MOAA leadership medals and certificates for outstanding leadership were presented by LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs, to four exemplary ROTC cadets.

The four award recipients were (left to right): Cadet Holly Bunce, Methodist University; Cadet Jake Gregory, Campbell University; Cadet Kristen Cooper, Fayetteville State University; and Cadet Brian Kruse, UNC Pembroke.

The presentation took place on a chilly and breezy Sunday morning at a Fort Bragg training area at the conclusion of FTX Trailblazer which is the Campbell ROTC Battalion annual year-end field training exercise. During the FTX cadets demonstrate their leadership and soldiering skills such as land navigation, patrolling, camouflage, first aid, among other tasks. The FTX also tests their physical fitness for combat.

The assembly consisted of a formation of 200 cadets and cadre in four companies representing each university cohort in the battalion.

The future of our military is in good hands with prospective officers like these cadets of the Campbell University Army ROTC Battalion!

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:

Cape Fear HS, Cadet Julia Sibanda, Navy JROTC, May 5

Clinton HS, Cadet Micah Hicks, Army JROTC, Mar 18

Douglas Byrd HS, Cadet Esther Cazaves Ixtepan, Army JROTC, April 29

E.E. Smith HS, Cadet Stephen Lattimore, Air Force JROTC, May 7

East Bladen HS, Cadet Amari Richardson, Army JROTC, May 11

Fairmont HS, Cadet Kaitlyn Hunt, Army JROTC, May 22

Gray’s Creek HS, Cadet Brianna Pilkington, Navy JROTC, April 26

Harnett Central HS, Cadet Wyatt Simcox, Army JROTC, May 5

Hoke County HS, Cadet Deontra McEachern, Army JROTC, May 3

Jack Britt HS, Cadets Christian Kernells and Victoria Shepherd, Army JROTC, Mar 8

Lakewood HS, Cadet Vannessa Duncan, Army JROTC, May 19

Lumberton Senior HS, Cadet Jordan Martin, Army JROTC, May 12

Overhills HS, Cadet Hunter Montanez, Army JROTC, May 9

Pine Forest HS, Cadet Brandon Rhea, Air Force JROTC, May 1

Purnell Swett HS, Cadets John Vickers and Ryan Clark, Army JROTC, May 6

Red Springs HS, Cadet Cristina Cubas, Army JROTC, May 22

Saint Paul’s HS, Cadet Lucero Hernandez, Army JROTC, April 13

Seventy First HS, Cadet Suryah Ethridge, Air Force JROTC, May 6

South View HS, Cadet Clarisse Gillmore, Army JROTC, April 2

Terry Sanford HS, Cadet Kristina Francis, Air Force JROTC, April 16

Triton HS, Cadet Zucel Lopez, Army JROTC, April 30

Union HS, Cadet Brianna Serrano, Army JROTC, May 6

West Bladen HS Cadet Angie Garido Perez, Army JROTC, May 11

Western Harnett HS, Cadets Kierstyn Barnes and Rachel Haynes, Army JROTC, May 20

Westover HS, Cadet Saivon Hatch, Army JROTC, May 3

Cadet Marquize D. Woodson, Army ROTC, University of North Carlina-Pembroke was awarded the Meinhardt Senior ROTC Scholarship valued at $3,500

Cadet Jasmine J. Thompson-Yanes, Army ROTC, Fayetteville State University was awarded the Charles Pimble ROTC Scholarship valued at $3,000

Two Cape Fear Chapter Scholarships valued at $3,000 each were awarded to:

Cadet Andrei W. Fennimore, Army ROTC, Campbell University

Cadet David B. Hudson, USAF ROTC, Methodist University

MOAA leadership medals and certificates for outstanding leadership were presented by LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs, to four exemplary ROTC cadets.

The four award recipients were (left to right): Cadet Brandi Tucker, Methodist University; Cadet Rebecca Lewis, Campbell University; Cadet Mathew Noonan, Fayetteville State University; and Cadet Miranda Lee, UNC Pembroke.

The presentation took place on a chilly and breezy Sunday morning at a Fort Bragg training area at the conclusion of FTX Trailblazer which is the Campbell ROTC Battalion annual year-end field training exercise. During the FTX cadets demonstrate their leadership and soldiering skills such as land navigation, patrolling, camouflage, first aid, among other tasks. The FTX also tests their physical fitness for combat.

The assembly consisted of a formation of 160 to 200 cadets and cadre in four companies representing each university cohort in the battalion.

The future of our military is in good hands with prospective officers like these cadets of the Campbell University Army ROTC Battalion!

Cadet Lynette M. Medina, Air Force ROTC, Fayetteville State University was the winner of the Meinhardt Senior ROTC Scholarship valued at $2,000.00.

Three Arlie R. Smith Memorial Scholarship Awards valued at $1,500 each were awarded to:

Cadet Jesse T. Aasman, Army ROTC, Methodist University

Cadet Jeremiah L. Harlee, Army ROTC, Campbell University

Cadet Madrigal A. Sanchez, Army ROTC, University of North Carolina Pembroke

JROTC SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Cadet Kylie M. Phorimavong, Army JROTC, Overhills High School, Spring Lake, NC was the winner of the Bill Dadek Memorial Scholarship Award valued at $2,000.00.

Two Cape Fear Chapter MOAA JROTC Scholarships valued at $1,500.00 each were awarded to:

Cadet Zamaya N. Marshall, Army JROTC, Clinton High School, Clinton, NC

Cadet Andrew C. Moreshead, Air Force JROTC, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville, NC

Cadet Javier Fuentes, Air Force JROTC, a senior at E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville was the recipient of the 2020 Bill Dadek Memorial Scholarship ($2,200.00). Cadet Fuentes will continue his studies at East Carolina University in the Fall.

$1,700.00 Scholarships were awarded to the following JTOTC Cadets:

Cadet Maria F. Colon De La Cruz, Air Force JROTC, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Jackson J. Rogers, Air Force JROTC, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Frida Salas Caldera, Air Force JROTC, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Colby Rainey, Army JROTC, Hoke County High School, Raeford

Cadet Larken C. Summerour, Army JROTC, Lumberton High School, Lumberton

Cadet Jessica Alvarez, Air Force JROTC, E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville

Because of Covid-19 safety concerns, there were no public presentation of scholarships this year.

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:

Cape Fear HS, Cadet Wesley Tomas, Navy JROTC, May 3

Clinton HS, Cadet Ruth Camacena, Army JROTC, Mar 15

Douglas Byrd HS, Cadet Adrian Ramirez, Army JROTC, May 3

E.E. Smith HS, Cadet Elijah Alford, Air Force JROTC, May 11

East Bladen HS, Cadet Hunter Clark, Army JROTC, May 8

Fairmont HS, Cadet Kaitlyn Hunt, Army JROTC, May 22

Gray’s Creek HS, Cadet Olivia Jones, Navy JROTC, April 30

Harnett Central HS, Cadet Joy Capra, Army JROTC, May 4

Hoke County HS, Cadet Addison Madrid, Army JROTC, May 7

Jack Britt HS, Cadet Kennedy Barnes, Army JROTC, Mar 8

Lakewood HS, Cadet Isabella Dolin, Army JROTC, May 23

Lumberton Senior HS, Cadet Kaley Fields, Army JROTC, May 9

Overhills HS, Cadet Joseph Barnes, Army JROTC, May 9

Pine Forest HS, Cadet Ariah Davenport, Air Force JROTC, April 10

Purnell Swett HS, Cadet Caleb Jacobs, Army JROTC, May 3

Red Springs HS, Cadet Cristina Cubas, Army JROTC, May 22

Saint Paul’s HS, Cadet Joshua Harlee, Army JROTC, April 13

Seventy First HS, Cadet Suryah Ethridge, Air Force JROTC, April 5

South Robeson HS, Cadet Jacob Strickland, Army JROTC, May 15

South View HS, Cadet Daniel Morrison, Army JROTC, April 13

Terry Sanford HS, Cadet Catherine Adam, Air Force JROTC, April 5

Triton HS, Cadet Emiley Obregon, Army JROTC, April 27

Union HS, Cadet Carlos Gutierrez, Army JROTC, May 4

West Bladen HS Cadet Jacob Young, Army JROTC, May 16

Western Harnett HS, Cadet Dante Kelley, Army JROTC, May 17

Westover HS, Cadet Vinajah Martin, Army JROTC, April 27

LTC Williams, 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs presented scholarship certificates to Cadet Lindsey E. Pritchard, Methodist University and Cadet Lianora T. Areevong, Campbell University.

Cadet Pritchard (top) was the winner of the $2,000 Meinhardt Scholarship and was presented a certificate and a plaque. Cadet Areevong received a $1,500 scholarship and was presented a certificate.

Presentations took place at Fort Bragg on 6 November 2018 upon completion of FTX Trailblazer.

MOAA leadership medals and certificates for outstanding leadership were presented by LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs, to four exemplary senior ROTC cadets. The four cadets were (left to right): Josh Alonzo, Fayetteville State University; James H. Browning, Campbell University; Cody A. Erickson, UNC Pembroke; and, Matthew G. Pemberton, Methodist University.

The presentation took place at a Fort Bragg training area at the conclusion of FTX Trailblazer which is an annual exercise in which the cadets learn and practice various soldiering skills. Approximately 193 cadets from the four schools represented by the awardees participated in the training exercise.

Cadet Zachary A. Hunter, Air Force JROTC, a senior at Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville was the recipient of the 2018 Bill Dadek Memorial Scholarship. The Dadek Scholarship is the Chapter’s top JROTC scholarship worth $2,000. It was presented by NC State Representative John Szoka, assisted by Maureen Dadek, and Chapter President Chavez. Cadet Hunter will continue his studies at the Citadel in the fall.

$1,500 Scholarships were presented to the following JROTC cadets:

Cadet Ariel M. Allbrooks, Army JROTC, Lumberton High School, Lumberton

Cadet William L. Harris, Air Force JROTC, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Andrea E. Little, Air Force JROTC, E. E. Smith High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Jeshaiah Y. Moore, Army JROTC, Lumberton High School, Lumberton

Cadet Natalia J. Morales, Air Force JROTC, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Glenda V. Torres, Army JROTC, Clinton High School, Clinton

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 Thomas Hernandez, Clinton City High School Army JROTC, 23 February

Cadet Clark Hunter, East Bladen High School Army JROTC, 11 April

Cadet Aidan Hay, Douglas Byrd High School Army JROTC, 13 April

Cadet Jason Riley, Jack Britt High School Army JROTC, 20 April

Cadet Jeremiah Harlee, St. Pauls High School Army JROTC, 21 April

Cadet Abigail Woodham, Pine Forest High School Air Force JROTC, 25 April

Cadet Masaada Sampson, Cape Fear High School Navy JROTC, 27 April

Cadet Logan Locklear, Purnell Swett High School Army JROTC, 27 April

Cadet Adrian Campos, Western Harnett High School Army JROTC, 27 April

Cadet Antonie Munn, South View High School Army JROTC, 28 April

Cadet Helen Jarquin, Union High School Army JROTC, 28 April

Cadet Michael D. Marbut, Triton High School Army JROTC, 28 April

Cadet Robert Nunnery, Gray’s Creek High School Navy JROTC, 1 May

Cadet Bianca Lorenzo, Terry Sanford High School Air Force JROTC, 4 May

Cadet Julian Deickmanm, Hoke High School Army JROTC, 8 May

Cadet Kieara Porter, West Bladen High School Army JROTC, 8 May

Cadet Christian Clark, Lumberton High School Army JROTC, 10 May

Cadet Robert Elbert, Overhills High School Army JROTC, 10 May

Cadet Brandon Lancaster, E.E. Smith High School Air Force JROTC, 11 May

Cadet Joshua Robinson, Seventy First High Schoo Air Force JROTC, 18 May

Cadet Maria Resendiz, Harnett Central High School Army JROTC, 19 May

Cadet Jakeisha Jackson, Fairmont High School Army JROTC, 22 May

Cadet Chkylle Boado, Westover High School Army JROTC, 23 May

MOAA Medals for leadership were presented by LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs, to the four outstanding SROTC cadets. They are from left to right: Karen Shoaf, Campbell University; Earnest Barnie, FSU; Scott Khimani, Methodist University; and, Austin Jenkins, UNCP. Each cadet also received a $100.00 stipend from the chapter. Congratulations to all of them!

The presentation took place at a Fort Bragg training area at the conclusion of FTX Trailblazer which is an annual exercise in which the cadets learn and practice various soldiering skills. Approximately 100 cadets from the four schools represented by our awardees participated in this important training. There were number of other awards presented by the cadet leadership to their peers as well as awards from the Army ROTC cadre. Morale was high and everyone seemed to enjoy the program.

We welcome COL (Ret) Jim Wanovich, US Army as the new Senior Army ROTC Instructor at Jack Britt High School, Fayetteville effective the 2017-2018 school year.

COL Wanovich is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and a 1991 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He has served in conventional and special operations units throughout the Army and commanded units through the battalion level. COL Wanovich culminated his 26 year career serving with the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg.

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 Kendre Perez, Jack Britt High School Army JROTC, March 24

Cadet Carly Inman, South View High School Army JROTC, March 31

Cadet Keylen Canedo, Douglas Byrd High School Army JROTC, April 21

Cadet Denzel Burney, East Bladen High School Army JROTC, April 26

Cadet Elizabeth Locklear, Triton High School Army JROTC, April 28

Cadet Sharnice Belser, Union High School Army JROTC, April 29

Cadet Isaiah Harlee, St. Pauls High School Army JROTC, April 29

Cadet Mason Poole, Gray’s Creek High School Navy JROTC, May 2

Cadet Emily Fann, Terry Sanford High School Air Force JROTC, May 5

Cadet Brandon Jones, Cape Fear High School Navy JROTC, May 5

Cadet Jerry Pressley, Hoke High School Army JROTC, May 9

Cadet Melanny Zunun, West Bladen High School Army JROTC, May 9

Cadet Nicholas Gomez-Santiago, Western Harnett High School Army JROTC, May 11

Cadet Dylan Nelson, Overhills High School Army JROTC, May 11

Cadet Jeshaiah Moore, Lumberton High School Army JROTC, May 11

Cadet Andrea Little, E.E. Smith High School Air Force JROTC, May 12

Cadet Adrian Rangel, Westover High School Army JROTC, May 17

Cadet Nicholaus Amos, Seventy First High School Air Force JROTC, May 19

Cadet Michaela McPhail, Lakewood High School Army JROTC, May 19

Cadet Ashley Resendiz, Harnett Central High School Army JROTC, May 20

Cadet Jeissi Vasquez, Clinton City High School Army JROTC May, 24

Cadet Benjamin Bouriaque, Pine Forest High School Air Force JROTC, May 30

Cadet Samantha McCartney, Air Force JROTC, a senior at Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville was the recipient of the 2017 Bill Dadek Memorial Scholarship. The Dadek Scholarship is the Chapter’s top JROTC scholarship worth $1,500. It was presented by Mayor Nat Robertson, assisted by Maureen Dadek, and Chapter President Chavez. Cadet McCartney will continue her studies at Appalachian State University in the fall.

$1,000 Scholarships were presented to the following JROTC cadets:

Cadet Noah Bagby, Army JROTC, Harnett Central High School, Angier

Cadet Sharnice Belser, Army JROTC, Union High School, Rose Hill

Cadet Logan Dublin, Army JROTC, Hoke County High School, Raeford

Cadet Austin McWherter, Navy JROTC, Cape Fear High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Tristen Orr, Air Force JROTC, E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Rhiannon Potwin, Army JROTC, Jack Britt High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Krishawn Royal, Army JROTC, Hoke County High School, Raeford

Cadet Noah Scott, Army JROTC, Westover Hight School, Fayetteville

We welcome LTC (Ret) Jon S. Pendell, US Army as the new Senior Army ROTC Instructor at Clinton High School effective the 2016-2017 school year. Colonel Pendell recently retired at Fort Bragg after 26 years of active military service. He lives in Fayetteville with his wife Spring, and son Samuel. Colonel Pendell joined the chapter and he looks forward to the association. We wish him the best of success in his new post.

Mr. John Miller, new Manager of the Fort Bragg Fisher House accepts a $1,000 check from Chapter President Rich Underwood. The contribution represents the chapter's annual donation to the Fort Bragg Fisher House.

Cape Fear Chapter Vice President George Bond presents a $1,000 check to Mr. Phil Harris, Executive Director, Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donation represents our chapter’s annual contribution to the American Red Cross local chapter servicing our active military and their families in the Fort Bragg area.

The donation to the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg Food Pantry was made earlier this year as inflation is driving up demand for food assistance by military families and veterans experiencing food insecurity. The food assistance provided by the pantry during the first six months of 2022 already exceeds the assistance provided during the entire year of 2021.

Juan Chavez representing the Cape Fear Chapter presents a $1,000 check to Ms. Katrina Somers, Food Pantry Manager. Witnessing the presentation is Mr. Jeremy Hester, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg.

P.S. Click on download bar at right to access thank you letter from AS YMCA Fort Bragg.

Cape Fear Chapter Vice President Marty Williams presents a $1,000 donation check to the USO Fort Bragg in support of active military and their families in the Fort Bragg area. Accepting the donation is Mr. Grant Strayer, Center Operations Supervisor for the USO.

President Rich Underwood visited the Fort Bragg Army Soldier and Family Assistance Center to present $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).

Accepting the gift cards on behalf of the Warrior Transition Battalion were Captain Roe and First Sergeant Thompson. Witnessing the presentation were some soldiers currently assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion.

The Cape Fear Chapter continues to support the food pantry operated by the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg that provides food provisions to military families and veterans experiencing food insecurity.

Chapter President Rich Underwood, makes the presentation of a $1,000 check to Ms. Yahaira Nadermann, Food Pantry Manager at the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg.

Ms. Vivian Wilson, Manager of the Fort Bragg Fisher House accepts a $1,000 check from Chapter President Rich Underwood. The contribution represents the chapter's annual donation to the Fort Bragg Fisher House.

As a token of their appreciation, the chapter was presented with a certificate of appreciation (click on download bar at right).

Mr. Brian Knight, Sandhills USO Area Center Operations and Programs Manager accepts a $1,000 check from Jerry Croll, Cape Fear Chapter Treasurer, representing the chapter's annual donation to the local USO supporting the active military and their families in the Fort Bragg area.

George Bond, Member of the Cape Fear Chapter Board of Directors, presents a $1,000 check to Mr. Phil Harris, Executive Director, Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donation represents our chapter’s annual contribution to the American Red Cross local chapter servicing our active military and their families in the Fort Bragg area.

The Cape Fear Chapter answered the call for donations to support the food pantry operated by the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg that provides food provisions to military families and veterans experiencing food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unusually high demands on the food pantry this year.

Ralph Hinrichs, Chapter Treasurer, makes the presentation of a $1,000 check to Carrie Benick, Community Relations Manager who oversees the food pantry among other programs at the Fort Bragg YMCA.

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.

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.

The CFC Honor Guard was established in 1998 to pay respects and provide support to the families of deceased chapter members upon request. The Honor Guard provides sentries at the casket or urn during the visitation, and serves as honorary pall bearers at the funeral service.