representing warrant officers & their families since 1972

REPRESENTING WARRANT OFFICERS & THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 1972
Volume 40, Number 3
March 2011
National Women’s History Month
Eight senior women Warrant Officers were among those who provided leadership to the Corps and to our Association
at a past Annual Meeting of the Members. (L to R) CW5 Denise Scarboro; CW5 Angela Breit;CW5 Julia Mosman; CW5
Rhea Pruett; CW4 Nicole Woodyard; CW5 Barbara Carpenter; CW5 Artavia Edwards and CW5 Candis Martin.

History of Women Warrant
Officers in the U.S. Army
March is National Women’s History
month. This celebration, designated by
Joint Resolution of the House and Senate
and Proclamations by five American Presidents,
is an opportunity to honor and celebrate
women’s historic achievements. It
is also an opportunity to review the history
of Woman Warrant Officers in the Army.
Research in this subject is difficult as
few records and statistics are available.
However, there is evidence that the first
appointments of women as warrant officers
occurred during the latter period of
World War II. Available records indicate
that March 1944 was the
date of initial accessions of
women into the Warrant
Officer Corps. Before then
there existed a question as
to whether or not women
soldiers could be appointed
warrant officers if they held
positions which, for a man,
carried the grade. Legislation
concerning the Women’s
Army Corps (WAC)
did not mention the matter,
and on this basis The
Judge Advocate General
ruled that appointment of
women was illegal because
the law did not specify that
it was legal. The question was brought to
the War Department’s attention by several
major commanders who wished to appoint
to warrant officer grade the women
who were filling warrant officer positions.
It was then that The Judge Advocate General
was overruled. The Department of the
Army G-1 held that such an appointment
was legal under the general authority to
admit women to full army status, and the
Chief of Staff upheld this opinion. At the
end of World War II, 42 women were in the
Warrant Officer Corps, but thereafter appointments
virtually ceased. (Source: The
Women’s Army Corps, United States Army
in World War II Special Studies, Office of
the Chief of Military History, P. 577).
In January 1944, the appointment of
women as Warrant Officers was authorized.
In March 1944, the first six (or seven)
female Warrant Officers were appointed.
Several were band leaders, but others were
administrative specialists. One was Nana
Rae, General Eisenhower’s secretary. Elisabeth
C. Smith (WAC, 1944), was one of the
early USAAF/USA Warrant Officers (1948).
She retired in 1964 at grade CWO4.
From 1968-1975, the population of
women warrant officers during this period
ranged from 23 in 1968 to 46 in 1979. The
women warrant officers of 1968 were assigned
to the following branches: AG 8; MI:
9; MP: 2; QM: 2; and SC: 2: From 1968 to
1975 the quantity of women warrant officers
remained stable throughout this period.
These data reflect within the Warrant
Officer Corps a symptom of change that
is typical both of the Army at large and of
society as a whole, i.e., expanding opportunity
for employment of women.
From 1975-1978, increases in the
total number in women warrant officers
was primarily attributable to opportunities
made available to women in just two
specialties, Aviation and Medical Corps.
The Aviation Branch accessed 11 female
warrant officers and the Medical Corps 8
in branches that previously had no female
members. These two branches alone contributed
79 percent of the increase that
occurred between 1975 and 1978. The
third factor leading to the increase in the
rising population of women warrant officers
was the appointment in nontraditional
specialties. With the elimination of
MOS exclusions, women received appointments
in specialties which previously had
zero female membership. Not only were
more women applying for warrant officer
appointments, they were able to apply in a
wider range of specialties than at any time
in the past.
From the 1990s, the women warrant
officer population has continued to attract
high quality candidates from the enlisted
women population on active duty and in
the reserve forces. In 1995, the women
warrant officer population was 616 of the
total active duty warrant officer strength of
12338. In the reserve forces the women
warrant officer strength is 673 from reserve
forces warrant officer strength of
12857.
On February 1, 2005, the Army Remembered
Women Judge
Advocate General Corps
(JAGC) Pioneers - the ribbon
was cut on a JAGC Exhibit
at the Army Women’s Museum
at Fort Lee, VA. The
exhibit includes a highlight
on the career of CW5 Sharon
Swartworth. She was the
JAG’s first female active duty
CW5 and their first Regimental
Chief Warrant Officer.
She was killed in November
2003 when the Blackhawk
helicopter in which she was
riding was shot down near
Tikrit, Iraq.
Unlike both the enlisted
and commissioned officer accession programs,
which primarily draw from civilian
markets, the warrant officer program relies
heavily on the active Army enlisted base.
Except for the aviation specialty, which is a
“hands-on” function, prior military experience
is an important requisite to warrant
officer appointment and performance.
Consequently, there has been little input
to the warrant officer ranks directly from
the civilian market except for the aviation
candidate enlistment option. Therefore,
the expansion of the women enlisted force
on active duty and in the reserve components
continues to provide a strong base
from which female warrant officers can be
drawn. A
Editors note: Our thanks to the Warrant
Officer Heritage Foundation for information
upon which this article was
drawn.

Mentorship
By CW5 Ida Tyree Hyche
Writer & Interviewer
Director, Southeast Region, USAWOA
Our Mentorship: A Dialogue
Over 15 years ago a junior warrant officer helped kick National Guard. My first goal is to set up a mentorship
a warrant officer candidate’s career off through the power
of mentorship. The mentor-mentee relationship spans
years of professional development, performance and skills
enhancement, career choices, and knowledge sharing.
program and a mentorship “telephone tree”, if you will, to
By CW5 Ida Tyree Hyche, Writer & Interview
address issues and receive feedback from Director, junior warrant Southeast Region, USAW
officers,” says CW5 Heber Hyde of Salt (serving Lake AL, City, GA, TN, UTAH FL, NC, SC & Puerto R
Army National Guard, during a recent Warrant Officer
Mentor, CW3 Tony Lascano, now retired, witnessed the ultimate
reward of his mentorship when he recently pinned
Senior Staff Course where I interviewed a focus group of
senior warrant officers regarding Over the role 15 of years the ago senior a junior warrant
his mentee, CW4 Johnny Silva, as CW5 during the Warrant
Officer Senior Staff Course in Fort Rucker, Alabama.
“Tony was always there
coaching me, steering me in
the right direction, cautioning
warrant officer Army professional officer in mentorship. helped kick a warrant officer
Caring is mentorship’s center, candidate’s encircled with career giving off through the powe
up time. of mentorship. CW5 Raymond The mentor-mentee
Quinones, relationship Course spans Director years of professiona
and development, Mentorship performance Instruc- and skills
and challenging me, “ says CW5
Silva, a Regular Army warrant
officer now stationed in Korea,
tor, enhancement, Warrant Officer career Career choices, and
College, knowledge declares sharing. mentoring Mentor, CW3 Ton
is not Lascano, happening now retired, as much witnessed the
“I owe him a lot. He recruited
as before ultimate because reward of it his takes mentorship when
me to become a warrant officer
time. he recently “A true pinned mentoring his mentee, Mr.
and stayed with me, all the way
relationship Johnny Silva, takes as time CW5 and during the Warra
– throughout the journey.”
effort Officer to grow,” Senior says Staff CW5 Course in Fort
Mentoring is a personal
Quinones. Rucker, Alabama. “I think too often
development strategy that
facilitates the development of
we throw the term around.
Even “Tony though, was as always leaders, there we coaching me
another by sharing knowledge,
values, attitudes and proficiencies.
The Army defines mentorship
as the “voluntary developmental
relationship that exists
between a person of greater
experience and a person of
lesser experience that is characterized
by mutual trust and (L to R) CW5 Johnny Silva and CW3 (Ret) Tony Lascano
do the steering aspects me in of the coaching, right direction,
teaching cautioning and and counseling, challenging me, “ says
those CW5 elements, Silva, a Regular in and Army of warrant
themselves, officer now do stationed not develop in Korea, “I o we
a mentoring him a lot. He relationship,”
recruited me to become a
he continued. warrant officer Similarly, and stayed with me, all
CW4 the Willis way – Smith throughout Jr., Regular the journey.”
Army, currently stationed in
Saudi Arabia, shared, “ I get
respect.” (FM 6-22, page 8-14,
my most gratification out of
12 October 2006). A mentee is ultimately responsible for mentoring when it’s done on their (the mentee’s) time
his/her own career and personal development. A mentor and taking me away from something else I may rather do. I
simply adds value through advice, insight, knowledge shar- believe we should consider mentorship as being there, giving,
constructive feedback, and critical thinking expansion. ing guidance and giving knowledge. All of us have different
It is time for us to renew our focus and attention to de- definitions for mentorship – that’s mine.”
veloping Army warrant officer professionals. Mentorship Without the proper command climate, mentorship
contributes to the development of future senior warrant cannot be practiced. We must all contribute in the devel-
officer leaders. Successful leadership helps the junior waropment of the warrant officers who will come behind us.
rant officer with raw talent to succeed and the good per- We owe it to our warrant officer candidates and junior
formers to get even better. A sound mentorship program warrant officers to clarify their career goals and help devel-
helps to provide every warrant officer the opportunity to op short and long term career strategies toward advance-
excel. With the integral tools for success, junior warrant
officers progress through the ranks with confidence and
ment. When asked how a mentorship program
skills for current and future operations.
“I’m going to be the CW5 for my MOS in the Army
continued on page 12.
March 2011 3

USAWOA
462 Herndon Parkway #207
Herndon, VA 20107
1-800-5-USAWOA (587-2962)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
CW4 (Ret) Kenneth “Pete” Hill
(O) (410) 278-9309
Kenneth.hill3@us.army.mil
Vice President
CW5 (Ret) Jim White
(C) (585) 216-7237
magdist@comcast.net
Secretary
CW2 (Ret) Gerry Wentworth
(H) (703) 327-3438
dachief@verizon.net
Treasurer
CW4 Jack DuTeil
(O) (703) 607-2759
jack.duteil@us.army.mil
European Region Director
CW5 James Rathburn
(DSN) (314) 370-8598
james.rathburn@us.army.mil
Southeastern Region Director
CW5 Ida Tyree Hyche
(C) 205-601-8645
ida.tyreehyche@us.army.mil
Mid-Southern Region Director
CW4 James E. Davis
(O) (254) 553-2774
jedavis42@gmail.com
Northeastern Region Director
CW4 (Ret) Greg Gouty
(O) (410) 278-0391
gregory.gouty@us.army.mil
Mid-Northern Region Director
CW5 Robert Lamphear
(O) (573) 563-4088
robert.lamphear@us.army.mil
Western Region Director
CW5 (Ret) Russell G. Brewer
(O) (916) 854-3607
russell.g.brewer@us.army.mil
4 March 2011
Contents
Featured:
Vice President’s Perspective
Page 6
Executive Director
Page 7
2 History of Women WOs in the Army
3 Mentorship: A Dialogue
8 Scholarship Foundation
9 VA Report
10-11 Chapter News
17 Continuous Service
18 WO Honor & Distinguished Grads
19 Medal of Honor Recipient
The NEWSLINER is published by the U.S. Army Warrant
Officers Association, a not-for-profit service related association
incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The NEWSLINER is
devoted to the professional interests of Warrant Officers of the U.S.
Army. Articles appearing in the NEWSLINER do not necessarily
represent the opinions of the USAWOA Board of Directors or the
editor, nor are they to be interpreted as official policy of the U.S.
Army or the Department of Defense. Paid advertising appears in
the NEWSLINER. With the exception of the membership benefits
specified, USAWOA does not endorse any specific product or
supplier of services. The editor reserves the right to decline or
discontinue any advertisement without prior notice.
The USAWOA NEWSLINER subscription is a membership benefit
and is not separately available. Association membership is open
to individuals who now hold or have ever held a Warrant issued
by the Secretary of the Army. Annual membership fee is $45.00
($30.00 for eligible retirees). Major NEWSLINER distribution is
electronic and printed copies may be subject to additional mailing
costs.
Multiple-Year and Life memberships are available. For
international mailing of the NEWSLINER (other than APO/FPO) add
$24.00 to the membership fee. Credit will be given (when known)
for all articles and photos used. Original NEWSLINER articles may
be reproduced providing credit is given to USAWOA. The single
copy price of the NEWSLINER is $3.50.

From the editor’s desk
Professionalism
CW5 Ida Tyree Hyche, Southeastern Region Director, shares a mentorship
dialogue she conducted with several senior Warrant Officers in a focus group during
a recent WO Senior Staff Course. Their insights on mentorship should be of interest
to all of us.
Future leaders of our Corps are recognized for their achievements as Distinguished
and Honor graduates of WOCS Classes 11-07 and 11-08 from the Warrant
Officer Candidate School.
Recognition
March is a special month in recognition of National Women’s History Month
with a summarized History of Army Women Warrant Officers. Featured on our cover
are eight senior women Warrant Officers who provided leadership to the Corps
and to our Association at a past Annual Meeting of the Members. Also, recognized
in the article is CW5 Sharon Swartworth, killed in Iraq, and honored by the designation
of the Warrant Officer Career Center building as Swartworth Hall.
March 25 has been designated as Medal of Honor (MOH) day and we highlight
a Warrant Officer MOH recipient, now MAJ (Ret) Fred Ferguson, with his citation for
the MOH and a photo of his presentation on the White House grounds in 1969.
Representation
CW5 (Ret) Charlie Wigglesworth, Executive Director, discusses his initial impressions
from his first contact with The Military Coalition (TMC) and our involvement
in legislative activities with members of Congress and the White House. . He also
urges diligence in keeping your records up to date, especially during this transition
period from a written to an online NEWSLINER publication.
CW5 (Ret) Jim White, Vice President, provides an article by Tom Philpott on the
future of health care as lawmakers will be seeking ways to lower the budget deficits.
Veterans’ Administration
CW4 (Ret) Percy Butler, Assistant VP for Retired Affairs, provides new and enhanced
VA benefits for Caregivers of seriously ill and injured Veterans.
USAWOA National News
CW4 (Ret) Bob Scott, Chairman of the Scholarship Foundation impresses
us with the importance of civilian and military education and the opportunities
provided by the Scholarship Foundation for members, children and spouses to take
advantage of continuing education.
For those who have asked about the deadline for receipt of articles and information
for the NEWSLINER, information received by the 10th of the preceding
month is requested to ensure publication in the following month. Also, a list of helpful
hints for getting your articles in the NEWSLINER will be included in an upcoming
chapter president’s letter to assist you (and the editor) in getting your information
published in a timely manner. I am also pleased to announce that Past National
President CW4 (Ret) Frank Stamey is now on board as assistant to the editor to help
review, edit and assist with consistency in taking our NEWSLINER to the next level.
As always, we welcome input from individuals, chapters, Warrant Officer leaders
and outside sources to ensure that we provide a quality product to our members.
Chapter activities are always a feature in every issue as well as those who have
supported our Association through the years. The “In Memoriam” column also
recognizes those Warrant Officers who are no longer with us. We also appreciate
our advertisers.
Until next month… A
By CW4 (Ret) Don Hess
USAWOA
462 Herndon Parkway #207
Herndon, VA 20107
1-800-5-USAWOA (587-2962)
(703) 742-7727 FAX: (703) 742-7728
E-Mail: usawoahq@verizon.net
Website: www.usawoa.org
Executive Director
CW5 (Ret) Charles Wigglesworth
(O) 1-800-587-2962
usawoahq@verizon.net
Office Manager
Herb Rundgren CPO- USN (Ret)
(O) 1-800-587-2962
usawoamdb@verizon.net
Bookkeeper
Theresa Casteel
(O) (703) 742-7727
usawoafinance@verizon.net
Editor
CW4 (Ret) Don Hess
(H) (540) 289-5557
usawoaeditor@verizon.net
Asst VP- Army Guard Affairs
CW5 Gene Touchstone,
(DSN) 293-6185
Asst VP - Army Reserve Affairs
CW2 Virginia Oscovitch
(O) (850) 912-2910
Virginia.oscovitch@us.army.mil
Asst VP - Veterans Affairs
CW4 (Ret) Percy D. Butler
(O) (404) 767-0066
pdbutler2@msn.com
Past Presidents Council Chairman
CW5 (Ret) Frank Meeks
(H) (252) 946-3142
franklin.d.meeks@us.army.mil
Scholarship Foundation President
CW4 (Ret) Robert D. Scott
(H) (571) 918-0129
bob.scott@penfed.org
WO Heritage Foundation President
CW5 (Ret) David P. Welsh
(C) (757) 999-2022
wo-heritage@verizon.net
March 2011 5

Vice President’s Perspective
CW5 (Ret) Jim White
V.P. Jim White contributes the following article by columnist Tom
Philpott addressing an important issue facing those serving now
and for future military retirees. This is the wave of the immediate
future and USAWOA will work through the The Military Coalition
(TMC) to protect our hard earned military benefits.
Debt Panels Target Military Retirees
BY TOM PHILPOTT (reprinted with permission)
Two separate blue-ribbon
panels created to find ways to curb
the federal government’s enormous
and rising debt have targeted
TRICARE beneficiaries for higher
fees and future military retirees for
smaller annuities.
The same panels propose no
specific cuts to VA benefits or
services. However, they do recommend
replacing the current index
for calculating annual cost-of-living
adjustments (COLAs) to dampen
growth in entitlements, including
veterans’ disability compensation,
federal retirement and Social
Security.
The National Commission on
Fiscal Responsibility and Reform,
co-chaired by former Republican
Sen. Alan Simpson and Erskine
Bowles, chief of staff to President
Clinton, released its final report in
December. It proposes dramatic
cuts across government, including
Social Security and Medicare for
current workers and even to defense
programs. It also calls for a
variety of higher taxes and an end
to some prized tax deductions.
Military retirees 65 and older
who use TRICARE For Life (TFL) as
kind of golden insurance supplement
to Medicare would face
6 March 2011
higher out-of-pocket costs.
To encourage the elderly to use
health care more efficiently, the
commission says TFL and other Medigap
plans should be barred from
covering the first $500.00 costs not
paid by Medicare and should cover
only half of the next $5,000. So
TFL users and other elderly Americans
using Medicare could pay up
to $3,000 more annually. This idea
is projected to save $4 billion for
Medicare and TRICARE through
2015.
The Simpson-Bowles panel
wants a task force created to reevaluate
federal retirement plans,
which it says are out of line with
private-sector pensions. The goal
is to cut $70 billion over 10 years.
The commission also says a separate
process should be set up to
control federal health-care spending,
including by TRICARE beneficiaries.
In November, the Debt Reduction
Task Force, co-chaired by former
Republican Sen. Pete Domenici
and economist Alice Rivlin, brought
out another package of federal
cost-cutting recommendations. It
calls for a freeze on total domestic
discretionary spending, which
would almost certainly dampen
new initiatives to help veterans,
and curb growth in the VA budget.
Though not recommending
specific cuts to VA health care, the
report says the cost has climbed 71
percent in the past five years. This
“must be slowed, or other domestic
programs will have to be cut”.
One proposal found in both
reports is a change to the method
of setting COLAs for Social Security,
federal retirement benefits,
veterans’ compensation, and
more. Critics sat federal entitlement
should be adjusted annually,
using a consumer price index that
more closely tracks how consumers
actually spend their dollars
and, on average, would hold down
adjustments to federal entitlement
by about a quarter-percent point
per year. Opponents say a chainedindex
CPI unfairly takes advantage
of how rising process change consumer
behavior, and therefore does
not fully protect consumers, and
federal benefits programs, against
inflation.
As a new, more conservative
Congress convenes, it is uncertain
how aggressive lawmakers will be
in adopting any of these ideas for
lowering budget deficits. A

Greetings from the National Headquarters of
the US Army Warrant Officer Association. It is been
a fast non-stop month since I assumed my new position
as your Executive Director. So, let me update
you on the happenings here in Washington, D.C.
In an attempt to ensure that we have accurate
email and regular mailing addresses, the Headquarters
mailed a first class letter to each member of the
Association. Be sure that all the information on your
account is correct. If you have problems logging in,
please email us at usawoamdb@verizon.net or usawoahq@verizon.net.
We will correct the problem.
I attended my first Military Coalition meeting.
The Coalition is made up of 32 Associations with 5.5
million members. The size of The Military Coalition
(TMC) sends a strong message to Capitol Hill which
recognizes the TMC as the most effective lobbying
organization for the military community on the
Hill. That is why your membership is so important.
USAWOA is one of the smallest Associations but
we still have one vote like the larger Associations.
USAWOA serves on two subcommittees, the Guard
and Reserve Committee and the Personnel/Commissary
Committee. Other TMC committees are: Health
Care, Veterans, Retirement, Survivors Programs,
MWR, MILCON, Taxes/Social Security, Members/
Nomination, MWR and MILCON, and Awards. As you
can see, lots of work is being done on behalf of the
Associations’ members.
At this TMC meeting, several actions were discussed
or acted on. Letters from Senators Akaka and
Burr requesting the status of the family caregiver
program were discussed. The Department of the
Veteran Affairs (DVA) is responsible for the implementation
of the Law. DVA has contracted to fast
track additional Agent Orange veterans. According to
38 CFR……the presumpumtion of herbicide exposure
requires that the Veteran’s service involved “duty or
visitation in the Republic of Vietnam”. For those Veterans
who served aboard ships operating primarily
or temporally on the inland waterways of Vietnam,
their service involved “duty” in Vietnam. In cases
involving docking, the evidence must show that the
veteran was aboard at the time of docking and the
From the executive director
By CW5 (Ret) Charlie Wigglesworth
Veteran must provide a statement of personally going
ashore. If you served on a Navy or Coast Guard
ship in Vietnam, A list of those ships that were considered
in the area of operations will be provided if
you send me an email.
The TMC recommendations are numerous on
behalf of the members and families of the Active,
USAR, ARNG and Retirees. Each month I will update
the membership on where the TMC stands on the
issues that affect you.
I also attended the National Guard/Reserve Committee
Meeting featuring the Assistant Secretary of
Defense (Reserve Affairs) Dennis M. McCarty. He
stated that this is a critical time for our Reserve
Forces. As Reserve Forces redeploy from theater,
the question will be funding. DOD is going to lose
dollars like the other Departments in the Federal
Government. Because most of the funding over
the past 10 years has been out of the supplemental
funds, the funding was never put into the regular
defense budget. When DOD goes to Congress to ask
for dollars, the question will be, How does it affect
readiness? Each of you in the Reserve Forces can
ensure the message of your service is COMMUNI-
CATED. All of us must ensure the public is educated
on what we do. We can’t afford for the military to
become isolated from the American people.
If you have questions on the above issues, please
call me at 1-800-587-2962 or email me at usawoahq@verizon.net.
If I don’t have the answer, I will
find it.
Herb and Terri continue to look for ways to
streamline office operations. No paper goes to
waste!!! Both sides are used and I have to be careful
that I am reading the information that is relative
and not the trash side of the paper. We are working
to be as paperless as possible. We strive to be good
stewards of the monies of the Association.
Next month, I will update you on the meeting
scheduled with the Undersecretary of Defense for
Personnel and Readiness, Dr. Clifford Stanley on our
Health Care Benefits and Costs.
Until next time, Charlie A
March 2011 7

Scholarship Foundation report
By CW4 (Ret) Robert D. Scott
President & Chairman, Scholarship Foundation
Each of us knows how important
education has become in the world
today. We all are concerned that our
children get the best education possible
so they can have a wonderful life
as they grow old.
Unfortunately many of us, for any
number of reasons were unable to
achieve that great education as we
grew up. It could have been for any
number of reasons; parents could not
afford it, had to go to work to help
the family, chose to get married very
young, had young children at home,
duty restricted our opportunities, etc.
The list goes on and on.
Many military members continue
their education through programs such
as night or weekend classes and online
programs. When the USAWOA Scholarship
Foundation was created a few
years ago we developed a relationship
with Grantham University which is an
online educational institution. Because
of their relationship with the military
and their experience with adult education,
Grantham is a formidable partner
in our attempt to assist USAWOA family
members achieve their educational
goals. Grantham has agreed to provide
one four year scholarship each year
8 March 2011
Education is Increasingly
Important
for the foundation to use as it see fit.
This grant includes everything except
the computer and printer. Tuition,
required textbooks, software, and
fees are all covered. The recipient can
choose to earn either an undergraduate
or graduate degree at Grantham
University.
The past few years, we have annually
offered this four year online
scholarship to military spouses and
family members. We thought that this
would be an excellent way for spouses
to complete their education, especially
since because of family issues many
can not attend formal classes on a full
time basis or have the funds to attend
full time programs.
During this period we have come
to realize that most teenagers want
to go away to college, not stay home
and take courses online. While we
have between 25 and 45 applications
each year for our $1,000.00 grants we
seldom have many of the younger generation
applying for the online scholarship.
The past years, these scholarships
were awarded to WOA members
spouses and will allow completion of
both their undergraduate and Masters
programs.
The National Executive Committee (EXCOM)
coordinating the ongoing issues for the Association
at their February meeting.
To increase the participation and
competition for this award starting
this fall we will also accept online
scholarship applications from the
WOA members themselves wishing to
compete for the four year scholarship.
As promotion requirements grow and
formal education, as well as military
education, becomes a larger part of
our lives’ goals, we believe this will be
of tremendous help to these members
still on active duty.
I strongly recommend that those
of you, who have not achieved your
ultimate educational goals, whether it
is an Associate , a Baccalaureate or a
Masters degree, visit the Foundation
web site, review the Grantham catalog
for the the various programs they provide
and compete for this wonderful
opportunity this fall.
Opportunity is knocking, folks, so
do not ignore it. Apply today for this
great opportunity. Those of you who
currently are utilizing your GI Bill to
complete your education, check with
your local education office. You may
be able to hold that benefit and pass it
on to your children. A

New and Enhanced VA Benefits
Provided to Caregivers of Veterans
WASHINGTON (Feb. 9, 2011) - The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) is launching the first of a series of new and
enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously
ill and injured Veterans. In May 2010, President Obama
signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services
Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA to establish a
wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of
eligible Post 9/11 Veterans.
“Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to
help Veterans of all eras who served this nation,“ said Secretary
of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “They are critical
partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and
injured Veterans, and they deserve our continued training,
support and gratitude.”
“DAV is happy to hear that caregivers of Veterans are
getting additional support and services to care for our
Nation’s heroes and unprecedented new services for our
most recent severely ill and injured,” said David W. Gorman,
executive director of the Washington Headquarters
of the Disabled American Veterans. “We understand there
are challenges to implementing the new law; including
ensuring that critically ill and injured Veterans of all eras
are similarly supported.”
In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible
Veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept.
11, 2001 (Post 9/11 Veterans), VA will also begin providing
enhanced benefits and services to caregivers of Veterans
of all eras who are already enrolled in VA care, including:
* Access to VA’s toll-free Caregiver Support Line:
1-855-260-3274,
* Expanded education and training on caring for
Veterans at home,
* Other support services such as counseling and
support groups and referral services; and
* An enhanced website for caregivers.
Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and Veterans
Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law
Veterans affairs
By CW4 (Ret) Percy Butler
Unprecedented Law Augments Commitment to
Nation’s Most Vulnerable Veterans
to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured Post
9/11 Veterans. Those additional benefits include:
* A monthly stipend,
* Health care coverage,
* Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem
while accompanying Veterans undergoing care,
* Respite care; and
* Mental health services and counseling.
VA will take the opportunity to report to Congress in
the future on the feasibility of expanding the enhanced
services to family caregivers of Veterans of all eras.
While some of these enhanced benefits are available
now, many of the other significant newly-enacted benefits
will require the issuance of regulations. These additional
benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel costs,
medical coverage, training, counseling and respite care
designed to prevent institutionalization of Veterans whenever
possible. The law requires detailed regulations for
determining eligibility, designating and approving caregivers,
and providing stipends and health care coverage to
primary family caregivers. The complex process required to
implement these regulations will provide Veterans, caregivers
and the general public the opportunity to provide
comments before those regulations are finalized.
“VA has supported caregivers of Veterans of all eras
for almost eight decades,” said Deborah Amdur of VA’s
Care Management and Social Work Service, “and we know
from our experience and research that Veterans are best
served when they can live their lives as independently as
possible surrounded by caring family and friends.” Each VA
medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators
who will assist eligible Veterans and caregivers in
understanding and applying for the new benefits. VA also
has a Caregiver Support Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov,
which will provide general information once final regulations
are published. A
March 2011 9

Chapter News
By CW3 Mark Roland
Vice President, Cornhusker Chapter, USAWOA
Lincoln, NE. Members of the USAWOA’s
Nebraska’s Cornhusker Chapter spent
weeks and many hours volunteering for
Operation Santa Claus to provide less fortunate
children with a gift of their choice
for Christmas. The unique twist to this
non-profit organization is that the children
request the gift that they want instead of
receiving a random gift. With the efforts
from multiple companies and the volunteer
efforts from the USAWOA over 3,400
children received a personalized gift from
Operation Santa Claus this year.
Meeting in October, the radio station
coordinator, a representative from each
social service agency, and CW2 Monty
Woodward, Secretary of the Cornhusker
Chapter and coordinator of the volunteers
from the Nebraska National Guard began
soliciting donations from listeners; local
social service agencies’ case workers completed
interviews and paperwork with the
MSG Thomas Lannin (left) and
PFC Michael Lindgren carry a b
ox of presents into the Catholic
Social Service’s pantry. The
box is filled with some of the
563 presents delivered to the
agency from Operation Santa
Claus.
10 March 2011
Busy as Elves at Christmas
eligible families to determine what specific
gift each child desired; and Woodward
coordinated the volunteers consisting of
current and retired Army and Air National
Guard members and their families.
A computerized spread sheet system,
developed by a member of the Cornhusker
Chapter assisted in identifying
duplicate requests; facilitated in organizing
the gifts; cross referenced for accuracy
and helped to identify duplicates of 314
children this year. With an average of $17
for each gift, these efforts resulted in a
savings of over $5,300 for the charity.
Gift tag forms with the requested
item were returned to the radio station for
their personnel to work with local stores
to purchase the requested gift for each of
the less fortunate children. By 10 December,
the unwrapped tagged gifts were
delivered to the North Pole, an empty
warehouse donated by the Speedway
SFC Peg Thornton (Ret)
checks the gifts to the
request on the paperwork
one more time in
preparation for delivery
to local social service
agencies. Every effort is
made to make sure that
the gift is just what the
child requested.
Real Estate Company, where volunteers
spent another week sorting the gifts. Using
the assigned family number, gifts were
located, bagged and divided up by social
service agencies to minimize mistakes.
Before delivery to the agency, the volunteers
checked each bag a second time to
assure each child had an appropriate gift
for their request.
To complete the Operation Santa
Clause process, two men and a truck
from, a local moving company drove the
gifts to the social service agencies on 16
December. The volunteers believed that
unloading the gift bags to the agencies
was the best part of this entire process.
In less than two months, the USAWOA
Cornhusker Chapter was able to make
Christmas a little bit brighter for over 1400
families in Lincoln Nebraska and surrounding
communities. A
Photos by CW3 Mark Roland
Catholic Social Service staff
unloads boxes of presents
into the pantry area of the
facility from Operation Santa
Claus where the presents are
wrapped by staff and given to
the less fortunate children in
the local community.

Ft. Belvoir, VA.
Warrant Officers Heritage Foundation Board
Chairman CW5 (Ret) Richard Markle presents a
“WO HERITAGE SUPPORTER” Flag Streamer to
the Lord Fairfax Silver Chapter. This is the second
streamer presented to the Chapter in recognition
of the chapter’s $250 donations supporting the
Foundation’s efforts to preserve the history and
heritage of the Army Warrant Officer. (Left to
Right) Chapter President, CW2 Meisha Atkinson,
Foundation Chairman Markle, and Chapter Vice-
President, CW5 (Ret) Eddie Mallard.
Ft. Lewis, WA.
Chapter News
Northwest Chapter members make Holidays a
little brighter and in return members are presented
a Certificate of Appreciation from Santa’s Castle
staff. Santa’s castle is a Joint Base Lewis McCord
organization that provides gifts for children of active
duty or mobilized soldiers in need. They accept cash
donations or new toys. Toys are sorted and arranged
into aisles after which children pick toys based on age
and value. The Soldier’s command is responsible for
determining need and then working with Santa’s
Castle to ensure proper distribution.
Ft Lewis, WA.
The Northwest Chapter made a donation of $500
to Fisher house, a national organization which
provides a “home away from home” for family of
military members who require specialized care. (Left
to Right) CW2 Jason Preston, CW5 Charles “Chip”
Dowd, Jodi Land (of Fisher House) and Chapter
President CW4 (Ret) Jay Swift.
March 2011 11

CW5 (Ret) David P. Welsh received the USAWOA Honorable Order of the Eagle Rising Gold Level Award
during a ceremony at the USAWOA First State Chapter in Smyrna, DE. The award was presented by
USAWOA National President CW4 (Ret) Kenneth B. N. “Pete” Hill assisted by National Vice President CW5
(Ret) James White. The award recognizes contributions to the Army, the Warrant Officer Corps Armywide,
USAWOA, and civic support and dedication. Mr. Welsh is a Life Member of USAWOA, Past Chapter
President, Past Region Director, Past National President, and National Webmaster. He also serves as
President, Member of the Board of Directors, and Founder of the Warrant Officers Heritage Foundation
whose goal is to preserve the history and heritage of the Army Warrant Officer.
continued from page 3.
should be implemented, CW4 Mark Seels, Regular Army,
San Antonio, TX, replied, “When it comes to mentorship,
I think the relationship should start when those Soldiers
are boarded – when they’re selected as warrant officer
candidates. We should be there for them then, don’t
wait! All of their questions start when they come to that
candidate door. That’s when they need individual senior
level or junior level warrant officer point of contacts.” We
must share our knowledge and instruct them in technical,
leadership and management skills”.
Senior warrant officer mentors must provide honest
and timely feedback, critiquing the mentee’s strengths
and weaknesses. Feedback is an essential ingredient for
personal learning and professional development. Without
feedback, the junior warrant officer is left to “fill in the
blanks” on their development and performance. Further,
good mentoring relationships possess alliance, mutual
respect, responsiveness, confidentiality, joint responsibility,
free and honest expression and focus. “You know when
you click with that mentee or mentor and he/she clicks
with you;” declares CW5 Quinones, “if a Soldier approaches
you to become a mentor, that Soldier is saying he or she
respects you and can trust you and is hoping you feel the
same way. It’s then up to the both of you to nurture and
grow that mentoring relationship.”
Mutual respect forms the foundation of a successful
mentoring relationship. Yet, there must be responsive-
12 March 2011
ness on the mentee’s part. The mentee must be willing to
learn from the mentor just as the mentor must be willing
to respond to the mentee’s learning needs. Candidly, CW4
Craig Smith discloses, “There has to be a personal chemistry
between the individuals. It must be built on trust, mutual
understanding and loyalty. Sometimes it worked with
me and sometimes I’ve failed miserably. It depends on
whether the mentee listens to the mentor. It all depends
on the individual and how we get along.” There must be
joint accountability. Accountability ropes the sagacity of
meaning and purpose in the mentoring relationship.
There are vested interests for senior warrant officer
Army professionals promoting increased mentorship
relationships. Among them are value-added experience
and skill development. Perhaps, CW5 Quinones summed
it best when he concluded, a “mentoring relationship is
the key to success in life. It truly will make a person more
successful in life. I just don’t understand why more people
don’t see this. Where am I in my life? Where do I want to
be? Mentoring is the key to reaching our self-actualization
on the Hierarchy of Needs.”
For information about The Army Mentorship Program,
to register for the program, and view the training video,
visit the website at:
http://www.armyg1.army.mil/HR/mentorship/default.asp A

Obituaries
By CW4 (Ret) Jimmy Carpenter
Loss of Sun City Chapter Treasurer and so much more……………..
By CW4 (Ret) Jimmy Carpenter
Loss of Sun City Chapter
Treasurer and so much more…
Eugene R. Calabro, Sr.
CW4 311A CID USA Retired
Sun City Chapter Treasurer
Eugene Robert Calabro, Sr. Born in Brooklyn, NY, on July
20, 1924, passed away on February 7, 2011 at the age of 86.
He served his country well starting in the Marine Corps during
WWII. He Eugene re-entered the R. military Calabro, during the Korean Sr. conflict
and served in his third war in Viet Nam during his 26 year
career which ended with his retirement as an Army Chief
CW4 311A CID USA Retired
Sun City Chapter Treasurer
Warrant Officer 4. He began another career as a JROTC
instructor and administrator with the Ysleta Independent
School District for 22 years. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Guissepe and Amelia, his brothers Joe and Al, sister
Fran & sons Chris and Joey. He is survived by his wife
Susan, sons Eugene R Jr. (Marsha), Joel White (Teresa), daughters Mauri Whitehurst
Eugene “Gene” (Bo) Robert and Julie Calabro, Duncan Sr. (Jay) Born as in well Brook- as 15 grandchildren sociation and International, 9 great grandchildren. Freeway Keglers, Texas State
lyn, NY, on July 20, Following 1924, passed his love away of country on February and family 7, his other Bowling two loves Hall were of the Fame, Special and Olympics his most treasured award,
2011 at the age of and 86. Bowling. He served This his was country exemplified well by start- his participation the 2010 with Spirit and being of Amigo honored Award by Texas given by the El Paso
ing in the Marine Corps Special during Olympics WWII. at the He local re-entered and state level, Texas Convention Crime Stoppers & Visitors Board, Bureau. the US
the military during Army the Warrant Korean Officers conflict Association, and served Military in Order of There World Wars, was a DAV, viewing, El Paso followed Athletic by burial at the Ft.
his third war in Viet Hall Nam of Fame, during El Paso his 26 Bowling year Hall career of Fame, USBC Bliss Board, National Kegler Cemetery Association with MG Pittard as the pre-
which ended with International, his retirement Freeway as an Keglers, Army Texas Chief State War- Bowling siding Hall officer. of Fame, A donation and his most to the Special Olympics of
rant Officer 4. He began treasured another award, the career 2010 as Spirit a JROTC of Amigo in- Award El given Paso by (4100 the El Rio Paso Bravo, Convention Suite & 311, El Paso, TX 79902,
structor and administrator Visitors Bureau. with the Ysleta Independent 915-533-8229), in lieu of flowers, would be greatly ap-
School District for 22 years. He was preceded in death preciated.
by his parents, Guissepe and Amelia, his brothers Joe Gene Calabro touched so many lives through his
and Al, sister Fran On & sons Friday, Chris February and 11, Joey. 2011, He there is survived was a viewing, years followed of service by burial in the at the active Ft. Bliss military, Junior Reserve
by his wife Susan, National sons Eugene Cemetery R Jr. with (Marsha), MG Pittard Joel as the presiding Officers officer. Training A donation Course, to the Special
Olympics and his
White (Teresa), daughters Olympics of Mauri El Paso Whitehurst (4100 Rio Bravo, (Bo) and Suite 311, bowling El Paso, leagues. TX 79902, Gene 915-533-8229), was presented in the Amigo Spirit
Julie Duncan (Jay) lieu as well of flowers, as 15 would grandchildren be greatly appreciated. and 9 Award by the El Paso Mayor for his dedicated service.
great grandchildren. Following his love of country and During the December Chapter Meeting, our Guest
family his other two loves were the Special Olympics Speaker, MG Dana Pittard was openly surprised to find
and Bowling. This
Gene
was exemplified
Calabro touched
by
so
his
many
participation
lives through his
his
years
former
of service
JROTC
in the
instructor
active military,
at the head table. It was
with and being honored Junior Reserve by Texas Officers Special Training Olympics Course, at Special quite Olympics a touching and his bowling reunion leagues. for both men. Gene was so
the local and state Gene level, was Texas presented Crime the Stoppers Amigo Spirit Board, Award by pleased the El Paso by Mayor the unsolicited for his dedicated recognition that “I swear”
the US Army Warrant service. Officers During Association, the December Military Chapter Meeting, Or- I our saw Guest him Speaker, hovering MG above Dana the Pittard floor. Eugene Calabro
der of World Wars, was DAV, openly El Paso surprised Athletic to find Hall his former of Fame, JROTC instructor was the at epitome the head of table. the It Quiet was quite Professional; a Warrior, a
El Paso Bowling Hall a touching of Fame, reunion USBC for Board, both men. Kegler Gene As- was so pleased Teacher, by a the Mentor, unsolicited an recognition Advocate, a True Friend. A
that “I swear” I saw him hovering above the floor. Eugene Calabro was the epitome of
the Quiet Professional; a Warrior, a Teacher, a Mentor, an Advocate, a True Friend.
Ft. Bliss, TX. MG Dana Pittard with Gene at the December 2010 USAWOA Sun City
Chapter meeting. . (Photo courtesy of Fort Bliss PAO)
Ft. Bliss, TX.
MG Dana Pittard with Gene at the December
2010 USAWOA Sun City Chapter meeting.
(Photo courtesy of Fort Bliss PAO)
March 2011 13

01237L CW3P Guy M Rabuck
01238L CW2 Benjamin F McMillan III
01239L CW2 Francois W Pelletier
01240L WO1 Ann M Joy
01241L CW2 Philip T Mccluskey
01242L CW3 Debra L Stumpp
CWO (Ret) Oscar J. Michaud
Worcester, MA
CW4 (Ret) David Alan Coates
St. Cloud, FL
REDSTONE ARSENAL CHAPTER
CW4R MAX C BENNETT PAST PRESIDENT
CW4R JOHNNIE L WALTERS NEW PRESIDENT
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
February 25, 2011— The National Military Family Association
is now accepting nominations of outstanding
military families for its 2011 Family Award program. One
finalist family from each of the seven Uniformed Services
will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington,
DC for the award ceremony at the Association’s 2011
Leadership Luncheon. At the event, one of the seven
families will be named 2011 Family of the Year and will
receive a cash prize of $1,000.
Friends and family members can visit www.militaryfamily.org/familyaward
to nominate their military
14 March 2011
New Life Members
In Memoriam
New Chapter Presidents
01243L CW2P William O Potts
01244L CW4R Norman W Kester
01245L CW4 Michale W Pracht
01246L CW4 Kevin A. N. Bone
01247L CW4 Robert J Gunderson
01248L CW4R Richard R Monroe
CW3R Louis Rochat (Life Member)
Universal City, TX
CW4R Vincent R. Olac
Ellsworth, MI
RISING EAGLE CHAPTER
CW2 STEVEN E SIGALA PAST PRESIDENT
WO1 CHRISTINA CARTER NEW PRESIDENT
Nominations Now Accepted for 2011 Family Award
One military family will win $1,000
family or a military family they know. This is the time to
tell personal stories and achievements or recognize a
special family. Active duty, Reserve Component, retiree,
or surviving families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps,
Air Force, Coast Guard, or Commissioned Corps of NOAA
or PHS are eligible to receive this award.
Nominations are being accepted now through midnight
EST March 31. Visit www.militaryfamily.org/familyaward to
nominate or learn more about the award and previous winners.
This award is made possible thanks to the generosity
of the Association of Military Banks of America. A

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Rate and offers current as of February 1, 2011 and are subject to change.
All USAWOA members and your family are eligible to join. Apply for a card today and support USAWOA.
March 2011 15

National News
Herndon, VA.
CW5 Gary Nisker, Past National President, is
presented a “LET GO” print in appreciation for his
dedicated service to the USAWOA. Presentation
made on behalf of the USAWOA Past President’s
Council by President Emeritus Don Hess at the
February EXCOM meeting.
Military spouses would enjoy improved employment
opportunities under legislation recently introduced in
the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman John
Carter (R-TX31). Carter introduced the Military Spouses
Employment Act of 2010 to provide employers a new tax
incentive to hire qualified military spouses. The bill is cosponsored
by a bipartisan coalition of 12 Republicans and
5 Democrats.
“This legislation will help alleviate some of the longstanding
obstacles to quality jobs for military spouses,”
says Carter, who represents the Fort Hood, Texas area.
“Far too often employers overlook military spouses in
the hiring process due to concerns over family transfers.
The hiring incentives in this bill should help level
the playing field to allow our military spouses an equal
shot at getting a civilian job.” Employment statistics show
that military spouses traditionally earn less than civilians
despite higher graduation rates and living in areas with
better paying jobs.
In addition to improving combined income for mili-
16 March 2011
Washington DC.
CW5 (Ret) Charlie Wigglesworth discusses Wounded
Warrior issues with Congressman Allen B. West
from Florida.
Military Spouses Targeted for Improved
Employment Opportunities
tary families, the Carter bill is also expected to improve
service member retention, as research has found that the
influence of military spouses on re-enlistment decisions
has increased with the proportion of military spouses
working outside the home. The Military Spouses Employment
Act would expand the Workforce Opportunity
Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses, providing
employers a tax incentive to hire qualified military
spouses. Qualified spouses include all active duty military
spouses, as well as spouses of National Guard and Reserve
members who are activated for 90 days or more.
The change would allow employers to claim an income
tax credit of 40 percent for the first $6,000 in wages for
qualified spouses who remain on the payroll at least 400
hours. For spouses who remain employed from 120 hours
to 399 hours, employers are eligible for a tax credit of 25
percent.
The Carter bill is supported by the Military Coalition,
(TMC) which includes 34 organizations representing 5.5
million members. A

RNK LAST NAME FIRST NAME BR TM
35 YEARS
CW4R CRACE LOWELL MI *
CW4R LOONEY HAROLD SC *
30 YEARS
CW3R ENGLUND DANNY MS #
CW4R LABOWSKIE EUGENE MI *
MAJR MCINTIRE DAVID XX *
CW5R MCLAUGHLIN THOMAS MI *
CW4R SHIRLEY JERRY AV #
CW3R TALBOT LOUIS SC *
25 YEARS
CW3R CHAMBERS WAYNE EN
CW5R CURTIS SUZANNE AG #
CW5 DOWD CHARLES MI *
CW3R HOSSELRODE AMALIE MI
CW3R LEBLANC THOMAS AG *
CW3R LOVELY MICHAEL QM
CW3 MCKEOWN ROBERT SC *
CW3 PELOSE JOHN SC *
CW4R WEIDELL LAWRENCE AV
20 YEARS
CW4R EDWARDS JAMES FA
CW4R HORAN LEROY OD #
CW4 KIMBLEY WENDY SC *
CW5R LOTEMPIO RICHARD AG #
CW3R SQUIRES MAURICE OD #
15 YEARS
CW4R ADAIR ERIC FA
CW4R CANNON THOMAS AG #
CW4R CARLBERG DOUGLAS AV #
CW4 CATER TIMOTHY AV
CW5R DOUGHERTY JOHN AV
CW5R GASTON BILLIE EN *
CW5R HEINER CLARENCE AG
CW4R HOKANSON EARL OD *
CW4 HOPKINS MARYAN SC
CW4 KEENE ELIZABETH QM *
* Indicates Life Member
# Indicates Multi Year Member
Continuous Membership February 2011
Your continuous dedication and financial support of
USAWOA over the years has been a driving
force in the success of our Association.
RNK LAST NAME FIRST NAME BR TM
15 YEARS
CW2R MAYS THOMAS QM *
CW4R PINES JACK MI #
CW3 SLEEPER PAUL SC
CW4 WAHL RICHARD OD #
CW4R WRIGHT WILLIAM OD #
10 YEARS
CW3 BOATMAN RALPH SC
CW3 CALLAGHAN CHRISTOPHER MI #
CW2R CORDIER JOSEPH MI #
CW3 FANGMAN MARY JA
CW5R FREMMING ERIC AV
CW3R FRIEDE KIMBERLY AG
CW5 GORDON JAMES OD
CW4 GREGA WAYNE OD #
CW3 JACKSON MICHAEL AV
CW3 JAMBOR KENNETH OD
CW4 KELLEY STEPHEN OD *
CW4 KIMBALL DANIEL MP *
CW5 MORSE WAYNE IM *
CW5R NEWMAN RYAN AV #
CW3 PRZYBYLSKI MICHAEL OD
CW3R SPEE ROBERT OD
CW3R STEPHENS KIMBERLY AG #
CW4 TAYLOR JIMMY QM
CW3R THOMAS SHARON SC *
CW3R WALCZAK VICTOR OD #
CW3R WOODRUFF BERNIE EN
CW5R WORTHEY TOMMY JA #
5 YEARS
CW2 DONOHUE TOMMIE AG
CW5 GEORGENES PETER OD
CW4 KAMMLAH JOSEPH MI
CW2R PELT ERIC OD #
CW3 REICKS GREGORY OD
CW2 THROM TERRY TC *
CW4 THURSTON PAUL QM
CW2 TRAYLOR IAN SC *
CW4R WIECHERT ARTHUR OD #
CW2 WILLIAMS FRANK SC
March 2011 17

Congratulations
Fort Rucker, AL.
WO1 Stephen Vogler is
presented the USAWOA Leadership
award for WOCS Class 11-07
by CW3 Michael Langell.
Fort Rucker, AL.
WO1 Jennifer C. Johnson is
presented the USAWOA Leadership
award for WOCS Class 11-08
by CW3 Michael Langell.
18 March 2011
WOCS Class 11-07
Fort Rucker, AL.
WO1 Ryan Bryner is
presented the USAWOA Distinguished Honor
Graduate award for WOCS Class 11-07
by CW4 James Triplett.
WOCS Class 11-08
Fort Rucker, AL.
WO1 Blake S. Arrington is
presented the USAWOA Distinguished Honor
Graduate award for WOCS Class 11-08
by CW4 James Triplett.

National Medal of Honor Day
25 March 2011
The United States Congress has
designated March 25th of each year as
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY, a
day dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients,
(Public Law 101-564). Conceived
in the State of Washington, this holiday
should be one of our most revered.
Unfortunately all too many
Americans are not even aware of
its existence.
Why March 25th? The date of
March 25th was chosen to highlight
this special day because it
was March 25,1863 that the first
Medals of Honor were presented…
to sox members of Andrews’ Raiders.
If you haven’t read the story
you can follow the hyperlink below
titled THE FIRST PRESENTATION to
read about that historic day.
Last year we recognized CW4
(Ret) Michael J. Novosel, now deceased,
a Medal of Honor recipient
and a legend in the WO Corps
for his heroism in Vietnam.
This year we honor Frederick
Edgar Ferguson (born
August 18, 1939), a former
United States Army warrant
officer and a recipient of the
United States military’s highest
decoration—the Medal of Honor
while assigned to Company C, 227th
Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division,
(Airmobile), for his actions in the Vietnam
War.
Then CW2 Ferguson’s official Medal
of Honor citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. CWO
Ferguson, U.S. Army distinguished himself
while serving with Company C. CWO
Ferguson, commander of a resupply he-
CW2 Frederick Ferguson (left) is congratulated by President Nixon
after being presented the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam
during a ceremony held on the grounds of the White House. Looking
on in the background is GEN Bruce Palmer, Jr., Vice Chief of Staff, U.S.
Army, 17 May 1969. Photo by U.S. Army photographer.
licopter monitoring an emergency call
from wounded passengers and crewmen
of a downed helicopter under heavy attack
within the enemy controlled city
of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to
attempt evacuation. Despite warnings
from all aircraft to stay clear of the area
due to heavy antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson
began a low-level flight at maximum
airspeed along the Perfume River
toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese
Army compound in which the
crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly
and skillfully maintaining his course
in the face of intense, short range
fire from enemy occupied buildings
and boats, he displayed superior
flying skill and tenacity of purpose
by landing his aircraft in an extremely
confined area in a blinding
dust cloud under heavy mortar and
small-arms fire. Although the helicopter
was severely damaged by
mortar fragments during the loading
of the wounded, CWO Ferguson
disregarded the damage and, taking
off through the continuing hail
of mortar fire, he flew his crippled
aircraft on the return route through
the rain of fire that he had experienced
earlier and safely returned
his wounded passengers to
friendly control. CWO Ferguson’s
extraordinary determination
saved the lives of 5
of his comrades. His actions
are in the highest traditions
of the military service and
reflect great credit on himself and the
U.S. Army.“
Major (Ret) Ferguson resides in
Sierra Vista, AZ and is an active member
of the Arizona Silver Chapter of the
USAWOA. A

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uSaWOa Supports the defenders Lodge
Help us open doors
for wounded soldiers.
Help build the Defenders Lodge at the Palo Alto VA Polytrauma Center
for Severely Injured Heroes and Veterans
Send your donations to
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2011.03 USAOWA - Defenders Lodge.indd 1 2/17/11 1:01:52 PM