AFVOA Newletters of Year 2009

Page 12 of 37 It started last year when the first such Tournament was played. In that match the Veterans held their own till half-way after which the youth of the youngsters helped them filch the game. Nevertheless golf enthusiasts on both sides swore to make it an annual event. True to their words they brought in the Generations Cup to play for this year. Did the Veterans stand a chance this year? After all were we not a year older than last year whereas the Station team was about the same age since the older ones had been posted out and younger officers had taken their place? I will leave you with these questions without declaring the results. But let me tell you, we had a lot of fun at the 19 th hole. It was gifts and goodies galore. Every one had some thing to carry home. Even the JCO i/c and his team of men were not forgotten. Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM gave away a special gift to them in appreciation of the fine effort they were putting in at maintaining the course. And I will tell you secret. The GENERATIONS CUP is now part of the Area HQ silver parade. You will need the PMC’s permission to touch it. Personally, I would give an arm and a leg to sip a victory drink from that exquisite grail if and when…… Farewell to the GOC On 25 May 2009 the AFVOA bid a fond farewell to Maj Gen EJ Kochekkan, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC ATNK&K Area. The event was held at HQ ATNK&K Area and was attended by all the past and present Office Bearers of the AFVOA. Lt Gen C Sundara Rao, PVSM, Patron AFVOA, Maj Gen A Balasubrahmanian, AVSM, President and Maj Gen Aban Naidu, PVSM, AVSM addressed the gathering and paid rich tribute to the GOC for his wonderful long innings in uniform and also for the interest he lavished upon our Association. They appreciated the great efforts put in by Mrs Saro Kochekkan in the care of women and children of the Area and the special attention she paid towards educational institutions. In his farewell address the GOC stated that he was retiring contented on account of the fact that he has been able to fulfill the tasks he had set for himself viz., establishing the Army Officers’ Institute and the Army School at Chennai. He also stated that an Old Age Home would soon be coming up at Chennai. He thanked every one for the understanding and cooperation showered upon him. Inauguration of the Army Officers’ Institute. Chennai It has been a long cherished dream that our Chennai, the oldest Station on the Military Map of India should have an Officers’ Institute. At long last the moment came when our dreams were realized, our expectations fulfilled and hopes fructified when the Army Officers’ Institute, Chennai was inaugurated. In his kindness Maj Gen EJ Kochekkan, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC ATNK&K Area Inaugurated the Army Officers’ Institute, Chennai at 10.30 AM on Tuesday, 26 May 2009 at the premises of MH Officers’ Mess, Chennai. Over a score of our members were present to witness the birth of the Institute and the dawn of a new era and also to thank the GOC and serving fraternity for having taken the pains to bring to life the Army Officers’ Institute, Chennai.