From the New OHMRA President :: Ohio Military Reserve Association

From the New OHMRA President
Posted by: ohmra on Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 12:41 PM
To all Ohio Military Reserve Association members,

I spent the last week trying to come up with some inspiring words of wisdom to motivate everyone for this coming year without much success. What I did come up with is that we have a lot of work to do. What I mean by we, is that this is your Association and it requires everyone to be involved to be successful.

"What does the Association do?"
1) Serves as an advocate to promote the OHMR to our public officials.
2) Maintains an Education and Assistance fund.
3) Raises money by soliciting donations, through membership fees, and fundraisers such as the corn hole tournament and challenge coin sales.
4) Last year the Association helped pay for outside training at AT along with the Commander’s Party following Dining In. This years project that we would like to adopt is to buy an AED for the 3rd Medical detachment.

"What can I do to help?”
1) If you are not a member, join the Association.
2) If you are a member, make sure your dues are paid up and volunteer to help.
3) Encourage others in your unit to join.
4) Write a letter to your State legislators introducing yourself and telling them who the OHMR is and what our capabilities are. If you are not sure what to say (or not to say) we will post a letter on the website that you can use.

I think everyone should take a minute and reread last years President Jim Nowak’s letter that is posted on this site. His comments remain as relative this year as they did then.

We have a lot of changes in store for us in the coming year with a new TO expected in the not to distant future along with new leadership for “Ohio’s Own”. We would like congratulate COL Charles Rowell for his selection as Corp Commander and COL Richard Iott as Deputy Commander and we look forward to their guidance and direction for the OHMR as we make the transition in the coming year. We would be remiss if we did not thank MG Charles Hollar for his many years of service and leadership to the OHMR and offer a hearty “Hooah” for a job well done.

I also would hope that everyone would make it a point to thank Jim Nowak, Michael Lanzilotta, John Knuckles, Jerry Carter, Mike Moran, Tim Holly, Ron Meyer, Sarah Reeseman, and Roger Patrick for all their hard work for your Association over the past year. With everyone’s support and help we will continue to build upon their efforts going forward.

If you should have any suggestions, comments, or advice, please contact any one on the board. We will update the site as more information becomes available, so check back periodically. I strongly urge all of you to get involved and help make this a successful year.

Ken Ringold
OHMRA
President