SMALL PERSONAL ITEMS APPRECIATED BY VETERANS

Fellow Warriors and Ladies,

A great Chapter project is to collect the extra soaps and shampoos from any hotel stay that you might encounter. I normally pick up everything I do not use and put it in my bag each day. I then see that the bits and pieces get delivered to a local Veteran’s Home or VA facility for use by the patients or residents.

When you get several people in the same chapter doing this it becomes significant. I allso know that patients in VA hospitals are frequently in need of socks and underwear. If you have a buck or two you can spare the next time you are at Target or WalMart, pick up a pair of socks (or a package of three) or some boxers or briefs and send them to the hospital with your representative.

Add on to this by organizing a group to visit the hospital. While you are at it take along magazines and pocket books that you have read and share them with our less fortunate Veterans.

Thank you,

T Michael Bircumshaw

President SWRC Chapter 47

Secretary Cal Council MOAA (2009-2011)

Ps.. It can’t hurt to let your local newspaper know what you are doing - could bring in a couple new members..Who knew?

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TO ALL WHO SERVED–A SIMPLE THANK YOU IS NEVER ENOUGH

Veteran’s Day is soon approaching and there are several companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, we give a collective thanks.

To all who served – a simple thank you is never enough. But I’ll say it anyway. Thanks for your service.

Check out these Veteran’s Day deals (remember, all deals are subject to participation). continue reading

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EXERCISE CARE WHEN VISITOR ATTENDS CHAPTER MEETING

When visitors attend a local chapter meeting they come with real hope. A living hope. A future hope.

“Hope is the certainty that something makes sense, is worth the cost, regardless of how it might turn out…” Betty Skinner, The Hidden Life

The visitor generally is hopeful that there will be a friendly welcome, camaraderie, a delicious luncheon or dinner meal. interesting casual conversation, a knowledgeable and entertaining speaker, and an overall pleasurable experience.

But all hope can be dashed by inappropriate behavior on the part of chapter members. Hope can be dashed by the visitor’s perceptions. continue reading

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ARMY SECRETARY, CHIEF REAFFIRM FAMILY COVENANT

American Forces Press Service ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2009 - The Army’s top military officer and civilian leader underscored the service’s commitment to Army families at last week’s annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army.

Reaffirmation of the Army Family Covenant by Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, and Army Secretary John M. McHugh shows that families are taking the forefront in the readiness picture, officials said.

At an Oct. 7 forum sponsored by the Institute of Land Warfare during last week’s event, several family advocates outlined how the covenant has affected families and what they can expect in the future. continue reading

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WELCOME, ICE TRAVEL!

MOAA has selected International Cruise and Excursions Inc. (ICE) as the new MOAA-endorsed travel provider for its members and chapters. Renowned for its expansive national and international travel programs, outstanding prices, and world-class service, national MOAA’s board of directors approved this change of endorsed travel service at a July 13 board meeting.

Beginning Oct. 15, ICE will provide products and services through MOAA’s new travel Web site, www.moaatravel.org, with best-price guarantees on all cruises, resorts, vacation homes, experiential vacations, and tours. Discounted rates on air travel, hotels, and rental cars also are available.

Recognizing the importance of travel revenue to MOAA chapters, ICE has agreed to deliver a Chapter Travel Program to include: continue reading

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COUNCIL SEEKS CANDIDATES TO HONOR AT ANNUAL MEETING

During the CAL-MOAA 2008 Annual Meeting at South Shore Lake Tahoe certain members were presented MOAA-based awards with others recognized for extraordinary achievements.

It’ll happen again at the upcoming Annual Meeting in San Diego.

This is a request for members to help identify candidates for awards and recognition. There are many chapter members who have been doing noteworthy things and they should be recognized for their efforts. continue reading

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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR FINDING UNIT MEMBERS

Hello..my father is 88 years old and was on the USS Barnes from 1943-1945 (until end of war) He has never really had much to say about his time in the navy, except for selected funny stories. He has asked me to see if I can locate any old shipmates, but I have been having an awful time.

Can you give me any suggestions? I think if I could give him a roster of names he would recognize them. I would be more than happy to pay any dues or fees to join an organization, but maybe my searching skills aren’t what they used to be, because I haven’t had much luck.

I am just so pleased he is interested, and I guess he does have some fond memories after all. If there is any direction you can send me in I would be very grateful. His name is Frank (Francis) B Wolfe. Thank you so much for your time…Sincerely,

Chrissy Wolfe continue reading

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BE CAUTIONS ABOUT GIVING INFORMATION TO CENSUS WORKERS

Note: This information is being distributed by the Dallas / Ft. Worth IBM Organization to warn it’s thousands of members of fraud associated with the 2010 Census (some pre-census activity is already underway). However, this warning is for ALL citizens, so you may want to pass it on to everyone you know.

By Susan Johnson - August 3, 2009

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. continue reading

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