We've begun our MOAA program year with two exciting luncheon programs. We were the first South Carolina MOAA chapter to hear from our new Council of Chapters president, Colonel (USA, Ret) Dale Ellenburg and his vision for leadership in our state. We look forward to a good working relationship with Dale during the next two years of his tenure. In February, Steve Riley, Hilton Head Island Town Manager, discussed the Town's plans and expectations over the next decades.

The remainder of our year promises to be equally pleasing. Our regular agenda will include our annual cocktail party in June and our annual picnic in August. Both of these are very popular events, so when dates are announced, we urge you to make your reservations promptly. Our annual election of officers is planned for November, followed by their installation next January.

Several day trips are in the works. One will include a visit to Fort Pulaski and the nearby naval WW II bunkers near Tybee Lighthouse, followed by lunch at a favorite Savannah restaurant. Nuclear energy and how to dispose of its waste are hot national and state topics. We would like to arrange a visit to the Savannah River Plant where we can see how these issues affect our community. A visit to the Citadel and an opportunity to experience some pomp and ceremony as well as mingle with the cadets is also on our agenda. Another day-trip to the Savannah area might include a tank demonstration at Hunter-Steward AAF and presentations on homeland security and drug enforcement at the nearby Coast Guard Station.

We will also have several informative luncheon speakers throughout the year. Island Packet columnist and lowcountry storyteller David Lauderdale will be with us. We also plan to have a VA official speak to us about VA hospital opportunities, specifically about the Naval Hospital in Beaufort. We will have a MOAA legislative affairs professional help us better understand retiree health care issues and one of our own officers, John Cully, will share opportunities of the MOAA travel program.

All in all, we probably have more presentations and trips planned than there are months in 2010. But we also want to hear from you. Your 'druthers are most important to us. What have we missed that you would like to do or hear? Please share your ideas with us. We really want to know. Oh! I nearly forgot. The Parris Island recruit graduation ceremony is always a big hit; let's plan on it, too. Stay tuned.