LRRA Announcements and News
Post Rally 2019 Notes
Rally 2019 - The 5th Anniversary of our Branson Gathering, has come and gone but for those who attended it will not easily be forgotten. We again converged on Branson MO from all directions to gather with our Brothers and share food, drink, and stories. Friendships were continued and many others started. As has become a normal occurrence, Brothers who'd not seen each other for many years re-connected as if they'd seen each other only yesterday. This year I was one of those who was able to reconnect with two of my Brothers from 15 years ago. The Rally had it's usual cast of characters in attendance with many new characters who I and many others hope will return year after year. Speaking of year after year, by unanimous vote, the attending members of the Association voted to recognize Branson MO as the permanent Rally Location. We hope to see all of you in Branson from 3 to 7 June 2020.
Ron Piper once again confirmed his status as King among those who play the "Last Man Standing" game each evening and into the wee hours of the morning. Bob Sampson provided copious amounts of Scotch and Mark Mergenhagen earned the title of "Bourbon Master" of the Rally. For those who were up and moving in the early hours each morning, our resident super cook Tom VanHoose provided Breakfast Burritos every morning. In the evenings he became the dealer of "VanHooch" of which some of you fell victim to his game.
And then there was the Raffle, the glorious LRRA Raffle which was headed up by our new Sergeant-at-Arms/Quartermaster Carl Witkowski and his side kick Mark Herlick. They once again entertained us in their Russian Berets while Benny "The Mayor" Puente played Vanna White. We are unbelievably grateful for all the donations from our members, and, Matt Mackert did an incredible job of finding major donors for us as well. Due to the interest and draw to our custom LRRA Rifle, which was a donation from Tom VanHoose and Dave Glen, we are commissioning a Replica CAR for next year. You have to be there to have a chance at winning it.
Recognition of Support - There are many people who need to be thanked but the ones who truly stand out are my fellow Officers Tom VanHoose, John Ayres, and Matt Mackert. Many of you thanked me for putting an outstanding Rally together however this was and continues to be a Team Event. Without their considerable efforts before and during the Rally it simply wouldn't have happened. They all deserve far more credit for the Rally's success than I do. Matt put all the swag and welcome packet gear together, bringing many firsts and one of a kind items for Rally Participants. Tom worked through all your snail mail applications, bevy of checks and money orders, and then rolled in and cooked breakfast every morning while ensuring our drinks had coolers to reside in. John was the driving force behind all the supplies, food, chow, and drinks that were needed for the duration of the Rally. Like I've said many times before, the Rally would not have been possible without their personal dedication and incredible effort.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Mr. Gary Linderer who provided not only assistance, but one of a kind mentoring and support again this year. He conducted early liaison work and ensured the grills we needed for two nights of cooking were available. He again coordinated for several wives to build the burgers and pre-cut all the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for our Saturday BBQ. Gary, many thanks from me and all the Officers and members of this Association. Your personal dedication is not lost on any of us.
We also had family members and many of our Brothers chipping in to Grill, keep trash cleared, and make sure that many of you had everything you needed to enjoy yourselves. Thank you to Dennis Doss' son, and our brothers James Huff, Joe "Doc" Chiarella, Bob Barsh, Carl Witkowski, Mark Herlick and Heath Johnson as well as many others that made sure the rest of us got fed, trash was moved out, and the coolers kept filled. It always amazes me to see our Brothers step up and make sure our older Brothers are well cared for throughout the Rally. Thank you to those who wished to remain anonymous, your support and good deeds did not go unnoticed.
Shield Maidens - Quite honestly, the most impressive support team were our "Shield Maidens". Gary's wife Barb took the lead to make sure our burgers were prepped and the Tomatoes, Onions, and Lettuce was properly prepped. Then there was Amy Witkowski and Lori Ayres; not only did they tolerate John and Carl (potential Sainthood nomination) they absolutely were vitally important to the success of the Rally. Lori and Amy helped with Registrations, QM Store, Raffle Tickets, reminding us of critical tasks, getting the trash cans emptied, drink bins filled, pizza's ordered, emergency supply runs, supply counts, Breakfast support and clean up, and so much more. I am personally grateful for their support and sacrifice helping us make the Rally as great as it was.
Officer Positions - We have a new Vice President and new Sergeant at Arms/Quartermaster.
Matt Mackert was voted as our new VP, he can be reached at vicepresident@lrra2015.org . Matt was previously the Sergeant-at-arms and Quartermaster and will transition into his new role over the next month. Please feel free to email both he and I with any questions or concerns you may have about our Association.
Carl Witkowski was voted as our new Sergeant-at-arms and Quartermaster and can be reached at sergeantatarms@lrra2015.org or quartermaster@lrra2015.org . Carl previously served as the Sergeant-at-Arms and Vice President of the Association. He's returning to the Officer Corps with a renewed mission and extension as our QM. He has ensured me the QM Cage will be open by 1 July.
By Laws Amendments - there were several updates to our By Laws which I have posted to our web page as proposed and approved by members who were in attendance of our Members Meeting.
Post Rally Swag - we have limited quantities of Pint Glasses, Bottle Openers, Water Bottles, LRRP Decals and Magnets, and LRRA Logo Decals, Patches, and Magnets. These items will be made available on a first come, first served basis through the QM Cage. Pint Glasses will most likely be in the neighborhood of $20ea to account for shipping and packaging costs.
Brothers, this year's Rally was an incredible time which flew by way too fast for all of us. There's so many other stories from the Rally, too many to even attempt to cover. Bottom line is that we came together in Brotherhood, enjoyed each others company for nearly a week, laughed with and at each other, enjoyed drinks and food together, and parted ways when the Rally came to a close Sunday morning promising to return for the next Rally.
I'm not one to wish time away but I'm already looking forward to Rally 2020 when we can celebrate the 5th Birthday of the Long Range Reconnaissance Association, gathering together as Brothers. As Family.
Ron Piper once again confirmed his status as King among those who play the "Last Man Standing" game each evening and into the wee hours of the morning. Bob Sampson provided copious amounts of Scotch and Mark Mergenhagen earned the title of "Bourbon Master" of the Rally. For those who were up and moving in the early hours each morning, our resident super cook Tom VanHoose provided Breakfast Burritos every morning. In the evenings he became the dealer of "VanHooch" of which some of you fell victim to his game.
And then there was the Raffle, the glorious LRRA Raffle which was headed up by our new Sergeant-at-Arms/Quartermaster Carl Witkowski and his side kick Mark Herlick. They once again entertained us in their Russian Berets while Benny "The Mayor" Puente played Vanna White. We are unbelievably grateful for all the donations from our members, and, Matt Mackert did an incredible job of finding major donors for us as well. Due to the interest and draw to our custom LRRA Rifle, which was a donation from Tom VanHoose and Dave Glen, we are commissioning a Replica CAR for next year. You have to be there to have a chance at winning it.
Recognition of Support - There are many people who need to be thanked but the ones who truly stand out are my fellow Officers Tom VanHoose, John Ayres, and Matt Mackert. Many of you thanked me for putting an outstanding Rally together however this was and continues to be a Team Event. Without their considerable efforts before and during the Rally it simply wouldn't have happened. They all deserve far more credit for the Rally's success than I do. Matt put all the swag and welcome packet gear together, bringing many firsts and one of a kind items for Rally Participants. Tom worked through all your snail mail applications, bevy of checks and money orders, and then rolled in and cooked breakfast every morning while ensuring our drinks had coolers to reside in. John was the driving force behind all the supplies, food, chow, and drinks that were needed for the duration of the Rally. Like I've said many times before, the Rally would not have been possible without their personal dedication and incredible effort.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Mr. Gary Linderer who provided not only assistance, but one of a kind mentoring and support again this year. He conducted early liaison work and ensured the grills we needed for two nights of cooking were available. He again coordinated for several wives to build the burgers and pre-cut all the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for our Saturday BBQ. Gary, many thanks from me and all the Officers and members of this Association. Your personal dedication is not lost on any of us.
We also had family members and many of our Brothers chipping in to Grill, keep trash cleared, and make sure that many of you had everything you needed to enjoy yourselves. Thank you to Dennis Doss' son, and our brothers James Huff, Joe "Doc" Chiarella, Bob Barsh, Carl Witkowski, Mark Herlick and Heath Johnson as well as many others that made sure the rest of us got fed, trash was moved out, and the coolers kept filled. It always amazes me to see our Brothers step up and make sure our older Brothers are well cared for throughout the Rally. Thank you to those who wished to remain anonymous, your support and good deeds did not go unnoticed.
Shield Maidens - Quite honestly, the most impressive support team were our "Shield Maidens". Gary's wife Barb took the lead to make sure our burgers were prepped and the Tomatoes, Onions, and Lettuce was properly prepped. Then there was Amy Witkowski and Lori Ayres; not only did they tolerate John and Carl (potential Sainthood nomination) they absolutely were vitally important to the success of the Rally. Lori and Amy helped with Registrations, QM Store, Raffle Tickets, reminding us of critical tasks, getting the trash cans emptied, drink bins filled, pizza's ordered, emergency supply runs, supply counts, Breakfast support and clean up, and so much more. I am personally grateful for their support and sacrifice helping us make the Rally as great as it was.
Officer Positions - We have a new Vice President and new Sergeant at Arms/Quartermaster.
Matt Mackert was voted as our new VP, he can be reached at vicepresident@lrra2015.org . Matt was previously the Sergeant-at-arms and Quartermaster and will transition into his new role over the next month. Please feel free to email both he and I with any questions or concerns you may have about our Association.
Carl Witkowski was voted as our new Sergeant-at-arms and Quartermaster and can be reached at sergeantatarms@lrra2015.org or quartermaster@lrra2015.org . Carl previously served as the Sergeant-at-Arms and Vice President of the Association. He's returning to the Officer Corps with a renewed mission and extension as our QM. He has ensured me the QM Cage will be open by 1 July.
By Laws Amendments - there were several updates to our By Laws which I have posted to our web page as proposed and approved by members who were in attendance of our Members Meeting.
Post Rally Swag - we have limited quantities of Pint Glasses, Bottle Openers, Water Bottles, LRRP Decals and Magnets, and LRRA Logo Decals, Patches, and Magnets. These items will be made available on a first come, first served basis through the QM Cage. Pint Glasses will most likely be in the neighborhood of $20ea to account for shipping and packaging costs.
Brothers, this year's Rally was an incredible time which flew by way too fast for all of us. There's so many other stories from the Rally, too many to even attempt to cover. Bottom line is that we came together in Brotherhood, enjoyed each others company for nearly a week, laughed with and at each other, enjoyed drinks and food together, and parted ways when the Rally came to a close Sunday morning promising to return for the next Rally.
I'm not one to wish time away but I'm already looking forward to Rally 2020 when we can celebrate the 5th Birthday of the Long Range Reconnaissance Association, gathering together as Brothers. As Family.
I hope to see all of you June 3 - 7, 2020 for our next Rally in Branson MO.
Approval Granted as 501(c)(19) Organization
On March 1st 2019 The Long Range Reconnaissance Association received notice of approval as a 501(c)(19) Non-Profit Organization categorized as a
Veterans' organization
, including posts, auxiliaries, trusts, or foundations, organized in the United States or any of its possessions .
The effective date of our exemption is 27 July 2016.
As an approved and qualified Non-Profit Organization, Donations to the LRRA are deductible as charitable contributions on the donor's federal income tax return. Our status as a Qualified Non-Profit Organization will not appear on any "Qualified Non-Profit Organization" search engine for several months. If you need proof of our approval and qualification please contact Tim Speece at president@lrra2015.org.
NOTICE
There are hundreds of pages of text regarding charitable donation guidelines, with examples for each situation and potential exceptions for each situation based on the organization receiving the donation. The intent of the information above is to provide notice of approval as a Qualified Non-Profit Organization and high level information regarding donations to the LRRA. This information does not and cannot address every situation or circumstance.
Detailed information provided by the IRS can be found here,
Tax Information for Contributors
NO information provided above is meant to be legal or financial advice from the Long Range Reconnaissance Association Officers or Members. The Long Range Reconnaissance Association, it's Officers, and Members, will not be held responsible or liable for decisions made by any individual or entity claiming charitable donations made to the Long Range Reconnaissance Association.
Trademark Request Approved!
Effective 31 July 2018 the Long Range Reconnaissance Association Logo is an officially registered and recognized Trademark by the United States Patent & Trademark Office.
This ensures that no other entity, individual, or business can legally use our registered LRRA Logo without permission from the elected Officers of the Organization.
The LRRA holds this authority for the next 10 years and can extend the Registered Trademark in 10 year increments thereafter for the life of the Association.
Marshall C. Huckaby, Founder of the LRRA,
Inducted into the
Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame
Marshall C. Huckaby, Founder of the LRRA,
As many of you already know, Marshall is the reason this Association was formed and is alive. He is the founding father and first President of the Association holding every Officer's position and duties to ensure it continued to grow over it's first four years of existence.
In 2018, Marshall was nominated for induction into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, for Valorous Actions, and was unanimously accepted.
His Induction honors his service, his sacrifice, and his continued dedication to our Nation.
Marshall C. Huckaby
(Induction for Valor)
(Induction for Valor)
First Sergeant (Ret), Army, Perry Georgia. After first serving in the Navy during the Naval Blockade of Cuba in 1962, he entered the Army for the remainder of his military career. During three years in Vietnam as a Long Range Reconnaissance Team Leader he served in the 25th, 9th, & 1st INF DIVs, 1st AVN BDE, and Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
Continually displaying selflessness, devotion to duty, and bravery, he was twice decorated for heroism and was wounded four times, including being bayoneted during hand-to-hand fighting. His combat awards are: Combat Infantry Badge, four Purple Hearts, and two Bronze Star Medals for Valor.
We carefully validate all applications to ensure only those who have served honorably in LRRP, LRP, or LRS units are approved. Please be prepared to provide the Full Name and Membership Number of an LRRA Sponsor or
Verifiable Proof of Service in a LRRP, LRP, or LRS Unit.
Join the LRRA to reconnect with your LRRP, LRP, and LRS Brothers and support our efforts to
ensure the History and Legacy of our units, Mission, and Heritage are not lost or forgotten
Membership Application
Mailing Address:
LONG RANGE RECONNAISSANCE ASSOCIATION
9377 N 300 W Lake Village, IN 46349
Officer Email Contact Data
President
- Tim Speece;
President@lrra2015.org
Vice President - Matt Mackert;
Vicepresident@lrra2015.org
Quartermaster & Sergeant At Arms - Carl Witkowski;