Military Officer - May 2007 - (Page 46)

chapteractivities Leading the Pack H aving had the pleasure of spending a week with the 36 state council presidents during last month’s Hill Storming and Council Presidents’ Seminar, I’m more convinced than ever that the key to success in our chapter system starts with a strong state council. Our state council leaders are the most experienced leaders we have. They are the glue that holds each state’s chapters together — and they set the pace and direction for MOAA chapters nationwide. State councils are key to a strong state legislative effort. Council members are frequently leaders in state coalitions working veterans’ issues, and an active council with a strong legislative agenda establishes meaning for chapter afﬁliation to the council. A number of councils storm their own state capitols with these issues and have made a difference. Councils in several states have lobbied — and won — state tax exemptions for military retired pay. Councils also are key to success in major national programs, such as 46 MILITARY OFFICER M AY 2 0 0 7 C students at seven city high schools participate in the program. Opponents of JROTC cited DoD’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy as one of the reasons the program should be eliminated, saying it violates the MOAA’s “Give Me 10!” recruiting school district’s equal rights policy for effort. Virginia’s council led the nation last year in Give Me 10! through gays. Lt. Col. Robert Powell Jr., USARet., who has served as the director its direct involvement and support of Army instruction for of its chapters. the city’s uniﬁed school Councils are a big district since 1995, says part of MOAA’s future Councils the city’s JROTC proas we face the chalare crugram does not discrimlenges of keeping our cial to the inate against gays and chapter system strong. several units contain They encourage chapsuccess of gay students. ter leaders, provide MOAA’s Prior to the vote, support, and monitor chapters. San Francisco Chapter chapter health. Counpresident Lt. Cmdr. cils also are important Stephen Barber, USNin helping MOAA start Ret., sent a letter to the president of new chapters. This role will become the San Francisco Board of Educalarger as we identify gaps in chapter tion, voicing his opposition to the coverage of congressional districts plan, saying it was both “irrational across the country. and self-serving for the members of Thanks to all council leaders for [the school board].” what you do — MOAA couldn’t sucCurrently, Barber and other ceed without you. chapter members are working with — Col. Lee Lange II, USMC-Ret. Director, Council and Chapter Affairs the Friends of San Francisco JROTC Committee to get a resolution introduced that would reverse the school board’s decision to abolish the program. However, the committee must convince a member of the Junior ROTC Nixed in school board to present the resoluSan Francisco tion. California Council of Chapters hapter and council members President Lt. Col. Larry Stumpf, USAF-Ret., says once a resolution is in California are hoping to presented, he will help coordinate reverse a November 2006 dea letter-writing campaign aimed at cision by the San Francisco Board of Education to eliminate Junior ROTC the school board. “Parents, students, alumni, teach(JROTC) in the city’s high schools. ers, and principals have all signed Members of the board of education petitions voicing their support for voted 4-2 to end the popular proJunior ROTC,” says Powell. “If gram, phasing it out over two years, they’re all for the program, then who and a task force was directed to is the school board representing?” study alternatives. Currently, 1,600 Field Reports PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Military Officer - May 2007

Military Officer - May 2007 Contents From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Financial Forum Ask the Doctor Chapter Activities Cover Story: Back Home Capt. David Porter, Pirate Hunter Where Valor Rests Emblems of Courage MOAA Member Services Pages of History Information Exchange Advertising Index Member Books MOAA Calendar MOAA Scholarship Donors Sounding Taps Encore

Military Officer - May 2007

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