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www.1600commassoc.org Page1 Spring,2010
A quarterly publication exclusively for members of the 1600
Communications Association
Spring,2010(April)
President’s Message
Hello, friends. I hope this newsletter finds you well and
enjoying the spring season. Following a very cold winter with
record snowfall in the WashingtonDCarea,springisawelcomesight!
On February 17th many Association members were in attendance at
the WHCA Command Sergeant Major Change of Responsibility Ceremony
to bidafondfarewelltoCSMGeraldWilliamsandwelcomeCSMWillieClemmons.
Also on April 6th many Association members were present for WHCA’s
21st Annual Awards Ceremony to honor top performers of 2009. It was
indeed a pleasure to visit WHCA and observe the profes-sionalism of
Agency members as they executed both events with the same attention
to detail and precision required for POTUS and VPOTUS missions.
They are maintaining the WHCA standard of Presidential Qual-ity in
all undertakings. Additional details are included on page 4 of this
newsletter.
Don’t forget the deadline for submitting educational scholarship
applica-tions is May 31, 2010. Scholarships can be provided to any
Association member in good standing, as well as their eligible
family members (see page 4 for additional information).
During the past few months Association members have been busy
plan-ning upcoming events. Our Golf Chairman, Bob Ohm, and his
commit-tee are doing a wonderful job preparing for the 2010
tournament. The tournament will be held on June 18th at Andrews AFB
(flyer included with this newsletter) Note: deadline for all
entries is June 8th.
The WHCA Open House and Association Shrimp Feast will be held on
June 19th at WHCA HQ, McNally Building on Anacostia. Official
notices will be mailed in the coming weeks. Please save these dates
on your calendarandplantoattend.
Reminder, the membership year runs January through December. If
you have not renewed your membership, please do so before May 31 or
your name will be removed from the membership rolls. We are looking
for-ward to a great year and hope to see you at our upcoming
events.
Sam WatkinsPresident
1600 Communicator
In This Issue ...
Upcoming Events
McNally Book
Contact Information
Miscellaneous Announcements
Scholarship Program
WHCA Command Ceremony and Top Honors
Treasurer’s Report and Membership Status
2010 Golf Tournament
Last Wheels Up
WHCA Welcomes New Command Sergeant Major
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Upcoming Events/ Reminders
SOB (Some Old Buddies) luncheon held the first Tuesday of each
month at the Holiday Inn, Rosslyn, VA at 1130. The next scheduled
date is May 4.
Reminder: Scholarship Deadline: May 31, 2010
Detailsonthefollowingeventswillbemadeavailableinupcoming
newsletters and via the website (stay tuned!):Golf Outing – June
18, 2010 at Andrews Air Force Base
WHCA Open House and Shrimp Feast – June 19, 2010 at the WHCA
Headquarters, McNally Building, Anacostia NAS
Camp David Chapter Picnic – September 11, 2010, Suker Residence,
Cactoctin Mountains, MD
Holiday Dinner Dance – December 4, 2010
Association Contact Information - 2010
Officer/Board Member Email Address Telephone
President Sam Watkins [email protected] 240.205.3666
Vice President Sabrina Rose [email protected]
301.705.9993
Secretary Glenn Arnett [email protected] 703.689.2216
Treasurer Don Canterbury [email protected] 540.359.0517
Director-at-Large Steve Young [email protected]
301.932.6028
Director-at-Large Helen Pennington [email protected]
703.781.7773
Historian Gordon Aitken [email protected]
703.491.2097
Newsletter Editor Floyd Hepler [email protected]
301.274.5996
Parliamentarian VACANT
McNally Book Submitted by Gordon Aitken
The republication of A Million Miles of Presidents,thebook
written by COL George McNally, the first Commander
ofWHCA,isavailable.Detailsfororderingcopiesareposted on the
Association web site. We have already sold more than 150 copies –
order yours today!
The original book was published by the 1600 Communi-cations
Association in 1982. This 2nd edition includes all the original
material from that first publication as well as
additionalnarrativesfromseveralCommanderswhoservedduring the years
following Colonel McNally’s retirement. The book depicts the early
history of the Agency and its maturation over the years. It frames
the development of WHCA against the backdrop of historical events
and the advancement of technology.
All net proceeds from the sale of the book will be used by the
1600 Communications Association to continue sup-porting its
scholarship program and support of wounded
veteransandtheirfamilies.
www.1600commassoc.org
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Miscellaneous Announcements
1600 Communications Association Customized Apparel Items for
Sale
We would like to express our thanks to our Alumni who have
supported our Logo Clothing program. Your purchases have afforded
us the opportunity not only to increase funding for our 1600
Associa-tion Scholarship Fund, but also to help us in our efforts
to get “advertising” out about our organiza-tion. It is deeply
appreciated and we ask you to continue to support our program
efforts, as we refine and expand our product selection. The flyer
is available on the website for your use.
PSB Stickers
If you would like to purchase one or more of the PSB stickers,
send your request to Helen Pennington, 6964 Klett Drive, Fort
Belvoir, VA 22060. These four-color stickers, measuring
approximately 3 ½ inches in diameter, are avail-able for $5.00
each.
Please make your check payable to the 1600 Communications
Association. As a friendly reminder, these decals/stickers are for
use by recipients of the Presidential Service Badge only.
The Association is on Facebook and we’re growing stronger! Just
log in to Facebook and search for “1600 Communications Association”
so you can start networking with your friends and re-connect with
former colleagues.
Volunteers:
Step up ... don’t be shy! The Association needs your support to
continue to be able to offer high quality events and opportunities
to
its members. Email [email protected] to learn how you
can help!
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The Scholarship Program Submitted by Gordon Aitken
Scholarships – it’s that time of year again. The 1600
Com-munications Association Scholarship program goes back almost as
long as the Association has been in existence and again this year
we are seeking applications from those members and eligible family
members who are pursuing higher education and are in need of
financial assistance. Over the years the Association has given out
thousands of dollars to eligible individuals and this year will be
no excep-tion. Last year alone we distributed $11,000. All
individuals who want to apply should carefully
re-viewtheinformationontheprogramcontainedintheAssociation’s
Bylaws. The information is available on the Association web site –
www.1600commassoc.org -- under the Members tab. Please pay
particular attention to the sections on Applicant Eligibility and
Selection Criteria. Only those individuals meeting criteria in
these two sections will be considered. The application for
selection is
avail-ableatthebottomoftheinformationontheprograminadownloadableMSWordformat.Pleasenotetheapplicationmust
be completed in its entirety and must be type written – no
incomplete or handwritten applications will be ac-cepted.
Additionally, all applicants must provide information on where
and to whom scholarship awards should to be sent. This is usually
to the university’s bursar’s office. Applicants should verify the
correct office and provide a name and mailing address as well as
information on how the check should be written. This will ensure
the check is posted against their own university account.
All applications must be mailed to Association’s post office box
– the address is included in the instructions on the web site and
must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2010. Late applications
will not be considered. Good luck and get busy preparing your
applications!
WHCA Command Ceremony and Top HonorsSubmitted by Floyd
Hepler
On February 17, 2010, Colonel Michael B. Black, the Agency’s
commander, presidedovertheChangeofResponsibility Ceremony, an event
steeped in military tradition. During the ceremony, the
Noncommissioned Officers Sword was passed from
the outgoing to the incoming Command Sergeant Major to symbolize
the relinquishing and assumption of respon-sibility for leadership,
training, morale, and health/welfare of enlisted members and their
families. Onlookers bid a
fondfarewelltoCSMGeraldWilliamsashedepartedtheAgency to assume
duties as the Command Sergeant Major for the United States Army
Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) at Fort Huachuca,
Ari-zona. CSM Willie Clemmons received a warm welcome as he assumed
responsibilities as the WHCA Senior Enlisted Advisor. His
abbreviated biography and photo are included in this newsletter,
page 8.
The well-attended Agency’s 21st Annual Awards Ceremo-ny was
conducted on April 6, 2010 at the Bolling Club. The keynote
speaker, Lieutenant General Carroll F. Pollett, the Director of the
Defense Information Systems Agency and Commander, Joint Task
Force-Global Network Op-erations, gave an inspirational speech
about the quality andprofessionalismofWHCAmembers.SpecialWHCAAlumni
guests included Colonel Margaret “Peggy” Baldwin, USAF (ret),
former WHCA Commander, and CSM Randy Mix, USA (ret), former WHCA
CSM. The current 1600 Communications Association President and
former WHCA Command Sergeant Major, CSM Sam Watkins, USA (ret), and
the former 1600 Communications Association President, CW3 Helen
Pennington, USA (ret), werealsopresent.
The following personnel were honored at this event:
Hall of Fame Inductee: SGM Floyd S. Hepler, USA (ret)Officer of
the Year: Capt Mark E. Venner, USAFSenior NCO of the Year: MSgt
Bryan D. Lawson, USAFNCO of the Year: ET2 Marc L. Sunby,
USNEnlisted Person of the Year: SPC Amy S. Thorne, USACivilian of
the Year: Ms. Bernadette M. Flynn
Honorees also included 24 individuals from the various commands
and directorates recognized as WHCA All Stars for 2009.
Congratulations to all honored parties.
Testimonial:“My children were both recipients of a 1600
Communica-tions Association Scholarship. Therefore, I thought I
would start giving some back. I am a lifetime member and would
encourage any other lifetime member to contribute as little or as
much as they can. I feel that this is the most worth-while program
within the organization. By the way, both of them graduated from
college.” Henry Chimeno
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Treasurer’s Report – April, 2010Submitted by Don Canterbury
Bank Account Balances as of April 13, 2010Checking $7,471.51CD1
$2,383.38CD2 $5,861.05CD3 $3,929.24Scholarship Working Account
$5,084.52Scholarship CD $10,971.65
Thank you to Henry Chimeno for his recent scholarship fund
donation.
Membership Renewal As of this date, we have processed 70
membership dues actions for CY 2010. Of those, 20 were new members,
nine of whom signed up for lifetime membership.
To save postage, we do not mail a special dues invoice. We
continue to remind members via the newsletters that the dues year
is January to December, with payment to be remitted in January ($20
annually) (or visit the web site to learn more about lifetime
membership rates). Below is a form to complete and send with your
payment. Also, please include any address or contact information
changes.
Welcome New Members: Patrick H. Barnwell, Marcus Brett Burton,
Joseph A. Caldarelli, Kevin Giles, Bryan D. Lawson, Joseph C.
LeBrun, Mark L. Long, Robert J. Malkowski, Christopher A. Maxwell,
Christopher E. Tinker, Paul R. Warner and Randy W. Wheeler.
Number of Members: Total members stand at 562. However, we still
have 112 annual dues payers who have not yet paid their 2010 dues
(due in January). If you have not remitted your payment, please do
so as soon as possible.
Membership Roster UpdateIf you have not already done so, please
send us your updated membership roster information so we can
maintain accurate records. If you have any questions or wish to
confirm that your information is correct in our records, please
contact: [email protected], or any Board member.
Roster information format is: Name, Address, Spouse, Home
telephone, Email, and WHASA/WHCA service dates – (from and to).
1600 Communications Association Membership Renewal
NAME: ____________________________________ SPOUSE NAME:
___________________________
ADDRESS:
_________________________________________________________________________
HOME PHONE: _________________________ WORK PHONE:
_______________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS:
___________________________________________________________________
Please make check payable to 1600 Communications Association and
mail to P.O. Box 160, Washington, DC 20044. Please allow 4 to 6
weeks for reply.
www.1600commassoc.org Page 5 Spring, 2010
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The 2010 Golf Tournament
This year’s 1600 Communications Association Golf Tournament will
be held at the Andrews AFB East Course, on Friday, June 18, with a
1400 shotgun start.
Burgers, wings and sides après-golf, and lots of prizes,
including:
Team: Low Gross and Low Net Individual prizes for both men and
women: longest drive, straightest drive, closest to the pin, and
longest made putt. Putting contest before the round on the practice
green. Mulligan raffle: donated prizes awarded by drawing.
Entry fees are: $60 Active Duty Military ID card holders
(including dependents) $75 Other Military ID holders (Retired,
Reserves and dependents) $90 AllOthers
Entry fees include greens fees, carts, three Mulligans, copy of
team photo for each player, and, of course, our sumptuous repast
after the round!
Once again, we seek sponsors for holes, the putting contest, for
the meal, for carts, and for prize donations. Let us know if you
have something you’d like to donate.
Proceeds from the tournament support the 1600 Scholarship Fund,
and are also used to provide support for wounded troops at Walter
Reed and Bethesda hospitals.
Contacts for the Tournament are as follows:
Chair: Bob Ohm, 410-552-9030, 443-695-3991 cell,
[email protected]
WHCA Contact: SSgt Erik Kristensen USAF, 202-757-6735,
703-975-6312 cell [email protected].
Sponsors/Prizes: Helen Pennington, 703-781-7773,
[email protected]
In the last several years, we have had to place entrants on a
waiting list, so get your registration (and fees) in early to
assure a spot in the tournament.
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The 2010 1600 Communications Association
Golf Outing
Benefiting the Scholarship Fund and Wounded Troops
Come join us for the golf event of the year on the East Course
at Andrews Air Force Base, on Friday,
June 18, 2010. Shotgun start at 1400, registration begins at
1230 and closes at 1330.
Format is four player team, Captain’s choice, best ball. Each
player must contribute two drives to the
round. Full tournament rules will be provided at the course, or
by contacting the Golf Chair.
This is a full handicap tournament: entrants without handicaps
must attest to their average scores over
their last several rounds. The Golf Committee will provide
pairings for entrants who do not have a
foursome.
Prizes will be awarded for Team Low Gross, Team Low Net, and
many individual prizes, including
Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, Closest to Pin, and Longest
Made Putt, for both Men and Women. Pre-
round Putting Contest. Hole in One prizes on multiple holes.
Entry fees include all fees, Mulligans, team photos, and
post-round buffet meal, and are as follows:
Active Duty Military/Dependents: $60 MilStat A
Retired/Reserve Military/Dependents $75 MilStat R
All Others: $90 MilStat C
For more information, contact Bob Ohm at
410-552-9030/443-695-3991 Cell), or [email protected].
WHCA personnel may contact SSgt Erik Kristensen at 202-757-6735,
cell 703-975-6312, or
[email protected]. Information is also available on the
1600 Communications Association
website, www.1600commassoc.org.
Please send entry forms to Bob Ohm, 836 Mayfair Way, Eldersburg,
MD, 21784. Make checks payable
to 1600 Communications Association.
ENTRIES MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PAYMENT, AND RECEIVED BY JUNE
8.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. (Last year we were oversubscribed, so
get ‘em in early!)
Entry Form (Please print: OK to add supplementary page if
needed)
Name MilStat Phone E-mail Handicap or
A/R/C Avg Score
Golfer _______________________ ____ _____________
___________________ __________
Golfer _______________________ ____ _____________
___________________ __________
Golfer _______________________ ____ _____________
___________________ __________
Golfer _______________________ ____ _____________
___________________ __________
mailto:[email protected]://www.1600commassoc.org/
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www.1600commassoc.org Page 8 Spring, 2010
A Final Tribute
CW4 Ronald K. Thomsen, USA (ret)March12,2010
The Afternoon Encased in RainThe Rows of Heroes
AcrossthePlainWith Family and Friends Love all
AroundAPatriotInterred In Sacred GroundA Life Lived Full From His
First BreathA Giving Soul Up Until DeathHeWasaSoldier Who Always
Gave MoreA Proud Reflection Of the Warrant Officers CorpsA Vietnam
Veteran The Fighting Spirit PreservedALeaderandWarrior So Proudly
He ServedA Loving Husband And Father Too Who Shared This Commitment
With the Red, White, and BlueWiththeSecretService He Continued the
TrendDedication and Excellence Until the EndNowtheManisGone;
HisPresenceStillStrongAndHisCharacterandStrength To be Remembered
Long A Fitting Tribute AndaFinalFarewell As He Takes His Place
WheretheHonoredDwell
Floyd S. HeplerThe American Poet
Last Wheels Up
Ellis Henry Wren Jr., a U.S. Army Sergeant, departed this life
Saturday, April 10, 2010. (Interment at D/FW National Cem-etery.)
Survivors include his wife, Cassandra Wren; sons, Ellis Henry Wren
III, Clayton Wren and Jonathan Hasaan; daughter, Jennifer Wren;
five brothers; two sisters; and a host of other relatives and dear
friends. Although not an active member of the Association, Sgt.
Wren served in WHCA from July 21, 1983 to September 25, 1992.
Donald H. “Don” French passed away at his home in Plains,
Montana on April 21, 2010. Don had been fighting heart condi-tion
issues and cancer for the past year and a half. Don served in WHCA
from March 1970 to September 1989. His biography can be viewed on
the Association website. Don is survived by his parents Mr. and
Mrs. Harry French of Plains, Montana.
The Association extends its sympathies to the Wren and
Frenchfamilies.
WHCA Welcomes New Command Sergeant Major
Command Sergeant Major Clemmons assumed duties as the CSM for
WHCA on 17 February 2010. He leads a bri-gade-sized organization
consisting of a joint headquarters, with six strategic subordinate
units stationed at six CONUS locations.
CSM Clemmons’ military education is expansive and in-cludes the
United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and First Sergeant
Course. His civilian education includes an Associate’s Degree from
University of Maryland, a Bachelor’s Degree from Western
International University, and Microsoft A+ and Network
Certification from Western New Mexico University. He is currently
pursuing a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Management with
the Uni-versity of Maryland.
CSMClemmonshasheldleadershippositionsrangingfromTeam Chief to
Battalion Command Sergeant Major. In
ad-ditiontothesevariedpositions,CSMClemmonshasservedin numerous
overseas deployments, including Somalia and Iraq. He is highly
recognized and awarded, and carries mul-tiple memberships in
military and professional associations.
CSM Clemmons’ full
biographyisavailableontheAssociationwebsite.
(Right) Command Sergeant Major Willie C. Clemmons
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P.O. Box 160Washington DC 20044
