16 Aug 2025. Our Treasurer Mike Chapman, CW4, ANG, had the honor to present two Purple Hearts (Army) Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Vietnam as well as a Vietnam Cross for Gallantry with Palm (Marine) at an event sponsored by Richard Childress Racing at their campus in Welcome, North Carolina.

Our ROTC and ROTC Scholarship Chairman, Major Wes Whitacker presented scholarship awards and General Bud Martin (Civilian aid to the Secretary of the Army) Challenge Coins to Cadets:

JROTC Major Sargent Tommy Max Ledesma, Jr. East Surry High School. Captain of the 2024 football team. All Conference Lineman. Plans to attend Appalachia State College in fall of 2025.

JROTC Battalion Commander Wesley James Driscoll. R.J. Reynolds High School. All Conference Golfer Spring of 2024. WSFCS Leadership Awardee 2024. Plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University with studies towards PGA Golf Management/Marketing.

In a separate ceremony on 12 May, LTC Al Chandler (Ret) awarded Cadet First Sergeant Isabel Herrera, Forbush HS, Army JROTC, our MOAA JROTC Award.

President Briscoe has again had the privilege of accepting three awards for the chapter:

The 5 STAR Level of Excellence Award, thanks to all chapter volunteers for their contribution to our receipt of this award

The 5 Star Col Marvin J. Harris Communications Award with credit due to our Newsletter Editor LtCol Greg M. Chase, USAF (Ret)

.

The 5 Star Col Marvin J. Harris Communications Award for our Website, with credit due to our Webmaster LCDR Thomas B. Denegre III, USNR.

At the MOAA National Leadership Workshop, President Briscoe had the privilege of accepting three awards for the chapter:

The 5 STAR Level of Excellence Award, thanks to all chapter volunteers for their contribution to our receipt of this award

The 5 Star Col Marvin J. Harris Communications Award with credit due to our Newsletter Editor LtCol Greg M. Chase, USAF (Ret).

The 5 Star Col Marvin J. Harris Communications Award for our Website, with credit due to our Webmaster LCDR Thomas B. Denegre III, USNR.

This was our awards night when we present Scholarship awards to most deserving junior military cadets to assist their entry to college level academics.

Our scholarship awardee, was Abigale Swartzlander, Battalion Commander from East Forsyth High School and along with an arm’s length list of volunteer efforts has a grade point average that is off the chart. Our other awardee, Nicola Rush from North

Davidson High School, was presented her scholarship award by Al Chandler at her Battalion Awards ceremony.

Following the meeting we received the following letter:

"I am writing to thank you for the scholarship and for the opportunity to attend the MOAA dinner last week. I enjoyed having the privilege to meet and fellowship with the members and appreciated the warm welcome my parents, instructors, and I received. This scholarship will help me pursue my degree at Lee University, and I appreciate your generosity.

Best Regards.

Abigale Swartzlander"

In April Al Chandler had presented our Scholarship to Wake Forest University Air Force ROTC Cadet Tincher.

President Biscoe presented chapter donations to Jackie Kohler for the TRIAD Honor Flight and Lewis Pleasants for the Marine Corps League Mud Run.

This was our awards night when we present Scholarship awards to most deserving junior military cadets to assist their entry to college level academics. A new record of 81 people attended the dinner.

Awardees were:

Cadet MaKayla Beard, Brigadier Command Sergeant Major for Forsyth county, attending Mount Tabor High-school. . Student Body President, Member of National Honor society including NHS Science, Spanish, Math and English. Plans are to attend UNC Chapel Hill

Cadet Miles Akers, Four years of JROTC at North Davidson High-school attaining rank of Colonel. Member of National Honor Society. Plans are to attend UNC Chapel Hill

This is our JROTC Scholarship Awards Night. Always a very special treat for our membership to meet these bright aspiring Cadets as they move up into their College Years.

This years recipients were: Jaydeliz Paola Rivera Matos and Leah Katherine Waddell, Both highly qualified and with most impressive resumes which can be seen in the download menu below.

Jaydeliz is off to Old Dominion University with long term plans to becoming a Medical Doctor. Leah is off to Appalachian State University for a BA in Criminal Justice and long terms plans to enter service with the NC State Bureau of Investigation.

Heartiest congratulations to member Captain Laurie Wesley for her recognition in the MOAA Newsletter for her voluntary services aboard the Hospital Ship in Africa Mercy.

The full story of her time there in company with her late husband can be found at the link below.

"If there is anything I can do, I am ready to volunteer. I wanted to be a soldier, and I was a soldier".

His own words say it all.

Purple Heart Recipient, and long time member of the Chapter, Lt. Colonel Dave Cone, USA, Retired, was awarded the first Emeritus Membership ever given by the Chapter, in recognition of his long service on active duty and to our own Chapter, most recently as head of the Scholarship Committee.

President Greg Chase and Vina doing what they do best.

On May 14, 2019, the Tarheel Central Chapter MOAA awarded their annual $1500 scholarships to the two JROTC selectees for this year. Awards were presented by I.B. Southerland Maj, USAF (Ret): Scholarship Program Chair of our chapter.

This years recipients were:

Overall Group Commander Cadet Cilia Mariela Espinoza-Roman, Surry Central High School, USAFJROTC

A leading academic student all her four years in JROTC she graduates with a 4.018 GPA, she is the most decorated cadet in her High School's history with activities ranging from rocketry to Salvation Army drives, Surry County food drives, Color Guard and, most impressively, recipient of three National competitive awards for leadership, academic performance, community service, personal appearance, behavior and attendance.

Cadet Commander LTC Missy Duentes-Delgado, Elkin High School, USAJROTC

An outstanding academic student with a 4.52 GPA, she has been active in local and shcool activities such as soccer, cross country and annual Red Cross blood drives. She is destined to attend Stanford University upon graduation.

Each recipient was accompanied by their parents and JROTC representatives from their schools.

First Recipient:

Derrik Mahlon Brown of Thurmon, NC

- Surry Central High School – Graduating June 2016

- Will attend NC State in the fall

- He is planning to get a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

- DOB: September 8, 1998

- Parents: Ms. Regina Brown

- AFJROTC for 4 years: unit under the command of LtCol Brian O’Connell, USAF

- Cadet of the Year (Level I & II) 2013 & 2014

- Top AFJROTC Performer – 2015

- AFJROTC Group Commander

- Color Guard Commander

- Raiders Commander

- Kitty Hawk Air Honor Society Commander

- President National Honors Society

- President of the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society

- Quiz Bowl Team Member

- National Technical Honor Society Member

- Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society

- GPA (unweighted) 3.86

Second Recipient:

Samuel Jonas George of Siloam, NC

- East Surry High School – Graduate June 10, 2016

- DOB: May 7, 1998

- Parents: Jack and Vickie George

- UNC Charlotte: Mechanical Engineering, Army ROTC

- Awarded 3 year ROTC National Scholarship at UNCC

- JROTC – 4 years unit under the command of 1stSgt Ronald Montgomery, USA, Retired

- Best 1st Year JROTC Student – 2013

- Senior Patrol leader in JROTC

- JROTC Platoon Sergeant

- Command Sergeant Major

- Battalion Commander

- JROTC Raiders Team member

- Very active in the yearly can food drives with different organizations

- Part of planning & execution of 8 American red cross blood drives

- Various fund raisers to help veterans

- Other charity fund raisers for local students with cancer.

- Eagle Scout in 2013

- Best 1st year scout in 2009

- Assistant Senior patrol leader in Boy Scouts

- Academic and leadership Quiz Bowl team captain

- Member of the National Honors Society

- Member of the National Technical Honor Society

- Cross Country team member

- GPA (Unweighted) 3.72

On April 28, 2012 at the annual Military Dance for the Davie High JROTC program, the Tarheel Central Chapter's CDR Dennis Lennon, USN (Ret.) presented the National MOAA Leadership Medal to Cadet Capt. William Priestley. Open the thumbnail photographs to the right which has CAPT Hank Wade, USN (Ret.) assisting in the presentation. Additionally, our own chapter member, Capt. Joe Clarey of the NC Purple Heart Association presented a Medal as well to another cadet.

1936-2024

Howard Atkinson Wallace, Jr., 88, of Wallburg, passed away peacefully, November 27, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Howard proudly served in the United States Navy, enlisting as a 3rd class seaman and rising to a commissioned officer and the rank of Lieutenant Commander when he retired after 24 years of service to his country. He received a bachelor's degree from William Carey College and dedicated the rest of his career to serving others, eventually retiring from full-time work as Administrator at Westover Church.

While stationed in Puerto Rico, Howard gave his life to Jesus Christ and his passion for the Lord impacted his family and countless others who continue to live out his legacy today.

We are saddened to report one of our newest members, Richard Hipwood, has passed after a brief illness. He and his wife, Nalyn, only just joined us in 2023 and were thoroughly enjoying being back in the company of other men and women having military experience.

Richard served in the United States Air Force for 8 years achieving the rank of Captain. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service.

As a devoted husband, friend, and photographer, he enjoyed traveling,

taking photos, and everything about cars. Richard graduated from Drake University with his bachelor’s degree and then went on to receive his master’s degree from Arkansas. He was closely involved with the Corsa Rossa car club and the Alfa Romeo owners club, he also frequently visited the Virginia International Raceway.

At age 95, Captain Ira N. Schwarz, US Navy Retired, left the bridge and passed away September 22, 2023. Ira was not alone; members of the Tarheel Central Chapter of MOAA were present during his last moments. He will be interned in The Arlington National Cemetery.

After high school, Ira spent three years in Aeronautical Engineering at Virginia Tech, but his education was cut short by the death of his father. In 1949, Ira joined the Navy where he completed heavier-than-air flight training and was assigned to lighter-than-air dirigibles and served a post-WWII tour defending the east coast from submarines.

He briefly flew amphibious aircraft like the PBY-5 with his next tour as an instrument flight instructor in SNJ & SNB aircraft, followed by General Line School at Monterey where Ira learned about ships and ship handling. He went on to Hawaii for a tour in VU-1, during which he completed jet transitional training. In 1960, Ira reported to the Naval Post Graduate School (NPGS) in Monterey, CA for further studies in Aeronautical Engineering.

Upon graduation, and switching to Aeronautical Engineering duty, Ira reported to the Senior Program Office (SPO) as Head, Inertial Navigation Section, and a part of the Navigation Branch. His group was responsible for the Ships Inertial Navigators (SINS), the heart of successful navigation at sea. To feed these systems they developed a satellite navigation system (later introduced for civilian use as GPS). They simultaneously perfected a periscope capable of exposure for only 30 seconds that recorded a 17-star fix. As he explained, “If you can know exactly where you are, you can accurately predict where your missiles will land!”

He next commanded the Navy Aero Structures Laboratory at Naval Station, Philadelphia, PA. (1966-1968). In Viet Nam with the Marines, he determined the cause of and solution for the catastrophic losses of H-46 and H-53 helicopters. Ira and his team determined what the structural life of the blades was and how long they could be over stressed before failure would occur. Thereafter, blades could be replaced on a timed basis before catastrophic failure occurred, a new standard that saved hundreds of crews and troops!

His next tour (1968-1971) was as the Officer Assignment Officer for all AED Officers, followed by Air Systems Command (1971-1973) as Head, Structures Branch. In this position Ira was privileged to serve on the initial design team for the F-14 aircraft. Part of his responsibility was the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Equipment and support and Ira again returned to Viet Nam when it came time to remove the mines from harbors there.

His next assignment (1973-1975) was as Commanding Officer, Naval Missile Center at Point Mugu, CA. Ira became Commander, Pacific Missile Test Center from 1975-1976. This command comprised over 7,800 square miles of sea test range with three airfields; Point Mugu, San Nicholas Island and Barking Sands (in Hawaii). His responsibilities included testing each airborne missile against every navy aircraft platform.

Following that tour Ira returned to Washington as Deputy Director, Navy Space Program. In 1977 Ira retired from the Navy. As an aviator he logged over 8,000 flight hours in multiple types of military aircraft.

After retirement Ira became a major player with results in 1998 after nine years of North Carolina litigation that had the North Carolina Supreme Court uphold a decision that a breach of contract had occured and that State and Local government retirees were due a refund of taxes paid during years 1989 – 1997. The State agreed to put up a fund of $799 Million, under control of the Court, to refund the contested taxes paid by all North Carolina government retirees, Federal (military & Civil Service) and State and Local retirees. The Court was to administer the refunds, and Ira was appointed by the Court as Director, Settlement Administration.

The refunds were paid to all claimants by 2002. The final result was that every claimant, over 183,000, received a refund of all taxes paid to the State for the years 1989-1997 on government retirement benefits, PLUS an average interest of 19%.

A truly remarkable life of great accomplishments. RIP

With the deepest of regrets we are posting the loss of a long time dear friend of our Chapter.

CAPT Shelba H. “Hank” Wade, Jr., USN, (Ret) passed away on April 12, 2023, after a seven-year valiant battle with cancer.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1955, and became a naval aviator in 1963. Following his marriage to Gaye Sowers in 1963, they traveled to Rota, Spain for his first tour of duty. Other tours included Pensacola, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. After leaving active duty, Hank and Gaye moved to North Carolina and raised their two daughters, Deborah and Ashley. He continued his service in the Navy reserves until he retired with the rank of Captain in 1985. Hank worked as general manager of CENCO, Inc. and served as the company’s chief corporate pilot.

Community service was very important to him. He was active at Advance United Methodist Church in committee work and teaching. Hank also served as President of the Stratford Kiwanis Club, and in more recent years as President and other offices in the Tarheel Central Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

He will be sorely missed by us all. RIP

Terry Lee Hales, Col.,USA, Ret.

December 14, 1946 — April 9, 2023.

Colonel Hales was a proud veteran in the US Army and retired as a full bird colonel after 30 years with his service including two tours in Vietnam. A decorated military leader, he had the respect of many around him. After serving on active duty, he taught ROTC at Oak Ridge Military Academy, RJ Reynolds High School and Davie High School for over 20 years, teaching students the value of respect, loyalty and duty to country. He served these same students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Colonel Hales joined our chapter in 2015.

We are distressed to report that Lt Co. Fred Price passed away on 5 August, 2021. Our second loss within a months time.

Fred was a new member to our Chapter so we were just getting to know him when Covid stopped our meetings. His obituary follows.

We are deeply saddened to report that Col. Cheston lost his battle with cancer on 29 July, 2021. An especial loss as he and his wife, Captain Laurie Wesely, had only just joined our Chapter in November of 2019. We had been looking forward to integrating them both deeply into the activities of the Chapter.

Attached is the cover and back of the program of remembrance at Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3 August, 2021.

CDR Glen Miller, USN - Past Chaplain. 12/5/21

COL Roy Adams, USA...........................12/19/21

CAPT Bob Thompson, USN....................11/10/21

RIP