Meeting called to order at 2:30PM: Total present: 73 (64 members and 9 guests)
Guests: US Air Force SSgt Kenneth Holsey, son-in-law of member Jerry Kirk, just returned from a deployment to Qatar and was presented a Welcome Home Flag and challenge coin.
New Members: David Bailey, John Kaufman, and Alan Piper
Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of July minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted.
Financial Report: Monika Barshney read the financial report; accepted as written.
Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:
- Ron Vangas advised the VA Banana Run will be next Sunday, August 15. Enjoy breakfast at the Post and then begin filling goodie sacks at 11:15AM. Depart for VA about noon.
- Operation Troop Care packages will be sent to our deployed/family members after the September meeting.
- Briefed on the recent Homeless Funeral for Navy Veteran Herman Bittle; casket flag to be presented to a High School JROTC in late September – details to follow.
Co-Director’s Corner:
- Greg Bauer read a note which accompanied a donation on behalf of the Donna Jones memorial. Four other donations received totaling $115.00.
Director’s Corner and Old Business:
- Briefly discussed Old Settler’s breakfast and parade.
- Doug Lehman summarized the Honor Flight fundraiser at Prairie Rose Chuckwagon – raised $27,685 – 24 members attended and donated over $1200.
- Thanked Barb Giovanni and Diana Nelson for their support in working the 2nd Annual Rip’s Bikers against Diabetes Ride.
- Sherry Evans informed everyone that the Wichita Veteran’s Day parade will be November 6th.
New Business/Discussion Items:
- Discussed request from Kansas ALR Department Chairman, Don Behrens, to contribute to the Warrior Transition Battalion project and purchase some “Smart Pens.” Motion made by Ben Roloff to donate $500.00. Motion carried. Don Carey also donated $100.00.
- Advised that McConnell Air Force Base was looking for WWII Veterans to participate in the opening ceremony for the Open House on September. If anyone is interested, inform Director.
- Summarized Veterans Appreciation and Fun Day. Thanked Gregg Lenegar for all his work on the flyer. Still need volunteers to help with games – contact Commander Dan Benson.
- Terry Houck briefed on the Battle Field Cross and Honor & Remembrance plaque; details later
- Director recognized Purple Heart recipients (Ron Herndon, Terry Houck, and Ed Lakous)
- Matt Schmidt advised Pam Turner suffered a heart attack and is in St Joseph Hospital
Tuesday Rides: (Meet at Post at 5:30PM, depart at 6:00PM)
- August 10 – Post 4, 816 N. Water, Wichita – Terri Lehman (changed from El Dorado)
- August 17 – Just Catfish, 3800 S. Seneca, Wichita – JD Dunham
- August 24 – Neighbor’s Restaurant & Bar, 2150 N. Amidon, Wichita – Barb Giovanni
- August 31 – Ben Villars Mexican Restaurant, 1930 S. Oliver, Wichita – Jake Defrees
- September 7 - RD’s County Line Bar & Grill, 108 N. 2nd St, Mulvane – Ron Herndon
- September 14 – Casa Martinez, 204 W. Greenway, Derby – Ron Herndon
50/50: Collected $103.00 - half ($51.50) won by Diana Nelson
Meeting adjourned: 3:45PM
Next Meeting: Sunday, September 19, 3:00PM (Note: slipped a week due to our Veterans Appreciation and Fun Day on Saturday, September 11)
Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman
Some heroes are inspired by the Mission, not the Recognition
