WA State Chapter #1 -- From the President

My message this quarter is to inform all members about The Retired Sergeants Major and Chiefs Association (TRSMCA) Washington State Chapter #1 major achievements over this past year. Our Chapter Officers are dedicated to recruitment, retention, and mentoring of all associates in the three functional areas of membership, communication, and legislation. TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 received Recruiting Chapter of the Year at the Armed Forces E-9 Association (AFE9A) 2007 National Convention. The chapter is at 98 members with a 100 active membership goal by the start of 2008. Thanks goes out to all of our new members and each of our renewed members for their guarantee that our voice is heard loud and clear through their strong support. Communication is National President MCPO Curtis Leary’s major goal. TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 now has a web site and e-mail address respectfully: http://wachap1.blogspot.com and wachap1@gmail.com. Thank you Web Master SGM David Harper for your leadership and expertise in this communication outreach to the membership and others. In addition the chapter’s database is now correct and up to date with national, through the exceptional coordination of CSM Bob Sova and professional expertise of CSM Harold Carr. TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 received Best Newsletter of the Year at the AFE9A 2007 National Convention. Thank you from the membership goes out to our Newsletter Editor and Publisher CSM Harold Carr for a truly outstanding job. The chapter’s diligence to assist this year’s host Service with the Puget Sound Joint Armed Services E-9 Ball brought awe-inspiring accolades from many of the attendees. This is fast becoming a tradition in the Puget Sound joint service and civilian communities. Thank you SGM Harry Schreiber for your stunning representation on the planning committee and astounding community involvement championing this joint service affair. Legislative issues and news, both nationally and locally, that affect active, reserve, and retired service members is the third leg of the functional area triangle. TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 has an astonishing partnership on the Washington State Veterans Legislative Coalition through our appointed chapter legislative representative CSM Bob Sova and Vice President SGM Tony Woods as a VFW representative. Together their teamwork is key to our membership receiving timely information. The 2008 year brings with it an opportunity for growth in TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1. The first major task is to deliver, at the upcoming Mid-Winter Conference, our Chapter’s proposal to host the 26th AFE9A Annual National Convention in 2009. Top-quality committee planning assistance has come from Past Presidents CSM Bob Sova, CSM Harold Carr and SGM Harry Schreiber along with Director CMS Jonathan Harris. Another major task underway is the Chapter/National Bylaws update that is under review by our Bylaws Standing Committee. This effort is chaired by our Vice President SGM Tony Woods and will conclude soon after the 25th AFE9A Annual National Convention in April 2008. Marian and I wish all of you and your families a most happy and safe holiday season. Remember the association’s values of pride, dedication, and service. Come out to the McChord AFB Club at 1300 hours on 12 January 2008 to enjoy an excellent $15.00 per person meal and the installation of your Chapter Officers. CSM John Lee will enlighten us from his perspective as Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Director. Don’t forget to RSVP to your Adjutant SGM Sidney Katz ASAP!! Command CMS (Ret) Jack M. Parkhurst TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 President

Dinner Social

The Washington State Chapter #1 announces our annual Dinner Social Where: McChord Air Force Base Community Club When: January 12, 2008 at 1:00 PM (1300) Cost: $15.00 RSVP: NLT January 4, 2008 to Sid Katz (katzsm@comcast.net Guest Speaker: CSM (Retired) John Lee, Director, Washington State Department of Veteran's Affairs

National President's Letter--December 2007

December 6, 2007 Presidents Letter for December 2007 Merry Christmas to all members, their families and the Auxiliary members. I can't believe it's Christmas time. It seems like we just took down the decorations and stored them for next year when all of a sudden, it's that time of year again to put them back up. Can you believe that Christmas trees (Fraser Fir from the NC mountains) are selling for $60 on up this year. That was almost a months pay when I enlisted in the CG. Time is drawing near for the Mid-Winter Conference, to be held on January 19 at the National Headquarters building in Harker Heights, TX. I have asked Earl to look into a hotel for us so we can all be together. When he gets this information, it will be forwarded to Warren for distribution via email so all attending will know. According to our national treasurer, $19,220 has been forgiven by the IRS for back taxes created when an unauthorized chapter used our AFE9A account number to hold Bingo in Texas and never paid the proper taxes or even filed as required. Since the AFE9A was awarded the number, we automatically became responsible. Thanks to Ervin and Earl as well as others, this has issue has been worked out. What a load off our backs. Thanks guys. It appears that some NEC members have still not sent in their vote concerning the proposed 2008 budget. Please attend to this quickly. I know all are busy this time of year but business is business. Congratulations to the Keystone Chapter for going ahead and accepting the temporary appointment of CSM Craig Grower as Chapter President and SGM (Ret) John J. Terranova as Adjutant. Our third National Vice President Warren Rees was instrumental in making this take place. Good things happen when members are willing to cross the line and help out. Sybil and I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year and if you are in my area of NC, give us a call. See you in Texas. Submitted by: Curtis R. Leary National President