McChord Field Chapter Air Force Association

Winter 2010 Edition

Bringing in the New Year!

Happy holidays from the McChord Field Chapter, AFA

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.

Vicky Mohler of Support America’s Armed Forces

Suzanne Bracher (Harborstone Credit Union) and Air-men from the 446th AW, at AFA Appreciation BBQ. Community Partners Rock!!!!

McChord Field Chapter Air Force Association

Winter 2010 Edition

McChord Chapter Executive members dropping off 25 turkeys to the 446th Airlift Wing.

AFA Members distributed another 25 turkeys to the 22nd STS

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 Opera-

tions 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.

“The distribution of the turkeys

and hams was a rewarding experi-

ence 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 be-

lieves 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 fur-

ther details. Paying in Forward for the Holidays!

McChord Field Chapter Air Force Association

Winter 2010 Edition

McChord Chapter’s Pilot for the Day Program (www.pilot4aday.info)

From Left: LtCol. Rodney Lewis (4th AW Squadron Commander), Robert

Branscomb (Pilot for a Day Chairman), Mrs. Malinowski, and Audrey Mali-

nowski. 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

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 organiza-

tion or business is interested in donating funds, please con-

tact Robert Branscomb at: rbrans4592@aol.com. Addi-

tional information about the Pilot for a Day Program can be

found by visiting: pilot4aday.info.

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

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 Puyal-

lup), CSM Matt Barnes (JBLM Garrison), Vicky Mohler (Support Amer-

ica’s Armed Forces), and Herb Schmeling (SAAF).

On December 23rd, Kerry Bivens, the owner of Toyota of Puy-

allup, 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, Ma-

rines, and Sailors. During the month of December, Bivens of-

fered 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 Ser-

geant 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

to the military. Last year, she donated 150 food baskets during

the holiday season, complete with turkeys and all the trim-

mings. The food baskets were delivered via semi truck to JBLM.

Her generosity also extends to previous years when she do-

nated $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 Sup-

port America's Armed Forces send hundreds of care packages

to deployed military personnel. Thank you Toyota of Puyallup!

Shilo Inn & Suites in Tacoma

Conveniently located off Interstate 5, minutes from the Ta-coma 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, be-tween 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

Community Partners

Paying it Forward

From Left: Ken Swarner (Northwest Airlifter/The Ranger/

Weekly Volcano) Linda Smith (Lakewood Chamber of Com-

merce), Carlene Joseph (Harborstone Credit Union), Rick Ste-

vens (GEICO), and Karen Schade (America’s Credit Union).

Looking on were Airmen from McChord Field. A $5,000 do-

nation was given to Operation Warm Heart.

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 ap-

proximately 700 Airmen in attendance.

The Chapter would like to

give special thanks to Har-

borstone 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 barbe-

ques.

The Pilot for the Day pro-

gram 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:

Tommy.carson@us.army.mil

Overall, it has been a

pleasure serving all of our

Airmen. To each and every-

one, 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 sup-

port our Airmen on McChord Field. PMBA is com-

prised 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 Tai-

lor, GEICO Insurance, The Lakewood Chamber of Com-

merce, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Regence Blue-

Shield, American Lake Credit Union, the Pierce County

Council, The Ranger/Northwest Airlifter/Weekly Vol-

cano, 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 an

AFA National Medal of Merit award to the Lt Col. Rod Lewis,

Commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron.

Washington State AFA President Fran McGregor presenting the AFA National

Medal of Merit award to McChord Field Chapter President, Tommy Carson.

Each year Air Force Association (AFA) National re-

quests 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 Af-

fairs, and Fran McGregor, the Washington State Presi-

dent. 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 in-

creased 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

Each year the Rotary Club of Hawks Prairie raises approximately

$35,000 during a Military Family Support Day event that’s dedi-

cated to the support of military families in the area. AFA mem-

bers 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.

President Tommy Carson and Andrew Osckewicz (Rotary Club of Hawks

Prairie Past President)

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 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

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

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