December 2001 - MajGen. Hugh Hardy, USMC (Ret)

January 2002 - Captain Kevin Cook, USCG

February 2002 - LtCol. Karl Schmidt, XO, 147th FW

March 2002 - Adm. Robert Kramek, USCG (Ret)

March 2002 - James M. Harris, FBI Special Agent

April 2002 - LtCol. J. J. Buckley, I&I, 1st Bn, 23rd Mar

May 2002 - Armed Forces Day Military Ball Report (See "Current Projects" page).

June 2002 - LtCol. Gordon Fowkes, USAR (Ret).

July 2002 - Brigadier General David Van Kleeck, Assistant Division Commander and Commander 1st Brigade, 75th Division.

August 2002 - Mr. Mike McReaken from the Texas Veterans Land Board.

September 2002  - Col Bob Weniger, USAF (Ret), WWII pilot and former POW.

October 2002 - State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, District 29, Acting Chair of the Texas Senate's Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee, and  Brigadier General Michael Smith, Texas Air National Guard (Ret), the Staff Director of the Committee, were our special guests. An enlightening discussion was had concerning the next BRAC cycle and what we could do in assisting the State in ensuring the retention of our military bases and installations in Texas. 

November 2002: Col. (Sel) Pat Ferral, USMCR, was our guest speaker and updated us on his recent tour of duty in Kuwait with the G-3, Current Ops , I  MEF, USMC.

December 2002: Mr. Gary Rodgers spoke about his days in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with the Special Operations Group. 

January 2003: Dr. Thomas Hargrove's presentation was one of the most entertaining and enlightening talks we have had since we restarted HMAC 15 months ago. His talk was entitled "A Year in the Valley of the Shadow," which recounted many of his experiences after being kidnapped by a group of FARC terrorists in Columbia.

The photo includes his journal in which he kept a day to day account of his  ordeal. This diary was later published as a book entitled "Long March to Freedom" and it served as the inspiration for the movie Proof of Life starring Russell Crowe, David Morse and Meg Ryan. The above picture also shows what Tom looked like shortly after his release. The belt on the right is his money belt in which he secreted many of his daily diary entries. We had over 40 in attendance and the comments by some of the members in the audience made it clear it was going to be hard to top this meeting.

February 2003: The speaker was LtCol Guy Womack, USMC (Ret) who represented SGT Mark Walker, U.S. Army, in his General Court-Martial, this past November, at Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. He was the driver of the armored engineering vehicle that ran over and killed two Korean teen-aged girls. His acquittal at the GCM sparked the riots and often-violent protests that still go on in Korea.

One of the interesting facts of the case is that Sgt. Walker was exonerated of any criminal liability by both the military investigation and the Korean government investigation, yet, because of political considerations, none the least of which was the civilian protests, he was still sent to a court-martial.

August 2003: Lt. Kimberly Avsec, USCG, Galveston, spoke on the topic of Maritime Homeland Security.

March 2003: The March meeting of the Houston Military Affairs Committee featured LtCol Charles "Dude" Hall, who is the PWST (Peacetime Wartime Support Team) OIC for 1st Bn 23d Marines in Houston, TX.   LtCol Hall discussed Family Support for the Marines that have been deployed.  This support is extremely important for the families of reservists that have been called.

April 2003: The April meeting featured Steven Koehler, a U.S. Navy Seal and Gulf War I veteran as well as a panel discussion on Operation Iraqi Freedom. Steven gave a very informative brief on Navy Seal operations and compared what he did in GW I with what the special ops personnel were doing in the current war with Iraq. We had representatives from KUHF, Channel 2 and Channel 24 as well as representatives from offices of Congressmen Culberson and Brady. A very interesting discussion centered around the use of the "imbedded reporters."

May 2003: No meeting held due to Military Ball.

June 2003: Col. Clyde Walker, USMCR, discussed his duties as an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer with the U. S. Marine Corps. He explained how the military assists civilian authorities in times of disaster when the situation overwhelms their ability to fully respond.

July 2003: No meeting held.

September11, 2003: Mr. John Temperilli, the Vice President of Disaster Operations for Garner Environmental Services, was our speaker for this month's luncheon. He gave a very informative and moving presentation on his experiences in managing the debris removal operations from the World Trade Center site. His talk was interspersed with numerous pictures of the tragic consequences of the September 11, 2001 attack on American freedom. Faced with one of the most awesome responsibilities in the aftermath of this assault, he and his company, like so many other Americans, rose to the occasion and met the challenges head on. A job well done, Mr. Temperilli.

October 9, 2003: Colonel Lanny McNeely, Commanding Officer of the 147th Fighter Wing, brought us up to date on his units recent activities.

November 7, 2003: Lieutenant General Ron Christmas, USMC (Ret), was our speaker for this month's luncheon.  He gave a detailed report on the progress of the Marine Corps museum which will play an important in the preservation of the history of the Marine Corps. It will be located in Quantico, Virginia and is scheduled to open in February, 2006. LtGen. Christmas serves as the President of the Marine Corps Historical Foundation.

December 11, 2003: Colonel Robert Townsend, Chief of Staff, 75th Division, Houston, Texas was our speaker for this month's luncheon.  He updated us on the mobilization efforts of the 75th Division (Training Support) and its mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Colonel Robert Townsend is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Texas A&M University in 1976 and was commissioned in Field Artillery.  After serving in artillery units and completion of the Infantry Advanced Course in 1982, he attended flight school at Fort Rucker.  He was assigned to various aviation units including the Special Operations Command at Fort Campbell.  He was the Chief of Plans and Exercises for the 7th Infantry Division; Chief of Current Operations at US Southern Command; Commander of 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment at Fort Kobbe, Panama; instructor for Joint Military Operations at the U.S. Naval War College; and Commander of 3d Brigade, 75th Division (TS) at Fort Riley.

Colonel Townsend is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, the School for Advanced Military Studies, the Army War College and the Naval War College. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

January 8, 2004: Area 2 of the Texas ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) presented a very timely and relevant program concerning its outstanding success in reaching all Ready Reserve and National Guard units in its jurisdiction for Unit Liaison-Mobilization-and Family Readiness briefings in FY 2002 and FY 2003. Its primary volunteer work revolves around supporting Reservists and Guardsmen in conjunction with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (the USERRA law): Title 38 U.S.C., Chapter 43.  Further detailed background data can be found at the ESGR web site: www.esgr.org.

For additional information, you can contact the Area 2 Chairman: CAPT Paul Marshall (USN Ret) at: 713-690-7900 (W), 281-376-3411 (H), or 713-254-1804 (Mobile).

February 12, 2004: Captain Richard L. Halferty, USNR (ret), of H.M.S. Communications, Inc., spoke on a topic that has been in the news lately - "USS Liberty 1967 - Was the attack deliberate or a mistake?" The meeting was very lively and informative. Captain Halferty spend considerable time researching the subject including personal interviews with members of the crew and associates and friends who had personal knowledge of the incident. It was indeed a special treat to have Captain Halferty address the members of HMAC. We hope to see him at future meetings.

March 11, 2004: LtCol. Richard McMonagle, Inspector & Instructor, 1st Bn, 23rd Marines, was our  guest speaker for the March luncheon. He  updated us on the unit's past, current and future activities. He also updated us on the bigger USMC picture as we move further into the war on terrorism.

April 8, 2004: Our guest speaker was Harris County Judge Robert Eckels.  He spoke on his and the county's role in Homeland Security. He was a very gracious guest and spent considerable time answering the many questions posed by the attendees. We were honored to have him as a speaker.

No Meeting for May 2004

June 10, 2004 Meeting: Mr. Rob Bowen of TRADOC Analysis Center - White Sand Missile Range (TRAC-WSMR) Field Office at Fort Hood was our guest speaker for the June meeting. He spoke about the Emergency Preparedness Incident Command Simulation (EPiCS). and the use of computer simulations to support training for military units and other agencies related to Homeland Security missions and other emergencies.

Our October Luncheon speaker was Major General Thurman, USA, Commanding General 4th Infantry Division who gave an informative presentation on Modularization in the Army.

General Thurman (shown here with Private Brian Williams) indicated that as part of the Army's transformation, it is migrating capabilities previously found with divisions and corps to the Brigade Combat Team or Unit of Action.  These new brigades are designed to deploy/employ as independent units in support of joint forces.  Used in combat as modular forces, these units are capable of operating across the entire range of military operations.  They are rapidly deployable and enable the Army to support all of its strategic commitments.

November 12, 2004 Meeting

Our speaker for this meeting was 1stLt. David Lewis, B Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines who is home recuperating from injuries he received during his second tour in Iraq. He has a unique perspective on the war having been there once and then spending time at home before returning for a second time. His report on what's happening in Iraq was truly inspirational as was his own personal story concerning the recovery process from his wounds.

December 9, 2004 Meeting

The members of HMAC were presented an in-depth report on the status of Army recruiting in Texas and the other recruiting areas across the nation by LTC Roger Jones. It was a very positive report and is contrary to much of what has been reported in the national media. The bottom-line, the Army is recruiting at a 100% plus level across the board and is attracting a very capable and quality recruit.

December 16, 2004 Organizational Meeting

January 13, 2005

Our speaker for the January meeting was Major Shannon Wiley, Assistant PWST Officer for 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines. He gave a very informative update on the battalion which is currently serving in Iraq. He also brought us up to date on the support program for the families of our deployed Marines. The unit has done an outstanding job in Iraq and is looking forward to their return to the states this spring. For a view of his presentation click here.

February 10, 2005

The speaker was Bill Ehrie, Chairman of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission who spoke about the state of the military within Texas and the missions of the TMPC.

We are very close to decisions in the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.  The BRAC Commissioners who will decide the final list that is to be submitted to the President and the Congress are in the process of being nominated.  In mid-May the list of realignments and closures will start to be firmed up.  Of course, Ellington Field may be affected even with the actions and funding to move the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Reserve Centers from Old Spanish Trail to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base.

Mr. Ehrie, as Chairman of the TMPC is one of the most knowledgeable persons on the BRAC process.  He is also one of the critical members leading the effort to make Texas military friendly.  This is especially important as units are coming back from overseas.  The TMPC has a proposed legislative agenda for the currently sitting Texas Legislature which includes the recommendation for a TMPC commissioner from the Houston area.
 

March 10, 2005: LTC Robert Morecook PhD, Texas State Guard, presented an informative program on the role of the Texas State Guard in response to natural disaster or terrorist attack within the state of Texas.  He focused on the state guard's Medical Reserve Corps, also known as the Texas Medical Rangers.  Texas Medical Rangers can provide volunteer medical personnel on a augmentation basis when local facilities are overwhelmed by disaster-type emergencies. 

April 14, 2005: Major Daniel "Waldo" Pepper, Air Officer for the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, gave us an informative update on his Battalion's recent activities in Iraq.  Although the companies of the Battalion were spread out in different parts of Iraq during its seven month tour, Major Peppers had the opportunity to track each company's activities while they were there. He told some interesting stories about walking point during a patrol and having to man a .50 caliber machine gun on another. LtGen. John Sattler, CG, I MEF, was very complimentary in his assessment of the Battalion's efforts in Iraq. All of the Battalion is commended for a job well done. Welcome home.

No May 2005 Meeting

June 9, 2005: The speaker was Mr. John Martinec, the Director of the Ellington Field Task Force.  He discussed some of the efforts of the Ellington Field Task Force to counter the recommendations and convince the  BRAC Commissioners to ensure that Houston has a full F-16 wing. His conclusion was that the removal of the F-16's will adversely affect our Homeland Defense posture in this area which has a large number of potential terrorist targets.

July 14, 2005: BRAC Update - Over the past few weeks members of the Ellington Field Task Force attended regional BRAC Hearings in St Louis and Atlanta, as well as visiting BRAC Commission office in Washington DC.  On Thursday, July 7 BRAC Commissioner James Hansen conducted a site visit at Ellington Field.  On Monday, July 11 the Ellington Field Task Force and Congressman Tom DeLay made a formal presentation to the BRAC Commission Regional Hearing in San Antonio.  This meeting reviewed the events above, an assessment of progress, and the future actions in the BRAC process.

August 10, 2005: As part of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, we had as our speaker Mr. Claude Isnard who spoke about life in France during World War II - The war and occupation seen from the prism of a child fast reaching adolescence. His personal recollections of the bombs, the occupation, and the resistance made for a very moving presentation.

September 8, 2005: Major Robert H. Moore, S-2 for 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines spoke on a variety of topics including terrorist and insurgent activities in Iraq, foreign fighters, the state of the New Iraqi Army, intelligence operations (on an unclassified basis), and  ETTPs (Enemy Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures). 

October 13, 2005: Colonel Randy Pais, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, was our speaker for this meeting. He gave an informative talk about a Call to Duty theme that the Secretary has asked be addressed in presentations. His topic sparked quite a few questions and comments among the attendees.

November 10, 2005: Our speaker for this month's meeting was the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas Hall. A native of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, Secretary Hall was sworn in a on October 9, 2002. A Presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate, he serves as the principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving the 1.3 million members of the Reserve components of the United States Armed Forces. He is responsible for overall supervision of Reserve component affairs of the Department of Defense.

December 8, 2005: Our speaker for the December meeting was LtCol Roy Morales, USAF (Ret).  He gave a very insightful talk on Houston's Homeland Security and Emergency Communications. He was the Assistant Director and Chief Technology Officer for the recently activated City of Houston Emergency Center and the Chief Technology Officer for the Houston Fire Department and responsible for the activation of the Houston Emergency Center (HEC).