Category Archives: ACA Chapter News

ACA Chapter news applicable to all chapters

Lone Star Chapter (ACALSC)

December 13th, 2016 – A Chapter is Born!

Building from the comradery and work put into the 2016 ACA Reunion, seven AMMO Chiefs banded together and gave birth to the Lone Star Chapter of the AMMO Chiefs Association (ACALSC). James Biggerstaff, Joe Dominguez, Fred Lee, John Rivard, Fred Schoettler, Rick Webb and Steve West met on December 8th to finalize a constitution, select a name for the Chapter and elect its first officers. The Lone Star’s constitution was approved by the ACA’s Board of Directors on December 13, 2016. Congratulations to the Charter Members of the ACALSC and their newly elected officers: President – James Biggerstaff; Vice President – Fred Schoettler; and Secretary-Treasurer – Joe Dominguez. The Alamo City may never be the same, because, I-Y-A-AMMO-Y-A-S!

AMMO Chiefs Association, Mid-Atlantic Chapter Annual Report (2015)

The AMMO Chiefs Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter (ACAMC) submits the following 2015 Annual Report to the ACA
for review and filing in historical records:

Our Chapter had another busy year in 2015. We held four meetings during the year followed by social events. Additionally, some of our members participated in two fundraising events at the Richmond International Raceway (RIR) in April and September. We teamed with the Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA Ammo Morale Team (AMT) at RIR and donated a substantial portion of the proceeds to them to assist with AMT programs. To maximize participation at meetings, we varied our meeting locations to minimize travel for our regional members. This year we held our March meeting at the HQ ACC Munitions Directorate and our June gathering at the 1FW Munitions Flight, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Our September meeting took place at Captain Billy’s Seafood Restaurant in Newburg, MD, and we finished out the year at Bill McCullough’s house in Fredericksburg, VA for our December meeting. At our June meeting, we did not have a quorum. During the September meeting, only one officer was present. Both meetings were subsequently validated via e-mail communications.

Our main efforts continued to focus on supporting personnel initiatives such as the Ammo Troops-in- Need program during the Christmas holiday season, recognition of Quarterly/Annual Award winners, recognizing Sharp Ammo Troops, taking care of our Ammo family in our area of responsibility, and Holiday Care Packages for the Ammo troops in austere locations. This year we received donations from the ACA, and individual ACAMC members, for the Holiday Care Package program for our Ammo troops stationed in four remote areas of Southwest Asia. Jackie Miller put together packages comprised of over $1,180.00 (including postage) worth of goodies for the Ammo troops. We received “Thank You” e-mails and cards from a couple of the recipients and they were extremely pleased with the packages. We appreciate all of the support we received for this ACAMC program! A special thanks again goes out to Jackie Miller for purchasing and shipping all of the items, as well as receiving a substantial donation of dental hygiene items from his dentist. The Chapter voted to send out care packages in June since the Ammo troops need some morale boosters during that deployment cycle.

2015 was not the healthiest year for our members and families. Frank Waterman is recovering from back surgery and his wife, Pokson, suffered a shoulder injury then got pneumonia. Bill McCullough and Yvonne Watts both had hip issues that took them out of commission for awhile. John Matthews’ daughter, Vicky, had a stroke and John and Myong went to assist her in Florida for a short time. Sharon Jacobsen was sick but seems to be doing much better now.

Nationally, we lost a few Ammo troops this year. The Chapter sent cards and donations to the families of these warriors who headed to the “great bomb dump in the sky.” Their losses are heartfelt throughout the Ammo community.

During the year, our membership increased by 1 to 22 voting members and we still have 4 Associate members. CMSgt David Jamison from Seymour-Johnson AFB, CMSgt Christopher Arnold, stationed at the Pentagon, and John Nye, Air National Guard, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, are our newest members. Stuart “Nik” Nikolas retired and moved to Georgia. Mike Robertson moved to Utah to pursue other work to aid the Ammo effort. Because of Mike’s departure, we needed a new chair for the Awards Committee. Dave Nixon graciously volunteered to step up to the plate! Bobby George PCS’d to Korea but still remains on our books since there is no chapter in his area.

Our fundraising consisted of Chapter dues, coin, hat, and shirt sales, donations from chapter members, the RIR, and a raffle of a White House Christmas ornament ($105.00 raised solely for the Ammo Troops-in-Need program). During the holiday season, we disbursed $755.00 for our Ammo Troops-in-Need program (one Joint Base Langley-Eustis and one Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC recipient).
During the December meeting, we held elections for the offices of Chapter President and Vice President. Jackie Miller was elected President and Yvonne Watts won the spot of Vice President. Our hats off to Eddie Fuquay and “Nik” Nikolas for their outstanding leadership during their tenure as President and Vice President, respectively.

Also at the December meeting, AIC Benjamin D. Latimer from Pope Army Airfield was selected as the “Sharp Ammo Troop” for 2015. A check, certificate, and coin were awarded to him.

As one of Eddie’s and Nik’s last duties, the Chapter Constitution and Bylaws was approved and signed.

Our events calendar for 2016 fills up our plate for the year. We will eagerly attack the challenges that we will face and shall continue to meet, socialize, and accomplish our Chapter goals. The ACAMC stands ready to take care of the troops and keep the Ammo flame burning!

Wilbur C. McCullough III
WILBUR C. MCCULLOUGH III, Secretary/Treasurer
AMMO Chiefs Association, Mid-Atlantic Chapter (ACAMC)

Download a copy here!  2015 ACAMC Annual Report (FINAL)

 

Midwest Chapter’s Annual Report

Here is the 2014 Midwest Chapter’s Annual Report.

Activities:
– Re-elected Gary Knighton as the Chapter Secretary/Treasurer
– Held several luncheons throughout the year
– Held one formal meetings during the year (the summer meeting was planned but got cancelled)
– Sponsored a hole for the WP Chief Group’s Golf Tournaments
– supported the Little Angels Fundraiser event
– Acknowledged the 4 AFMC’s Outstanding Munitions Performers for 2013

Members in good standing:
– Mark Gossett – President
– Don Myers – Vice President
– Gary Knighton – Secretary/Treasurer
– Harvey Ridenoure
– Billie Campbell
– Kevin Haldeman

Our ending account balance for 2014 is “available upon request”.

Projected 2014 activities:
– Hold several luncheons
– Hold Two membership meetings
– Support the AFMC’s 2014 Outstanding Munitions Performers
– Support the WP AFB Chiefs Group Golf Tournament
– Hold President elections

Have a great New Year.

Thanks

Mark ‘Goose’ Gossett

IYA AMMO YAS

ACAMC Quarterly Meeting Minutes March 18, 2014

Subject: ACAMC Meeting Minutes

1.  Date, Time, Location:  March 15, 2014, 1:10 PM (1300 hours), HQ ACC Munitions Conference Room (Langley AFB, VA).

2.  Purpose:  General membership meeting. 

3.  Attendees:  A quorum was present (13 of 19 voting members).  

PRESENT

Eddie Fuquay (President)

Stuart “Nik” Nikolas (Vice President)

Bill McCullough(Secretary/Treasurer)

Richard Pennington

John Matthews

Mike Gavin

Ricky Hamada

Robert Byrd

Rick Follett

Jackie Miller

Phil Kennedy (Proxy)

Frank Waterman (Proxy)

John Cecere (Proxy)

Associates Members:

“TJ” Jensen,

“Jake” Jacobsen,

John Usefara

 

4.  The following agenda items were discussed:

a.  Bill McCullough presented the minutes from the December 7, 2013 meeting.

Motion to accept –  Mike Gavin

Seconded – Eddie Fuquay

Unanimously approved

 

b.  Bill presented the fiscal report for the meeting.  Our balance is $ positive, with one outstanding check of $50.00.

Motion to accept – Ricky Hamada

Seconded – John Matthews

Unanimously approved

 

5.  Old Business:       

a.  Awards Committee:  OPR Mike Robertson, Bill McCullough.  There were no quarterly or annual award winners from our area. 

b.  Membership Status:  Nineteen Chiefs and four Associate Members. 

c.  Fundraising: 

Nik sold $120.00 worth of coins.  He has 25 coins left. 

Shirts continue to be sold at a discounted rate to close out our inventory.  These are pure profit since John Matthews donated them to the chapter. 

We received a check for our fundraising effort at Richmond International Raceway. 

Bill submitted the Form 8822B to the IRS on 6 January to change our address.  To date, he has not received a reply.  Bill will try to coordinate with Americrown if he does not get the address change in effect in time for the next RIR fundraiser. 

d.  Sunset Committee:  Bill passed on an update on Piper Wilhide and we will await requests from Piper’s family regarding any needed assistance.  Since Dave Nixon is going TDY, we will try to get info from SMSgts Farwell and King.  

e.  ACAMC participation and membership at meetings.  Ten members were at the March 15th  meeting.  In addition, we had three proxies so we easily met our quorum requirements.  Jackie Miller made the long trip from North Carolina.  Three Associate members attended the meeting.

f.  Bill briefed the members that the addresses for the Ammo Troops Care Package donors were given to Eddie.

g.  Rich received the December Shell and Flame inputs.  He would like the next inputs by the end of March.

h.   Bill told the group he mailed the $300.00 check to the Ammo Morale Team at Langley AFB.

i.  Bill briefed the group on the “Thank You” letter he received from SMSgt Cameron Johnson for the care packages.  Cameron stated snacks are the hot items. 

6.  New Business:

a.  The 2014 ACA Reunion was discussed.   Rich Pennington passed around a copy of the DRAFT signup sheet.  May 7th is the date Mike Roylance cited as needing the initial head count.  The hotel is $45.00 Monday-Thursday, and $75.00 Friday-Sunday (plus taxes and fees).  Jack Seaman moved to Las Vegas and will help put the reunion together.  Rick Follett will post reunion info on the ACA web site.   

b.  The 2014 calendar of events was updated to reflect the reunion dates and RIR schedule change.

c.  Bill showed the members the 15 numbered coins.  The price was $36.50.  Robert will check to see if the engraving can be done in house.  Bill gave a coin to him to experiment with.  

d.  The RIR April fundraising dates are now 25-26 April.  The one race was dropped from the schedule.  Kevin Hendershot will get the request into Americrown.

e.  TJ Jensen was able to contact the previous vendor to see about purchasing more hats.  They should be about $11-$12 each.  TJ is asking the Ammo troops to create a new logo. 

f.  Ricky Hamada briefed the membership that AFCOMAC was fully funded for 2014.

g.  Bill passed on the latest info for the Southeast Ammo Bowl (info only).

h.  The group discussed John Matthews’ proposal for recognizing active duty Ammo Chiefs.

Motion to send inputs on pros, cons, and methodology to Bill for discussion at the next meeting made by John Matthews

 Seconded – Rick Follett

 Passed by majority vote

 

i.  Phil Kennedy’s proposal to recognize retired Ammo Chiefs was discussed.

Motion to deny – Jackie Miller

Seconded – Eddie Fuquay

Passed by majority vote

 

j.  Bill passed around pictures of the “Welcome to Ammo Country” sign at Seymour-Johnson AFB (info only).  We were curious as to what the unit did for SSgt Shaffer’s efforts.

k.  The floor was opened to new business.

Ricky Hamada mentioned the ACA logo on the reunion sign-up sheet had the piss pot in a different location.  Nobody knew why.

Rick Follett mentioned the ACA web site guest page was hit by spammers, so he turned it off for a while.      

Mike Gavin told the group MSgt Steven White is suffering from ALS.  There was a walk-a-thon ongoing.

Motion to donate $50.00 – Mike Gavin

Seconded – Rick Follett

Passed unanimously (cash given to Mike)

 

 4)   Rich  wanted to remind everyone that the dress code for the RIR fundraiser is black pants and shoes to be worn with the Americrown hat and T-shirt.  He also noted all participants must have the certification training.  Eddie reminded all that ear protection may be helpful.  Eddie also foot-stomped the need for as much participation as possible.  Taking advantage of this fundraising opportunity circumvents our need to host other events to raise funds.  Kevin Hendershot is coordinating the effort.

5).  The numbered coins were distributed to the members who did not already have them.        

7.  The meeting was adjourned at 2:08PM (1408 hours).

Motion to adjourn – Bill McCullough

Seconded –  Eddie Fuquay

Adjourned by unanimous decision 

 

8.  The next meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2014 at a location in the Joint Base Langley-Eustis area.  A BBQ is to follow.

9.  After the meeting, the members and their present spouses (Myong Matthews and Rita Follett) enjoyed sandwiches, beverages, and munchies purchased by Eddie Fuquay.  Eddie donated a portion of the spread.

//signed//

Wilbur C. McCullough III

Secretary, ACAMC 

AMMO Chiefs Association, Mid-Atlantic Chapter 2013 Annual Report

The AMMO Chiefs Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter (ACAMC) submits the following 2013 Annual Report to the ACA for review and filing in historical records. 

2013 was another great year for our Chapter.  We held four meetings during the year followed by social events.  Additionally, some of our members participated in a fundraising event at the Richmond International Raceway (RIR) in September.  To maximize participation at meetings, we varied our meeting locations to minimize travel for our regional members.  This year we held our March meeting at Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, VA, our June meeting at the HQ ACC Munitions Directorate, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA, our September meeting at Captain Billy’s seafood restaurant in Newburg, MD (our best turnout with 12 Members and 1 Associate), and we finished out the year at Bill McCullough’s house in Fredericksburg, VA for our December meeting.  With the aid of proxy votes, we had a quorum and were able to conduct official business at all scheduled meetings.  After our March meeting, we visited SrA Bryce Powers and his mother at the Veterans Administration hospital.  We were able to donate funds to help Bryce’s family cope with the rigors of traveling and maintaining their vigil.  Unfortunately, Bryce passed away on April 26th.  Four of our members attended his burial service at Arlington National Cemetery and six members attended the funeral service at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. 

Olen Sheperd passed away in January.  He was a major influence on Ammo during his many years at the Pentagon.  We sent a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project in honor of Olen’s lifetime achievements.  Phil Kennedy drafted a nice tribute to Olen that was posted in the Shell and Flame newsletter.

We made amendments to our Chapter Constitution and Bylaws, and they were approved by the membership.  The main changes were eliminating dues for our Associate members and expanding our area of responsibility to include South Carolina.

Our main efforts continued to focus on supporting personnel initiatives such as the Ammo Troops in Need program during the Christmas holidays, recognition of Quarterly/Annual Award winners, recognizing Sharp Ammo Troops, taking care of our Ammo family in our area of responsibility, and Care Packages for the Ammo troops in austere locations.  This year we received donations from the ACA, other Chapters, and individual ACA members for our holiday Care Package program for our Ammo troops stationed in remote areas of Southwest Asia.  Jackie Miller put together packages comprised of over $1,525 (including postage) worth of goodies for the Ammo troops. We received “Thank You” e-mails from a couple of the recipients and they were quite pleased with the goodies.  We appreciate all of the support we received for this ACAMC program!  A special thanks goes out to Jackie Miller.

We assisted Kyla Murtha’s family with a donation to help them meet expenses associated with Kyla’s mower accident.  CMSgt Dave Nixon informs us Kyla is doing great!  Piper Wilhide suffers from neuroblastoma and Dave Nixon is monitoring her progress for us.

During the year, we maintained our membership of 19 voting members and 4 Associate members.  CMSgt Dave Nixon and Kevin Hendershot joined the Chapter but we lost Chris Arnold due to a PCS move to Camp Darby, IT.  “Shot” took Chris’ place as the lead for our fundraising committee.

Our fundraising consisted of Chapter dues, coin sales, donations from chapter members, the RIR, and a raffle of a White House Christmas ornament ($47.00 raised solely for the Ammo Troops in Need program).  Over the course of the year we disbursed over $460 for our Airman Holiday Support Program (two Joint Base Langley-Eustis recipients).  We awarded a coin, certificate, and $50.00 each to AIC Zachary Winch of Seymour-Johnson AFB and AIC Tevin Ortega of Joint Base Langley-Eustis as Quarterly Award winners, and to SMSgt Steven D. Farwell from Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC as the 2012 ACC AMMO Annual Outstanding Munitions Manager.  Our Sharp Ammo Troop program ended up with a tie this year, so we recognized AIC Chase A. Bennett of Seymour-Johnson AFB and AIC Ryan L. Wertz of Joint Base Langley-Eustis with a coin, check for $50.00, and a certificate.  SSgt Jeffrey Plumb of Andrews AFB received 100% perfect test scores during his 2W031 tech school course.  CMSgt Ricky Hamada presented a Chapter coin to him.

CMSgt Stuart Nikolas was elected as Chapter Vice President during our March meeting.  He filled the void left by Eddie Fuquay who stepped up from the Vice President position to be our Chapter President when Pat Barcus departed.

In May, Frank Waterman retired from Federal service at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.  Eddie Fuquay presented a certificate to Jackie Miller in recognition of him retiring on December 20th from his position with the JROTC unit at Charlotte, NC.  Jackie and Frank requested we send a $50.00 donation to the CMSgt Richard A. Gauvin Memorial Scholarship Fund in lieu of a gift for each of them. 

In September, we lost AIC Evan Curbeam of Andrews AFB.  CMSgt Ricky Hamada attended the service and the membership took up a donation to help out Evan’s family during this difficult time.

  Our events calendar for 2014 should keep us busy.  We look forward to the challenges that we will face, but hope we do not lose any more Ammo personnel.  We will continue to meet, socialize, and accomplish our goals. We take great pride in taking care of the troops and keeping the Ammo spirit alive!

Wilbur C. McCullough III

WILBUR C. MCCULLOUGH III, Secretary/Treasurer

AMMO Chiefs Association

 

 

2013 Midwest Chapter’s annual report

Here is the 2013 Midwest Chapter’s annual report.

Activities:
– Re-elected Don Myers as the Chapter Vice President
– Held several luncheons throughout the year
– Held two formal meetings during the year
– Sponsored a hole for the WP Chief Group’s Golf Tournaments
– Acknowledged the 4 AFMC’s Outstanding Munitions Performers for 2012
Members in good standing:
– Mark Gossett – President
– Don Myers – Vice President
– Gary Knighton – Secretary/Treasurer
– Harvey Ridenoure
– Billie Campbell
– Kevin Haldeman

Our ending account balance for 2013 is (available upon request)

Projected 2014 activities:
– Hold several luncheons
– Hold Two membership meetings
– Support the AFMC’s 2013 Outstanding Munitions Performers
– Support the WP AFB Chiefs Group Golf Tournament
– Hold Secretary/Treasurer Elections

Have a great New Year.
Thanks

Mark ‘Goose’ Gossett
IYA AMMO YAS