Greetings Eagle Chapter Members and Friends | |
Our Captain Reginald V. Maisey Jr, 56th Observance Speakers - Above - From left - Mr. Ruben Rios, Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force, Rapid Capabilities Office (DAF RCO), Colonel Mark C. Betters, 11th Mission Support Group Commander, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Washington DC (a surprise attendee and speaker), and our keynote speaker, Lt Col Nicholas Mercurio, Commander 11th Security Forces Squadron at Bolling, spoke to onlookers at the observance. Looking on is Ian Caldwell, Deputy Vice Chair Eagle Chapter AFDW Wing and Vice Chair Eagle Chapter Maryland Wing who was our master of ceremony for the event. | |
Above, left, Master Sergeant (Retired) Willie Squires, Eagle Chapter/AFSFA Life Member and Life Member Vietnam Security Police Association aids Lt Col Mercurio in laying the wreath. In the center photo, Willie, our Event Flight Chief, recognizes SF Staff Sgt Tajanique Ware, Ceremonial Wreath Bearer and SSgt Jeremy Tarrats for their participation in the event. In the photo at right, Eagle Chairman prepares to enter the Maisey Building. | |
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Per the note at right from then Brig. Gen Hertog, I realized that in each of our previous observances of Captain Maisey's heroic sacrifice, we had not invited the current building owner the opportunity to participate in this event. Back on the 40th anniversary that General Hertog references the building owner held a rededication ceremony of the building that added "Capt" to the building's name. The building owner was then the 11th Wing. When the Navy became the executive agent along with the creation of JBAB, the 11th Wing moved to Andrews and DAF RCO assumed ownership of the building.
I asked if the DAF RCO's leadership would honor us with their participation - WOW! The Director had a conflict, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Rueben Rios, stepped up and for the first time, we had our Maisey building owner, DAF RCO senior leadership, making remarks and another first, the Group Commander also made remarks.
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None of this would have been possible without the strong, enthusiastic support of Lt Colonel Nicholas Mercurio, 11th Security Forces Squadron Commander at JBAB who was our keynote speaker. Please click here to download the event program; click here to download Lt Col Mercurio's bio and click here to download Col Mercurio's remarks.
It was another honor to have a Vietnam War Security Police veteran, Willie Squires, participate in the event. Willie - again thanks.
In closing, if you would like to make a donation, please click here. Be sure to send remarks.
Thanks for all of you that help spread the wings of Eagle Chapter over Eagle Country (DC, DE, MD, VA and WV and beyond) to serve our Defenders, their families, and our military heritage!
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Very respectfully,
//Lee//
Elia C. (Lee) Chambers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Eagle Chapter Air Force Security Forces Association
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW ADDRESS BELOW
P. O. Box 334
Gainesville, Virginia 20156-0334
Email: chairman@afspaeagle.com | C: 571-302-0992
We published our previous newsletter on January 7, 2024. Click here to go to our Resources page on our website to see all of our previous newsletters.
Eagle Chapter AF Security Forces Association membership is FREE to all AF Security Forces Association members who work or live in DC, DE, MD, VA, and WV. Email me for more information.
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NLEOM Approves Five for 2024! | |
Congratulations to the SF Commanders and Project Managers at Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) South Dakota, FE Warren AFB WY, and Little Rock AFB AR! | |
Our thanks again to Major Alexander Parsons, Commander 28th Security Forces Squadron Ellsworth AFB SD (MSgt Dustin Silc Project Manager (PM)), Maj Bryan Tuttle, Commander, 90th Security Forces Squadron FE Warren AFB WY (TSgt Jordan Ragan and TSgt Kyle Jenkins PM) and Major Matthew Cain, Commander, 19th Security Forces Squadron Little Rock AFB AR (TSgt Shane Miller and TSgt Jeremy Allen PM).
Our work begins in earnest to shift from our focus on the fallen Defender to focusing on the families of the fallen. In this final phase, the PMs work with the families to be registered in their state Concerns of Police Survivors where they can apply for travel reimbursement and other services to fallen family members. The PMs also register the family member with us for award of the $500.00 that we provide if the family plans to come to DC for the unveiling of their loved one's name at the memorial in DC.
So far just a few days after the announcement, two families have announced their plans to come to DC - the 90-year-old mother, sisters and one brother-in-law of Staff Sgt Huskey and Airman Reinhart's mother. We will have more information in future newsletters about our plans for the Family Luncheon Reception.
This year, we are having our Fallen Defender Family Reception Luncheon at Bolling where it will be incorporated into the 11th Security Forces Squadron Police Week activities.
Please keep your calendars clear for May 13th as we honor the families who have lost their Defender while serving our nation!
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An Open Letter to Major General (Retired) Mary Kay Hertog - Ma'am We Did It!
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During our discussions and a meeting back in 2008, you wrote the Chairman and CEO of NLEOM November 1, 2008 to request that they set aside their policy of not recognizing military police who die in combat as other police professionals were being recognized. Mr. David Beecroft, then your deputy, made a passionate presentation to the committee. All efforts back then were met with negative results. See our web page at this link to see Gen Hertog's letter and the NLEOM response.
But we didn't give up. As the scriptures say, "In the fullness of time..." we have prevailed. With the recognition of SSgt John Self this year, we have completed the recognition by NLEOM of every Defender that you submitted for recognition in 2008 plus every Defender since that has made the ultimate sacrifice in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. It was your encouragement that kept us going. For that, I thank-you.
in closing, please think about coming to the AFSFA Annual Meeting this year and bring 'Herm' along so we can hug and celebrate our success!
Thank-you again ma'am!
Very respectfully,
Lee
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Eagle Chapter's Season of Giving to our Defenders has begun - with our great donors help. | |
Starting with Bolling - the 11th SFS at Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
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In the above photo, with four dozen Krispy Kreme donuts on the shelf, I present a special letter to the on-duty flight chief. The letter includes a check for $250.00 to the 11th SFS Thundercats Association (Defenders booster club) with a pledge to provide an additional $250.00 when the President of the Thundercats attend our board meeting to let us know about the great support they are providing to the Defenders and families at the 11th SFS plus we'd like to express our appreciation.
In the photo below, I followed up with the 11th SFS Commander, Lt Col Mercurio, and Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Chambers, Senior Enlisted Leader, at right, no relation - though he does call me uncle. Eagle's Willie Squires (at left) accompanied me on that visit.
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At Dover - the 436th SFS Commander requested and the Eagle Landed
| Below in photo at left while visiting the Heritage Room, Eagle's Al Smith is surprised by an image in a 1950s ere yearbook. Col (Ret) Mark Allen, Vice Chair Public Information, is submitting an article that Dennis, Vice Chair Eagle's Delaware Wing, explains the images that were a surprise to us all. In the photo at right, Dennis, Willie, Lee, and MSgt Ritchie Brown of the 436th SFS begins a tour of 436th SFS facilities after meeting with the Commander, Lt Col David Ratté, and Chief Master Sergeant James Thompson, Senior Enlisted Leader. | |
At Andrews - A Partnership with the AFSFA Andrews Chapter - We Donated to the Wing Through the Andrews Defenders Presidential Defenders Society booster club!
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In the photo above (left), Tech Sgt Ian Caldwell, Eagle Chapter Vice Chair Maryland Wing and Deputy Vice Chair AFDW Wing, presents our check to the Andrews booster club, Presidential Defenders Society, President, Staff Sgt Michael Campbell.
The 316th Wing at Andrews asked us for a donation to their annual awards program. See the link. We don't usually donate to activities that are not exclusively dedicated to Defenders. Our mission statement is focused on Defenders, their families, and our military heritage. But I didn't want to say no to this special request.
So, we asked the AFSFA Andrews Chapter if they found this a worthy event for them to donate, we would match their donation to the Wing through the Andrews Defender booster Club, the Presidential Defenders Society. They agreed, donated $100.00 and we matched it. So, we're proud to support Andrews Defenders to provide $200.00 to the wing for the annual awards program.
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National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Provides Discount Tickets
Washington Wizards
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Thanks to Our Other
Military Service and Corporate Donors
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American Legion Synepuxent Post 166
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BlinkinCo
Program Mgmt - Vulnerability Assessments - Insider Threat
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Chevo LLC.
A Washington Technology Fast 50 2023 Winner
Link
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A few words about Chevo Consulting - Karl Blinkinsop, Eagle Chapter Vice Chair AFDW Wing, works for them as a contractor. Last year, they pledged to match all donors that gave by the end of the year. They actually did more than match by exceeding the one donation, Karl's, significantly. Another thanks to Chevo, who along with our donors, help us serve our Air Force Defenders and our families. Please visit their link above.
Thanks for your kind consideration.
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A Special Donor Recognition
This donor said I could only use this photo if I did not make cracks about his dad's chicken legs. Eli Garrett's legs are just fine. Craig Garrett, at left, Col (Ret) Eli Garrett's son, sent us a donation of $200.00. Please see his remarks below - Eli - you 'done good.
Quote: In honor of Col. Elijah Garrett's unwavering commitment to serving his country - He's my hero! Unquote. From Col (Ret) Eli Garrett's son, Craig.
Craig - thank-you sir for your consideration!
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Eagle Proud Warrior Coin/Eagle Chapter Coin Still Available
Your purchase of Eagle Proud Warrior Coin aid to offset our costs to Support ill or wounded Defenders who are med-evaced to Walter Reed Bethesda Maryland.
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Our Eagle Proud Warrior Coin - a gold brass, 3-D finish and the Eagle Chapter Coin, also gold brass finish (above), 'planted' on a Washington DC cherry tree during a Cherry Blossom Festival - both are available at the same price. Smaller Eagle Chapter coin image above shows the rear of the coin. The current Eagle Chapter Coin does show Air Force Security Forces Association.
The donation prices for both coins are $12.00 donation each plus shipping/handling. Can be shipped just in time for Christmas!
Example:
1 coin + shipping ($6.50) is $18.50.
2 coins + shipping is $30.50.
3 coins + shipping is $42.50.
4 coins + shipping is $56.50.
Contact Eric, our Eagle Exchange Manager, for more information.
Please send a check or money order to our PO Box. See below or go online and pay via secure PayPal. Click here to go there now. PayPal charges just under 4% fee. An example of an online donor sends $100.00, we pay the $3.38 cents PayPal fee, and the donor gets to expense the excess (less the coin(s) cost) for tax purposes should he/she chooses to do so. Our receipt provides the details. See your tax expert.
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Your Eagle Chapter Board of Officers Meets the 2d Wednesday of the month online at 2000 - and you're invited!
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Our chapter board meetings are open to all members. Contact me and we'll send you the call-in information and send documents that the board will be reviewing on the call. YES - it's a Zoom-like conference call. Join us at our March 13th board.
Below, a reintroduction of our board and one volunteer consultant that is partnering with us to provide superior service in aiding Security Force Commanders in recognizing their fallen Defenders.
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Your February 2024 Eagle Chapter Board of Officers include two Defenders who served their terms if the AF and got out short of retirement (Dennis and Bryan), one active-duty member (Ian), and the rest retirees that include two Colonels (Col (Ret) McGinley and Col (Ret) Allen), a Lt Col (Ret) me , a Major (Ret) (Karl), two Master Sergeants (Ret) (Kathy and Eric). We are doubly blessed to have this array of great talent providing innovative ways to serve our Defenders, their families, and our military heritage.
Please note our vacancies - Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer who will lead our Finance Committee, Secretary, Vice Chair Member Services and Chaplain. As a member, if you have an enthusiastic desire to give back to our Air Force Defenders and their families, please contact me to start the discussion. We also have a need for two more members on our NLEOM Committee. We have 19 Fallen Defenders who are waiting on us to afford them the recognition that they deserve.
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Colonel (Retired) Mark G. Allen - a reintroduction - Col Allen had just started his employment leading an ROTC last summer. See our June 2023 edition. Now that he has time for us, he's back and adding to our vice Chair Public Information (VCPI) officer position. See our Officer Biography page for more information. | |  |
Kevin "Flash" Garcia is not a member of our board. A 20-year Naval veteran, he provides our chapter's NLEOM Committee an extremely valuable service that we now offer to Security Forces units who are recognizing fallen Defenders who have died long ago. Kevin is a member of the National Genealogical Society and the Virginia Genealogical Society. He provides next of kin information for these fallen Defenders. Kevin and I are members of the American Legion Post 1799 Haymarket VA. | | |
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More about Kevin-Flash. The 28th SFS Commander, Major Alexander J. Parsons, Ellsworth AFB SD, asked us to help obtain NLEOM recognition for - 6 Defenders who died October 9,1971 in a Huey crash. Within days, Flash provided next of kin information for all six. Click here to see an example of his work.
Why do we call him Flash? Click here. His business, Flash of Heat, is a curator of craft hot sauces, offering a range of hot sauces catering to different heat levels and flavor profiles, appealing to hot sauce enthusiast and culinary adventurers alike.
If you're interested in joining our committee to see how the process works, join me on a conference call with the 28th SFS PM next week to kick off the Ellsworth 6 project on Wed, Feb 28 at 1500.
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Eagle Chapter Member Activities | |
Eagle's Larry Zilliox, Executive Chef, Willing Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, Sounded the Alarm! | | |
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County Veterans Responded.
Larry (shown at left during a tour of the retreat with an aid used to make children of warriors feel more at home) wrote to county veteran organizations - Our quest for tax exemption status for the Willing Warrior Retreat at Bull Run has taken the next big leap forward. Prince Wm County Supervisor, Bob Weir, is bringing a directive before the Board of Supervisors that would lift the moratorium for property tax exemption for non-profit Veteran organizations providing veterans housing or programs. The local veteran community turned out and spoke in support of relieving this tax burden. The vote took place and passed unanimously. County property taxes have cost the retreat $120K in taxes in the past three years. Now that expense can go directly to help rehab wounded and ill veterans. Nice job Larry!
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Eagle's Chief Master Sgt (Retired) Joe Hall Vacays in Dubai! | |
I asked the Chief just before he departed to Dubai to send me a photo of him riding a camel. He provided photos plus this overview of his trip - The ten days Joan and I were in Dubai, we visited Abu Dhabi; went out in the waters of the Arabian Gulf on a yacht to get a view of the city from the water. A meal was included in all of our excursions. The highlight of our last day of a guided tour was a desert safari that included camel rides, riding in SUVs over the sand dunes in the desert, and watching the sun set over the desert. A tour guide touched on a number of subjects to include the culture, the food, the low cost of living, the make-up of the population, low crime rate (1%), etc. Once the sun set, we were invited to an Arabian dinner on the desert. It was unique having to sit on large colorful pillows on the floor to have dinner. After dinner, we were entertained by belly dancers, and a magic show. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who would like to visit that part of the world. The UAE is the most popular tourist destination in that region of the world. Next India! | |
The Next Virginia Grand Military Band Concert - I have Tickets Valued at $25.00 - Free.
See sample videos below from the January concert.
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VA Grand Military Band Concert
Saturday, March 9, 2:45 pm
Rachel M. Schlesinger
Concert Hall and Arts Center
4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA
Tickets: Free - A $25 value - Contact Chairman for details.
"The Virginia Grand Military Band is known for its rousing concerts, its charismatic conductor, and the excellence of its performances. It is widely recognized as one of the finest bands of its kind. Musicians of the Virginia Grand Military Band are a veritable "Who's Who" in the concert band world and bring to each performance an artistry and professionalism which have earned them accolades and praise throughout the world."
See the short videos below of sample pieces for your evaluation that I recorded at the January session:
Sample Concert Experience 1
Sample Concert Experience 2 You should watch this to the end.
Sample Concert Experience 3 Same here - watch to the end for a surprise ending.
Contact me on or by March 2 if you'd like to attend.
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Guilty! If you saw some guy riding around Bolling with huge magnetic Eagle Chapter stickers on his car - the Eagle had landed. That was yours truly. I'm giving a shoutout to one of our vendor donors, Abe Lincoln Flags Banners and Signs. The business owner surprised me by gifting these to me on a recent visit. The business owned by Army E-7 Retired Vietnam War Vet John Lipnicky and his wife, Nancy, have been a strong supporting part of our chapter's legacy since the beginning making flags, banners, signs etc. - a 20-year relationship. Giving us almost at his cost and often donating merchandise and on occasion-cash.
Help me sell our chapter and the association to others. We have a great story to tell so that others may join us to help with this great mission. If your colleagues are not eligible to join, maybe they can donate to help us perform this mission. The latest copy of our chapter handout and our newsletters are on our Resources page-click here. I'm eager to respond to any inquiries.
In closing, we're still working with the National Park Service for dates of our 2024 Vietnam War Veterans Memorial in DC wall wash dates. Will keep you posted.
Take care of each other! I look forward to seeing you at a future Eagle Chapter event. If you'd like to travel with me on a trip to Bolling, Dover, the Pentagon or Langley, I'll be happy to have you along.
Very respectfully,
//Lee//
E. C. Lee Chambers
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer
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Donors can click the image above or click here. If you are sending a check, please note our new address. | | | | |
