Dear Fellow Alumni,
Today is Veterans Day, November 11th. Today is a day our Nation holds dear and celebrates with pride because of those it shines the light on - our Armed Forces. We are privileged to possess the freedoms we do because of those who currently serve and those who have served. Their selfless sacrifice, commitment, and dedication is an inspiration, one which is truly and rightly called our Nations' blood and treasure. We recognize and thank them. We also thank the families who lend to us their very own. Let us use today to thank our veterans and our military and show our appreciation and support. God Bless America and God Bless our Military.
2013 is fast coming to a close! October was a busy month for your FBICAAA Chapter. Two major events took place, both with tremendous member involvement. On October 1 through October 4, your Chapter partnered with the FBICAAA Honolulu Chapter to travel to Quantico VA to visit FBI Headquarters as well as the FBI training facility in Quantico VA. Our Chapter fielded the maximum number of participants, selling out the slots available. Interest was so strong there was a waiting list. st. The good news was that Honolulu ended up with a few extra spaces allowing all desiring Birmingham FBICAAA Chapter members the opportunity to go on the trip. Although Quantico was closed due to the government shutdown occurring during the time of their visit, the FBI and other governmental agencies that were operating were gracious hosts.
The second event, Range Day, was held on Tuesday October 29. This annual event is one of our most popular Chapter events. The day was marked by perfect weather, 17 alumni members, 2 retired agents, 16 members of the media (print and TV), and numerous FBI personnel. SAC Schwein was on site for the entire morning. Our Chapter provided lunch for all attendees featuring baked chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, and some sweets for dessert. The day was a huge success as always. I thank the FBI Birmingham Field Office for providing the weaponry and the ammunition. A more detailed account of Range Day soon will be available on our website at fbicaaa-bham.org.
So what's next? The first upcoming event is the graduation of the 2013 Birmingham FBICAAA academy. Graduation is scheduled for Tuesday December 10th. Any alumni wishing to attend the graduation are welcome. Call me to make sure your name gets on the list. My cell phone is 205-482-6594.
The next and final event of the year will be our annual meeting. This is an important meeting as we all meet in one place to report to you, the alumni, what your Chapter has done. In addition, it is the time when you and I, as alumni, vote on submitted names for Board seats for 2014. This is an important meeting and one I encourage you to attend.
It has been a great year for your Chapter. Our Chapter depends on involvement from you and all alumni. I welcome your involvement and thoughts and serve at your pleasure. Take an interest, become involved, and I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting of the FBI Birmingham CAAA.
Stay alert, stay informed, stay vigilant.
Your President,
Andrew Smith
