Your association, under the leadership of former division commander MG Charles “Skip” McCartney has been most active in fulfilling its social mission where past members can meet and learn the latest developments of the 108th. Accordingly, a Bar-B-Q outing was held on 8 October, 2011 at Ft. Jackson just for that purpose. Approximately 40 present and former members of the 108th attended and were given briefings by the division CSM Joe Payne, CSM Ron Law (DS School Commandant), and Randy Cook from Division G-3. This plus a lively social gathering made for a most pleasant day.
Project Re-Connect, sponsored by Ft. Jackson, SC is a program supported by the association where past and present members can spend a day at an active installation touring the latest facilities to include the firing of weapons and learning the current programs in which new soldiers are participitating. A second Re-Connect was held on 18 October, 2011 with great success.
There are three main objectives of the association in addition to the above.
- Provide post secondary education scholarships to reserve soldiers and their families to include spouses, children and grandchildren.
- Assistance to soldiers injured while deployed or during training exercises through existing charitable organizations.
- Provide assistance to families of soldiers while deployed or after returning from active duty when needed.
Of course all of this requires money. To help raise the necessary funds to accomplish it missions, the 108th Griffon Assoc. held its first annual golf tournament on 26 September, 2011 in Charlotte, NC. To summarize, it was a great success with a good time had by all. Two former division commanders participated and from all reports were thoroughly humbled. Over $16,000 was raised from this first event which has greatly expanded the Griffon’s treasury.
Hence, lies the problem. To quote Horris Vanderguilder from the play and movie Hello Dolly, “Money is like manure. To do any good you have to spread it around.”
It is our desire and mission to spread as much of it around as possible. This year four scholarships were awarded in the amount of $500 each to include the grandson of one retired 108th member. Because of the success of the fund raising endeavors, the amount of each scholarship to be given in the future has been increased to $1000 from the original $500. All that is now needed is for those eligible to apply. Click here for the application of the 2012-2013 academic year.
It is the responsibility of the various units within the 108th Training Command to inform through the proper channels of any soldier or soldier’s family that may need assistance. The money in the Griffon Association bank account does no good unless it is used. Let it be used as and used where intended.
Membership, both new and renewed, is the lifeblood of the association. All monies minus very minimal administrative expense are to be rechanneled back to the 108th Training Command. Membership eligibility is open to any present or past soldier or civilian who is serving or has served honorably in the 108th or its subordinate Divisions. Membership per year is only $10 and lifetime memberships are available for $108. With each membership, a certificate suitable for framing is presented along with a subscription to the Griffon Newspaper. What better way to keep current with the command. The best bonus of course is the realization that your tax deductible membership is helping those who are on the front line of our country’s security. The 108th Griffon Association is a 501c3 charitable organization and all donations and fees are fully tax deductible. Click here for a application for membership.
If you are interested in joining the Griffon Association, please mail the application to the address given or e-mail Wally Holston at 108thGriffonAssociation@triadd.rr.com. Additional information concerning the 108th Griffon Association is available on our web site www.108thGriffonAssoc.com.