GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL

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1 THE ROA DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST (CA & NV) VOLUME 44 - EDITION 01 (JANUARY 2017) Recipient of 36 Sword & Pen Awards and of Multiple Benjamin Franklin Awards for Journalistic Excellence Also Available on the our NEW website at: THE CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED OBJECT AND PURPOSE OF THE RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION: "TO SUPPORT A MILITARY POLICY FOR THE UNITED STATES THAT WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE NATIONAL SECURITY AND TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTION THEREOF." DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT CAPT Rafael A. Ortiz, USCGR (Ret.) Telephone: ffpmortiz@gmail.com President s Message Fellow ROA members: I hope everyone had an enjoyable time over the recent December holidays, an appropriately wet January, and a Super Bowl score to satisfy your needs!! But moving onto the important matters at hand for us today, my comments to you are as follows: The Good: 1 st, I am encouraged by those reservists currently serving and willing to be in harm s way, taking valuable time away from family, career, and friends. 2 nd, I am thrilled to welcome our Non-Commissioned Officers and Petty Officers to our fold and cause. 3 rd, ROA National made two huge gains last year. First, on-duty death benefits for drilling reserve members will be the same as active duty regardless of the duty status they are serving in. Second, Reservists that have honorably been retired are now officially Veterans without the requirement of a DD214 or activation over 179 days. The Bad: 1 st, we continue to lose many of our members due to death and we mourn the loss of their service and fellowship. While not a member of our department, LTC Duane Richards, the National Council Chair, made a significant impact on ROA as a whole, and his loss this December will be greatly felt. These losses will require more of us to step up and continue the work and efforts they provided. 2 nd, I am discouraged by the use and increased abuse of reserve members by the services. Gains and benefits won are being lost. Examples include the educational 9/11 GI Bill no longer being offered for reserve members activated, and concurrent receipt now being threatened in the name of saving money. 3 rd, the Veteran status mentioned above is in name only and carries no benefits. Information about our 2017 ANNUAL CONVENTION & JOPDS AT PORT HUENEME is in THIS Edition THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 1

2 Now the Ugly: We, ROA, are losing ground in members, status, and activity. Benefits and military policy is driven by political will. Fewer numbers equal less political clout and, with so many military organizations all biding for special interests, the reserve members and forces become lost in the mix. What I ask of you: I challenge you to engage with your chapter or on your own to strengthen and grow our organization. We have a new membership drive that seeks to expand the breadth and depth of ROA that now includes NCOs & POs. We must bolster and encourage the addition of new and younger members! To accomplish this goal, National has rolled out a one-time FREE 5 year (or until they reach age 35) Associate Memberships for those under 35 years old. What can you do?! I ask three things from you. 1. Recruit, educate. There is still a need for ROA based on what we have done and what needs to be done. Talk to current and past military members. Start a luncheon once a month at a base or restaurant and make it known what and why you are there. ROA needs YOU - and especially those drilling - so that we can hear about what things are currently important to them and what the needs of today are. We have a lot to provide. Use the web for information on our agenda, and recruiting tools in the membership committee group. 2. Go to the new ROA National Website: Update your contact information as this is now the new database for our organization. You will find that everyone now has a NEW membership number! We need to keep your information current. Go to: 3. Attend our 2017 Convention: I request your presence at our Department Convention this April, 21 st thru 23 rd, at Port Hueneme, CA. Your input and support are strongly needed. Very Respectfully, your servant as President, /s/ CAPT Rafael A. Ortiz, USCGR (Ret) Message From The Department Meetings Chair LTC Ken Robinson, US Army (Ret.) Telephone Evenings: Robinson4Ken@gmail.com I have scheduled the Spring 2017 Convention and Joint Officer Professional Development Seminar (JOPDS) Program for April 2017 at the Bard Mansion of Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. Details are included in this edition of the Sentinel. Please get the word out to Junior Officers for these fine teaching and learning events (JOPDS). >>>>> The JOPDS is your opportunity to be challenged in a Joint environment and, further, to acquire experience from senior officers of several of the services. <<<<< Please place these dates on your schedules to attend!! THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 2

3 A KIOSK, A TRAGEDY, A WREATH, AND AN AWARD CONNECT GW CHAPTER 063 TO THE SAN JOSE NAVY RESERVE By Captain Jerry E. Kromrey, USAFR (Ret) Department Public Affairs Officer and Membership Coordinator On 30 December 2016, The ROA Reserve Voice e-blast announced, Navy Operational Support Center San Jose wins 2016 Navy Reserve Family Readiness Award. A Navy Reserve unit with which ROA has had a strong supportive relationship has won a prestigious Defense award that recognizes the top unit in each Reserve Component, demonstrating excellence in family readiness and its important contributions to mission readiness. Triggering the ROA Reserve Voice announcement was the following notice from Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) San Jose Commanding Officer, CDR Amy Hunt, USN. I hope this finds you all in good health and enjoying the holiday season. I'm writing to share the good news that NOSC San Jose was selected by Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, as the 2016 winner of the Navy Reserve Family Readiness Award! This prestigious award recognizes the top Navy Reserve command for their efforts in engaging with Sailors, families, and the community. As part of our award submission, we featured the special relationship that NOSC San Jose CDR Amy D. Hunt, USN Commanding Officer NOSC San Jose -- translates the Chattanooga shooting into a current and future threat has enjoyed with our veteran and support organizations including MOAA, ROA, Navy League, the Moffett Field Historical Society, the Cost of Courage Foundation, Operation Care and Comfort and other Bay Area organizations. The Reserve Voice continued, ROA congratulates Commander Hunt and her Navy Reserve sailors; we will be on hand to add our applause at the award ceremony February 24, in the Pentagon s Hall of Heroes. (The Ceremony was later changed to 24 March 17) Santa Clara County Unified Chapter #63 s special relationship with NOSC San Jose and CDR Hunt was no accident. It started almost two (2) years ago. Here is is the chronology behind the special relationship between NOSC San Jose and GW/ January 2015: GW/063 delegation CDR Bob Whitten, USNR (Ret.), Capt Jerry Kromrey, USAFR (Ret.), and CWO5 Bob Landgraf, USMC (Ret.) visit CDR Jack Christensen, USN then NOSC San Jose Commanding Officer. CDR Whitten donates some books to the NOSC library, and the delegation leaves an ROA Kiosk that advertises the ROA Service Members Law Center. The ROA Law Center featured retired Navy JAG CAPT Sam Wright co-author of the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA) - who was then available at ROA HQ by telephone to anyone with legal questions. CDR Christensen notifies the delegates that he will transfer out soon his replacement will be CDR Amy D. Hunt, USN. 31 May 2015: Due to funding constraints, the ROA Law Center deactivates. CAPT Sam Wright is no longer available at ROA HQ to answer questions. GW/063 THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 3

4 San Jose Sailors and Marines bow their heads in a moment of silence for their Chattanooga fallen colleagues leadership decides to recover the kiosk since it now advertises an ROA Service Members Law Center that no longer exists. 9 June 2015: GW/063 delegation, CDR Whitten, Capt Kromrey, and CWO5 Landgraf meet with new NOSC San Jose, CDR Amy D. Hunt, USN, who agrees to speak at the 15 August 2015 Chapter luncheon. The delegation recovers the kiosk. 16 July 2015: Tragedy strikes. A lone gunman kills a Sailor and four Marines at the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 24 July 2015: CDR Hunt transmits the following message to Friends of NOSC San Jose: I'm sure you've seen the tragic news of the shooting at Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga last week. Sadly, we lost 4 Marines and a Sailor that day. NOSC San Jose is planning a memorial service on Sunday, 8/2 at 1300 during Drill Weekend. Because we are not allowed to purchase a wreath with our government funds, I wanted to reach out to our friends in the community to see if your organization would be interested in sponsoring and presenting a wreath during our ceremony? 1 August 2015: In coordination with the Silicon Valley Chapter of the MOAA, Capt Kromrey procures and delivers a suitable wreath to the NOSC San Jose. The wreath has a citation document representing both the ROA and MOAA Chapters. The citation s title is, Duty Honor Country. (ROA and MOAA Chapters reimburse Capt Kromrey for the wreath). 2 August 2015: NOSC conducts the Moment of Silence Ceremony. CWO5 Landgraf, an officer in both the ROA and MOAA Chapters delivers a tribute to the assembled gathering, and presents the wreath to CDR Hunt. Capt Kromrey makes a video recording of the ceremony. 10 August 2015: CDR Hunt sends a letter of appreciation to CWO5 Landgraf thanking ROA for its generous wreath donation. Your remarks were moving and conveyed a deep sense of the support your organization shows our active duty & reserve Service members. THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 4

5 15 August 2015: CDR Hunt presents an ROA Brief POWERPOINT to the GW/063 luncheon gathering. Capt Kromrey shows the DVD video of the Moment of Silence Ceremony and gives the DVD to CDR Hunt. CDR Hunt in turn gives the CD of her ROA Brief to Capt Kromrey. ROA Journal of the Reserve Officers Association The Officer Winter 2016 Page 72 Department of the Golden West ROA Joins Navy and Marine Corps Tribute to Chattanooga Victims describes the NOSC San Jose moment of silence ceremony including CDR Hunt s assessment of the threat and CWO5 Landgraf s presentation of the wreath. 10 January 2017: CDR Hunt plans to join the GW/063 Executive Committee during their scheduled meeting to gain insight into how the Chapter operates. 24 March 2017: CDR Hunt will be joined by the ROA Executive Director and other ROA staff when she accepts the 2016 Navy Reserve Family Readiness Award in a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. May 2017: CDR Hunt will relinquish command of the NOSC San Jose and transfer the organization to a successor commanding officer. GW/063 expects to attend this event to continue the relationship that began over two (2) years ago with a donation of books and a kiosk advertising the former ROA Service Members Law Center. The establishment of a special relationship -- A Navy Reserve unit with which ROA has had a strong supportive relationship to be more definitive happened because of a donation of books, an ROA Kiosk, a tragedy in Chattanooga, a wreath, and an award. We thank CDR Hunt for her strong support, wish her well in her future endeavors, and look forward to a continuing close and dynamic relationship with her successor. Photos by Captain Jerry E. Kromrey, USAFR (Ret.) CDR Amy D. Hunt, USN Commanding Officer NOSC San Jose accepts the ROA / MOAA Wreath from CWO5 Robert Landgraf, USMC (Ret.) ABOUT ROA S NEW NATIONAL WEBSITE Now in operation, this new website includes the option for members to update their own profiles and information in our brand new national database. Since not everything carried over correctly from the old site, you are encouraged login - or register - and check or correct your personal info. All members now also have a new Member Number. You can also change your department and/or chapter membership on your own. For a link to our own department website, just go to Departments & Chapters and click on Golden West or you can go directly to roagoldenwest.org There are also various communities in ROA that you can belong to online, both service specific and for national committees. Check it out!! THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 5

6 THE ROA DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY LCDR ART CURTIS, USCGR (Ret.) EDITORIAL POLICY & DISCLAIMER: It is the editorial policy of the "SENTINEL" to publish information of import to the membership of the Department of the Golden West of ROA and ROAL, that will keep members informed of pertinent information, and to encourage participation in ROA and ROAL affairs at Chapter, Club, Department, and National levels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, opinions contained herein are those of the Editor or Columnists, and are not necessarily those of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States or its Department of the Golden West. Additionally, any advertisements contained herein do not imply endorsement by ROA or The ROA Department of the Golden West of any products or services so advertised. We appreciate any comments concerning our coverage. ESTIMATED POSTAL AND ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DISTRIBUTION OF THIS ISSUE =4700 CALIFORNIA STATE COMMANDERS VETERANS COUNCIL REPORT LCDR Art Curtis, USCGR (Ret.) - Council Legislative Officer awcurtis@comcast.net LEGISLATIVE REPORT: The council had another very busy and successful legislative year in Sacramento. We actively evaluated 74 different California State Senate and Assembly bills relating to Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard members and issues. The council supported 66 of these bills, opposed 2,and continued to watch 6 for changes that would hopefully allow us to support them. Here are the results: Chaptered: Signed into State Law the Governor (32) Vetoed: Rejected by the Governor (1) Status/Cmte: Where the Bill resided at the end of the legislative session. (41) We now have a newly elected Legislature and unless the 41 bills noted above were moved forward by the end of January 2017, they have died and will have to be reintroduced by some member of the legislature if they are to be considered again. MISSION EXPANSION: With a primary mission of Legislative Support, the council is working to expand its mission by developing events that will honor veterans. In conjunction with and with the financial support of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), we will be hosting a major event, on the scale of a small Academy Awards, to honor deceased and current members of SAG-AFTRA community who were or are Veterans. The list of honorees is impressive. It will be held from on Monday, 01 May 2017, at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Wadsworth Theatre, which has a capacity of 2000 attendees. It will be broadcast over Armed Forces TV and other venues to be determined. LTC Bev Houghton, USA (Ret.) and I will continue to represent ROA GW on the council in We now have a fledgling council website. Check it out at: THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 6

7 BUCK-A-YEAR SENTINEL FUND DONORS SINCE THE JANUARY 2016 SENTINEL The following members have donated to the SENTINEL Fund in 2016 and we thank them for their generosity! Col Paul Corriere CW2 Jeff LaMoree Capt Jerry Kromrey Donations should be sent to the Department TREASURER at his address listed on the bottom of the mailing page. Make your check payable to ROA and annotate it for the SENTINEL Fund. ROAL REPORT Deena Ream-Robinson President - ROAL Dept of The Golden West konadreamgirl@gmail.com Aloha Members. As I write this, I am sitting by the pool at the first class military resort hotel the Hale Koa - on the beach at Waikiki. The ocean view is spectacular! :) I hope everyone had great holidays and are now gearing up for a promising new year. Please plan to attend the next Department Convention in April. Linda Veres and I would love to see you. We are deciding the future of ROAL Department and your suggestions and comments are vital to us. Details of the next convention are in this issue of the Sentinel. See you at Port Hueneme! Please feel free to contact me anytime with your thoughts and ideas. This is your organization. My konadreamgirl@gmail.com My phone: (520) Mahalo! A NEW KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL ON THE WEST COAST!! The San Francisco based Korean War Memorial Foundation (KWMF.org), on which your editor has been the U.S. Coast Guard representative on the Board of Directors for several years, dedicated on 1 August 2016 its memorial in the former Presidio of San Francisco, just across from the Presidio National Cemetery, on 1 August This was accomplished after raising $3.2M! Here are a couple of pictures to give you a brief idea of what part of it looks like, but it really needs to be seen in person to realize the magnitude of the memorial and what is truly represents. THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 7

8 ROA'S ROTC & JROTC MEDAL and CERTIFICATES PROGRAM COL Richard H. Keagy, USA (Ret.) ROTC & Service Academies Committee Chair Members and chapters are encouraged to make ROTC/JROTC medal presentations at local Colleges and High Schools. Any chapter which is already providing the ROA s ROTC or JROTC awards (ribbon, medal and certificate) needs to send a list of the schools being supported and, in the case of ROTC units, the branch of service. Only one JROTC award is authorized to each school annually and there has been abuse by some schools asking for medals from more than one source. In order to prevent this, the Department ROTC/JROTC Chair, Colonel Richard Keagy, will need a list of the schools by name and zip code that you are supporting so a consolidated roster can be maintained as to schools supported within the Department of the Golden West. All chapters are able to acquire the awards, at department expense, from Col. Keagy by making a request AS SOON AS POSSIBLE for the schools you served last year, as well as new schools you will serve in the current year. This request for awards must be accompanied by the list of schools to which they will be presented. COL Richard H. Keagy, USA (Ret.), 550 Loring Ave, Los Angeles, CA H= E mail: rhkeagydvm@verizon.net LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR CAPT DAVID M. EPSTEIN, USN (RET.) Having not been present to accept this award at the 2016 Department Convention in San Diego, Captain David M. Epstein, USN (Ret.), a frequent traveler, was tracked down by CWO5 Robert B. (Gunner) Landgraf, USMC (Ret.), VP Naval Services of Santa Clara County Unified Chapter #63 to present the ROA Lifetime Achievement Award to CAPT Epstein at the 15 September 2016 Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Silicon Valley Chapter luncheon program in Santa Clara, California. The award reads, For your dedication to the ROA National Security Mission since CAPT Epstein has served at the ROA chapter, department, national, and international (CIOR) levels in a myriad of leadership positions over the past thirty-six years. THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 8

9 TO COME TO THE 2017 ROA GOLDEN WEST ANNUAL CONVENTION OR TO THE JOINT OFFICER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR FRI-SAT-SUN: APRIL 2017 The Bard Mansion - Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, CA See all necessary information & registration forms in the THIS edition of the SENTINEL newsletter. ATTENTION CHAPTER LEADERS AND ROA MEMBERS!! The Annual Convention is YOUR forum to bring forward issues regarding YOUR chapter, how the Department can assist you, and discussion of how we, at the grassroots level of the ROA, can impact the national organization in accomplishing ROA s mission of ensuring an adequate national security. Please make every effort to attend the 2017 Annual Convention. Officers and Members of each Chapter are needed to present and discuss your thoughts and concerns with us!! THE AGENDAS FOR OUR 2017 PORT HUENEME ANNUAL CONVENTION AND JOINT OFFICER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (JOPDS) THE TENTATIVE ROA-ROAL AGENDA ALL EVENTS EXCEPT HOSPITALITY SUITE TAKE PLACE IN THE BARD MANSION FRIDAY: 21 APRIL ROA/ROAL Registration ROA EXCOM Meeting ROA/ROAL/JOPDS Mixer Heavy Hors D oeuvres Chef s Carving Station 2030 Free Time Hospitality Suite open SATURDAY: 22 APRIL ROA/ROAL Registration & The Captains Breakfast (Medium Breakfast) Opening Remarks CAPT Rafael A. Ortiz, USCGR (Ret.), DoGW President \ General Business Session w/keynote Speaker: Speaker TBD Break Joint w/jopds Considering Cultures / ROAL Meeting THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 9

10 Break Joint ROA/ROAL/JOPDS Luncheon. Guest Speaker - MG Lawrence A. Haskins, USARNG, Commander, 40th Infantry Division, CA National Guard (Invited) Committee Meetings Break Service Section Meetings Break Joint w/jopds Professional Responsibilities & Networking Break Joint w/jopds Interacting w/senior Officers & NCO s ROA / ROAL / JOPDS Social Hospitality Suite ROA / ROAL / JOPDS Military Banquet and Awards. Col James R. Sweeney II, National President, Reserve Officers Association of the United States. (Invited) (Mess Dress, Service Dress or Civilian Formal Attire) Hospitality Suite open SUNDAY: 23 APRIL The Admirals Breakfast (Full Breakfast) Memorial Service for ROA & ROAL Members Deceased Since Our Last Convention Chaplain (COL) Donald R. Forden, USA (Ret.) General Session - Business - Convention Concludes Optional: Joint w/jopds CoComs and Africom How they Work Optional: Advanced Education Opportunities PLEASE MAKE YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS ACCORDINGLY IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO CAST IMPORTANT VOTES FOR YOUR CHAPTER!! ROA DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST Joint Officer Professional Development Seminar April 2017 Location: The Bard Mansion - Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme, CA JOPDS Syllabus 1.) Officer Development - roles and responsibilities of professional military officers. Students have heard this before but honestly, where do you fit in? 2.) Prepare for Command and Mentorship - ability to inspire, develop, and take care of diverse groups of individuals while leading them to mission success. 3.) Considering Cultures - builds understanding of regional factors that affect national foreign policy and explores global, regional, and cultural issues associated with participating in joint and coalition operations. It stresses the importance of cultural awareness and intercultural competence when dealing with the peoples of regions likely to require US military assistance. 4.) Organizational Leadership - financial, informational, technological, materiel, warfare, and human. 5.) Air-Sea Battle Concept - it s an operational concept, a tactical battle plan. 6.) Working in the Inter- Realm - joint interagency, intergovernmental and multinational environments. THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 10

11 7.) CoCOMS & AFRICOM - what they are, what the book says and how they actually run. 8.) Professional Responsibilities and Networking - participation in groups such as, AFA, AUSA, AUSN, CIOR, MOWW, NGAUS, ROA, UPORFA, etc. 9.) Interacting with Senior NCOs & Senior Officers - open forum panel. 10.) Advanced Education - Service Schools FRIDAY 21 April THE TENTATIVE JOPDS AGENDA All Events Except Hospitality Suite are in the Bard Mansion Uniform of the Day = Your Service Working Uniform Unless Otherwise Specified In-Process and Final Registration - LTC Ken Robinson, USA (Ret.) Welcome, JOPDS Overview, Introductions of Facilitator/Instructors: Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.), Lt Col Jim McMichael, USAF (Ret.), LTC Ken Robinson, USA (Ret.), Exercise & Breakout of Teams - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) Officer Development Col Ken Hasegawa, USAF (Ret.) JOPDS Bingo - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) JOPDS/ROA/ROAL Mixer. Heavy Hors d Oeuvres, Chef s Carving Station (Civilian Attire) 2030 Hospitality Suite Open. SATURDAY 22 April The Captains Breakfast (Medium Breakfast) Opening Remarks - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) Prepare for Command - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) Team Tabletop Exercise (Prepare for Command) Break Considering Cultures - CH (COL) Donald Forden, USA (Ret.) & Lt Col Jim McMichael, USAF Ret.) Team Tabletop Exercise (Considering Cultures) Lunch & Guest Speaker: MG Lawrence A. Haskins, USARNG, Commander, 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard (Invited) Organizational Leadership - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) Team Tabletop Exercise (Organizational Leadership) Break Air-Sea Battle Concept LtCol Jim McMichael, USAF (Ret.) Professional Responsibilities and Networking CAPT Rafael Ortiz, USCGR (Ret.) & COL Richard Keagy, USA (Ret.) Break Panel, Interacting with Senior NCOs & Senior Officers Col Barbara Ortiz, USAFR, CAPT Rafael Ortiz, USCGR (Ret), COL Richard Garza, USA (Ret.) Remarks - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) & LTC Ken Robinson, USA (Ret.), THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 11

12 Social - Hospitality Suite Military Banquet Guest Speaker: Col James R. Sweeney II, USMCR (Ret.),National President, Reserve Officers Association of the United States. (Invited) Hospitality Suite opens SUNDAY 23 April Admirals Breakfast Working in the Inter-Realm - CAPT Stephen R. Hales, USN (Ret.) Team Tabletop Exercise (Working in the Inter-Realm) Break CoCOMS & AFRICOM - Col Barbara Ortiz, USAFR Advanced Education: Service Schools - AJPME, Army War College, Air War College, Naval War College, Eisenhower School (formerly ICAF) Col Barbara Ortiz, USAFR; CAPT Rafael Ortiz, USCGR (ret) Closing Remarks - Lt Col David J. Worley, USAF (Ret.) Out-process - LTC Ken Robinson, USA (Ret.) >>>>>>> THAT S WHY WE CONDUCT AN ROA LEADERSHIP MEETING AND OUR ANNUAL MARCH ON THE HILL March 2017 All Golden West ROA Leaders at every level Chapter - Department National - are encouraged to come to Washington D.C. for these events, which include the opportunity to meet with YOUR Congressional Representative and Senator. Unless you are on a National Committee, you can come in on Sunday afternoon, 12 March, and be ready to go for two intense days on Monday and Tuesday. Registration is only $99.00, with all events taking place at ROA s Minuteman Memorial Building Headquarters and at the Senate and House buildings immediately adjacent on Capitol Hill. Stay at the hotel of your choice in the D.C. area. ROA HQ is a about a 3 to 4 block walk from either the WMATA Union Station stop on the RED line or the Capital South stop on the BLUE and ORANGE lines. Under separate and free registration is a 3-hour ROA Defense Education Forum Cyber Security Seminar from on Wednesday, 15 March, which will feature a panel of Senior leaders from all of the services. Great timing for a late afternoon departure to the West Coast from Ronald Reagan National Airport! Go to for the agenda and more information! THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 12

13 THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 13

14 ROA GOLDEN WEST CONVENTION 2017 Navy Gateway Inn & Suites Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, CA FRI-SAT-SUN: April 2017 Please join us at this great Navy Gateway lodging facility for our 2017 Annual Convention and Joint Officer Professional Development Seminar!! This official Navy lodging facility is located on Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme, in Ventura County, CA. The 3 story, 240 room & suites hotel, provides a variety of rooms which may be available for ROA/ROAL/JOPDS Attendees, as well as the Midway Suites, larger lodging venues, which are available for our attendees. Hotel & Suite amenities include: Free High Speed Internet, Free Laundry, Cable TV, Coffee Maker, Clock Radio, Hair Dryer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Free Newspapers. This Gateway Inn & Suites is a non-smoking facility. Area Attractions within reasonable driving distance include: Seabee Museum, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Los Angeles, Point Mugu State Park, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Zoos. Navy Gateway Inn & Suites Port Hueneme - Bldg th Avenue Port Hueneme, CA DRIVING DIRECTIONS NAVY GATEWAY INN & SUITES RATES Room Rate Specifically for the ROA Group: Midway $126 per night. Other less expensive rooms MAY be available. You will have to ask. Rates are available from WED: 20 Apr through SUN: 23 Apr 2017 INTERNET RESERVATIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE: GO TO: TELEPHONE RESERVATIONS: Local or - National at NAVY-BED Be Sure to Mention the Reserve Officers Association Group and Reservation Code Traveling to Port Hueneme on U.S. 101 from either North or South, exit at Victoria Ave. and proceed South. Follow Victoria Ave., about 6 miles to Channel Islands Blvd.; turn left on Channel Islands Blvd., and follow to Ventura Rd. Turn right on Ventura Rd. and the first entrance to the base is at Sunkist. The Sunkist Gate is open 24 hours. THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 14

15 ROA & ROAL DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST 2017 ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FRI-SAT-SUN: APRIL 2017 BARD MANSION - NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY PORT HUENEME, CA PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!! NOTE: IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE ROA DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST IN GOOD STANDING, YOU ARE AN AUTHORIZED DELEGATE TO THIS CONVENTION BEST VALUE IS THE FULL CONVENTION PACKAGE: $ !! (Includes Registration, Hospitality Suite, Breakfasts, Saturday Lunch and Military Banquet) NUMBER PAID ON or BEFORE PAID AFTER TOTAL AMOUNT ATTENDING 17 April April 17 DUE: (List Names Below) $ $ $ SPECIAL NOTICE: If YOU sign up for a FULL Registration and are going to bring personal NON-ROA / ROAL guests to a meal function ONLY, the meal cost for your personal guests will be the dollar amount as listed below for Partial ROA/ROAL Attendance. List your Guests names below and add the appropriate total amount in the GRAND TOTAL box below. Registration INCLUDES an open bar in the Department Hospitality Suite on Friday and Saturday evenings. FEES FOR PARTIAL ROA/ROAL CONVENTION ATTENDANCE P PAID ON or BEFORE PAID AFTER 17 April April 17 IMPORTANT NOTE: The Registration Fee is required to attend ANY Convention events other than just Food Service Events Registration ONLY $ $ $ (List Names Below) NUMBER CONVENTION LUNCH $ $ $ (List Names Below) NUMBER CONVENTION BANQUET $ $ $ (List Names Below) NUMBER PLEASE INDICATE YOUR GRAND TOTAL ENCLOSED = $ ROA REGISTRATION, RANK LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI SERVICE & STATUS CHAPTER Address: ROAL REGISTRATION, LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI ROAL CLUB NON ROA / ROAL GUEST Registration, Lunch - Banquet, Lunch - Banquet LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI CHECK HERE if additional Guests are listed on another sheet - (Include Lunch/Banquet Selections) MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO : ROA MAIL TO: COL Richard H. Keagy, USA (Ret) 550 Loring Ave, Los Angeles, CA Refunds can be made ONLY if COL Keagy is advised of your cancellation NO LATER THAN: 19 April Phone: rhkeagydvm@verizon.net >YOUR BANQUET ENTRÉE CHOICES AND NUMBER: HERB ENCRUSTED SALMON ALMOND CHICKEN VEGETARIAN >YOUR LUNCH ENTRÉE CHOICES AND NUMBER BBQ PORK SANDWICH COBB SALAD A $5.00 administrative fee will apply to ALL cancellations (@) THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 15

16 DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST P.O. BOX SAN FRANCISCO, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED THE ROA MINUTEMAN MEMORIAL BUILDING >> THE SENTINEL The Golden West SENTINEL Peace Through Strength The Department of the Golden West publishes the Sentinel Newsletter at least twice yearly. It is ed by default to the membership unless a Hard Copy is specifically requested from the Department Executive Secretary OFFICERS DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT PLEASE VISIT OUR DEPARTMENT WEBSITE!!! The Department now has our own website. The address is: Please visit our new website soon! THE 2017 ROA GOLDEN WEST CAPT Rafael A. Ortiz, USCGR (Ret.) 4012 Coosa Dr Bonaire, GA ffpmortiz@gmail.com EXECUTIVE SECRETARY and SENTINEL NEWSLETTER EDITOR/PUBLISHER LCDR Art Curtis, USCGR (Ret.) PO Box 27506, San Francisco, CA awcurtis@comcast.net TREASURER COL Richard H. Keagy, USA (Ret.) 550 Loring Ave Los Angeles, CA rhkeagydvm@verizon.net THE DEPARTMENT RETURN ADDRESS IS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE FOR COMMISSIONED & NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF ALL SERVICES IN PAY GRADES W1-W3 E7-E9 PORT HUENEME, CALIFORNIA FRI-SAT-SUN: APRIL SEE DETAILS IN THIS EDITION OF THE SENTINEL!! THE GOLDEN WEST SENTINEL NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 44 - JANUARY EDITION 1 16