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.

We welcome Captain (Ret) Timothy K. Peedin, US Air Force, as the new Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville effective the 2016-2017 school year. He lives in Sanford with his wife Melanie; they have two daughters, Kayla and Shaianne. Captain Peedin joined the chapter and he looks forward to the association. We wish him the best of success in his new job.

The Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA welcomes Lt Col Jay D. Miller, USAF, as the new Commander of the AFROTC Detachment 607th. Lt Col Miller will also serve as the Professor of Aerospace Studies at Fayetteville State University. He replaces Lt Col Heber “Bull” Toro who was reassigned.

Lt Col Miller’s most recent assignment was as the 512th Airlift Control Flight Commander, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. He with his wife and their four children will reside in Fayetteville.

The Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA welcomes LTC Eric N. Durrant, as the new Commander of the Campbell Battalion, 4th Brigade, US Army Cadet Command. LTC Durrant will also serve as the Army Professor of Military Science at Campbell University. He replaces LTC Brian Scott who was reassigned as Executive Officer, 4th Brigade, US Army Cadet Command at Fort Bragg.

LTC Durrant’s most recent assignment was as S3, 18th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Bragg. He resides with his wife and their four children in Carolina Lakes.

The second annual Meinhardt Scholarship was presented to Cadet Joshua L. Freeman, Army ROTC, Methodist University. The Meinhardt Scholarship is the Chapter’s top ROTC scholarship worth $1,500. The memorial scholarship is named in honor of the late COL (Ret) and Mrs. Harry P. Meinhardt.

$1,000 scholarships were awarded to the following ROTC Cadets:

Cadet Joey Musiol, Army ROTC, University of Georgia

Cadet Rebecca M. Mattias, Army ROTC, Methodist University

Cadet Zariana R. Mobley, Air Force ROTC, Fayetteville State University

Cadet Ivy S. Pope, Air Force ROTC, Fayetteville State University

Cadet St. Joseph V. Hall, Army ROTC, University of North Carolina Pembroke

Cadet Austin G. Jenkins, Army ROTC, University of North Carolina Pembroke

Cadet Patrick E. Woods, Army ROTC, University of North Carolina Pembroke

Cadet Aliyah Jordan, Air Force JROTC, a senior at Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville was the recipient of the inaugural Bill Dadek Memorial Scholarship. The Dadek Scholarship is the Chapter’s top JROTC scholarship worth $1,500. It was presented by Maureen Dadek on behalf of the Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA. Cadet Jordan will continue her studies at UNC Chapel Hill.

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

Cadet Christian Cortazar, Army JROTC, South View High School, Fayetteville

Cadet Patricia Valdes-Gonzalez, Army JROTC, Union High School, Rose Hill

The Cape Fear Chapter had the privilege of presenting MOAA leadership awards to the following senior ROTC cadets in recognition of finishing at the top of their class in demonstrated leadership skills during the school year 2015-2016. Awards consisted of the MOAA medal and certificate, plus a $100 stipend courtesy of the Cape Fear Chapter.

Cadet De' Vonte Lee, Air Force ROTC, Fayetteville State University

Cadet Magda Matthews, Army ROTC, Fayetteville State University

Cadet Kaylee O'Connell, Army ROTC, Campbell University

Cadet Amanda Pulliam, Army ROTC, Methodist University

Cadet Patrick Woods, Army ROTC, University of North Carolina Pembroke

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 Christian L. Cortazar, South View High School Army JROTC; March 11th.

Cadet Charles Starling, Clinton High School Army JROTC; March 11th.

Cadet Hunter Lanterman, St. Pauls High School Army JROTC; March 19th.

Cadet Keala Harris, Jack Britt High School Army JROTC; April 15th.

Cadet Patricia Valdes-Gonzalez, Union High School Army JROTC; April 16th.

Cadet Chevin Rivera, Pine Forest High School Air Force JROTC; April 23rd.

Cadet Cason W. Goldsmith, East Bladen High School Army JROTC; April 29th.

Cadet Taleyah Holden, Triton High School Army JROTC; April 30th.

Cadet Branden Elicker, Grays Creek High School Navy JROTC; May 3rd.

Cadet Jared Bolin, Cape Fear High School Navy JROTC; May 6th.

Cadet Rosa Alejandro, Lumberton Senior High School Army JROTC; May 10th.

Cadet Isamar Galdon, Seventy First High School Air Force JROTC; May 12th.

Cadet Aliyah Jordan, Terry Sanford High School Air Force JROTC; May 13th.

Cadet Mekiya Robles, Westover High School Army JROTC; May 13th.

Cadet Francis Calles, Western Harnett High School Army JROTC; May 13th.

Cadet William McCormick, Harnett Central High School Army JROTC; May 13th.

Cadet Matthew Wuester, Lake Wood High School Army JROTC; May 13th.

Cadet Logan Dubin, Hoke High School Army JROTC; May 14th.

Cadet Carla McCord, Overhills High School Army JROTC; May 17th.

Cadet Tate Sykes, West Bladen High School Army JROTC; May 17th.

Cadet Chedsada Choommai, Fairmont High School Army JROTC; May 17th.

Cadet Daniel Strickland, South Robeson High School Army JROTC; May 18th.

Cadet Jaden Anthony, E.E. Smith High School Air Force JROTC; May 20th.

The Cape Fear High School Navy Junior ROTC drill team finished in 15th place overall at the 2016 Navy Junior ROTC Nationals Drill Championships held at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida on 1-2 April 2016. The team was competing among the top 25 schools in the nation having qualified for nationals at a regional meet in Chapin, SC. CFHS was the only school in North Carolina invited to compete at the national championship.

The 25 teams were graded in the following categories: inspection, academic test, physical fitness tests, color guard, armed and unarmed exhibition, and armed and unarmed regulation. The NJROTC Nationals remain the most comprehensive test of overall JROTC training and performance in existence today according to the Navy Nationals website.

The NJROTC instructional team at CFHS consists of CAPT (Ret) Andrew Karakos, USN; and, SgtMaj (Ret) Leon Thornton, USMC both in the team group photo above.

The Cape Fear Chapter supported the team with a $1,000 assistance grant to help defray its transportation and lodging expenses. Photo at bottom right shows Chapter President Juan Chavez and 3rd Vice President Marty Williams presenting the check to Cadet Commander Haylee D. Neal and Cadet Lieutenant Commander Laura Sandoval.

A thank you letter from Captain Karakos is at download below.

Former Cape Fear HS NJROTC graduate Kerstie Sabo, now a plebe at the US Naval Academy was recently selected as a member of the US Naval Academy Color Guard. Midshipman Sabo is a past recipient of the MOAA Medal presented by the CFC, and a CFC-sponsored attendee at the Spirit of America Leadership Conference, Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge , PA. Photo at right shows Kerstie accepting the US Naval Academy Color Guard distinctive insignia at her patch ceremony at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.

Cadet Miguel Castro, Fayetteville State University Air Force ROTC accepts a Leadership Award along with a $100.00 check presented by Bill Dadek and Marty Williams of the Cape Fear Chapter. Attending the presentation was Lt Col Toro, the Professor of Aerospace Science for the Air Force ROTC at FSU.

The Campbell University ROTC Battalion held an awards ceremony on Fort Bragg Pike Field. It marked the completion of weekend field training for the cadets from the four universities that form the Campbell University ROTC Battalion.

LTC Brian C. Scott, the Campbell University ROTC Battalion Commander, his staff and the cadets organized and conducted the awards ceremony. The occasion presented an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the cadets during their annual and summer training and to present awards from various organizations.

Chapter President Juan Chavez and 3rd Vice President Bill Dadek presented scholarships and leadership awards to the following cadets:

$1,000 Scholarships

Methodist University- Cadet Rebecca M. Burnett

Fayetteville State University- Cadet Andres S. Gutierrez

Campbell University- Cadet Jonathan C. Price

$100 Leadership Awards

Campbell University- Cadet Clotide Druhen

Methodist University- Cadet Matthew Lohff

Fayetteville State University- Cadet Bryan Leach

University North Carolina Pembroke- Cadet Kiana M. Perez Jimenez

The awards luncheon was held in The Mash House Restaurant and Brewery, Fayetteville, NC. All scholarship recipients and their parents, other family members, and/or ROTC instructors attended the event.

Presentations included 11 $1,000 scholarships to JROTC cadets from area high schools as follows:

Cadet Victoria A. Stanton, Navy JROTC Cape Fear High School

Cadet Victoria A. Burleson, Navy JROTC Cape Fear High School

Cadet Jan-Philipp Schneider, Army JROTC Fairmont High School

Cadet Aaron L. Carter, Army JROTC Fairmont High School

Cadet Weston D. Hayes, Army JROTC Harnett Central High School

Cadet QyDarrius Z. McEachern, Army JROTC Lumberton Senior High School

Cadet Johnathan H. Singh, Army JROTC South Robeson High School

Cadet William D. Gothard, Air Force JROTC Terry Sanford High School

Cadet Jorge A. Padilla, Air Force JROTC Terry Sanford High School

Cadet Emily I. Jasienowski, Air Force JROTC Terry Sanford High School

Cadet Kenneth Santana, Army JROTC Union High School

Additionally, the 2015 Meinhardt Scholarship worth $1,500 was presented to Army SROTC Cadet Tyler Elrod of UNC Chapel Hill.

Taking part in the presentation of scholarships to the JROTC cadets included: Bill Dadek, Chairman of the ROTC Scholarship Committee; Juan Chavez, Chapter President; and, Mrs. Magda Baggett, former Assistant Dean of Students for Special Programs at Methodist University, and keynote speaker for the event.

Presentation of the 2015 Meinhardt Scholarship was made by Harry and Mary Meinhardt. Representing their seven siblings were: Carl Meinhardt, Lise Meinhardt, and Trina Tiffany.

Air Force Detachment 607 at Fayetteville State University held its spring 2015 commissioning ceremony on 8 May in the Student Center. Professor of Aerospace Studies and Detachment Commander, Lt Col Allen Gradnigo, US Air Force was the host for the event.

The following three cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Air Force: Kathiusca Leon, Joshua Nance, and Kyndreshia Stroman.

3rd Vice President Bill Dadek presented each of the new officers with a set of gold bars, a free one year membership in MOAA, and a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution.

The Army ROTC unit at Fayetteville State University held its Spring 2015 Commissioning Ceremony on 8 May. The event was held in Seabrook Auditorium. CPT Rufino Farias, Jr. the Assistant Professor of Military Science acted as the host for the ceremony. LTC Scott the Campbell Battalion Commander and his Executive Officer CPT Summers also took part in the ceremony.

The guest speaker was BG Mitchell I. Kilgo, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6 and Chief Information Officer, U.S. FORSCOM. The ceremony was well attended by family and friends of the new lieutenants.

The following eleven cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Army: Courtney M. Anderson, Maverick J. Bostic, Carl L. Guthrie, Sara D. Jones, Jack Konrat, Joseph S. Minardi, James D. O’Neal, Aaron J. Reynolds, Sophia Rickard, Danielle J. Sibert, and Marcus J. Smith.

3rd Vice President Bill Dadek presented each of the new officers with a set of gold bars, a free one year membership in MOAA, and a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution.

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.

President Watkins presents Ms. Martha Brown, Director, Army Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Fort Bragg $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).

Witnessing the presentation and displaying a Certificate of Appreciation from the Warrior Transition Battalion to the Cape Fear Chapter, is CSM Whitt, Command Sergeant Major of the Warrior Transition Battalion.

Ms. Renee Lane, Director of the Fort Bragg USO accepts the annual donation of $750 from the Cape Fear Chapter. Making the presentation for the Cape Fear Chapter is COL (Ret) Art Rodriguez from the chapter's executive board.

Mr. Jim Dixon (left), Fort Bragg Fisher House Manager, and Mr. Michael Pringle (right), Executive Assistant, accept a $750 donation from the Cape Fear Chapter presented by Colonel (Ret) Art Rodriguez.

Ralph Hinrichs, representing the CFC, presents a donation of $1,000 on behalf of the chapter to Mr. Phil Harris, Executive Director, Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross in support of disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

President Chavez, assisted by his wife Maria, presents Ms. Martha Brown, Director, Army Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Fort Bragg $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).

Witnessing the presentation is LTC Phil Brown, Commander, Warrior Transition Battalion, WAMC.

See letter of acknowledgement and thanks at download below.

COL (Ret) Art Rodriguez, of the Executive Board, Cape Fear Chapter presents a $750 donation to Ms. Renee Lane, Director of the Fort Bragg USO on behalf of the chapter.

It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2022 to Chaplain (LTC) Timothy H. Atkinson at our Awards and Recognition Luncheon on the 18th of March 2023. 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 outstanding service as Cape Fear Chapter Chaplain from July 2015 to October 2021. As Chapter Chaplain for over 6 years, Tim Atkinson’s ministry was commendable and widely praised. In addition to his principal duties, he served as the Personal Affairs Officer when that position became vacant, and he volunteered to serve as a member of the ROTC Scholarship Awards Committee and was a regular presenter of MOAA Leadership Awards to JROTC cadets. Whatever the chapter has asked of him, Tim has delivered without equivocation or anticipation of reward. He is an inspiration to others and epitomizes the MOAA’s motto “Never Stop Serving.” Tim Atkinson always exemplified the spirit of service and dedication to the Cape Fear Chapter and the Military Officers Association of America. His contributions over a period of eight years are immeasurable and certainly worthy of the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award.”

Congratulations Tim, 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 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.