New AFCWA Logo, Mission Statement and Headgear

[Mick Stewart, AFCWA]

The past year has convinced us that we are in need of a new mission statement, logo and headgear for the AFCWA. As such, we've begun an operational mission to update the AFCWA, continue several Cold War uniform traditions and step out bravely in a new direction, one not taken by veterans or historical groups.

First, a new mission statement. With the establishment of the Cold War Nuclear association in the U.S. and abroad (as well a first rate monthly pamphlet they distribute), our nuclear-style badge no longer adheres to our mission statement, although historically our Vice President has done a phenominal job keeping us apprised of Cold War Nuclear history on our forum. We will be updating the AFCWA Mission Statement this month and next and adopting new statement standards that will further adhere to our Cold War historical roots but present a new, more vital organization dedicated to all Allied force veterans across the globe.

Second, a new logo. Emphasis on "Allied Forces" lends itself to a more dedicated, infantry-style logo, one that we are interested in adopting as opposed to our current nuclear-oriented logo adopted in 2007. We will be designinng a new AFCWA logo, to wit:

1. A round beret patch in black stitching;
2. Circular borders are red, representing world-wide Communist insurgency, subversion and terrorism;
3. Two, crossed fighting knives, depicting Allied Force nations in their fight, in black;
4. Background in white, representing the maintenance of freedom.
5. Above the crossed knives in black lettering "AFCWA".
6. Below the crossed knives in black numbers, "1945-1991."

This design evokes the passion of Allied Force nations all over the globe who have fought Marxist-backed insurgencies, Cold War "hot wars" and low-level conflicts.

Third, new headgear. As President I have decided to make a force majeur decision and return back to the black beret as our official headgear. Let me emphasize the reason. Over the past several years I have talked extensively with long-serving members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion after the AFCWA adopted our green U.S. Army overseas caps (see posts on this forum that adhere to this, as well as uploaded photos). Lately, they have stated collectively that the U.S. Army "piss cutter" (the overseas hat worn by US Armed Forces personnel from WWI - 1992) be worn primarily by members of their respective organization based upon the tradition of these two fine groups. Two VFW Post Commandants stated that so many new veterans groups are wearing the overseas cap reducing its traditional value. I have decided, as President, that that is the correct move to make. Also, as many of you know, the Cold War Veterans Association (CWVA) - a fine organizaiton and the first trailblazer for Cold War Vet's in the United States - started the tradition of a black beret. Today, the black beret is a symbol of our fighting forces overseas and at home. I have decided that it is time for us to re-adopt the black beret for several reasons:

1. The beret is cheap ($10) to purchase.
2. The beret is easily found at any surplus store.
3. The beret can be worn by U.S., NATO and foreign service veteran AFCWA members.
4. The beret will maintain the tradition of Cold War veterans in the U.S. and abroad.

With that, feel free to comment.

Regards,
Mick

[South]

Good morning Mick and all,

Preface:

It's hard to say you've been sick for a while based on that picture. You're looking as healthy and energenic as a 20 year old !

Maybe a thimble of West Texas Intermediate petroleum mixed with the bourbon whiskey keeps one healthy !

......

The logo/insigna is important.

I would like to hear from forum readers their opinions about using "Marxist" and "Communist" as seperate and distinct or as synonym concepts.

I'm thinking of Sarkarno and the PKI coupled to the later event when those South Moluccan idiots highjacked a train enroute to Amsterdam circa 1975 or 76 [?].

Also thinking of Egypt's Nasser and his nonsense.

Yes, the non-flying saucer military hat has been devalued.

Costs for the patch must be kept reasonable. (I retired as a member of the working poor.)

As I think of stuff will augment this thread.

From this sector of the perimeter, much hinges on the opening of the Cold War museum in Virginia, near Washington, D.C. This is where I want to get our name recognition established etc.

They are in delay-mode for opening because of the economic situation here.


Warm regards,

VP Bob

[James Smith]

I take it Mick that someone must have shown you how to properly wear a beret. No offense but since your army adopted it as headwear I've seen some pretty bad examples.

[Mick Stewart, AFCWA]

James ----- interesting you say that. I've had several former Rangers and SF say the very same thing. I am major beleiver in what yall call "The 3 D's" - dress, drill and deportment. Nothing is worse than slovenly worn headgear.

[James Smith]

Ah hell we found them the worse offenders.



Just kidding no need to restart the War of 1812 here

[Mick Stewart, AFCWA]

I have to admit the dress and deportment when I was in was very high, even in my unit which was (rear area) combat support. We were lucky that our senior NCOs and Battalion staff were Vietnam War veterans and tightened up on haircuts, etc.

However, since leaving the military and looking back at the dress and drill today, James, I've seen a slight hedghing of standards (in all armies) towards the 3 D's. The sloppy wearing of a beret, just one ----- but that alone tells you that the NCO and officers in that unit are NOT doing their job. I beleive the British axiom is correct: There is no such thing as a bad soldier, only a bad officer.

[Mick Stewart, AFCWA]

Bob:

Great points all.

The original AFCWA patch was priced at $2.50 per patch, which meant I had to buy a 150 to order. That was out.

I have a new embroiderer and the price is only .50 per patch with a 100. So i have placed my order and should have these out.

I have decided to eat the cost myself, so that I can pass these out for free, or send them to new AFCWA members. Bob/James when the order arrives, I'll send you gents a bundle and you can pass out as you see fit.

The key is to keep the costs low, but to find a recognizable but easily sourced headgear: the black beret. I've taken some heat offline for this, but feel its in our best interest. I simply refuse to part of an organization with no defineable headgear. Org's like that do not last.

[sgtt]

I wore the beret while with the 11th ACR in Germany in the early 70's. We wore in proudly on the Border. I like the new patch idea and the change of mission statement.