Registering As They Are the Future Leaders of Our Country
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The R EGISTE R Fall 2017 RESERVE FORCE OFFICER MEETING The Navy Reserve Selective Service System (SSS) of mandatory general military training and completion Detachment 125 conducted its Semi-Annual Unit of unit/individual readiness requirements to include Readiness Meeting on 27-29 October 2017 at the SSS medical and physical fitness assessments. Professional National Headquarters and Navy Operational Support gatherings such as this are important, not only to keep Center, Washington, DC. More than two dozen RFOs personnel current on their responsibilities to the SSS and and support personnel from across the United States U.S. Navy, but also to maintain mobilization readiness, gathered for this busy event that was led by the Navy morale and unit cohesion for a detachment of RFOs Reserve Augment Unit Commanding Officer, Captain geographically dispersed throughout the country. Keith Branner. Friday’s agenda consisted of welcoming remarks from the SSS Director, Mr. Donald Benton, and the Associate Director for Operations, Mr. Adam J. Copp, as well as briefs from the SSS Operations SSSRegistration Department regarding RFO management, the Veterans Affairs Military Services Coordinator regarding VA @SSS_gov benefits, and the Secretary of Defense Compensation Directorate regarding Non-Regular Retirement and SelectiveServ Survivor Benefit Plan. Saturday and Sunday consisted 1 DIRECTOR INTERVIEWED ON C-SPAN WASHINGTON JOURNAL C-SPAN Washington Journal hosted Director Benton on November 1, 2017. He talked about the mission of the Selective Service and the Pentagon’s recommendation to expand registration to include women. The entire broadcast can be seen at: https://www.c-span.org/ video/?436626-4/washington-journal- don-benton-discusses-selective-service STATE DIRECTOR SMITH MEETS NEW ALABAMA ADJUTANT GENERAL On July 28, 2017 Alabama State Director, MG (Ret.) Ivan Smith, attended the Alabama Adjutant General Change of Command Ceremony. The event took place in Montgomery at the Alabama National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters. The ceremony included the passing of the colors, a tradition that goes back to the earliest chronicles of military history. This represents the transfer of command from the outgoing to the incoming Adjutant General. This symbol ensures a continuation of the spirit and tradition of the Alabama National Guard. The colors were passed from the State Command Sergeant Major, the keeper of the colors, to the outgoing Adjutant General to the Honorable Governor Ivey who passed it to the new Adjutant General, Major General Sheryl E. Gordon. The Selective Service System appreciates the close partnership we hold with both the Governor’s office and The Adjutant General. Alabama Adjutant General, Major General Sheryl E. Gordon, Governor of Alabama The Honorable Kay Ivey & Alabama State Director MG (Ret.) Ivan Smith 2 DC OUTREACH EFFORTS IN OUR NATION’S CAPITAL The Agency would like to extend a special thank you to Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser who proclaimed September 2017 as Selective Service Month. This Fall, Selective Service completed approximately 30 successful outreach briefings in our Nation’s capital to boost registration awareness. Thank you to all the groups and organizations who met with Selective Service staff to increase registration compliance in DC. Included among the many people and places that SSS staff visited were: Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Elissa Silverman, Kenyan McDuffie; DC Parks and Recreation; Several DC High Schools;, Edgewood Brookland Family Support; the State Adult Ed Agency; and the DC JROTC Program. Mr. Adam J. Copp, Mr. Brian McHugh, and Mr. Jonathan Lomax met with the DC JROTC Program. Mr. Copp briefed the Manager of the program, COL Martin Compton and the instructors on the importance of young men registering as they are the future leaders of our country. Mr. Brian McHugh and Washington D.C. State Director Barbara Pittman briefed the staff of Brother’s Keeper. Ms. Irish Lewis-Massey attended the Ward 5 Community Day at Langdon Park, hosted by DC Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie. Over 700 people were in attendance. She thanked Mayor Muriel Bowser, for her Proclamation. The Mayor said, “this is a very important initiative and I am glad to help.” Mr. Copp with COL Martin Compton, DC JROTC Manager Mr. Brian McHugh and D.C. State Director Barbra Pittman DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser and SSS NHQ Staff, Ms. Irish Lewis-Massey 3 DIRECTOR SPEAKS AT THE AMERICAN LEGION CONFERENCE, ANAVICUS BREAKFAST, AND THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION On August 19, 2017, Director Benton addressed American Legion’s National Security Committee at the 2017 American Legion National Conference in Reno, NV. In his speech, the Director explained why Selective Service System is a necessary and inexpensive insurance policy that ensures the availability of trained and untrained personnel to the Department of Defense in the event of a national emergency. Mr. Benton closed his speech Director addressing the American Legion’s National Security Committee. by saying, “Thank you American Legion for your strong support of the U.S. Selective Service System. With your resolution of support you show Congress, DoD and the American people that you support the need to maintain our agency for a stronger America and as an important tool to defend our freedom”. Later on that day, the Director, a member of the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), was presented his SAL cap at the SAL national convention held concurrently with the American Legion’s convention. Mr. Benton made remarks to the members and thanked them for their ongoing support. On Sunday, August 20, 2017 the Director was a guest speaker at the ANAVICUS Breakfast. Mr. Benton praised the long time common link Director Benton speaking to the Sons of the American Legion CONTINUES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE 4 (continued from the previous page) between ANAVICUS, the Legion, and the Selective Service System. Mr. Benton remarked, “We share a purpose - promoting and supporting national security, honoring our Veterans, and concerning ourselves with the future of today’s youth.” In addition to his speaking engagements, the Director rounded out his trip by attending the National Convention Parade and visiting the SSS exhibit booth that was staffed by Region III. While at the exhibit, the Director discussed with many attendees the importance of serving as a local board member volunteer. Director Benton being presented with his SAL cap. Greeting attendees at the SSS Exhibit Booth. Director Benton addressing the ANAVICUS breakfast. 5 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Director Benton is committed to ensuring that all young men are made aware of the Selective Service registration requirement as well as the many federal and state benefits linked to that requirement. In the past, local board members had expressed an interest in going out to their communities to raise awareness about Selective Service. We are trying to determine how many of our board members, if given the opportunity, would volunteer to increase awareness of Selective Service in their communities. If you would be like to speak at local organizations, youth sports clubs, the Boys Scouts, schools, places of worship etc. please contact us at [email protected] or email your Region office. BISHOPS OF THE EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MENNONITE CHURCH VISIT SELECTIVE SERVICE On Thursday, October 5, 2017, four bishops of the largest group of conservative Mennonites in the country traveled to meet with staff at National Headquarters. A long-time member of the agency’s conscientious objector constituency, the Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite Church is distinguished from other Mennonite groups by its preference for restrictions on the use of radio, television, and worldly amusements, including participation in organized sports. The Bishop’s requested the meeting to discuss the Church’s concerns with the developing landscape of the country and the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Commission objectives. They also wanted to ask questions about the future of the Alternative Service Program, it’s current manager, Cassandra Costley, prepares to retire in early 2018. The four bishops, Harold Good, Lynn Martin, Melvin Burkholder, and Daryl Bair represented the concerns of congregations in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Vermont, Texas, Ohio, Maine, Wisconsin, Indiana, Washington, Virginia, Michigan, Massachusetts, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Ms. Costley gave opening remarks, welcomed everyone and facilitated the introduction of each attendee. In his welcome, Associate Director for Operations Adam J. Copp stressed the important role of the Agency’s dual mission and the responsibility of ensuring the Alternative Service Program continues. Also representing the agency at the meeting were Executive Officer Wadi Yakhour; Alternative Service Program Analysts Jonathan Lomax and Irish Lewis Massey; Preparedness Manager, John Longshore; and Registration Program Analyst, Tom Devine. In response to specific and general concerns, all present assured the Church representatives of the agency’s commitment to effectively and efficiently running a fair and equitable draft and Alternative Service Program if ever required. Selective Service staff often meet with historic peace churches and conscientious objector advocacy groups at their behest, both at National Headquarters and when invited to speak locally or around the country. These meetings provide opportunities for the Agency to develop relationships with one