THE 1600 COMMUNICATOR Spring, 2017 (May) President s Message With spring here, it s the perfect time to look ahead to our annual event schedule! I would like to continue to encourage all of our members to participate wherever possible, and get the most out of your membership. The deadline is just around the corner for submitting applications for our 2017 educational scholarships (May 31). The application and eligibility requirements are provided at www.1600commassoc.org. We have awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to eligible Association members (and their eligible family members) over the past ten years. Applications for educational scholarships for members in good standing, must be completed, mailed, and postmarked by May 31, 2017. Information on the application and eligibility requirements is provided on the Association website. Please review the current procedures and application as there have been changes from last year. Our first Association Meet & Greet was a huge success and represents a major milestone in the Association s history. As many are aware, our annual Holiday Dinner Dance had experienced declining support over the years, mainly because of scheduling conflicts during the holiday season. The spring Meet & Greet afforded us a fresh opportunity for members to socialize and reconnect. Guests came from as far as Alaska, Virgin Islands, Texas, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Georgia. More information about the Meet & Greet appears later in this newsletter. Dust those golf clubs off and start practicing for our 24 th 1600 Communications Association Annual Golf Tournament, set for June 16, 2017 at Joint Base Andrews. Registration deadline is June 1, 2017. Please get those foursomes together and submit your registration form along with payment if you haven t already done so! Important: Golfers who do NOT have base access will need to register their information via this link as well: https://thecoursesatandrews.com/events/1600-club-tournament/ - this is a secure link that will allow an access list to be prepared. Please note, the link does NOT accept any punctuation marks or abbreviations (everything must be spelled out i.e. Drive, Circle, Lane, Road). More information is available on the 1600 site home page. WHCA s Open House / 1600 Communications Association Barbecue and Shrimp Feast will be held June 17, 2017. This event will be at WHCA s HQ, McNally Building located on Anacostia NAS (Shrimp Feast flyer is included with this newsletter). Please note, this is an access controlled military base, requiring at least one member of each party in your POV to have a DOD or CAC government ID for base access. If you do not have base access and need assistance please email Danny Young at DannyY@1600commassoc.org or Glenn Arnett at GlennA@1600commassoc.org by May 15, 2017. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming events! Danny Young, President Upcoming Events May 31, 2017 Scholarship Application Deadline June 16, 2017 1600 Golf Tournament June 17, 2017 WHCA Open House/1600 Shrimp Feast 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 1
WHCA Awards Ceremony On March 10,2017 WHCA conducted the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony. The event recognized service members and civilians based on their demonstrated excellence in leadership, physical fitness, and job performance. Former WHCA Commander Col(R) Michael Black was the guest speaker and led the audience through a play-by-play of the need for "Special Teams" to tackle the most important missions. Following are the all-star awardees in the annual categories: Junior Enlisted Person of the Year: MC2 Ryan Greene, VIC NCO of the Year: TSgt Thomas Bryant, J3 Senior NCO of the Year: MSgt Calvin Quaye, J2 Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt Marcus Tenenbaum, ESC Field Grade Officer of the Year: LCDR Ryan Rippeon, ESC Civilian of the Year: Ms Krista McCauley, J2 Airman of the Year: TSgt Jennifer Emerson, J6 Soldier of the Year: SSG Ian Carlson, J2 Sailor of the Year: IT1 Christopher Sobieraj, WACC CSM Rickey T. Witcher Leadership Awardee: YNC Jessie Baker, J1. Hall of Fame Inductees were 1SG Thomas Bray, Maj Amanda Knotts, Ms. Jaime Woodard, and our own Mr. Glenn Arnett. Please join me in congratulating Glenn on his acceptance into the WHCA Hall of Fame. This program honors men and women who have faithfully served the Executive Office through WHCA and have continued their related service either in a fraternal organization or through volunteer efforts. Glenn arrived at WHCA in June 1976 as an Air Force SSgt E-5. Glenn was assigned as an Audiovisual (AV) Technician in the Audio Productions Section. He excelled in this role, working up to Shift Supervisor and Audiovisual Director as the AV lead for the 18 Acres events as well as for Presidential travel support. Later Glenn became the NCOIC of the Audio Productions Section, located in Room 85 of the EOEOB. He was later selected to be the Superintendent of the Audiovisual Unit as a Senior Master Sergeant. In April, 1991, he retired from the Air Force while assigned to WHCA under Col Kenneth E. Nickle as the WHCA Commander. Of note during his WHCA years, Glenn moved to WHCA Operations and was assigned to the Training Section. Glenn also served as Vice Presidential Trip Officer, traveling as the communications support coordinator for Vice Presidential travel. Following his military career, Glenn held positions within Hewlett Packard, from where he ultimately retired again. 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 2
WHCA Awards Ceremony (cont d) Currently Glenn serves as the Treasurer of the 1600 Communications Association and has for the past 20 years supported the Association and its members in this capacity. He has also performed many of the duties of Association Secretary when seats were vacant or otherwise in transition. Glenn works tirelessly in all areas of his support to the 1600 Communications Association. In addition to his term as Treasurer, Glenn s 1600 history includes co-chairing the Annual Golf Tournament, and providing valuable assistance to 1600 and WHCA-sponsored events (i.e., shrimp feasts, golf tournaments, holiday dinner dances, anniversary gatherings, WHCA gala). Glenn s WHCA and Association knowledge, coupled with his continued participation in the Association, has made him an invaluable asset and a critical component to our success. We are so proud to congratulate you, Glenn, on this much-deserved recognition, and to again thank you for all you have done to maintain the success of the 1600 Communications Association. Other events held in March included the Carla Hawkins Auditorium Rededication. As a special part of three-day celebration to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the White House Communications Agency, the Carla Hawkins Auditorium received a new look and was re-dedicated in her memory. The space was transformed from a simple auditorium into a heritage room with wall to wall WHCA history. One wall contains photos and timelines of the Agency's development and achievements, while the opposite wall contains information on the presidents that the Agency has served. A new backdrop was added that contains imagery of building 399 and symbols from all the service branches, as well as a 3D image of the White House in the center of the WHCA symbol. Former WHCA Commander COL (R) Simmons was the guest speaker for the momentous event that christened the new space, which will be used for ceremonies, briefings, and events for years to come. WHCA Birthday Ball Current and former members of the White House Communications Agency and their guests joined together on March 25, 2017 to celebrate the Agency s 75th birthday, a milestone dating from 1942 to 2017. Approximately 570 people enjoyed an evening of reconnecting, fellowship, dining, and dancing at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, Virginia. The evening began with live music by the US Air Force Band. Photos were taken and cocktails were served. The program began with welcome remarks, posting of the Colors by WHCA Color Guard and playing of the National Anthem by the USAF Band, Invocation by Major Ronnelle Armstrong, and dinner. Special guests included Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of White House Military Office, Dabney Karen. The guest speaker for the evening event was Major General John W. Maluda, USAF (RET). BG Maria B. Barrett (who served as guest speaker at the 1600 Communications Meet and Greet), GEN Dennis L. Via, USA (RET), former CG of the Army Material Command and the only signal Army officer to achieve the rank of a four-star General, were also in attendance, along with WHCA alumni, Past Commanders/Past CSMs, the 1600 Communications Association members and their guests. WHCA covered 75 years of history utilizing service members of all service branches past and present to recapture historical events within WHCA from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to President Donald J. Trump. A video was shown interviewing several past and present WHCA members, reminiscing on the important roles WHCA has played serving the President, Vice President, White House Staff, and Secret Service. Memorial Tributes were mentioned for five of our fallen comrades who had their Last Wheels Up in 2016: (MCPO Daniel H Schoettelkotte, USN, (RET), Major Roy Gersten USA (RET), CMSgt Donald M. Brummett, USAF (RET), SFC Charles L. Graffius, USA (RET). Closing remarks were offered by current WHCA commander Col Chad D. Raduege, which was followed by Retiring of the Colors. Photos just became available May 1st, and may be accessed from the 1600 web site, click on the Photos tab. The link has also been posted to Facebook. 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 3
1600 Alumni Meet and Greet Social In conjunction with WHCA s 75th Anniversary celebration, the Association hosted an Alumni Meet and Greet Social on March 24 th at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. The event was open to all who had served in WHCA and membership to the association was not a requirement to attend. This event was the brain child of Tammy Brown. Thelia Puryear was the emcee and Faye Guerra assisted Tammy with the program. Elaine Fitzgerald, Rebecca Nichols, Gordon Aitken, Association President Danny Young and Glenn Arnett were also driving forces for this event. The evening was designed as a social get together, offering a place where people could, reminisce and catch up with one another. The rooftop of the Hyatt offered a view overlooking the Reagan Airport flight line and the Potomac River with the Capitol and WHCA s building 399 also in view. Guests enjoyed hors d oeuvres, a salad station, as well as carving stations. Keeping with tradition, the anniversary cake was cut by the oldest and youngest members present. Over 140 former WHCA members, spouses and friends as well as several active duty individuals attended including guests from Alaska, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and several other states. In attendance were members who had served as far back as the Eisenhower Administration through the current administration. Also in attendance were five former WHCA Commanders and two former Command Sergeants Major. The featured speaker for the event was Brigadier General Maria Barrett, who reflected on her time in WHCA as well as her career experiences since leaving WHCA and how the WHCA experience influenced her in subsequent assignments. General Barrett currently serves as the Deputy Commander (Operations) for the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). Representing the present day, current WHCA Commander Colonel Chad D. Raduege addressed the audience with his thoughts about the WHCA organization in general, and emphasized that the relationship between WHCA and the 1600 Communications Association is strong. This social event proved to be an outstanding success and we have received kudos saluting the Association for taking on the challenge of bringing together members from several decades of service to the Office of the President of the United States. This event will be long and favorably remembered as a highlight of the WHCA 75 th Anniversary celebration weekend. Visit the Association web site (Photos tab) and Facebook page to view photos. 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 4
Association Items Available for Purchase as of 4/24/17 Challenge Coin ($12) Key Fob with a detachable Golf Ball Marker ($5) Hat ($12) PSB Stickers ($5) These sticker/decals are for use only by recipients of the Presidential Service Badge. Make checks payable to 1600 Comms Assn and send to Glenn Arnett, 128 Atlantis Lane, Lake Frederick, VA 22630-2099) NEW! 2017 Challenge Coins! Also, please see page 8 for details on the limited edition commemorative print marking WHCA s 75 th the print is available for purchase as well. A bit larger and with an updated design, these new coins are priced at $20 each. All items are also available for ordering via www.1600commassoc.org. Copies of the McNally book, A Million Miles of Presidents, are also available for purchase via the website. 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 5
Treasurer s Report April 24, 2017 Submitted by Glenn Arnett Membership To date in 2017, we have processed 54 membership transactions. Of those, 19 are new members and 11 signed up and paid for Life Time Membership. Unfortunately, we have 58 members who have not yet paid their 2017 dues. These folks have been moved to inactive status. This brings the total current active membership roster to 583. Please note annual dues rates were raised to $30 effective April 2, 2015. They are due by January 31 each year. Membership Renewal To save postage we do not mail a special dues invoice. Our plan is to remind everyone in the newsletters, that the dues year is January to December. If you have already sent your 2017 dues thank you very much. The next page includes a short form to complete and remit with your dues. Also, please let us know of any address, email address, or other contact information changes. New Members This Report Welcome to the following new members: Susan R. Alaniz (Jul 1999 to Jul 2003), John Anderson (Jan 1967 to Nov 1969), Donald W. Baum (May 1965 to Jul 1967), (Alexandra Carlson (Sep 2005 to May 2010), Amy Lee Coffman (Aug 2004 to Sep 2006), Seddrick V. Crusoe (Oct 2002 to Nov 2006 and Jan 2009 to Jan 2014), Tammie DiCarlo (Jun 1991 to Nov 1993), Mark A. Edwards (Nov 1985 to May 1994), Rodney D. Felder (Aug 1993 to Jul 1998), Robert Goodwin (Sep 1991 to May 1997), Joseph H. Hamilton (Dec 2010 to Dec 2013), William E. Knight (Feb 1980 to May 1984), Pamela B. Lucas (Sep 97 to Jan 99 and Aug 2002 to Apr 2004), Carla R. Moss (May 2007 to Present), (Sandra Marie Oka (Jan 1980 to Apr 1983), Salvatore B. Spinelli, Jr. (May 1987 to Feb 1996 and Jun 2001 to Sep 2005), Paul K. Sternal (Apr 1999 to May 2008), John A. Vezeau (Sep 1981 to Feb 1988), Roger P. Zabkie (Sep 1955 to Nov 1960) Bad Address List We have lost contact with the following members. If you know any of them and have contact with them, please ask them to let the Association know their new mailing and email addresses. Howard R. Turney, Armando Hiraldo-Cruz, Joshua H. Snoke, Hugh B. St. Martin, Matthew J. Leimer, Lee R. Hamilton, John K. Baker, and Robert Daubenhauser. Presidential Service Badge License Plate for Virginia An Association member, Gary Foote has revived the effort to get the Commonwealth of Virginia to issue an automobile license plate that displays the PSB. As you Virginia folks may recall the state requires a minimum of 450 sign ups before they will consider making a new plate. If you are interested in acquiring a Virginia PSB license plate send an email to Gary at footeg@verizon.net. He does not need payment at this time, just a verbal commitment. For Maryland residents who were authorized the PSB you can get a license plate for your car for a fee and proof of PSB award. Proof is either DD 214 or your award certificate. Check with Maryland DMV for details. 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 6
_ 1600 Communications Association Membership Renewal NAME: SPOUSE NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE: EMAIL ADDRESS: WHCA SERVICE DATES: From To Please make check payable to 1600 Communications Association and mail to same at P.O. Box 160, Washington, DC 20044. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for reply. _ 1600 Leadership Contact Information - 2017 We look forward to continuing to serve you! President: Danny Young DannyY@1600commassoc.org 240-678-9770 Vice President: Rebecca Nichols RebeccaN@1600commassoc.org 706-664-6276 Secretary: Tammy Brown TammyB@1600commassoc.org 703-798-1430 Treasurer/Membership: Glenn Arnett GlennA@1600commassoc.org 571-436-3271 Director-At-Large: Helen Pennington HelenP@1600commassoc.org 703-781-7773 Director-At-Large: Sam Watkins SamW@1600commassoc.org 240-205-3666 Editor: Floyd Hepler FloydH@1600commassoc.org 240-441-9053 Historian: Gordon Aitken GordonA@1600commassoc.org 703-864-3740 Parliamentarian: Sarah Olo SarahO@1600commassoc.org 719-238-9695 Alumni Career Coordinator: Darrell Williams DWilliams@1600commassoc.org 410-952-8269 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 7
How to Support Your Association There are a number of way you can provide support! Want to help but can t invest the time? Make a donation to the Scholarship Fund email GlennA@1600commassoc.org for more information. Want to give of your time instead? Consider volunteering at one of our many upcoming events. Please email volunteers@1600commassoc.org to advise your availability and areas of interest. Would you like to volunteer to help at an event? We d love to have you! Please email Volunteers@1600commassoc.org As of April 26, there are 929 current and former WHCA members in our Facebook group! Are you one of them? Search 1600 Communications Association and request to join! Commemorative Print Available for Purchase Heritage Made Hero, LLC and 1600 Communications Association commissioned a print for the 75 th Anniversary of the White House Communications Agency. We worked with artist Mark Thesken, www.theskenart.com, to create the original painting and commissioned a limited edition of 500 prints. These prints are only $20. Please contact sales@heritagemadehero.com or call Jim Ramsey at (540) 398-9431 to purchase yours today! 1600 Communications Association Spring 2017 Newsletter Page 8
2017 1600 Communications Association Annual Golf Outing Proceeds benefit the Association Scholarship Fund and Military Charities Come join us for our 24 th annual golf outing on courses at Joint Base Andrews (Andrews Air Force Base) on Friday, June 16, 2017. Shotgun start at 1400, registration begins at 1200 and closes at 1330. Format is four player teams, Captain s choice, best ball. Full tournament rules will be provided at the course, or by contacting the Golf Committee. This is a full handicap tournament: entrants without handicaps must attest to their average scores over their last several rounds. The Golf Committee will assign handicaps to those without one, and will provide pairings for entrants who do not have a foursome. Prizes will be awarded for Team Low Gross, Team Low Net, and many individual prizes, including Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, and Closest to Pin, for both Men and Women. Hole in One prizes on all Par 3 s. Entry fees include all fees, Mulligans, on-line team photos, and post-round buffet meal. Fees are as follows: Active Duty Military & Dependents: $75.00 MilStat A (If using PayPal $78.00) Retired & Dependents/All Others: $95.00 MilStat R/C (If using PayPal $98.00) For more information, contact Glenn Arnett at glenna@1600commassoc.org. Phone 571-436-3271. WHCA personnel may contact. SGT Timothy Thomas, email timothy.thomas@whmo.mil Phone 202-814-9986 or SSG Ian Carlson, email ian.carlson@whmo.mil, Phone 703-861-7565. Information is also available on the 1600 Communications Association website, www.1600commassoc.org. Make checks payable to 1600 Communications Association. Please send entry forms and payment to Glenn Arnett, at 128 Atlantis Lane Lake Frederick, VA 22630-2099. If paying by PayPal, add $3.00 for handling fee (e.g., $78 or $98 for each player). To use PayPal go to www.1600commassoc.org, click on PayPal button and follow instructions. ENTRIES MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PAYMENT, AND RECEIVED BY June 1. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Entry Info: (Please print: OK to add supplementary page if needed) Name MilStat Phone E-mail Handicap or A/R/C Avg Score Golfer Golfer Golfer Golfer Players without DOD or CAC identification, please provide Driver s License number and state with registration form, to facilitate access to Andrews.
Menu Sale Price List All U-Can Eat!!! Ages 2yrs - Under Free Ages 3yrs - 10yrs old = $5.00 Ages 11yrs 17yrs = $10.00 Ages 18yrs and older = $15.00 Menu: Pulled BBQ Chicken / Pulled BBQ Pork Beef Brisket / Steamed Shrimp Beef Hot Dogs / Baked Beans Potato Salad / Coleslaw Potato Chips / Cookies Sodas/Bottled Water Special Menu Pricing!!! Sandwich, Bag of Chips, 1 Side Item and Soda = $5.00