The Arizona Chapter MOAA luncheon was held at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club on January 19, 2008. The guest speaker was 1Lt Frank Helton accompanied by Capt Mike Braten both members of the Arizona Rangers. The Rangers are a volunteer group, serve without pay, buy their own uniforms and equipment and are an extension of any law enforcement agency that requests their assistance.                                               

Arizona Ranger 1Lt Frank Helton

Arizona Rangers 1Lt Frank Helton and Capt Mike Braten

The MOAA Officers elected for 2008 were sworn in by Chaplain Bob Rutherford and Past President Dan Conway: President Terry Tassin, 2nd VP and Secretary Ron Perkins, Legislative Gary Fredricks, Director Chet Baumer, Director Chuck Schluter and Director Ron Green.

Chapter President Terry Tassin presents Lt Frank Helton with a set of MOAA tumblers

A group photo of those who keep the Arizona Chapter moving was taken with the MOAA Flags.  Left to right are Webmaster Tom Houser, Past President Dan Conway, Legislative Gary Fredricks, Director Chet Baumer, Director Chuck Schluter, Director Ron Green and 2nd VP and Secretary Ron Perkins.

The Arizona Chapter MOAA met February 16, 2008 at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club.

The guest speaker was Jean McFarland, a local business woman and member of the National Speakers Association.  Her topic was Bullies in the Work Place. 

As the result of a plea by Gary Fredricks for someone to step forward to take the editor's position for the Sentinel, Jim Cullison did just that.  Many thanks to Jim.

President Terry Tassin presenting Jean a set of tumblers

The Arizona Chapter MOAA met March 15, 2008 at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club. 

Gary Fredricks spoke again on the necessity for all members to follow up with the post cards from the MOAA Magazine or we will see a very large increase in the cost of health insurance.  The DOD is at it again.

The guest speaker was BG Wayne Hoffman our National MOAA Chaplain and his topic was "Facing the Future without Fret or Fear."  Many of us are well down the road of life and have made some degree of planning for the inevitable, but no one of any age has a guarantee on the amount of time one has left.  MOAA had made every effort to provide us with plans and checklists to insure spouses have all the information needed when the time comes (that applies both ways, by the way).

Two members donated tickets for sports games which were auctioned off by auctioneer Terry Tassin with the proceeds going to our JROTC Scholarship Fund.  Thanks to Jo Ann Thompson and Ron Drew. for the ticket donations.

Our guest speaker BG Wayne Hoffman, National MOAA Chaplain

Auctioneer Terry Tassin

The Arizona Chapter MOAA met April 19, 2008 at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  Attendance was down, but those who did attend enjoyed a great steak lunch and a lot of good conversation.

Our guest speaker had a death in the family, but his spot was filled by Tom Nelson, President of the Toastmaster's Club who spoke on the Sub Prime Mortgage crisis.  He was presented a set of MOAA Tumblers in appreciation by Chapter President Terry Tassin.

The May meeting of the Arizona Chapter MOAA was held at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club.

Four JROTC students were selected by the awards committee to receive one thousand dollar scholarship awards. 

They were Tyler Skomp, Central High, Craig Brewster, Cactus High, Jonathan Porter, Sandra Day High and Alexandra Sanchez, Cortez High.  Gordon Carson represented Courtesy Chevrolet in the award to Tyler Skomp and COL Alice Demarais represented Tri-West in the award to Craig Brewster.  President Terry Tassin presented the awards to Johathan Porter and Alexandra Sanchez.  Each of the recipients gave a short talk on their thoughts for the future.

                            Craig Brewster

               Tyler Skomp                                        Jonathan Porter

               Alexandra Sanchez

We only had a total of 25 persons in attendance, but we had a good time.
Don played a number of polkas that went along with the October Fest theme.
 

Don Ford performing some very fine music for our listening pleasure

Angela Toy and her granddaughter Cheryl as well as Clare Gannon attended - it was good to see them again

It is with deep regret that we record the death of William "Bill" Johnson, our the long time Treasurer of the Arizona Chapter MOAA.  He passed away on November 2, 2008.

The Arizona Chapter MOAA (The first chapter) met November 15, 08 at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler.  And, what a nice place for a picnic.  Beautiful shelters near the lake with the area clean and neat. 

Marie Fredricks organized the catered food and if you missed it, you should not have as it was delicious.  Baby back ribs, roast beef, shredded beef, baked beans, cole slaw, carrot cake and soft drinks and lots of it enjoyed by all. 

The prepared slate of officers was filled with the exception of the Secretary and there being no nominations from the floor the slate was voted in by acclimation.