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

National Presidents Letter--November 2007

Presidents Letter for November 2007 Fellow AFE9A Members November 6, 2007 To all you Marine members, Happy Birthday. On November 10, you will have the honor of serving our great country for 232 years. Thank you Marines. From Sybil and I to all my AFE9A members and families, Happy Thanksgiving. May you be with family and friends during this Thanksgiving time and enjoy all that God has done for you. Because this is Veterans Day month (11/11) thank you all for our freedom so we can have Thanksgiving. Fly your flag. I will be in Gulfport, MS with my church group (24 in all) rebuilding hurricane Katrina damaged homes so will not be in any parade or Veterans Day function. The NC Baptist Men’s Association have set up in the old National Guard Armory where we live and eat. They can house and feed 300 there. This will be our 7th mission trip and my second. I do plan on saying something to the men and women at the Armory where we are staying in Gulfport on Veterans Day, if allowed to do so. The proposed budget for 2008 has been sent out to all NEC members for approval and comments, if any. I want to thank all that have reviewed the proposed budget and have sent in your comments. We may have to do some budget tweaking at the Mid-Winter meeting in Killeen, in January. I also want to thank the COO, Finance Office, Vice Presidents, Directors and Chapter Presidents for keeping me informed on what is taking place in their lives pertaining to the AFE9A. As I stated when taking office as National President, communications is the key to understanding, keeping informed and maintaining fellowship. Keep up the good work. Membership is the other key to any organization and ours is no exception. We need to increase our membership, try to get the younger and just retired E9’s signed up. How this can be accomplished is in you hands, as you know the area, the groups and attend a swarm of meetings with fellow Sergeant Majors, Chief Master Sergeants and Master Chiefs. I am asking you to work on it. We need membership and new chapters. Speaking of new chapters, Washington (state) may have a new chapter within the next year if all goes well. An idea to earn money for your National Headquarters: Seek out a car dealership in your area and make a deal that if a member of your chapter buys a car from the dealership, they will send $100.00 to National. More than one dealership will be better. They are willing to help veterans. I have done this with the Honda dealership in my area but it is for the Legion Post I belong too. An AFE9A chapter does not exist in NC so I cannot keep track of any buyers but can with my local American Legion Post. Give it a try and help fund our association. Don’t forget that Golden Corral is offering a free dinner to veterans on November 12, 2007. No proof required. Enjoy. Nothing from the National Auxiliary members last month came across my desk. We should have a National Membership Roster to report to the members by years end as the Membership Chairman has been working hard to correct our membership roster. Trying to get an exact number is hindered somewhat by MAL’s not reporting in with changes in addresses, deaths of members, etc. I am not sure if the National’s data-base software is adequate to the challenge of tracking membership. One of the things we need to take up at the Mid-Winter meeting, January 19, 2008. For God and Country, Curtis R. Leary President, AFE9A

General Membership Meeting

WHO: All TRSMCA Washington Chapter #1 members and those interested WHAT: General Membership Meeting WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2007, 1:00pm WHERE: McChord Club WHY: Meet, greet, discuss Association events Among items of discussion, we will try to review and discuss the Chapter Blog. See you all there.

Message to Life Members...

From the President: Life Member, I’m writing to offer you a job. It’s not a permanent job, you understand. It’s not a paying job. On the contrary, it will cost you money. Membership in TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 brings many benefits and advantages, but those come at a price. In order for our Chapter to perform the many tasks and duties for which it is responsible, the Chapter must have operating funds. These funds come mainly from four sources yearly. The 1st source is through our Chapter’s new membership drive each year. The 2nd is by-way-of the Chapter’s fundraiser “Coffee Stop” about every 18 months. The 3rd is through funds that are contributed by Chapter members on a strictly volunteer basis. The 4th is through the adds in our Chapter News Letter. Some highlights of the expenses are: --- Donated $100.00 toward picnic for deploying and returning Madigan nurses and their medics. --- Disbursed $55.00 and presented a “Medal of Honor” book and Chapter coin to the ROTC NCO of the Year. --- The Chapter paid out $48.00 and obtained and presented an American flag, which had been flown over our Nations Capitol, to the recently dedicated flag pavilion located outside Camp Murray (NG) and Madigan Army Medical Center in Tillicum, WA. --- The Chapter made $77.00 contribution for 60 winter coats to the needy students at the Eugene Tone Transitional School in Tacoma. --- Exhausted $80.00 to provide Dress Blue uniform to the top graduate of the Fort Lewis Leadership Course. --- Expended $277.00 at annual Chapter picnic for our members and their guests at McChord AFB in July. --- Made a $100.00 disbursement to the Fisher House located near Madigan Army Medical Center and some in-kind donations from members in the same chapter. --- Donations to the USO at both McChord AFB and Seattle/Tacoma International airport. These are primarily in-kind donations that SGM (Ret) Harry Schreiber acquires throughout the year. --- Contributed $50.00 to the annual Lakewood “Cancer Run” campaign. --- Distribute $50.00 each year for Veterans Legislative Coalition. --- Chaplain expenses are $50.00 per year on cards and flowers. --- The Chapter gave $50.00 to the Providence Saint Peter Foundation. --- The Chapter supports the E-9 Ball each year with $50.00. The Chapter’s growth is very dependent on revenues from the four sources of income. Overhead expenses increase every year because of inflation. New programs need funds to implement. Enhanced member benefits such as a Chapter Web Site, Chapter advertisement to enhance membership, and the Chapter News Letter to mention just a few. The “Coffee Stop” revenue this past year has been a problem to achieve. It is becoming increasingly harder to procure a time slot and the personnel to carry out the event. We must increase revenues from the major sources, or we end up with less money to spend on programs and membership benefits, and our chapter will stagnate. The Chapter’s Officers are calling for an ACTION CAMPAIGN for the remainder of 2007. This request is for a $10.00 minimum voluntary contribution from each Chapter member who holds a Life Membership. Our Chapter stands at 84 members and 65 are Life Membership associates. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this job opportunity. Please send your voluntary contribution today for the Chapter’s Action Campaign to: TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 P. O. Box 136 Dupont, WA 98327-0136 We welcome your leadership in this area and any suggestions how we can further improve your Chapter. Sincerely, Command CMS (Ret) Jack M. Parkhurst TRSMCA Washington State Chapter #1 President

Get to Know Your Members...

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Jonathan T. Harris Life member, retired Chief Master Sergeant Jonathan T. Harris, of the Armed Forces E9 Association (AFE9A) and The Retired Sergeant Major and Chiefs Association Washington State Chapter #1 just completed a two year long project. He served as the Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) 2007 Rodeo Program Manager for the largest airlift competition in Air Force history. The Rodeo experience provides valuable joint service and combined training for participants including international mobility professionals who compete or send crews to observe events. Each Rodeo contestant benefits with exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures among their international partners. Rodeo 2007 is AMC’s premier 60th United States Air Force anniversary event and was held 22-28 July at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. The competition’s roots reach back 51 years to 1956, when 13 troop carrier wings of the Continental Air Command, the Air Force Reserve Command’s predecessor, sent crews to participate in a “Reserve Troop Carrier Rodeo” at Bakalar Air Force Base, Indiana. In April 1962, the first airdrop competition for units of the active-duty force occurred when the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) held a MATS-wide Rodeo at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Only seven aircraft and 14 aircrews participated. In 1979, the Rodeo scope and breadth was expanded to include international mobility teams. Retired Chief Harris mentored Contracting, Finance, Maintenance, Aeromedical, Security, and Administration staff in proper Rodeo procedures for In-Progress Reviews and acquiring, setup, and teardown of facilities. His meticulous planning and superior leadership skills directed Finance and Contracting Officers in key Rodeo staff positions that met all planning, purchasing, and execution deadlines. He provided first-rate assistance and brilliant advice to commanders, leaders, and international officials regarding manpower, financial management, budget, real estate, and computer support to effectively meet current and long-range program goals and objectives. The Chief also participated in community activities, conducted and attended briefings, meetings, and conferences with local organizations and coordinated the Rodeo Icebreaker at the LeMay Museum Tour, attended by 95% of the Rodeo competitors and staff. His synchronization of the augmentation of the 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office personnel and the 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office personnel in promotion and publicity efforts for Rodeo and other assigned special events was exceptional. He worked with the local recreation community and linked organizations regarding off-base support and activities. 2007 Rodeo joined the United States Active-duty, Reserve, and Guard units to demonstrate capabilities, improve procedures, compare notes, and enhance standardization for worldwide operations. Some of the aircraft included the C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, KC-10 Extender, and the KC-135 Strato Tanker with up to 2,500 participants and 80 aircraft. Furthermore, retired Chief Master Sergeant Jonathan T. Harris directly contributed to the safe execution of 27 Rodeo events by 1,200 competitors on 55 teams from 34 countries. As General Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command’s commander, said “The largest and best Rodeo ever!” Enormous and truly note worthy piece of consultant work, Chief Harris.