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Reports and Notes about the
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Notes from the 1st National Conference
By Chaplain (General) Phillip D. Burnette
National Commander,
USCOC Headquarters Division
Ladies and gentlemen,
As you should all be aware, the first annual national conference of the USCOC
was held this past weekend here in Clanton, Alabama. While numbers were low, a
good time was had by all in attendance and many topics were discussed. Several
people had digital cameras there so we should see some good photos very soon.
The conference was opened and closed by a prayer led by Chaplain (Colonel)
Wilson H. Ollis, Sr. of the Georgia Brigade. Thank you, Chaplain Ollis.
Sunday morning, we opened with a praise and worship service led by Chaplain
(Colonel) Sandy Corlett of the Georgia Brigade. As part of the service we were
privileged to hear Chaplain (General) Allens' granddaughters sing. Thank you,
Chaplain Corlett, and thank you to the entire family of Chaplain Allen.
On Saturday, we had our awards ceremony where several members were recognized
for outstanding contributions to the Corps and it's missions.
Chaplain and Mrs. Ollis, Chaplain Patrick, and I received the Presidents Call to
Service (Lifetime) Award for more than 4000 hours of community service over the
course of a lifetime.
Chaplain Patrick (BOD), Chaplain Allen (BOD), Chaplain Mims (BOD), Chaplain
James Montgomery (GA), Chaplain Sandy Corlett (GA), Colonel Lisa M. Burnette
(AL), Colonel Marcus L. Burnette (AL), Colonel Joanne E. Mims (AL), Chaplains
Albert J. Lepine and Kimberly Tarbox (ME), Chaplain Jake W. Harmon (N.C.),
Chaplain Robert Tutrone (PA), and I received
gold level (500 hours service in one calendar year) awards for 2004.
Chaplain Donald Levesque (ME) received a silver award for 250 hours of service
and Mrs. Tammy Patrick (TX) received a bronze award for 100 hours of service in
2004.
While the service awards were presented on behalf of the President of the United
States, USCOC specific awards were also presented to several members.
Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Timothy J. Steppan (S.D.) was recognized with the
Legion of Honor for heroic actions during a chemical leak incident at a meat
packing plant in South Dakota. The Outstanding Unit Award was presented to the
Georgia Brigade for meeting and exceeding every standard of the Corps as well as
having the first serving Honor Guard detail. Chaplain Hepler should be very
proud of his people.
The Directors Award, for distinguished service and achievement above and beyond
the call, went to Chaplain (COL) and Mrs. Wilson H. Ollis, Sr. who were also
recognized by Congress as the oldest and longest serving volunteer couple in
America. We are very proud to have them on the team.
The Administrator of the Year award went to Chaplain (MG) Albert J. Lepine for
his tireless efforts at helping to organize and streamline the USCOC and its
policies during our first year in existence. We could not do it without him and
that's the truth.
Chaplain of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2005 went to Chaplain (CPT)
Mark W. McManus for his dedication and hard work pursuing recognition and
acceptance of the USCOC by the military as well as being the very first USCOC
Chaplain to serve a military unit on a regular basis.
Chaplain (BG) Kenneth Michael Vaszary was named Recruiter of the Quarter for the
first quarter of 2005. Chaplain Vaszary's efforts have led the Corps to more
than quadruple in size during the first quarter of 2005 alone.
Certificates of Achievement were presented to Colonels Lisa M. Burnette and
Joanne E. Mims for organizing and operating the Childrens Hospital toy drive for
2004.
Colonel Marcus Lee Burnette was recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for
his work as Project Officer in organizing the first annual Chaplains Run 5K and
1 mile Fun Run, scheduled for the first weekend in July in Clanton.
The Board of Directors sends out our thanks to all and our appreciation to these
outstanding members for setting a wonderful example for all to emulate. Thank
you all, God bless you, and start to make your plans now to attend next year's
conference. Details will start being announced around December.
Chaplain (General) Phillip D. Burnette
National Commander,
USCOC Headquarters Division
www.uscochq.com