Fellow Officers and Spouses:
 

In the tradition of our organization, the gavel is passed.  Evelyn and I wish our Chapter family and the wonderful ladies of our sister organization “ROWS” a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy New Year.  We look forward to a wonderful year of accomplishments and good times.  My personal gratitude and that of the entire Chapter Membership to Holly and his lovely wife Shirley for their superb leadership, camaraderie and graciousness in making all of us welcome to our great organization.  As we come to the close of 2012, I thank all of you for your continued support and belief in our Chapter.  We have provided financial support to many worthwhile efforts with our most significant being to the Wounded Warrior Program here in Virginia.  We also support the NROTC & ROTC programs in our local Colleges and the junior programs in our local High Schools.  I believe we provided a program of monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and food of reasonably good quality. Our newsletter, The Tribute” is unmatched in quality and the official data base of our member information and record of dues is flawless.  All of these endeavors take considerable time and hard work on the part of your elected Board of Directors and volunteers – so, to them, thank you for your selfless time and hard work on behalf of the Chapter.  It is truly appreciated. 

With that said, here comes the recruiting pitch – we ask all to seriously consider coming forward to be an Officer, Board Member or volunteer in any capacity.  An email went out in January asking for volunteers to be the Treasurer or Personal Affairs Chair.  Since the email we have another vacancy – that of the critical Active Duty Liaison position.  Ladies and gentlemen – we need your help.

 A continuing major effort for our Chapter is “The Recruiting of New Members”.  Our survival depends on growing the membership.  Our Membership Chair and Chief Recruiter, Col Larry King “LIVE” USMC (RET) says it is best when, “you, the current members are the recruiters”.  Clearly, we have to take every opportunity to recruit as we meet and talk with our fellow officers of all services. Just give them Larry’s cell # (757) 650-1086 or his email address: lkingcap@aol.com  or my cell phone # (757) 434-1259 or email: jedge13@cox.net.  We need everyone to be a recruiter.

Our monthly Luncheon Program is very successful and enjoyable and will continue.  However, in an effort to entice greater participation by those who work full time and our potential active duty officers, a small, dedicated group is looking at additional ideas such as evening, weekend and other type activities to accomplish this goal.  Please give your suggestions, thoughts and ideas to Bert Ortiz, Jo Carter, Larry King or Mike Barea.  Thank you for allowing me to serve as president of our organization.  It is an honor and I commit to trying to fill the very large shoes of all those who have proceeded me.  Looking forward to a great two years. 

Jim Edge

Thank you for your great support to make this program a huge success. The program began in 2005, with 1,149 new members being recruited that year. In total, the Give Me 10! Program brought in 36,023 members during its eight-year run. Now it's time to focus on Chapter Recruiting and retaining chapter members. As we enter the new campaign, we hope you will continue to strive for excellence by working together to gain new chapter members on your rolls.”

Members may submit to the chapter treasurer, Col. Jim Edge, by mail (628 Secotan, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-7107) or in person at lunches.   The checks will be consolidated and submitted to MOAA who will send receipts to the donors. 

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.

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

Please provide  the following; 
   Name(s)  ______________________________________________________
   Address _______________________________________________________
   Phone _______________________ 
   Email_______________________________________
   HRCMOAA Member   Yes ___    No ___

You may also donate on line by visiting the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation at;
www.vvsf.org

CAPT Andrews spent 30 years in the Navy, including the E2 Community and lastly as a top aide to ADM John C. Harvey Jr., the leader of the Navys Fleet Forces Command.  His new job is unique to South Hampton Roads.  He will try to make Norfolk the  best City for military and particularly veterans.  He will want Norfolk to be returned to the top ten of places to retire.  Jobs top the list for attracting Veterans.  Focus areas will be family, community and jobs. 

Election and Installation of new officers and board members for the coming year was also top of the agenda for the day. 

Our thanks to Holly, you've continued a tradition of excellent chapter presidents over the past two years and the Chapter thanks you for your service.  Jim, may you continue this level of excellence over the next two years!