ALR136 Newsletter - February 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:05PM: Total present: 78 (74 members and 4 guests).

Special Presentation: Pat and Linda Thacker presented the membership with a beautiful "Riders in the Sky" case with patches identifying each of our beloved lost riders. This is an outstanding tribute to some special friends that will never be forgotten. Thank you Pat and Linda!

Terry Houck presented Linda Thacker with a certificate recognizing her for the great work she's done embroidering our flags. Linda makes ALR 136 stand out and we thank her dearly for her hard work.

Terry Houck presented Richard and Joyce Wood, ALR 401 members, each a certificate honoring them for their outstanding support to all ALR activities but especially in providing refreshments during our funerals, welcome homes, and sendoffs. Richard and Joyce drive the Support Vehicle and were also given a We Support Our Troops flag by Linda Thacker and Greg Bauer, signed by the membership. In addition, Jerry Allen presented the Wood's a check for $200.00 on behalf of our membership to help in supplying items for future missions.

Guest Speaker: Judy Dietz spoke on her initiative to receive approval for the creation of a Gold Star Family License Plate and requested our support by speaking to our representatives.

New Members: Don Shoemaker, Sue Shoemaker, and Leah Beale.

Minutes: Motion made to suspend reading of last month's minutes. Minutes were posted for review.

Financial Report: Monika Barshney read the financial report. Financial report accepted as written.

Historian Report: Mike St Clair provided statistics for January activities (3 funerals, 7 Welcome Homes/Send Offs, and 3 misc).

Fundraising Committee Report: Asonjia Stewart briefed on the upcoming Pancake and Sausage Feed on March 11^th and is looking for volunteers to assist in planning and running the Poker Run on May 9^th.

Veteran's Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck turned in a $100.00 donation for the Patriot Guard from Chuck "Macgyver" Ford, Post 45, and Junction City. This was for a display case and certificate holder made by Jerry "Sawblade" Armstrong.

- Briefed on recent funeral for US Air Force MSgt Walter Sanders and read a thank you card from Kim Young, who is the mother of Sgt Jerry Young, Commander of Belle Plaine, and VFW Post 5475.

- Advised of short-notice funeral Monday, Feb 9^th for US Navy Veteran Earnest Thompson.

- Briefed on upcoming VA Banana Run, Mar 15^th. Coupons provided by Nancy Johnson to purchase sugar free items. Jim Finneran advised his Cadets will again attend and help with this effort.

- Briefed on Flags for our Fallen Military and our commitment to place flag poles for two Kansas families of fallen soldiers. Also, still working specific details through Department.

- Advised memorial brick orders for KIA, AL, and ALR are ready to be placed.

- Provided information on Saturday's Bald Eagle Release by Ken Lockwood in honor of EBAY.

Commander's Corner:

- Rick Babinger advised that this year's Oratorical Contest will be held in Halstead and Roger Attebury's niece will be competing. First place receives $18,000.

- Advised a concealed carry license class could be set up if enough interested.

- Displayed Legion mugs that are available for purchase for $25.00.

- Encouraged membership to run for Post Officer positions. Legion newsletter has position descriptions.

- Briefed on revitalized Sons of the American Legion (SAL). New commander is Gregg Thompson.

- Passed out fireworks sign up sheet and asked for full support of the membership.

Director's Corner:

- Doug Lehman provided updated statistics on membership - 153 members.

- Advised that website (www.alr136.com) has new forms (Member Contact Info Update and Request ALR For An Event). John Wilson continues to go above and beyond with the website. Thanks John!

- Updated membership on Mid-Winter Forum (Emergency Response Teams and Kansas ALRs).

- Advised that Legion dues for deploying members will now be paid by the Legion versus the Riders. Riders will continue to pay deployed member's Rider dues.

- Briefed on plans for caring for our Memorial Stone and lighting in front of the Post. After some discussion, Ben Roloff made a motion to provide up to $200.00 to cover the cost of chains, poles, lighting. Motion carried. Greg Bauer heading up this project.

- Highlighted upcoming special dates (Quilts of Valor presentation, Feb 14^th; VA Flags, Feb 16^th; ALR member Charlie Nguyen's Sendoff, Mar 7; ALR Pancake and Sausage Feed and Canton Irish Stew Contest, Mar 14^th; Banana Run, Mar 15^th; BACA Poker Run, Mar 29^th; and future fundraisers (see ALR calendar for specifics).

- Solicited experienced volunteers to help plan/run Casino Night – date pending - see Asonjia Stewart.

- Advised that Scott Hansen (EBAY's brother), Post 408, Derby, will be taking over flag ordering and that we will be purchasing an additional case (24 each) of Welcome Home and We Support Our Troops flags.

- Reminded of planned "thank you" rides to Mulvane High School and Marion Western Graphics.

Co-Director Corner:

- Greg Bauer requested any pictures taken of the funeral for Earnest Thompson be sent to former ALR member, Tom Harris, as Tom was a friend of Earnest but recently moved to North Carolina and will not be able to attend.

- Read a "thank you" card from Pam Elliott, widow of Lloyd Bonham, from a funeral the ALR attended.

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Jerry Kirk talked about the May 2009 Run For The Wall. Additional information is available at www.rftw.org.

- Gregg Thompson, new SAL Commander, introduced new officers (Vice Commander, Jerry Armstrong; Sgt at Arms, Rick Babinger; Finance Officer, Greg Bauer; and Chaplain, Kyle Logan).

- John Thomas, 5^th District Commander, advised of kudos received for the ALR at Mid-Winter Forum.

- Mike Vore presented the ALR with a challenge coin from the Joint IAF/USAF C-130 Unit. We will place the coin in our display case. Thanks Mike!

- Ron Vangas suggested we acknowledge wife/family members for their support and sacrifices while military members are deployed. After discussion, it was decided we will check into Blue Star flags. Terri Lehman will check prices at Emblem Sales and McConnell AFB. We will also be checking into ordering free Veteran thank you cards and make them available to the membership.

- Doug Lehman clarified our policy on funerals. We only support Veteran funerals. Non-Veteran funerals will not be attended unless ALR member connection and requested. Rare exceptions.

Tuesday Rides:

- Feb 10 – Shenanigans – Mike Owens

- Feb 17 – Seneca Bar and Grill – Jim Dunham

- Feb 24 – Side Pockets – Pat Thacker

- Mar 3 – Quigley's – John Wilson

50/50: Collected $87.00. Half ($43.50) won by Jerold Shook. Other half goes to VA Christmas Fund.

Special Thanks: Thank you to all the women and men who brought sloppy joes and the fixings. A total of $245.00 collected.

Meeting adjourned: 5:05PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, March 8, 3:00PM

Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman

If you want to get somewhere before sundown, you can't stop at every café!

ALR-136 Newsletter - January 2009

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.

ALR-136 Newsletter - December 2008

New members: Rick & Nancy Johnson, Butch Kalous, Jim Roberts, Bill Willis, Cooper twins. Welcome to ALR 136!

Dues: Motion was passed by members to have Legion, Aux & S.A.L. Dues paid and also ALR dues paid before entering Dec. meeting to vote on New Board Elections held every December.

Commander’s Corner: Rick spoke about New Year’s Eve party bring a covered dish and enjoy music fun and games also Killer fireworks display put on by fellow ALR 136 member Pyro and his team! Phil Horner Xmas party all participants were thanked for their hard work to make this a great success! Alr was presented with a past Post Commander’s hat from relatives who said his wish was for us to display it in our presentation case. ALR donated money to wounded veteran Chris Swartz to help with truck payment other Riders reached into their pockets and donated personally to the Schwartz cause. Our Mulvane DJ’s donated 175.00 of their money to the Schwartz family cause!! Thanks to all.

Quilts of Valor: Doug Lehman spoke of the need for materials to sew these quilts for wounded veterans. $ 200.00 was donated by ALR 136.

Garden City ALR Director: Dan Hopkins who was in an accident a few weeks ago is now out of hospital and back home . $100.00 donation will be sent to help him with expenses.

Kenton Vann past ALR 136 member has been moved to Junction City where he is a pastor. He asked his old Post to please help wounded vet out there with expenses. $100.00 donation will be sent .

McConnell Enlisted Men Wife Club: $500.00 donation was made to match Legion Post 136 donation to same club.

Fort Riley: Sponge Bob presented challenge coin given to our ALR unit for Operation Wounded Warrior Program. He and Mike St. Clair attended this function at Fort Riley and represented ALR 136. Thanks gentlemen!

V.A. Xmas Banana Run: Darkhorse reported that $2,574 was money that was spent to cover everything that was given at V. A. today Outstanding! Scruffy and his cadets did a great job helping pass out towel sets to the Vets. We have been asked to stop by and visit the cadets at their school some day. Darkhorse will set up a warm day to ride! Also read a letter of appreciation from Mulvane police dept thanking us for doing Mulvane toy run on short notice! Jim Dunham’s relative who is over in Afghanistan Sgt. Brock sent U.S. flag that was flown in B-1 mission over there.

Kansas Attorney General will be coming to our ALR meeting in the spring to update us on Funeral bill to protect the families of our fallen soldiers. His office made the call to Darkhorse and expressed interest in addressing the people who started the Patriot Guard.

50/50: $105.00 collected. Kim Heatwold won 52.00 Congrats Kim!

ALR Board of Directors:

• Director- Doug Lehman
  Asst. director-Greg Bauer
  Secretary-Terri Lehman
  Treasurer- Monika Barshney
  Sgt. at Arms/ Road Captain-Ben Roloff
  Asst. Sgt. at Arms / Asst Road Captain-Andy Webb
  V.A. Coordinator-Terry Houck
  Chaplain-Dave Stewart
  Historian-Mike St. Clair

Two Wheel Tues:

• Dec. 16th El Rodeo 5730 E. Central Wichita- Shirt Babe
  Dec. 23 Darkhorse Birthday Post 136 Bring covered dish!
  Dec. 30 Cancelled for New Year holiday.
  Jan. 6 Shenanigan’s on S. Oliver Sponge Bob

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Pat and Linda Thacker Danny Aguilera Greg Bauer, Gary Schultz, Dave Stewart, Ron Herndon and Jim Jones for service to ALR.

2009 ALR officers were presented to members and then sworn into to office by Post Commander Rick Babinger.

$42.00 was collected from hotdog sales during the meeting. Let your new ALR officers know if you wish to continue to have food available to purchase during the meeting.

Next ALR meeting will be Jan. 11th.

Riders this will be my last newsletter to you all. It has been a distinct privilege to have held the title of Director of Post 136 for the past two years. We have had a lot of good times and accomplished a lot of worthy task and missions. As we all look at the other Posts around our great state we can be proud that it all started with 136. Our new 2009 Board are a group of Riders who will continue our great traditions as they lead us in 2009. Lets all make a New Years resolution to continue to strive to make Post 136 the ALR shining light in the State and also the Nation.

Last of all a winter poem that was sent to me, very simple but warming and comforting to the heart. It was written by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre entitled ‘Winter’- ‘Shit, It’s Cold’ The End Thanks Ditch!

REV OUT

ALR-136 Newsletter - November 2008

New Members: Eddie Bulstrode, Mike Owens, Loren Beale, Bob McFadden, Glenn Bishop, Bruce Tafoya. Welcome to the ALR of Post 136.

Commander Rick Babinger was given a new call sign by Darkhorse at the meeting. His new call sign is White Eagle 6.

New member Eddie Bulstrode was given Welcome home flag and coin at the meeting for returning home safely to us from Iraq. Welcome home Eddie!

Commander’s Corner: Rick reminded everyone about the Veterans Day program that will be held at the Post starting at 5pm. Old Flags will also be retired and a meal will be served afterwards. All Vets are welcome please bring a side dish to share. Bring in your old shoes to be recycled and exchanged for cash for Veterans programs. Any condition! V.A. Christmas store is now taking donations of new items for the Vets to send to their loved ones at home while the Vets are in the hospital. Any item will do just as long as it is brand new in the box no used items please.

Dan the Bartender at our Post suffered a stroke this past week and is in the hospital and will have by-pass surgery. Chuck Barshney asked that we make a motion to cover Dan’s weekly salary of $200.00 a week for the next month. Motion passed, after one month we will re-examine the situation.

Flags at V.A.: Doug Lehman made motion to help V.A. put up flags on Martin Luther King Day when it comes up. More info on this as the holiday draws near. Other Posts have stepped up and taken a few of the holiday flag details, so we are on board now for MLK Day.

Vets Day in Haysville: J.D Dunham will be the R/C for ride to Prairie elementary school for Vets program. Stage at Mini-Stop at Grand and S. Broadway at 8am and AIS will be at 8:15.

Monica Barshney made a motion to spend a $1,000.00 on V.A. Vets Xmas. This will include a nice towel set and coupon book for the canteen along with a goodie bag.

Nov 13th 2008: We have been requested to attend the Quilts for Valor ceremony at the V.A. They are asking for Vets to hold the Quilts up for the wounded soldiers that quilts are being given to. Darkhorse says this will be a ride event so wear your vest and leather. Program starts at 7pm. Ride info will follow.

Dorothy Winward brought her husband Mike “Blackhawk" Winward’s casket flag to our meeting to be refolded. JimFinneran. Eddie Bulstrode, Charlie Trong and John Kimball to care of the detail.

Nominations for 2009 Post 136 ALR Boards of Directors are:

• Director: Doug Lehman
  Asst. Director: Greg Bauer, Dan Benson
  Secretary: Terri Lehman
  Treasurer: Monika Barshney
  Sgt. at Arms: Ben Roloff
  Chaplain: Dave Stewart
  V.A. Co-Coordinator: Terry Houck, Ron Herndon
  Historian: Mike St.Clair

ALR 136 Elections: In order to vote next month you must have both your 2009 Legion. Aux or S.A.L. dues paid along with your ALR dues. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Wild Bill Logan Was made honorary Sgt.at Arms.

Riders in the Sky Memorial plaque: Pat Thacker said plaque was being made to commemorate 136 Riders that have passed away. Also will have patches made for our vests. Contact pat at next meeting to order them.

Am. Legion National awarded Post 136 ALR with plaque for donation to Legacy fund.

50/50 was won by J. D. Dunham and $102.00 was split. He donated $31.00 to Xmas fund thanks you J.D.

Two-Wheel Tues:

• 11-11 Vets Day at the Post
  11-18 A.J’s Sports Bar N. Rock Rd. Shirt Babe
  11-25 Lil Busters in Derby. Chuck Barshney
  12-2 Shenanigan’s S. Oliver Charlie
  12-9 Walt’s at Piccadilly Square Central and Rock Rd. Andy

New time for Tues nite instead of being at tour destination at 7pm we will now be there by 6:30 pm . This will just be for the cold weather months. People who still want to meet at Post and drive to meeting place adjust your schedules accordingly.

S.A.L. Kids Xmas party will be Dec 7th at 2pm Stop by and bring in the kids some cookies for their party.

As we all know excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slow and weakest cells first. In this way regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells making the brain a faster more efficient machine. That is why you always feel smarter after having a few beers”. Cliff- “Cheers”

Rev out

ALR-136 Newsletter - October 2008

Flag Presentation: The family of a serviceman that we did a send-off for presented Don Jarboe and Darkhorse with a U.S. flag and documentation stating it was flown in a war zone. Family said this young man took the flag that we presented him on his tour overseas. Many thanks!

Shocker Fireworks spoke to members about a fundraiser where we would man a fireworks tent and sell fireworks for a share of the profit. More to come on this!

Family Mobility Day at McConnell: Mark Urbanek director of Post 81 in Eldorado asked us to come out and join him and other Riders on Nov. 1st for a mock welcome home for the kids of our servicemen and women. You can call A&FRC at 759-6020 and give information or go online and register at www.mcconnellfsc.com. We will meet at front gate of Base a little before 10am and check in then proceed to a staging area. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun. Make sure you register by the 20th of this month.

Post Commander Rick Babinger spoke about Early Bird dinner on Oct 18th starts at 5:30pm come and pay you Legion, Aux, or S.A.L. dues and get free spaghetti dinner. Nov. 11th Post will have Veterans Day program which will start at 5pm afterwards a dinner will be served please bring a covered dish. Oct. 23rd Patriot Guard Hwy. dedication will be held on Hwy 53 as you leave Mulvane on the west side of town. More on this later this week. Next Sunday please come down and help with the construction of a new flag burning pit. We will meet at 10am eat breakfast and then begin work. Halloween party will be the 31st after dinner-come in costume there will be prizes for best costume and other games with prizes; D J will be playing your favorite tunes.

Oct. 25th S.A.L. 50’s party has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Thank You Cards:

• Dorothy Winward thanked everyone for all of their support in helping lay a fallen comrade to rest. We will miss you Mike!
• National Legion Commander sent card thanking our ALR for the $1,500.00 donation to the Am. Legion Legacy Fund, they raised $515,000.00 this year.

Congratulations go out to Jerad Krueger and Dan Morgan for their recent promotions from E-5 to E-6.

Safety Road Rule Guidelines: Doug Lehman put together a set of guide lines that we will be following on all of our runs from now on. He had a meeting with Road Captains, Assistant Road Captains and all Road Guards from our post. They looked over Doug’s work, made some changes, and Doug put the final set of rules together. You will be receiving an e-mail with this info. Please take the time to read them over carefully; we will be setting and example of how to ride safely.

More Congratulations: Commander Rick Babinger presented Danny Aguilera and Terry Houck with Certificates of Appreciation for all that they do for our post. Way to go guys!

Important Dates

• 10/18/08: Kingman 125th Centennial Parade. Deke Johnson will be R/C in Kingman. Stage at corner of Main and U.S. 54 in Kingman at school parking lot. Rev will be R/C on the trip out to Kingman. We will meet at Kwik Shop in Goddard at 7am and AIS at 7:15 am. Deke has been a past 136 member and is always at our functions, lets give him a good turnout.
• 10/18/08: Christmas in a box for soldiers overseas. Meet at Post 408 at high noon and AIS at 2pm to ride to Post 256 for fun and refreshment. If you come out to Kingman parade you will be back in plenty of time for this event.
• 11/9/08: Busy day: We will be making a banana run to V.A. and also having our monthly meeting after the V.A. run. Meet at the Post at (am for breakfast then we start bagging all the goods at 11am, AIS will be 12pm for the V.A. Please bring sugar free cookies and candy for the Vets. We also voted to purchasing Nav systems for the three busses that pick up Vets and take them to the V.A. Roy Tate donated $500.00 towards the purchase of two out of the three units. The ALR will pick up the 3rd one. Thanks Roy for your generosity!

By the way Roy Tate won the 50/50, it is true what goes around comes around!

Darkhorse spoke about doing a welcome home for wounded service man John Meavey when he gets out of hospital and comes home. Donations to Patriot Guard of $150.00.

Elections: Nominations will be held in Nov. If you would like to nominate someone pleas ask them if they want to run for an office. If you would like to run for an office let your fellow Riders know so we can get your name on the ballot.

Two Wheel Tues

• 10-14 Shenanigans on S. Oliver north of Boeing. Sponge Bob
  10-21 Post 136 Ladies Aux will have food at the Post for us. Hot Dogs Chili and all the fixings plus other goodies.
  10-28 The Diner @ Harry & Webb Rd. Doug Lehman
  11-4 Felipe’s @ Harry & Webb Rd. Pat Thacker

As always meet at our Post at 6pm AIS at 6:30pm

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw later in life what you deposited along the way. Thanks Rob Cooper

Rev out!

ALR-136 Newsletter - September 2008

Mike Winward one of our Post 136 ALR members has passed away. He was a Vietnam Veteran who was a chopper pilot. Please keep his wife Dorothy and the family in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral services will be announced later this week; ALR 136 will provide the lead escort for Mike.

Sheryl Carpenter spoke to Riders about the V.A. Homeless program that she is working with. She explained that it was different from the other program where anyone could come and get free clothing etc. This program is held at the V.A. and the staff knows that these homeless guys are truly veterans. The hat was passed and $520.00 was collected to which Chuck Barshney motioned that another $500.00 be added –motion carried. Total donated was $1,020.00.

Commander’s Corner: Rick Babinger spoke of ticket sales from Old Settlers weekend -4,900.00 was collected our best year yet two people Dave and Margine Leach sold 1500 tickets great job by all!

American Legion V.A. Tour will be at our Post Sept 22 at 5:30. If you have any questions about the V.A. or benefits please attend, light snacks will be served.

Oct. 23rd Mulvane will dedicate the Patriot Guard Highway southwest of town by the Industrial park just west of the railroad tracks. More info on this at later date.

Ladies Aux. will be having their big benefit on Oct 4th to raise monies for all of their projects that they support. They will be having a horseshoe tourney starting at high noon, then a cake walk and basket auction and lunch followed by the Mulvane D.J.’s for entertainment. Please come out and support the Ladies of our Post and the great things that they accomplish.

Sept 27th Sendoff for Cpl Ryan Kirkhart U.S. Army. We will stage at the Dillons at Madison and Rock Rd. in Derby at 6pm AIS will be 6:20 pm. Ground Pounder will be R/C. We will also be doing a welcome home that same evening in west Wichita. Jim Jones will be R/c on that run more info to follow as I get it.

Welcome Homes and Sendoff’s: It was brought up at the meeting that attendance at some of these two functions has fallen off. The sales job I had in the past allowed me the freedom to take off and attend a lot of events, my job now does not have that freedom so I attend functions when I can. If you have the time to attend then by all means be there for our Vets. Thanks to all of you who all have busy schedules but take time out to show our Vets we care!
Fundraiser Committee was formed to take on the task to come up with new ideas for raising funds. Asonjia Stewart and Danny Aguilera will co-chair this committee. Anyone interested in being on this committee should speak to Asonjia or Danny.

Sept 20th Oaklawn Fall Festival Parade: Riders have been invited to lead again this year. We will stage at the Kwik Shop just west of K-15 on47th st south at 9am we will Ais around 9:20am and head to parade staging area. This parade was very short last year and only took about 15 minutes, please come out and bring your flags and poles. R/C will be REV

Elections for 2009 will be coming up soon; we will have nominations in Nov and elections in Dec. All offices are open for nominations. If you would like to serve in one of the ALR board positions let someone know so that they can nominate you. Officers are Director, Co-Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Veterans Affair Coordinator, Chaplain, and Historian.


Two-Wheel Tues.

• Sept 16th Casa Martinez Derby, Ks Asonjia Stewart
  Sept 23rd Welcome home mission Meet at 136 at 6pm then dinner run. Ron Vangas and Darkhose will be R/C’s on this ride which will be to Wichita.
  Sept 30th Lil” Busters Derby Ks. Dennis Scuffham
  Oct 7th Neighbors bar and Grill Twin Lakes Shopping Ctr. Gio

Next meeting will be Oct 12th.

Remember That Xmas AIN”T that far down the road and we have two members in our ALR unit that have a great shop down in the Delano district in Wichita west of the river on Douglas. The Beavers Den! If you have not been in yet stop by and check out all the great stuff. Don’t see what your looking for ask them and they will try and get it for you. Please support your fellow ALR members!

Shirt Babe is taking orders for a new Red shirt with a new Support our Troops logo that she and the shirt gang have come up with. If you would like to order one please see Terri on this coming Friday nite and place your order.

Good Friends are like stars, you don’t always see them but you know they are always there. Thanks Pat

Rev out

ALR-136 Newsletter - August 2008

New Members: Curtis Carrell, Chris Hummel, Gary Prescott.

Gypsy M/C will be sponsoring a poker run for Make-A-Wish foundation on Sat Sept. 27th. Start at Biker’s Edge at 9:30am last bike out at noon. Cost is 15.00 for first hand and 5.00 for each additional hand. Proceeds will go to make a wish come true for little boy from Wichita who has a terminal disease and wants to go to Disneyland. Our Riders pasted the hat and came up with 235.00. Riders made another motion for ALR 136 to donate another 200.00 from our account. One of the stops on this poker run will be at our Post. Please make this run if you can the Gypsy’s support our mission and our Post by coming down for dinner and Sunday breakfast.

Post member Larry Reeves suffered a heart attack this past week and his wife Rhonda came before members to ask for help with bills. Committee was formed to check on this and report back at next meeting. Comm. Members are J.D., Jarhead, Ditch, Papa Ward.

Darkhorse introduced Pvt Winters just back from Kuwait. He rode with us today to escort the body of fallen soldier Ronald Schmidt. Darkhorse presented Pvt. Winters with a 136 challenge coin and Legion Rider hat.

Commander’s Corner: Rick was out of town this weekend but asked me to remind everyone that next weekend is Old Settlers celebration in Mulvane. Post will need help with many things if you are not going to Colo. Here is the list. Wed 13th meet at Post at 6:30pm to load our booth in truck,Thurs 14th 7am meet at Post take booth over to town and set up, fri. 15th Man the booth from 2pm on and sell raffle tickets, Sat 16th spell the guy’s in booth after riding in Parade. Also Help Danny run the horseshoe tourney back at the Post Sun. 17th 9am meet at Post go downtown and tear down booth bring back to Post and have breakfast.

Old Settlers Parade: Jarhead will be R/C on this he will meet everyone at the Post on Sat the 16th at 9:30am flag up AIS will be 10am and proceed downtown for final staging on Main St.

Horseshoe Tourney Sat Aug 30th High Noon at Post 136 signup today to get your team in. If you do not have a partner sign up and we will draw you a partner. Doug Lehman will again be in charge of this cutthroat event. Come join the fun.

Florence Labor Day Parade: Kansas ALR will be leading this event again this year. Phil Baldwin will be the R/C in Florence. After the parade we are invited over to his house for burgers, dogs and refreshments. Staging for those going will be at Derby Q-Trip 71st and K-15 at 9:00am AIS will be 9:15am route to be taken will be K-15 to I-135 to Highway 50 (just north of Newton), highway 50 to Florence (proceed through traffic circle and take first right onto 8th Street, proceed down hill to staging area. I am looking for R/C to lead people up to Florence for this event. Let me know if you would like to lead the group up. My cell number is 619-6582, REV

ALR State Rally in Eldorado this year: Sept 5-7 Registration is now 40.00 and will go to 45.00 at the gate. You can register at Post 81 Fri. nite the 5th at Post 136 at 7pm or Sat the 6th at Butler Co. Community Ctr. 200 N. Griffith,Eldorado, Ks. If you just want to come for the State meeting it will begin at 2:30pm and go til 4:30pm in same building I believe.

Darkhorse spoke about upcoming Patriot Guard mission for Ronal Schmidt. Thanked everyone who came out to the airport to escort soldier and family over to mortuary. Read letter from Captain in Army thanking us for all we do for fallen soldiers over her in the States.

Two-Wheeled Tues:

• 8-12 Cancelled
  8-19 Haysville VFW J.D.
  8-26 Keg Bar and Grill Colwich, Ks 130 E. Chicago Ave
  9-2 Connie’s Mexican Rest. N.Broadway just north of 21st Groundpounder
  9-9 The Diner E. Harry and Webb Rd. behind Felipe’s and The Port of Wichita Groundpounder.

Reminder: Please get your Old Settlers raffle tickets into the Post ASAP. Also if you have not signed up for dishwashing duty in the kitchen yet you don’t know what your missing. You can sign up on the buddy system and are guaranteed to have the same duty together for at least that nite, there is travel, adventure and a fast pace. Join up now!

Pain is just Alcohol leaving the body.
Rev out