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NCOA Member Engagement Roundtable

7/1/2025

 
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The NCOA is excited to invite all members to the NCOA Member Engagement Roundtable on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST. This virtual event, hosted via Zoom, is designed to bring together NCOA members, chapter leaders, and key representatives from across the country for an important conversation about the future of our Association and our shared mission.

As we work to strengthen our voice and increase our impact on behalf of Enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their families, this roundtable will be a key opportunity to engage directly with NCOA leadership, learn about current initiatives, and discuss how we can all contribute to NCOA's continued growth and success.

Why Should You Attend?
This meeting is open to all members, but we strongly encourage Chapter Leaders and Representatives to participate. You’ll get a firsthand update on NCOA’s strategic goals, including membership recruitment, the Medallion Program, upcoming conferences, and more.

Agenda Highlights
- Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and NCOA Creed
- Welcome and Remarks
from NCOA Leadership
- Headquarters Update: An overview of the latest initiatives
- Membership, Conference, and Medallion Program Updates
- Open Session: An opportunity for members to share their ideas and feedback
- Closing Remarks

This event will provide a collaborative space for members to engage with NCOA leadership, voice their thoughts, and be a part of shaping the direction of the Association. We value your insights and look forward to making real progress together.

How to Participate: Registration details coming soon! Make sure to mark your calendars for July 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST!

Driving Our Mission Forward, Together


rogue chapter presents medallions

6/10/2025

 
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​Rogue Chapter member Dave Burnette assisted by Trustee David Haines presented Vietnam Medallions to Crystal Beachler on behalf of her father, Army veteran Walter Ray Helgedalen and her uncle, Marine veteran Kent Nelson. 
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​Chapter Chairman Terry Haines assisted by trustee David Haines presented a Cold War Medallion and a Persian Gulf/Global War on Terror Medallion to Army veteran Steven Arbuckle.

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2024 regional chapters of the year

5/15/2025

 
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ncoa and auxiliary business meetings

5/8/2025

 
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ncoa Vietnam medallion presented in san antonio

5/1/2025

 
NCOA Board Member Sir Ted Pilihos, PGK, member of the NCOA Fort Sam Houston Chapter, recently presented the NCOA Vietnam Medallion to Dr. Jesse Moss, Jr.  Dr. Moss served in combat as an Army Infantry Officer in Vietnam before he began his medical career.  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and is, in Sir Ted's opinion, "one of the best ENT doctors in San Antonio."
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huntsville chapter sponsors jrotc medallion

5/1/2025

 
The newest member of the NCOA Huntsville Chapter, 1SG (Ret) John Audaine, Auburn High School Army JROTC Instructor, recently presented the NCOA JROTC award to Cadet 1SG Blake Adams.
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rogue chapter presents newest ncoa medallions

5/1/2025

 
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Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines assisted by member Jamie Callahan-Luckin presented a Cold War Medallion to Zalma Orenick on behalf of her Father-in-Law, Coast Guard veteran Robert Orenick.
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Haines also presented a Persian Gulf/War on Terrorism Medallion to Army National Guard veteran Rowena Keeler.
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Melissa Hogan accepted a Persian Gulf/War on Terrorism Medallion to Melissa Hogan on behalf of her husband, Army veteran Jake Hogan.

ROGUE CHAPTER PRESENTS MEDALLIONS

4/10/2025

 
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Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines presented a Vietnam Medallion to Army veteran John Refsnider. The presentation took place at a veteran's breakfast held to honor the passing of Rogue Chapter member and World War II Marine veteran Bob Kriegh.
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Rogue Chapter Trustee David Haines presented a Vietnam Medallion to Navy veteran Wayne Wright. The presentation took place at a veteran's breakfast held to honor the passing of Rogue Chapter member and WWII Marine veteran Bob Kriegh.

NCOA HUNTSVILLE CHAPTER PRESENTS JROTC MEDALLION

4/10/2025

 
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1SG (Ret) John Audaine, Army JROTC instructor at Auburn High School and NCOA member, presented the NCOA JROTC Award to Cadet 1SG Blake Adams during a recent awards presentation at Auburn High School.

rogue chapter members present medallions

4/2/2025

 
Rogue Chapter members stayed busy presenting NCOA Medallions as attested by the presentation photos below.

Additionally, while on a vacation cruise, Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines presented World War II Medallions to a family member of Navy veteran Russell James and Army veteran Charles Middleton. He also presented Korea and Vietnam Medallions to Navy veteran Lewis Fierke. Finally, he presented Vietnam Medallions to Army veterans Dewayne Rancourt and Robert Tell, Air Force veterans Vince Mee, Jan Tolson, Va Xiong, Paul Eckert, Tom Pettit, Joe Ealazzolo, and Gaylon Arisman. Pictures from the presentations on the cruise were unavailable due to the size of the crowd and the time constraints placed on our gathering by the cruise line.

central Valley chapter makes korean war medallion presentation

3/12/2025

 
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Corporal Robert Calvillo (bottom right) is pictured at his ceremony to receive the Non Commissioned Officers Association Korean War Medallion. Pictured with Calvillo are: bottom row from left, Carmine Calvillo and Roman Moncalieri. Back row (L-R): VFW Camerado Post 10165 Chaplain, VFW Dept. of CA Senior Vice Commander SFC David Kuta (Ret), VFW Post 10165 Commander CSGM Lenny McAdams (Ret), VFW Post Auxiliary 6604 Chaplain Kelle Hernandez, Melissa Deal, Greg Deal, and NCOA Central Valley Chapter Chairman CMSgt James Sullivan (Ret).
With 50 people in attendance, Cpl. Robert “Bob” Jack Calvillo was honored with the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Korean War Medallion presented by NCOA Central Valley Chapter Chairman CMSgt Jim Sullivan, USAF (Ret) at Carlton Senior Living Orangevale.
Additionally, the offices of Rep. Kevin  Kiley CA-3, Assemblyman Josh Hoover AD-7 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California gave special certificates of recognition to Cpl. Calvillo – who belongs to Folsom VFW Post 6604 – acknowledging his heroic sacrifices serving in the Korean War and unfortunate subsequent capture as a Prisoner of War. Special guests in attendance included Senior Vice Commander of the VFW Department of California SFC David Kuta (Ret), Placerville VFW Camerado Post 10165 Commander US Army CSM Lenny McAdams (Ret) and VFW Auxiliary Post 6604 Chaplain Kelle Hernandez.
Calvillo, the second of eight children, was born Aug. 21, 1929, in Oakland. He joined the US Army in 1948 for a three-year enlistment. In August 1950, he boarded a troop ship to Korean. Once in country, he was attached to IX Corps, 2nd Infantry Division Field Artillery, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, Bravo Co., as a Private First-Class field cook. Calvillo found himself on the main battle lines in North Korea.
On an extremely humid, blustery cold Korean Peninsula Day, in the early hours of Dec. 1, 1950, performing his job as a field cook and not knowing of his future plight or US Army Forces predicament in the coming hours, Cavillo and his company band of brothers were behind enemy lines. By mid to late afternoon, they were suddenly overrun by North Korean and Chinese soldiers, with and without weapons, as he remembers, swarming down like a crashing wave from the mountains.
Calvillo found a rifle in hands during the chaos. He encountered a Chinese soldier in a foxhole and remembers vividly the moment when he stared at this “scared, young kid.” As his finger was squeezing the trigger, he released the pressure just below the 4½ pounds needed for the firing pin to hit the cartridge releasing the full metal jacket, only to let the enemy go. He could not shoot an unarmed enemy combatant. Afterward, “I hid in the bushes with another soldier close by to two lifeless bodies of North Korean soldiers. I was thinking they were going to shoot us when they caught me. Blame us for killing them,” Bob said.
The overwhelming numbers of the enemy were too much for US forces to repel and subsequently the soldiers were quickly surrounded by the North Korean and Chinese armies. Calvillo was captured in the early evening hours at the Battle of the Ch’ongch’on River, becoming one of many Prisoners of War. According to Robert, “When they surrounded us and captured me, I thought it was the end. I thought they would kill us. After the enemy came marching down and surrounded us, all I had was a field shirt, trench coat, boots and scarf. I lost my steel helmet. They took us captive, marching us north.”
They now led the demoralized American Battalion deeper into North Korea on a long, cold trek, village to village, house to house, shack to shack, finally to where they were only sleeping under a canopy of stars. En route north, Calvillo saw a mass enemy Army march in large groups past him heading south toward entrenched US forces with the captives not knowing their fate. The Chinese and North Koreans were advancing against the US Army and pushing the battle lines further back with the Americans in fast retreat. However, Robert’s predicament would only worsen the longer he stayed alive.
Calvillo remarked on his overall feeling of his time as a POW, “It was terrible. terrible. The North Koreans were mean.” He remembered while on his journey north, “I went outside this house they had us in to (urinate). I was forced by a North Korean back into the house or they’d shoot me. If you didn’t do what they say, the North Koreans will shoot you. Sheltering outside, sleeping under the frigid cold blanket of the Korean winter was terrible.”
One of Calvillo’s most horrible memories described in few words, “One guy I knew tried to escape running up a hill after (our) capture and (the North Koreans) just shot him without saying anything. He was a nice guy.”
They left the unknown soldier for his family to never truly know his fate. This memory reel still plays over and over in his mind, Bob said. He and the US Army prisoners were marched further north toward the Yal-Lu River during the coldest part of winter, without winter gear, arriving at the border between North Korea and China. The American POWs ended up in “Prison Camp 5,” where he was kept for more than two years under atrocious living conditions and severe inclement weather. The prison camp was manned by Chinese guards, where they separated the officers from the enlisted with other separate groups.
Although the Chinese captors were much better hosts than the North Koreans, Calvillo recalled, “Two guys escaped from the Chinese camp and were never seen again. The Chinese told us if you get captured by the North Koreans, we can’t be responsible for what they do.” The Chinese captors from time to time would tell them they were being set free, only to suffer under the false pretenses of hope being mentally tortured.
“We didn’t have shelter. When it snowed, me and two other prisoners would cover ourselves with a mattress to try to keep warm. That was the only warmth not to die,” he said. By this time, Robert only had his field coat during his time as a prisoner lucky to have boot wear. American POWs were not supplied anything extra since their capture. Said Calvillo, “Once a day, they fed us, (and) all they gave us (was) simple things and rice. Fed usually mid morning with a cup of rice. Most times, the meal of the day was known as ‘soupy soup.’ ”
At times, the wardens would force Robert into a 35-gallon barrel for at least 30 minutes at a time to be unusually cruel. He said he would tell his captors he couldn’t fit into the barrel. It was made clear if he did not fit himself into the barrel, he would be killed, so he made himself fit into the barrel and sealed up in the unimaginable limited space no human should endure. The physical torture, combined with constant spiritual degradation, mixed with emotional turmoil, coupled with mental abuse, his captors again and again would toy with their American prisoners, telling them they would be released soon, giving them false hope as the months and years dragged on.
There were many times he faced serious health conditions that could have cost him his life, as well as having the hardship of losing many of his friends, but Bob, as he is known by close family and friends, kept with his faith, determined to live.
In the spring of 1953, after two years in a POW prison camp, PFC Calvillo was abruptly taken on an unknown journey. Robert thinks back to his release, saying, “They had all of us load up into their trucks. They drove miles and miles through the forests. I thought they’re going to shoot us, they had guns. When they would stop for a break, (they would be) surrounding us, I thought, ‘This is the end.”
The day came for his repatriation. Operation Big and Little Switch were in full operational swing repatriating Americans and UN members. Bob was transported to Freedom Village for his complete repatriation, where he received medical treatment, food, shower and fresh uniform. He then boarded a ship back to America with other troops and prisoners. Calvillo described his release into American custody as a lackluster affair.
After returning home, Cpl. Robert Calvillo soon separated from the Army, later attending the Academy of Art College. He met his wife, Carmine, at Kay Jewelers, where he worked in the display department. He owned a couple of businesses with his two younger brothers. He is a humble, talented artist and enjoys sketching and listening to big band music. He still enjoys spending time with his wife of 62 years, with his only child, Melissa, and son-in-law Greg Deal being actively involved in his life.
Robert Calvillo is a hero, having endured more than most soldiers being a captive of the enemy. Surviving against the odds of captivity, lack of clothing, food and shelter, and the basic necessities of survival, he made it back alive but forever scarred. He showed true stoicism during the interviews, sharing with me his horrible memories from more than 70 years ago as a Prisoner of War. Robert suffers from Post Traumatic Stress, at times, staring into the distance with quiet intensity as he told his horrible experiences, unable to hide back his emotions no matter how hard he tried to be in the present moment.
In September 2018, the Pentagon finally awarded Bob his long-deserved medals. His nephew, Corporal David Penaflor, presented Bob with five military medals, including the National Defense Service, Korean Service, United Nations, Prisoner of War, and Service medals (Korea).
Excerpts of interviews with Bob Calvillo were also contributed by David to place Bob’s story into the halls of perpetuity.

Article by S. Moncalieri, Gold Country Media. (Feb 26, 2025)
​Photo Credit: Courtesy


Rogue Chapter members present medallions

2/7/2025

 
The NCOA Rogue Chapter hit the ground running in 2025 presenting NCOA Medallions at a number of events.

magnum force chapter recognizes military family readiness specialist

2/3/2025

 
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The Magnum Force Chapter recently recognized Melissa Alex for her work with Michigan National Guard families and their Christmas needs list. 

Following is the AAR Ms. Alex sent to the chapter acknowledging their generous donation:

I'm writing to share how your organization's generosity transformed the holidays for our Michigan National Guard families this Christmas. Through beautiful partnerships with local organizations, we created moments of joy and relief for those who sacrifice so much for our country. This year, we were able to bring Christmas magic to 15 military families, touching the lives of 25 precious children. Each child received carefully selected two gifts from their wish lists - from the excitement of RC cars and Lego sets to the creative joy of slime-making kits and art supplies. They all received two outfits too. We filled handmade stockings (lovingly crafted by a local sewing group) with special treats, ensuring each child felt remembered and cherished. What touched my heart most deeply were the stories of two particular families. One family's humble request for basic necessities - towels, sheets, and pillows - reminded us of what truly matters. The other story (that) particularly moved me: a single mother who had spent the past year moving between friends and family finally secured her own apartment. When she mentioned she hadn't owned a winter coat in years, relying instead on layered sweatshirts while taking her children on the bus, we made sure to provide not just the household essentials she requested, but also a warm coat, hat, and gloves to keep her comfortable through Michigan's cold winters.

Your donation did more than provide gifts - it offered dignity, comfort, and hope to these deserving families. Through these acts of kindness, we showed our Michigan National Guard members that their service and sacrifices are truly appreciated, and that their families are not forgotten. The impact of your generosity will resonate long after the holiday season, reminding these families that they are valued members of our community. Thank you for helping us make such a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve.

The NCOA Attends the 38th Annual TET Reunion, Hosted by the Abilene Grunts Association

2/1/2025

 
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Lady Vicky Hensley and SGM (Ret) Joseph Terry presented more than 70 NCOA War Medallions at the 38th Annual TET Reunion on Saturday, February 1, 2025,  in Abilene, Texas. The TET Reunion, originally established to commemorate the historic TET Offensive of the Vietnam War, has evolved into a celebration of all U.S. Veterans, regardless of branch or conflict. It’s a time for camaraderie, reflection, and appreciation, where Service Members from every generation can connect over shared experiences.

On January 31, 1968, the TET Offensive marked a significant moment in the Vietnam War. More than 70,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a large-scale attack on over 100 cities and towns across South Vietnam. Named after the Vietnamese New Year, known as “TET”, this event changed the course of the war and remains a defining moment in military history.

Whether you served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other era, this event reunites all fellow Veterans and honors the sacrifices they made for our country.
A special thank you to Vicky Hensley, White Line Systems, and the Abilene Grunts Association for sponsoring the 70+ War Medallions. If you would like more information on our War Medallions, or would like to present one to a Veteran you know, visit the NCOA Medallion Program at: ncoausa.org/medallion-and-challenge-coin
"Recognizing our Past and Preparing our Future."

Start an NCOA Chapter in Your Area

1/27/2025

 
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ncoa korea chapter supports local charities

1/16/2025

 
The NCOA Korea Chapter at Camp Humphreys recently participated in a number of events during December in support of several charities to include the Ain Orphanage, the Nazarene Hospital and a bowling event with the severely abused boys shelter. 

rogue chapter presents medallions

1/10/2025

 
Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines assisted by trustee David Haines presented a Korean Medallion to Air Force veteran Darrel Crain.
 
They also presented Vietnam Medallions to Army veteran Dennis Eubanks and Navy veteran Ken Earl.  All presentations took place at a veteran's breakfast in Medford, OR. 
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Darrel Crain
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Dennis Eubanks
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Ken Earl

Vietnam War Medallions presented

1/10/2025

 
On Monday, December 30, NCOA Board Member Sir Ted Pilihos presented 7 Vietnam Medallions to family and friends of Vietnam Veterans.  
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Mrs. Bonnie Tullgren accepts a Vietnam War Medallion on behalf of her late husband, CMSgt Robert T. Tullgren.

Rogue chapter presents vietnam medallions

1/7/2025

 
NCOA Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines assisted by chapter member Jamie Callahan/Luckin presented Vietnam Medallions to Army veterans Kent Washburn and Tony Holguin at a veteran's breakfast in Grants Pass, OR.
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Army veteran Kent Washburn
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Army Veteran Tony Holguin

rogue chapter presents medallionS at veterans' breakfast

12/10/2024

 
Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines assisted by Trustee & Treasurer David Haines and member, Chaplain Norman Morgan, presented NCOA Vietnam War Medallions to Air Force veteran Carolyn Whitney, Army National Guard veteran Frank Helgeson, Army veterans Ben Stoner, Damiano Cusumano, John Trusty and Larry Hanlon, Marine veteran Dan Hayes and Navy veterans Russ Beem and Skip Welles. The presentations took place at the monthly veteran's breakfast in Grants Pass, OR. As a result of these presentations, we recruited 8 new members, 5 of which had received Medallions. 

from the grand knight

12/9/2024

 
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Medallions presented at new braunfels honor flight breakfasts

12/5/2024

 
NCOA Board member, Past Grand Knight, and member of the NCOA Fort Sam Houston Chapter CMSgt Ted Pilihos, USAF (Ret), recently presented NCOA World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Medallions during November and December Honor Flight Breakfasts. 

mcl sumter detachment presents Vietnam medallion

11/13/2024

 
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Marine Corps League, Sumter Detachment 1202 in Sumter, SC, took time to honor one of their own during the celebration of the 249th Marine Corps Birthday. Dr. Tim Wagner (left) was presented by Detachment Commandant Mr. Keith Margeson (right) with the Non Commissioned Officers Association's Vietnam War Medallion.
The NCOA Vietnam War Medallion is presented to individuals or their surviving families as a way to say thank you for your service and Welcome Back.

Submitted by Eric Shumpert, NCOA Life Member.

rogue chapter chaplain presents medallion

11/12/2024

 
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​Rogue Chapter Chaplain Norman Morgan (right) recently presented a Korean War Medallion to Navy veteran Phil Joseph.

Rogue chapter presents medallions at chamber greeters event

11/1/2024

 
​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.
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