SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER SUPPORTS FISHER HOUSE

Early in 2007 Silicon Valley Chapter members set an objective to raise $2,000 in donations with the intent of presenting a check to Fisher House, Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, on or about November 1st.

As of late October the chapter had raised $2,500, exceeding all expectations, and on Monday, November 5th the check will be presented at a 10:00am ceremony.

Supporting America’s military in a time of need, Fisher House provides a home away from home that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most streesul time–during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

Chapter members have been involved from the start, beginning observation of the planning process, construction, participation in the dedication ceremony, and raising more than $4,000 last year for direct support. continue reading

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The year is 1907, one hundred years ago……

Theodore Roosevelt’s ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
Theodore Roosevelt 1907

This text also appeared in the Contra Costa Chapter BULLETIN May 2006. Editor LCDR Duane J. Counsell, USN-Ret.

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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN BUMPER STICKERS

I am having much difficulty with the sloganeering and the cliche-ridden hyperbole associated with the idea that we must “Support Our Troops.”

Of course, support of our people in uniform is essential, but what do we really mean by the word support? If we drive around town with a bumper sticker demanding that we “support the troops” are we truly supporting them?

We hear or read of “wind-bag” politicians ranting about “cutting and running,” we hear from them about “slashing” funds, and we watch as the sunshine patriots wave the flag but will never step into harm’s way to help bring peace and stability to a broken world. I want them to do something else. I want them to do what is truly needed to support the troops. continue reading

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A PRESIDENT WRITES TO THE MEMBERSHIP

Attached is the setup for the luncheon meetings for the summer months.

The schedule for the luncheons will be a monthly meeting throughout the year as follows:
Note: Schedules for Luncheon WEST, Luncheon EAST, and Dinner Meetings are published; late in the summer an evaluation of attendance will be made to determine if turnout is good enough to continue.

So far, I am getting positive responses from people who have not been able to attend for some time. That is why the “GET ACQUAINTED AGAIN” bit for the first program. It should be a fun meeting and hopefully something to be able to keep a good record of those who are no longer with us.

We are planning for the picnic in late July and then making August an “off” month while planning for a “Whiz Bang” September meeting to start the fall season. This will also let us have time to secure a place and set up a speakers program for the coming year. COL Gliaudys is working on this problem and Col Wenner is giving his expertise to assist in the new season. continue reading

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SERVING THE MILITARY COMMUNITY

The image of a single penguin moving out onto an ice-covered plain is stark and telling. And there is a companion image, one showing a large number of penguins huddled together in a group. It’s said the probability of the single penguin surviving for very long alone is just about zero. The environment is just too cold and hostile to make it possible.

We need to consider our chapter and its members as community. We talk about serving the military community, and our chapter is exactly what we’re talking about. We’re one body; we belong to each other; and each of us needs all the others.

We live in a society constantly sending a counter-cultural message, namely that we do it “my way.” We love our independence, but real success doesn’t come from independence but interdependence. We need each other. We operate within a wonderful community and we should use it to advantage. continue reading

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Gleamed from Chapter Newsletters -
Verdugo Hills Chapter “OFFICERS CALL” Dec. 2006
” Bob Frome gave us a Financial Report as the end of November. We presently have $649 in the Scholarship Fund and $876 in the General Fund. continue reading

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AWARD FOR SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER MEMBER

Honoring a dedicated public servant, Congressman Tom Lantos paid tribute to a retired Palo Alto, CA chaplain who made a profound impact on people’s lives both while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam and working at the Veterans Administration hospital for years. continue reading

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[Dec 26, 2006]

The holiday party went very well, with great food, comraderie in the Chapter, and entertainment from a Quartet known as the Rolling Tones. They performed a mix of holiday music and oldies, to the great delight of all present. Our installation of officers was held, with LT Peg Boyce, USN-Ret serving her second term as President.

Announcement: MOAA San Diego Chapter Holiday Event
New Officers Installation
Entertainment
Great Luncheon!
SATURDAY, December 16th, 2006, 1100 - 1430
No Host Bar (wine/beer) 11am-1pm
Lunch 12:00pm
LOCATION:
Holiday Inn SAN DIEGO-BAYSIDE
San Diego, CA 92106

For more information, please email tsalo86@yahoo.com

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