The Houston Military Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the following programs, events and information.  Please visit the Houston Military Affairs Committee web site at http://www.HMAC.us for updates and other interesting information.

NEW - Administrative Note
Military Child Education Coalition Contests - May 1
5th Annual Marine Family Picnic - May 3
Veterans Housing Seminar - May 3
Annual "Honor All Veterans" Day at Minute Maid Field - May 4
Gathering of Eagles - May 7
NEW - NALC Food Drive - May 8
36th Division Association Meeting - May 10
Houston-Galveston Officers Association Meeting - May 14
Houston Marine Networking Luncheon - May 15
U.S. Vets 5K run - May 17
Armed Forces Day Military Ball - May 17
Tee Off For Our Troops Golf Tournament - May 18
Marine Corps Coordinating Council - May 20
Support the Troops Rally - May 24
Society of American Military Engineers Meeting - May 28
Vets' Journey Home Retreat - May 30-Jun 1
Vets' Journey Home Graduation  - Jun 1
Commissary Agency Case Lot Sale at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base - Jun 6-8
American Legion Post 490 Golf Tournament - Jun 12
Houston Military Affairs Committee Meeting - Jun 12
Military Family Day at Splashtown - Jul 26
Marine Corps Coordinating Council Dining In - Jul 26
Vets' Journey Home Retreat - Aug 29-31
Vets' Journey Home Graduation  - Aug 31
Air Force Academy - University of Houston Football Game - Sep 13
Ellington Field
Veterans Museum in Texas Developments
NEW - VA Notes
Need for speakers and subject matter experts
Houston Military Affairs Committee Membership Drive
HMAC Email Notice

**********
NEW
**********
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE

The Houston Military Affairs Committee Announcements is being issued early this week because I will be on travel.

Order your Military Ball tickets today.

***********

MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION CONTESTS -  May 1

We, at the Military Child Education Coalition, have been so impressed with the entries we have received so far for our Pete Taylor Partnership, Call for the Arts, and Bernard Brown Space Camp Scholarship competitions.  As always, you and the military children you serve have brought the best to the table and the judges are going to have an incredibly difficult time choosing winners.

PETE TAYLOR PARTNERSHIP AWARD

During his tenure as chairman of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Pete Taylor played an important role in the establishment of partnerships between military installations and school districts serving military-connected children. In recognizing Gen. Taylor's dedication and work toward assisting military children, the MCEC Board of Directors established the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award at its annual conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in July 2004. The award, to be given annually, may represent a single project in which the military installation(s) and the school district(s) participated, or it may be a summation of the entire program between a military installation(s) and the school district(s) which serve the installation(s).
DEADLINE:  MAY 1, 2008                                  LINK:  http://www.militarychild.org/Award.asp

************

5TH ANNUAL MARINE FAMILY PICNIC - May 3

The MCCC is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Marine Family Picnic to be held on May 3, 2008 from 1000 to 1600 at Countryside Park, 100 Alderwood, League City, Texas. It is open to all interested parties, not just Marines. We will begin serving at 1130 and will continue through 1330. The menu includes MSgt. James Harvey's famous BBQ Chip Beef sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, condiments, desert and tea. Tickets cost $10.00 for adults, children under 10 are free. They can be purchased from:
Mary Denton - 713-443-6216
James Harvey - 409-925-5918
Mary Lucaroio - 281-495-8139
Scott Moseley - 281-536-7929
Steve Waldner - 832-455-5612

You can purchase your tickets by mail:
Make check payable to "MCCC" and send it to Scott Moseley at 1911 Hilton Head Dr., Missouri City, TX 77459.

There will be door prizes, cotton candy, popcorn, live music, children's games including a moonwalk, pinata, volley ball, horseshoes, baseball, soccer and kick ball.

To get there, take I-45 South, exit FM 518 and take a right. Go to W. Bay Area Blvd. and take a right, proceed over the bridge. The park is on the right.

************

VETERANS HOUSING SEMINAR - May 3

The seminar will be held at the First Assembly Church - Main Sanctuary, 7755 Fairbanks-N. Houston Road, Houston, 77040 with registration at 9:30 AM and starting at 10 AM

The seminar is sponsored by the Texas Veterans Land Board, Texas Veterans Commission and REMAX Professional Group and Network Funding.  The organizations featured include Texas Veterans Land Board, Texas Veterans Commission, Department of Veterans Affairs, Harris County Veterans Service Office, REMAX Professional Group and Network Funding.

The seminar will include discussions on State Veterans Benefits including low-interest housing loans; low interest land loans, low interest home improvement loans, Texas State Veterans Homes, and Texas State Veterans Seminars.

For more information call Mike McReaken with Texas Veterans Land Board at 713-383-2729, Mr. Rodriguez with REMAX at 281-638-0178, or Mr. Bonin with Network Funding at 713-818-2593


************

ANNUAL "HONOR ALL VETERANS" DAY AT MINUTE MAID FIELD - May 4

We have the twelfth annual "Honor All Veterans " Day set up with the Astros for 2008.Here are the details:
 
The game will be Sunday, May 4th at 1:05 PM vs. the Milwaukee Brewers. Biggio bobble head dolls will be given out to the first 10, 000 fans and kids will have the opportunity to run the bases as well.
 
Tickets can be purchased at various seating areas around the park for 50% off to Veterans, whether singly or in groups. To purchase tickets, go to  www.astros.com/veterans and order. Follow the instructions on the home page. As in past years, there are no limitations on attendees. Family, friends, neighbors, etc. are all welcome. The more the merrier.
 
The theme this year is "Marines at War". Five Marines, one each from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq/Afghanistan will be honored in the pre game ceremony. In addition, the City will once again proclaim May 4th as Honor All Veterans Day, and someone from City Council will be there to present each honoree with an individual copy of the proclamation.
 
Last year was the most successful day ever. Ticket sales were in the 800-900 range. We hope to repeat this year and hopefully do even better. We need all our Marine veterans in particular to attend. This is about the Corps, people! We are asking the Astros, when they introduce the five honorees, to play the Hymn. We want to see young and old, male and female Marines standing all over the park.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Bob Mitchell via email  Kwvarjm@aol.com
or by calling 713-939-8880. See you at the Game!

*************

GATHERING OF EAGLES - May 7

The Gathering of Eagles, a bi-monthly informal coffee of Military, ex-military and civilian intellectuals will hold a luncheon from Noon to 1:00PM on Wednesday at IHOP Restaurant, Gulf Freeway, Exit 41 A (Woodridge at Gulf Freeway, Houston).

The speaker is TBA

For more information contact Mailto:CenterMilHistory@aol.com

Future dates: every 2 weeks

************
NEW
************
NALC FOOD DRIVE - May 8

On Thursday, May 8, 2008, The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Campbell's, and Kroger will host the 1st Annual NALC Food Drive Parade. Parade begins @ 10:00 a.m. in front of the Downtown Post Office, 401 Franklin, Houston TX 77001 and proceeds for about 8 city blocks. Postmaster Bobby Collins, also a Veteran, is inviting all Veterans and Veteran Organizations to participate by marching or riding. This parade will kick-off a tremendous effort by the citizens of Houston and their Postal workers to donate and collect non-perishable food items to support the Houston Food Bank, a registered 501 c(3) non-profit organization. We encourage you to join us in this effort as a parade participant.

The NALC's Food Drive, the nations largest coast to coast one-day food drive is taking place on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Simply place non-perishable food at your mailbox and your letter carrier will take the donations to the Food Bank.

Your support in making 2008 Food Drive a success is tremendously appreciated. In 2007, the NALC Food Drive collected over 406,000 pounds of food to fill the pantries and fill the  lives of those in need. With your help we are certain that this event will continue to prosper.

Please call John Martinez at 713-226-3186 or email at john.l.martinez@usps.gov if you should have any questions or need further information.

************

36TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION MEETING - May 10

The monthly meeting of the Houston Chapter of the 36th Infantry Division Association is at the PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, 13O4O NW FWY.(HWY 290) with the fellowship starting at 1130Hrs.

Future Meetings: Second Saturday

************

HOUSTON-GALVESTON OFFICERS ASSOCIATION MEETING - May 14

The meeting will be held at the Hobby Hilton, 8181 Airport Blvd (across from Hobby Airport) at 11:30 AM.  Cost is $20 per person

The tentative guest speaker is Lieutenant Colonel Rick Noriega, Texas Army National Guard, who will speak on "Afghanistan, Katrina, and Border Security."

Please RSVP to LCDR Joe Leonard by noon on May 9 to Joseph.J.Leonard@uscg.mil

************

HOUSTON MARINE NETWORKING LUNCHEON - May 15

The Mission of the Houston Marine Networking Luncheon is twofold: (1) connect transitioning Marines moving back to Houston with the local Marine network, and (2) promote camaraderie and networking among Marines, business professionals and leaders in the Greater Houston area.

The luncheon will be held on at Masraff's  www.masraffs.com on Post Oak Lane, 1025 South Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77056.  The networking will start at 1130 with lunch at 1200. The Cost is $25 (includes a choice between two entrees, a dessert, iced tea, soda, coffee, and gratuity)
Please RSVP to Captain Massey at M4LHouston@yahoo.com by Monday preceding event to reserve a seat.  The Marines For Life web site is www.M4L.usmc.mil

Future Networking Luncheons: 3rd Thursday

************

U.S. VETS 5K RUN - May 17

United States Veterans Initiative-Houston (U.S. VETS - Houston) invites you to help us celebrate the Spirit of Armed Forces Day by sponsoring the first U.S. VETS- Houston 5k Fun Run/Walk:  Proceeds from the race will be used to provide safe, sober, clinically supported housing and employment assistance for homeless veterans.  U.S. VETS' nationwide programs foster the skills necessary for every homeless veteran to return to the community, remain self-sufficient, and break the cycle of homelessness.

Corporate sponsorships are available with levels at the Title Sponsor at $1,500 and $500.

To volunteer or for infromation contact Omar Sesay 281-639-4984 or email osesay@usvetsinc.org.  Sponsorship deadline is April 1, 2008.

************

ARMED FORCES DAY MILITARY BALL - May 17

The Ball Chairperson is Lieutenant Colonel Shaunte Cooper, 281-929-2327

Organizations:  Please make the Military Ball your May meeting and be a Ball Partner.


 

***********

TEE OFF FOR OUR TROOPS GOLF TOURNAMENT - May 18

Houston Marine Parents is please to announce its 1st Annual Golf Tournament at Wind Rose Golf Course located at 6235 Pinelakes Blvd, Spring 77379.  Registration commences at 6:30 AM with shotgun start at 8 AM.  Awards will be given including special hole in one prizes. Cost is $100 per golfer.

Houston Marine Parents is a 501-c-3 organization which provides support to our active duty military personnel from the Houston and surrounding areas and their families with care packages, calling cards, helmet liners and ballistic eyewear equipment.  All proceeds will go to benefit our heroes who are defending our freedom around the world.

For more information and registration form go to HoustonMarineParents@hotmail.com

***********

MARINE CORPS COORDINATING COUNCIL MEETING - May 20

The MCCC meeting will be held at the Bo's Place, 10050 Buffalo Speedway.  For more information contact Col Jimmy Mitchell at bonnieandjim@aol.com

Future meetings: third Tuesday

***********

SUPPORT THE TROOPS RALLY - May 24

Please attend the 2nd Annual Support the Troops Rally to be held at the Military Museum of Texas. We are located at 8611 Wallisville Road, Houston, Texas 77029. We had a great turnout last year, with a short notice. We are expecting an even greater turnout this year. The date is Saturday, May 24, 2008. 10:00 - 3:00. The Houston Military Affairs Committee has always supported our troops, and we'd love to have you there to encourage others in remembering our Country's Military Service members. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Dave Beselt  wardogs@houstonlabrescue.com

***********

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MILITARY ENGINEERS MEETING - May 28

The Houston/Galveston Post of Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) invites you to the May General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the HESS club.
 
The topic for May is Transportation Issues, and our guest speaker will be Mr. Ned S. Holmes, commissioner of the Texas Transportation Commission (oversees statewide activities of the Texas Department of Transportation).  The presentation will focus on the need for increased mobility and the challenge of funding increased maintenance and construction costs.

Mr. Holmes is chairman and CEO of Ned S. Holmes Investments, Inc. a company that develops and manages real estate nationwide.  Mr. Holmes has previously served on the City of Houston planning commission, Port of Houston Authority, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and the Greater Houston Partnership.

Social 11:00 a.m.
Lunch 11:30 a.m.

COST: $25 (w/ RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on May 23), $35 at the door
$35 non-members (w/RSVP), $45 at the door
$10 Public Agency, $15 at the door

To RSVP, please click on the link below or visit our website at  www.houstonsame.org

***********

Vets' Journey Home Retreat, May 30-June 1, 2008. 

A weekend experience for combat veterans/active duty military.  An opportunity to tell your complete military story in a safe place, learn how PTSD might be affecting  your life and receive a welcome home that is complete.  Staffed by veterans  with similar experience and caring  volunteers.   The retreat goal is hope, healing, honor and homecoming. 

To register contact Samuel Luna, 281.395.9152,  smluna@comcast.net or vetsjourneyhome.org

Vets' Journey Home Graduation June 1, 2008. 
The Graduation ceremony and posting of colors starts promptly at 4pm at The Cameron Retreat Center, St Dominic Archdiocesan Village, 2401 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas.   Come Welcome Home the retreat participants and hear their weekend experience.  Everyone is welcomed including children.  Wear the colors.

***********

COMMISSARY AGENCY CASE LOT SALE AT ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE - June 6-8

The Defense Commissary Agency will hold a case lot tent sale at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For more info contact Bill Gazis, LTC, GS, USAR Public Affairs Officer, 75th Battle Command Training Division, Houston, TX (800) 390-1530 x7591, (713) 799-7591 Ofc., (713) 384-9778 Cell, (713) 795-7226 Fax,  bill.gazis@usar.army.mil
 
***********

AMERICAN LEGION POST 490 GOLF TOURNAMENT - June 12

South Houston American Legion Post 490 will sponsor their 18th Annual Golf Tournament on June 12, 2008, at the Pasadena Golf Course.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Prizes will be awarded in 3 Flights.  The tournament will feature 4 man scramble format, Best Ball, Longest Drive, and Closest to the Pin Contest.  Entry Fee is $80 per player which includes a full country breakfast, hotdogs and adult beverages on the course, and a BBQ dinner after the tournament when prizes will be awarded.  The Hole-in-One Prize is a 2008 3/4 Ton Dodge Pickup donated by Clear Lake Dodge.  There will be silent and live auctions, door prizes, and a good time for all.  The proceeds from the tournament support the post's children and youth programs including American Legion Baseball.  For more information contact Kitty Smith at 713-898-0447, Dan King at 281-768-9849, or call the post at 281-481-1179. 

***********

The meeting will be held at at 11:30 at the Doubletree Guest Suites, 5353 Westheimer, Houston just west of the Galleria on the south side by the Capitol Grille.  Meal cost is $21.  Parking will be complimentary in the parking garage.  Do not park in adjoining shopping center as cars will be towed.

Speaker is TBD

For reservations please contact Col. Clyde Walker by email at Mailto:cwjr1950@earthlink.net


************

MILITARY FAMILY DAY AT SPLASHTOWN - June 14

Project Love - Santa's Angels Presents

Military Family Day At Splashtown.

Commences Saturday June 14, 2008 at 1000 hours
 
Attention!  Join us at SplashTown for Military Family Day, for a fun-filled day.  Featuring numerous patriotic exhibits, plus enjoy the parks exciting water attractions.
 
Admission is FREE for all Active, Reserve, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans, and civilian employees of the DOD, DHS and DVA.  Proper identification is required.
 
Proper identification is required; Veterans must show VA Benefit card, DD-214 or Honorable Discharge Certificate.
 
Family and friends of attending military may purchase tickets for $19.99 + tax each (a portion of the ticket will benefit Project Love).  Advance purchase is preferred.  Parking $10.00      Children 2 and under are free.
 
All military personnel must report to the Military Family Day Booth located at the front gate to receive Free Ticket voucher and discount coupons.
 
SplashTown is located at 21300 IH 45 N @ Louetta.
For additional information and to order tickets, call 281-794-9710

A block of 20 hotel rooms have been blocked at the location below at the mentioned rates.  Please contact the hotel and mention MILITARY FAMILY DAY to get these special rates for Friday and Saturday.Extended StayAmerica Houston - The Woodlands, Economy Studios, 150 Valley Wood Rd.,Spring, TX  77380, Telephone: (281) 296-2799, Fax: (281) 296-2822, email HWD@extendedstay.com

Here are the rates for our Woodlands Extended Stay America . Houston/Woodlands Double/Queen            $59.99    Double Double            $69.99  

***********

MARINE CORPS COORDINATING COUNCIL "SALUTE TO THE MARINES" DINING IN - July 26

The event will take place at the Greenspoint Wyndam Hotel from 1800 to 2200.  Cost is $50 per person. Attire is Evening Dress/Dress Blues/Business attire for men, evening/cocktail for ladies

You can pay for your tickets via your PayPal account by using the following houston.marines@hotmail.com
If you prefer using a credit or debit card, please contact 1stSgt. Traci Mullins at 713-816-8508 or email her at tgmullins@aol.com
You can also order your tickets by mailing your check to MCCC, P O Box 840362, Houston, Texas 77284.

For more information, contact Col. Clyde Walker, Jr. at 713-680-7254 or by email at cwjr1950@earthlink.net.

The Council plans to provide a forum to salute all the Marines in the Greater Houston area from WWII veterans to the current OIF veterans.  We hope to have a number of previous Commanding Officers and members from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines as well as the current members.  We will have a great evening of talk and small takes mixed in with the fun elements of a traditional Dining-In.

The Dining-In is a formal dinner function for members of an organization or unit. It provides an occasion for officers to meet socially at a formal military function. It is also accepted as an excellent means for bidding farewell to departing officers while welcoming new ones. Finally, the occasion provides an opportunity to recognize both individual and unit achievements.

The custom of Dining-In is a very old tradition in England but is not exclusively military. It is believed that Dining-In began as a custom in the monasteries, was adopted by the early universities, and later spread to military units when the officers' mess was established. The primary elements are a formal setting, the camaraderie of the members, a fine dinner, traditional toasts to the President and military services, martial music and the attendance of honored guests.

For more info concerning protocol at a Dining-In please go www.hmac.us

************

Vets' Journey Home Retreat, August 29-31, 2008. 

A weekend experience for combat veterans/active duty military.   An opportunity to tell your complete military story in a safe place, learn how PTSD might be affecting your life and receive a welcome home that is complete.  Staffed by veterans  with similar experience and caring  volunteers.   The retreat goal is hope, healing, honor and homecoming. 

To register contact Samuel Luna, 281.395.9152,  smluna@comcast.net or vetsjourneyhome.org 

Vets' Journey Home Graduation August 31, 2008.

 The Graduation ceremony and posting of colors starts promptly at 4pm at The Cameron Retreat Center, St Dominic Archdiocesan Village, 2401 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas.  Come Welcome Home the retreat participants and hear their weekend experience.  Everyone is welcomed including children.  Wear the colors.


************

AIR FORCE ACADEMY VS UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON FOOTBALL GAME - September 13

More info to follow

**************

ELLINGTON FIELD

For information on the BRAC Commission and Ellington Field visit http://www.HMAC.us , http://www.bayareahouston.com and http://www.supportellingtonfield.com

*************

VETERANS MUSEUM IN TEXAS

For more information on the Veteran's Museum, go to www.TheVeteransMuseuminTexas.org
or Malcolm Browne,   Phone 713-962-5214
email:   mbrowne@ix.netcom.com

***********
NEW
***********

VETERANS AFFAIRS NOTES

The following news releases were issued by the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center and the full press release may be found at www.houston.med.va.gov/pressrel.asp

Cardiac Pioneer DeBakey Receives Congressional Gold Medal (Conference Room at VA Headquarters Honors Heart Surgeon)

***************************

NEED FOR SPEAKERS AND SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

Contact gene42@flash.net

*****************************
HOUSTON MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The Houston Military Affairs Committee was formed in 1931 as part of the Chamber of Commerce and is now an independent 501-c-3 non-profit organization. HMAC is a member of the Greater Houston Partnership.

HMAC is dedicated to supporting the military and veterans in the greater Houston area.  This is accomplished by conducting the Annual Armed Forces Day Military Ball as a benefit to support the USO which helps our servicemen locally and in transit at our two airports.  We are resuming ROTC/JROTC awards, as well as serviceperson-of-the-year awards to honor our outstanding active, reserve, and guard enlisted personnel.  We support the Veterans Museum in Texas which is an exciting project to honor our veterans.  Members of the committee are active in the Ellington Field Task Force to keep the 147th Fighter Wing and establish a Joint Base.

Other efforts include our web site http://www.HMAC.us and this weekly Email to inform about military and veterans activities in the region.

All of these projects require the help of many people and we ask you to join to assist in these efforts.  An application is available at the HMAC web site http://www.HMAC.us