President's Message

Que Onda?

What is O.S.S.O. up to? Well, O.S.S.O. is always evolving no matter who is in charge? Former President Rick Rodriguez began a goal of forming a sisterhood/brotherhood with M.A.S.O. (Mexican American Sheriffs Officers Association) and I continued with that goal. M.A.S.O. has helped O.S.S.O. become more political and has brought O.S.S.O. into that political mix. M.A.SO. President Albert Rivera along with his V.P. Luis Figueroa and the M.A.S.O. board has welcomed O.S.S.O. to its meetings for mentorship/fellowship regarding their own scholarship program and other input. I have enjoyed the support and camaraderie that has developed between our organizations along with the (T.X.H.P.O.A.) Texas Hispanic Peace Officers Association supporting both organizations along the way. I have had the privilege of meeting new people in the same game as O.S.S.O. A surprising and delightful partnership was developed with H.P.O.U. President Gary Blankinship who has key termed the smaller organizations as “the checks and balances”. Gary has donated to many of O.S.S.O. causes this year and last year and is always available to consult with O.S.S.O. members and myself. I attend most of the H.P.O.U.’s monthly meetings and Gary has introduced me on several occasions to the membership highlighting blood drives, the O.S.S.O. cookbook and benefits for officers from all our sister organizations. Meeting the other union leaders and conferring with them has been an honor and a great educational experience for me. Dean Goodrich, H.P.P.U. President is always on hand for advice, as is Mitch Ruffin A.P.O.L. President and Ed Lem, President to the Houston Police Association of Asian Pacific.

I love the oldies but goodies; at least that’s what I call them. Who are they? The longtime O.S.S.O. members regenerating their energies into our organization. O.S.S.O. webmaster and H.P.O.U. Board Position #1 dual member John “JG” Garza. John has been a Godsend in taking over the website for me when I took over the Presidency and doing a great job.  Iffy and Becky Flores overseers of the master members list for O.S.S.O. and many times the newsletter along with other duties. I don’t think I can remember a time when Iffy or Becky has said no to me. Becky is Iffy’s wife and is not a police officer but has given so much of her time to O.S.S.O. that she really should be an honorary member. She is the technical person in our organization; she set up our new computer, which donated by none other than both of them, Iffy and Becky Flores. There are not enough words to thank them.  Jorge Gaytan, former O.S.S.O. President has decided to get involved again and take over the newsletter and help JG out with the revision of the website. He has so many wonderful new ideas for O.S.S.O. and he has met with me on a couple of occasions in order to make sure I know the history of O.S.S.O. Mark Leija and Hector Riojas, Carnales (LCMC) Prez and VP have begun participation in O.S.S.O. all over again, they serve as a great source of wisdom for me and of course O.S.S.O. plans on doing something with the Carnales in the future whether it be a fundraiser or a party, we will do some function together as O.S.S.O. has the Carnales support. Like Hector says, “ I got your back always, mommas.”  It’s great to see people rebirthing in O.S.S.O.  But we have new members as well that are showing their dedication, such as Jessica Perez whom I would love to see as a board member because this girl is a real go-getter. Our newest board members are Greg Henson and Jeff Gallardo; they are getting off to a good start.  I hope to see them flourish in the next year, O.S.S.O. has always been small but has had the brightest individuals participate in projects and the running of the organization. Domingo Garcia Special Issues Committee Chair who handles all issues of our members at all complaint levels; he is an up and coming but also one of the oldie but goodies. Of course, Tony Saldivar our only longtime treasurer, who would like a break by the way. Tony is very cautious with O.S.S.O. money and I appreciate that. 

There is one O.S.S.O. member who is in a league above us all. I like to call her the energizer bunny, Dee Leal. The person who runs all O.S.S.O. extra activities. She cannot be stopped and she is incomparable to all volunteers. No puedes tocarla. Dee is the master planner and she doesn’t just work for O.S.S.O., she helps MASO as well (Al has threatened to steal her from me but he cant because I appreciate her too much for that).  If Dee Leal were not around there would be no events at all or the events would be very few and far in between. Dee plans all the blood drives, she plans and coordinates all social functions and fundraisers along with being the master planner of the upcoming O.S.S.O. 30^th anniversary. Dee is also the scholarship committee Chair and is doing a wonderful job at coordinating that program; she calls it her baby. Dee is involved in many other organizations and helps with their functions as well. She is a force to be reckoned with and O.S.S.O. appreciates and loves her. Thank you Dee for all your efforts and thanks to all others as well because without you guys, O.S.S.O. could not function.

Our board member Steve Benavides has cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments and it really looks good for him. Don’t forget to call or email him (his information is on the website). He needs encouragement and well wishes. Steve has been an icon with O.S.S.O. for many years. He takes care of our building in many ways that we officers who are not retired cannot. I appreciate all the time Steve puts into our building. He makes sure the lawn gets done and that the trash goes out every week along with making sure the trashcans get back in the garage. He calls repair men and meets them at the building to make sure they do a thorough job on our building. He gets groceries, drinks, napkins, silverware, toiletries and cleaners for the building and he coordinates a once to twice a year spring cleaning of the building. Steve does all those things and they easily go unnoticed but I notice Steve and I thank you for all that you do for our O.S.S.O. family.

Please take note of all these names because they are the movers and shakers of O.S.S.O. without them we would not have an O.S.S.O. Make sure to Thank them when you see them. For now I’m out of here. Love to all of my members and Godspeed.

Your O.S.S.O. President,

Rosalinda R. Ybanez