McChord Field Chapter Air Force Association

McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
Bringing in the New Year!
Happy holidays from the McChord Field Chapter, AFA
Vicky Mohler of Support America’s Armed Forces
Highlights from 2010
From Left: Jaimie Garrett (Colbalt Mortgage); Mary Moss (Washington
State AFA Secretary); Carlene Joseph (Washington State Treasurer &
McChord Field Chapter Vice President), and Vicky Nelson (Harborstone
Credit Union) at the McChord Air Expo 2010.
Community Partners Rock!!!!
Suzanne Bracher (Harborstone Credit Union) and Airmen from the 446th AW, at AFA Appreciation BBQ.
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
AFA & Community Partners Spreading Cheer
During the Holiday Season
Community Partners and executive
committee members of the McChord
Field Chapter purchased 125 turkeys
or hams to distribute to the 22nd
STS, the 62nd AW, the 446th AW,
and the Western Air Defense Sector.
The programs were called Operations Turkey Drop and Ham Grenade.
Many of these hams or turkeys
were used by the First Sergeants to
prepare food baskets for the younger
enlisted Airmen and their families.
McChord Chapter Executive members dropping off 25 turkeys to the 446th Airlift Wing.
AFA Members distributed another 25 turkeys to the 22nd STS
Paying in Forward for the Holidays!
“The distribution of the turkeys
and hams was a rewarding experience and really set the stage for the
holidays,” said Regina McDaniel, the
McChord Chapter treasurer. “We
were also very thrilled that the
weather remained nice,” Regina
went on to say.
The McChord Chapter is known
for their community service work
and takes great pride in supporting
the Airmen of McChord Field. To
increase the organization’s strength
nationally, membership growth and
retention is the secret to its overall
success. As such, if you have a
friend or family member who believes strongly in supporting the Air
Force, please encourage them to join
the Air Force Association, McChord
Field Chapter. Please feel free to
contact Carlene Joseph at:
carlene.joseph@harborstone.com for further details.
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
McChord Chapter’s Pilot for the Day Program (www.pilot4aday.info)
squadron scarf, tee shirt, stickers, a challenge coin, mini
flashlight, a C-17 Model, framed signed print, a meal, and
snacks during the tour.
The Pilot for the Day Program committee continues to
fundraise to ensure a lasting program. If your organization or business is interested in donating funds, please contact Robert Branscomb at: rbrans4592@aol.com. Additional information about the Pilot for a Day Program can be
found by visiting: pilot4aday.info.
From Left: LtCol. Rodney Lewis (4th AW Squadron Commander), Robert
Branscomb (Pilot for a Day Chairman), Mrs. Malinowski, and Audrey Malinowski. Not featured is Philip Malinowski, Audrey’s brother.
In late summer, Audrey and Philip Malinowski had the opportunity
to become Pilots for the Day. The program is hosted by the McChord
Field Chapter Air Force Association and the 4th Airlift Squadron, and
the objective is to provide a day-long meaningful, positive experience
for medically challenged children (6-14 years old), especially for those
who have been omitted from enjoying the normal joys of childhood.
During the visit, the child is given a flight jacket and suit, a helmet
bag, name tags, patches, AF Flight and Squadron Ball Caps, a
Interested in Donating Funds to the Pilot for
the Day Program? Contact Robert Branscomb
At: rbrans4592@aol.com
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
Toyota of Puyallup Donates Thousands to
Support Service Members
to the military. Last year, she donated 150 food baskets during
the holiday season, complete with turkeys and all the trimmings. The food baskets were delivered via semi truck to JBLM.
Her generosity also extends to previous years when she donated $10.00 for every car she sold to support Reflection Park,
a memorial intended to honor local veterans who lost their lives
during a major conflict. She also played a key role helping Support America's Armed Forces send hundreds of care packages
to deployed military personnel. Thank you Toyota of Puyallup!
Shilo Inn & Suites in Tacoma
From Left: Vicky Nelson (Harborstone CU), Carlene Joseph (SAAF/
AFA/Harborstone CU), Chief Greg Warren (62nd Airlift Wing), Mary
Moss (AFA/Harborstone CU), Kerry Bivens (Owner of Toyota of Puyallup), CSM Matt Barnes (JBLM Garrison), Vicky Mohler (Support America’s Armed Forces), and Herb Schmeling (SAAF).
On December 23rd, Kerry Bivens, the owner of Toyota of Puyallup, donated $12,500.00 to Army Community Services (ACS).
ACS is an organization that benefits the families in need on Joint
Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), including Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors. During the month of December, Bivens offered to donate $100.00 for every car Toyota of Puyallup sold up
to 125 cars. During the check presentation, Bivens handed the
check to Vicky Mohler of Support America's Armed Forces. Also
observing the presentation were the Garrison Command Sergeant Major, Matt Barnes and the 62nd Airlift Wing Chief, Greg
Warren. Both Vicky Mohler and Carlene Joseph, of Support
America's Armed Forces, helped coordinate the behind the
scenes activities to support Bivens.
Bivens is known in the community for her generous support
Conveniently located off Interstate 5, minutes from the Tacoma Dome, near Joint Base Lewis McChord, the 132 room
Shilo Inn & Suites in Tacoma is the ideal place to stay. Getting
around is cheap (free) and easy on the Tacoma Link light rail
that connects one end of downtown Tacoma to the other, between the Tacoma Dome, Museum District, Convention Center
and Theater District. Children 12 and under always stay free
with an adult at Shilo Inns. Dogs welcome with a nominal fee.
Manager: tacomamanager@shiloinns.com
Hotel Phone No: (253) 475-4020
Hotel Fax No: (253) 475-1236
Email: tacoma@shiloinns.com
The Shilo Inn is a very active Community Partner for the
McChord Field Chapter and a solid supporter of he military, so
why not do business with them?
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
President’s Corner,
By Tommy Carson
President Tommy Carson and Mary Moss.
Moss is the AFA Washington State Secretary
The McChord Field Chapter Air Force
Association Chapter continued to grow in
Community Partners during 2011. With
the support of these gracious businesses,
the Chapter was able to host two separate
appreciation barbeques for young Airmen
from the 62nd Airlift Wing and the 446th
Airlift Wing. Combined, there were approximately 700 Airmen in attendance.
The Chapter would like to
give special thanks to Harborstone Credit Union and
Support America’s Armed
Forces for ensuring that the
barbeques went on without
a hitch. The Chapter also
appreciated the assistance
from CMSGT Kari Graham,
LtCol. Anna Sullivan, SMSgt
Ernie Rendon, and CMSGT
Greg Warren for working
behind the scenes to bring
the Airmen to the barbeques.
Community Partners
Paying it Forward
The Pilot for the Day program is something that
we’ve talked about for so
long but never really
launched it until this year.
Past President Robert
Branscomb decided to
spearhead the committee
and now the program is
moving along, but obtaining
financial support is still a
challenge. To all of our
community partners out
there… If you’re interested
in donating funds for this
effort, please send me an
email at:
From Left: Ken Swarner (Northwest Airlifter/The Ranger/
Weekly Volcano) Linda Smith (Lakewood Chamber of Commerce), Carlene Joseph (Harborstone Credit Union), Rick Stevens (GEICO), and Karen Schade (America’s Credit Union).
Looking on were Airmen from McChord Field. A $5,000 donation was given to Operation Warm Heart.
Tommy.carson@us.army.mil
Overall, it has been a
pleasure serving all of our
Airmen. To each and everyone, have a happy New
Year!
Each quarter the members of Pierce Military and
Business Alliance (PMBA) donate large sums of money
to support the Soldiers and Airmen of Joint Base Lewis
McChord and Camp Murray. During different events,
the McChord Chapter partners with this group to support our Airmen on McChord Field. PMBA is comprised of: Harborstone Credit Union, The Boeing C-17
Program, America’s Credit Union, Concrete Technology,
Support America’s Armed Forces, the Washington
Credit Union Foundation, CoinForce.com, Tactical Tailor, GEICO Insurance, The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Regence BlueShield, American Lake Credit Union, the Pierce County
Council, The Ranger/Northwest Airlifter/Weekly Volcano, and DeVry University/Keller Graduate School.
Thank you PMBA for supporting AFA and the Airmen of
McChord Field.
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
AFA National Recognizes McChord Field Chapter Members
Washington State AFA President Fran McGregor presenting the AFA National
Medal of Merit award to McChord Field Chapter President, Tommy Carson.
Washington State AFA President Fran McGregor presenting an
AFA National Medal of Merit award to the Lt Col. Rod Lewis,
Commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron.
Each year Air Force Association (AFA) National requests award nominations from Chapters to recognize
individuals or units that have gone above and beyond in
supporting the AFA goals and objectives. This year, AFA
awarded the Medals of Merit to Tommy Carson, the
McChord Field Chapter President, and Lt. Col. Rodney
Lewis of the 4th Airlift Squadron. Medals of Merit were
also presented to Dennis Primoli, the VP/Veteran Affairs, and Fran McGregor, the Washington State President. Finally, Joe Tucker received the very
prestigious Chairman’s Citation for his exceptional work in the
McChord Field Chapter’s Community Partner program. During
Tucker’s work in the Community Partner program, the Chapter increased its total community partners to over 90+.
Become a Community Partner Today
The McChord Field Chapter’s Community Partners are its heart and
soul. If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re already a Community
Partner. However, many of you belong to Chambers and have access
to other businesses… Please consider asking them to join our dynamic
organization that supports the Airmen of McChord Field. To do this,
please email: carlene.joseph@harborstone.com.
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
Thank You Rotary Club of Hawks Prairie
President Tommy Carson and Andrew Osckewicz (Rotary Club of Hawks
Prairie Past President)
Each year the Rotary Club of Hawks Prairie raises approximately
$35,000 during a Military Family Support Day event that’s dedicated to the support of military families in the area. AFA members Andrew Osckewicz and Dave Newkirk head the project for the
Club. When the event ends, the Club decides what non-profit
agencies would benefit from the funds. As a result, the McChord
Field Chapter received a very generous donation of $500.00 to
benefit the Pilot for the Day Program. The next Military Family
Support Day is scheduled for September 10, 2011, at Cabella’s in
Lacey. Businesses that are interested in sponsoring this very well
attended event can contact Carlene Joseph at:
carlene.joseph@harborstone.com.
We Value our Community Partners
Adriatic Grill
Aerospace Joint Apprentice Committee
America’s Credit Union
American Equipment & Tool
American Lake Credit Union
Anderson Hostnik PLLC
Arbonne
Armed Forces Bank
BCRA, INC.
Bethpage High School
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
The Boeing Company
Cannon Construction Co.
Cartridge World
Cascade Photography
Century Telephone of WA
Craig Chapman
Children’s Village Montessori
Chuckals
Classy Chassis
City of Lakewood
Clover Park School District
Clover Park Technical College
Cobalt Mortgage
CoinForce.com
Columbia Bank
Commercial Driving School
Cornerstone Home Mortgage
Costco, Tacoma
Custom Impressions
Dale Carnegie Training
Edward Jones, Lacey
Edward Jones, DuPont
Elliott Sales/A Division of Geiger
Farelli’s Wood Fire Pizza
Fast Signs
Fir Lane Memorial Park and Funeral Home
Foss Waterway Seaport
Friendly Chevrolet of Puyallup
Dr. John W. Fuchs
GEICO, Lakewood
GEICO, Clackamas
Gene Pankey Motor Co.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington
Gotta Store It
Harborstone Credit Union, Lakewood
Harborstone Credit Union, McChord Field
Harbortsone Credit Union, Tacoma
Harold A. Allen Realtors
Harold LeMay Enterprises, Inc.
HP Company
Insurance Solutions of WA
J. James Rooks, Jr., MD
Kimball’s Auto Body
Kiwanis International
Korum Automotive Associates
Lakes Body Shop
Lakewood Ford
Lakewood Licensing & Transport
Lakewood Towing & Transport
McChord Field Chapter
Air Force Association
Winter 2010 Edition
McChord Chapter Executive Committee
Tommy Carson, McChord Chapter President
Tommy.carson@us.army.mil
Robert Branscomb, Past President, VP/Community Partners, &
Pilot for the Day Program Chairman
rbrans4592@aol.com
Carlene Joseph, First Vice President & Newsletter Editor
Carlene.joseph@harborstone.com
Will Striegel, Second Vice President
whstriegel@comcast.net
Colleen Remaly, Secretary
Colleen.remaly@harborstone.com
Regina McDaniel, Treasurer
rmcdaniel@triwest.com
Tom Hansen, VP/Aerospace Eduction
c130hans@msn.com
Dennis Primoli, VP/Veterans Affairs
lucyleno@aol.com
Gary Brackett, VP/Government Relations
Gary.brackett@tacomachamber.org
Lt Col. Rodney Lewis, 62nd AW Liaison
Rod.lewis@mcchord.af.mil
Lt. Col. Anna Sullivan, 446th AW Liaison
Anna.sullivan@mcchord.af.mil
Newsletter Compliments of:
We Value our Community Partners
LeMay Car Museum
Liberty Inn, Tacoma
Liberty Inn, DuPont
Lobban Photography Inc.
Luce and Associates PS
McChord Firestone
McNamara’s Pub and Eatery
Mega Cars LLC/AAMCO Transmission
Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Sean Murphy
Murray Sales Company
Neo Wood Fired Pizza
NetworRX M.D., University Place
NetworRX M.D., Seattle
New York Fire Dept.
Northrop Grumman
Office of Congressman Adam Smith
Old Country Buffet
Parkland Quickprint Center
Patriot’s Landing
Pet Brigade
Pet Ponderosa Resort & Spa
Pierce County Council District 6
Pierce County Economic Development Div.
Pioneer Services
Potpourri Floral
Premier Delivery INC
Pursut.com
Ranger Publishing Company
Red Lion Hotel, Tacoma
Red Lion Hotel, SeaTac
Rite in the Rain
Rob’s Camera Center
Rotary Club of Hawks Prairie
Sears, Tacoma
Shilo Inn Suites
Signs by Tomorrow
Soundbuilt Homes
Support America’s Armed Forces
Tacoma Goodwill Industries
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
Tacoma Rainiers
Talkfusion
The Inn at Gig Harbor
The News Tribune
Thomas E. Habesetzer Real Estate
Titus-Will-Ford-Toyota
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
USAA
US Family Health Plan
USO Puget Sound
U.W.D. MFG Inc.
Western Washington Fair Association
Westside Community Bank, Puyallup
Windermere Key Realty, Gig Harbor
World Ventures