For reservations please contact Col. Walker by email at
Mailto:cwjr1950@earthlink.net.
2011 Meetings
January 13, 2011:
Our speaker was
LTC Keith Sylvia, LG, USA, Commander, Defense Logistics
Agency Americas East, Houston, TX. LTC Sylvia is a Colonel Select and
has been selected for Senior College. LG is his branch -Logistics Branch.
February 10, 2011: Our speaker
was Petty Officer First Class John Stone, a Houston Naval Reservist, who
recently did a tour of duty in Iraq. In civilian life, he is a
professional photographer which gave him a uniquely bifurcated view of
the Global War on Terror, GWOT, and drew him into many ad hoc public
affairs projects. He shared with us his perceptions of the coexistence
of logistics along with the human side of the conflict. The subject of
his talk, THROUGH THE CAMERA'S EYE, included a photographic
presentation.
March 10, 2011:
Our speaker for this month was Staff Sergeant Danial
LISARELLI, Public Affairs Specialist, USAR. Present Assignment: 1st
Brigade, 75th BCT Division, Houston, TX.
He spoke about his book,
The Last Prison, The Untold Story of Camp Groce CSA, Universal
Publishers, 1999. When Lisarelli discovered that Union prisoners of war
from the Civil War were buried in Hempstead, Texas; being a descendant
of six Union veterans of the Civil War, he felt an obligation to
investigate. The story turned out to be true, but there was much more to
it than what he bargained for.
April 14, 2011:
Our speaker was Lieutenant Commander Lisa Tonnar, USNR. She served on active duty in
Afghanistan on a humanitarian mission. The Navy participated as
embedded tactical team members (ETT) filling US Army billets working
with the Afghan Army. She
wrote a book about her experiences, Into the Desert. Lisa
has been in hotel management and accounting for 17 years, serving
companies located in Japan, California, New Mexico, and Texas. She has
held auditing and controller positions for Radisson Hotels as well as
the historic Warwick Hotel, where she provided fiscal management during
several major renovations projects.
May, 2011: No meeting was held
due to the Armed Forces Day Ball.
June 9, 2011: Our speaker this
month was Congressman Al Green. On January 5, 2011, U.S.
Representative Al Green took the oath of office to serve the people of
Texas’ 9th Congressional District and began his fourth term in the
United States House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights
advocate, he has dedicated his life to fighting for those in society
whose voices, too often, are not heard.
Congressman Green’s chief legislative priorities for the 112th Congress
are rebuilding the American economy and stabilizing our housing market.
He serves on the Financial Services Committee, where he sits on two
sub-committees; Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology as well as
Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises. Additionally,
Congressman Green serves as an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Party
in the U.S. House of Representatives. He remains committed to increasing
the levels of affordable housing and ensuring that every American
realizes the dream of homeownership.
2010 Meetings
January 14, 2010:
Our speaker for this meeting was LTC Geoff Robinson (USA ret), Alion
Science and Technology, ORSA/Senior Functional Analyst, Transformation
Technology Execution Complex, US Army Operational Test Command. He gave a presentation on how personnel at Fort Hood are using the latest
US Army constructive simulation, One Semi-automated Forces (OneSAF).
February 11, 2010: Our speaker for this month was Peter Maffit who spoke on the coming Iran Nuclear Weapons Crisis.
March 11, 2010: Our speaker this month was Joan Neuhaus Schaan,
Texas Security Forum, Fellow for Homeland Security & Terrorism Programs,
James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University. She
spoke on the topic of why terrorists would be attracted to Houston.
What makes Houston a great
entrepreneurial city also makes it an ideal operating environment for
organized crime and terrorists. From an illegal activity perspective, the
nature of the city provides anonymity, ease of entry and exit, readily
available resources and robust commercial trade in which to mask other
activities. To these characteristics, one can add southern hospitality and a
multitude of ethnic groups that make it easy to remain anonymous and blend
in.
For the remainder of the blog
see:
<http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog/2010/02/why_would_terrorists_be_attracted_to_houston_1.html>http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog/2010/02/why_would_terrorists_be_attracted_to_houston_1.html
April 8, 2010: Our speaker for this month was
Tom Moran of
Schneider & McKinney, P.C.
Mr. Moran is a retired reserve JAG officer with experience in defending
war crimes cases
at UN tribunals.
May, 2010: No
meeting in May due to the Armed Forces Day Ball.
June 10, 2010:
Our speaker was John Martinec,
Director, Ellington Field Task Force. You may have seen the construction
taking place at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base. Mr. Martinec will
give you an update on Ellington Field JRB and future plans for the base.
July 8, 2010: Our speaker was
Jonathan Sandys, the great grandson of Winston Churchill who provided
historical insights on the Prime Minister and World War II.
September 9, 2010:
Our speaker was Sibley Cooley who
talked about Military and Veterans Television. Working with the Houston
Military Affairs Committee Mr. Cooley films events and conducts
interviews of military personnel and veterans. Recently he was in
Washington, DC to work on Operation Dragoon (WWII). Mr. Cooley will
show some excerpts of his productions. His productions, which record
military history, are broadcast on cable TV.
October 14, 2010:
Our
speakers for this meeting were MAJ Jose Rivera, Executive Officer for
the 72nd IBCT and LTC John Laing, Chaplain for the 72nd IBCT. Both were
part of the unit's just-completed deployment to Iraq. MAJ Rivera
presented the overall background information on the unit (including a
summary of the units just completed operations and accomplishments
in Iraq). Chaplain Laing's talk covered issues relating to transition
and the soldier's mental/spiritual health.
November 11, 2010: No meeting
was held for November due to the numerous other activities planned
for the day.
December
9, 2010:
Our meeting featured representatives of the Army, Navy,
Marine Corps and Air Force recruiting commands who spoke about
recruiting efforts in the Greater Houston Area. We learned the typical
recruit's qualifications, what specialties the services need, and the
answers all those questions you wished you asked your recruiter.
2009 Meetings
January 8, 2009:
The speaker was Colonel Phil Bossert,
USAF, University of Houston Air Force ROTC. He spoke about the Air
Force ROTC program and the Houston Corps of Cadets which encompasses the
Army. Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs at local Colleges and
Universities.
February 12, 2009:
Thomas D. McNeese, MEd, MA, a
doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology from the University of
Houston, was our speaker on Thursday, February 12th, 2009. His
topic was “A discussion on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
and its effects on returning OIF/OEF combat veterans”. Mr. McNeese has
worked at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Administration Medical Center
(MEVAMC) as both a Psychology Extern and as a Research Clinician. His
work has included treating veterans with psychological trauma resulting
from combat as well as working with veterans with dementia.
Mr. McNeese was born and raised in Mexico City Mexico, before moving to
the United States to attend the Cox School of Business at Southern
Methodist University, where he earned a degree in Finance in 1997. He
worked in business and real estate before returning to academia. He
holds a Master of Education in Counseling, as well as a Master of Arts
in Psychology from the University of Houston, and is currently finishing
his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology. He is married and
has a two-year-old son.
Mr. McNeese is involved with several organizations, including the
Houston Committee on Foreign Relations, the American and Texas
Psychological Association, the Houston Council on World Affairs, The
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students, and is a member
of the APA 2009 Presidential Taskforce on the Future of Psychology
Practice.
March 12, 2009: Our speaker
for March, 2009 was Colonel Mark N. Campsey, Commander of the 72nd Infantry
Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard. In 1981 COL Campsey
began his military career as an enlisted soldier in 2-142IN but two
years later was commissioned in the Infantry from West Texas State
University. He went on to serve as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Co XO and
Infantry Co Cdr in C Company 2-142IN. In 1993 he was reassigned as the
Senior Instructor for the TXARNG OCS program where he trained the future
leaders of the Texas Army National Guard until 1993.
From 1993 to 2001, COL Campsey served in many staff positions that
included; assistant G3 Plans in 49AD, S1 and S3 in 3-112AR Bn, Program
Manager for the Multi-Component program in the 4ID at Fort Hood, and Bde
XO in the 3d Bde, 49AD. In July 2001, COL Campsey assumed command of the
1-112AR and mobilized his battalion for over a year in support of
Operation NOBLE EAGLE II and ARMORED FALCON.
Following Battalion Command he was reassigned as the G3 for 49AD and
then as the Division Chief of Staff where he served until attending the
US Army War College from June 2004-June 2005. Following graduation COL
Campsey was activated and deployed to serve as the Chief of Staff for
Kosovo Forces (KFOR7) Multi-National Brigade (East). He currently
serves as the Deputy Commander, 72 Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the National Defense
Service Medal with bronze star device, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal
with “M”, “2” and Bronze Hourglass devices, the Kosovo Campaign Medal,
The Army Superior Unit Award, The Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal,
the Parachutist’s Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and various other
federal and state awards. COL Campsey has been awarded the Order of
Saint George by the U.S. Armor Association.
COL Campsey holds a BS degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of
Strategic Studies. His military education includes the Infantry Officer
Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Staff
Services School, Command and General Staff College, Battalion and
Brigade Pre-Command Courses, and the Tactical Commanders Development
Course. He is a 2005 resident graduate of the US Army War College.
COL Campsey is married to the former Allyson Leigh Wallis of Houston,
Texas. They live in Richmond, Texas with their daughter Taylor and son
Trevor.
April 9, 2009:
Travis Sales of
the Houston Bar Association spoke about the Bar Association's program to
help veterans. The volunteers help veterans with legal
issues. The group comes to the VA on Fridays for a couple of hours and
has been out to VFW and AL Posts as well. They provide free (or low
cost) legal advice to veterans who might need it.
May, 2009: No meeting
scheduled.
June 11, 2009: Our speaker was
Shannon Wilson of the University of St Thomas Veterans Service Office.
She spoke about UST and the programs Dr. Robert Ivany (MGen, USA (ret))
has envisioned for bringing more military veterans to campus but will
also discuss her involvement with the OEF/OIF Subcommittee of the
Houston Military Affairs Committee and about the Lone Star Veterans
Association event coming up on June 20th. There are major revisions in
the GI Bill which will provide outstanding opportunities for veterans.
Shannon Wilson spent four years in the Air Force and received the Air
Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Air
Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Park
University in Parkville , Missouri in 2004, and her Master of Business
Administration from the University of St. Thomas in 2007. Most recently,
she came to St. Thomas from the University of Phoenix , where she spent
several years as the corporate education liaison and team leader.
"I have always had a great passion for the military and higher
education. I feel fortunate to have found a career that allows me to
combine the two most important things to me," Wilson said.
At St. Thomas , Wilson is responsible for increasing the student
enrollment of veterans and their family members and graduate students
through focused recruitment and a vigorous student support program.
July, 9, 2009: Our speaker was
Major John Hankins who recounted numerous interesting stories about his service in the Merchant Marine
during World War II.
An award was presented by a new
organization called “Honor our Military Society” to Army Cpt. Adam S. Collett.
For details on this organization as
well as a full Bio for the speaker,
click here and scroll down to the
July 9th HMAC meeting announcement.
August 13, 2009: Our speaker
was Marylyn Harris, RN.
She is a highly skilled career professional with more than 20 years
practical experience in hospital, home health, acute/primary care and
psychiatric (specialty) healthcare settings. Skilled educator in
clinical area and classroom. Proficient military benefits advisor to
active, reserve and government service workers. Skilled business
Consultant / Project Manager with sales & marketing expertise, computer
skills. effective communicator, goal-driven, freelance health writer.
She educates and counsels military personnel (active duty, reserve,
national guard and civilian DOD/ government service) on military
benefits to include: healthcare, employment, housing, financial,
legal and dependent entitlements. Skilled in government programs such as
Military One Source, substance abuse/psychiatric treatment, and other
rehabilitative resources for Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine,
the Public Health Service and NOAA members. Freelance writer on woman
veterans’ issues.
September 10, 2009: Our
speaker was Meredith Iler Chairman of the Board and Wounded Hero Home
Program Chair: Meredith Iler is an attorney and the President of The
Strategic Alliance whose mission is to bring people together in business,
government, politics and charity. She is the National Chairman for the Helping a
Hero Wounded Hero Home Program and has spearheaded a multi-million dollar
fundraising campaign that has succeeded in funding 15 homes for our wounded
heroes. She successfully put together a partnership with Mayor Bill White, area
Congressional members, and Rotary District 5890.
Meredith is an active community leader and volunteer. She serves on the Board of
Directors of The Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Houston,
Alternatives in Motion Adoption Agency and Helping a Hero. She is a former
Congressional spouse and has supported our military throughout her adult life.
She chaired the National USO Gala at a time when the USO was in financial
distress and raised $1.8 million in 4 months. She also co-chaired the Send Off
Ceremony for the 1/23 Marines when they deployed in 2003 for Iraq. Recently she
participated in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC 75) sponsored by
the Department of Defense where she received an inside look with our military.
Meredith was awarded the "Community Leader of Hope Award" by Aspiring Youth and
received the Rotary District 5890 "Distinguished Service Award". She lives in C
ypress, TX and is married to Marshall Iler. They have a two year old son,
William Marshall Iler.
October 8,
2009: Our speaker was Col. Bob
Morecook, Texas State Guard, who brought us to date on the
progress and growth of the Texas Medical Rangers, officially known as
the Texas Medical Response Group, Medical Reserve Brigade, Texas State
Guard. Please take a look at the unit website -
http://swc2.hccs.edu/texasmedicalrangers. This unit is a definite
asset to the State of Texas and its members all serve on a volunteer
basis. Look for them in the aftermath of the next hurricane.
November 12, 2009: The speaker was Lieutenant Colonel William
Lucas, the Inspector-Instructor for the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines. He
spoke about the Battalion's preparation for an upcoming deployment.
December 10, 2009: Our speaker
was Mr. Claude Isnard who spoke on "Weapons Systems that helped
us to win the Cold War." These included systems for the Air Force,
Navy and Army.
