SW RIVERSIDE COUNTY PRESIDENT TO SERVE AS COUNCIL SECRETARY

It is a pleasure to welcome CWO2 T Michael Bircumshaw, USN (RET) as the new CAL-MOAA Secretary. The appointment is effective November 1, 2009.

He replaces CDR John Sammons, USPHS (RET), who becomes State Director, Area 2, effective October 24, 2009.

Birgraphy

T Michael Bircumshaw is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer.

He was born in Alhambra, California and graduated (albeit 15 years behind his HS class) from Redlands High School in Redlands, California. He has an Associates and a Bachelors Degree from the University of Maryland, a teaching certificate from the University of Alabama, and completed his Masters Graduate studies at the University of Northern Colorado. continue reading

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A STRUCTURE TO SERVE THE WIDER MILITARY COMMUNITY

October 24, 2009 The California Council of Chapters (CAL-MOAA) is a structure whereby those who choose to serve the wider military community can do so with effectiveness and efficiency.

The Council is strong and viable, with hard-working and dedicated people plus adequate financial and material resources in support.

We’re learning that there’s power in numbers, that over time it’s possible to make a real difference. We can reinvent our corner of the world.

The society has been changing in rapid and dramatic ways, and as a consequence the Council is approaching an inflection point in the evolution of the state council concept. Change is in the air, yet members throughout California are debating the need for change. But no matter what we’ve been doing, chances are there’s a better way to do it. There are real rewards associated with collaborative learning and new initiatives. continue reading

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MEMBERS WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Palm Springs Chapter dynamic duo is back. And ready to present an updated report to the EXCOM in San Diego.

CWO4 Robert Ramirez, USN-Ret, State Director Area 7, President, Palm Springs Chapter and MAJ Judy Tilt, Legislative Chair, Palm Springs Chapter, have been trying to bring a positive outcome to the Medicare physician reimbursement issue, something that could have a dramatic and negative impact on member health care.

They’ve been trying hard to make a difference.

What is this opportunity, this commitment, this reaching out all about? Why are these two officers and others like them, so well acquainted with the requirements to submit to authority, follow orders, and sometimes give up their lives for their country, doing what they’re doing? Why would they expend their time, personal treasure, and other resources on Council and chapter activities and affairs? What’s the motivation?

There are some in our world who see MOAA as a kind of labor union, fighting our country and those in authority, lobbying the Congress, selfishly asking for more and more without regard to America’s best interests, a negative force. But not so. It’s simply along the lines of media personality Bill O’Reilly when he says, “We’re lookin’ out for you!”

There once was a major front page article in the Wall Street Journal telling how certain federal bureaucrats believe monies should be taken away from retiree benefits, considered a waste, and move the funds to the active war effort. Well, there is a professional obligation, indeed a mission, to extend influence and help safeguard the earned entitlements of our members and others. And it’s important to share thinking about how the nation’s security can be provided at home and abroad effectively, specifically by insuring that resources can be better matched with mission requirements. continue reading

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REALS AND LEIDY SEEK TO LEAD CAL-MOAA DURING PERIOD 2009-2011

This is to submit the Committee’s subject report. As a body we have chosen the following Orange County and Sacramento Chapters Members respectively as the nominees.

For President Cal-MOAA the nominee is Col William Reals, USA-Ret. and for Vice President Cal-MOAA the nominee is LtCol Al Leidy, USMC -Ret..

Both Gentlemen seek to serve the California Council of Chapters in the Offices they are nominated for and if so elected agree to so serve.

So it is with great pleasure the Committee submits to you the foregoing results for the task assigned.

Very sincerely,

Committee Chairman continue reading

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STATE-LEVEL SERVICE OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST

An opportunity to join the Council’s Executive Committee (EXCOM) as Secretary becomes available right after this year’s October 23-24, Annual Meeting in San Diego.

CDR John Sammons, USPHS (RET), Secretary, is completing a standard 2-year tour and will be moving on to other opportunities.

This position offers a chance to meet a large number of military officers throughout California, participate in a variety of events and activities, become familiar with and help conduct the Council’s business, and perhaps gain a lot of personal and professional satisfaction.

According to the by-laws, Standing Rule One, Duties of Cal-MOAA Officers and Committees, the Secretary shall: continue reading

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ONE REASON MANY MOAA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY AND FULLY

“The MOAA monthly luncheon was underway and I began a conversation with the man next to me. He was quiet; it was obviously his first luncheon meeting.

“After a few minutes he told me he had been a high school wood & metal shop teacher and taught at the same school for more than 30 years before retirement. And, he said, he also taught an aviation class with support from the nearby United Airlines maintenance facility.

“I asked him if he was an aviator; he told me he had been during World War II. And that interested me. Over time he told me he underwent flight training in Texas and then went overseas, flying his fighter plane to North Africa, India, and ultimately China. He said he flew the P-40. Soon he disclosed that he had been a member of the American Volunteer Force and indeed was one of the “Flying Tigers.”

“I always wondered what the parents of a high school student might have though had they known the teacher was an aviator who flew with General Chenault.

“It was the beginning of an acquaintanceship which had potential to lead to true friendship.”

One reason MOAA members attend membership luncheon or dinner meetings and serve on chapter boards of directors is to initiate acquaintanceships and indeed form lasting friendships. Being in the company of people with a common interest often leads to interpersonal relationships active beyond chapter events and activities. continue reading

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WHY CHAPTERS SHOULD HAVE AN AUXILIARY LIAISON

MOAA is the largest association of military officers, with 374,000 members, nearly 20 percent of whom are auxiliary members (surviving spouses).

In 2004, MOAA’s board of directors established the Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee (AMAC) to concentrate more on meeting the needs of auxiliary members and encourage them to play a more active role in MOAA, primarily through local chapters.

These survivors possess many skills and talents gained from years of military experience, understand the challenges of military life, and are aware of the sacrifices already made. Auxiliary members can support a chapter by filling leadership positions, helping your chapter’s personal affairs officer in assisting the newly bereaved, improving recruiting and retention initiatives, or contributing to grassroots advocacy. continue reading

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WHY WE WORK TO ACCOMPLISH COUNCIL AND CHAPTER MISSIONS

There are a number of people throughout California who are working hard to carry out the purposes of various MOAA organizations.

Why do they do it? Why do they offer their time, personal treasure, and other resources in this volunteer effort?

Well, of course, members have different reasons for what they do. Here’s one. continue reading

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