CONCERT SET FOR SEPTEMBER 10 IN WALNUT CREEK

The Lesher Center for the Arts is proud to host the United States Coast Guard Band 7:00pm, Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Curtain for this exciting event is 7:00pm.

Admission is FREE, but tickets are required. Please call or visit the Lesher Center Ticket Office, Hofmann Theatre, Walnut Creek.

See: http://www.lesherartscenter.org/onstagenow/09_10_08coastguard.

Submitted By: Phelps Hobart

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SUBMARINE VETERANS SAIL INTO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

On the 14th of August at 10:00 hours the replica sail of the USS Catfish SS-339, a Balao Class submarine docked in front of the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda California.

The Captain was T Michael Bircumshaw, retired USN Submariner and USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans Inc) Western District Commander. Western District Six of the 12,650 member organization covers the southern half of California and Nevada along with the state of Hawaii. There are 154 Sub Vet Bases throughout the USA.

The program, Kap(SS4Kid(SS) is the creation of Michael Bircumshaw and now reaches across the USA with 40 Sub Vet Bases participating and growing every day. (more…)

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BECOMING AN AGENT OF HOPE

LTC Tom Lasser, USA (RET), an Army aviator with California Army National Guard experience, seeks out Southern California news appropriate for posting to the Council’s weblog. He is constantly alert for military community-related late news and information, specifically events and activities which could be of interest to members. Then he forwards the items for posting, sure that the information will prove useful to others. He’s making a series of contributions. He’s making a difference.

Tom Lasser, through his sharing of information, has become an effective agent of hope.

The Council and its chapters take advantage of opportunities to serve the wider military community and and at the same time leaders are facing some formidable challenges. Chapter memberships are falling off and many members are failing to take up issues beyond the local chapter.

In addition, the uniformed services as well as the National Guard and reserve units are not the organizations many knew in the past. Things have changed dramatically. The younger generation of officers have developed new interests and values, making the transition from TROA to MOAA slow at best.

A New York Times headline on Sunday, August 17th, stated, “Allies Ask Obama to Make Hope Specific. MOAA members everywhere need to become agents of hope and make hope specific within the military community. It’s time to become active vs passive, get fully involved in the Council and chapters, share the hope, and in short impact others positively. (more…)

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PUTIN WINS A BIG ONE
by Fred Edwards
Aug. 15, 2008

In 1956, revolutionaries in Hungary revolted against their Soviet rulers and leader Imre Nagy appealed to the United Nations and the United States for protection. The United States and the other Western powers were involved in the Suez crisis and simply weren’t prepared to risk nuclear war over a revolt in one of the Soviet Union’s satellites, so they left the freedom-seeking Hungarians on their own. Soviet armored divisions crossed into Hungary and eliminated hopes of freedom for another generation.

In 1968, the Czechoslovakians launched a drive to lessen the yoke of Soviet Communism, which — as in 1956 — would have spread unrest to the other satellites. Known as the “Prague Spring of 1968,” it turned into a frigid winter when Soviet tanks rolled into Prague and shut down the movement.

The Soviet Union eventually imploded and Russia became a separate power, and not even a “superpower.” Then, in August 2008, Russia invaded the former Soviet satellite, Georgia, which had embraced democracy and the West. As the saying goes, “the more things change, the more they remain the same.” Here’s why: (more…)

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2007 LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

MOAA’s chapters and councils demonstrate their excellence every day by engaging in activities that benefit servicemembers and their families, and their communities. That’s why we take time each year to recognize the chapters that work hard to help MOAA fulfill its missions and keep our association moving forward.

In July, members of the Council and Chapters Affairs Committee convened and reviewed dozens of submissions for the 2007 Levels of Excellence Awards. After careful consideration, the judges determined 51 chapters had earned coveted five-star awards for their outstanding performance and 30 chapters had earned four-star awards for their excellent performance.
The winners listed below will receive special battle streamers, recognizing them as one of MOAA’s topnotch chapters. We congratulate our award-winning chapters and wish them continued success in the coming year. (more…)

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LAKE TAHOE WESTERN STATES SYMPOSIUM BEGINS OCTOBER 16th

Don’t miss out on MOAA’s western regional Chapter Presidents’ Symposium in Lake Tahoe, Nev., Oct. 16-18, 2008. The deadline for registration is Aug. 15. Lake Tahoe is a great destination, and this year’s Symposium is shaping up to be the best one yet!

On Thursday, Oct. 16, we’ll host a welcome event featuring our very own private Blackjack Party with MOAA “celebrity” dealers, prizes, food, and a DJ. On Friday, join other council and chapter leaders in discussions that will focus on chapter management tips, recruiting, retention, and personal affairs. You’ll also have a chance to meet and speak with national MOAA president Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., and Chairman of the Board Gen Michael P.C. Carns USAF-Ret, members of the national board of directors, and key staff members.

Better still, you’ll be able to meet other chapter and council leaders and share your common experiences. Together, you’ll develop recommendations on how to meet the challenges chapter leaders face at the local level.

Sign up today and plan on attending this exciting signature event. To register, contact Carol Robertson by e-mail at carolr@moaa.org or call (800) 234-6622, ext. 118.

Source: MOAA Call to Action

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AWARDS CEREMONY FOR GUARDSMEN AND RESERVISTS/EMPLOYERS
August 2008

What:
Fleet week awards luncheon for guardsmen and reservists and their employers.
When:
Thursday, 11 September 2008, 11:30am to 1:30pm(1130-1330hrs)
Where:
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA. 92101-1380 (619-291-2900)
Who:
Sponsored by the S. California DoD Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in conjunction with the Fleet Week Foundation and San Diego Rotary Club.
Contact:
Sam Giovinazzi, Chair, San Diego County ESGR, 619-532-1268 / felix.giovanazzi@navy.mil. (more…)

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FINDING HOPE IN THE SMALL STUFF

Recently there was a news story of a young girl who climbed to the top of a New York building to enjoy the Hudson River view, even climbing a ladder higher to the top of a chimney. Moments later she fell 180 feet to the bottom of the chimney…and survived. Authorities said she fell into a 24″ pile of soot and ashes, breaking her fall, surprising fire department rescuers and paramedics.

A pile of ashes. It’s often the little things that make a difference.

About a dozen California chapters are in difficulty. Fewer members. Recruiting challenges. Leadership succession problems. And in some cases member apathy. Sometimes it seems like there is no hope.

But there is hope in the small, everyday stuff of chapter life. With every member involved doing little things it all adds up to….making a difference. (more…)

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