AFOVA Newletters of Year 2001

Page 2 of 52 ARMED FORCES VETERAN OFFICERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER # 1/2001 The greatest ability is dependability. ˜ Bergwell Cert Dear Member , 1. Here is wishing you and members of your family a Happy, Healthy, Joyous and Prosperous New Year. 2. The Year 2000 has been an eventful one for the Association. The membership increased, the attendance improved, the interest taken by the new entrants has been encouraging and there is a sense of participation and willing co-operation exhibited by each one. Some of us have married off our children and a few of us were elevated to the status of grand parents and the oldest one amongst us, Lt Col Vijayarangan - a founder member became a great grand parent. We lost a few of our brother officers, parents, and dear wives. A few suffered injuries and ailments. Some others had to undergo traumatic experiences and hospitalization – but life carries on….. 3. We took a conscious decision to rename ourselves as “Armed Forces Veteran Officers Association” , thereby exhibiting pride, progress and resilience. Time and tide waits for no one. All of us have become a year older and hopefully wiser. 4. We undertook challenging assignments to help ourselves and brought out useful hand- outs, which will be of help to the community at large – like preparation of Wills, Action to be taken in the Unfortunate Event of the demise of a Retired Service Officer, and such others. Surely, such aide memoirs, would be of great use to all of us. In the planning stage are a few more. 5. The year 2001 is predicted to be tumultuous. Hope it will bring in stability and peace of mind to the fraternity. There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. ˜ William John Bennett Meeting Gone By 6. The annual outdoor get together was planned at the Neel Kanth Farm house in New Mahabalipuram Road. We realized how the organizers must have put their heart and soul in the planning and execution of this very major event, for the benefit of officers, families and the children. The location was ideal the weather was conducive and the gathering appropriate. The day commenced by the members congregating at the Youth Hostel. Sumptuous hot breakfast was served prior to our departure. The travel to the site was through the courtesy of the local Army formation who spontaneously agreed to provide the services of the school bus. Members went around the sprawling lawns, gazebo and the garden and visited the adjoining beach to both digest their breakfast as well as create an appetite for the lunch thereafter. Smt Chitkala Govindaswamy had as usual organized innovative, interesting and entertaining party games. She managed to rope in almost every one present to participate in