Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines presented WW2 Medallions to David Samples on behalf of his father, Navy veteran Charles Samples and Charles Facey on behalf of his uncles, Army veteran Ariel Facey, Navy veterans Thomas Beers and Willie Facey. He then presented a Korean Medallion to Charles Facey on behalf of his uncles, Army veterans Albert Facey and Eldon Bingham. All presentations took place at a Chamber of Commerce Greeters in Medford, OR. Rogue Chapter Trustee Audie Cooper presented Vietnam Medallions to Army veteran Robert Thurman and Marine veteran Gary Graves.
Rogue Chapter chairman Terry Haines presented a Vietnam Medallion to Jerry Richardson on behalf of his Father-in-Law, Navy veteran J C Daniels. Story Credit - Zak Keeney for the Klamath Falls Herald and News
Klamath Falls, Oregon - In a ceremony nearly 60 years in the making, heroes in the truest sense of the word were finally welcomed home over the weekend. “Good morning, Vietnam!” Retired Air Force Colonel Steve Harper’s voice boomed through Hancock Hall at the Klamath County Fairgrounds and Event Center. At its height, more than 500,000 fighting men and women would hear that sign-on slogan played across the Armed Forces Network in Vietnam every morning at six a.m. while battling for South Vietnamese independence and the prevention of further communist spread in the region. What would become America’s longest and most divisive military conflict, the Vietnam War is often reflected on with somber regret and considered a failure despite American troops winning every significant battle. Over 3.1 million US Armed Forces personnel were stationed in Vietnam, an estimated 25 percent of those being draftees, with 57,939 members either killed or missing as a result of the war. But, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 51 years after the end of US involvement, a gathering of more than 90 servicemen and women who’d seen the war firsthand, finally were given what many veterans of that era longed for: kindness and respect. “These men and women never got the homecoming they deserved,” Non Commissioned Officers Association Command Chief and Master of Ceremonies Peter Gleason said. “This is something long overdue.” For most, returning home from Vietnam was met with indifference, hostility and blame. These knightly men and women were often spat on and called baby killers. They were treated with coldness and hostility for doing what only 7 percent of all living Americans have done, serving their country. “They (American citizens) weren’t too keen on us (Vietnam Veterans),” Doug Leehmann, a paratrooper in the conflict, said. While attitudes toward the war have improved, many veterans of the era felt isolated and unheard, and while most of those veterans say they would never do it again, according to recent statistics, 90 percent say they are proud of their service. “We saw you and still see you,” Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot said in a welcoming speech. “You are strong and you are courageous. You taught us what service and sacrifice means. You are our heroes. It’s definitely late, but welcome home. We are grateful that you all are here, and thank you.” In an invitation to all Vietnam Veterans, The Klamath County Veterans Service Office and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association held a welcome home luncheon and ribbon ceremony. The former Kingsley Field base commander and a Vietnam Veteran himself, Col. (Ret) Harper gave out what he described as a “well-earned piece of brass” to 90 service men and women that afternoon whose names were: Adolf, Gerald; Applegate, George; Ballard, Ronald; Brown, Bennett; Burrus, Dan; Caillouette, Courad; Campbell, Ronald; Cogdill, Bill; Crandry, Harry; Crowley, Ted; Dean, Gerald; Defransico, Nicholas; Depweg, David; Ebinger, Henry; Field, John; Flory, Gail; Frei, Warren; Garich, Homer; Garland, Fred; George, Jerry; Glick, Kirth; Gogo, William; Gogolin, Thomas; Grace, James; Gray, Charles; Gregory, Gray; Guerrero, Richard; Hansen, Norman; Harmon, James; Harper, Steve; Harper, Sherry; Haugen, Warren; Henslee, Joe; Hollinger, David; Holcomb, Ralph; Honish, Robert; Hoy, Chuck; Huseby, Ronald; Hutchin, Jerald; Icenbice, Kenneth; Ivie, Ray; Jameson, Phillip; Kelly, Michael; Kilpatrick, Earl; Krupnak, Walter; Leehman, Douglas; Liskey, Rocky; Lopez, Jesus; Macomber, Phil; Manard, Aldon; Mathews, Allen; Meek, Leon; Meredith, Robert; Mick, Robert; Morris William; Murphy, Ronald; Muzzey, Thomas; Nelson, Mike; Norlin, David; Newnham, Doris; Oosterman, Nicolas; Pattee, Roger; Quen, Benjamin; Ritter, Robert; Rhodes, George; Roberts, Dennis; Ronningen, Kenneth; Rott, Dave; Stembridge, Montie; Shaw, Robert; Smith, Larry; Smith, William; Stoke, Larry; Storey, Douglas; Thompson, Michael; Telle, Pete; Trumbly, Anthony; Tucker, Steven; Tyler, Roy; Van Buren, Phillip; VandeZandschulp, Conrad; Walbotn, Avery; Walters, James; Waters, Marell; West, Paul; Wheeler, Thomas. “These are all a great bunch of guys (and gals). I’m proud to be in attendance with them,” 94-year-old veteran of Korea and Vietnam Earl Kilpatrick said. The NCOA and A Bigger Foot Print and Vision. I would like to share that my prayers have been going up for the many that have been affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Please keep lifting your prayers and supporting our friends, family and Chapter Members affected. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let's support the fight for a cure. Our Membership drive is a key player in our future success as an organization. Each person you meet is a potential future NCOA member if you just take the time to share your story and what the NCOA does for our members and everyday Americans. Membership the lifeblood of OUR Association! I would like to thank our Director of Government Affairs Levi Sadr and Stephen Kingsley from the NCOA All American Chapter at Fort Liberty, NC, for joining me at the TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) 2nd Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week. Our support and footprint supporting TAPS and Gold Star family members speaks volumes for what we do as an organization. It would be a great show of support if each chapter sponsored one or two chapter members from their chapters in support of this advocating event next year. Please come join me and Levi on the Hill. Today the NCOA remains a vital fraternal, benevolent non-profit organization and acts as a conduit between the military and civilian communities in local areas and promotes positive community relations, as one of the well respected members of the The Military Coalition (TMC). We need to stay engaged and active in events that support veterans. The NCOA remains a much needed and vital benevolent non-profit organization - a positive bridge between the military and our civilian communities. Let's keep the push for change and please continue to share your chapter's best practices. The holidays and our Annual Conference are right around the corner. Enjoy the rest of this month and FULL SPEED AHEAD. Please review the bills below that we advocated for on the Hill. One Member at a Time-Each One Reach One!
October 5, 2024 - NCOA Board member, Past Grand Knight, and member of the NCOA Fort Sam Houston Chapter CMSgt Ted Pilihos, USAF (Ret), recently presented NCOA Korea and Vietnam War Medallions during the 39th Annual Chief's Gathering at the Blue Bonnet Dance Hall in Selma, Texas.
Pictured below from left to right are: CMSgt Bobby Valdez, USAF (Ret), CSM Mack Clanton, USA (Ret), Sir Ted Pilihos, CSM Paul Greenwood, USA (Ret), CMSgt Fil Villarreal, USAF (Ret); and CMSgt Bob Layman, USAF (Ret). Valdez, Clanton, and Villarreal were recognized with Vietnam War Medallions while Greenwood and Layman were recognized with Korea War Medallions. 1 October 2024Welcome Newest NCOA Chapter- Earn NCOA Lapel Pin - Welcome Newest Partner- (Veterans Day) Recognize our War Veterans-. Review, pass on and act on, by example! Fall is here! I hope you all had a very good summer, now it’s time to see the leaves change colors and the air become cooler, even here in Texas! NCOA's newest Chapter - the NCOA Steel City Chapter - was established last weekend. In addition to swearing in the new chapter trustees, several NCOA Vietnam War medallions were presented. Any NCOA Members in the 620-Zip Code (St Louis Mo/Southern Illinois Region) interested in forming a NCOA Chapter? Contact Mr. Larry Miller: [email protected] Membership Challenge - One Member at a time-Each One-Reach One! 15 Oct - 15 Dec 2024 Receive an NCOA Lapel pin. Application with payment can be sent to Hqs. Atten: Joe Terry. If individual signs up online, we will need their name to confirm membership. Welcome newest Partner - The Full Routine! The Full Routine is offering NCOA members an exclusive 20% discount on their Monthly Unlimited Membership (typically $55/month), AND on their Yearly Unlimited Membership (typically $500/year). Check our website and other social media for more details. Our name is a testament to our unwavering belief that a full routine, a stack of intentional habits and practices, is the key to achieving your desired results. By embracing The Full Routine, an integrated approach to wellness that extends beyond traditional fitness, you open the door to optimal living—where mind, body, and spirit harmonize to create a life of purpose and fulfillment. www.THEFULLROUTINE.com, #TheFullRoutine #NCOA #NewPartnership #StrengthInUnity Seek out a War Veteran to honor on Veterans Day with an NCOA War Service Recognition Medallion. You can visit our website for information regarding membership NCOA - NCOA - Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States (ncoausa.org) and how to support our War Medallion Program Medallions and NCOA Challenge Coin - NCOA (ncoausa.org). Encourage other organizations, Your Friends, Family and Neighbors to join us in our efforts. Thank you for your part in helping us achieve our overall goal of being the Military Service Organization of choice! One Member at a time-Each One-Reach One! Strength in Unity®
NCOA's newest chapter - the NCOA Steel City Chapter - was established last weekend. In addition to swearing in the new chapter trustees, several NCOA medallions were presented. A huge shout-out to NCOA members Janet and Lenny Schroth for hosting the cook-out event and to Lady Vicky Hensley for proving and presenting NCOA medallions to the deserving veterans. 15 September 2024The month of September is filled with historical and memorable dates. The remarkable moments of 9/11 and how it changed the lives of many. September is also National Suicide Prevention Month - Think about an old friend or someone that you served with and reach out to them... your phone call or message could really save a life. And let's not forget the birth of the Air Force, established on September 18, 1947 - "Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win". The challenge is still on for new membership and volunteers for the Day on the Hill Event, with Gold Star Family Members, on 23 to 25 September. I plan to join this great event and represent the NCOA. I will be flying from Singapore to attend. Looking to re-energize the Las Vegas area and sprout chapters in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Tokyo, Japan... Fingers Crossed! We have all the tools in place to grow NCOA and add to our voice on the Hill. One Member at a Time-Each One Reach One! 1 September 2024I hope you all are having a great summer. It has been VERY hot here in Texas, however Fall is around the corner. NEW AFFINITY PARTNER: The NCOA is excited to announce a partnership with Firearms Legal Protection (FLP) as its exclusive partner for self-defense legal protection. For more information visit www.ncoausa.org . It’s also posted on our Facebook page facebook.com/NCOAUSA NCOAUSA. GOLF TOURNAMENT & RAFFLE: Here is a fantastic opportunity to support 2 great causes. The proceeds from your donation go towards our Scholarship Fund, and War Medallion Recognition program, allowing us to recognize our past and enable our future. Our Association is hosting our Annual Golf Tournament on 20 September at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club. Thanks to LTC (Ret) Cody Roberson of C&M Ski Condo, you can enter to win a 5-day, 4-night stay at his beautiful condo in Angel Fire, New Mexico—valued at $3,000! The raffle winner will be announced at the golf tournament. You do not have to golf or be present to win. Prize can also be re-gifted to a Family Member, Friend etc. as long as it's before claiming the Prize. More info on our website ncoausa.org/golf-tournament. Prize Details: Ticket Price: Only $10 Donation Must be register NLT: Noon CDT, September 19, 2024 Winner Announced: 2024 Annual Golf Tournament Location: Angel Fire, New Mexico Stay Dates: Book from April 1 to December 14 (expires December 14, 2025) POC for Booking: Cody Roberson | 210-818-3480 | [email protected] Enter now for your chance to enjoy this incredible getaway: Raffle Link (bit.ly/NCOA-Getaway). CONTINUED CALL TO ACTION: I would like to ask each of you to reach out to sign up or sponsor at least 1 new member (In any Membership Category) in Aug/Sept timeframe and or sponsor 1 NCOA War Recognition Medallion. You can visit our website for information on how someone can sign up a new member and how to support our Medallion Program. Either can be done online or by mail. Encourage those that sign up to join us in our effort. Please consider it and our Association will explode in numbers immediately which will make us so much stronger! NCOA CONFERENCE 2025: Next years conference will take place 15-18 July in Norfolk VA at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. Mark your Calendars and start planning now to attend. Thank you for your part in helping us achieve our overall goal of being the Military Service Organization of choice! Strength in Unity®
The NCOA is excited to announce a partnership with Firearms Legal Protection (FLP) as its exclusive partner for self-defense legal protection. Would you use your firearm or a legal weapon to defend yourself – or others? According to a report by the Brennan Center for Justice, approximately 80 percent of criminal defendants in the US cannot afford a private attorney. Oct 27, 2023 The physical fight is sadly only the first fight. We provide the best self-defense attorneys available to protect your freedom and your financial security. The cost for not being prepared can quickly climb into the tens or hundreds of thousands. Our motto is simple: “Protect Yourself – We’ll Protect You”.
Go to Benefit! Waldorf University is offering NCOA members and their family members exclusive discounts that include:
Stars and Stripes provides independent news and information to the U.S. military community, including active-duty service members, DoD civilians, veterans, contractors, and their families. Unique among Department of Defense authorized news outlets, Stars and Stripes is governed by the principles of the First Amendment, keeping it free from censorship or interference. First appearing during the Civil War, Stars and Stripes has published continuously since WWII, serving the military community by reporting on the news that matters most to them. Best known for the daily printed paper delivered to service members serving in remote and sometimes dangerous areas, Stars and Stripes is also available online at Stripes.com, updated 24/7 by our news bureaus around the world. Stars and Stripes is proud to be working with the Non Commissioned Officers Association. In honor of their important mission and to thank their volunteers, we’re offering a 50% discount on Annual subscriptions to Stripes.com Digital Access. Use the code NCOA50. Direct link for subscription code: https://www.stripes.com/?view=select&coupon_code=NCOA50 Members of the Korea Chapter recently visited the Ain House Orphanage. Chapter Chairman Bobby McKnight presented a Certificate of Excellence to the Orphanage. A delicious meal of pizza was donated by local businesses and was enjoyed by all. Rogue Chapter members presented NCOA War Medallions during the chapter's recent membership drive. World War II Medallions Korea War Medallions Vietnam War Medallions CHART OUR ROAD TO SUCCESS The road to our future successes has begun. I would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Conference and I hope you and chapter members enjoyed it as much as I did. For those members who could not attend - I hope to see you next year. From the growth of our Rat Pack, to our new Board members to installing our new Grand Knight and the advancement of several Knights within the Knights of the Square Table, it was a great experience. Hats off to the entire NCOA executive and administration team. Your hard work was present from day one to the end.
Where do we go from here? I would like to intensity our efforts in getting new members and establishing new chapters within a 100 mile radius of existing chapters. I urge every member to recruit one new member a month to your chapter AND urge each chapter to set a goal to bring five members from your chapter to our 2025 Annual Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. The impact that we have as an organization is only felt and shared by your dedication to serve our active duty service and our veterans. Our active duty service members want to be a part of improvement and change within our military service. So let them know that we are their voice and explain to them what the NCOA is and how we work for them. Then hand them a membership application and sign them up. This is the time to grow the NCOA and get some younger members in, so that they can learn from your wisdom and years of service to our NCOA. Strength in Unity! Garry McClure Force Master Chief (Ret) USN NCOA President Email: [email protected] Join us for our Annual Golf Tournament, celebrating the 64th Anniversary of the NCOA, and benefitting the NCOA Scholarship Fund.
JBSA Fort Sam Houston Golf Course 1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd San Antonio, TX 78209 20 September 2024 Sign In: 0700-0745 “Shotgun” Start Time: 0800 18 Holes 4 Players/Team (Shotgun) Scramble $70 Active Military $80 JBSA Golf Club Members $90 All Others Hole-In-One Prize is a Ford Mustang, Sponsored by Jordan Ford **Cost includes - Cart/ Green Fees/Snacks SWAG Bag w/Items Also includes Special Package: 2 Raffle Tickets - 2 Mulligans 1 Golf Ball Toss – 1 Golf Scratch Card **Sponsorship Opportunities Available Register, or for more information, contact: Joseph Terry, SGM, USA (Ret) Executive Director Email: [email protected] Telephone: (210) 819-0568 NCOA Rogue chapter trustee Audie Cooper recently presented an NCOA Vietnam Medallion to Marine veteran Barry Leonard and a Korea War Medallion to Navy veteran Chuck Hewitt.
The NCOA is seeking volunteers for the Legislative Resolution Team. For more information, email: [email protected].
Add “Legislative Resolution Team Volunteer” in subject line. See below for details. |
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