<html><HEAD><TITLE>Re: Merit Mark comments</TITLE><LINK media=all href="/webmail/static/deg/css/wysiwyg-3933289048.css" type=text/css rel=stylesheet>
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<DIV>Hi John,</DIV>
<DIV>Well put! I believe your statement, along with those of John Alter and Kent Simpson, should settle the merit mark discussion.</DIV>
<DIV>P/D/C Guy Anastasio</DIV>
<DIV>D/3 Bayside Power Squadron<BR><BR><BR>Oct 13, 2009 12:43:47 PM, <A class=parsedEmail href="mailto:jrb@accurecord.com" target=_blank>jrb@accurecord.com</A> wrote:<BR></DIV>
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<P><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>The problem with allowing squadron commanders to be the final authority on merit marks is that in most cases squadron commanders, unless they are retreads, generally don't have enough experience in USPS to render informed decisions. A commander with one advanced grade and 1 or 2 merit marks (which is becoming the norm rather than an aberration) is struggling just to</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2> understand what's expected and to</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2> keep up with the normal work load. As squadron sizes shrink, their load increases.</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2> This is not to say that there are not some well organized squadrons that are able to help new commanders. But my experience gained over 20+ years is that many squadrons are happy just to find someone still breathing to take their turn in the barrel.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>Also, the idea that a merit mark should be awarded to a new member as an incentive to do work is putting the cart before the horse. Does the Army award medals before a soldier has done something meritorious? </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>A Merit Mark is a type of medal awarded to members. As stated in the Ops manual "A merit mark (MM) is awarded by the chief commander to a member for<B> substantial</B> personal effort in furthering the interest, programs and objectives of USPS, its districts and squadrons. It is a coveted award; it is by and large the only official recognition members receive for their efforts".</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>R/C John R. Bradley, SN</FONT></SPAN> <BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>Chair USPS Information Technology Committee</FONT></SPAN> <BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>60 Old Brook Road </FONT></SPAN><BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>Dix Hills, NY 11746-6432 </FONT></SPAN><BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>(800) 777-3770 ext.203 Office </FONT></SPAN><BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>(631) 546-5768 Home </FONT></SPAN><BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2>(631) 274-2103 FAX </FONT></SPAN><BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2><A class="parsedEmail parsedEmail" href="mailto:jrb@accurecord.com" target=_blank>jrb@accurecord.com</A> </FONT></SPAN><BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></SPAN> <BR><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></SPAN></P><BR><BR>
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