeding America s committees including the Faith Based Committee, the Food Sourcing Committee, and is chair of the New Business Marketing Solutions Committee. Eric was also recognized as the Executive Director of the Year in 2011 by Feeding America. Prior to the San Antonio Food Bank, Eric served as the Product Donations Manager for the North Texas Food Bank. He began his career at the Utah Food Bank as the Volunteer and Food Drive Coordinator and then worked his way up to Deputy Director. Throughout his 19 year career in food banking, Eric s track record has been efficient and effective. MOAA Alamo Chapter (in conjunction with Collette Travel) presents Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria April 22 - May 1, 2015 Double $3699, Single $3999 (Book now and save $250 pp) Includes round trip air fare from San Antonio For more information contact Collette Travel (800) refer to booking # The Lariat September President s Message (Continued from Page 1) would like to participate, please call the office at (210) or go to our website: If you know of any businesses or individuals who would like to be a sponsor for the tournament, please direct them to the office for more information as to how they can do that. Our Chapter luncheon will take place at the Ft. Sam Houston Golf Club on September 25 beginning at Our speaker will be Mr. Eric Cooper who is the Executive Director of the San Antonio Food Bank. We will also have a short presentation about our next travel opportunity with Collette Vacations in April 2015 heading to Switzerland. Please try and be there. It will be an interesting meeting. On September 27, the Joint Base San Antonio Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD) will occur in Willis Hall, Bldg 2841 on Stanley Rd. This annual event will include military community members from all services and will provide services and information to better assist them. Some of the programs available will be: Legal Services; SAMMC (BAMC) Health Fair where various health departments will be represented and you will be able to get your flu shots; Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Veterans Land Board; the FSH National Cemetery; FSH Exchange Services; the Commissary and more. This event will take place from 0800 until Be sure and be there. Another event that will also be happening on September 27 th is the State of Texas Recognition of POW/MIA s (the National Day of Recognition is September 19) at Texas State Cemetery in Austin. This will take place from 1100 until 1300 and is a very moving ceremony. Have a great month! Maj Jim Cunningham (Ret)

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11 Solitaires (Continued from Page 10) They also established a military war dog cemetery on Guam for their hairy friends. Today there are three other dog cemeteries in the States. Military dogs aren't the only heroes. They have done many brave deeds in civilian life. Firemen use them to detect explosives in arson cases. Police use them to track fugitives, and detect drugs and explosives. Airline transportation uses them to detect drugs. Medicine once used them to test the effectiveness of drugs. Today, they are more valuable in detecting early cancer in prostate, ovarian, melanoma and diabetes before lab tests confirm a diagnosis. Cadaver dogs locate bodies in avalanches, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. Companion dogs are brought to hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons and especially for Alzheimer's patients. All seem to respond favorably to their visits. Dogs have been used as therapeutic companions for GI's returning with amputees, blind, and hearing impairment and paralyzed patients. The family dog guards the children and is their playmate no matter how they treat him. He is forgiving and loving. Dogs do many services for humanity. Is it any wonder we consider them one of the family? Our heroes! The Solitaire's meeting for September will be Tuesday 2 September at the For Sam Golf Club and Sunday 24 September is the Sunday Brunch at Randolph Parr Club. Solitaires If you are a single man or lady and like to eat, chat, make new friends, experience or provide sometimes brief impromptu or scheduled interesting demonstrations, talks, or discussions, whether you are: visiting the area; active duty or retired; widowed or divorced; the SOLITAIRES is the group for you. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy camaraderie with other single men and ladies whose backgrounds and experiences are with the military. So make that resolution to get out and about and come have some fun!! Call the office (210) for more details. Medical Minute (Continued from Page 7) 5) Group: Have a long list of things to remember? Group them in sets of three to five. Create a mnemonic or rhyme using the first letter of the terms or items to jar your memory. Another trick that usually works. You are in a room and want something from another room to accomplish what you are doing. You get to the room and can t remember what it was you wanted. Walk backwards, especially through a door at least ten feet. It usually comes to you. If all of these fail, then perhaps you should consider a dementia test. Source: Harvard Health Letter, July 2014, Dr. Kim Willomots Corporate Partners Abby Consulting Air Force Federal Credit Union Army Residence Community Beldon Roofing Company Blue Skies of Texas (formerly Air Force Villages) The Jacobson Law Firm, P.C. Medical Services International, Inc Mortgage of Texas & Financial LLC Navy Federal Credit Union Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Security Service Federal Credit Union Silverbridge Realty Spectrum Technologies, Inc See links to these companies on our website Source: Arthur Bergeron: Building of K-9 Corps Gary Turlah: Saluting Canine Courage National Geographic June 2014, Michael Paterneti Media--TV and news Google: Military war Dogs Col Irene Collier (Ret) Col Irene Collier (Ret) We encourage each of you to remember our Corporate Partners in your business and daily activities because we truly appreciate their support. If your business or organization would like to join us as a Corporate Partner, please contact us at (210) The Lariat September 2014

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14 SEPTEMBER Chapter Events Calendar OCTOBER 1 Volunteer Hours Due 1 Labor Day 2 Solitaire s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club 4 Staff Meeting 10am MOAA-AC Office 7 Grandparents Day 11 Patriot Day 12 MOAA-AC Golf Tournament River Crossing 1pm 18 Air Force Birthday 18 Board Meeting 10am 19 POW/MIA Recognition Day 25 Chapter Luncheon Ft Sam Golf Club 11:30am 27 JBSA Retiree Appreciation Day Bldg Solitaire s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr Club Ongoing Events: Cookie Angels deliver cookies, snacks and personal care items to the Warrior & Family Support Center. Call Susie Tolman for details (210) Volunteer Hours Due 2 Staff Meeting 10am MOAA-AC Office 7 Solitaire s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club 13 US Navy Birthday 13 Columbus Day MOAA Annual Meeting Arlington 26 Solitaire s Sunday Brunch 11am Randolph Parr Club 28 Extravaganza Ft Sam Golf Club (JBSA Welcome event) 30 MOAA-AC Event Oktoberfest Ft Sam Golf Course 6pm Events pertaining to general membership are bolded and italicized for the volunteer leadership team, though Members are always welcome! Please call the office for details (210) DECEMBER NOVEMBER 1 Volunteer Hours Due 1 TCC 4 th Qtr Teleconference 4 Solitaire s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club 6 Staff Meeting MOAA-AC Office 10am 10 Marine Corps Birthday 11 Veterans Day Ceremony Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery 9:30am 13 Board Meeting 10am 20 Annual Business Meeting Ft Sam Golf Club 23 Solitaire s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr Club 27 Thanksgiving VA Hospital Decorating TBD - volunteers needed 1 Volunteer Hours Due 4 Annual Chapter Planning Meeting 9am-Noon MOAA- AC Office 5 Christmas Dinner Dance Ft Sam Houston Golf Club 6pm 6 Solitaire s Pot Luck 7 Pearl Harbor Day 23 Dec -1 Jan Office Closed 25 Christmas Day The Lariat September

15 DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THIS LARIAT FASTER AND IN FULL COLOR ON-LINE? Just send your address to with the subject line OLLO. We ll gladly remove you from this printed version mailing list and notify you each month by when the new issue is available for viewing. Saves the chapter paper and postage and you get to see it sooner! VOLUNTEER STAFF: PRESIDENT Alamo Chapter MAJ James R. Cunningham EXEC VP Operations LTC Bill Goforth VP ADMINISTRATION LtCol Jim Webb VP PROGRAMS (Open) VP MEMBERSHIP LTC Randy Hoff SECRETARY Col David Patrick TREASURER Col Vaughn Caudill SCHOLARSHIP LTC Dan Cummings/COL Art Jackson VP PERSONAL AFFAIRS Col Stuart Myers DEPUTY PA LtCol Craig Erickson VP LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Col Al Cote DEP LEG AFFAIRS (Open) VP PUBLIC RELATIONS (Open) VP LOGISTICS LtCol Fred Koechley LEGAL COUNSEL Jacobson Law Firm SOLITAIRES Pat Shecter CONSULTANT Maj Len Mull CONSULTANT Lt George Frecsko EDITOR Col Kerry Green ASST EDITOR Col James Payne CHAPLAIN LTC James Taylor PX/VAV/VAC Rep Susie Tolman ASST JROTC Coord. Col Peter Hunt TRANSITION LIAISON Col David Patrick WEB MASTER Col Bill Hudson HISTORIAN Col Janice Edgerson VOLUNTEER COORD. LTC Jerry Gonzales ADVERTISING COORD. (Open) AFV SATELLITE COORD. CAPT Bill Knehans ARC SATELLITE COORD. MG Charles Honore DUTY OFFICERS: LtCol Bill Polasek, Col Irene Collier (Coordinator) LtCol Jim Cuskey, LtCol Ed Waggoner, Col Stuart Myers, LtCol Jim Webb CONTRACTOR: Admin Support Trish Meserve DIRECTORS: Chairman: MAJ Jim Cunningham LTC John Gibbs LTC Jim Finch Col Lisa Skopal Mrs. Susie Tolman Col Mac McDonald LtCol Ed Marvin Col Frank Rohrbough BG James Doty DIRECTORS EMERITUS HONORARY DIRECTORS BG George Woodard Gen William McBride BG Robert Herring Statement of Publication The Lariat is the newsletter of the Military Officers Association of America Alamo Chapter. It is published once each month to inform the membership of issues and activities of interest to all. MOAA-AC is a non-profit organization 501c 3 within the state of Texas organized to represent the membership and to support the activities of the Texas Council of Chapters and MOAA National. Advertising contained in the newsletter is not endorsed by the Chapter and does not represent any recommendation to the membership. Opinions expressed in articles contained herein are not necessarily those of the membership as a whole or the Chapter. Questions should be directed to the Editor, at the Chapter office. MOAA-AC P.O. Box San Antonio, TX (210) moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net 15 The Lariat September 2014

16 THE LARIAT National Award Winning Newsletter U.S. Postage Paid San Antonio, Texas Permit No MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER F OR INFORMATION REGARDING OUR BY-LAWS, STRATEGIC PLAN, EVENTS CALENDAR AND PAST ISSUES OF THE LARIAT PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW. ALAMOMOAA. ORG P.O. Box Ft Sam Houston, TX Phone: moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net Postmaster please deliver by September 6th Time Sensitive Material Thursday September 25, 2014 Chapter Luncheon Spkr: Eric Cooper Executive Director San Antonio Food Bank Ft Sam Golf Club Meet & Greet begins 11am - Lunch served approx 11:45am Menu A) Baked Chicken Breast B) BBQ Brisket In Mushroom sauce Tossed Green Salad, Scalloped Potatoes, Long Green Beans & Carrots Rolls with butter Assorted Sherbert Ice Cream Coffee, tea or water, Honor wine bar Cost per person $20 Enclosed: $ RSVP by Noon Monday 22 Sept Reservations not cancelled by noon 23rd Tuesday will be billed Non member Officers & guests are welcome with paid reservations Name Guest: Send check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box , Ft Sam Houston, TX Or contact us by moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net to hold a reservation or reserve and pay on-line at Thursday October 30, 2014 Oktoberfest with German Music Ft Sam Golf Club Meet & Greet begins 6pm - Supper served approx 7pm German attire encouraged! Buffet Menu Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Fresh Sauerkraut & German Potato Salad Brochen Apple Strudel Coffee, tea or water, German beer & wine Cost per person $25 Enclosed: $ RSVP by Noon Monday 27 Oct Reservations not cancelled by noon 28th Tuesday will be billed Non member Officers & guests are welcome with paid reservations Name Guest: Call the office to make your reservation (210) or send check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box , Ft Sam Houston, TX Or contact us by moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net to hold a reservation or reserve and pay on-line at The Lariat September