RALLY 2006 SACRAMENTO

A number of us got together in late October as community to do the Council’s business and enjoy a social time. We were people who were not “bowling alone”.

We need to remember what we learned through the experience, and celebrate the event.

We learned there is value in our professional association. Col Chris Giaimo, USAF-Ret and Col Lee Lange, USMC-Ret, Director and Deputy Director of National MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs respectively, provided a new perspective on our changing world and how MOAA, CAL-MOAA and our chapters contribute to planned change, all within the context of “One Powerful Voice.” We found that even when just a few of us get together and share views, plan for the future, and demonstrate faithfulness, we can create a very positive future.

We learned the importance of meeting and working together, the fact that we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. Redwood trees have shallow roots with potential that they could be toppled and destroyed by even a moderate wind; however, the trees grow in groves, intertwining the roots with each other, connected and holding each other up in the strongest storms. To be successful we must live and operate in a grove. Even the introverts among us find a comfort zone and stretch. We can develop a healthy, robust Council community as long as we do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. It’s worth it to come together, give some of our time, encourage each other, and pull together to make a difference.

We learned that we can grow together, that personal and Council development are not solo pursuits. In short, we learned the difference between “head knowledge”, often something we acquire alone reading or otherwise, and growth that comes from face to face discussions and debate, the sharing of viewpoints and ideas. It’s unlikely that alone we could have learned about Sacramento Coast Guard air operations from an organization member, how our country is fighting illegal fishing offshore and drug smuggling, interesting and timely information. And we had several speakers, those presenting keynote addresses, who provided information not available elsewhere. Our participants moved toward greater maturity.

We learned that serving the military community together can be fun and productive, often with outcomes that we can be proud of, sometimes approaching miracle status. On a personal level, we see opportunities everywhere to help members with personal and general troubles, delivering random acts of kindness; at the organization level, already we have identified specific service/work projects, starting with an expanded legislative effort, that will work for the benefit of all of us. We are starting with those closest to us; you should have seen the outpouring of assistance when BG Wayne Hoffman, AUS (RET) and his wife were involved in an auto accident just outside the restaurant where many gathered for dinner.

We learned the importance of reaching out together. In California, we have only a small percentage of national MOAA members who are members of local chapters; we were briefed on the need and opportunities to contact those who are not as passionate as we are, in a sense not believers, making the most of every opportunity. We learned how different chapters are making initiatives to serve the National Guard/Reserve organizations, reaching out to those on deployment and families left behind. At one point, Col Bill Gavitt, USAF-Ret, stood in a briefing and asked the Coast Guard speaker if he was a member, ready to invite membership right there and then. By reaching out, we can literally change lives.

So, now what? First, let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some have done; instead, let’s encourage one another all the more. Let’s get on with doing the things we have learned, seen, and heard, and if we do we will certainly move into the future with confidence.

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