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Presidents Corner - August 2008
Approximately 50 Dixie Crows and friends attended the 24 July monthly membership meeting to hear Dr Steve Butler discuss the latest trends in electronic warfare technology. The meeting was conducted by Vice President Mike Jordan, who called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and made several announcements pertaining to recent and upcoming events. Several guests were in attendance, along with distinguished members MGen Nugteren (Ret) and Doug Nation (WR-ALC/EN).
John Shawhan (Program Chairman) introduced Dr Butler, who offered the audience a choice between a briefing on the latest in technology, or one pertaining to management issues. The former was chosen by a wide margin, so Dr Butler went on to discuss several ongoing developments in the area of “Old Crow” weapons. Directed Energy Weapons, including lasers, high power microwaves, charged particle beam weapons, and acoustic weapons, were addressed. Dr Butler provided insight into the various energy levels achievable with such weapons, given available power sources and demonstrated accuracies, and the human effects associated therewith. The presentation held the interest of all attendees, and generated several questions throughout.
Thanks to Dr Butler for the very informative and interesting presentation, and good luck as he moves from WR-ALC to become the AFMC Executive Director later this summer.
Try as he did, Mike could not give away the $300 door prize! Frank Herring and Alphonse Thomas’ names were drawn, but neither was in attendance. Marlow Cooper missed out on the consolation prize as well, but Maj Ross Novack was there to claim $25; congratulations, Ross!
Hope to see you at next month’s meeting, which is scheduled for 28 August.
Annual Picnic
Our annual picnic was held at Vinson Valley 12 July. It was another great success with lots of food, sun and fun for all. Everyone had a grand time including Ms. Bobbie Sue the clown who enjoyed designing tattoos and body art for kids all ages. The kids also enjoyed door prizes, jumping in the moon walk, swimming and busting piñatas. Although we didn’t catch the names of the Black jack winners we understand that the dealers this year were tough! Many thanks to Chef Roadkill who provided another outstanding picnic feed! Everyone definitely had plenty to eat and drink. It was nice seeing new faces and families attending this year. This affair provides an opportunity for the entire family to get out and relax. Hope to see more people out next year. Mark 11 July 2009 on your calendars.
AUGUST SPEAKER
Mrs. June Taylor 330th ASW/CV will be our guest speaker for August. Mrs. Taylor’s career includes a previous tour here at Robins as well as experience at AFMC Hq. Her husband, Bill Taylor, Col. USAF Retired has been a Dixie Crow for years, so June is no stranger.
FALL GOLF OUTING!
Our entertainment chairman, John Carter, has arranged another wonderful golf tourney. Mark your calendar for 12 Sept. The venue is Robins AFB’s “PINE OAKS” course. As usual, there will be food and beverages available as well as an undetermined number of prizes. This is another of John Wayne’s spectacular arrangements and everyone is certain to have a good time.
Upcoming Events
National 8 in 08 Membership Campaign on going thru 8 August 2008.
National Elections Two of our three candidates for national positions got the green light. Col. Tim Freeman was elected Southern Regional Director and Mick Riley achieved National Director-At-Large. Our condolences to Wes H+10 in his quest for President Elect, That honor went to Chris Glaze.
28 Aug 2008 – Monthly Membership Meeting
12 September – Fall Golf Tourney at Pine Oaks Golf Course – RAFB. Shotgun Start beginning at 12:30 cost will be $45.00 per player. The flyer has gone out. See you there!
21 September – Next Braves outing against the NYMets. This is another “Crow” outing. Ticket prices are $20.00. Where else can you get to see a baseball game, tailgate and bus ride for that??
19-23 October – National AOC Convention in Reno, NV
6 December – Christmas Party at the Horizons Club Robins AFB – No December meeting
22-26 March 2009 - Symposium #34 – The Theme is “EW Transformation, New Technology for Operational Systems”. Look for the “Call for Papers” early this month. We will be accepting abstracts until 15 January 2009. Selected presenters will be notified by 1 February.
Many Thanks to Symposium Committee Volunteers!
Many thanks to Doug Nation who has volunteered to be the Vice Chair of the Symposium Committee, Maj. Ross Novack who has volunteered to be Vice Chair on the Technical Sessions Committee and to Maria Flirt for volunteering to be the Vice Chair on the Registration Committee!
NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS!!
The below noted Dixie Crows have won National AOC Awards in their respective categories to be presented at the Annual AOC Convention in Reno Nevada. The award recipients have been sent official letters from AOC Headquarters. Please congratulate them.
Jerome Smith - Pioneer Award
Sandra Hunt – Program Manager
Beverly Soles – Business Development
Mick Riley – Lifetime Achievement
Sam Neal – Lifetime Achievement
CONGRATULATIONS: Enjoy your trip to National in October.
OTHER ITEMS
Scholarships - Julie Julius reports six (6) new scholarship recipients.
Atlanta Falcons Outing - Greg Carter discussed requests to have a football outing. Unfortunately, this is not doable this year. The cost of football tickets has increased greatly and the affordable seats aren’t well situated. If enough people are interested, we can consider a pre-sign up for next season to secure the trip.
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Watch for announcements on local chapter elections. We have 7 people vying for three seats on the board of directors. Ballots must be received by 13 March 09.