Retired Chief Master Sergeant Sullivan presents Noncommissioned Officers Association Vietnam Medallions. Photo courtesy of Tammy Sullivan

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), a military service organization established in 1960, plays a vital role in supporting members across all United States Armed Forces branches and their families from Rancho Cordova and the greater Sacramento area through programs and initiatives.

With a mission focused on enhancing quality of life and supporting the professional development of non-commissioned officers, the association operates under the motto “Strength in Unity.” Throughout the year, the organization raises funds through various programs and allocates them to area veterans in need.

The Non Commissioned Officers Association also collaborates with the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce to promote community recycling events, enhancing environmental sustainability efforts.

A cornerstone of the association’s support is the partnership with Volunteers of America for the Sacramento Stand Down, a multi-day event providing critical services such as legal aid and medical and psychological treatments to homeless veterans. The Non Commissioned Officers Association contributed more than 500 towels for veterans in need at the event.

 Veterans come together for the Irreverent Warrior Silkie Hike in 2023. Photo courtesy of Tammy Sullivan

“It’s an opportunity to help those veterans to be cared for,” said Non Commissioned Officers Association International Auxiliary President Tammy Sullivan. “It happens all over Sacramento. Some of our most recent locations include Placer County and Elk Grove.”

Another significant program involves the association’s partnership with the Veterans Administration (VA), where representatives actively assist in securing homes and furniture for homeless veterans. The association operates four warehouses in Rancho Cordova for storing donated items. Members meticulously maintain a list of veterans’ needs and available resources, ensuring efficient matching and furnishing of homes with appliances and furniture. Additionally, they facilitate direct delivery of these essentials to veterans' residences, further enhancing their support efforts.

Association members also plan to increase outreach efforts to connect with the Veterans Village residents in Sacramento.

The Non Commissioned Officers Association members had an informational booth June 20 at the annual Rancho Cordova Business Expo & Job Fair.

“As a result of the business expo, we were able to start a partnership with JumpKing to acquire used, yet functional beds and mattresses for donation,” Sullivan said. “We see a huge demand for these items when it comes to this program.”

The Non Commissioned Officers Association also collaborates with Move America Forward, a nonprofit military charity based in Sacramento, to assemble and send care packages for troops overseas, showcasing the organization’s commitment through practical, community-driven initiatives.

“I’m proud of our collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars where we raise money to buy appliances such as grills and commercial toasters,” said Scott Rodowick, the auxiliary chapter treasurer, reflecting on some of the association’s initiatives. “These items are integral to our participation in barbecues, which serve as outreach programs aimed at keeping everybody connected.”

Sullivan highlighted unique challenges faced by veterans in the region, including the need for stronger peer-to-peer connections due to the absence of active military bases nearby. To address this, the Non Commissioned Officers Association organizes events such as the Irreverent Warrior Silkie Hike, an annual veteran-only hiking event in Rancho Cordova, fostering camaraderie and support among veterans. Additionally, members emphasize support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment and aim to improve coordination among veterans’organizations for more effective outreach.

Area residents, businesses and volunteers interested in supporting the Non Commissioned Officers Association’s mission can engage through volunteering opportunities listed on the association’s website at ncoausa.org or by following its social media presence. Sullivan emphasized the importance of community awareness and involvement in bolstering their efforts to assist veterans effectively.

“There are so many ways and varying levels of degrees to get involved,” Rodowick said. “It’s a great group of wonderful people and the greatest gift is when you are helping others. Especially those that put their lives on the line to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.”

The Noncommissioned Officers Association meets regularly in Rancho Cordova and other locations throughout Sacramento, with monthly gatherings aimed at fostering community and support among members. Two local chapters include the Central Valley and the Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary Chapters comprising about 90 members in the Sacramento area.

When asked why residents should join the Non Commissioned Officers Association, Sullivan emphasized the organization’s responsibility to veterans and the community.

“We enjoy the freedoms of today because of those veterans and sometimes this gets lost,” Sullivan said. “We all have someone or know someone that has put that uniform on and that uniform represents this country and everything this country stands for. We should honor that.”

Rodowick said that members do not have to be connected to the military to join. Anyone can be a part of the organization.”

Active Noncommissioned Officers Association members are throughout the greater Sacramento region, according to Sullivan, including in Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Placerville, Lincoln, Plumas Lake and Elverta.

The Noncommissioned Officers Association Central Valley Chapter Number 1551 and Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary Chapter Number 270 host meetings at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4647, 3300 U St. in Antelope. All are welcome to attend.

For more information on the Non-Commissioned Officers Association and how to get involved, visit its website at ncoausa.org.

 The Noncommissioned Officers Association sponsored a tee at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Cherry Island Golf Tournament for a membership drive. Photo courtesy of Tammy Sullivan