President's Message

Fellow Alumni,

As we move into the final months of the year, I’m reminded once again of what makes the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association so special: our members’ willingness to serve, support one another, and give back to the communities we represent.

We have several exciting opportunities ahead, and I encourage each of you to get involved.

National Night Out — Volunteers Needed

Our local communities will soon be participating in National Night Out, an important opportunity to bring law enforcement and the public together. Our chapter has the opportunity to support these events and help strengthen the relationships between citizens and the law enforcement professionals who serve them.

We will need volunteers from our alumni membership to assist at National Night Out activities. Whether you can give a few hours, help with an activity, talk with members of the public, or simply represent our FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, your participation makes a difference.

Watch for additional information on dates, locations and volunteer opportunities. I hope many of you will join us.

Elder Fraud Awareness

Another important program on our calendar will take us into a Birmingham-area assisted living facility, where we will present an Elder Fraud Awareness program.

Financial fraud targeting older Americans continues to be a serious concern, and education is one of our best tools for prevention. This presentation will give residents and their families practical information about recognizing scams, protecting personal and financial information, and knowing what to do when something doesn't seem right.

This is exactly the kind of community outreach where our organization can make a meaningful difference — taking information and resources directly to people who can benefit from them. Please let me know of churches, senior centers, assisted living centers and other places where seniors gather and you have influence. Help us get more locations to share these presentations. Contact me at president@fbicaaa-bham.org .

Birmingham FBI Citizens Academy Graduation

In early November, we will celebrate the graduation of another class of the Birmingham FBI Citizens Academy.

Graduation is always a special occasion for our Alumni Association because we know firsthand the impact the Citizens Academy experience can have. These graduates have spent weeks learning about the FBI, its mission, its people and the many challenges facing our communities and our nation.

I encourage our alumni to welcome these new graduates you knowand invite them to become active members of our Alumni Association. They are the future of our organization.

Annual Meeting — Cullman

And in December, we will gather in Cullman for our Annual Meeting.

Beyond conducting the business of our organization, the Annual Meeting is an opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, recognize accomplishments from the past year and look ahead to the opportunities before us.

I hope you will make plans now to attend. The strength of our association comes from having our members in the room, sharing ideas, renewing friendships and working together. Look for details in you Inbox.

As your President, I am proud of what this Chapter continues to accomplish. But our success is not measured simply by the number of programs we conduct or meetings we hold. It is measured by the difference we make in our communities and the relationships we build with the FBI and our fellow citizens.

Thank you for your continued support, your friendship and — most importantly — your willingness to serve.

I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events.

Fidelity. Bravery. Integrity.

Rish Wood

President’s Message

September 2026

What a great time to be a member of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association!

Our 2nd Annual All-Class Reunion, held Thursday, August 27, at the Huntsville-Madison Chamber of Commerce, was an outstanding success. We had a record turnout of more than 50 alumni, making it one of the largest gatherings our chapter has held. It was wonderful to see Citizens Academy graduates from across the years reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the friendships that make this organization so special.

A very special thank-you goes to Community Outreach Specialist Jasmine Felts for putting together a fun and entertaining FBI Game based on Jeopardy. It was a great way to test our FBI knowledge—and generate a few laughs along the way!

We are also grateful to Salt Factory Pub and Twin Peaks for providing a wonderful assortment of food and snacks for our members. And a special thank-you to Regional Manager Bobby Blankenship for his generosity and support. Our Reunion was held at the Chamber through the efforts of Alumni Ashley Engles-Ross. Ashley is Vice-President, Small Business, at the Chamber and was a wonderful host for our event. Thanks Ashley! Thanks are also due for our Huntsville Vice-President Terry Turpen, who helped co-ordinate all the moving pieces!

We were privileged to hear from Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Kochanowski, who provided an excellent update on the reduction in crime across the United States and discussed the FBI’s expanding work with our local law enforcement partners. He also shared information about the current and future plans for the FBI’s Redstone Campus, giving us an exciting look at the Bureau’s growing presence and capabilities in North Alabama.

We also announced that another FBI Citizens Academy Tour is being planned for November. Watch for details coming soon. These tours provide our alumni with a unique opportunity to see firsthand the facilities, people, and mission of the FBI.

Perhaps the most important presentation of the evening was on fraud, scams, and the increasingly creative ways criminals are stealing Americans’ hard-earned money. FBI Intelligence Analyst H. Walter shared information that every member of our community needs to hear. The presentation was a powerful reminder that these criminals are constantly changing their tactics—and that awareness and education are among our best defenses.

That is why our chapter is taking the message beyond our membership.

Plans are underway for Elder Fraud presentations at assisted-living facilities and other locations in both Huntsville and Birmingham during October and November. I want to thank David Little and Claudinette Purifoy-Fears for taking the lead in coordinating these important community outreach efforts.

Now we need your help.

If you know of a church, senior center, assisted-living community, civic organization, retirement community, or other location where seniors gather, please let us know. If you can help us get an Elder Fraud presentation in front of your congregation, organization, residents, or community group, we want to hear from you.

This is exactly the kind of community service that makes our Alumni Association so valuable. We have the opportunity to take information from the FBI directly into our communities and potentially prevent someone from losing their life savings to a scam.

And, of course, it isn't all business!

Be watching for announcements about social events in both Birmingham and Huntsville coming up over the next several weeks. One of the great benefits of being part of the Citizens Academy family is the opportunity to build friendships that continue long after graduation.

Finally, I want to again express my appreciation to the FBI Birmingham Field Office and our FBI partners in Huntsville for their continued support of our Alumni Association. The access they provide, the information they share, and the time they invest in our members are truly appreciated. The relationship between the FBI and its Citizens Academy alumni is a partnership worth protecting and strengthening.

Thank you for being an important part of this organization. I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events—and, more importantly, I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in the communities we serve.

Fidelity. Bravery. Integrity.

Those aren't just words. They are values we can put into action.

Sincerely,

 Rish Wood
 President
 FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association
 Birmingham Chapter

August 1, 2026

Welcome to the Birmingham Chapter of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Newsletter.

It is a true honor to serve as President of this remarkable organization. Every time I attend one of our meetings or events, I am reminded that our Chapter is made up of individuals who genuinely care about their communities and who share a commitment to supporting the mission of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

One of our greatest strengths is the exceptional partnership we enjoy with the FBI Birmingham Field Office. We are deeply grateful for the Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, Professional Staff, and leadership who invest their time in our Chapter and continue to build meaningful relationships with our members. Their openness, professionalism, and dedication provide us with a unique opportunity to better understand the complex challenges facing law enforcement today while reinforcing the importance of public trust and community engagement.

The Citizens Academy is much more than an educational program—it is an invitation to become a lifelong ambassador for the FBI's mission. As alumni, we have the privilege and responsibility to share what we have learned, encourage informed conversations within our communities, and support efforts that help keep our neighborhoods safe.

As threats continue to evolve—from cybercrime and financial fraud to violent crime and threats to our national security—the partnership between informed citizens and law enforcement becomes increasingly important. Our Chapter is uniquely positioned to help bridge that connection through community outreach, educational programs, volunteer service, and by serving as trusted advocates for public safety. We need Active Members to help us involve more community members in information-sharing and awareness of crime and threats to our neighborhoods.

I am also grateful for our dedicated Board of Directors and Team volunteers whose countless hours of service make our Chapter successful. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve are what allow us to continue growing and making a meaningful difference throughout Central and North Alabama. We need all Academy graduates to consider becoming Active or Active Again and join us in this good work.

As we look ahead, I encourage every Academy graduate to become actively involved in our Alumni Association, attend our events, invite prospective Citizens Academy candidates, volunteer for our community initiatives, and share your ideas for strengthening our Chapter. Each member brings unique talents and experiences that make our organization stronger.

Consider coming back and becoming involved.

Thank you for your participation, membership, your friendship, and your continued commitment to the FBI's enduring values of Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. Together, we will continue building stronger relationships, safer communities, and a brighter future for the citizens we are privileged to serve.

Sincerely,

 Rish Wood

Dear FBIBCAAA Members,

Summer is in full swing, and I hope each of you is finding time to enjoy family, friends, and a little well-earned relaxation. Even during these busy months, our Chapter continues to demonstrate what makes this organization so special—members who remain committed to supporting the FBI, serving our communities, and protecting those who are most vulnerable.

I want to once again congratulate the graduates of our Huntsville Citizens Academy Spring Class. We are excited to welcome 14 new alumni into our growing family and look forward to seeing many of them become active participants in our Chapter.

Our mission extends far beyond attending events. Every member has an opportunity to make a real difference. I encourage you to consider joining one of our volunteer initiatives, including our Human Trafficking and Child Protection Team or our Elder Fraud Team. These efforts allow us to partner with the FBI and other community organizations to educate the public, raise awareness, and help prevent crimes that affect thousands of victims each year. Whether you can volunteer a few hours occcasionally or simply help spread awareness, your involvement matters.

Alumni Members Tanveer Patel, Steve Ray and James Watts are speaking to the members of our 2026 Teen Academy on July 15^th at the Field office. They’ll be speaking on Leadership, Community Service and the FBI Motto Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity. Plus we’re bringing pizza and soda for lunch that day!

Please also mark your calendars for our All-Class Reunion on August 27. This annual gathering is one of the highlights of the year—a chance to reconnect with classmates, welcome new graduates, meet current FBI personnel, and strengthen the friendships and professional relationships that make our Chapter unique. We already have 45 registrants and hope to see a tremendous turnout. Look for emails promoting informed social events in Huntsville and Birmingham in July and August!

Finally, thank you for your continued support, your volunteer spirit, and your commitment to the values we all share. Together, we continue to build an organization that not only supports the FBI but also serves our communities with integrity, professionalism, and purpose.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Best blessings,

Rish Wood
President

Spring is officially here, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and momentum across our FBIBCAAA chapter. This time of year always feels like a fresh start, and I’m encouraged by the continued engagement, enthusiasm, and commitment from our members, our FBI Team and partners.

 

Our recent events have been a strong reminder of what makes this organization special. The Birmingham Field Office luncheon and our ongoing programs in Huntsville brought together a diverse group of community leaders who share a common purpose—supporting the mission of the FBI and strengthening the safety and resilience of our communities. These gatherings are more than just events; they are opportunities to build trust, share insight, and deepen relationships across public and private sectors.

 

Looking ahead, our Child Protection and Human Trafficking initiatives continue to gain traction, with dedicated teams in Birmingham and Huntsville working to expand awareness and deliver meaningful programming. At the same time, our Fraud Prevention efforts will be reaching more communities through speaking engagements and educational outreach. These initiatives reflect the heart of our Chapter—citizens working alongside law enforcement to make a real and lasting impact.

 

I also want to recognize and thank our officers, board members, and volunteers. Your leadership, time, and willingness to step forward are what keep this Chapter moving ahead with purpose and strength.

As we move further into the year, I encourage each of you to stay engaged, attend upcoming events, and invite others to learn more about our mission. Growth comes from participation, and your involvement matters. By the time you read this, 33 new Huntsville Academy Members will be embarking on their journey. We are excited for them and hope many join us in this effort to make our world a better place.

 

Together, we are making a difference—and we’re just getting started.

 

Best Blessings,

Rish

President’s Message

If the Groundhog is right, we still have six more weeks of winter — which

means spring will likely arrive just about the time this newsletter reaches

you. As always, the change in seasons brings a full calendar of opportunities

for us to learn, serve, and connect — and none of it would be possible

without you, our dedicated members.

We have several exciting events ahead, including a special luncheon at the

Birmingham Field Office on March 11, a virtual shooting simulator on March

5 at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy, continued registration for our

Annual Quantico–D.C. Tour in June, and the launch of our first Huntsville

Academy Spring Class on March 31 at Leidos. It’s a busy season, but it

reflects the strength and engagement of this Chapter.

Our Child Protection/Human Trafficking Team will present a program at our

March Huntsville social event, and planning is underway for our next Fraud

Prevention Conference. These initiatives represent the heart of who we are

— members coming together to make a meaningful difference in our

communities.

Please join me in welcoming our newest officers, Ann Kepner as Secretary

and Stacy Kirkner as Treasurer. They have already stepped forward with

enthusiasm and a servant’s heart, and we are grateful for their willingness to

lead. David Little is also working alongside April Tolbert as Membership Co-

Coordinator in preparation for assuming that role. We extend our deepest

thanks to April for her many years of faithful service — her dedication has

touched this Chapter in countless ways — and we appreciate David’s

willingness to carry that important work forward.

We also have an important opportunity for a member to serve as

Newsletter Editor. This once-a-month role requires modest time but has a

tremendous impact on keeping our Chapter informed and connected. If

you feel called to help in this way, please contact me directly at

President@fbicaaa-bham.org. Your service would be deeply appreciated.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Our Chapter exists to serve our

members and our communities, and your ideas, feedback, and involvement

are what make us stronger. If there are ways we can better support you or

expand our impact, please let us know. Every Board Member is committed to

serving with purpose, and we welcome your partnership as we work

together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support, your

service, and your trust. It is truly an honor to serve alongside each of you.

Rish Wood, President

This year is off to a busy start. Our Child Protection/Human Trafficking Team is planning to have a Speaker’s Bureau to provide programs and content on Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Awareness. All of us will be responsible for finding community centers, civic clubs, churches and schools to get our speakers places to present these programs. Look for more details on how you can help in the weeks ahead. By the time you read this our Elder Fraud Team will have presented this year’s first Financial Fraud Prevention Workshop at Birmingham’s CrossPlex. They too are looking for more locations to send our team of fraud prevention speakers, FBI Agents and law enforcement personnel to present these programs. You’ll be hearing more from them as well in the coming weeks. Our 2026 Officers were approved at our most recent Board meeting on January 20th. President – Rish Wood VP Birmingham- Alex Brewer VP Huntsville- Terry Turpen Secretary- Ann Kepner Treasurer- Stacy Kirkner Membership Coordinator- David Little Please give these new Officers a hand in helping our Chapter grow, in numbers AND in making a positive difference in our community.

And, a final, but important item of business: our Chapter raised $ 2,527.22 for the WellHouse Christmas Stocking Fund. The employees of the FBI contributed items for the Stocking for the first time. A special thanks to COS Jasmine Fells for making it happen! Thanks to all of you who gave sacrificially and especially Jim Stroud, who handled the “stuffing” of the Stockings. Please note our Save The Date announcement on these pages regarding our March 11th Luncheon at Headquarters. Look for more in-person opportunities coming to give you opportunities to learn more about the mission of the FBI and how you can plug in your network to share important information. Hope to see you there.

Best Blessings,

Rish

Happy New Year!

Auld Lang Syne 2025-Here Comes 2026!

Please join me in thanking Ginger Ory, James Watts and Chris Huys as they rotate off our Board of Directors. These three have been beacons of service for us all as they have served our Chapter. Well done, good and faithful servants! Ginger will continue to help our organization as Special Compliance Officer (she’ll help keep us in good shape from a compliance perspective).

Welcome our six new Board Members: Rodney Robertson, Pat McCay, Ann Kepner and Claudinette Purifoy-Fears, all from Huntsville as well as Birmingham’s Brent Balogh and Stacy Kirkner. They will be great additions to our leadership team.

This year we are planning several events, programs and trips to get more involvement with our community and every one of you will have an opportunity to help. We will have a June trip to FBI Quantico/Washington, D.C. and a tour of the FBI Redstone Campus in the 4^th quarter. We will establish Speaker’s Bureaus for our Child Protection/Human Trafficking and Elder Fraud Teams, respectively. You will be asked to connect our Teams with organizations, schools, groups, businesses, assisted-living / Senior Centers and churches- wherever people gather and need programs and content for their people. Our speakers can make a life-and-death difference to the lives of all in our communities.

We will continue to support the Mission of the FBI and others in law enforcement as we go about our work.

We have a comparatively small Newsletter this month since we did not have a regular Board meeting in December. All the administrative items from November and December will be included in February’s Newsletter.

Our first big event is our Fraud Prevention Workshop on January 31^st, 10:30AM-2:00PM. We will need volunteers to help with registration. We are expecting several hundred people. Contact Terry Collins if you can help: tcollinsfoto@gmail.com.

Looking forward to working with all ya’ll making our communities safer and more informed.

Best Blessings,

Rish

December has arrived — and with it, a joyful flurry of twinkling lights, brisk winter breezes, and the hope and wonder that only the Christmas season can bring. As we look toward the dawn of 2026, our Chapter is excited for the growing opportunities ahead to strengthen public safety and support families across North Central Alabama.

At our Annual Meeting in Cullman on Thursday, December 4th, we were blessed to welcome six remarkable new Board Members: Pat McCay, Ann Kepner, Claudinette Purifoy-Fears, Brent Balogh, Stacy Kirkner, and Rodney Robertson. Their passion and leadership are already lighting the path forward, and we are truly grateful to have them joining our mission in the coming year.

As we celebrate this season of giving, I’d like to share one heartfelt request. Each year, we raise funds for the WellHouse Christmas Stocking Fund, helping provide gifts and joy for the ladies and children served by The WellHouse. This year, we still need help to reach our goal of $2,700, and time is running short. Without your support, some of these precious families may not receive the Christmas surprises they deserve.

Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring one or more stockings at $75 each? Even the smallest act of generosity can help us deliver hope — beautifully wrapped in love.

DONATE HERE:

 https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/fbicitizensacademyalumniassociation/payments?reference=2025%20Wellhouse%20Stocking%20Drive

FINAL DEADLINE: December 12th

Thank You!

From our Chapter family to yours — may your homes be filled with peace, laughter, and cherished time with the people you love most. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Warmly,
Rish Wood