Page 13 - October 2021

Recording Secretary’s Report
Having your buddy’s back
The Military and Buddy Check day was held on Sept. 23, to allow all our members to talk face-to-face with wellness professionals. Lodge 7 members have endured not only a tough 18 months, but well over five years of attacks, both verbal and physical. Too many officers have been lost both on and off duty. We have members who need a buddy to check on them.
This event was a day to start the healing within our membership. Our members spend each day dealing with the worst that life has to offer. Members need to know that a buddy and some help are always close
by. You have to have your buddy’s back, both on the street and at home. What really matters is each of us in blue and our families.
One word comes to mind for this event: amazing. The Military and Buddy Check was a great success due to great mission ac- complishment from the Military Committee: co-chair Nora Gun- ning, Samuel Robinson, Michael Henderson, Matthew Beesley, Luis Rivera Jr., Carlos Saladino and Noah Lappin.
I want to thank our guest of honor, Medal of Honor recipient Jim “Doc” McCloughan for his great speeches. They were inspi- rational and awe-inspiring. He spoke of his fellow soldiers during the battle of Nui Yon Hill, near Tam Ky. There were many tears in the room during his speeches, especially the afternoon speech.
If you get a chance to look up Jim’s actions In Vietnam, Jim went into the kill zone numerous times and saved 10 fellow soldiers and an interpreter. He was wounded twice during the 48-hour battle. He also took out an RPG position. Jim received the Medal
of Honor 48 years after his heroic actions.
Again, please look it up. Jim’s story is incredible and includes
even more heroic actions.
I also want to thank our sponsors for their generous donations
to make our event possible:
• Jack Byrnes with Source 1 Benefits
• Florida House and Jeff Weinstein
• Beachside Detox and Jose Ortiz
• Baum Sigman Auerbach and Neuman • Dan Collins and Coldwell Banker
• Aetna Health and Robert Cascarano
• Tom Freitag with Freitag Law
• Asher, Gittler & D’Alba
Special thanks to Army veteran Kim Davis with Diamond for Yoga.
Thanks to Cassandra Taylor for singing the National Anthem. She is a veteran, too.
Thanks to Ray and Ray for their great guitar playing. Both are Vietnam veterans.
There were so many vendors and people who assisted with the event. It was very much appreciated. I also want to personally thank all who attended and were able to get resources from this event.
It is always about the members’ wellbeing. That’s what this day was about. If you or anyone you know needs any assistance, please reach out to the Lodge. We are here for you.
As always, take care and be safe.
ROB NOCEDA
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CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2021 13