Austin, Texas Chapter
The Association for all Military Officers
-COL Leon Holland, USA (Ret.)
Psalm 15 has the title, "What God Requires." The writer turns to
the matter of worship, entering the holy place of God's Temple. If we remain in humble fellowship with God and with one another, we will gain
the insight and discernment to live righteously. We are to care. We are to pray.
We are to search scripture. We are to share. We are ready to enter the holy places of God. Lu Mitchell -- Prize-winning singer-songwriter A prolific songwriter, Lu has become known for her
clever and witty social commentary. Her songbook Singing for Her
Sanity contains sixty-five of her best songs about TV evangelists,
doctors, garage sales, and anything else that tickles her sense of the
absurb in this land of Big Macs, Mammograms, and The Internet. She has
eleven CDs to her credit.
A few of her songs are: Msic ritic Grover Lewis once wrote: "Lu Mitchell
is a funny gal who cocks a saucy, irreverent eye at our mad, mad, mad
world... like a banshee zonked on truth serum..."
Lu will bring you this truth serum in person.
1830-1900 - Social
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak.
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a
bad memory.
How is it one
careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to
start a campfire?
Companion Bulletin- October 2010
Our season has gotten off to a roaring start. Thanks to Colonel McVeigh,
we had an outstanding and informative program for our first meeting. Mrs.
Alice Marsel, M.Ed., CALT, QI of the Scottish Rite Learning Center of
Austin had us all in awe as we viewed a recently made DVD about the
outstanding work done at the Learning Center for evaluation and treatment
of dyslexia. She informed us of their prominently recognized program for
children in Austin and Central Texas. It was most interesting to learn
that the services offered to the children is without charge to the
parents. She answered questions that further explained major improvements
not only in the evaluation of dyslexia, but also in the training methods
used. In addition, the Center provides comprehensive dyslexia therapist
training to educators and consultation to parents. It was indeed a
terrific presentation that left us more enlightened about dyslexia.
A slight change of pace will occur at our October meeting. Thanks to
Companion Stanley Bullard, we are fortunate to have an encore performance
by Lu Mitchell from the Dallas area. You may recall that we were
entertained and charmed by Lu in February, 2009. She is a singer,
songwriter, humorist extraordinaire and a delightful person. She has been
described as a performer with wit who "has an uncanny talent of
transforming life's routine issues and actions into a magnificent song and
melody."
This month, I highlight one of our companions whose responsibility is mainly
behind the scene, but is critical for ensuring that our chapter remain viable
with National Headquarters. This Companion is also in contact with most of you
before each month's meeting. Kudos to our Adjutant, Mrs. Pat Eagan! She is
commended for her professional work, dedication and untiring commitment to our
chapter. Thanks, Pat, and thank you, Connie, for your support!
In closing, I am excited and happy to welcome Major Lloyd Duncan as a new MOWW
Companion. Last month Lloyd and his lovely wife Hilda were the guests of the
McVeighs at our meeting. Therefore, the Duncans are no strangers, but do extend
them a BIG "WELCOME" into our chapter.
Remember, our social gathering begins at 1830 hours. We look forward to seeing
you on Thursday, October 14, 2010.
Meeting.
Our next meeting will be October at the
Holiday Inn Northwest (Mopac & Hwy 183). Join us for an evening of socializing, dining, and an
melodious presentation.
Deaths for non-disabled retirees in
2008-2009 were 8% lower than found for non-disabled retirees in 2004-2005.The
changes in actuarial assumptions reportedly surprised Under Secretary of
Defense Robert Hale, the DoD comptroller, who had to go out and find
[$1 billion] when Defense Secretary [Robert] Gates is telling him he needs
to save money.
MOWW Scripture and Commentary
September 2010 (Chaplain Ernie Dean)
Lord, who may enter your Temple? Who may worship on Zion, your sacred hill? (v.1)
What would you and I expect to be the answer? Just anybody? Only a Hebrew?
Anyone who is righteous, faithful, spiritually ready? The answer we receive from
the Psalmist is:
A person who obeys God in everything, and always does what is right…. (v.2)
The writer gives some examples of correct behavior: speaks only words that
are true and sincere (that is, no slander, no wrongs, no rumors), keeps promises
no matter the cost, gives loans without interest, accepts no bribes.
The overriding issue is spiritual in nature. To worship God is the highest
possible calling for anyone. "Worship no God but me," says the first
of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3).
The matters of relationship listed above take care of themselves when we are of
the correct attitude. Our spiritual nature can then take control of our physical nature.
So, both God and the author of the Psalms, expect us to come to God fully
obedient to the ways of God. To do otherwise is to be hypocritical, living a
lie, appearing to be someone we are not. To do otherwise is an indication that
our spiritual natures are not in tune with God's will.
It is helpful to hear a word from Micah. The title is the same as Psalm 15,
"What the Lord Requires."
What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of heaven, when I come to worship him? (Micah 6:6)
The writer suggests best calves, thousands of sheep, endless streams of olive
oil. All of these and anything similar are rejected by God.
No, the Lord has told us what is good. What God requires of us is this: to do what
is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God. (Micah 6:8)
Ponder the life-long blessings!
Speaker
Lu began her career in the late sixties by performing at the now-legendary
Rubalyat in Dallas, TX. She has appeared in concert throught out the US
and in Ireland. She is in demand as an after-dinner entertainer, and
today she and her band Catch-23 are consistent favorites at Dallas Pocket Sandwich Theatre.
Mary Stuffed Her Boss in the Paper Shredder
Love on the Internet
Uncle Ned Got Sold In The Yard Sale
Tricare
Suspicious Calls: Recently there has been a rash of calls to military personnel
from individuals who claimed to be with DoD and requested information under the
guise of it being a Tricare national survey
The WWII U.S. Navy admiral that said:
"Hit hard, hit first, hit often was Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.
Chapter Officers
Commander Col Leon Holland
335-1224
Vice Commander
Treasurer Col Andrew McVeigh 261-6272
Adjutant Mrs.
Patricia Egan 750-1399
Chaplin LtCol
Ernest S. Dean 477-5390
Youth Leadership
ConferenceLtCol
Thomas W. Anderson 445-4480
ROTC Awards Col
Leon Holland 335-1224
Newsletter & Web Site LtCol
J. Robert Howard 848-0285 Schedule:
1900-1905 - Invocation & Salutes
1905-1945 - Dinner
1945-2000 - Break
2000-2045 - Program
2045-2100 - Adjourn.
So far, the index used for our cost of living adjustment is down .7% . The
COLA is still a hole.
Drinking two or three glasses of wine,
beer or cocktails daily helped older adults live longer than teetotalers
in a study. Research on 1,824 adults ages 55 to 65 found that moderate and
heavy drinkers were less likely to die than abstainers over 20 years, said
scientists at the University of Texas in Austin and Stanford University in
Palo Alto, California.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Even though knee and hip replacements
have become routine, a study published in 2007 found that 7% of hip
replacements done for Medicare patients had to be replaced within seven
and half years. Choose an experienced surgeon at a hospital that does a
lot of implants. Not everyone with joint pain will benefit from a
replacement. Gather information about the procedure. Have a recovery plan
Federal agencies
increased the hiring of veterans by about 3.5 percentage points in the
first half of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period of the previous
year,
War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.
Saving Money: Ask your doctor for a discount, Request an itemized bill
when hospitalized, Bring your own drugs.
Battle of
Santiago de Cuba
Situation Prior to July 3:
Following the outbreak of war between Spain and the United States on April
25, 1898, the Spanish government dispatched a fleet under Admiral Pascual
Cervera to defend Cuba. Though Cervera was against such a move, preferring
to engage the Americans near the Canary Islands, he obeyed and after
evading the US Navy arrived at Santiago de Cuba in late May. On May 29,
Cervera's fleet was spotted in the harbor by Commodore Winfield S.
Schley's "Flying Squadron." Two days later, Rear Admiral William
T. Sampson arrived with the US North Atlantic Squadron and after taking
overall command began a blockade of the harbor.
Cervera Decides to Break Out:
While at anchor in Santiago, Cervera's fleet was protected by the heavy
guns of the harbor defenses. In June, his situation became more tenuous
following the landing of American troops up the coast at Guantánamo Bay.
As the days passed, Cervera waited for inclement weather to scatter the
blockade so that he could escape the harbor. Following the American
victories at El Caney and San Juan Hill on July 1, the admiral concluded
that he would have to fight his way out before the city fell. He decided
to wait until 9:00 AM on Sunday July 3, hoping to catch the American fleet
while it conducting church services.
The Battle Begins:
On the morning of July 3, as Cervera was preparing to break out, Adm.
Sampson pulled his flagship, the armored cruiser USS New York, out of line
to meet with ground commanders at Siboney leaving Schley in command. The
blockade was further weakened by the departure of the battleship USS
Massachusetts which had retired to coal. Emerging from Santiago Bay at
9:45, Cervera's four armored cruisers steered southwest, while his two
torpedo boats turned southeast. Aboard the armored cruiser USS Brooklyn,
Schley signaled the four battleships still on the blockade to intercept.
A Running Battle:
Cervera began the fight from his flagship, Infanta Maria Teresa, by
opening fire on the approaching Brooklyn. Schley led the American fleet
towards the enemy with the battleships Texas, Indiana, Iowa, and Oregon in
line behind. As the Spaniards steamed by, Iowa hit Maria Teresa with two
12" shells. Not wishing to expose his fleet to fire from the entire
American line, Cervera turned his flagship to cover their withdrawal and
directly engaged Brooklyn. Taken under heavy fire by Schley's ship, Maria
Teresa began to burn and Cervera ordered it run aground.
The remainder of Cervera's fleet raced for open water but was slowed by
inferior coal and fouled bottoms. As the American battleships bore down,
Iowa opened fire on Almirante Oquendo, ultimately causing a boiler
explosion that forced the crew to scuttle the ship. The two Spanish
torpedo boats, Furor and Pluton, were put out of action by fire from Iowa,
Indiana, and the returning New York, with one sinking and the other
running aground before exploding.
End of Vizcaya:
At the head of the line, Brooklyn engaged the armored cruiser Vizcaya in
an hour-long duel at approximately 1,200 yards. Despite firing over three
hundred rounds, Vizcaya failed to inflict significant damage on its
adversary. Subsequent studies have suggested that as much as eighty-five
percent of the Spanish ammunition used during the battle may have been
defective. In response, Brooklyn bludgeoned Vizcaya and was joined by
Texas. Moving closer, Brooklyn struck Vizcaya with an 8" shell that
caused an explosion setting the ship on fire. Turning for shore, Vizcaya
ran aground where the ship continued to burn.
Oregon Runs Down Cristobal Colon:
After more than an hour's fighting, Schley's fleet had destroyed all but
one of Cervera's ships. The survivor, the new armored cruiser Cristobal
Colon, continued fleeing along the coast. Recently purchased, the Spanish
Navy did not have time to install the ship's primary armament of 10"
guns before sailing. Slowed due to engine trouble, Brooklyn was unable to
catch the retreating cruiser. This allowed the battleship Oregon, which
had recently completed a remarkable voyage from San Francisco in the war's
early days, to move forward. Following an hour-long chase Oregon opened
fire and forced Colon to run aground.
Aftermath:
The Battle of Santiago de Cuba marked the end of large-scale naval
operations in the Spanish-American War. In course of the fighting, Sampson
and Schley's fleet lost a miraculous 1 killed (Yeoman George H. Ellis, USS
Brooklyn) and 10 wounded. Cervera lost all six of his ships, as well as
323 killed and 151 wounded. In addition, approximately 70 officers,
including the admiral, and 1,500 men were taken prisoner. With the Spanish
Navy unwilling to risk any additional ships in Cuban waters, the island's
garrison was effectively cut off, ultimately dooming them to surrender.
It's flu-shot season already, and for
the first time health authorities are urging nearly everyone to get
vaccinated. There is even a new high-dose version for people 65 or older