Mr Tom Hutchison, USN
Fellow MAA Members,
I am honored to assume the office as President of the Military Audiology Association for 2002. I want to recognize MAJ Kathy Gates for her outstanding job in that capacity during 2001. LtCol Angela Williamson becomes Vice-President this year and MAJ Marjorie Grantham, Secretary/Treasurer.
Special recognition goes to LTC Lynn Henselman who has kept the MAA books, paid the bills, and generally kept the Board on track as the Executive Secretary since July 1999. Although we hate to see LTC Henselman leave this position we have to be understanding and recognize she has many responsibilities and a real life too. We are fortunate to have a wonderful replacement in Dr. Therese Walden who’ll step up and assume the challenge of Executive Secretary.
Capt. Rob Pluta deserves thanks for his attention on maintaining the MAA Web site. The large number of hits-on-the-web indicates an interest that goes beyond the borders of our immediate military community. If you would like to share information with other military audiologists via our Web site, please contact him.
The MAA remains committed to our guiding principles by supporting initiatives such as the Audiology Awareness Campaign, Operation BANG, the NHCA Student Endowment Fund, representation with CAOHC and the Au.D. The Executive Board has, as its next order of business, the pleasure of awarding scholarships to members involved in obtaining this advanced degree.
Each year MAA also recognizes members and non–members for specific awards:
For 2002 we congratulate:
- CAPT (USN-R) Al Frost for the Elizabeth Guild Award
- Capt John Hall for the Research Award
- COL Richard Danielson for the Founder’s Award
Awards for 2001 were also presented at the 2002 MAA meeting, congratulations to:
- CPT Rhonda Fleener for Elizabeth Guild Award
- COL Nancy Vause for the Research Award
Due to the events surrounding September 11th the initiative to join with the VA in forming a Federal umbrella group was interrupted. During this upcoming year we will be moving ahead with formalizing this relationship to more effectively promote our interests at the Federal policy level. The current goal is to unite all federally employed audiologists and speech-language pathologists. This concept does not replace the MAA structure; it will allow MAA to have an equal voice to coordinate efforts with the VA, Public Health Service, etc. on issues of mutual interest.
The next MAA meeting is scheduled to be in coordination with the The Forty-Third Navy Occupational Health And Preventive Medicine Workshop, in San Diego, CA during the Spring of 2003. More specifics will be forthcoming.
The MAA membership should all accept congratulations for your constant support and dedication, it’s a pleasure to be associated with such dedicated individuals.