Dear Griffon Association Member,
The Griffon Association, like all of you persevered through a very difficult year in 2020.
We worked hard to again live up to our motto of “Be a Patriot, Help a Soldier,” by providing targeted donations and scholarships to qualified recipients. However, the level of giving was not what we would have liked, since the Covid pandemic forced cancellation of several events, including our golf tournament, which is our principal fund raiser. Still, giving back to Soldiers, their families and Veterans is really a continuation of the oath we took to serve many years ago and we were able to do at a reduced level of support despite many obstacles. Below is a summary for the year:
Scholarships: We were very pleased to see scholarship applicants from units across the entire 108th Training Command. Due to the high quality of scholarship applicants, the board agreed to award $3,900 in educational scholarships to 13 extremely worthy applicants. Because of the closeness of the qualifications of the applicants, we awarded $300 scholarships to all 13.
Picnic: We were forced to cancel the picnic for last year, but are planning for one in the fall of 2021, which we hope many of you can attend. More later on a specific date.
Golf Tournament: We had to also cancel the 10th Annual Soldiers’ and Families’ Golf tournament because of the pandemic; however, through the generosity of several of our previous sponsors, we collected $3,300.00 to help us through this difficult time. We do plan to have the 2021 tournament, which we have already scheduled for September 27, 2021. We will provide forms and more information in the next month or so.
Membership: Membership increased somewhat during 2019, thanks to the work of Joe Winchester, our membership chairman. The Association currently has 214 members, which includes 148 Life Members, 64 Annual members and 2 Honorary Members. While everyone appreciates the work we do, efforts to increase membership has been challenged due to constraints that restrict Commanders and leaders from promoting membership in non-profit organizations to their direct subordinates. We have also seen some losses as members have relocated and not updated their mailing addresses. Membership is our life blood and is vital if we are to continue to support our Soldiers and their families into the future. We ask for your help to personally commit to reach out to at least two former or current members of the 108th Training Command (108th Division) and share the membership application that can be found on our website https://www.108thgriffonassoc.com/.
This could more than double our membership. Annual memberships are only $10.00 and Life Memberships are only $108.00. Membership/Dues Notices should go out in the next few weeks.
Soldier and Veteran Support: Targeted donations totaling $1,500 were made to support organizations that assist Soldiers and Veterans to include Purple Heart Homes, the Charlotte USO, Veterans Restoration Quarters, Iredell County Veterans Council, and the Freedom and Hope Foundation.
Looking forward to 2021:
Griffon Association Scholarships
Griffon Association Scholarship applications are due by April 1, 2021. A copy of the application is included with this article and can also be found on our website https://www.108thgriffonassoc.com/.
10th Annual Golf Tournament
The 10th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for the 27th of September, 2021. For any golfers, who have not been able to attend in the past, we invite you to join us and encourage you to bring a team this year. We are also always in need of help from nongolfers for registration etc. More information will be available on our website shortly https://www.108thgriffonassoc.com/.
Annual Picnic
The Annual Picnic will be held in the fall of 2021. Possible locations include Latta Plantation in Charlotte, Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina or Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Information regarding the final location and date and how to sign up will be shared in a few months. We hope you will join us for some great food and an opportunity to connect with other Griffon members and friends.
Veterans Day Breakfast
Breakfast on Veterans Day – join us as a guest for breakfast at the Carolinas Freedom Foundation’s Freedom Breakfast in Charlotte. The exact date has not been set but is usually the Friday before or after Veterans Day. For more information, email Skip McCartney at [email protected].
Veterans Day Parade
Charlotte Veterans Day Parade – join the parade in November (exact date to be set) and march with other Griffon Members and COL (Retired) Tom Phlegar as he leads the parade with his leggings and tri-corner hat, while playing his drums with the Revolutionary War Color Guard. For more information, email Skip McCartney at [email protected].
In closing, I would like to personally thank you and assure you that your support makes the difference.
Hooah!!
Charles E. McCartney, Jr.
MG, USA, Retired
President
“Be A Patriot – Help A Soldier”
Download Scholarship Application
Allison, this is the area for the pdf of the scholarship