President- Jim Black
Originally from Chambersburg, PA., Jim joined the U.S. Navy in September 1974 and attended the Great Lakes Recruit Training Center. Designated as a Cryptology/Communications Technician (CT), he went to Cryptology “A” School at Corry Station in Pensacola, FL. in December 1974. It was here that Jim learned Morse Code and became a High-Frequency Direction Finding (HFDF) operator. His first duty station was Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Northwest in Virginia followed by an assignment to NSGA Misawa, Japan. Jim received his Honorable Discharge in June 1978.
In 1981, Jim was hired by the Central Intelligence Agency to continue serving his country. During a 23 year career, he and his family had the opportunity to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to several countries in East Asia and Africa. Jim’s work also took him TDY (Temporary Duty) to approximately another 20 countries. Jim retired in 2005 and was subsequently hired as a federal contractor. Shortly thereafter, he joined three colleagues in starting their own federal contracting firm in early 2006. After a successful 10 year run, Jim and his co-owners sold their firm in 2016. And for a second time, Jim retired from the Federal Government. After 39 years of service, including Navy time, it was time to call it quits.
Jim and Mimi, his wife of 40 years, moved into their new home in River Chase in October 2017. They have two children; Brandon who is a Federal Law Enforcement Agent and Sarah who works for the Federal Government. Both are proudly serving their country.
Vice President- Joe Byers
Originally from Noblesville, IN, Joe joined active military service 15 April 1985. Joe’s first duty station brought him to the great State of Texas, to Fort Hood. After a 3 year tour in the 2nd Armored Division at Ft Hood, Joe was assigned overseas to Camp Humphries, Korea. After a year in Korea, he was PCS’d back to Ft Hood and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. He served in Operation Desert Storm and then PCS’d to Vilseck, Germany. He was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. After my 3 year tour of duty, he was PCS’d to Ft Campbell, KY. Joe was assigned as a Platoon SGT and was sent to Air Assault school. After 18 months in this role, he was selected to go to Warrant Officer Basic Course. After completion of training, Joe was then assigned to, you guessed it, Ft Hood, TX! He served another 4-year tour and was then PCS’d back to Hanau, Germany. He was assigned to the 1st Armored Division in an Apache Attack Helicopter Battalion. He served a 15-month tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq with this unit, as well as a 1-year tour with 1-1 Cavalry Squadron, and then PCS’d to Ft Carson, CO. Joe served 4 years with the 5th Armored Brigade and retired from this unit in 2010. That is when Rachel and Joe built their home in River Chase and have enjoyed every minute in this fine community!
Secretary- Sandy Govett
Sandy was born in San Mateo, California and raised in Belmont, California. After graduating high school, she went to Weber State College in Ogden, Utah. After returning to California, she had many jobs until settling down in the automotive field. She started as a part-time clerk when her children were in school, going on to eventually become the CFO of a large high end auto dealership chain. She worked in the industry for 35 years before retiring and moving to River Chase in 2016.
Although she does not have military experience, she definitely is a supporter. Her grandfather was in the Army in WW1, her father in the Navy in WW11 and her husband graduated from the Air Force Academy and was a fighter pilot in Vietnam.
She and her husband, Roger, have four children and five grandchildren.
Treasurer- Lynda Jackson
Lynda Jackson is an Army brat, a Native Texan, and a proud American. She serves with the RCVA as a supporter, coming from a strong background of service to God and country with ancestors who have served in the military in every conflict in our country since the Revolutionary War. She was born on an Army post and is the daughter, widow, and mother of Army Air Corps, Army, and Air Force veterans. She is a retired banker of 40 years experience, as such, she is serving as Treasurer for RCVA. Lynda is a dedicated long-time supporter of Texas A&M and is an active and Life Member of the Comal County Aggie Mothers’ Club. Her interests include her church, genealogy research, military and historical reading, quilting and supporting her community.
Sergeant At Arms- Chris Spahn
I used to fly helicopters for the Army, man that was cool. Now I operate Caterpillar skid-steers for my business, Canyon Cats, come check us out if you are in need of some yard work…. Just ask me why I think alligators are always ornery.