Let's do it! - From The President

In last months issue I describe some of the goals ROA will focus on over the next 12 months. Those goals are to continue aggressive membership programs, ensure our financial future, establish ROA as the premier "go to" organization for Reservists, continue to advance our legislative program, and enhance our homeland security posture.

Your positive feedback has indicated that all of us are pulling together to achieve these goals and we are committed to facing the many challenges that our association should address. ROA has a responsibility to advocate on behalf of its members and on behalf of the Reserve Components. I am confident that we are making, real progress, but there is still much to be done.

Most importantly, our citizen-warriors need support. They need our organization's influence to improve policies and to achieve legislation that will ensure that Reservists are utilized properly when mobilized. We also must work to ensure that Reservists are demobilized in a timely manner when the military situation allows.

It will take the efforts of many to achieve our goals and successfully meet these challenges. I want to thank, in advance, the ROA officers (national, department and chapter), those who are serving on the many ROA working groups and on the formal committees, the Reserve Officers Association League (ROAL), and the fun-time staff at One Constitution Avenue. I thank you for what you are doing, and will do, to help us execute ROA's chartered purpose: "... to support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate national security."

In August, I met with our national Executive Committee and we made decisions on many initiatives: improved influence on important legislation and policy; improved responsiveness to ROA member needs; better affiliations with others in the coalitions that support Reservists; continued productive communications with Congress, governmental departments, the administration, and the military services; better teamwork with those in industry, in education, and with civic leaders; building more membership clout; how to best support the forming Reserve Enlisted Association (REA); and how to best use our organization's resources.

We have put much effort into committee assignments, and I was very favorably impressed with the enthusiasm generated as a result. The committees are valuable assets to our association, and I encourage each of them to "start up" immediately. Committees might want to consider meeting via phone teleconference from time to time before the MidWinter Conference. In addition to selecting committee chairs, determining ExCom, national council and staff liaisons, approximately 160 of you responded to the opportunity to request specific committee assignments. It was heartening to see the interest expressed! Unfortunately, we didn't have enough vacancies for the volume of requests. I apologize to those of you who did not get your desired assignment and encourage you to attend the committee meetings at the Mid-Winter and the summer Convention. We need you to participate in any capacity you can.

Another very important matter that was discussed is how to utilize the ROA depart merit and chapter manpower resources in an effective and energized manner. The dedicated Reservists in ROA's departments and chapters will be a major resource as we work to reach our goals. We must pay more attention to optimizing the impact of this vital grassroots resource. More on that later.

I wish to emphasize another important area: MEMBERSHIE This is a critical area and I urge each of you to make it a priority to recruit another member. The Grand Membership Strategy lays out a promising program of designating membership chairs for each department. You will be hearing more about this in the near future, but I cannot overemphasize the importance of membership. This is also an area where we need your help.

As a retired Coast Guard Reserve officer, I find the theme of this month's magazine, "homeland security," near and dear to me. Our nation was founded on citizens answering the call to protect our freedoms here at home. Clearly, that vital mission is, once again, one of America's key concerns and priorities. We in the Reserve Components are in a position to he essential and valuable contributors to ensuring that our nation reacts properly to threats directed against our citizens. I am confident we will commit the correct emphasis and resources to the mission of securing our homeland. We cannot afford to do less. ROA is committed to actively supporting homeland security in any way possible.

ROA is on the brink of being catapulted into a higher level of effectiveness. Many elements have surfaced that indicate we will be successful. However, it will require the elected leadership, the full-time staff, and, most importantly, all of us working together to make this happen.

Let's do it!

RADM G. Robert Merrilees, USCGR (Pet.) ROA National President, 2003-2004

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