Air Force Detachment 607 at Fayetteville State University held its spring 2015 commissioning ceremony on 8 May in the Student Center. Professor of Aerospace Studies and Detachment Commander, Lt Col Allen Gradnigo, US Air Force was the host for the event.

The following three cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Air Force: Kathiusca Leon, Joshua Nance, and Kyndreshia Stroman.

3rd Vice President Bill Dadek presented each of the new officers with a set of gold bars, a free one year membership in MOAA, and a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution.

The Army ROTC unit at Fayetteville State University held its Spring 2015 Commissioning Ceremony on 8 May. The event was held in Seabrook Auditorium. CPT Rufino Farias, Jr. the Assistant Professor of Military Science acted as the host for the ceremony. LTC Scott the Campbell Battalion Commander and his Executive Officer CPT Summers also took part in the ceremony.

The guest speaker was BG Mitchell I. Kilgo, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6 and Chief Information Officer, U.S. FORSCOM. The ceremony was well attended by family and friends of the new lieutenants.

The following eleven cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Army: Courtney M. Anderson, Maverick J. Bostic, Carl L. Guthrie, Sara D. Jones, Jack Konrat, Joseph S. Minardi, James D. O’Neal, Aaron J. Reynolds, Sophia Rickard, Danielle J. Sibert, and Marcus J. Smith.

3rd Vice President Bill Dadek presented each of the new officers with a set of gold bars, a free one year membership in MOAA, and a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution.

The Cape Fear Chapter presented the MOAA Medal and Certificate to recognize JROTC cadets who demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership; awards were presented on dates indicated. Congratulations to the following MOAA award recipients:

Cadet Taliyah McRae, South View High School Army JROTC; March 20th.

Cadet Jessica Howard, Jack Britt High School Army JROTC; March 27th.

Cadet LTC Fernando Jimenez, Saint Paul’s High School Army JROTC; April 2nd.

Cadet CSM Kenneth Santana, Union High School Army JROTC; April 25th.

Cadet LaBria Shaneice, East Bladen High School Army JROTC; April 29th.

Cadet Allyah Danielle McDougald, Harnett Central High School Army JROTC; May 2nd.

Cadet Jamison Sanders, EE Smith High School Air Force JROTC; May 6th.

Cadet Joshual Feliciano, Lumberton Senior High School Army JROTC; May 7th.

Cadet Meghan Bryant, Overhills High School Army JROTC; May 7th.

Cadet LTC Philip Schneider and Cadet Captain Candace Jacob, Fairmont High School Army JROTC; May 8th.

Cadet Destiny Jamison, Terry Sanford High School Air Force JROTC; May 8th.

Cadet Haylee Neal, Cape Fear High School Navy JROTC; May 8th.

Cadet Joshua Locklear, Purnell Swett High School Army JROTC; May 8th.

Cadet Jalen Carruth, Pine Forest High School Air Force JROTC; May 9th.

Cadet Alexis Butler, Westover High School Army JROTC; May 13th.

Cadet William Walker, Seventy First High School Air Force JROTC; May 15th.

Cadet Michael Hunter Gareckt, Hoke High School Army JROTC; May 16th.

Cadet Elise Guzman, West Bladen High School Army JROTC; May 19th.

Cadet TeAnnie Woods, Western Harnett High School Army JROTC; May 22nd.

Cadet Raven Hammonds, South Robeson High School Army JROTC; June 2nd.

The Campbell University Army ROTC Battalion held its annual awards ceremony in Turner Hall on the Campbell campus on September 11, 2014. The Campbell Battalion consists of units from Campbell University, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

LTC Scott, Professor of Military Science at Campbell, and Commander of the ROTC Battalion presented awards to cadets for successful completion of Air Assault school and other training at summer camp. Several scholarship awards were also presented to superior cadets. Awards from several organizations were given during the ceremony.

Cape Fear Chapter 3rd Vice President, Bill Dadek, presented leadership cash awards of $100.00 with award certificates to (L to R in photo) Cadets Lenna Rodriguez, Courtney Anderson, Micah Simpson, and Ryan Mendoza; Cadet Mendoza was unable to attend the ceremony.

Chapter President Chavez presents a $750 check to Cadet LCDR Victoria Stanton of the Naval Junior ROTC unit at Cape Fear High School, as a contribution from the Cape Fear Chapter to help the unit defray its overall transportation expenses to this summer’s drill camp and naval orientation at Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. Cadet Stanton the newly appointed unit commander for school year 2014-2015 accepted the contribution for her unit.

A letter of thanks from CAPT Andrew Karakos, USN Retired is at download below.

Junior ROTC Cadet Cody McWherter of the Navy JROTC unit at Cape Fear High School was presented a $1,000.00 college scholarship as part of the 65th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day celebration activities at Fayetteville's Veterans Park on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Cadet McWherter’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Keith McWherter of Fayetteville were on hand for the ceremony.

The event, sponsored by the Armed Forces of America Motorcycle Club, paid tribute to our men and women of the Armed Forces, past (veterans), present (active duty), and future (ROTC). Cadet McWherter, a model high school student and ROTC cadet, is an example of the quality young men and women aspiring to be our future military leaders.

Cadet McWherter, a graduating senior at Cape Fear High School this summer,will begin his college education experience at UNC Chapel Hill this fall and will be enrolled in the university’s Air Force ROTC Program.

The scholarship was presented on behalf of the Cape Fear Chapter by Chapter President Juan Chavez.

The senior awards ceremony 2014 for Fairmont High School was held at the school on 20 May. During the awards for the JROTC seniors LTC (Ret) Bill Dadek, presented to Cadet Captain Sequita McAllister a certificate for her selection to receive a $1,000.00 scholarship from the Cape Fear Chapter for the school year 2014-2015. The event was attended by families and school staff.

Air Force ROTC Detachment 607 of Fayetteville State University held its commissioning ceremony on 9 may 2014. LtCol Allen Gradnigo, the Professor of Aerospace Studies and Detachment Commander and Capt Alycia Laseck, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and Operations Flight Commander, each administered the oath of office to one of the new second lieutenants. The new officers were 2nd Lt Alanna Crockwell and 2nd Lt Michael Smith. LTC (Ret) Bill Dadek presented a set of gold bars and a one year free membership in MOAA to each of the new officers.

The Air Force ROTC Spring 2014 Dining Out for the combined FSU/UNCP ROTC Detachment 607 was held on 17 April at the Ambiance on Legion Road. Awards were presented to several cadets to recognize their accomplishments during the 2013/2014 school year. Six of the cadets receiving awards will be commissioned on 9 May. 3rd Vice President Bill Dadek presented the MOAA Leadership Medal to Cadet Tarron Sanders and the Cape Fear Chapter $100.00 Leadership Award to Cadet Devonte Lee. The event was hosted by Lt Col Allen Gradnigo, the Air Force Professor of Military Science for Fayetteville State and UNCP.

Pike Field Parade Field, Fort Bragg was the site on 29 September for the presentation of two ROTC scholarships and four leadership awards to Army senior ROTC cadets of the four universities supported by the Cape Fear Chapter of MOAA. The scholarships and awards were presented by Chapter President Juan Chavez , assisted by LTC Ed Pethan, Professor of Military Science, Campbell University.

Cadet Rebecca Lee Tate of Methodist University and Cadet Alyssa Marie Quinones of Fayetteville State University each received a $1,000.00 scholarship. Leadership awards of $100.00 each were presented to Cadets Mathew Wade of Campbell University, Andrew Wheeler of UNC Pembroke, Zachery Hazzard of Methodist University and Steven Grover of Fayetteville State University.

The award ceremony capped a weekend field training exercise conducted by the Campbell ROTC Battalion.

On 29 August 2013 at Fayetteville State University, Air Force Senior ROTC Cadet Kathiusca Alexandra Leon was presented with a Cape Fear Chapter $1,000 ROTC Scholarship by Chapter President Juan Chavez.

The presentation took place at the end of a leadership class given by Lt Col Allen Gradnigo, Jr., USAF, Commander, AFROTC Detachment 607 and Chair and Professor, Department of Aerospace Studies at Fayetteville State University. The assembled cadets were given an overview of MOAA by President Chavez and 3rd Vice President Bill Dadek.

The “Meinhardt” ROTC Scholarship was presented to a senior ROTC cadet at a ceremony presided by Colonel (Retired) Juan Chavez, President of the Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA on 6 August 2013 at the Fort Bragg Club . The $1,000 scholarship was funded by a donation from the seven children of Cape Fear Chapter members, Colonel (Retired) and Mrs. Harry P. Meinhardt to commemorate their parents’ sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. The recipient of the scholarship was Tyler Elrod, a student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was accompanied by his parents, Colonel and Mrs. Ronald P. Elrod of Fort Bragg, also members of the Cape Fear Chapter. The check and accompanying certificate were presented by Colonel Meinhardt. Witnessing the presentation was Mrs. Meinhardt and one of the Meinhardt’s daughters, Mrs. Katrina Tiffany representing all of her siblings.

Monday evening the 3rd of June 2013, Terry Sanford High School held its senior awards in the school gymnasium. President Juan Chavez, presented a $1,000.00 ROTC scholarship to Cadet Connor Patrick Hamlet on behalf of the Cape Fear Chapter. Cadet Hamlet is the son of Rick Hamlet & Gerianne Geszler of Fayetteville; he will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.

President Ira Watkins presents the chapter's annual donation to the Fort Bragg Fisher House.

Accepting the $1,000 check is Ms. Vivian L. Wilson, Business Manager, Fort Bragg Fisher House.

Each year, our chapter funds the attendance of outstanding high school students (normally JROTC cadets) from area high schools within our catchment area for attendance at the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference held at the Freedom Foundation, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

This year the Cape Fear Chapter is funding the attendance of two students at $600 per student. Chapter President Ira Watkins attended the National Sojourners Chapter 97 monthly meeting in Fayetteville on March 11 to make the presentation.

Accepting the $1,200 check is James L. Pugsley, President of the National Sojourners Chapter 97.

Mr. Pugsley in turn presented President Watkins with a certificate of appreciation for the chapter’s long-standing support of their program (click on download below).

President Ira Watkins presents the chapter’s annual donation of $1,000 to Ms. Vivian Wilson the new manager of the Fort Bragg Fisher House since June of this year. Ms. Wilson is a long-time employee of Fisher House Foundation, Inc., having open the first two houses at Walter Reed Medical Center and has served in other locations to include Landstuhl, Germany. She plans to remain the manager of the Fort Bragg Fisher House for the next two years.

Ms. Wilson was appreciative of MOAA's support of Fisher House throughout her career and the various locations that she has served in. In the second photo, Ms. Wilson presents President Watkins with a certificate of appreciation from the Fisher House Foundation, Inc. as a token of their gratitude. Click on download below to view certificate.

Mr. Brian Knight, Area Operations Director, Sandhills USO (right) accepts a $1,000 check from LTC (Ret) Ralph Hinrichs, of the Cape Fear Chapter Board of Directors, representing the chapter's annual contribution to the local USO supporting the Fort Bragg military community.

MAJ (Ret) George Bond, lst Vice President of the Cape Fear Chapter, presents a $1,000 check to Mr. Phil Harris, Executive Director, Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donation represents our chapter’s continued support of the American Red Cross local chapter servicing our active military and their families in the Fort Bragg and surrounding communities.

Ms. Olivia Garner, Development and Fundraising Manager of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation accepts a $500 donation from the Cape Fear Chapter in support of its annual Easter Egg Roll event for kids. Making the presentation is Ralph Hinrichs, ChapterTreasurer.

President Watkins presents Ms. Martha Brown, Director, Army Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Fort Bragg $1,000 in $25 grocery gift cards redeemable at the post commissaries as a donation from the Cape Fear Chapter.

The gift cards are given to soldiers and their families as needed while assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Bragg undergoing medical treatment, evaluation, and/or rehabilitation at Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC).

Witnessing the presentation and displaying a Certificate of Appreciation from the Warrior Transition Battalion to the Cape Fear Chapter, is CSM Whitt, Command Sergeant Major of the Warrior Transition Battalion.

Ms. Renee Lane, Director of the Fort Bragg USO accepts the annual donation of $750 from the Cape Fear Chapter. Making the presentation for the Cape Fear Chapter is COL (Ret) Art Rodriguez from the chapter's executive board.

Mr. Jim Dixon (left), Fort Bragg Fisher House Manager, and Mr. Michael Pringle (right), Executive Assistant, accept a $750 donation from the Cape Fear Chapter presented by Colonel (Ret) Art Rodriguez.

Ralph Hinrichs, representing the CFC, presents a donation of $1,000 on behalf of the chapter to Mr. Phil Harris, Executive Director, Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross in support of disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

President Chavez, assisted by his wife Maria, presents Ms. Martha Brown, Director, Army Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Fort Bragg $1,000 in $25 grocery gift cards redeemable at the post commissaries as a donation from the Cape Fear Chapter.

The gift cards are given to soldiers and their families as needed while assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Bragg undergoing medical treatment, evaluation, and/or rehabilitation at Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC).

Witnessing the presentation is LTC Phil Brown, Commander, Warrior Transition Battalion, WAMC.

See letter of acknowledgement and thanks at download below.

COL (Ret) Art Rodriguez, of the Executive Board, Cape Fear Chapter presents a $750 donation to Ms. Renee Lane, Director of the Fort Bragg USO on behalf of the chapter.

The World Premiere of the play “Downrange: Voices from the Homefront” in March 2016 in Fayetteville received such rave reviews that the need for a video version of the play became immediately apparent.

In response to a solicitation from the Cape Fear Regional Theater to become one of five co-producers of the video production the chapter embraced the project. President Chavez presented a $1,000 check on behalf of the Cape Fear Chapter to Tom Quaintance, Artistic Director of the CFRT; also present were Cape Fear Chapter members Willie Wright and Carol Ivey, both involved in the effort; and, Beth Desloges, Managing Director of the CFRT.

The video was produced for wider viewing by Fort Bragg soldiers, families and leaders; and, perhaps for Army-wide dissemination. The Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA is listed in the “credits” as a co-producer.

Ms. Martha Brown, Director, Army Soldier and Family Assistance Center; Mr. Tony Pugh, a center staff member; and, Major Terry Redd, Executive Officer, Warrior Transition Battalion, Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg accept a donation of thirty $25 commissary gift cards worth $750 from President Chavez on behalf of the Cape Fear Chapter.

The gift cards, redeemable at the post commissaries, are given to soldiers and their families as needed while assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion, undergoing medical treatment, evaluation, and/or rehabilitation.

The Cape Fear Chapter donated $600 to the Fort Bragg Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart to sponsor a wounded warrior home for Christmas. Presenting the check to the soldier on behalf of the chapter is 2nd Vice President George Blanc. Two officers from the MOPH Chapter witness the presentation.

The Cape Fear Chapter made its annual donation to the Fort Bragg Fisher House at their new home. Art Rodriguez, Chapter 1st Vice President presents the $500 check to Ms. Lorie Southerland, Director of the House.

See acknowledgement at download below.

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2024 to Major (Ret) Gerald F. “Jerry” Croll at our Awards and Recognition Luncheon on the 21st of March 2025. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members. The award consists of a rotating trophy which the recipient retains for a year, and a certificate.

The citation reads as follows:

“For sustained outstanding service as Chapter Treasurer from April 2021 to December 2024. Major Croll’s’ stewardship of the Chapter’s finances was singularly outstanding. He mastered the Chapter’s financial accounting and record keeping system in short order resulting in a meticulous, disciplined and accurate accounting of all chapter financial assets and transactions. The three comprehensive reviews (audits) of the financial records of the chapter during his stewardship failed to reveal a single discrepancy in accounting and bookkeeping practices, a testament to his dedication to excellence. Jerry was not only the consummate Treasurer – thorough, meticulous and exact, but as a member of the chapter’s executive board, he was a sagacious advisor. He displayed an unusual grasp of a wide range of issues always contributing to discussions and offering logical and sensible recommendations that frequently influenced chapter policy. He is an inspiration to all and personifies the MOAA’s motto “Never Stop Serving.” His spirit of service, dedication and contributions to the Cape Fear Chapter and the Military Officers Association of America are commendable and justifiably worthy of this most coveted award.”

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

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2022 to Chaplain (LTC) Timothy H. Atkinson at our Awards and Recognition Luncheon on the 18th of March 2023. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members. The award consists of a rotating trophy which the recipient retains for a year, and a certificate.

The citation reads as follows : “For sustained outstanding service as Cape Fear Chapter Chaplain from July 2015 to October 2021. As Chapter Chaplain for over 6 years, Tim Atkinson’s ministry was commendable and widely praised. In addition to his principal duties, he served as the Personal Affairs Officer when that position became vacant, and he volunteered to serve as a member of the ROTC Scholarship Awards Committee and was a regular presenter of MOAA Leadership Awards to JROTC cadets. Whatever the chapter has asked of him, Tim has delivered without equivocation or anticipation of reward. He is an inspiration to others and epitomizes the MOAA’s motto “Never Stop Serving.” Tim Atkinson always exemplified the spirit of service and dedication to the Cape Fear Chapter and the Military Officers Association of America. His contributions over a period of eight years are immeasurable and certainly worthy of the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award.”

Congratulations Tim, 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 bar above.

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2021 to LTC (Ret) Bruce T. Brown at our Awards and Recognition brunch held in the Hodge Room of the Iron Mike Conference Center on the 19th of March 2022. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members. The award consists of a rotating trophy which the recipient retains for a year, and a certificate.

The citation reads as follows: “For sustained distinguished service to the Cape Fear Chapter from January 2013 to December 2021. Bruce has distinguished himself through his steadfast support of the Cape Fear Chapter’s mission since joining the Chapter. He has been a loyal and consistent active participant in chapter meetings, projects, and events, always offering to help in any way he can. He is one of the chapter’s most prolific financial contributors. Whatever the chapter has asked of him, Bruce has delivered without equivocation or anticipation of reward. Bruce’s contributions of his time, talents and treasure over a period of years are extraordinary and certainly worthy of the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award.”

Congratulations Bruce, 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 bar above.

It was my privilege to present the 2020 Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award to Ira Watkins at our May 4, 2021 Board of Directors meeting held at the Iron Mike Conference Center. Plans were to present the award to Ira at the May 7 luncheon, however, Ira was unable to attend because of personal reasons.

Holding to tradition, last year’s recipient of the award, Marty Williams, passed the rotating DeMeter Trophy to Ira who will retain it for one year. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members.

The citation on the award certificate reads as follows: “For outstanding service as President Cape Fear Chapter from January 2019 to December 2020. Ira Watkins displayed superb leadership and resolute dedication to his Chapter and the Military Officers Association of America earning a MOAA 5-star Level of Excellence Award and two 5-star communications awards for 2019. All during 2020, Ira was forced to preside virtually, via ZOOM, because of the Corona virus pandemic. He showed noteworthy sensitivity and compassion in interacting with chapter members who struggled with isolation and other related issues, especially with those who lost loved ones to the virus. His leadership over a 2-year period that included the tumultuous 2020 pandemic was extraordinary and clearly worthy of this coveted award.”

Congratulations Ira, you have the eternal gratitude of all our members for your dedicated service and unselfish contributions to the chapter. You are an inspiration to all of us.

It was my pleasure to announce at our monthly Board of Directors Meeting held by video conference on 7 April 2020 that LTC (Ret) Martin “Marty” Williams is the recipient of the 2019 Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members.

The citation on the award certificate reads as follows: “For sustained outstanding service as 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs, Cape Fear Chapter from December 2015 to December 2019. His faithful and unselfish service on the Chapter’s Executive Board and his work as Chairman, ROTC Scholarship Awards Committee are without equal. Marty discharged his wide-ranging responsibilities in support of 5 university and 25 high school ROTC programs with unparallel dedication and excellence. He routinely drove hundreds of miles traversing a six-county area visiting ROTC units to administer the chapter’s ROTC scholarships and leadership awards programs. His vast contributions to include his donation of travel expenses, are worthy of the highest esteem and his selection as the 2019 recipient of this coveted award.”

Congratulations Marty, you have the eternal gratitude of all our members for your dedicated service and unselfish contributions to the chapter. You are an inspiration to all of us. Our only regret is that we could not present the award to you in person because of the COVID-19 social distancing constraints.

List of previous DeMeter award recipients is at download bar.

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2018 to Carol Ivey at our Awards and Recognition Luncheon held at McKellar’s Lodge on the 16th of March 2019. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members. This is the first time in the history of the chapter that this award was conferred to a surviving spouse.

The certificate reads as follows: “For sustained outstanding service to the Cape Fear Chapter, Military Officers Association of America from January 2013 to December 2018. Her faithful and selfless service on the Chapter’s Executive Board as the Surviving Spouse Liaison Officer for six years is without precedent. In discharging her duties, she never lost sight of her responsibilities to look after the interests and concerns of our surviving spouses. She not only served as an exemplary role model for the ladies, but for the entire Chapter, always carrying herself with dignity and poise. Her long-lasting contributions to the Cape Fear Chapter are worthy of the highest esteem and clearly warrant her selection as the 2018 recipient of this coveted service award.”

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

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.

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2016 to LTC (Ret) Ralph W. Hinrichs, Jr. at our annual Awards and Recognition Luncheon at McKellar’s Lodge on the 25th of March 2017. 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 Personal Affairs Officer, Cape Fear Chapter, from February 2015 to December 2016. Additionally, he assumed the responsibilities of Honor Guard Coordinator, writing its first standing operating procedures; Chapter Liaison to USO Fort Bragg, while serving as a USO volunteer himself; and, agent to the Red Cross , and veterans services agencies. Whatever the mission, LTC Hinrichs executed it enthusiastically without complaint or anticipation of reward. His substantial contributions are worthy of the highest esteem and completely justify his selection as the 2016 recipient of this coveted award.”

Congratulations Ralph, all of us owe you a debt of gratitude for your dedicated service and unselfish contributions to the chapter.

It is a distinct pleasure to announce that the recipient of the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2015 is Mrs. Tammy Beshlin. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow on one of its members.

Tammy was recognized for sustained outstanding service to the chapter as Golf Tournament Director, and Chairperson of the Golf Tournament Committee for the past three years. During that period, Tammy, through her leadership and managerial acumen, was instrumental in raising over $60,000 for the ROTC Scholarship Fund.

Tammy, wife of chapter member LTC (Ret) Dave Beshlin, is the first female recipient of the DeMeter award since its inception in 1998, as well as the first chapter spouse to earn this distinction. Tammy was officially presented the DeMeter trophy by Juan Chavez, Chapter President at our March 17, 2016 general membership meeting.

Congratulations Tammy, you are deserving of every ounce of admiration and gratitude from every member of our chapter for your dedicated service to the chapter.

It is a distinct pleasure to announce that the recipient of the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2014 is LTC (Ret) Doneal G. Gersh, US Army. Don was recognized for sustained outstanding service to the chapter as Chapter Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and Chairman of the Legislative Committee among other contributions. Don was officially presented the DeMeter trophy and certificate by Juan Chavez, Chapter President at our March 6, 2015 general membership meeting. Congratulations Don and thanks for your all your hard work and dedicated service to the chapter.

Members of the CFC devoted a total of 972 volunteer hours in manning the USO lounge at the Fayetteville Regional Airport during 2014. Our heartfelt thanks are extended to chapter members: George Blanc, Jack Cox, Tom Delahunty, Joe Fodor, Bob and Nancy Garman, John Hazlett, Bob Ives, Dave and Dot Miller, Art and Argie Rodriguez, Tom Shipp, Arlie Smith, Burt

VanderClute, Sarah Volkmann, and Drew and Kalli Ziegler. Their dedication and service to our military community are commendable.

It is a distinct pleasure to announce that the recipient of the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2013 is LTC (Ret) William J. Dadek, US Army.

Bill was recognized for sustained outstanding service to the chapter as 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs and Chairman of the ROTC Scholarship Committee for the past 7 years.

Bill was officially presented the DeMeter trophy and certificate by Juan Chavez, Chapter President at our March 28, 2014 general membership meeting. Congratulations Bill and thanks for your dedicated service to the chapter.