Meeting called to order at 3:10PM: Total present: 70 (59 members and 11 guests).
Guest Speaker: Judy Epperson, VA Homeless Coordinator, briefed on HUD-VA Supported Program to assist the homeless. There are over 10,000 homeless Veterans nationwide – over 600 chronic critical in the local Wichita area that needs our support. Wichita received 35 vouchers so far that will help place these veterans into HUD homes and Judy is pushing to get more. So far 26 veterans have been placed. VA needs help and donations of home furnishings, kitchen items, dishes, men’s clothing etc. Helping Hands of Wichita assists with a lot of these items and is another great place to donate. Contact Judy at Judy.Epperson@med.va.gov or call 651-3684/737-2346, VA Medical Center regarding donations.
New Members: Diane Nelson, Ed Watson, Dave Poage, Richard Ballinger, and Nate Mesta. Co-Director, Greg Bauer presented each member with a 2009 Membership Package.
December 2008 Minutes and Financial Report: Motion made to suspend reading of minutes. Financial report accepted as written.
Historian Report: Mike St Clair provided statistics for 2008 activities (47 funerals, 102 Welcome Homes/Send Offs, and 80 parades/misc).
Director’s Corner:
- Doug Lehman recognized 2008 officers (Jim Jones, Pat Thacker, Linda Thacker, Danny Aguilera, and Gary Schultz) for their outstanding support and tireless efforts throughout the year.
- Members as of January 1 – 169. Reminder: if you haven’t paid your 2009 dues, please do so.
- John Wilson was recognized for his excellent job on our website (www.alr136.com).
- Mid-Winter Forum is in Hays, February 6-8.
- Emergency Response Team is a national program and volunteers are needed to work with state and local officials. More details will be provided at Mid-Winter Forum.
- Tentative homecoming this Saturday, January 17 for Air Force MSgt Webber, Purple Heart recipient.
- Help needed to put up flags at the VA on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 19.
- Pat and Linda Thacker will maintain Welcome Home and We Support Our Troops flags. Linda recognized for her outstanding embroidering talents.
- Spring “Thank You” Rides will be set up for Mulvane High School and Western Graphics.
- Membership emails will be sent only on ALR activities and/or relating to ALR members.
Commander’s Corner:
- Rick Babinger advised there will be a fireworks committee meeting, Wednesday, January 21, 7PM.
- SAL participation encouraged; gaining enthusiasm and new spark in the group.
Legion mugs are available for purchase. - Commander provided a detailed report on the enormous generosity and contributions made by our Legion family to support our veterans and the community just in the last six weeks – over $7500!
Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:
- Advised that we lost 14 Kansas American Legion Riders in 2008, most recently our beloved brother, Greg (EBAY) Hansen
- Discussed burial options at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery-Winfield (also Forts Dodge, Riley, and Wakeeney).
- The next VA Banana Run will be Sunday, March 15.
- Read thank you letters from VA for GPSs, goodie sacks, coupons; Georgianna Hansen for EBAY’s donations, food, Quilts of Valor fund, and supplies.
- Terry Houck also had Dave Stewart read a letter from injured Marine LCPL John Mevey.
Briefed on Flags for our Fallen Military. Placing poles and flags. Looking for a Kansas liaison. Will get Department Chairman involved. - We had 5 Patriot Guard missions in 2008.
- Flag cases provided by Jerry Armstrong were made per several ALR member requests. Pat Thacker, Ben Roloff, and Bill Logan donated/will donate $100.00 each; however, Jerry wanted this money returned to Patriot Guard fund.
- Presented Bill Logan with his Honorary Sgt At Arms patch and wished him a happy birthday, as well as new member, Ed Watson.
New Business/Discussion Items:
- Terri Lehman briefed on a new hat design. Motion made by Jim Jones, seconded by Chuck Barshney, to purchase 144 hats. Motion carried.
- Greg Bauer advised Fallen Rider patches available.
- Jerry Allen made motion to donate $200.00 to Richard and Joyce Woods to help offset the costs of purchasing beverages for our missions. After discussion, agreed to invite the Woods to our Post for a Friday night dinner (Terry Houck will provide a certificate, Pat and Linda Thacker will prepare a flag for presentation, and Roy Tate will contact Culligan water to see about donating water).
- Asonjia Stewart advised that the fundraiser committee is looking for ideas and will be making some proposals in the near future.
Two-Wheel Tuesday:
- Jan 13 and 20 moved to Wednesday Jan 14 and 21 to support other Post’s
Jan 14 – Post 4, Wichita
Jan 21 – Post 408, Derby
Jan 27 – Haysville VFW (Gene Hammett)
Feb 3 – Walt’s (Dan Benson).
50/50: Collected $113.00. Half ($56.50) won by Roy Tate. Other half goes to VA Christmas Fund.
Next Meeting: Sunday, February 8, 3:00PM
Special Thanks: Thank you to Asonjia Stewart and all the women and men who brought ham and beans, corn bread, and deserts. $201.00 collected. Outstanding!
Doug Lehman
There are two types of people in this world;people who ride motorcycles and people who wish they could.
