Presentation from Sean Lowery - Flag flown by Python 65 from the 340th EAR over Afghanistan, with certificate. Then provided Welcome Home presentation as Sean had just returned from deployment.
Meeting called to order at 3:10 PM: Total present: 68 (68 members and 0 guests)
New Members: None
Minutes: No corrections or additions to February minutes
Financial Report: Diana Nelson read the financial report; accepted as read.
Chaplain (Ron Herndon) – Doc gave update on Wade “Dawg” Richards, transferred to Derby Rehab building 3, room 309. Art Beale’s brother is in a coma. Art & Leah left today for Maine to see him.
Veteran’s Coordinator (Dennis Joynt) Corner
- Next Banana Run is 27 March, 2011.
- Shipped 13 Operation Troop Care packages with one returned due to deployment ended.
- Briefed on Homeless Veterans dual funeral 3 March.
- Announced upcoming homeless funeral 18 March.
- Advised 6 members requested paperwork for prequalification of placement at Kansas Veterans Cemetery.
- Advised on Hand Salute protocols while in uniform during Pledge of Allegiance. Since no uniform specified for ALR, usual procedure is remove headgear, placing it and right hand over the heart.
- Special Thank You to Ron “Doc” Herndon for homeless veteran funeral services from Leroy Stine.
Commander’s (Dennis Scuffham) Corner:
- Rick Babinger spoke on behalf of the Legion in Dennis’s absence concerning elections to be held in April. Lacking nominations for several key positions.
Co-Director’s (Ron Vangas) Corner:
- Read thank you cards from Carol Brooks who gave a $15 donation and Scott Piper who gave $40 to the Patriot Guard.
- Advised Patriot Guard Highway cleanup scheduled for 3 April.
Fundraising Chairperson (Asonjia Stewart) Corner
- Pancake and Sausage Feed 19 March, Dan & Carol Benson chairing event.
- Upcoming Poker Run 7 May, meeting immediately after ALR meeting.
- Recognized Dave & Charlotte Stewart’s contribution of man’s and woman’s rings.
Ladies Auxiliary (Carol Benson) Corner
- Barb Giovanni briefed on Mardi gras fundraiser, raised $400. Thanked membership for their support.
- Advised Auxiliary also needed to fill several key positions.
S.A.L Commander’s (Jerry Armstrong) Corner
- Advised the SAL was starting a raffle for a shotgun, details to follow.
- Presentation on behalf of the membership to SAL Commander Jerry “Sawblade” Armstrong for all his support of the Legion and Patriot Guard missions.
Director’s (Jerry Berry) Corner and Old Business
- Advised short break between ALR and Poker Run meeting.
- Advised reason for flags at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, 15 March. To show respect for the memory of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, and in remembrance of the generation of American veterans of World War I.
- Chili cook-off 26 March, 5 – 8 PM. Come to 406 and support Diana Nelson, our reigning Chili Champ. Flyers on each table.
- Party Bus to McPherson Saturday, 16 April. 2 seats available. Will accumulate a waiting list in case of cancellations.
- Swap Meet at Post 406, 23 April, 0800 (8 AM) to 1800 (6 PM). Flyers on the table.
Unfinished Business
- Operation Freedom Memorial Paver
- Motion by Doug “Grey Eagle” Lehman and seconded by Ben “Ditch” Roloff to purchase Operation Freedom Memorial paver for $200. Passed.
- Dave “Diamond Dave” Stewart encouraged all to donate individual pavers to honor a veteran close to them.
- Discussion on inscription, Jerry “Jarhead” Allen to research for April meeting.
- Previous discussion to donate 10% of fundraising net proceeds to Canteen
- John “Little John” De Armond made a motion to table the issue until a quarterly Canteen report is provided in writing. Seconded by Mary Green.
New Business/Discussion Items:
· Ron “Buckeye” Vangas discussed two programs to increase community involvement through the schools. Asked for volunteer to head up project.
· Obligating money to Troop Care fund, currently has $0 balance
o Motion by Ben “Ditch” Roloff to obligate $500 to Operation Troop Care
o Motion seconded by Pat Thacker
o Discussion on amount, currently 12 deployed
· Terri “Shirt Babe” Lehman requested members donate all old ALR shirts no later than 29 March so that they can be made into a quilt by Dennis “Casper” Joynt.
· Motion to vote all new members in by Phil “Gio” Giovanni rescinded.
o Committee formed to determine details.
o Committee members Phil “Gio” Giovanni, Doug “Grey Eagle” Lehman, Rick “White Eagle 6” Babinger, Greg “Wild Thing” Bauer, Pat “Groundpounder” Thacker, Ron “Doc” Herndon , Jerry “Hawkeye” Berry
· Darkhorse announced upcoming birthday for Pat “Groundpounder” Thacker.
· Advised all members to participate in raffle ticket sales for ring prize, and everyone needed to obtain prizes for the Poker Run.
· Recognized Gregg Lenagar for his outstanding work on the flyers and his support for the Poker Run.
Tuesday Rides: (Meet at restaurant at 6:00 PM)
- March 15 – Shanannigan’s, 1014 N. West St, Wichita – John Wilson
- March 22 – Carlos O’Kelly’s, 4872 S. Broadway, Wichita – Asonjia Stewart
- March 29 – Magoo’s Bar & Grill, 2304 S. Oliver, Wichita – Pat Thacker
- April 5 – Quigley’s, 1001 N. Rose Hill Rd, Rose Hill – Jerry Allen
- April 12 – RD’s County Line, 108 N 2nd Ave, Mulvane – Jerry Ward
50/50: Collected $111.00 - half ($55.50) won by Debbi Stitch
Meeting adjourned: 4:27 PM
Next Meeting: Sunday, April 10, 3:00 PM
Jerry (Hawkeye) Berry
NOTE: After the meeting, Sawblade donated a flag case and certificate frame for the flag and certificate presented to the membership by Sean Lowery.
