Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
HOUSTON AREA PO BOX 1082 HOUSTON TX 77251-1082 www.moaahoustonarea.com
Newsletter to MembersVol. L No. 6 June 2013
NEXT MEETING SATURDAY, June 29, 2013 THE JUNIOR LEAGUE
President’s Message
I trust that all had a rested and happyMemorial Day holiday. I saw some of ourmembers at the Memorial Day program atour Houston National Cemetery. This yearit seemed that turnout was smaller than thelast several years.
We celebrate during June two battles thatturned the tide of WW II in favor of the US and our Allies. TheBattle of Midway commenced on 3 June 1942 whenreconnaissance from Midway spotted the Japanese invasionforce. The battle would last from 3 through 7 June. The Japanesesuffered both a tactical and strategic defeat, from which theywould not recover and increasingly would fight on defensivelines losing all offensive advantage in the Pacific.
On 6 June 1944 the invasion of Fortress Europe began, theinvasion of Normandy, known in history as The Longest Day. American and allied ships and aircraft of the largest armada everassembled in history would succeed in breaching defenses atNormandy and begin the push that 12 months later would resultin the surrender of Germany and Victory in Europe (VE Day).
Truly, both battles saw the all Armed Forces of the US operatingin perfect unity and execution in these pivotal battles thatchanged the tide of war and secured victory!!!!!!
In addition, on 14 June we celebrate Flag Day. The idea of anannual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to havefirst originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arrangedfor the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin, Public School, District6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the officialadoption of The Stars and Stripes) as “Flag Birthday.”
(continued on page 4)
James W. “Pappy” Mehrmann, President Captain, USNR, Ret.
OfficersPresident James W. Mehrmann, CAPT USN Ret281.935.1559 [email protected]
1st Vice President ProgramKerry Magee CAPT USN Ret979.964.3236 h or 979.236.2415 [email protected]
2nd Vice President ArrangementsJeannette Evans, Aux 281.495.2202
3rd Vice President Vacant
SecretaryVal G. Henneberg MAJ USA Ret.713.729.8217 [email protected]
Treasurer Martin J. Harris Maj USMC Ret.713.436.0429 [email protected]
Legislative RepresentativeROTC Scholarship William Taylor Cpt. USA Ret.281.482.7315 [email protected]
Assistant Legislative Representative George McDowell Col USAF Ret.713.723.5166
LiaisonEugene Tulich CDR USCG281.376.0061 [email protected]
ROTCWilbur E. “Mac” McConico LTC USA Ret [email protected]
ChaplainKerry Magee (see 1 VP)st
Editor Carol Ann Wilson 8902 Sunnywood DriveHouston TX77088-3729281. 847.9754; 281.642.4050 [email protected]
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 1
MOAA Houston Area
Board Meeting
Tues. June 11, 11:30Rudi Lechner’s 2503 S. Gessner
Future Meetings 7/9 8/13 9/10 10/8 All members are welcome.
MOAA
Houston AreaMonthly Meeting
and Luncheon
Saturday June 2911:30 fellowship
12 Noon Luncheon
The JuniorLeague
1811 Briar Oaks LnHouston TX 77027
713-622-4191
Mixed Greens Salad
Chicken with MushroomSauce, Buttered Carrots,
and Minted PeasOR
Mediterranean GrilledSalmon with
Wild Rice & Asparagus
Assorted Rolls
Pecan Ball
Tea or Coffee
$30
Reservations to JeannetteEvans, 281.495.2202, by
Wed. 6/26
2013 MOAA-HA Meetings
6/29 7/27 8/31 9/28 10/26, 11/21 with MOWAChristmas Party/Dance 12/7
Military Officers Wives Association
MOWA
June LuncheonThursday, June 20, 2013
11:30 a.m.
The Junior League1811 Briar Oaks LnHouston TX 77027
713-622-4191
MENU
Mixed Greens Salad
Chicken Spinach Crepes withMushroom Sauce, Grilled
Asparagus, and Broiled TomatoOR
Mediterranean Grilled Salmon withWild Rice & Asparagus
Assorted Rolls
Pecan Ball
Tea or Coffee
$28
RSVP TO: Bobbye Parsons,713-541-3143, by June 10 , 2012
MOAA-HA
Z Treasurer’s ReportAs of 5/19/13
Receipts $ 0. Expenses $ 198.59. Balance $ 4,078.19
Martin J. Harris, Treas. Maj USMC Ret.
“A government big enough togive you everything you wantis a government big enough totake from you everything you
have.” –Gerald R. Ford,
President of the United States from 1974 to 1976
From Our Chaplain
SHALOM! PEACE BEWITH YOU!
I pray that all of youparticipated in some way ormanner in observingMemorial Day! In LakeJackson on Monday night, Igave a Memorial Dayprogram at my MasonicLodge, where we rememberednot only our fallen dead forour Country, but also theBrothers who passed in 2012.As part of my program, Irecited the poem, “In FlandersField” and would like to shareit with you: In Flanders Fields thepoppies blow between thecrosses, row on row that mark our place; and inthe sky the larks still bravelysinging, fly scarce heardamong the guns below.
We are the dead, short daysago we lived, felt dawn, sawsunset glow, loved and wereloved, and now we lie inFlanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel withthe foe:
CAPT Kerry Magee
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 2
To you from failing handswe throw the torch; be yoursto hold it high. If ye break faith with uswho die, we shall not sleep.
Though poppies grow inFlanders Fields.
By COL John McCrae, WWI
Also, on that morning Iattended the AnnualMemorial Day Program,presented by the local K of C4th Degree members at theRestwood Funeral Home inClute, Texas. It was wellattended by local Veterans,American Legion, VFW, andDAV. The Air Force JROTCColor guard presented theflags of The United States,Texas, Service Flags,POW/MIA and KIA flags,.and they deserved a “WellDone”! Taps was played by ayoung man from theBrazoswood High Schoolband; many tears fell.
LEST WE FORGET! LEST WE FORGET!FLY THE FLAG ON JUNE 14! AND DON'T FORGET YOUR DADS ON JUNE 16!
GOD BLESS Y’ALL!
Kerry B. MageeCAPT USNR-RET
“The totalitarian worldproduces backwardnessbecause it does such violenceto the spirit. Thwarting thehuman impulse to create, toenjoy, to worship. Thetotalitarian world finds evensymbols of love and worshipan affront.” –Ronald Reagan, President of the United States from 1981 to 1989
Endowment Fund and
Houston Corps of Cadets
If you are reading this, welcome tothe new age. Just because we arenow in the new age of the onlinenewsletter, please let us not forgetour mission of supporting theHouston Corps of CadetsEndowment Fund. We do that thesame way as ever. Send your tax-deductible donation to the Universityof Houston; the form is still in thisnewsletter, and you may print it andmail it to The Houston Corps ofCadets in care of Nancy Clark at theU of H. You will be receipted by theUniversity and receive a tax-deductible receipt.
This chapter has and is undergoingsome radical changes–not the least ofwhich is the elimination of the directmail newsletter. Such is the case dueto dwindling membership andresources; nevertheless, we still havea mission to support those who arecoming after us. Please do your partas best you can, and any amountcounts. William Taylor Cpt. USA Ret.
Speaker for June 29
Charles Ynman,Vice CommandantDepartment ofTexas Marine CorpsLeague
A native of San Antonio, Texas,Charles Ynman and his familymoved to Houston more than thirtyyears ago. Charles is a four-yearveteran of the United States MarineCorps and served in Vietnam from1965 through 1967, where heparticipated in Operations HarvestMoon and Starlight with the 3rdMarine Division.
In Houston, he has served asPresident of the Ashford CommunityAssociation and as a Vestryman at
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. Charles was employed byseveral oil companies inHouston and retired fromProsper, a ScottishEngineering Co., where hehad been in charge of officesin Brazil, Venezuela, andHouston.
Charles is a member of theMcLemore Detachment of theMarine Corps League and hasbeen the Detachment'sCommandant. He served onthe Marine CorpsCoordinating Council and isthe current Vice CommandantDepartment of Texas MarineCorps League. Among hisduties in this position, he is incharge of the League'sceremonial recognition of theBoy Scouts of America'sEagle Scout Award, the TexasYoung Marines Program, andthe Jr. ROTC program. He isalso responsible for directingthe League's efforts to assistMarine Veterans in thepreservation of the traditionsof the United States MarineCorps.
Charles and his wife, Marcia,enjoy their red Corvette andmembership in the SanJacinto Corvette Club (SJCC),the oldest Corvette club inTexas. Charles is a memberof SJCC's Board of Directorsand chairman of the annualparticipation in the City ofHouston's Veteran's DayParade. He also coordinatesSJCC's efforts to support KidzHarbor, a home for youth whoare separated from theirfamilies. Charles and Marcia have twodaughters and sixgrandchildren. Since allfamily members reside inHouston, they stay busy withfamily activities.
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 3
We appreciate his kindness inaccepting our offer to speakto us and look forward to hispresentation!
President’s Message (cont’d from page 1)
In numerous magazines andnewspaper articles and publicaddresses over the followingyears, Cigrand continued toenthusiastically advocate theobservance of June 14 as“Flag Birthday” or “FlagDay.” The anniversary of theFlag Resolution of 1777 wasofficially established by theProclamation of PresidentWoodrow Wilson on 30 May1916.
While Flag Day wascelebrated in variouscommunities for years afterWilson's proclamation, it wasnot until 3 August 1949 thatPresident Truman signed anAct of Congress designating14 June of each year asNational Flag Day.
Have you ever wonderedwhy the US Flag is folded inthe manner it is? The flagfolding ceremony describedby the Uniformed Services isa dramatic and uplifting wayto honor the flag on specialdays, like Memorial Day orVeterans Day, and issometimes used at retirementceremonies. In the USArmed Forces tradition hasestablished retreat, where theflag is lowered, folded in atriangle fold, and kept underwatch throughout the nightas a tribute to our nation’shonored dead. The nextmorning it is brought out andraised aloft as a symbol ofour belief in the resurrectionof the body.
The folds by tradition havethe following meanings:
� The first fold of our flag is asymbol of life;
� The second fold is a symbol ofour belief in the eternal life;
� The third fold is made in honorand remembrance of the veterandeparting our ranks who gave aportion of life for the defense ofour country to attain a peacethroughout the world;
� The fourth fold represents ourweaker nature, for as Americancitizens trusting in God, it is toHim we turn in times of peaceas well as in times of war forHis divine guidance;
� The fifth fold is a tribute to ourcountry, for in the words ofStephen Decatur, “Our country,in dealing with other countries,may she always be right; but itis still our country, right orwrong”;
� The sixth fold is for where ourhearts lie.It is with our heart thatwe pledge allegiance to the flagof the United States of America,and to the republic for which itstands, one nation, under God,indivisible, with liberty andjustice for all.
� The seventh fold is a tribute toour Armed Forces, for it isthrough the Armed Forces thatwe protect our country and ourflag against all her enemies,whether they be found within orwithout the boundaries of ourrepublic.
� The eighth fold is a tribute tothe one who entered in to thevalley of the shadow of death,that we might see the light ofday, and to honor mother, forwhom it flies on Mother’s Day.
� The ninth fold is a tribute towomanhood; for it has beenthrough their faith, love, loyalty,and devotion that the characterof the men and women who
have made this countrygreat have been molded.
� The tenth fold is a tributeto father, for he, too, hasgiven his sons anddaughters for the defenseof our country since theywere first born.
� The eleventh fold, in theeyes of a Hebrew citizen,represents the lowerportion of the seal ofKing David and KingSolomon, and glorifies,in their eyes, the God ofAbraham, Isaac, andJacob.
� The twelfth fold, in theeyes of a Christiancitizen, represents anemblem of eternity andglorifies, in their eyes,God the Father, the Son,and Holy Spirit.
� When the flag iscompletely folded, thestars are uppermost,reminding us of ournational motto, “In Godwe Trust.”
When the flag is completelyfolded and tucked in, it takeson the appearance of a cockedhat, ever reminding us of thesoldiers who served underGeneral George Washingtonand the sailors and marineswho served under CaptainJohn Paul Jones who werefollowed by their comradesand shipmates in the ArmedForces of the United States,preserving for us the rights,privileges, and freedoms weenjoy today.
Have a great month!!!!!!--James W. Mehrmann President
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 4
Military BallSaturday, May 18
Reliant Center
Our chapter was wellrepresented at the MilitaryBall this year. Attendingfrom the Houston Chapter ofMOAA were: Andy andBobbye Parsons, Robert andPhyllis Ottis, Erv and JeanEggleston, Jeannette Evans,and Gene and Joan Tulich. Inthe July issue, we will havephotos.
VICTORY AT MIDWAY
The annals of war at seapresent no more intense,heart-shaking shock than thisbattle in which the qualitiesof the US Navy and AirForce, and the Americanrace are shown forth insplendor. The bravery andself-devotion of Americanairmen and sailors, and thenerves and skill of theirleaders were the foundationof all.
–Winston Churchill
AMERICAN VALORBENGHAZI, LYBIA
The stunning part of thisstory is that Tyrone Woodsand Glen Doherty killed 60of the attacking force. Oncethe compound was overrun,the attackers were incensedto discover that just two menhad inflicted so much deathand destruction.
The news has been full of theattacks on our embassiesthroughout the Muslimworld, and in particular, thedeaths of Ambassador ChrisStevens and three others inBenghazi, Libya.
However, there's a little known storyof incredible bravery, heroics, and courage that should be the top story.
So what actually happened at theU.S. embassy in Libya? We arelearning more about this every day. Ambassador Stevens and ForeignService officer Sean Smith, alongwith administrative staff, wereworking out of temporary quartersdue to the fact that in the spring of2011 during the so-called ArabSpring, the United States cut tieswith then president MoammarGadhafi. Our embassy was lootedand ransacked, causing it to beunusable. It is still in a state ofdisrepair.
Security for embassies and theirpersonnel is to be provided by thehost nation. Since Libya had gonethrough a civil war of sorts in theprevious 18 months, the currentgovernment was and is very unstable,and therefore, unreliable.
A well organized attack by radicalMuslims was planned, specificallytargeting the temporary U.S. embassybuilding. The Libyan security forcethat was in place to protect ourpeople deserted their post, or joinedthe attacking force. Either way, ourpeople were in a real fix. And itshould be noted that AmbassadorStevens had mentioned on more thanone occasion to Secretary of StateHillary Clinton, that he was quiteconcerned for his personal safety andthe welfare of his people. It isthought that Ambassador Stevenswas on a “hit list.”
A short distance from the Americancompound, two Americans weresleeping. They were in Libya asindependent contractors working anassignment totally unrelated to ourembassy. They also happened to beformer Navy Seals. When they heard the noise comingfrom the attack on our embassy, asyou would expect from highlytrained warriors, they ran to the fight.Apparently, they had no weapons,
but seeing the Libyan guardsdropping their guns in theirhaste in fleeing the scene,Tyrone Woods and GlenDoherty snatched up severalof these discarded weaponsand prepared to defend theAmerican compound.
Not knowing exactly whatwas taking place, the twoSeals set up a defensiveperimeter. Unfortunately,Ambassador Stevens wasalready gravely injured, andForeign Service officer SeanSmith, was dead. However,due to their quick action andsuppressive fire, 20administrative personnel inthe embassy were able toescape to safety. Eventually,these two courageous menwere overwhelmed by thesheer numbers brought againstthem, an enemy forcenumbering between 100 to200 attackers that came in twowaves. But the stunning partof the story is that TyroneWoods and Glen Dohertykilled 60 of the attackingforce! Once the compoundwas overrun, the attackerswere incensed to discover thatjust two men had inflicted somuch death and destruction.
As it became apparent to theseselfless heroes, they weredefinitely going to lose theirlives unless somereinforcements showed up ina hurry. As we know now,that was not to be. Thoseheroes probably knew theywere going to die in this gunfight, but not before they tooka whole lot of bad guys withthem!
Dr. Charles R. RootsSenior PastorFormer Staff Sergeant,USMC Captain,U. S. Navy Chaplain Corps (Ret.)
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 5
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 6
MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, HOUSTON AREA Houston Corps of Cadets ROTC Endowment Fund–The University of Houston
(Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force)
Please Print Donor name:_______________________________________________________Mailing Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Phone: Day_______________Evening_____________e-mail__________________________
My pledge of $_________should be designed to support MOAA,HA Houston Corps of Cadets
My gift will be made with installments of $______to be paid monthly___quarterly___annually___. Beginning date:_______The Office of Stewardship will send reminders.)
__Enclosed is a check (made payable to University of Houston) for the first pledge payable.Please charge my credit card for the amount of my gift, as scheduled above:
___Visa ___Mastercard ___American Express ___DiscoverAccount Number_________________________________ Expiration date:_______________ Name as it appears on card:_________________________________________________Signature:_____________________________________________________________________I would like to be contacted about fulfilling my pledge with a gift of appreciated securities.My pledge payment will be matched by: __________________________________________ (Please specify company for our records)Donor signature:___________________________________date_______________________
Donor Signature:___________________________________date_______________________
Thank you for your support of the MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, HOUSTONAREA, HOUSTON CORPS OF CADETS ROTC ENDOWMENT FUND, THE UNIVERSITY OFHOUSTON____________________________________________________________________________
University of Houston; Advancement Services; P.O. Box 867; Houston TX 77001-0867 Attn: Nancy V. Clark E-mail: uh.edu/giving
ARE YOU ABLE TO GET OUR NEWSLETTER FROM OUR WEB SITE?
We hope that, even though you might not be computer-savvy, you have a relative or friend who willget it and print it out for you. The newsletter goes up on our site (www.moaahoustonarea.com) onthe first of each month, at the link for “Current Newsletter.” Our past newsletters are also posted atthe site. They are generally eight pages long, on letter-sized paper.
IF YOU CANNOT get our newsletter from the Web site, and you have an e-mail address, let theeditor know ([email protected]), and she will send you a copy by email. IF YOU CANNOTEITHER access the Web site or get the newsletter by email, please call our editor and see ifarrangements can be made to get your copy by regular mail at your expense.
Please support our advertisers.
HAPPY 50 BIRTHDAY TO THE HOUSTON CHAPTER OF MOAATH
Newsletter of MOAA Houston Area, June 2013, p. 7
NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________(Please print) Last First Initial Grade Service Branch_____________________________________________________________________________Spouse’s first name: ________________________Tel. For Directory___________________________Home address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Civilian Occupation:_________________________________________________________________Business Firm ____________________________________Business phone_____________________E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________________ Dues: Regular Membership $10 first year; annual renewal $20 Auxiliary (spouse of deceased officer) $10WOULD YOU SERVE ON A COMMITTEE? ___________________________________________Comments__________________________________________________________________________
Make check payable to MOAA,HA and send to MOAA,HA PO Box 1082 Houston TX 77251-1082
For more information, call Maj. Val G. Henneberg 713.729.8217
Military Officers Association of America, Houston AreaMembership is available to Officers who have held a Federal Warrant or Commission in any of the sevenuniformed services of the United States or to the surviving spouse of such a person. Please use this form forapplication for membership, renewal, or changes to the current directory of members.
Military Officers Association of America, Houston AreaPO Box 1082Houston TX 77251-1082
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Houston TX
Permit # 2102
