By Charlie Adcock, F311374
June 2016
Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. I can’t believe we were just celebrating Christmas, and now, by the time you read this, half the year will have slipped by. I must have dozed off!
I have a cute story I want to tell. As most of you know, Gloria and I have a small farm (50 acres) inside the Searcy, Arkansas, city limits. A city ordinance prohibits farm animals within the city limits unless you are “grandfathered in” — in other words, if the property has always been a working farm. Well, our little piece of heaven has always had farm animals on it. We currently have two mother cows and two baby calves. We also have one pygmy goat, “Gucci,” and a host of barn cats. Currently, we have three adult cats: two females, and one tomcat.
I recently went to the barn to move a big, round bale of hay in order to feed the cows. After moving the hay, I noticed a strange-looking black pile of something next to where the hay bale had been. I got off the tractor and walked over to discover a pile of kittens, 14 to be exact. The two mother cats were lying on top of the pile of kittens to keep them warm. I can only assume that both female cats had kittens at about the same time. Later, I went back to check on them and discovered all three adult cats trying to keep the kittens warm.
I moved the wheelbarrow close to them to help block the wind and keep them warmer. Now, if only some of them are able to survive the coyotes. We have a hard time keeping barn cats because of the coyotes. I’m just glad Gucci likes all the cats. Gucci and the cats are great pals and play together out in the pasture. It is a funny sight to see.
Well, since the 93rd Family Reunion in Perry, Georgia, Gloria and I have been really busy. We’ve made a trip to the FMCA office in Cincinnati and then to Decatur, Indiana, to have some warranty work done on the coach. After that, we went back home and were there two days before heading out to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to attend a South Central Area Six-State planning rally. We had several days to spare after that, so we went to Durant, Oklahoma, and visited with the Coaches for Christ – South Central chapter. It was really good to get a chance to visit with FMCA past national president R.G. Wilson and his wife, Jeri, L21025, while at this rally.
Next we traveled on down to Canton, Texas, to visit with the Tiffin RV Owners Club, where we met up with FMCA national senior vice president Jon Walker. Jon and I had been invited to speak with this club about FMCA and all the benefits we offer. We could not resist the opportunity to spread the word about FMCA’s great benefits, especially the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program.
While in Texas, Gloria and I had the opportunity and pleasure to attend one of the most moving events we have ever enjoyed. We visited the little town of Gainesville (population 16,002) to see the annual Medal of Honor Host City Program. This town is located north of Dallas, just off Interstate 35, and has been recognized as the “Most Patriotic Small Town in America.” Since 2001, it has hosted this weeklong program, inviting all living Medal of Honor recipients to attend. The honorees are greeted and escorted into town in a miles-long motorcade and are given great VIP treatment. Festivities include historical movies, military art exhibits, displays of restored military equipment, an informal meet-and-greet-type dinner, a formal banquet, and a parade. The city has nearly completed a Medal of Honor Park, which eventually will have the names of all recipients engraved on commemorative bricks.
While Gloria and I were watching the parade, a lady came up to me, noticing my zipper tag that is a copy of the campaign ribbon that says “Vietnam Veteran.” She gave me a patch and a pin and welcomed me home. I have to admit there was a little extra moisture in my eyes. If you want a good dose of patriotism and have the opportunity to visit this Gainesville celebration, I would heartily recommend it. Next year’s event starts on April 5, 2017. For more information, visit their website: www.medalofhonorhostcity.com.
As we left Canton, Jon headed to Tallahassee, Florida, for the INTO (International) Area Rally by way of Bella Terra RV Resort in Foley, Alabama, where he was scheduled to speak to a group about FMCA. Gloria and I headed home to get ready for the 80 coaches that would soon be descending upon our home for four days of rollicking fun at the annual “Rally In The Pasture,” which we host every April. This is our 13th year.
As you can see, things have been pretty busy for us. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
By the time you are reading this, the Memorial Day celebration in the United States will be upon us, or possibly already passed. I hope you take (or took) the opportunity to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices our military has made throughout our history to preserve our way of life. This holiday has been with us since the Civil War, when it originally was observed as Decoration Day and established to honor the war dead on both sides of that conflict. It has changed over the years to include remembering our war losses in all armed conflicts. Our visit to Gainesville really impressed upon me the sacrifices that have been made by our young men and women throughout our history. Remember them and also thank a veteran or active military member every time you get the chance.
Well, the entire RV industry seems to be pretty busy right now. RV manufacturers are building and selling more RVs now than they have since before the recession started. All areas of RVing seem to be on an upswing . . . even FMCA. Things are lookin’ good!
When I was elected FMCA president in 2013, I promised the folks in the Northeast Area that I would do everything I could to bring a Family Reunion (international convention) back to their area. Many of you will remember that the last time FMCA hosted such an event in the Northeast Area was the summer of 2003, and we were in Hamburg/Buffalo, New York. Well, look out Northeast Area, here we come again.
FMCA will meet at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the BIG E, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, August 3 through 6, for the 94th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase. I am so excited for several reasons. For one, I will be fulfilling a promise to the Northeast Area. And I love this part of the United States. Of course, the Northeast is the most historical part of the country. You could plan an entire summer around the Family Reunion. I hope to see all of you there. Please register early, as parking is limited at the venue. We are, however, working to procure a satellite parking area for any overflow.
Each month I continue to talk about the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program. I hope none of you ever needs to use this benefit, but if you do, you will definitely be convinced that it is the most wonderful program available to us. One thing I do want to mention is that you should make sure that your immediate family back home is made aware of the procedure for contacting Seven Corners, the program administrator. Provide your family with your FMCA membership number and the Seven Corners phone number, which is (877) 202-4176. Be sure to make them aware of this most important benefit, because in order to be covered, arrangements need to be made by Seven Corners.
As Jon Walker says, “It’s as simple as 1-2-3.”
1) Call 9-1-1
2) Consult the attending doctor(s)
3) Call Seven Corners
It’s time to close for this month. Hope to see you at one of the upcoming area rallies this June or July, or in West Springfield this August. Check out the Association Calendar in this issue for details or visit FMCA.com. And, remember, “It’s all about having fun!”
Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. I can’t believe we were just celebrating Christmas, and now, by the time you read this, half the year will have slipped by. I must have dozed off!
I have a cute story I want to tell.