Greetings Eagle Chapter Members and Friends |
|
We were honored to have the Arlington Career Center Space Force Junior ROTC as our color guard support for the Eagle Chapter 55th Observance of Captain Reginald V. Maisey, Jr's heroic sacrifice and the Battle of Bien Hoa Air Base Vietnam luncheon at the Pentagon. Cadets Dulce Catarino-Morales, Nicholas Daly, Abrianna Jeffords, Jostin Bunker, and Matthew Tyson led by Master Sergeant Jude Victor (not shown) provided the honors. If they let us, we just might adopt them as our permanent color guards for our Pentagon luncheons. They provided a superb service. Thank-you Master Sergeant Jude and your Space Force Junior ROTC cadet team! Click here to go to their website.
It was an honor for us to host the nephews of Captain Maisey, Michael Maisey and Les Montgomery, in a day of events. The 55th Observance Day started at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling Washington DC with a wreath laying at the Maisey Building, then a tour of the Pentagon, capping the day with welcome luncheon at the Pentagon. The Maisey's were one of the three families that attended as our guests. Other families included Col (Ret) Stephen Hutchens former wife, Amy, and their two children, Spencer and Leah, plus Eagle Proud Warrior Senior Airman Jonvenette and her husband Security Force Senior Airman Jacob Jackson.
Again, we appreciate your donations that help us to operate and support our SF Airmen, families, our members, and military heritage.
Very respectfully,
"Lee"
Elia C. (Lee) Chambers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Eagle Chapter Air Force Security Forces Association
P. O. Box 10501
Burke, Virginia 22009-0501
Email: chairman@afspaeagle.com | C: 571-302-0992
We published our previous newsletter on January 18, 2023. 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. Contact Chairman for more information.
|
|
55th Commemorative Maisey Wreath Laying at the Maisey Building Joint Base Anacostia Bolling |
|
Colonel Catherine (Cat) M. Logan, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling installation Commander and the 11th Wing Commander at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC, speaks immediately preceding wreath laying ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary observance of Captain Reginald V. Maisey Jr's death in the battle of Bien Hoa Air Base Republic of Vietnam. Col. Logan highlighted wreath laying event at the Maisey Building named in Captain Maisey's honor on the base.
|
|
|
|
At left, Eagle Chapter Vice Chairman Air Force District of Washington Wing, Karl Blinkinsop, the master of ceremony, planner, and organizer of 55th anniversary events, kicks off the wreath laying events at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling's Maisey Building in Washington DC.
Thanks to Major David Bruton 11th SFS Commander and Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Chambers, SFM, for your support and attendance.
|
|
Eagle Chapter 55th Commemorative Maisey Luncheon at the Pentagon Washington DC |
|
|
|
Great planning and - execution - by Eagle's Vice Chair AFDW Wing, Karl (photo at left), we had exceeded capacity when we made room for the 11th Security Forces Members from Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. With security screenings still needed to be performed, we just could not have gotten this all done without the superior support of Major David Nugent of Headquarters Air Force Directorate of Security Forces. Major Nugent, we owe you an Eagle Chapter Coin - plus so much more - Thank-you!
|
|
|
|
Pentagon luncheon attendees - Maisey Nephew Michael Maisey, Manassas Mayor Davis-Younger, Colonel Jason Medsger, Brigadier General (Select) Michael Zuhlsdorf, Maisey Nephew Les Montgomery, Brigadier General (Retired) James Shamess, and Pentagon Police Chief Woodrow "Woody" Kusse. Rear - Dr. Delbert Parks, Vice President Micron Technologies, Ms. Kristin Perper Freedom Museum. See more photos on our website by clicking here.
|
|
Thanks to all attendees for making this event our best at the Pentagon! We had two great speakers - Colonel Jason Medsger from the HQ USAF Directorate of Security Forces, the Pentagon, Washington DC and Colonel (Ret) Martin Marty Strones, Captain Maisey's best friend who Zoomed in his vacation in Hawaii.
Our luncheon included the celebration of three families - our very specially honored Maisey nephews, Les Montgomery and Michael Maisey, Eagle Proud Warrior Airman Jonvenette Surial-Jackson and her husband Jacob, and Hutchens family - former wife Amy McDougal and their two children, Spencer and Sean.
The Honorable Mayor of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger helped by her kicking off the event with her superb singing of the National Anthem as the Arlington Career Center Space Force Junior ROTC displayed the colors and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please go to our website for more photos.
|
|
Luncheon Testimonials & Feedback |
|
"Thanks for your excellent efforts to make this event so valuable to those who serve today and those from our past. I learn something new every time I hear Col Strones talk of his experience in Vietnam and how he makes it so meaningful to those on duty today.
Thanks also to the families of the fallen who attended. I also enjoyed the perspective of the seniors and juniors of the current force—we are in good hands. I am most thankful and respectful to you all."
Jim Shamess
Brigadier General USAF Retired
Editor's Note: General Shamess was the Air Force Top Cop 20 years ago when we created Eagle Chapter. He and his Chief - the Air Force Security Forces Career Field Manager Chief Master Sergeant Levy Scott were my mentors along with the then Vice President of AF Security Forces Association Senior Master Sergeant (Retired) Pete Piazza that aided me to envision our start as Eagle Chapter.
"It was an honor and pleasure to help sponsor and participate in the well -organized event. To meet families, hear stories, watch the Color Guard perform with the mayor of my little town singing the National Anthem was spectacular!!!
The speeches will forever be ingrained in my heart and seeing what the Air Force Security Forces do around the world was eye opening. Thanks for the invite and professionalism displayed."
Michael Whitlock
Owner - Business Revenue Consultant Transaction Experts
Member of the Board of Directors
Prince William County Chamber of Commerce
Thank-you gentlemen for taking the time to provide your feedback!
|
|
2023 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - LEAD - 633d SFS at Langley |
|
in photo above, Lieutenant Colonel Lidia Iyassu, 633d Security Forces Commander (left) and Eagle Chapter Vice Chair Tidewater Wing Kathy Wojciechowski meet on LEAD Day. |
|
Thanks - Eagle Chapter Vice Chair Tidewater Wing - Kathy Wojciechowski |
|
With so much focus on the Maisey 55th Observance, my thanks to Kathy for getting out to show that we do greatly appreciate our Security Forces Airmen and families in other parts of Eagle Country. Above, Kathy, Eagle Chapter's Vice Chair Tidewater Wing, provides the 633d SFS Commander with a stash of donuts. What could be better - on LEAD day? |
|
Meet: Eagle Proud Warrior Airman - Senior Airman Jonvenette Surial-Jackson |
|
Long story shortened - that's how I met Senior Airman Jonvenette and her SF husband, Jacob, who were previously assigned to the 90th SFS at Minot. I just love my Air Force when I discovered that to aid her with her recovery, the Air Force transferred Jacob from Minot to Andrews so that he could be with his wife as she healed.
If you attended the Pentagon Eagle Chapter Luncheon on Jan 31, I hope you had the opportunity to meet them as both she and Jacob accepted my invitation and attended our luncheon as our guests. She has met her medical board and is awaiting medical retirement. She and Jacob now live in base housing at Joint Base Andrews MD - A belated welcome to Eagle Country.
She has accepted my AFSFA membership invitation and I will be enrolling her as a member of the AF Security Forces Association including free membership in Eagle Chapter. Don't be surprised when you see more from this great Airman.
Question to our Donors - how much do we grant her and Airmen like her who come to Walter Reed Bethesda Wounded Warrior Care for illness care?
|
|
Thanks to Our Corporate Donors |
|
American Legion Synepuxent Post 166
|
|
BlinkinCo
Program Mgmt - Vulnerability Assessments - Insider Threat
|
|
Transaction Expert
Point of Sale/Merchant Services
|
|
Micron Technology Inc.
Dr. Delbert Parks announced at the luncheon - "We're Hiring!" See their website for more information.
|
|
|
A Diamond in the Rough for Ill and Wounded Warriors and their family - Welcome Home!
|
|
Above, the newest AFSFA and Eagle Chapter Member, Larry Zilliox, Executive Chef and lead chef of the retreat's Visiting Chef Program conducts a tour of the retreat with a local American Legion Post that includes Legionnaire and Eagle Chapter CEO Lee Chambers.
|
|
In the photo at left - only a Security Forces Vet could have thought of a way to make kids feel safe when living in a much larger home with their parents - a Storm Trooper Security Guard. Posting the "trooper" outside the children's room eases their stay at the retreat. Thanks Larry - we are glad to have you aboard Eagle Chapter!
Suppose you arrive at an 8,000 square foot+ exclusive 5-star home and upon entering there is an executive gourmet chef who prepared a meal that includes your favorite dessert. Suppose every element of this property both inside and out were designed to meet your needs and your family and friends up to 10 people as a warrior with a long-term illness or wounded in action? Plus there are fly fishing, horse-back riding and other recreational activities as appropriate. And you can bring your fur babies!
Well, I have not done justice to this diamond in the rough that I just discovered here near Manassas at Bull Run Battleground.
For a Security Forces Airman, what if you had the exclusive escort by a fellow Security Forces Airman? I just had a tour at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run by former Security Forces Airman, Larry Zilliox. Larry is a former Loring Ramp Rat who served six years and he is now our newest member. Larry has already touched base with our Eagle Chapter Proud Warrior Airman - Senior Airman Jonvenette Surial-Jackson. Please take a look at these links to find out more about this superb warrior retreat that was created by an Air Force Officer and her husband.
"The Retreat is a place where our “Willing Warriors” can get away from the hospital environment with their families to relax, enjoy quality time, and reconnect in a comfortable home-like setting. This respite helps to revitalize the mind, spirit, and soul; important aspects of the holistic healing process."
|
|
Eagle Chapter Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Wash Dates Set |
|
June 24th and August 26th |
|
We got 'first dibs' on the available dates - Thanks to Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Gary Jones and Bob Sherouse Boy Scout Troop 1778 for your quick turns to lock these dates on the National Park Service (NPS) calendar. |
This will be the first time since the pandemic that we've had both dates and no Covid restrictions. I want to thank Chief Master Sergeant Retired Gary Jones who drives up from Charleston SC and Bob and the Waldorf MD scouts and their families that have been a very important part of our annual labor of love.
We start at 0630 on both days with a Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and an observance of the date in the history of the memorial by Chief Jones.
|
|
Late Breaking News!
All Three Defender Names Have been Approved for Being Added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC!
|
|
Technical Sergeant Jason L. Norton
End of Watch 01/22/2006
Project Manager (PM): Tech Sgt. Atkins O. Riddick
Approving Commander: Lt Col. Gilbert S. Wyche II
673 Security Forces Squadron
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
|
|
Staff Sergeant Brian S. McElroy
End of Watch 01/22/2006
PM: Tech Sgt. Atkins O. Riddick
Approving Commander: Lt Col. Gilbert S. Wyche II
673 Security Forces Squadron
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
Note: Norton and McElroy were in the same vehicle when it struck an IED in Iraq.
|
|
Airman First Class Jason D. Nathan
End of Watch 6/23/2007
PM: Tech Sgt Stevie L. Thomas
Approving Commander: Lt. Col. Benjamin Washburn
48th Security Forces Squadron
RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom
|
|
Congratulations to the Project Managers, Commanders, and their team for doing the hard work needed to honor these defenders! |
|
Our next step is to coordinate with the NLEOM to ensure the notifications go to all including the families and that the NLEOM invites the HQ US Air Force Director of Security Forces to read the names of our SF fallen at the Candlelight Vigil at the US Capital on May 13.
We continue to aid the PMs and units who are still working to have their fallen defender recognized with this honor. We need help. If you can volunteer to assist, please contact me for more information.
|
|
AF Security Forces Association Needs More Bios to Publish the Volume III History Book |
|
With your help, we're going to assist our headquarters with their goal of publishing the AF Security Forces Volume III History book. We've already begun. So far we have seven biographies - six (so far) from your Eagle Chapter Board Members and one from one of our awesome retired Security Forces Brigadier Generals to get this ball started for our chapter.
You've seen the advertisements in the Security Forces Magazine. I'm providing them here for your convenience. There is no charge if you keep your bio to 150 words or less. If you get long winded like me, it'll cost you $0.15 cents a word. Please click on the image or see the instructions by clicking here.
Here's our simple two-step process:
• (1) submit your MS Word biography document and photos to Rachel, our Chapter secretary at her email address. Note: To see the word count in your MS Word document - go to the menu bar at the top and select "Review" then look over to the left and you'll see a "Word Count" menu item. Click on it and it'll tell you how many words.
|
|
Plenty Coins are Still Available
Purchase of Eagle Proud Warrior Coin Aid Us to Support Ill and Wounded SF Airman at Walter Reed
|
|
We've updated the Eagle Proud Warrior Coin. The new coin has a gold brass finish instead of the pewter finish as before. It still is a 3d coin based on the original design that we created in 2006 between a collaboration with Veronica Gonzales of KV Coins of San Antonio and Liz Jacobson's grandmother Sondra Millman. Veronica took out photo image and created the 3d image and the rest is history. We first offered the updated coin for donation at the Eagle Chapter Pentagon Luncheon in October where attendees paid $20.00 each in donations. The quality of the coin really speaks for itself.
We're charging the same amount that we've always charged - $12.00 donation - this legacy amount now incurs at a subsidized cost to Eagle Chapter. So, we ask that you add about $3.00 for shipping and handling (1-3 coins) and - consider donating more to our program. See the examples below:
Example:
1 coin + shipping is $15.
2 coins + shipping is $27.
3 coins + shipping is $39.
4 coins + shipping is $51.
5 Coins + shipping is $63.
Click here to see the Eagle Proud Warrior Coin page for a ready reference to these costs as well as an easy way to donate via credit card or PayPal.
|
|
Freedom Museum of Manassas |
|
"The Greatest Generation Speaks: Letters and Reflections"
February 25 - 6:00PM
|
|
Fauquier Community Theatre will produce it's encore performance of “The Greatest Generation Speaks: Letters and Reflections” at the Bull Run Unitarian Universalists Church on February 25th at 6pm. The performance of this play is based on Tom Brokaw’s book of the same name. The profits of this encore night's performance will benefit the Freedom Museum. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students. Please click here to buy your tickets.
We want Eagle Chapter members and friends to come out to support this. Ms. Kristin Perper, Director of Growth and Development, Freedom Museum spent the entire day with us starting with the Wreath Laying at Bolling, the Pentagon Tour, and the Pentagon Luncheon. She pitched in to help us set-up and tear down. She was also at the October Pentagon Luncheon. If I can find a visionary leader - I'd like to place a Bunker Hill 10 Battle of Bien Hoa exhibit in the Vietnam War section of this museum. She's waiting on us.
|
|
February 3 - We Bid a Final Farewell To "Hutch" |
|
Arlington Internment. Eagle Chapter Chairman (center), Lee Chambers, with Hutchens children, Stephen Junior (right) from previous marriage, and Leah, and Spencer with their mom, Amy McDougal on left. |
|
The Hutchens Family were one of the three families that attended our Pentagon Luncheon. Thanks to Amy, Leah and Spencer. We greatly enjoyed having you! The luncheon was just days before their final farewell to "Hutch" - Colonel Retired Stephen "Hutch" Hutchens our first Eagle Chapter Vice Chair Air Force District of Washington Wing and former Security Forces Commander at Joint Base Andrews MD.
In photo at left, Hutch visits with Eagle Proud Warrior Airman MarieAnne Raguso at Walter Reed Bethesda MD, injured by an IED in Afghanistan.
To see my photos of Hutch's internment at Arlington National Cemetery, please click here.
|
|
Eagle Chapter March Monthly Board Meeting |
|
Our board meetings are open to all members and significant others. The board will meet at 2000/8:00 PM Eastern Thursday March 2, 2023.
|
|
In conclusion - Thanks to Willie and Yolanda Squires! |
|
In the photo at left, Willie is setting up our registration table for the Eagle Chapter Luncheon at the Pentagon. He and Yolanda, his wife, did a super job in welcoming and registering our guests as they entered our luncheon room at the Pentagon. Thanks to you both so very much! Other than me, Willie attends more Eagle Chapter events than anyone else. He's always at the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Wall washes, he attends both the Pentagon and Bolling luncheons, he's at the wreath laying at Bolling, and he's been up to Dover for one of our Dover Air Force Base Luncheons in Delaware. Thank-you sir.
|
As I close, I want to thank many of you that donate. While I do appreciate the corporate donors, it's our members and supporter donors who do the lion's share of the donations. If you have not ever donated or it's been a while, if your pocketbook permits, please send your check, money order to our Post Office Box or go to any page of our website, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on the Donate button to give via PayPal. Thank-you all very much.
I look forward to seeing you at a future Eagle Chapter event.
Very respectfully - Lee
|
|
P.O. Box 10501,
Burke, VA 22009-0501
(571) 302-0992
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
