Meeting called to order at 3:03PM: Total present: 78 (74 members and 4 guests)
Special Guests: James Williams briefed on the American Red Cross Ride for the Red, June 19. Betty Jean Pulliam had pins available for purchase to support the Gold Star National Monument.
Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of March minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted.
Financial Report: Monika Barshney read the financial report; accepted as written.
Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:
- Ron Vangas advised the next VA Banana Run will be in August
- Next Patriot Guard Highway clean-up will be in November
- Operation Troop Care package sent to SSgt Ken Holsey, son-in-law of Jerry Kirk; next shipment of packages will be after our June meeting (drop off donations at the Post)
- Briefed on May 5 Gold Star Mothers ceremony at West High School to present the casket flag of homeless Veteran John Eads to Jim Finneran’s cadets
Commander’s Corner:
- Dan Benson advised the Cemetery cleanup is May 22 at 9:00AM; Rib Feed same day
- Movie “Taking Chance” will be shown free on Saturday, May 22, 7:30PM at The Commemorative Air Force Jayhawk Wing, 2560 S. Kessler, Wichita
- Putting out flags, crosses, and poppies at cemetery May 28 at 5:00PM
- Need Rifle Squad volunteers for Memorial Day
- Memorial Day – meet at Post at 5:00AM; go to cemetery to put up over 200 flags, followed by breakfast at the Post. Ceremony 11:00AM. Take down flags 5:00PM.
Co-Director’s Corner:
- Greg Bauer advised that over $300.00 has been donated to the ALR as part of the Jeffrey Jones Memorial
Director’s Corner and Old Business:
- Doug Lehman reminded everyone about the 2010 Kansas ALR Rally/Meeting in Concordia June 11-13
- Briefed on Re-Creation, a patriotic singing group, to perform at the VA May 13; about 12 riders needed to escort patients from TLC to the auditorium
- Poker Run plans were summarized - setup Friday night after dinner – Jerry Berry asked that all pendant tickets/money be turned in Friday night
- 2nd Annual Rip’s Bikers Diabetes Ride, July 31 – looking for two volunteers to work at our Post
- Terry Houck briefed our previously agreed upon hosting of Patriot Warriors Robert and Josie Delsi, additional riders, and Gold Star Mothers. Motion made to cover cost of dinner for entire party, approximately 12-14. Motion carried. Pat Thacker will have a Marine Flag to be presented at dinner Friday, May 14.
New Business/Discussion Items:
- Terry Houck discussed Patriot Guard donation from Major General Tod M. Bunting, The Adjutant General of Kansas
- Terry Houck highlighted the contributions of Richard and Joyce Woods; motion made to donate $200.00 to help offset their costs supporting ALR events – motion carried
- Director briefed on US Marine Veteran Tony Clark’s run from the Nebraska/Kansas border to Oklahoma/Kansas border on Saturday, September 11, to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. We’ve been asked to provide escort on a portion of his trip. Details to follow.
- Director discussed “Your Area Weekly News & Shopper” newspaper and their placing our Poker Run flyer in the paper at no charge. Newspaper distributed to businesses in eight area towns. Motion made to donate $300.00 to cover flyer and future ALR pictures/articles. Motion carried.
- Director recommended we consider purchasing a camera for our Historian. Charlie Nguyen donated a camera. Thank you Charlie!
- Director advised of Department approval for a new ALR 136 hat design; pending National approval
- Bill Johnson asked for those not going to ALR 129 (Lyons) 1st Annual Hog Roast to try and support ALR 414 (Kingman) for their 2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Project Poker Run on May 15. Details on ALR calendar.
- Rick Babinger passed out fireworks schedule and asked for volunteers
Tuesday Rides: (Meet at Post at 5:30PM, depart at 6:00PM)
- May 11 – RD’s County Line, 108 N. 2nd Ave, Mulvane – Brad Modlin
- May 19 – Post 2, 400 S. Spencer, Newton – Doug Lehman (NOTE: this is a change from Tuesday to Wednesday)
- May 27 – Post 406, 9932 SW Eugene Rd, Andover – Doug Lehman (NOTE: this is a change from Tuesday to Thursday)
- June 1 - Post 136 – Shrimp Gumbo/Rice/Salad – Tom Stoy
- June 8 – Hanger One Steak House, 5925 W. Kellogg, Wichita – Mary Green
50/50: Collected $165.00. Half ($82.50) won by Rick Johnson; donated his portion back to ALR. Thank you Rick!
Meeting adjourned: 4:30PM
Next Meeting: Sunday, June 6, 3:00PM (Moved up a week due to 2010 Kansas ALR Rally/Meeting in Concordia) NOTE: SAL meeting also moved up a week.
