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thedrifter
10-09-08, 08:53 AM
Comrades after arms
Military officers turn service to community

By Kathy Mancil
Special to the Star-Banner

Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 6:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 5:59 a.m.

OCALA - Once a man or woman is an officer in the military, it is usually a tie that binds forever. Alistair Munro, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army infantry, said one of the main reasons he joined the Military Officers Association of America is because of the camaraderie it provides for those with military backgrounds.

The group's purpose, however, is not just for members to maintain friendships with fellow officers.

The Kingdom of the Sun chapter recently was awarded the national association's Five Star Award - for the sixth year in a row - for demonstrating excellence in military-related and community service.

One of the many programs the chapter has developed is the Operation Stuff the Bus campaign, which provides school supplies for area homeless and needy children.

Navy Cmdr. Jim Chandler, who heads up the yearly campaign, spoke during the chapter's September luncheon meeting about this year's surprising success.

"We started the campaign with concern about not doing as well as last year due to economic issues," he said.

He was happy to report, however, that it was a record year, bringing in nearly $70,000 in money and supplies.

Munro attended last month's luncheon meeting at the Ocala Shrine Club on Southeast Maricamp Road with his wife, Carol. Also enjoying the camaraderie were retired Army Lt. Col. Frank Rasbury and his wife, Naida. Rasbury said he joined the association to maintain acquaintances with a military connection.

The members "have a great level of affection for each other," he said.

Nearly 50 people attended the September meeting to discuss the chapter's business, listen to guest speaker environmentalist Guy Marwick and have lunch.

Ted Lammott, a retired colonel who served 10 years in the Marines and 12 in the Army, said he joined the chapter because, after retiring from the military, he "missed people who care about things that are important."The things that are important to this chapter, according to president Ken McIntyre, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, are taking care of service men and women and their families, and serving the community.

McIntyre honored Chandler during the luncheon, noting that success of the Operation Stuff the Bus program was predominantly due to Chandler's leadership.

Chandler will take over McIntyre's duties of president next year.

Other causes supported by the chapter are Camp Kiwanis, high school JROTC award ceremonies, American flag retirement and a scholarship program.

The group also assists the local American Legion and Veterans Council to honor area police officers and firefighters, and chapter members send hundreds of seasonal cards to servicemen through the Friends of the Troops program.

"We are a model for MOA International," Chandler said. Unlike many organizations similar to Kingdom of the Sun, the group not only does things for the military, they are involved in the local community, he said.

"We think we do a good service for the community," McIntyre said.

Ellie