From the Mayor’s desk...

Mayor Cook participant in National Security Forum

By Mayor Judy Cook

Invited by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne, two weeks ago I spent a week at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama as a guest participant in the annual National Security Forum at the Air War College located there.  One hundred and two civilians joined the student body of two hundred sixty officers for a fully programmed week of presentations and discussions. The guest came from all parts of the United States and represented a broad spectrum of backgrounds.  I was one of seven Mayors present. The student body was primarily Air Force Officers with a scattering of other military branches and Department of Defense persons. They all have graduate degrees from civilian educational institutions and rank in the grade of colonel or lieutenant colonel. The students, whom I would characterize as current leaders singled out for advanced leadership roles, were completing a year long course of study at the Air War College. We were divided into seminar groups of about 20 members each. Our seminar group consisted of six civilians, nine Air Force officers, one Army officer, one Marine officer, one Chilean officer, one Algerian officer, one Australian officer, and one Department of Defense person. Instructors with the group included a high ranking State Department person.

During the week information was garnered from presentations on a
variety of topics including Air Force development needs, issues concerning diminished civilian control of the military, development of an African Command, Operation Iraqi Freedom, cyberspace power and future horizons challenges. Presenters included Secretary Wynne, Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley, academic professors, and private sector experts.  Each presentation was followed by a question and answer period after which we adjourned to our seminar groups for    dynamic dialogue. The seminar discussions brought the greatest rewards.

It will take considerable review to assimilate the information offered during the Forum but the clear impression of the officers is immediate. Our seminar dialogue evidenced their knowledge, logical thought, and intelligence. As a group they are dedicated to their mission and committed to fulfilling their responsibilities. They stand together against having their assignments softened or diluted.  They are prepared and ready to serve with integrity and excellence. In terms of security, it is these men and women who provide the greatest assurance and peace of mind.

I am privileged to have been invited to this experience.  It is a treasure that will remain with me always. The willingness of the military to examine itself and open issues to discussion is to their credit. Interfacing with the members of my seminar increases my support for the men and women of Wright Patterson Air Force Base. We know them as vital components of our local economy.  The National Security Forum reinforces their inestimable value to our safety and survival.

Kudos to Oakwood for building preservation

Looking back the other week, I’ve been Oakwoodized. May I explain?

Thursday, May 17 a.m. was the re-dedication of the Dayton Exchange Club’s Freedom Shrine at Oakwood High School, along with Junior and Senior Awards day. Club Secretary William Wild and I were stage hands while that beautiful auditorium soon filled.

After his speech, Bill left to have me suffer the consequences. Glad I did. The attractive, intelligent student assembly spearheaded by Principal Joe Boyle and Co. carried the day. Bravo to you all.

And kudos to the Oakwood city for maintaining, refurbishing and even keeping that fine old building which previously I’d only experienced as drive-by. What foresight!
Having been told of Saturday’s ensuing “That Day in May,” I pancaked [sic] with new friends Jack and Nancy. ….Dick Cummings, my retired dentist, crashed the
party. And I thought Oakwood was stuffy.

The hometown fun parade complete with new friends again, bagged sugars and recipes and even saw neighbor Dan Foley wheel by. And guess what? The Cummings. Again. In that old model machine. Clicked a couple pics, took in the festival and homeward bound.

Would that the ‘hoods in other ‘hoods might take Oakwood’s example.
Roosevelt High School complete with three pools, The old round castle on Ruth Ave….Miami Valley Hospital’s original birthing center, UD’s historic Building 26, Englewood’s Edelweiss Soccer Team cabins of old.

Tear down? I don’t think so. Come on. Renew these relics of the past to glorious heritage…..

We lost that great architectural Steele High School years ago only to be replaced by a parking garage being replaced again with same. NCR’s old school house? Our launching pad? Gone. For a vacant lot. The Bike Shop’s absent, Robert Boulevard mansions taken down. What’s next? The Arcade? Come. Let us reason together.

Thanks to my great uncle, Herb Eikenbary, for his hard fight to save the Old Courthouse, that lovely Greek design and a podium for more than one U. S. president, from the wrecking ball and subsequent parking lot.

And the Victoria Theater? God bless those of you for your work of salvation. We could’ve used you for the Kon Tiki Theatre and the Salem Mall.

And Oakwood, Shiloh could take some yard love lessons from you. I’m impressed……

Oakwood. We’ve bonded!

Douglas W. Chapman
Harrison Twp.

Clarification on St. Paul’s role in ‘Hamlet’ skit

A letter printed in the May 15 issue of The Oakwood Register by Carleen Turner bears correcting.  The letter stated, “I honestly cannot understand how St. Paul’s Church hosted an event where poking fun at a retarded person was considered appropriate.”

First of all, the fact that the play was produced in the church does not mean that St. Paul’s condoned its content. Secondly, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church did not “host” the Hamlet Players. The church simply allowed the Hamlets, a private play-reading group, to use its facilities, as it does many organizations - investment groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Spanish immersion classes and soon, a Chinese immersion class…all without charge.

The truth is that St. Paul’s strongly urges if-not-actively-practices tolerance, charity and good works. It gives to all, regardless of race, color or religious faith.  Its parishioners give hours of service to the community, money to the poor, clothing for the homeless, kindness to the less privileged, understanding to, and compassion for, the handicapped.

The play’s the thing?  In this case, not for a minute. Don’t confuse “hosting” with “providing space.”

Dolores Wagner
Publisher
The Oakwood Register

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