Greetings, Strategic Roost Chapter Membership!

We are poised at the beginning of fall with a very successful summer season for the Roost behind us.   Our revamped scholarship awards reception was a great hit with the participants and winners, alike.   Dr. Jerry Martin and Mr. Ted Huscher presented informative historical lessons regarding the Cold War and WWI for our membership luncheons.   For the second half of the year we’re taking it to the field for our remaining major events.

This year the Air Force chose Omaha as one of its cities to conduct its campaign to share its story with the public.   Air Force Week in the Heartland culminated on 16-17 August with the Offutt AFB Open House and Air Show featuring the Thunderbirds and the Heritage Flight.   The Strategic Roost seized this opportunity to raise money for our scholarship fund by participating in concession sales.   My thanks to all those who volunteered their time over the weekend selling shirts, toy aircraft, and lots of sunscreen.   A special thank you to Steve Marchitelli for ruffling a few feathers and organizing the contingent of Roost volunteers.

Your board of directors convened in August to plan in detail our next big fundraising event--the annual golf tournament.   Tournament details and the invitation are posted on the Roost website for you to download or call-in to sign up.   There are opportunities to pitch in and help (especially those who are well connected for prizes!).   If you have a strong urge to lend a helping hand please feel free to call or contact Ron Russell, Scott Hackney, or me.   Time is pressing on this one and any participation on the part of our membership is welcome and well worth it.

In the months after the golf tournament we’ll be hosting our normal speaker luncheons.   As usual, the information about who, when, and where will be publicized via newsletter and the website.

Finally, it’s time again for Roost elections.   The president and several directors positions are available for your nominations this year--ballots will be going out in September.   If you are interested in being on the board please drop me a note.

I look forward to seeing you at the golf tournament on 12 September.

-Tony Loper
President, AOC Strategic Roost Chapter