Meeting called to order at 3:10PM: Total present: 70 (62 members and 8 guests).
Special Presentation: Meeting dedicated in honor of our own Army National Guard Specialist Trung (Charlie) Nguyen who will deploy to Afghanistan in April. Charlie led our hand salute and the Pledge of Allegiance. Terry Houck presented him with the cross he has worn since the inception of the Patriot Guard. We wish Charlie a safe deployment and look forward to welcoming him home. His mailing address will be: SPC Nguyen Trung, 1-6 KS. ADT, PRT Laghman, OEF FOB Mehtar LAM, APO AE 09354.
New Members: Newell Applegate, Charles Chauncey, Mary Green, William Johnson, Wyatt Trenkle. Welcome to ALR 136!
Minutes: Motion made by Jerry Allen to suspend reading of last month’s minutes. Seconded. Minutes were posted for review.
Financial Report: Monika Barshney read the financial report. Financial report accepted as written and posted for review.
Historian Report: Greg Bauer provided an update on February activities (4 funerals, 4 welcome homes/send offs, and 4 special events). Our historian, Mike St Clair, wasn’t feeling well.
Fundraising Committee Report: Asonjia Stewart briefed on the upcoming Pancake and Sausage Feed on March 11th and Poker Run on May 9th. We can still use additional volunteers. Committees working details.
Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:
- Terry Houck presented JD Dunham and Jerry Allen a certificate recognizing them for the years of service they have provided during our missions and great work they have done as our staging crew.
- Read Honor Flight letter and introduced Cheryl Carpenter who provided specifics on cost, itinerary, and upcoming flights. We’ll obtain names of WWII Veterans and consider sponsoring future flights.
- Briefed on March 15th VA Banana Run. Coupons provided by Nancy Johnson to purchase sugar free items. Jim Finneran advised his cadets from Curtis Middle School will again attend and help with this effort. Mulvane High School students may assist as well as Post 140, Lindsborg.
- Briefed on Flags for our Fallen Military and our commitment to place flag poles for two Kansas families (Anita Dixon mother of US Army Sgt Evan Parker and Debbie Drexler mother of US Army PFC Jeremy Drexler). Details on installing flags are being worked out.
- Read letter written to Jack “Ripper” Knowles from USAF Major Chris Ford, 314th Security Forces Squadron, thanking us for the job we do as Patriot Guard members.
- Advised that 25 bricks have been ordered for our Patriot Guard KIA and Veterans.
Commander’s Corner:
- Rick Babinger talked about the Girl Scout flag retirement on April 25th. More details to follow.
- Advised a concealed carry license class could be set up if enough interested.
- Reminded membership of 5th District Convention April 25-26 in Newton.
- Encouraged membership to run for Post Officer positions.
- Briefed on revitalized Sons of the American Legion (SAL). New commander is Gregg Thompson. SAL fundraiser (large quilt) at convention.
- Advised that fireworks sign-up sheet available and the need for lots of volunteers.
Director’s Corner:
- Doug Lehman provided updated statistics on membership - 164 members.
- Advised that Canton Party Bus is full with two on the waiting list and four driving.
- Briefed on obtaining Blue Star Flags from McConnell Air Force Base at a cost of $5.50 per flag. Motion made by Andy Webb, seconded by Nate Mesta, to purchase 20 flags and present them at send offs. Motion carried; flags will be purchased by Terri Lehman.
- Advised that Veteran Thank You cards are available. They are free and additional card can be obtained at www.dearamericanhero.com . Gary Schultz made a motion, seconded by JD Dunham, to donate $100.00 to this cause. Motion carried; Monika Barshney will make donation.
- Advised that planned “Thank You Ride” to Mulvane High School will instead be replaced by inviting students and staff to our VA Banana Run. “Thank You Ride” to Marion Western Graphics and tour of their facility will be formalized in the next month or so.
- Provided overview of items discussed at Area ALR Director/Co-Director meeting. For example, use of leg patch on chaps, homecoming follow-up, not discouraging attendance at airport homecomings, non-confrontation with PRG members. Note: Committee (Barb Giovanni, Janet Logan, Charlotte Stewart, and Terri Lehman) developing letter/card, possible dinner coupon, as follow-up option.
Co-Director Corner:
- Presented Trung (Charlie) Nguyen with our first Blue Star Flag to give to his mother.
- Greg Bauer commented on the Sons of the American Legion membership increase and the great attendance at their meeting. Total membership up to 108. SAL meeting time changed to 1:30PM.
- Advised of work detail March 22nd at 10:00AM to put up poles/chains around memorial stone area.
New Business/Discussion Items:
- Ron Herndon advised that Dan Morgan will be home soon for R & R. Keep Dan in your prayers.
- Jerry Allen recommended changing ALR challenge coins to previous style, with Post engraved on reverse side. Committee (Jerry Allen, Roger Attebury, Harold Cooper, and Terri Lehman) to come up with design to present to membership. Roger Attebury will provide free engraving. We have about 100 coins on hand at this time.
- DAV is short of drivers to take patients to VA. Volunteers needed to drive van. Additional information being obtained by Rick Babinger.
- April/May meetings slipped a week to April 19/May 17 due to Easter and Mother’s Day.
- Dennis McDonough is riding in this year’s Legacy Run.
- Terri Lehman made a motion, seconded, to earmark up to $2000.00 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Motion carried; Monika Barshney will obligate $2000.00.
- Ben Roloff reminded everyone to wear black at funerals, even if on a Friday.
- John Wilson asked if there was interest in an ALR du-rag and will come up with a design.
- Gary Schultz discussed homeless Veterans and their need for household items (furniture, beds, couches, tables, chairs, dishes, pans, silverware, sheets, towels, TVs, small kitchen appliances, etc). Brock Hayes (409-9825 or MayhemProductions@cox.net ) volunteered to pick up and deliver items.
Tuesday Rides: (Meet at restaurant about 6:00PM)
- Mar 10 – Madrocks – 1821 E. Madison, Derby - Mike Owens
- Mar 17 – Neighbors – 2150 Amidon, Wichita – Phil Giovanni
- Mar 24 – Shenanigans – 1014 West Street, Wichita – Mike Owens (Area ALR Dinner)
- Mar 31 – El Rancho – 4722 S. Broadway, Wichita – Greg Thompson
- Apr 7 – The Diner – 1530 S. Webb Road, Wichita – Terri Lehman
- Apr 14 – Pizza Johns – 208 S. Baltimore, Derby – Asonjia Stewart
50/50: Collected $107.00. Half ($53.50) to VA Christmas Fund and other half won by Terry Houck. Terry donated his portion to the VA Christmas Fund.
Special Thanks: Thanks to all who brought taco burgers and sloppy joes. A total of $120.00 collected.
Meeting adjourned: 5:35PM
Next Meeting: Sunday, April 19, 3:00PM
Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle.
Special Presentation: Meeting dedicated in honor of our own Army National Guard Specialist Trung (Charlie) Nguyen who will deploy to Afghanistan in April. Charlie led our hand salute and the Pledge of Allegiance. Terry Houck presented him with the cross he has worn since the inception of the Patriot Guard. We wish Charlie a safe deployment and look forward to welcoming him home. His mailing address will be: SPC Nguyen Trung, 1-6 KS. ADT, PRT Laghman, OEF FOB Mehtar LAM, APO AE 09354.
New Members: Newell Applegate, Charles Chauncey, Mary Green, William Johnson, Wyatt Trenkle. Welcome to ALR 136!
Minutes: Motion made by Jerry Allen to suspend reading of last month’s minutes. Seconded. Minutes were posted for review.
Financial Report: Monika Barshney read the financial report. Financial report accepted as written and posted for review.
Historian Report: Greg Bauer provided an update on February activities (4 funerals, 4 welcome homes/send offs, and 4 special events). Our historian, Mike St Clair, wasn’t feeling well.
Fundraising Committee Report: Asonjia Stewart briefed on the upcoming Pancake and Sausage Feed on March 11th and Poker Run on May 9th. We can still use additional volunteers. Committees working details.
Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:
- Terry Houck presented JD Dunham and Jerry Allen a certificate recognizing them for the years of service they have provided during our missions and great work they have done as our staging crew.
- Read Honor Flight letter and introduced Cheryl Carpenter who provided specifics on cost, itinerary, and upcoming flights. We’ll obtain names of WWII Veterans and consider sponsoring future flights.
- Briefed on March 15th VA Banana Run. Coupons provided by Nancy Johnson to purchase sugar free items. Jim Finneran advised his cadets from Curtis Middle School will again attend and help with this effort. Mulvane High School students may assist as well as Post 140, Lindsborg.
- Briefed on Flags for our Fallen Military and our commitment to place flag poles for two Kansas families (Anita Dixon mother of US Army Sgt Evan Parker and Debbie Drexler mother of US Army PFC Jeremy Drexler). Details on installing flags are being worked out.
- Read letter written to Jack “Ripper” Knowles from USAF Major Chris Ford, 314th Security Forces Squadron, thanking us for the job we do as Patriot Guard members.
- Advised that 25 bricks have been ordered for our Patriot Guard KIA and Veterans.
Commander’s Corner:
- Rick Babinger talked about the Girl Scout flag retirement on April 25th. More details to follow.
- Advised a concealed carry license class could be set up if enough interested.
- Reminded membership of 5th District Convention April 25-26 in Newton.
- Encouraged membership to run for Post Officer positions.
- Briefed on revitalized Sons of the American Legion (SAL). New commander is Gregg Thompson. SAL fundraiser (large quilt) at convention.
- Advised that fireworks sign-up sheet available and the need for lots of volunteers.
Director’s Corner:
- Doug Lehman provided updated statistics on membership - 164 members.
- Advised that Canton Party Bus is full with two on the waiting list and four driving.
- Briefed on obtaining Blue Star Flags from McConnell Air Force Base at a cost of $5.50 per flag. Motion made by Andy Webb, seconded by Nate Mesta, to purchase 20 flags and present them at send offs. Motion carried; flags will be purchased by Terri Lehman.
- Advised that Veteran Thank You cards are available. They are free and additional card can be obtained at www.dearamericanhero.com . Gary Schultz made a motion, seconded by JD Dunham, to donate $100.00 to this cause. Motion carried; Monika Barshney will make donation.
- Advised that planned “Thank You Ride” to Mulvane High School will instead be replaced by inviting students and staff to our VA Banana Run. “Thank You Ride” to Marion Western Graphics and tour of their facility will be formalized in the next month or so.
- Provided overview of items discussed at Area ALR Director/Co-Director meeting. For example, use of leg patch on chaps, homecoming follow-up, not discouraging attendance at airport homecomings, non-confrontation with PRG members. Note: Committee (Barb Giovanni, Janet Logan, Charlotte Stewart, and Terri Lehman) developing letter/card, possible dinner coupon, as follow-up option.
Co-Director Corner:
- Presented Trung (Charlie) Nguyen with our first Blue Star Flag to give to his mother.
- Greg Bauer commented on the Sons of the American Legion membership increase and the great attendance at their meeting. Total membership up to 108. SAL meeting time changed to 1:30PM.
- Advised of work detail March 22nd at 10:00AM to put up poles/chains around memorial stone area.
New Business/Discussion Items:
- Ron Herndon advised that Dan Morgan will be home soon for R & R. Keep Dan in your prayers.
- Jerry Allen recommended changing ALR challenge coins to previous style, with Post engraved on reverse side. Committee (Jerry Allen, Roger Attebury, Harold Cooper, and Terri Lehman) to come up with design to present to membership. Roger Attebury will provide free engraving. We have about 100 coins on hand at this time.
- DAV is short of drivers to take patients to VA. Volunteers needed to drive van. Additional information being obtained by Rick Babinger.
- April/May meetings slipped a week to April 19/May 17 due to Easter and Mother’s Day.
- Dennis McDonough is riding in this year’s Legacy Run.
- Terri Lehman made a motion, seconded, to earmark up to $2000.00 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Motion carried; Monika Barshney will obligate $2000.00.
- Ben Roloff reminded everyone to wear black at funerals, even if on a Friday.
- John Wilson asked if there was interest in an ALR du-rag and will come up with a design.
- Gary Schultz discussed homeless Veterans and their need for household items (furniture, beds, couches, tables, chairs, dishes, pans, silverware, sheets, towels, TVs, small kitchen appliances, etc). Brock Hayes (409-9825 or MayhemProductions@cox.net ) volunteered to pick up and deliver items.
Tuesday Rides: (Meet at restaurant about 6:00PM)
- Mar 10 – Madrocks – 1821 E. Madison, Derby - Mike Owens
- Mar 17 – Neighbors – 2150 Amidon, Wichita – Phil Giovanni
- Mar 24 – Shenanigans – 1014 West Street, Wichita – Mike Owens (Area ALR Dinner)
- Mar 31 – El Rancho – 4722 S. Broadway, Wichita – Greg Thompson
- Apr 7 – The Diner – 1530 S. Webb Road, Wichita – Terri Lehman
- Apr 14 – Pizza Johns – 208 S. Baltimore, Derby – Asonjia Stewart
50/50: Collected $107.00. Half ($53.50) to VA Christmas Fund and other half won by Terry Houck. Terry donated his portion to the VA Christmas Fund.
Special Thanks: Thanks to all who brought taco burgers and sloppy joes. A total of $120.00 collected.
Meeting adjourned: 5:35PM
Next Meeting: Sunday, April 19, 3:00PM
Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle.
