I made an incorrect assumption prior to our November Social. I had assumed that the new officers for CY 2009 were elected at the October Social and that they would be installed by me at the January meeting. I found out that the officers were nominated in October but not elected.  The election and installation of officers will take place at the January 2009 luncheon.

These are your new officers:

Board of Directors:

Remember MOAA advocates military forces adequate for defense of our country, and to aid active and retired personnel, their dependents and survivors of all services and to defend the honor and integrity of our government and the US Constitution.

Please plan to attend the January luncheon.  Let’s have a great year.

          God Bless America.

Veterans “Hand Salute”

Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month. 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake said, "The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces, this provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag." 

A change in federal law last year, authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform. 

Normally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations  rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear. 

The new change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14. 

The earlier provision, which authorized hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

The mission of the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton roads is to improve Quality of life for junior enlisted military personnel and their families.  At the Chapter’s table were friends of the US Navy award winner, MMC(SW/AW) Roderick Williams, USN, with spouse Sherry  Ann and son Tyderick Jarod.  The guest, from the Christian Fellowship Church, Norfolk, are shown below.

Note:  Over age 75 members, who are eligible uniform family members and survivors of deceased personnel are now eligible for Permanent Identification Cards.  Apply within 90 days of expiration of current ID card.

Dennis is a native of Maryland and moved to Virginia Beach in 1978 where he joined the Virginia Beach Police Department.  While a member of the department he served in Uniform Patrol, Beat Operations, Special Operations, SWAT and PSO.  While a member of the department he was awarded the Silver Star, Medal of Merit, Life Saving Medal and Officer of the Year Medal from the Sons of the American Revolution. 

He left the department after 28 years of service as a Captain to accept an appointment with the Sheriff’s Office this fall.  He was appointed to Chief Deputy and serves as the commanding officer of Community Services.  Dennis also had time to act as Director of the Naval Aviation Monument Project on  25th Street. 

Shown below is Major Norm Cruise, USA Ret. and Chapter 1st Vice President presenting the Chapter Cup to Chief Deputy Free.

Contribution/Pledge of Support
Yes! You can count on my support to assist Virginia’s veterans, members of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia residents of the Armed Forces Reserves not on active federal service, and their family members, who are dealing with the effects of traumatic brain disorders, combat stress, and post-traumatic stress disorders resulting from their combat service and sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.

I am enclosing/pledging my most generous contribution in the amount of:
__ $1,000   __ $500   __ $250   __ $100   __ $50   __ Other $________

Please make checks payable to:

Virginia Veterans Services Foundation
For: VWWP: 900 East Main Street, Ground Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Name(s)  ______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Home Phone _______________________ 
Work Phone _______________________
Email_______________________________________
Employer __________________________ 
Occupation ________________________

For additional information about the Foundation or about contributing, contact Col. Jack Hilgers (USMC, Ret) at the Department of Veterans Services, 900 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, 804-382-3715 or 757-481-4164 or Steven Combs at the Department of Veterans Services, 804-786-0294.

1. LtCol James Dellaripa, USAF, Ret, President Hampton Roads Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake.
2. LTC Lisa Cramer, USA, Ret, President Mount Vernon Chapter.
3. COL Jerry Lazzaro, USA, Ret, Chapter Rep, Potomac Chapter.
4. Vice Admiral Norb Ryan JR, USN, Ret, President of MOAA.
5. LTC J. Pat Green, USA, Ret, President, Virginia Council of Chapters, MOAA.
6. MAJ Melva Mallison, USAF, Ret, Immediate Past President, Virginia Peninsula Chapter, Newport News.
7. Col Lee Lange II, USMC Ret, MOAA Director of Council and Chapter Affairs.
8. LtCol Bob Hopkins, USAF, Ret, President, George C. Marshall Chapter, Lexington.
9. COL Victoria Revilla, USA, Ret, President, Southside Chapter, Petersburg.
10. CDR John Baumgarten, USN, Ret, President, Richmond Chapter.