Highlights from MAC MOAA's 2008 Events
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January
January's Dinner featured Lt Col Micheal Kindt from the Air War College faculty speaking on Chavez's Venezuela. The was also the Board Inaugurataion dinner as Colonel Dick Erickson took over as President from Capt (USN) John Castor.
February
February's Luncheon featured Dr Bert Frandsen from the Air Command and Staff College speaking on World War I's "Hat in the Ring" squadron.
March
March's luncheon featured Colonel Al Jamerson the Deputy Commander of Maxwell's Support Group who spoke to us on current projects and future developments at Maxwell AFB.
Col Ann Toms took an adventurous group of members on a cruise. Photos of that event are on the Tours and Special Events page.
April
April was a special month. MAC MOAA was honored to be the central Alabama host of a visit from MOAA National's President, Admiral Norb Ryan. We were delighted that the President and several members of the East Central Alabama Chapter could join us for the luncheon. We had our largest turnout yet with over 120 MOAA members in attendance to hear Admiral Ryan speak. During the meeting, Colonel Erickson presented a check to help the Honor Flight program provide trips to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC to local veterans.
May
Our guest speaker for the May Luncheon was Quincy Whitehead the Director of the Alabama National Veteran's Cemetary located in Montevallo.
Colonel Dick Erickson represented MOAA at Alabama Governor Riley's declaration of May as Military Appreciation Month.
June
June's highlight activity was the annual Scholarship Award Luncheon. This year Commander Newman awarded our scholarship to Ms Katie Bell. Our guest speaker was Dr Ann Linder who made a presentation on World War 1 propaganda using slides of recruiting and propaganda posters.
Later in the month everyone had a good time at the ballpark watching the Montgomery Biscuits on Military Appreciation Night.
August
August and the hear always brings MAC MOAA's annual BBQ this year hosted by Col "Smitty" Smith. A large crowd filled Hopper Lodge to enjoy Sassy Lynn's great BBQ.
September
The political season begins and MAC MOAA made its views known. Both candidates for the local US Congressional seat were invited to speak at a MAC MOAA luncheon. Both accepted. Mayor Bobby Bright accepted for September but at the last moment was unable to attend. His wife, Judge Lynn Bright, appeared in his stead. She stated her husband's position on issues facing the military, answered member's questions and listened to our concerns.
October
November's luncheon featured Rep Jay Love the Republican candidate for our local US Congressional seat enabling us to compare both candidate's positions. By questions and comments we were able to make our own views known. Earlier, Col Dick Erickson announced that Capt (USA) John Castor had been selected the MAC MOAA's 2007 Member of the Year.
November
Our President, Col Dick Erickson, representated MAC MOAA at a ceremony where Alabama Governor, Bob Riley signed the State's Veteran's Day Proclaimation.
Mr Mike Abrams of the U. S. Army Chemical Weapons Materials Agency in Anniston, Alabama, spoke to us on the Army's destruction of chemical weapons in accordance with the Convention on teh Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons at our lunchon on November 13th.
December
MAC MOAA member Lt Gen (ret) Charles "Chick" Cleveland was awarded the Silver Star in recognition of his recently having been named an "Ace" in the Korean War.
Guest Speaker for our monthly luncheon was Dr David Sorenson of the International Security Faculty of the Air War College. Dr Sorenson gave an eye opening talk about Iran followed my many questions from the floor. An exceptional talk.
