I agree with you Rigger and understand you thoughts.  Just trying to be humerous

The Inspiration of a Noble Cause, Enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of doing before.

I believe the only reason this hasnt come up as a full change is that the beret wear messes up current identification since the overseas cap with all its embroidery and patches has come to offer all the bits and pieces of information (rank, position, chapter etc) and that the beret is not able to fufil many of these items. We are also in a transition time.

My intent is to think about the future and also to help break common misconceptions about veterans organizations. I have heard over and over that the overseas cap makes potential new members think grey hair, friday fish fry's and smokey VFW bars. With such a distinctive headgear that our members actually would fight for (and have over the years), creating a way to incorporate it seems to me like a logical course of action.

It is not an easy change and is presenting a few challenges like development of new items that members will have to purchase or get issued by the chapters but I feel it is worth while and in the end will add a level of uniformity and esprit de corps that we need these days.

I would like to remind members that members who attain office and under current SOP get the overseas cap, they are typically spending $30-$40 on average for all elements. The elements I am suggesting would be for sale (pins for officer identification) are easily interchanged and should be available for less than $2 ea.

Please note that if you havent dealt with this, realize that for myself I could get an overseas cap with CHICAGO CHAPTER, PAST CHAPTER CHAIRMAN (with past covered until Im no longer chairman), PAST NATIONAL DIRECTOR (with past covered until Im no longer director). If I had done this when I was CHAPTER SECRETARY for a few years I would have to get another hat for Chapter Chairman since its customary to show the highest position.

I have found many who have held multiple positions and are equally proud of years of service in those places who might like to recognize it. Pins do that without a new hat, embroidery and PAST pins can be added removed easily as needed over the years.

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My intent is to offer a little guidance at the important NATIONAL level. If we want to share the dias with the other big veteran organizations its important that we look sharp and have our ducks in a row.

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Berets from commercial sources cost $15.00.  Flashes cost about $3.50 on these sites, so I am assuming an Association specific flash would cost at least that much.  Then the Association pins from the Association sales inside the Paraglide run $3-$5, depending on which size pens.  None of that includes shipping from two different sources for berets and doesn't factor in Chapters that may want to add on a little extra for their own treasury.

The issue is how does the Association want to present its members to the public.  The fact is that since the Army as a whole has gone to berets I believe we should be presenting a more uniform appearance that puts us in line with our active duty counterparts.  That means berets.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American GI.  One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

"History teaches that when you become indifferent and lose the will to fight someone who has the will to fight will take over." COLONEL BULL SIMONS

How about somebody wears one for a few days to get it into shape and then starches it so it stays that way so I don't have to learn very much.

Jes Kiddin

 

The hippo is unpredictable and aggressive with old scars and fresh, deep wounds providing signs of daily fights that are accompanied by much bellowing, neighing and snorting.