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The Columbia Chapter, like other Chapters, has organized Standing Committees, each headed by a Committee Chairman, that assist the Commander by attending to the details of those functions that must go on to have a working organization. The current list of Standing Committees and their chairmen is:
Membership -
Programs - LTC Kenneth A. Gehler, A
ROTC – LTC Wayne C. Smith, Jr, A
Youth Leadership Conference – LTC Robert H. Adams, A
Scouting – LtCol Frank H. Zander, AF
Telephone – LTC Robert H. Adams, A
Community Activities –
In addition to the Standing Committees the Chapter also has a series of Project Committees, who, under the Guidance of each Committee Chairman, organize and conduct the special events that the Chapter supports. The current list of these committees and their chairmen is:
Massing of the Colors – LTC Frank H. Zander, AF
Veteran's Day Parade - MAJ David S. Gayle, A
Chapter Bulletin – Cpt Jennifer Phifer, AF
Homeland Security - Col Adam C. Hart, A
Col Hart giving the Homeland Security presentation
Two important dates, the annual Massing of the Colors, and the Veteran’s Day Parade, are on the Chapter Calendar.
The Massing of the Colors, which is sponsored and promoted by the Columbia Chapter, is a patriotic and religious celebration of the privilege of living in the United States of America. It is held on a Sunday in mid- or late April, the exact date depending on the availability of a suitable location. All patriotic and service units in the Midlands area, such as active duty, Reserve, and National Guard military units, ROTC and JROTC units, Girl and Boy Scout troops, American Legion, VFW, Pearl Harbor Survivors, local Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting units, and other similar units are invited to participate in a ceremony in which the Colors of the United States of America and the units’ colors are massed in flag stands at the front of the facility. Patriotic and religious music and readings are presented and a speaker gives an inspirational talk. The result is a touching and impressive ceremony honoring our country and the people who have made, and are making, America a great and free nation.
 
 
Veteran's Day Parade
The Veteran’s Day Parade is sponsored by the Columbia Civic Action Committee and is whole-heartedly supported, and participated in, by the Columbia Chapter. The Chapter provides a unit to join in the parade, which is reputed to be among the largest in the country. Members, in uniform or civilian dress, ride in the parade in Jeeps and open cars, acknowledging, and returning, the waves, salutes, and plaudits of the thousands of people gathered to watch the parade. The Veteran’s Day Parade is normally held on November 11, Veteran’s Day, but on occasion, in order to avoid conflicts with other activities, it may be held a day or two before.
Celebrate Freedom Weekend is sponsored by a Celebrate Freedom Foundation. This affair features an air show with displays and performances by vintage military aircraft, and displays and performances by all branches of the Armed Forces. The Army Medical Corps, for instance, sets up and mans a field hospital, and the Navy and Marines have similar exhibits. The Columbia Chapter provides and mans a booth with MOWW posters and literature and provides information on our organization to passersby.
The Chapter issues a monthly Bulletin (or Newsletter) each month that there is a meeting. The Bulletin brings to each member information on the past meeting, a preview of the next month’s meeting, and matters that are of interest to the members, such as the health and welfare of members. It is an important method of contacting and keeping in touch with the membership.
The Telephone Committee is staffed by a number of volunteers who make sure that members are contacted by telephone each month. This serves the purpose of alerting members to Chapter events, a reminder of the next meeting, and for keeping the Chapter up-to-date on the status of members and their families.
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