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

Similar documents
MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ALAMO CHAPTER S 2 ND ANNUAL CRUISING INTO THE SUMMER PARTY. You don t have to be a MOAA or Alamo Chapter member to attend!!

THE LARIAT. President s Message. Chapter Vision & Mission Statement MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER. Inside This Edition:

The Lantern Palm Beach-Martin Counties Chapter Military Officers Association of America

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

THE LARIAT. President s Message. Save The Date! Thu September 23 Oktoberfest PicNic RAFB Eberle Park 5:30pm

From the President By Col Jackson C. (Jack) Reavill USA (Ret.)

President s Message. times listen. However, what does even more good is our involvement at the local level!

CHRISTMAS PARTY. Ho Ho Ho!! You don t have to be a MOAA or Alamo Chapter member to attend!! Friends & Family (over 21) welcome

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCATION OF AMERICA HOUSTON AREA P.O. BOX 1082, HOUSTON, TEXAS

MSC NETWORK NEWS Vol. 1, No. 3 Winter 2004/2005 ***********************************************

AFSA Updates & Events

Patterns and People By: Col Robert W. Strunk, AUS (in 1992)

Chapter 58 President Louis Arana being presented the 2012 Medium Chapter President of the Year award from National Pres. Arthur Cooper.

CONGRATULATIONS Joyce Harte

LARIAT THE. President s Message. Introducing our Chapter Coin! MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER. Inside This Edition:

LARIAT THE. President s Message MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER

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

THE LARIAT MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER

RETIREES ADVISORY COUNCIL Tuesday, 9 January 2018, 1000

Arizona Territorial Chapter AUSA November 2013 Newsletter Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

Jackie had a vivacious, fun loving spirit and we are better for having had her as a member of our chapter.

Thames River Detachment #1334

Fort George G. Meade Chapter. Officers Call. Mar/Apr 2015 Five Star Chapter Award 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 President s Message

IN GIVING WE RECEIVE. ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION 82 nd Annual NATIONAL CONVENTION Diocese of Reno Reno, Nevada August 31, 2012 September 3, 2012

JANUARY 2013 *** NEWSLETTER

January Meeting: Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 at 11:30 AM at Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach

President s Message. to this significant group. The Captain has given us some insight into some of the issues the Active Duty looks for and expects.

Turkeys for Troops 2015 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS & CHAIRS

SYLVANIA MOOSE LODGE 1579 MARCH APRIL 2018

Marine Corps League Outer Banks Detachment #1264. Newsletter November - December 2007 Vol. 2, No. 1

The Legacy. Montford Point Marines National Monument Newsletter DONORS, OUR JOB IS NOT OVER. LET S CONTINUE OUR STRIDE TO BUILD PHASE II!

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Houston Houston Armed Forces Day Ball, May 21, 2016

LUKE CHAPTER MOAA Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting 6 March 2014, 1300

Presidents Corner: I believe that most of us was very shocked and surprised to learn of the passing of Joyce Harte.

Military Order of the World Wars Bradenton/Sarasota Chapter

Fall 2009 Newsletter. Gene Rafenelli and wife Judy Rafenelli (not shown) manned the table at the Prescott Veterans Appreciation Day Event.

E - NEWSLETTER JBM-HH

The President s Corner by CAPT Mary Lou Wassel. MOAA - MOWW Dinner Meeting. In This Issue. Support Needed for MCAP Now!

VETTE SETTE. Newsletter of the Oklahoma City Corvette Club Established Years of Tradition and Corvette Enjoyment October Edition, 2017

LEGION LEADS MAY/JUNE 2018

Guest Speaker: Steve Bockmiller

Lawton-Fort Sill Chapter

Operations Worksheet 15 - Installation Ceremony (Reviewed/Revised - March 2013)

MEETING MINUTES Executive Council Luncheon Meeting Tuesday, 1 March 2011

American Legion Post #4 News

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA TRIANGLE CHAPTER P.O. Box Raleigh, NC VOLUME IV NUMBER 2 APRIL 2017

A MESSAGE FROM ERNIE LABERGE, COMMANDER DETACHMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION. Regards,

Volume 15 Issue 11 VFW Post 7356 May 1, 2017 MAY NEWSLETTER. Page 1

Reveille. Congratulations Class of 2015 Student Veterans! Look What s Inside... The Veterans Success Center hosted

American Legion Post 4 News. Spring has arrived and I hope everyone had a safe winter season weather you travelled south or stayed in Michigan.

Bridge San Diego National Naval Officers Association

Notes From The Chapter President

September Retiree Appreciation Picnic

The Next Meeting Will Be on Saturday, 19 May Assemble at 1130; meal at 1200 at The Oakland Manor

Others attending: None. AGENDA APPROVAL: Bob A./Harry B. made the motion to approve the agenda, the motion passed.

The Next Meeting Will Be on Saturday, 16 May Assemble at 1130; meal at 1200 The Smokehaus at Sportsman's Lodge

Guide. Membership Recruitment. Navy League of the United States July Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia

Volume 16 Issue 01 VFW Post 7356 July 5, 2017 JULY NEWSLETTER. Page 1

newsletter category of the Communications Award from MOAA national.

In this issue... Newsletter of the Battleship Texas Foundation Fall WWII Poster... Anheuser-Busch. From the Director.

Volume XXVI, Number 4 Page 1 March 2017 University of Scouting

LEATHERNECK LOUNGE NEW HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 11-2am Sun. 11-1am Phone

AMERICAN LEGION CLINTON POST 259

THE LARIAT. President s Message MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER. Inside This Edition: Volume 29, Number 5 May 2009

Sporting Clay Tournament

2015 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS & CHAIRS

50 th Anniversary. March Greetings, All:

PATRIOTS IN THE PARK

AUSA Sunshine Chapter

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

TAI-BGNFP Chapter Newsletter-December 2014

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

DTG Unit Location Cost POC. $70 Active $90 Civ. E-5 $50 SNCO $60 Officers $70 Civilian $70. Denton, TX TBD Mark Roy

MARCH 2013 *** NEWSLETTER

American Legion Post 4 News

1 st Signal Brigade Association 2014 Reunion Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia September 2014 Schedule of Activities

FAMILY DINNER. Planning Guide. Table of Contents. Suggested planning timeline. Tips for gaining local sponsorships. Message points for press, speeches

National Sojourners, Inc. James Monroe Chapter No. 549 Charlottesville, Virginia

S A C R E D H E A R T C A T H O L I C S C H O O L E d u c a t i n g M i n d, H e a r t a n d S p i r i t S i n c e C r o s b y, T e x a s

Nevada State Elks Association Annual Convention April 18 thru April 21, 2013

September RSP Family Assistance Newsletter

official newsletter of monroe, georgia inside this issue... Antiques Festival pg. 3 New Hire pg. 4 CIS Walton County BBQ Festival pg.

NEWSLETTER Official Publication

Newsletter By please see page 5!

COMMANDANT S MESSAGE. Alamo Detachment 315 Scuttlebutt Volume 22 Issue 5 May 2014, Page 1. Orlando Garza, Commandant HONOR COURAGE COMMITMENT

SUPPORT YOUR GREATER CLEVELAND MOAA CHAPTER

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

Inside this issue. November RSP Family Assistance Newsletter. Chaplain 7. Ft Benning Info 2. Military Hotels 3. Family Assistance Briefings dates 4

GREEN MEADOW DRIVE SAN ANGELO TX USA

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY US ARMY JROTC BATTALION DELSEA REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL 405 FRIES MILL ROAD FRANKLINVILLE, NJ

Third Sunday of Easter

CORE PREMIER. Membership Levels. Membership Levels. Membership Levels

Georgia Mining Association Annual Convention JULy 12-15, 2018 Ponte Vedra Inn and club, Ponte vedra, fl

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. New Mexico State Council. Organizational Meeting

American Legion Post #4 News. From Your Commander Kenneth Miller

Capitol Credit. CFDD Salem/Albany Chapter. Strategic Communication. Officers & Board

5 September Visit our website at:

NEWSLETTER Official Publication

Transcription:

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER THE LARIAT Volume 33, Number 6 Five Star Chapter June 2013 President s Message The past few weeks have been very active in the life of Alamo MOAA and we have a busy summer ahead. Our Clarence Torrey, Chapter and JROTC scholarships were awarded at our luncheon on May 16 th at the Ft. Sam Golf Club. All of the students, parents, guardians, instructors and principals had a good time as well as our members who attended. Major General Charles Rodriguez with Texas A&M San Antonio was our speaker. He spoke of his father, Sgt Joseph Rodriguez, a Medal of Honor recipient from action in Korea and shared the things he said that would have special meaning to young students pursuing their educations. While Fiesta was going on here in San Antonio in April, I was in Washington at the Army Chief of Staff s Retiree Committee meeting. This was very informative, with briefings from AUSA, MOAA, G1 Army, G3 Army, Tricare, DFAS, AAFES, DECA, Army National Guard and others. I believe Inside This Edition: Pg 2 Chapter News & Notices Pg 3 2013 Golf Tournament Update Pg 4 Membership Stats Pg 5 2013 Scholarship Winners Pg 10 ROTC & JROTC Awards Pg 11 Vietnam Vets Monument Pg 14 Chapter Events Calendar we established, during the meeting that not much, if anything will be happening to Tricare this year, but we could be in for rough sailing in 2014. It was made abundantly clear to our Tricare briefer that retirees and the active duty are not at all inclined to be accepting of their proposals for fee changes and means testing. Again we suggested if COLA adjustments were to be used, retiree COLA should be used as it would match increases in retiree pay. The Army and Marines are facing a daunting task in the planned drawdown of personnel as the remaining war runs down. The Army will be going from 568,000 to 490,000 by the end of 2017. Much needed schools and training are being delayed due to lack of funds caused by the Sequestration. This will mean that we as a community will be seeing a vast increase in the number of veterans in our area and there will be an even greater need for services and assistance to them. We will be having a Cruising into the Summer party on June 27 at the Petroleum Club. This will be an evening to enjoy our spouses/significant others and friends in a casual cruise environment with a wonderful buffet! You can t wear your shorts, but you can wear your Hawaiian shirt and slacks! If your partner can stand it, you can also dance to the Two for the Road dance band. (My wife doesn t like me mauling her feet trying to dance!). We have invited members of our sister organizations to participate with us in this event. (Continued on Page 8) Congratulations!!! Mavis Cleary, the 2013 Volunteer of the Year, recipient being presented with her award and by Chapter President, Jim Cunningham. The Lariat June 2013

Chapter News & Notices Thank You!! Corporate Partners Abby Consulting Air Force Federal Credit Union 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) 654-0351, so we may add your name to our list. Thank you. Maryada Artiglia Ruth Baliram Irene Collier Nita Felder Susan Filipini John Gibbs Rochelle Koltz Sue McCarthy Mac and Lori McDonald Goldie Monroe JC & Marilyn Newell Lolly Orlowski Lou Strong Susie Tolman Dot Wise Tom and Evelyn Woods TAPS We have received information that the following members have passed away. We wish to convey our sincere condolences and best wishes to their family and loved ones: Col Florence Deegan USAF 5/6/13 Col Douglas S. Weart USAF 5/6/13 Helen Lewandoski 5/12/13 Each of our members listed below have donated a little (or a lot) to either the Scholarship Fund, Chapter Operations or both! Col Ben Alford, USAF Maj Steven Bogue USAF Marjorie Childs LtCol Gilbert Kaats USAF Joan B. Lyman LtCol Porfirio Munoz USAF Maj Scott Nickerson USAF LCDR Jospeh Perron USN Vilma Rega LTC Charles Steinmetz USA Finger & Toes Crossed!!! The chapter has submitted its application for the annual Chapter of Excellence Awards at MOAA National. Here s hoping we retain our much coveted 5 Star Level! Thank You to all the leadership volunteers for making this possible! Air Force Villages Army Residence Community Beldon Roofing Company CPS Energy Housing 1 Source Medical Services International, Inc 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 www.alamomoaa.org 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) 228-9955. Thank you for your consideration. The Lariat June 2013 2

MOAA Alamo Chapter 6th Annual Golf Tournament On Friday, September 13th, our Alamo Chapter will host its 6 th Annual Golf Tournament at River Crossing Golf Club just north of Bulverde on TX Hwy 281 North. As is our custom, we are planning a Shotgun Start at 1pm. Entry Fee has been raised to $125 from the $100 last year. This change in venue was approved by the Alamo Chapter s Board of Directors at its Quarterly Board Meeting on January 15, 2013. The reasoning was to increase the funding for our two charities Warrior and Family Support Center at Ft Sam Houston and our Educational Scholarship Programs. To do so, we needed to revamp the Tournament Venue to a more prestigious setting, greatly expand our corporate sponsorships, and increase play in the tournament. Our goals this year are to have over 100 players participate and increase our proceeds to our two worthy causes to over $12,000 an increase of $4,000 from last year. At the invitation of the members of the River Crossing Golf Club over 20 played in our tournament last year - we have entered into an agreement to use the River Crossing Golf Club and promote our tournament through a professional Tournament Planning Coordinator. Accordingly, lunch and dinner will be included, plus better team prizes, on-course drinks, better goodie bags, better gifts for raffle drawings and various golfing contest events. Save The Date 6th Annual MOAA-AC Golf Tournament Friday 13 Sept, 2013 River Crossing Golf Club Spring Branch Proceeds benefit the Warrior & Family Support Center and the Alamo Chapter Scholarship Fund. We think you will be pleased with the changes and continue to support our warriors and their families as you have done over the past five years. Again, we will seek special donations from our MOAA members to donate $125 for a round of golf so that a warrior may be able to play free. On behalf of the President Jim Cunningham and the MOAA Staff, I want to extend a special thank you to all our members who have supported this annual fund-raiser by the giving of their time and/or financial contributions. More information will be provided in the next issue of the Lariat Newsletter. Frank Rohrbough Co-Chairman Golf Tournament Planning Committee 3 The Lariat June 2013

1600 1550 1500 1450 1400 1350 1300 1250 1200 Active 436 Aux 223 Former 14 Retired 844 Total 1517 2013 New Members - Welcome! MG Anders Aadland USA COL Sandra Apostolos USAR Col Thomas Arbaugh USAF Col Gerald Beverly USAF COL Gary Bushover USA COL Gerald Butler USA COL Cynthia Campbell USAR COL Cheryl Carson USA Col Joseph Corcoran USAF Col Milton Driggers USAF Col Bill Faucher USA COL Harold Fleischer USA LTC Carmelito Arkangel USA LtCol Curtis Arrington USAF LTC James Bailey USA (Continued on Page 8) Membership Stats Alamo Chapter Membership As of: May 25, 2013 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Months Goal 2012 Renewing Members - Thank You! MG Charles Honore USA BrigGen John Salvadore USAF BrigGen David Young III USAF Col Ben Alford USAF COL John Alvarez USA COL Francis Chance USA Col Brian Davis USAF Col David Eisenstadt USAF Col John Gerhart USAF Col Ron Hannan USAF Col Donald Hessenflow USAF COL Ernest Irons USA COL Dana Jacobson USAFR Col Laura Lopez USAFR CAPT James Rice USN Col Christopher Richardson USAF Col Edward Sheeran USAF Col Kim Toney USAF Col Crescentia Wellman USAF Col Bob Wickman USAF LtCol Warren Camarano USAF LtCol Vincent Carr USAF LtCol Granville Coggs USAF LTC Bill Goforth USA LtCol David Jones USAF LtCol Gilbert Kaats USAF LTC James Knight USA LtCol Porfirio Munoz USAF LTC Charles Steinmetz USA Maj Steven Bogue USAF Maj Jimmie Cheshire USAF MAJ Robert Corbo USA Maj Kenneth Hall USAF Maj Chad Humphrey USMCR Maj Felicia Lauten USAF Maj Scott Nickerson USAF LCDR Jospeh Perron USN CW5 Rolando Gonzales USA Annabelle Jenkins Joan B. Lyman Dolores O Brien Vilma Rega The Lariat June 2013 4

The MOAA-AC Scholarship Committee convened earlier this month and was comprised of LTC Dan Cummings USA, MAJ Jim Cunningham USAR, Col Art Jackson USA, LTC Bob Moher USA, and Col Barbara Ramsey USA. Community Service Scholarship Col Clarence T. Torrey Scholarship The Alamo Chapter Scholarship Committee chose from 6 finalists for the Clarence T. Torrey Community Service Scholarships, two each for $2,000. The students selected were Miss Aruna Kharod and Miss Theresa Cenney. Aruna Kharod attends Samuel Clemens High School and hopes to attend The University of Texas in Austin and major in Environmental studies. Theresa Cenney attends Robert Cole High School and hopes to attend Texas Christian University with a Pre-Med 2013 Scholarship Winners Major. JROTC Scholarship The BG Robert Herring JROTC Scholarship (picture unavailable) Cadet LTC Maria Vasquez, the Battalion Commander of the JROTC at Luther Burbank High School received the Brigadier General Robert Herring JROTC award of $2,000. She plans on attending St. Mary's University working toward a degree in pre-medicine. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cruz Vasquez and her senior instructor LTC Brian Busick USA accepted the award on her behalf as she was taking some final tests. Col Edmond & Sue McCarthy JROTC Scholarship Nicholas Mrzlak, the Color Guard Commander and Company Commander with his Raider JROTC at James Madison High School received the Edmond and Sue McCarthy JROTC Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. His Senior Instructor is LTC Amador Cano USA. He plans to attend Texas A&M College Station working toward a degree in Engineering while being a member of the Corp of Cadets. Chapter Scholarship The LtCol Edward & Ruby Marvin Scholarship We received 5 applications for the Lt Col Edward and Ruby Marvin Scholarship. Nathan Baldwin was selected to receive this award. His grandmother, Francis Bevilacqua is the chapter member who sponsored his submission. Nathan lives in Rowlett, Texas and attends Garland High School. He is an Eagle Scout and plans to attend Southern Methodist University in the fall. The Col John P. Shean Scholarship This award was bequeathed to us by the late Lucille Shean who wanted to honor her late husband. The recipient of this $1,000 is Joshua Chacko. Joshua is studying Business at Texas A&M. His father, Col Benjamin Chacko USA is the chapter member sponsoring his son. All of our awardees were awarded certificates and were recognized at our Scholarship luncheon held on May 16, 2013 at the Ft. Sam Houston Golf Club. The main speaker for the event was Major General Charles Rodriguez from Texas A&M San Antonio. 5 The Lariat June 2013

The Lariat June 2013 6

Medical Minute Tips for a Healthy Heart The following are things you can do not only to prevent but to recover from a heart attack. Don't smoke: Stop if you are a smoker. Control Blood Pressure: Watch cholesterol and diabetes. Be active: Exercise--walking, swimming, dancing, yard work all count. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight strains your heart. Eat a healthy diet: Too much fat or cholesterol narrows coronary arteries. Eat more fish. Fish contains Omega fatty acids which help improve blood cholesterol levels and prevents clots. Manage stress: Meditation, Yoga, and long walks relieve stress. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. No more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. Source: February 2013 Mayo Clinic Health Letter Col Irene Collier Please support the Ft Sam Houston Red Cross Office. Send donations to: P.O. Box 340129 Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 Painted Churches Although there are about 22 painted churches in the area around Schulenburg, only four are listed in the National Registry for Historic Places. They were built by Czech, Polish and German immigrants who settled in Texas in the mid to late 1880's. Each church reflects the history and beauty of the homeland. Two of them were painted in their unique style by the Swiss painter Godfrey Flury. Much of the painting around Schulenburg was done by Flury. He did the interior of St. Mary's in Prague in 1875. He used vivid colors, yellow and green vines that appear to be growing on the walls. He also did the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Czestochowa 1878. Both Prague and Czestochowa were Polish communities. Prague being the oldest and largest had the first church. The 40 families who settled Czestochowa could not afford a church of their own. So they shared the one in Prague. Unfortunately in 1878 lightning struck the church in Prague and it burned to the ground. In rebuilding they asked Czestochowa to help with the cost. But the people of Czestochowa felt that for what they would be contributing, they could build their own church; which they did. Then the people of Prague shared their church. Eventually there were scheduling conflicts. Both wanted the same time slots. Father Felix of Prague solved their differences by buying a Madonna for Czestochowa, taking it to their church, blessing the icon and church with a mass. Now that was their church. So the people of Prague built their own church. The icon, Black Madonna is sacred in Poland. It is thought she saved them from the Tartars. Legend has it that it was painted in Jerusalem by St. Luke Solitaires the Evangelist, on a table from which the Holy family took meals. As he painted Mary, he told his stories of Jesus. In 329 AD St. Helena, Mother of Constantine, the Roman Empower was intrigued by the icon and took it with her to Constantinople. At that time this was part of the Roman Empire. It remained there for five centuries. Supposedly it kept the city from being sacked by the Saracens during this time. In August 1332 it was transferred by a series of dowries to Beltz. It remained there for four centuries. The Hungarian king had familial connections with France. He had fleur-delis painted on the Virgin s robe. During this interval many copies of the virgin were made. The face color varied from flesh to black. Missionaries carried the icon to various parts of the world. It was eventually transferred to Poland in the fifteenth century and reached Czestochowa in August 1382. In 1650 there was an invasion of Jasna Gora by Swedish Hussites. The plunderers attempted to leave with the icon Black Madonna on their wagon. The horses would not move so a plunderer drew his sword and slashed the Madonna across the face twice and the icon fell off the cart. He attempted a third slash, but instead went into a fit of agony and thrashed on the ground until he died. They left the Madonna and fled. The black face of the Madonna is attributed to a fire in a church that didn't burn the icon but blackened the face. Others say it was the smoke from the many candles petitioning the Madonna. John Paul is said to have said mass twice at Jasna Gora - once as a priest and once as Pope. I saw the Madonna in 1986 on a tour. Mass is said every day for two hours during the noon hour. In the middle of the (Continued on Page 8) 7 The Lariat June 2013

President s Message (Continued from Page 1) Space is limited, so get your reservation in quickly. Our Chapter has the distinction of being the largest MOAA Chapter in Texas, with a membership exceeding 1,500. While this is great, we have the potential of over 11,000 more members in our catchment area. Alamo Chapter is blessed to have a core of faithful members who help run the Chapter. Frankly though, we need to have some of our members step up to volunteer to help our membership and the Chapter carry on, by helping us do our work in terms of volunteering to help lead the Chapter, volunteer for activities that help our military community, work with programs, volunteers and so forth. In addition, I want to remind each of you that as members, you are our prime recruiters for new members. If asked why a potential member should join the Chapter and MOAA, remind them that MOAA is an effective means by which our legislators are educated as to the needs of all our military, from pay raises, retirement benefits, medical benefits, to TriCare benefits, etc. This is especially important to our active duty members since they are prohibited from actively advocating for anything. Please contact our office or me personally, if you can actively help with our Chapter affairs through even the smallest amount of volunteering. Remember too, that we will be having our 6th Annual Golf Tournament on 13 September at River Crossing Golf Course to benefit the Warrior & Family Support Center and the Alamo Chapter Scholarship Fund. There will be no events in July. Hope to see you at the Dinner Dance and have a great summer! Maj Jim Cunningham Solitaires (Continued from Page 7) mass, a shield is drawn away from the icon which rests in the center of the altar. After 10 minutes the shield closes again until the next mass. Although the history of the Black Madonna in Texas is interesting, it is not as intriguing as the story of the original icon in Poland. The June meetings of the Solitaires will be the usual 1st Tuesday luncheon (June 4) at the Ft Sam Golf Club, and the 4th Sunday Brunch (June 23) at the Parr Club on Randolph AFB. Col Irene Collier 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) 228-9955 for more details. New Members (Continued from Page 4) CDR Daniel Ball USN LtCol William Braselman USAF LTC Alva Brownfield USA LTC Charles Campbell USA LtCol Jason Chapel USAF CAPT Susan Chittum USN LtCol Stephen Cilea USAF LTC Roger Cook USA LtCol Barry Craigen USAF LTC Beverly Crosby USA LTC Thomas Crumal USA LtCol George Dowdey USAR The Lariat June 2013 8 LTC Virgil East USA LTC Mike Emerick USA LtCol Richard Newbury USAF MAJ Robert Apostolos USAR Maj Robert Burton USAF MAJ Jose Chapa USA Maj Steve Cicherski USAF Maj William Connolly USAF MAJ Guy Davis USA MAJ Douglas Fields USA Maj Stephanie LaPierre USAF Capt Rochelle Binion USAF Capt Brandon Bowen USAF Lt Fred Clark USN CPT Cloyce Ceawford USA Lt Henry Dove USN Capt Aaron Eggers USAF Capt Michael Eshelman USAF 1Lt Brett Bateman USAF 1Lt John Delehanty USAF 1Lt Jesse Furse USAF 1Lt Jen Gunter USAF 1Lt Emily Merkey USAF 1Lt Elba Tanikaula USAF 1Lt Sean Villano USAF 2Lt Christopher Bangerezako USAF 2Lt Van Bell USAF 2Lt Andrea Collins USAF 2Lt Robert Galvis USAF 2Lt Joshua Hernandez USAF 2Lt Bryant Johanson USAF 2Lt Devin Kinder USAF 2Lt Scott McKeither USAF 2Lt Rick Pierson USAF CW03 John Benacci USN

9 The Lariat June 2013

ROTC & JROTC Presentations One of the chapter s major activities each year is the presentation of MOAA provided medals and certificates to the top JROTC cadets at area High Schools under the coordination and leadership of our VP of Administration, Jim Webb. We have just concluded yet another successful ROTC/JROTC awards season for 2013. The Alamo Chapter provided medals to 74 high school JROTC units and to five universities. In addition, we presented gold bar packets to more than 80 ROTC graduates at area universities. We also recruited many of these new 2LT s as local and national members. Chapter members participating in these presentations included MG Charles Rodriguez, COL Tom Brown, COL Vaughn Caudill, CAPT Jim Higdon, COL Peter Hunt, LTC Winston Shaffer, LTC Tom Tullo, LTC Jim Webb andmaj Jim Cunningham. Our thanks to a job well done and for the great support given to us by these presenters. If you would like to be a presenter next year, please contact the office (210) 228-9955 or email moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net. AFROTC Detachment 842 LtCol Thomas W. Tullo, USAF, Ret. presented Gold Bars to the 24 graduating ROTC seniors from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio at Pedrotti s North Wind Ranch, Helotes, Texas. Pictured L-R are: C/Lt Col Charles Williamson, C/Maj Robert A. Hernandez, C/Lt Col Katelynne Baier and LtCol Tullo (Trinity University, MS, Class of 1974). Col Tom Brown presenting award to Cadet Cpt Jose Lopez of Martin HS. Maj Jim Cunningham presenting award to Cadet Sean Minnick at Medina Valley HS. LTC Jim Webb presenting medal and certificate to Cadet Rodriguez of Judson HS. The Lariat June 2013 10

Vietnam Veterans Monument The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument held its Groundbreaking Ceremonies on March 24 th and 25 th with a special focus on honoring the 3,417 Texans who died while serving in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Two days of events included a Reading of the Names of the Texas war dead, the inaugural display of the Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit, and the groundbreaking on the monument site at the state Capitol. In 2005, the Texas legislature approved the construction of a monument on the grounds of the state Capitol building in Austin to honor Texans who served in the armed forces of this nation during the Vietnam War. The monument will be dedicated in the spring of 2014 on the northeast side of the Capitol near the Peace Officers Memorial. As part of the groundbreaking ceremonies, more than 110 volunteers participated in a Reading of the Names of 3,417 Texans who died in Vietnam. The event was held at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. Among the volunteer readers were President Johnson s daughters Luci Baines Johnson and Lynda Johnson Robb, several Texas lawmakers, and many veterans and family members of the war dead. The centerpiece of the groundbreaking ceremony was the dedication for entombment in the monument of a container carrying personalized, hand-embossed dog tags for each Texan who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. An identical set of the tags is displayed in the Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit, which debuted in the LBJ Library in conjunction with the Reading of the Names. The exhibit will be on display at the presidential library through July, when it will begin a tour through cities across Texas. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument Groundbreaking Ceremony, which included comments by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, State Senators Juan Hinojosa and Leticia Van de Putte, State Representative Wayne Smith, and monument committee chairman Robert Floyd. Texan Joe Galloway delivered the keynote address, and Karoni Forester, Texas State Coordinator of the National League of Families, spoke on behalf of 3,417 Texas families of the war dead. Ms. Forrester s father is one of 105 Texans who remain missing in action in Vietnam. The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument designed by artist Duke Sundt is now in the final stages of production at the Deep in the Heart Art Foundry in Bastrop, Texas. It will be the first on the statehouse grounds to represent the ethnic diversity of Texans and to incorporate digital technology to allow visitors to access a digital living monument allowing visitors to hear stories of veterans and learn more about the monument s symbols. JBSA Volunteer of the Year Recognition Ceremony Recognition certificate for the Chapter s Volunteer of the Year, Mavis Cleary, being presented by LTG James Caldwell, Commander Army North, BG Teresa Carter, JBSA Installation Commander and CSM Hu Rhodes. Susie Tolman accepted the award on her behalf as Mavis was unable to attend due to illness. Chapter President, Jim Cunningham, accepting the formal presentation of the 2012 MOAA Level of Excellence Award by LTG James Caldwell, Commander Army North, BG Teresa Carter, JBSA Installation Commander and CSM Hu Rhodes. 11 The Lariat June 2013

Benefits of Membership of MOAA and the local chapter Our monthly newsletter, The Lariat, which includes a calendar of events, is sent to each member (or made available on-line), and includes both MOAA and Alamo Chapter news. Stay informed! Monthly luncheons, which rotate between the Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland service clubs, feature informative speakers and are also open to guests. Benefit information of all kinds is provided through the Alamo Chapter. We have an experienced Vice President of Personal Affairs who can give quick answers to your and family members questions, or who can research the more complex issues. The opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of meeting fellow chapter members and their guests. We also plan for various social events, open to families and guests. In addition, our chapter features a singles group called the Solitaires, some of who are surviving spouses. The Solitaires have a busy social calendar. Make your voice heard on proposed state and national military legislation which may affect you and your family. Both the Alamo Chapter and MOAA national welcome your views! Enjoy many benefits, discounts, and services, to include career planning through TOPS (The Officer Placement Service). The Alamo Chapter also provides college scholarships to those who qualify. Referred by: Check preferred Membership: $25 Membership with hardcopy of newsletter $15 Membership with electronic copy of newsletter, or surviving spouse (auxiliary) membership Membership Application (Annual Membership) Are you a member of MOAA National? Military Officers Association of America Alamo Chapter Circle Status: Commissioned & Warrant Officers of all services - Active, Reserves, Former, Retired, National Guard, NOAA, PHS, Surviving Spouse. *Name (Print) Last First MI Spouse Residence Address City State Zip Rank/Grade Service Date of Birth Home phone Email * May we have your permission to publish this information in the Chapter Membership Directory? (date of birth is not published). (*This directory and your e-mail address are exclusively for the use of the chapter and will not be sold or used for any other purpose than chapter communications and/or board approved activity.) Would you like to access our monthly newsletter (The Lariat) at our website versus having a hard copy mailed to you? (Dues reduce to $15 per year). Would you be interested in helping in chapter volunteer activity? Signature Payment by Credit Card Date Card Number: Exp Date: Billing Zipcode: Amount: CHARITABLE OUTREACH PROGRAM Please accept my tax-deductible donation of: $ to (check one) Outreach Fund* Operations *a fund for annual college scholarships and other charitable programs and services. Send applications to: MOAA-AC, P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 For questions please call (210) 228-9955 or e-mail: moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net Also visit our chapter s website at www.alamomoaa.org Please feel free to copy and provide this form to prospective members. 03-01-13 The Lariat June 2013 12

13 The Lariat June 2013

JUNE Chapter Events Calendar 1 Volunteer Hours Due 1 Submission Deadline for Levels of Excellence Award 4 Solitaire s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club 6 Staff Meeting 9am MOAA-AC Office 6 Veterans Administration Volunteers Mtg 1pm 14 Flag Day & US Army Birthday 16 Father s Day 20 United Way Volunteer Of the Year Awards Banquet 7pm 23 Solitaire s Sunday Brunch 11 am RAFB Parr Club 25 Extravaganza Sam Houston Club (Ft Sam Newcomers Welcome) 27 Chapter Summer Celebration Petroleum Club Note: Events bolded are for the general membership and italicized are for the volunteer leadership team, and members are always welcome! Please call the office for details (210) 228-9955 JULY (No Staff/Board Meeting or Chapter Luncheon) 1 Volunteer Hours Due 4 Independence Day Ceremony Ft Sam Houston 13 TVC/Texas Veterans Land Board Job Fair Norris Conference Center 10-1pm 30 Extravaganza Sam Houston Club (Ft Sam Newcomers Welcome) AUGUST 1 Volunteer Hours Due 1 Staff Meeting 9am MOAA-AC Office 4 Coastguard Birthday 14 Victory in Japan Day 14 Board Meeting 10 am Chapter Office 22 Chapter Luncheon Army Residence Community 27 Extravaganza Sam Houston Club (Ft Sam Newcomers Welcome) Call the office for more details WANTED! All (Active Duty or Retired) Job Seekers If you would like to be added to the regular email blast that lists job opportunities in San Antonio and the surrounding area, please email dwpatrick01@gmail.com Alamo Chapter The Officers Placement Service (TOPS) 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 TOPS Officer & MOAA Texas Networking Coordinator, 210-259-9867 dwpatrick01@gmail.com. The Lariat June 2013 14

DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THIS LARIAT FASTER AND IN FULL COLOR ON-LINE? Just send your email address to moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net with the subject line OLLO. We ll gladly remove you from this printed version mailing list and notify you each month by email 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 jimbob48@sbcglobal.net EXEC VP Operations LTC Bill Goforth bagoforth@yahoo.com VP ADMINISTRATION LtCol Jim Webb VP PROGRAMS (Open) VP MEMBERSHIP LTC Randy Hoff randyhoff106@hotmail.com SECRETARY Col David Patrick dwpatrick01@gmail.com TREASURER Col Vaughn Caudill vaughn.caudill@us.army.mil 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 LtCol Ed LeFebvre 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 TOPS OFFICER Col David Patrick WEB MASTER Col Bill Hudson HISTORIAN Col Janice Edgerson VOLUNTEER COORD. (Open) ADVERTISING COORD. (Open) AFV SATELLITE COORD. (Open) ARC SATELLITE COORD. MG Charles Honore DUTY OFFICERS: LtCol Bill Polasek, Col Irene Collier (Coordinator) LtCol Jim Cuskey, LtCol Ed Waggoner, Col Stuart Myers, CDR Brenda Tobey, 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 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 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 340497 San Antonio, TX 78234 (210) 228-9955 moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net www.alamomoaa.org 15 The Lariat June 2013

THE LARIAT National Award Winning Newsletter U.S. Postage Paid San Antonio, Texas Permit No. 1553 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 340497 Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234-0497 Phone: 210-228-9955 Email: moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net www.alamomoaa.org Postmaster please deliver by June 7th Time Sensitive Material Thursday June 27, 2013 Chapter Dinner Dance Cruising Into The Summer The Petroleum Club Cocktails 6:30-7:30pm Dinner & Dancing at 7:30pm Buffet Carved Steamship of Beef, Chicken Gratinee, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans Almandine, Rolls Dessert selections of NY Cheesecake, Italian Cream Cake & Chocolate Raspberry Cake Cost per person $34 Enclosed: $ RSVP by Noon Monday 24 June Please send in payment with reservation - max 100 guests You don t have to be a MOAA or Chapter member to attend! Name Guest: Send reservation slip & check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 or pay via PayPal on line at www.alamomoaa.org Thursday August 22, 2013 Chapter Luncheon Spkr: ARC Director (TBD) Army Residence Community Meet & Greet begins 11am - Lunch served approx 11:45am Menu TBD Coffee, tea or water, Honor wine bar Cost per person $20 Enclosed: $ RSVP by Noon Monday 19 Aug Reservations not cancelled by noon 20 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 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 Or contact us by email moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net to hold a reservation or pay via PayPal on line at www.alamomoaa.org The Lariat June 2013 16