PALMETTO CHAPTER (SHAW AFB, SOUTH CAROLINA
The Shaw AFB Palmetto chapter continues to create an innovative approach to Maintenance and Logistics Officer Development. Our loggie of the month program has evolved from simply selecting and saying a few words about our members, to actually sharing how and why the person was selected in his/her Commander's own words. Additionally, our speakers of the month have agreed to have their presentations posted on our web site for all National LOA to view. This program will have a wide appeal. Our hope is other National members will peruse our slides, note something interesting, and feel free to contact the appropriate briefer for additional information. Check out our archive of past briefings. In Jan 2004, our chapter hosted two of our own, Capt Rodney Luckett (20 MOS) and Capt Brad Douglass (20 AMXS), for a luncheon assembly at Club Shaw. Capt Luckett and Capt Douglass are maintainers here at Shaw who recently had the privilege to be part of two different aircraft investigation boards. Capt Luckett descriptively talked about his experiences in the investigation of a Sept 2003 F-16C Thunderbird mishap at Mountain Home AFB, ID, while Capt Douglass gave everyone an in-depth look at an F-16CG mishap at a deployed location. Their insightful testimony provided all in attendance with an up close perspective of how the board functioned, analyzed data, and eventually came to a conclusion. Furthermore, both speakers expertly conveyed the various differences and significant roles encountered between a safety and accident investigation board. The Shaw AFB Palmetto Chapter had outstanding participation at the Oct 2003 National LOA Conference in Oklahoma City. Our Chapter had 11 members attend, which is a 250% increase from last year's participation. In addition, the Shaw AFB Palmetto Chapter continues to shine as we are shattering membership records for our region. We have invited our Chief Master Sergeants to become associate members and have 29 local associate members, while our national members have catapulted to 45. This significantrise has been attributed to our Chapter leadership and dedicated commitment for showcasing our membership through various portals. Current and future members can check out the latest updates, changes, and announcements at our newly developed website: http://www.loanational.org/shaw/. This site also gives us the opportunity to showcase individual Palmetto Chapter members and enhance our local spotlight by providing book reviews and informative links. Lastly, Palmetto Chapter member Major James Long (20 CMS) is currently working on a Professional Development Seminar which would attract General Officers to set a special panel and share the way ahead as they see things from their particular vantage and points of view. Stay tuned for further developments on this inaugural event at Shaw AFB. All Palmetto Chapter members generally meet every other month at the Shaw AFB Conference Center at 1530 hrs. Beverages and finger foods are provided as we all gather around for various informative discussions. If you plan on visiting or reside in the Shaw/Sumter, South Carolina area, stop on by and join the fellowship. If you find yourself stationed here come on and join our chapter. To get additional information, please contact Lt Col Allen Clark @ (803) 895-3154.