Our Chapter presented a check in the amount of $174.00 to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital.  These were the proceeds from our raffle held at our October Luncheon at the Northern Quest Casino. 

Thrift Shop accepting consignments and donations
The Thrift Shop is currently accepting consignments and donations for spring and summer clothing. Thrift Shop hours are: Mondays, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; and the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call the Thrift Shop at 247-5913 for more information.

Fairchild Family Oasis
The Family Oasis is looking for energized, committed and enthusiastic volunteers to teach child/family activity classes. If you enjoy working with children and would be interested in volunteering, please call Stacy Compton at 247-2005.

Friend to Friend of Spokane
Friend to Friend of Spokane is seeking recruits from the community who can make a commitment to regularly visit residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, particularly those without visiting friends or family. For more information call 483-1600.

     The Coeur d'Alene Parade on July 4, 2008 found Marilyn, Barbara, Beth Ann and George representing our chapter.  Just like Marilyn described it, like a Norman Rockwell painting, chairs and coolers were set out at the edge of the street hours before the parade started.  Blankets were spread on the ground and drinks anchored their corners.  No one bothers other people's things. 

When we started down Sherman Avenue the kids would wave and as did some of the older folks.  We heard some people shout Marilyn's name and lots of people yelled that they liked George's automobile.  It was a fun experience and the walk wasn't just fine - all down a slight decline. 

Our chapter helps sponsor ROTC and JROTC members to the Lilac Days Military Luncheon.  Here are the attendees in May 2008.  A board member also attends their graduation ceremony and gives their program a check from our chapter.

     The Washington State Veterans Cemetery sign was unveiled in March 19, 2008.  Members of the community including Air Force Personnel from Fairchild Air Force Base, The Patriot Guard Riders of Northeast Washington, Representative Don Barlow and our Board Member Beth Ann Daigre were present.  The cemetery is planned to be open in 2010.  If you would like to keep track of the progress of this project, it is located at West Espanola Road near Ritchie Road, North end of West Medical Lake. 

MOAA Storms Hill for Troops, Survivors, Retirees

By Chuck Latimer
     Merl Gorton led the Washington team as the Washington State Council president.  I accompanied Merl, as did Beth Ann Daigre, who was attending her first national MOAA meeting, and Major General Patricia Hickerson, USA-Ret.  Pat is a national board member who was living in the TriCities area of Washington when elected.  We focused on three main issues selected by the MOAA national board of directors.  These issues were supporting efforts to:

1. Oppose disproportional TRICARE fee increases proposed by Defense leaders
2. Eliminate unfair compensation penalties imposed on thousands of disabled retirees and military survivors
3. Increase the 2009 military pay raise above the 3.4% proposed in the President's budget to 3.9%.

      MOAA Hill-Stormers received verypositive feedback from most legislators, and we've already seen a jump in the number of cosponsors for MOAA-supported bills.  We left our MOAA brochures and issue papers.  Merl and Beth Ann reported they had a very good meeting with our 5th district Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers.  Beth Ann, Merl, and I met with Senator Murray, but unfortunately, Senator Cantwell had become ill during the day and could not meet with us.  Her top legislative assistant, who works our issues, did meet with us. 

     Proceeds from our raffle at the September 9th meeting totalled $205.00 and a check in that amount was presented to Shriners' Hospitals for Children - Spokane on September 18, 2007. Thank you everyone for your generosity.

Veterans and Military Resource Fair

     Spokane Chapter Board Members Jerry Zee, USPHS and Merl Gorton USA (retired) attended the Veterans and Military Resource Fair held by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The event was held August 25, 2007 at the Washington State University Riverpoint Campus Bookstore on Spokane Falls Blvd. Not pictured but also present were Marilyn Hunt, USN (retired) President, and Beth Ann Daigre, (surviving spouse) Auxiliary Liaison. Attendance was good and a lot of recruiting for new members was done during the four hour event.

Also part of the program was the presentation by Representative McMorris Rodgers of the Eastern Washington Outstanding Military Spouse Awards. From left to right Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Kristina Kenagy, Susan Delano, Melinda Bray, Brandi Walmsley and David Allen. Each of these recipients volunteers time and energy for the benefit of the active duty deployed, tutoring at the base school, fund raising for scholarships, keeping spouses aware of happenings and opportunities while spouses are deployed, providing relocation services for newly stationed personnel, fund raising for Wishing Star Foundation, and Ombudsman for the Navy Operational Support Center. Congratulations Spouses, Thank You and Well Done!

We Support Our Troops

     On Saturday, April 21, 2007 some members of the Spokane MOAA chapter greeted 17 Marines returning from Iraq. School children from Sunrise Elementary School in the Spokane Valley wrote cards of thanks to our hero's. Macy's supplied the bags which held the cards and some of Spokane's finest cookies. Five of the men arrived at the scheduled time and the remaining twelve arrived about 9 hours later. Our members were there for both arriving groups to thank the men for their service to our country.

In June 140 marines deployed to Iraq. Spokane MOAA chapter sent cards and letters from children at Sheridan Elementary School, Spokane, Evergreen Middle School and Central Valley High School in the Spokane Valley. The children thanked them for protecting our country and wished them well and a few of the younger ones hoped they would have fun.

Cards and letters from school children have also been sent to soldiers currently serving in Iraq.