News and Events

To vote online for Chapter President and five other positions on the Board of Directors for the 2-year term beginning January 2019 download the fillable ballot below, click on your choices, save it to your hard drive under a different name, e.g., “John Doe’s Ballot”, then email it as an attachment to Secretary@cfmoaa.org no later than 7 December 2018.

You may also print a copy of the ballot, fill it out with pen and ink, and mail it via USPS to: CF MOAA, ATTN: Secretary, P.O. Box 53621, Fayetteville, NC 28305 so as to arrive NLT 7 December 2018.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 11/17/18

by Tammy Beshlin

This year’s golf tournament played at Baywood Golf Club on 29 September was an incredible success. Our heartfelt thanks to all our commercial sponsors for their continued loyalty and support, to the players who made the day special, and to our chapter members for a commendable outpouring of generosity.

The following is a list of all sponsors and donors; those indicated by an asterisk (*) contributed in multiple ways.

Prime Sponsor

Mr. Steve LaHam, President & CEO*

Anfinsen Plastic Molding & Assembly

Major Material Sponsors

AAFMAA*

Healy Wholesale

Rogers & Breece, Inc.

USAA*

Hole Sponsors

A+ Home Health Care Services*

Anstead’s Tobacco Company

Arrow Exterminators of Fayetteville, Inc.*

Chap (LTC)(Ret) & Mrs. Timothy Atkinson

COL (Ret) & Mrs. David L. Baggett*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Eli Ballard*

Baywood Golf & Community Association

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. David Beshlin*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. George Blanc*

Bob Maier’s Automotive Services*

MAJ (Ret) George Bond*

Brown & Associates Investment Services*

Bryan Honda

Bryant’s Restaurants, Inc./Wendy’s

Buie, Norman & Company, P.A.

Carolina Specialties International*

Cape Fear Discount Drugs*

Cape Fear Eye Associates, P.A.*

Cape Fear HS Navy JROTC

Mrs. Zobeida Carrion

Catlett Family Dentistry

Caviness & Cates Building Development*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Juan I. Chavez*

LTC (Ret) David Cheney*

LTC (Ret) James E. Chrishon, Jr.

Copper Cricket Pub, Sanford, NC*

Mrs. Maureen Dadek*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Tad D. Davis

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Stanley D. Dodson*

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Thomas Donnelly

COL & Mrs. John P. Dunigan*

E.E. Smith HS AFJROTC

Edward Jones Investments*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Ronald Elrod

Fairmont HS AJROTC

Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Ronnie Foxx

LTC (Ret) Dennis Franken*

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Robert T. Garman*

Dr. Ben Gersh, M.D.*

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. George W. Glann*

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Marv G. Gordner

COL (Ret) Jeri Graham

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. John W. Hazlett*

MAJ (Ret) Peter A. Hill*

Hinkamp Jeweler’s

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Ralph Hinrichs*

Horne Brothers Construction, Inc.*

David & Sandi Hubbard

Hubbard Kitchen & Bath Showroom*

LTC (Ret) George Hutnan

Mrs. Carol Ivey*

Jernigan-Warren, Inc.*

Jimmy John’s Sandwiches

Lane Automotive

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Hank Larsen*

Mash House Brew Company*

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur W. Maxwell, Jr.*

John & Mary Beth Parker/McDonald’s

Carl Meinhardt*

Erika Meinhardt*

LTC (Ret) Hans Meinhardt*

Lise Meinhardt*

Metz Glass*

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Morty Pride Meats

BG (Ret) Joseph L. Nagel*

MAJ (Ret) Warren R. O’Brien*

Col (Ret) & Mrs. Chester G. Oehme, Jr.*

Paper, Pens, Etc. Inc.

Powers-Swain Chevrolet, Inc.

Public Storage of Fayetteville, Inc.

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Deogracia Quinones*

QwikMed Pharmacy & Clinic*

Mrs. Barbara Raizen

Rhudy’s, Inc.

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Arturo Rodriguez*

Sanco Construction Company, Inc.

Savvy Cleaning Company

Sharonview Federal Credit Union*

Dr. & Mrs. Richard H. Shereff

Strickland’s Portion Pak, Inc.

Superior Bakery

Terry Sanford HS AFJROTC

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Edward R. Thomas, II*

TLC Express Carwash*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. James A. Volkmann*

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Vonnegut*

CPT (Ret) & Mrs. David S. Vroom*

Watson Family Dentistry

Mrs. Sara White*

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Jim Wilde*

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Martin C. Williams*

Ziegler Properties

Soldier Sponsors

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Bill Bell

Mrs. Helen Beshlin

Cape Fear Cardiology Association

LTC (Ret) Kenneth W. Chelf

MAJ (Ret) Gerald Croll

Mrs. Maria Cory

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Clark Ecklund

Mrs. Mary Eidman

First Command

CW3 (Ret) & Mrs. James Fleming

Foust Heating and Air Conditioning

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Darwin A. Frett

Mr. Jack Fulp

COL (Ret) & Mrs. John R. Hermann

Miss LaTonya Jackson

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Thomas R. King

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Earl F. Klinck

Lt Col (Ret) Geraldine B. McGowan

Erika Meinhardt & John Parks Families

Miss Lise Meinhardt

CW2 & Mrs. Carl Mitchell

LTC (Ret) Charles Pimble

Mr. Mark Rohrig*

Sandhills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Jon R. Sheets

Simon Funeral Home

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Walter M. Swing

MAJ (Ret) & Mrs. Robert Tiffany

Mr. Pete Tilton

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Larry Vick

Claudie & Tom Wallen*

COL (Ret) & Mrs. Willie Wright

Cash Donors

Yong Dutmer

MAJ (Ret) & Mrs. Phil Flynn

Mrs. Lois Ives

Prize & Giveaways Donors

Anderson Creek Golf & Country Club

ASOM Gift Shop

Bayonet Golf Course

Baywood Golf Club

Black’s Tire and Auto Service

Carolina Lakes Golf Club

Carraba’s Italian Grill

Chick Filet Skibo Square

Cypress Lakes Golf Club

Day Spa

Defy Fay & Bone Fish Grill

Edward Jones Investments

Firestone Fort Bragg

Fresh Market

Gates Four Golf & Country Club

Hyland Golf & Country Club

Kings Grant Golf Course

Logan’s Roadhouse

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant

Mission Bar BQ

Newk’s Eatery

Olive Garden Italian Kitchen

Red Lobster

Ryder Golf Course

Sam’s Club

Stryker Golf Course

Whispering Woods Golf Club

316 Oyster Bar

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 10/27/18

Pat and Trish Flanagan – September 14, 2018

It is with the deepest sympathy that we announce that LTC Carl “Pat” Flanagan, Jr., US Army, Retired and his wife of 66 years, Patricia (Trish) Flanagan both perished in a house fire on September 14, 2018 during Hurricane Florence. Both will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.

Pat served on active duty for over 20 years including combat service in Vietnam. He and Trish were loyal members of the chapter for several years and their loss will be keenly felt by all of us.

Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the entire Flanagan family for their loss.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 10/05/18

by Juan Chavez

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2017 to COL (Ret) George Blanc at our Awards and Recognition Brunch held in the Hodge Room of the Iron Mike Conference Center on Saint Patrick’s Day the 17th of March 2018. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members.

The citation reads as follows: “For sustained outstanding service as 2nd Vice President, Cape Fear Chapter from August 2013 to December 2017. Besides his faithful and unselfish service on the Chapter’s Executive Board, his work as Programs Chairman is without equal. His enthusiasm and quest for excellence in making every chapter meeting and special event an enjoyable and memorable experience, has contributed immeasurably to the unprecedented success of the chapter during the past five years. His incalculable contributions are worthy of the highest esteem and clearly justify his selection as the 2017 recipient of this coveted award.”

Congratulations George, you have earned our eternal gratitude for your dedicated service and unselfish contributions to the chapter.

See list of all previous DeMeter award recipients at download below.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 03/19/18

May 26, 2017

The Cape Fear Chapter conferred Honorary Membership upon the Honorable Nat Robertson, Mayor of Fayetteville at the general membership meeting on May 26, 2017.

In the history of the chapter, honorary membership is a courtesy that has been extended to every Mayor of Fayetteville.

President Chavez presented Mayor Robertson with a framed Honorary Membership Certificate, an engraved chapter coin mounted on a coin lock, and a chapter hat as tokens of our appreciation and respect.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 06/02/17

20 January 2017

The newly elected Cape Fear Chapter officers for the 2-year term beginning January 2017 were officially installed in a ceremony during the traditional biennial Installation Dinner held at the Fort Bragg Iron Mike Conference Center on 20 January 2017.

COL (Ret) Jeri Graham member of the MOAA Board of Directors administered the oath of office to: COL (Ret) Juan Chavez, President; COL (Ret) Stan Dodson, 1st Vice President; COL (Ret) George Blanc, 2nd Vice President; LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President; LTC (Ret) Dennis Franken, Treasurer; and, LTC (Ret) Don Gersh, Secretary.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 01/22/17

by Juan Chavez

As our nation observes the USO’s 75th anniversary of service to our nation’s military this year, it presents an opportunity for our Chapter to rededicate our efforts in support of USO activities here in Fayetteville and Fort Bragg.

The CFC Board of Directors has been exploring ways of getting more of our chapter members actively involved in service projects in support of our military and their families here at Fort Bragg with the goal of promoting chapter cohesion, esprit de corps, and a sense of purpose and self-fulfillment.

The only chapter members who are actively engaged in chapter activities on a regular basis are a small number who serve on the board of directors and special staff, plus a dozen or so USO volunteers. We have not had much success in encouraging the other 95% of our members to get involved other than attending an occasional meeting now and then. Other MOAA chapters have undertaken projects such as adopting a VA health facility or nursing home, a military museum, and the like, to get their members actively engaged in a chapter-sponsored endeavor.

USO volunteerism is by no means new to our chapter, since the USO center at the Fayetteville Regional Airport opened in November 2011 a small number of our chapter members (11 to 14) have volunteered their services as USO stewards at the airport lounge. The number has remained relatively constant, with only 12 currently serving. We would like to inject new energy into this program by perhaps increasing that number to 50 or more; not unrealistic when one considers that we have close to 300 members, plus approximately 250 spouses. (Approximately 50% of our current volunteers are husband-wife teams.)

The Fayetteville Airport USO Center is behind security on the second floor of the airport. The center is 100% operated by volunteers who have gone through the badging process and are dedicated to keeping the center open, available and a comfortable center for our traveling military and their families. At this time, the USO needs dependable volunteers who are willing to commit to at least 8 hours per month serving in the center. There is also a dire need for volunteers to work at the Fort Bragg USO Center located in the Soldier Support Center at Fort Bragg.

If you are interested, please complete the initial steps at http://www.volunteers.uso.org/ and then, email Beverly Jackson at Send email to get your application process moving forward. Please let Beverly know that you are a member of the Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 08/03/16

2016 Levels of Excellence Awards

For the third successive year, the Cape Fear Chapter was awarded a MOAA 5-Star Levels of Excellence Award. This is an extraordinary achievement of which all chapter members can be justifiably proud.

Chapter President Chavez will be attending the MOAA Annual Meeting in Arlington, Virginia in October 2016 to accept the 5-Star Streamer on behalf of the chapter. Congratulations to all!

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 08/10/16

July 29, 2016

The Cape Fear Chapter conferred Honorary Membership upon Drew Brooks, Military Editor of the Fayetteville Observer at the general membership meeting on July 29, 2016.

Mr. Brooks was honored for his sustained outstanding support of the Cape Fear Chapter for the past three years.

President Chavez presented Drew with a Honorary Membership Certificate, plus an engraved chapter coin mounted on a coin lock as a token of appreciation.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 08/03/16

by Juan Chavez

Our heartfelt thanks are extended to the following chapter members who so generously contributed to the Global War on Terrorism Memorial fund drive. The chapter was successful in raising $25,000 in 6 months from personal donations, thus fulfilling its pledge to help fund a long-overdue and much deserved memorial to our military men and women who have sacrificed so much in the war against global terrorism since 9/11.

Contributors: Al Alvarez, Tim Atkinson, Rudy Baker, Eli Ballard, Matt Barker, Larry Bass, Ron Bean, Bill Bell, Dave & Tammy Beshlin, George Blanc, George Bond, Mark Boyatt, Bobby Breece, Charlie Brindel, Bruce Brown, Bob & Elizabeth Bunce, Steve Byrnes, Juan Chavez, Ken Chavis, Dave Cheney, Dan Connelly, Maria Cory, Jerry Croll, Tad Davis, Tom Delahunty, Stan Dodson, Tom Donnelly, George Dudley, Clark Ecklund, Ron Elrod, Carl Flanagan, Dennis Franken, Bill Freccia, Bob Garman, Don Gersh, George Glann, Tom Glockzin, Jeri Graham, Chris Grates, Mark Hayden, John Hazlett, Mac Healy, Sam Higdon, Ralph Hinrichs, Alex Hodges, Al Howe, Ike & Pat Isaacson, Carol Ivey, Frank Jaks, Tom King, Earl Klinck, Hank Larsen, Art Macaltao, Steve Mannell, Steve McDavid, Dan McNeill, Dot Miller, Joe Nagel, Tim Newton, Ron O'Brien, Chester Oehme, Charles Pimble, Rick Porter, George Quigley, Deogracia Quinones, Art Rodriguez, Al Rose, Dean Russell, Brian Scott, Ed Seemer, Jon & Casey Sheets, Tom Shipp, Henry Simpson, Arlie & Ingrid Smith, Bob Smoot, Phyllis Streit, Barry Swift, John Szoka, Harold Thacker, Earl Thieme, Ed Thomas, Robert Tiffany, James Volkmann, Dave Vroom, Bob White, Jim Wilde, Marty Williams, Emilie Williams, and Drew Ziegler.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 07/05/16

November 21, 2015

The Cape Fear Chapter conferred Honorary Membership upon two long standing supporters at the annual general membership meeting on November 21, 2015.

Mr. Stephen R. LaHam (top photo), President and CEO of Anfinsen Plastic Molding and Assembly, Inc. of Oswego, Illinois was honored for his substantial monetary support of our annual fundraising golf tournament. Mr. LaHam, a staunch patriot and keen supporter of our military, has been the top monetary donor year after year for several years standing.

Mr. John "Mac" Healy, President and CEO of Healy Wholesale, Inc. of Fayetteville was recognized for his generous material support of our annual golf tournament for several years. Mac followed in the footsteps of his late father, Fritz Healy, also a Honorary Member of our Chapter for many years.

Both gentlemen were presented with Honorary Membership Certificates, engraved chapter coins mounted on coin locks, and chapter hats by President Chavez.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 12/14/15

by Juan Chavez

Every year, MOAA’s affiliates compete to receive a four- or five-star Levels of Excellence Award. The very best councils and chapters receive five-star awards, while above-average councils and chapters receive four-star awards.

It is a pleasure to announce that the Cape Fear Chapter was selected as a 5-Star Chapter for 2015, congratulations to all of you.

Leaders from winning affiliates will receive special streamers at MOAA's 2015 annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 30-31, I will be there in person to accept our award.

Link: Complete List of Winners

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 08/19/15

by Bill Dadek

We welcome Chaplain (Colonel) Gregory K. Williamson, US Army, Retired as the new Senior Army Instructor at Lumberton Senior High School in Lumberton effective 13 February 2015. He lives in Fayetteville with his wife Jackie; they have two grown sons, Aaron and Isaac, who also reside in the Fayetteville area with their families. Colonel Williamson joined the chapter and he looks forward to attending some of our meetings. We wish him the best of success in his new job.

Colonel Williamson replaces LTC (Ret) Neil Harper who stepped down after one year at LSHS.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 03/20/15

The link below will open the annual letter from VADM Norb Ryan, President of MOAA which contains a wealth of information on the work done by our Association in the past year. It is a worthwhile read for all.

Link: Annual Letter

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 11/01/14

Beginning with the August edition of the Cape Fear Infogram, sponsorship ads will run in the newsletter.

Sponsors may buy full-page, half-page, quarter-page and business card-sized ads. Cost is:

Full-page 6 issues $850; 12 issues $1,693

Half-page 6 issues $419; 12 issues $753

Quarter-page 6 issues $204; 12 issues $389

Business-card 6 issues $95; 12 issues $188

For more information or to reserve your sponsorship, contact Don Gersh at 910.624.4597 or doneal.gersh@gmail.com or editor@cfmoaa.org.

Checks are payable to Cape Fear Chapter MOAA and may be mailed to Post Office Box 53621, Fayetteville, NC 28305.

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 07/08/14

Other than serving in one of the five elective positions, there are many other ways chapter members can serve and make meaningful contributions. We are in dire need of volunteers to help carry the load of operating the Chapter in an effective and efficient manner. The majority of the positions/jobs listed only require a commitment of a few hours a month of your time and most of the work can be performed from or in your home. Any member or their spouses may participate. Some of the positions listed below are currently filled, but having a replacement in queue to understudy would be ideal.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for one or more of the positions listed, please call our Secretary Don Gersh at (910) 484-4545, or email at Secretary@cfmoaa.org.

Executive Board and Special Staff Appointive Positions:

Surviving Spouse Liaison Officer (surviving spouse preferred)

Personal Affairs Officer

Newsletter Editor

Assistant Newsletter Editor

Assistant Secretary

Webmaster

TOPS (The Officer Placement Service)

On-Going Committees:

ROTC and Scholarship Committee

Personal Affairs Committee

Newsletter Editorial Committee

Legislative Committee

Programs Committee

Publicity Committee

Sponsorship Sales Committee

Membership Committee

Information Dissemination Committee

Membership Directory Committee

TOPS (The Officer Placement Service) Group

Special Purpose Committees and other programs:

Nominating Committee (on election years)

Golf Tournament Committee

Honor Guard Member

ROTC Awards Presenter

USO Volunteer

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 03/31/14

LTC (Ret) & Mrs. Dean Russell

The Support the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Fund recently received a substantial donation from one of our chapter members, LTC (Ret) Dean Russell and his wife Mary.

In July, the NC General Assembly appropriated $125,000 to upgrade the committal structure at the Veterans Cemetery at Spring Lake with the stipulation that the community was to raise a matching $125,000 in donations.

At the 8 December 2013 Community Concerts screening of the documentary “Honor Flight” at the Crown Arena, Dean and Mary Russell were publicly recognized for their personal donation of a matching $125,000. Governor Pat McCrory was present to sign a ceremonial $125,000 check to honor his commitment.

The Friends of the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery are pursuing the funding to provide a place of dignity for veterans and their families to have funeral services for their loved ones at the cemetery in Spring Lake. When attending funerals at that site, families are sometimes exposed to inclement weather.

No one knows that better than Dean Russell who is also the Commander of the Cape Fear Chapter Honor Guard. The Honor Guard was established to pay respects and provide support to the families of deceased chapter members upon request. The Honor Guard provides sentries at the casket or urn during the visitation, and serves as honorary pall bearers at the funeral service. Dean’s membership in MOAA and his role as commander of the Cape Fear Chapter Honor Guard were highlighted during his introduction.

The Russell’s unwavering support of our community and specifically our veterans is worthy of the highest esteem. The awareness of our chapter and MOAA in general they fashioned as a result of their benevolence is priceless. Thank you Dean and Mary!

^top   Contact   General Info   Permalink   Posted: 12/09/13