b'Why G O M A ?The Ordnance BombA compelling essay on the importance of comradery by LtCol (Ret) Dennis AdamsOftenwhenItalk with Ordnance folks about theGroundOrdnance MaintenanceAssociation (GOMA) I am often asked, what do I get out of it if I join? Myresponseis simpleandstraightfor-ward when I tell them that if you are looking for mon-etary gain from your mem-bership you are looking at the wrong organization to join.However,ifyouare lookingtoconnectwith oldfriendsormakenew ones,andbeabletotalk withfolksthathaveyour sameinterestsandback-grounds,thenGOMAis something you should se-riouslyconsiderputting your money down for a life membership. Once a Ma-rine, you are always a Ma- Front Row Left To Right: Carl Waddle, Joe Sada, Brian Tobler, Todd Kunst, Ed Moen. rinenomatterifyouareBack Row Left to Right: Bill Litton, Bill Jennings, Shannon Pitchfor, Bernie Friend, Robert active duty or retired and ifCharlton, Jared Fletcher, Jim Phipps.you were in the Ordnancestay in touch with folks andcan shoot off of during theing, shoot all types of fire-Communityyouarespe- GOMA offers you a way.rain and stay dry. Bill andarms,eat,drink,andtell cial in many ways. It willWhen a group of ushis brother Jim host a 3 toliesandingeneraljust be the best money you everretired many years ago we4 day gathering most yearshaveoneheckofagood spent! decided we were going toattheendofSeptember.time.Onthelastnight Whenyouareintry and get together at leastHis brother Jim is a retiredwe even have a mountain theMarinesyoumakeonceayear.BillJenningsArmySgtMajwhichweband comprised of the lo-manyfriendsoverthelives up in Southwest Vir- dont hold against him andcal club members complete yearsandovertimeyouginia and is a member of ahe invites all of his Armywith a washtub one string become separated and losehunt club. There is a largefriendsandBillinvitesbase put on a performance. touch with folks. It is evenclub house on the propertyMarines,mostofwhichNeedless to say there is am-more important when youcompletewithashootingareOrdnancefolks.Theple local apple pie moon-retire and start a life awayrange and many trails fororiginal group stays prettyshine being passed around.fromtheMarineCorps.hiking and 4 wheelers. Thismuch the same but seemsI can honestly say I Many of those friends youisnotashackforaclubto grow a little every yearnever thought I would ever have made you may nev- house, it is complete withwith folks both active dutysee Bill Jennings playing a er hear from or see againall the amenities of a homeand retired coming in frombanjo! in your life. You must findand even has a large cov- all over the United States.differentwaystoatleasteredfrontporchthatweWegotroutfish- Continued Page 10Volume 3, Issue 3 3Thank You For Your Service HJuly 2021H Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 19'