Once again we held our first luncheon of the year and the Granite State Warriors Awards (GSWA) at the Common Man Inn & Spa in Plymouth, NH.  Unfortunately the weather was not as nice as it was last year.  This year it rained bunches.  People commented that the drive up was quite a challenge.  Notwithstanding the bad weather, of the 59 members and guests who signed up, only one couple did not make it.  We were honored to have three of our four Congressional members present - Senator Maggie Hassan, Representative Chris Pappas, and Representative Maggie Goodlander.  Each of them made "brief" remarks detailing how MOAA assists them with their legislative functions.  Representative Goodlander joined the Chapter on the spot! (She had been in the Naval Reserves for eleven years.)  The Chapter had received a 5-Star rating (top of the heap) for Level of Excellence (LOE) in MOAA's LOE competition and a 5-Star rating for our web site in MOAA's Communication competition, although the Chapter President Lt Col Larry Miller, USAFR (Ret.), neglected to mention them.  He did recognize the First Time attendees - John and Linda Fischer of Hebron,  Jeffrey and Lori King of Meredith, Kevin and Robin Galeaz of Hooksett and Andrew Rankin of Manchester.
    The reason for the luncheon was to honor the recipients of the thirteenth annual Granite State Warriors Award (GSWA).  These awards are given to the New Hampshire resident or NH-based organization making the most significant contribution to the Armed Forces of the United States that year.  The 2024 recipients are the Service Credit Union (SCU) and two engineering individuals from the VA Medical Center (VAMC) Manchester.  SCU received the award for their nearly half a million dollars supporting military and veteran nonprofit, and helping military members and their families overseas.  Accepting the award on behalf of SCU was Jaime Yates and Jason DiVirgilo.  Two individuals from the VA Medical Center, Manchester, Kent Eberhardt, Chief Engineer, and Keith Lacasse, Health Engineer and Contracting Officer, received the award for their efforts for the design and construction of renovations and new buildings.  For their acceptance remarks, they presented a Power Point presentation on the various engineering projects planned and ongoing at the seventy-five year old Medical Center building.
    This year the award was designed by our Chapter President, Lt Col Larry Miller, USAFR (Ret.), and was based on the legendary Spartan King, Leonidas. (See the pictures below.)

GSWA #1	VAMC Table	GSWA #2
Sen Hassan	Rep Pappas	Rep Goodlander
SCU's Jaime Yates	VAMC's Kent Eberhardt	VAMC's Keith Lacasse
Pappas, Yates, Goodlander	Pappas, Eberhardt, Goodlander	Pappas, Lacasse, Mrs. Lacasse, Goodlander

    It was a beautiful summer day on June 15, 2024, when the chapter held its second meeting of the year at the White Mountain Hotel and Resort in North Conway.  The only concern to the members was the fact that this was the same weekend as the annual Motorcycle Week in the Lakes Region and numerous members spent over a half hour getting through Meredith, NH.  It also happened to be the same weekend as Father’s Day.  Several made the suggestion that we do not schedule a luncheon for this weekend in the future, especially one that may require travel through the Lakes Region.

    Notwithstanding, 60 members and guests signed up for the luncheon and enjoyed a delicious meal choice of Chicken Piccata, Broiled Sirloin of Beef or Vegetarian Meal.  Our schedule speaker, Jeb Bradley, President of the New Hampshire Senate, unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute; however, chapter member Colonel Gerry Boyle, USMC (Ret.) ably stepped in and gave an excellent talk concerning the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Check In Here

Socializing Before Lunch

June Luncheon

Speaker

     The forecast was for rain; however the front moved Northeast and the day turned out to be gorgeous with a gentle sea breeze that made it very enjoyable.  August 3, 2024 marked the fortieth  anniversary of the chapter holding its Clambake.  Again this year, the event was jointly hosted by the New Hampshire Chapter and the Southern Maine Chapter of MOAA.  214 members, family and guests from several chapters enjoyed good fellowship and our traditional feast of clam chowder, lobster or steak, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, potatoes, onions, rolls and watermelon.

     We were joined by a number of distinguished guests including Senator Maggie Hassan; staff members from Senator Sheehan, Congressman Pappas and Congressman Golden’s (ME) offices; Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Commander CAPT Michael Oberdorf, USN and his wife Tara; several senior Shipyard officers; CAPT Frank Michael, USN (Ret.), Program Director, Council and Chapter Affairs MOAA, and members of various Chapters of MOAA stretching from Maine to Florida!  New Hampshire Chapter President Lt Col Larry Miller, USAFR (Ret.) and his wife Pat, the Chapter Surviving Spouse Liaison, welcomed everyone to the event.   We were honored to have a US Navy color guard, from the Shipyard, post the colors.  Senator Hassan spoke as well as CAPT Michael.

     This year the duties of Bakemaster were excellently carried out jointly by CW4 Bob Jaffin, USN (Ret.) and MAJ Jason Moody, USA, and once again the job of Drinksmaster was ably performed by CW5 Bernie Satterfield, USA (Ret.).  During the “Bake” a Silent Raffle was held to support the Scholarship Program.  Four recipients of Scholarship loans volunteered to help out wherever they were needed.

     The main benefit of the Clambake, other than to enjoy a great home-cooked bake, is to support the Chapter's Scholarship Fund.  This locally run program helps children and grandchildren of the New Hampshire Chapter members with college expenses by awarding grants of $2000.00 and $4000.00 per academic year.  This year EIGHT students will receive grants.  This year the Clambake raised $3,815.00.  Thank you to all who contributed!!

    In addition to the money raised for our Chapter's Scholarship Fund, Chapter members donated fifty-four food items helping to support the Manchester VAMC Veterans.   Finally, a special Bravo Zulu to all those who made this event as successful as it was.  It could not have been done without all the hard work of the chapter volunteers!!

Former Sen Ayotte	CAPT Michael checking in	Sen Hassan speaking	Drinkmaster Satterfield
Checking out the Silent Raffle	The serving line	Enjoying their meal	Enjoying good friendship

    The MS Mt Washinton cruise ship left the pier at Weirs Beach (Laconia) on Saturday, Sept 7th , with close to 60 MOAA members and spouses aboard.  The weather was perfect for an afternoon trip around Lake Winnipesaukee with bright sun, and 75 degrees for all to enjoy.

    The cruise line had an entire function room set aside for the group complete with a full buffet and window seats for all.  Ours was the only group of tourists aboard partaking of  any dining functions during the cruise.

    Lake Winnipesaukee has been a stop for visitors from across the globe for many years, and most aren’t aware that its name originates from two Native Americans and means “Smile of the Great Spirit.”  The story originates long ago when New Hampshire’s only inhabitants were Indians.

    The original Mt. Washington was built in 1872, and was a “paddle steamer.”  It was the largest steamer on the lake at 187’ in length and it eventually transported over 60,000 passengers around the lake annually.  The original ship was destroyed by fire at the pier in 1939, and the new cruise liner originated on Lake Champlain.  It was transported by rail to Lake Winnipesaukee in sections, making its first cruise in August, 1940.  Several updates have been made during the past 50 years including lengthening the ship by 20’ for new function rooms.

    Lake Winnipesaukee has over 260 islands, 130 of which are over ¼ acre in size.  The smallest is only 10’.  There are over 180 miles of shoreline and the lake is 28 miles long end-to-end with a surface are of 72 square miles.  The deepest site on the lake is 207’, and one of our MOAA members has done a deep dive to find this spot.  The south end of Winnipesaukee is about 90 miles from Boston.

    Our cruise was 3 hours long, and the ship traveled to Alton Bay then docked in Wolfeboro to transfer passengers.  There are several tours done daily during each season changing for different dates and functions. There are both daytime and evening dance trips between all ports on the lake many of which are formal with live music.

    The ship’s Captain Duffy spoke with the entire group during the afternoon, telling about the lake, the ship, and his staff including his own lengthy nautical background.  He explained that the ship stays in the water year-round but does have facilities in Center Harbor for pulling it ashore for bottom maintenance.

    MOAA is fortunate to have CW4 Bob Jaffin aboard MOAA New Hampshire, as he continues to organize and manage these types of outings.  In the past, he has sponsored dinners, and a fall train trip from Meredith to Plymouth (NH) several years ago including a full luncheon at the Common Man Inn & Spa (Plymouth).  Thanks from all, Bob.  We look forward to another train ride!

M/S Mt Washington Sign	M/S Mt Washington Approaching	Buffet Line	Enjoying Lunch
Wolfeboro	Capt Duffy Speaking	Capt Duffy, Larry Miller, Bob Jaffin	Returning Home

     It was a pleasant autumn day on November 2, 2024 when the Chapter held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Nashua Country Club.  In fact golfers were out and about on the golf course!  The business meeting was attended by 20 Chapter members.  One of the main items that was voted on was a revision to the Chapter By-Laws.  You can read the revised By-Laws here. 73 members and guests enjoyed a delicious meal excellently prepared by the staff of the club.  As always, the staff of the country club was extremely helpful in accommodating every request.

    Before and during lunch, Col Drew Breuder, USAF (Ret.) collected $100.00 to support veterans’ organizations in NH.  Before the meal, those present participated in the traditional playing of all the service marches, including the new Space Force march.  Unfortunately, again this year no one was present from the Coast Guard, NOAA or USPHS to stand up for their marches.  We were honored to have Senator Maggie Hassan as a guest of honor.  She spoke briefly about the strong bond betwee MOAA and her office and the Senate as a whole.  Because of the bond, numerous legislative bills have been passed affecting active duty and veteran individuals.  She honored us by presididng over the installation of this year's Officers and Board of Directors for the chapter.  The results of the annual elections can be found on the "Chapter News" page.  Following the installation, the oldest and youngest Chapter member present cut the Anniversary Cake with an Army Saber belonging to Chapter member Jim LeFebvre.  Once again we acknowledged the passing of chapter members who had died since the last annual meeting.  TAPS was played for them.

    We were pleased to have as our guest speaker, Ty Gagne, award winning author, who spoke about his book, The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites.  He presented a slide show detailing the events that lead to the death of one of the hikers on Mount Lafayette in N.H.'s Franconia Notch and the rescue of the other by the NH Air National Guard.

45th Anniversary Cake

Senator Hassan	Swearing In	Cake Cutting
November Luncheon	Head Table	Speaker's Gift

    On December 7, 2024, the Chapter held a holiday get together at Jesse's Steaks, Seafood and Tavern in Hanover, NH.  The purpose of the event was to interest Vermont Chapter of MOAA members in our NH Chapter, as the Vermont Chapter has fallen on rough times.  Unfortunately only one Vermont member attended - Ted McKnight. 34 members signed up for the event.  Although some snow was forecast for later in the day, it held off until eveyone was safely home.  Almost everyone attending was decked out in festive holiday attire and all raved about the food.  All in all, all had an enjoyable time.