Goals and philosophy for 2005-2006

I have a basic philosophy about what my goals are for this coming year. My first priority is to attempt to bring ROA influence on BRAC issues that directly affect national security. Among these is the currently argued situation affecting homeland security that includes removal of fighter aircraft from critical geographical regions in CONUS. Such a move could leave major cities vulnerable to attack from the air.

My second priority is to deal with the significant ill effects that BRAC would impose on Air Force Reservists and their quality of life. This includes the movement of unit training sites from a local area where Reservists currently live to locations hundreds and possibly thousands of miles away.

My third priority is to address the roles and missions of AF Reserve forces in relationship to the Active Air Force. An example is to ensure that the UAV flight control mission, slated to become a Reserve mission, is followed through. Another similar issue is to address the inequity between Active and Reserve forces when they are deployed.

I hope to have one or more meetings with Lt Gen Bradley to learn how we in ROA may be of assistance to him in his role as chief of the Air Force Reserve and what his vision is of the roles and missions of the Reserve. This should also help us focus our attention on issues that we believe are important to our Reservists.

There are, of course, many global ROA issues that need our ongoing attention and support. The major areas are to ensure that membership continues to grow and that ROA does everything possible to stimulate that growth. We also need to be strong supporters of the renovation of the ROA building on Constitution Avenue, uniquely situated across the street from the nation's Capitol. USERRA issues continue to cause quality-of-life problems for the Reservists. These require our continued efforts to relieve Reservists of these threats and constant irritations.

I will attempt to communicate frequently with the Air Force members via e-mail and by telephone when required. I welcome feedback from the membership on how and what we are doing. We on the ExCom serve at the pleasure of our members and if we are not meeting their expectations they should let us know and offer constructive advice.

I look forward to a very successful and satisfying year in service to the ROA Air Force members.

COL RONALD D. HARRIS, USAF

2005-2006 AIR FORCE SECTION VICE PRESIDENT

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