ANNOUNCING THE SIXTH ANNUAL ROCKS, INC. FOUNDERS CELEBRATION!
The ROCKS, Inc. National Board celebrates its 6th annual ROCKS Founders Day on October 9, 2024. ROCKS Founders include the original Blue Geese from Fort Leavenworth, and the charter members of the first chartered ROCKS Chapter. This annual celebration aims to recognize and honor our organization's original members, highlight our ROCKS history, and reenergize our membership as we move forward.
This year, we celebrate special memories of the following ROCKS officers laid to rest. These individuals helped shape the ROCKS into the organization it is today. LTG (Ret) Julius W. Becton, Jr., a distinguished military leader and public servant, was laid to rest on June 10, 2024. MG (Ret) Robert C. Gaskill, Sr., a distinguished career Army Quartermaster Corps officer, was laid to rest on July 7, 2024. COL (Ret) Foster F. Fountain, Jr, a distinguished career Army Quartermaster Corps officer, was laid to rest August 1, 2024. LTG (Ret) Arthur J. Gregg, senior mentor for the Washington, DC ROCKS and namesake of Gregg-Adams Army Installation, was laid to rest on September 19, 2024.
Celebrate the memories of these heroes all month long. Celebrate living chartered hero members of the ROCKS, COL (Ret) Clarence Miller, COL (Ret) Frank François, and COL (Ret) James Wyatt. Post their pictures on your website, send this announcement to your chapter, or discuss them during your monthly meeting. Don't forget to send an article on what you did for the 6th annual ROCKS Founders Day or the month. Take time during October to review the history (on the National website). On the website, review updated bylaws and the strategic plan to understand how ROCKS continues to pivot the organization to become the premier mentoring organization for the Army. We remain relevant as an organization when all members understand and move forward with the purpose, mission, and vision.
We invite you to celebrate Founder's Day events throughout October. Incorporate the event in your monthly ROCKS meetings, participate in the wreath laying at one of the National Cemeteries, post a Founders Day Flyer acknowledging current and past Founders, reach out to Founders, write an article for the ROCKET, and share the event on your social media. Let’s celebrate the past and the future together through friendship and fellowship. Your Chapter and member obligations should determine how you implement these creative recommendations to celebrate your ROCKS, Inc. 6th Founders Day. For information regarding ROCKS Founding and Originating Founding Chapter members in your area contact AWG (Ms. Alexis) (301-423-5500/rocksnationalboard@gmail.com). Please contact COL (Ret) Angie Hemingway at 571-215-2988 /angehem9@gmail.com with questions or comments concerning founding chapter members.