SummerFall 2007

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COMO OLIVER HAZARD PERRY POST

Volume 5 Issue 2 Summer/Fall 2007

GREETINGS FROM COMMANDER
MCFEE

Since your last newsletter, a number of things have transpired – one is the new picture in the Commander’s block. We have a new group of officers, dedicated to continuing the traditions started by our first Commander, Bob McKinlay and continued by Scottie McIlquham and Dick Leaver. We’ll also endeavor to make a few improvements along the way. Your new elected officers are, in addition to myself, VC Glenn Morrison, Adjutant Jerry Rees and Comptroller Mark Melroy. In the appointive offices, John Palmer continues as Chaplain, and Neil Campbell replaces Jack Guyselman as Color Sergeant. Jack asked to be relieved due to health considerations. VC Glenn is doing double duty as Quartermaster, and I have, by default, continued as Seannachie. (Job’s open for any volunteers.)

The new system of dues payments is working well. We can keep better track of the situation with our members.

Our December meeting will also be our Christmas party and will be held on December 13. Instead of our normal gift exchange, we’ll be collecting for families of Ohio Guardsmen in need. Program will be (surprise) MAJ Jodie McFee on her time in Iraq.

Here’s a brief synopsis of what’s happened up to now. Pictures follow of most of the events.

MAY- We continued our annual tradition of presenting a SAMS medal and certificate to deserving ROTC cadets and middies at The Ohio State University, one each to the Army, Air Force and Navy Programs. We had a good turnout – Attending one or all of the ceremonies were Leaver, McKinlay, Morrison, Rees, Burnett, McFee (even Jeanne attended one).

We had two vehicles in the Worthington Memorial Day parade, Commander Leaver’s motorcycle and Adjutant McFee’s truck. Neil rode shotgun for Dick and carried the flag. We drew a number of cheers and tears as the spectators read the signs on the truck saying “Mommy’s in Iraq” along with a picture of deployed member MAJ Jodie McFee. The kids rode in the back along with dad Jerry Rees and other members and guests.

JUNE - We held our election of officers at our quarterly meeting.

Our post served as color guard for the Ohio Scottish Games. We performed those duties well with the extra touch of VC Morrison losing his kilt. Thank goodness for long shirts. I think (hope) we’ll be invited back next year.

JULY- Outgoing PC Leaver was under the weather, so incoming PC McFee, incoming Adjutant Rees and Chaplain Palmer made the trek to London for an impromptu change of command ceremony. Dick served his famous pork and kraut dinner as a surprise and gave us a tour of his new digs at son Rick’s estate/airport. As a part of the Change of Command, Dick was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a two year paid membership to National and Post.

SEPTEMBER – We had our regular quarterly meeting, where the new officers were introduced. Past Commander Leaver presented John McCullough with a Certificate of Appreciation for his service as Comptroller from 2001 to 2007. Jack Guyselman also received (although he wasn’t there to accept) a like certificate for his service as Color Sergeant from 2001-2007. John McCullough serenaded us, and was as usual, superb.

OCTOBER - We attended and our pipers played at the Welcome Home Ceremony for the 237 RAOC after a 14 month deployment. We now have MAJ Jodie McFee back in the fold (Dad, Mom and Husband breathe a sigh of relief).

NOVEMBER – We piped in the colors at the annual Dining Out for the OHARNG Recruiting Battalion. This is our fourth year and it has become another of our traditions. No doubt we’ll be invited back next year, since MAJ Jodie is the new XO of the Battalion.

We took part in the Columbus Veterans’ Day Parade. This year we were able to add to our convoy a 1942 Jeep, courtesy of Jack Buchanan. It was delivered to the parade site by Jack Guyselman who graciously relinquished the controls to Mark Melroy who, after a thirty-year hiatus, remembered how to drive a stick shift and operate with minimal brakes (the color guard in front of us was especially grateful for that).

Those who were able attended the Welcome Home party at Aladdin Shrine Center for Jodie hosted by Jerry. Quite an affair! No one should have left hungry or underserved. We did some piping, accompanied by Aladdin P & D Director Jim Bradham.

MAJ Jodie McFee presented a program on her time in Iraq to a local seniors’ group at the request of Dave Burnett.

HAPPENINGS AMONG OUR ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS –

COL Jerry Rees graduated from the Army War College in June.

MAJ Jodie McFee returned from Iraq deployment in October and has assumed her new duties as XO of the OHARNG Recruiting Bn.

CPT Joe Dickerson, Jr. has returned from Special Forces School and is teaching in the Military Science Dept at OSU.

We solicit your support and ideas in the coming year and a half.

Long may yer lum reek

Ray

ROTC AWARDS