CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY LUNCHEON OVER-SUBSCRIBED

It was a bright, sunny Wednesday morning May 7th in Sacramento for the start of a very special veterans recognition event hosted by The Honorable Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), Chair, Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, and assisted by the affiliated members of the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), of which CAL-MOAA is an active member.

The downtown streets were filled with pedestrians, ultra-modern light rail cars were passing by, tourists were enjoying coffee at the outdoor cafes, there was a farmers market underway in the park, and at the capitol a large group known as “Parent Voices” was about to begin what later would be a loud and spirited demonstration about the need for more child care.

The CAL-MOAA president attended the day-long events and activities and represented all affiliated chapters.

CSCVC members gathered in the capitol basement restaurant for breakfast and last minute planning and coordination. The morning was set aside for “storming the hill” followed by a formal luncheon just before noon and then afternoon visits to hearing rooms.

About mid-morning Pete Conaty was seen guiding a client through the halls of the capitol, probably on his way to an important meeting or hearing. Pete is a faithful friend who does so much for all California veterans. (more…)

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A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America’s Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband’s troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country’s founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership. (more…)

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AUXILIARIES ASK FOR MORE MILITARY OFFICER MAGAZINE COVERAGE

I would like to suggest you add an “In Memoriam” page for Auxiliary members, and perhaps the same for wives who predecease their husbands.

In California alone there are 9741 auxiliary members who belong to MOAA, according to your records. There are 1366 belonging to chapters, and 280 who belong to chapters but not to National.
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Mary Kalinyak
CAL-MOAA Auxiliary Liaison (more…)

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CALIFORNIA DISABLED VETERANS FACE OPPORTUNITIES

More than 1000 one-to-one Œbusiness matchmaking¹ sessions were accomplished during the 17th Annual ³Keeping the Promise 2008² business expo. From across California, the non-profit Disabled Veterans Business Alliance (DVBE) brought disabled veteran entrepreneurs face-to-face with corporate and government business leaders in Irvine. For two days, April 15-16, hundreds of veteran-owned, and certified DVBE vendor companies met with procurement and supplier diversity professionals seeking contract opportunities for a wide range of goods and services.

DVBE Alliance exists to help veterans become certified, create businesses and secure opportunity. Alliance President Robert Brown, says, ³Our motto is, Šserving together again. The creativity, skills and discipline veterans bring to the workplace are key to realizing their opportunity.² Certified disabled veteran businesses are guaranteed by law contract participation
goals for service to their country. (more…)

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MANY BILLS THROUGH COMMITTEE HEARINGS THIS PAST WEEK

The State Legislature passed another calendar deadline on May 2, which was the final date for policy committees to pass any bills that originated in their own house. This has had the effect of pushing a large number of bills through the committee hearings in the past week. There are two more important deadline dates coming up this month:
May 23 is the final date for the Appropriations Committees to complete action on the fiscal bills that originated in their own house;
May 30 is the final date for floor votes on all bills that originated in their own house.

Here are some of the more significant actions this past week on veterans bills: (more…)

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HOW YOUR COUNCIL ADDS VALUE

Out of a Chinese fortune cookie came a small slip of paper and the admonition, “It may be well to consult others before taking unusual action.”

So when it comes to chapter opportunities and challenges, whom do you consult?

Try your Area Director. This is an officer with full access to MOAA and CAL-MOAA information and resources who will work in general and direct support of you and your chapter.

The AD is an individual who will demonstrate the Council’s value when members choose to work together.

Lessons Learned
CAL-MOAA officers, directors, and affiliated chapter presidents are in a position to share their experiences. After meeting individually, in small groups, and in the larger Council meetings, it’s possible to provide a wide array of answers to the question, “What have each of you learned lately that’s of value to the rest of us?” Do you have concerns about recruitment and membership? Or leadership succession perhaps? Or even finding good speakers for chapter meetings? The Council has, by its various procedures, methods, and systems, put into place a formal organized approach to learning. Opportunities abound for members to meet regularly to discuss substantive matters of common interest. Out of such meetings come not only useful and practical information but a sense of community and a heightened sense of being engaged in a joint enterprise. It’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel! (more…)

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890 NEW MEMBERS TO DATE

Dear Council and Chapter President:

Congratulations! The 2008 GMT Campaign is taking off - to date we have recruited over 890 new members.

Early last month we announced the top recruiting council and independent chapters in each of the four regions for the 1st Quarter. Remember - A quarterly council winner can not win consecutively but may win two out of the four quarters. The non-aligned Chapters will compete by region for the Top “independent” Recruiter award. Same rules apply - an independent chapter cannot win consecutively but can win two out of the four quarters for which the awards are presented. Each quarter the winning councils and the top independent chapter will receive a $250
campaign incentive.

The “field” is wide open for the second quarter - I hope to see your name listed with the other winners in early July.

This is the time of the year, late April, May and June, to recruit newly commissioned ROTC graduates. In our travels Lee and I observe many of you taking full advantage of this opportunity. I’d encourage you all to seize this opportunity. This is a great program that pays dividends for both the new officers and the chapters. (more…)

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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER MAY 1, 2008

Help me remember, God, that I can be reassigned, neutralized, or eliminated for a thousand different reasons at any moment.

My leadership is precarious, hanging by the silver thread of people’s trust in me. Countless things over which I have no control can break that thread, including your call elsewhere, and I will be gone.

But they need a leader, and when I am gone they must have others to turn to, others whom they trust, who can tell them the truth.

Show me those who can lead after me and better than me. Ruffle my spirit when they are near, quicken my heart when I feel their power, and open my eyes to see the special effect they have on people.

Protect me from preserving my own position or power or perspectives at the expense of future leaders. When they point out where I have not led well, shut my mouth and open my heart.

Help me to make it safe for them to try new things. Let me touch the spirit of those who possess the heart of a servant. (more…)

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