OFFICERS CALL!
Autumn Event Special Newsletter 2021
WESTERN CONNECTICUT MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Founded November 1958 – Our 61st Year of Service!IATION, INC.
President’s Message
Dear fellow officers, spouses and auxiliary members,
This is my last message as President of the WCMOA. It’s been an honor and pleasure being in this role for the past two years.
With my final “presidential comments” I’d like to reflect on the following:
First, I want to take this opportunity to mention the names of five of our members who passed away during the two years I’ve been President. These gentlemen are David Cole, Ted Lovely, Jim Botten, Bud Boucher, and Al Belcher. Each contributed to our association’s success, whether serving on the Executive Board, on the Young American Awards Committee, as a WCMOA Liaison Officer to one of the high schools, or in another capacity. We are thankful for their contributions. These men are missed.
Secondly, the YAA is our signature event. It’s a unique, impressive event to recognize the achievements of special Fairfield County high school seniors. My belief is there are other opportunities to support our communities. I’ve harped on this in previous newsletter messages – and the Executive Board is probably tired of me getting on my soapbox to preach this message! – but it will require us to expand our membership to take advantage of these opportunities. We’ll need to find more retired military officers who live in Fairfield County. I’m convinced they are there. They just don’t know about us and what we have to offer.
It may also require more current members getting involved in WCMOA leadership roles. Your help is welcomed. And I guarantee you’ll have some fun doing this.
Finally, we see division and polarization in our nation – that has gotten worse for some time – with an inability to find common ground on most issues. Polls show Americans have lost confidence, by 10 – 20% from 1997 to 2021, in our three Branches of government. I’m sure you will agree, as former military officers who have served our country, who understand the value of unity, it’s concerning to see what has transpired over the years. America deserves better.
Having spent the past 10 years volunteering with several non-partisan organizations trying to bring civility, bipartisanship and problem solving back to government I believe “we the people” can make a difference. As former military officers, we have influence. And there are numerous organizations trying to do this. Seek them out. I’d be glad to share more if interested.
My comments are in no way meant to be political. I’m not comparing political parties or ideologies. The WCMOA never takes a political stance or supports any party or person over another. This is all about doing what we can for the country we served and love.
Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.
Al Smith
President, WCMOA
3rd Quarter Autumn Outing Event was held at Port 5!
Our 3Q Autumn Outing was held on Sunday, 29 September 1700 hours, at the picturesque by the sea Port 5. The weather was perfect, food was fantastic, the view outstanding, and the camaraderie was priceless. It could not have been a better evening for a barbeque. It was great to be at Port 5 again in-person, our annual BBQ event having been on hiatus since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020. It was truly enjoyable to see everyone trying to get back to our new normal.
Our Guest speaker LtCol. Tara Carr USA (Ret.) was outstanding; She had some great stories from her time on active duty. Tara’s husband, Tony, was with her, a West Point grad who served as Civil Affairs Officer. “Congratulations” go out to Tara having just won the election for 1st Selectman of Brookfiled.
Members, friends, and guest enjoying sharing a story, good food, and the beautiful view
A Tribute to Our Fallen Members
David Cole, Ted Lovely, Jim Botten, Bud Boucher, and Al Belcher.
The Final Inspection
The soldiers stood and faced their God,
Which must always come to pass.
They hoped their shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as their brass.
“Step forward now, you soldiers,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?”
The soldiers squared their shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, we guess we aren’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.
we’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times our talk was tough.
And sometimes we’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But we never took a penny,
That wasn’t ours to keep…
Though we worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And we never passed a cry for help,
Though at times we shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive us,
We’ve wept unmanly tears.
we know we don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted us around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for us here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
we never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, we’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldiers waited quietly,
For the judgment of their God.
“Step forward now, you soldiers,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
~AuthorUnknown~
Special Reminder
Your 2020 dues are due now! We have several options for dues this year, including Life and Multi-year memberships. Visit www.wcmoa.org/pay-your-wcmoa-dues/ to re-up. And paying for dues, luncheon meetings, and YAA contributions (as well as any other PEER-to-PEER transactions) are much easier when you have a PayPal account. It’s FREE, and no one takes ANY percentage of your transactions!
Our Next Quarterly Event
Only six 6 days away!
Our next event is our HOLIDAY LUNCHEON on December 12th at NOON!
It’s time to sign up!!
We will return to the cozy dining room at the Redding Country Club, decorated for the holiday and complete with a roaring fireplace! You don’t want to miss it. Your presence is needed to vote on the WCMOA 2022 slate of officers. Please take a moment to review the Slate and bring your comments and suggestions to the Luncheon!
We will honor our 2021 fallen comrades at this event.
We will have a 50–50 Raffle and a Gift Raffle to support YAA 2022!
(please bring some CASH to participate in the Raffle and support the YAA!)
- Also, please bring a small gift, bottle of booze or wine to contribute to our Holiday Raffle!
Make your RESERVATION HERE ! !
There will be a large buffet with something for everyone!
Also, a full cash bar hosted by the friendly Staff of the Redding Country Club.
WCMOA
Proposed 2022 Slate of Officers
Below is the Slate of Officers for 2022. The WCMOA membership will to vote to approve the Slate with any additions or corrections at our Dec 12th meeting.
PROPOSED SLARE OF OFFICERS for 2022:
* PRESIDENT Lt. MATT HICKS
* VP, SECRETARY Lt. SUSAN MONKS
* VP, TREASURER, Lt Colonel JEFF JENSEN
* VP, MEMBERSHIP DONNA COLE, Auxiliary Member
* VP, PROGRAMS Lt. DON BOYLE
* VP, NEWSLETTER, Major PHIL CRUZ
* VP, VETERAN AFFAIRS, Capt. RON EGUT
* VP, CHAPLAIN Capt. MARY DURAND
* VP, WEBMASTER Lt Colonel JOHN SIMONETTI
* VP, PAST PRESIDENT Lt. AL SMITH
Newsletter Editorial
As another new season approaches we are very excited and optimistic that a great year is ahead of us with new leadership, new members, and many exciting programs such as the return of our highlighted Young American Awards. We look forward to a new year within this new normal as we continue expand and grow as an organization.
See you December 12th at the end-of-the-year luncheon at the Redding Country Club.
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WCMOA Advocacy and Assistance The Following are sites that you may find useful please use as needed. https://www.military.com/?ESRC=mr_210906.nl
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