Wednesday, January 13, 2010

ALR 136 Newsletter - Jan 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:00PM: Total present: 86 (73 members and 13 guests)

Special Presentations: Terry (Darkhorse) Houck with the assistance of ALR 136 Officers made the below special presentations:

US Navy Veteran Charles Liles, bagpiper for Fallen Heroes and Veteran’s funeral missions, was presented a certificate of appreciation, an ALR 136 challenge coin, a Support the Troops t-shirt, and a Veteran’s hat for his many years of service to the Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders.

Gold Star Mother Betty Jean Pulliam was presented an American flag display case in honor of her husband, WWII Veteran Leonard Pulliam, who passed away December 12, 1998.

Mulvane Police Officer Kevin Kichler was presented an American flag display case in honor of his father-in-law, WWII Veteran Jimmie Maish, who passed away December 7, 2009.

Gold Star Mother Anita Dixon was presented an In Memory of Certificate in honor of her son, US Army Sgt Evan Parker, who was killed in action October 26, 2005 – our third Patriot Guard mission.

Gold Star Mother, Denise Lang, whose son was killed in an automobile accident at Ft Bliss was a special guest.

Our own Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Mike Vore was honored at a ceremony in Rose Hill recognizing those who have served in the war zone fighting terrorism.

New Members: Jake Defrees and Joe Dawley

Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of December minutes. Motion carried.

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


Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck outlined 2010 Banana Run schedule (March, August, December)
- Advised ALR Scholarship is complete and will be sent to membership along with Legion Scholarship by Commander Babinger
- Reminded membership of ALR magnets being ordered by John (LittleJohn) DeArmond

Commander’s Corner:

- Rick Babinger read a letter from Amy Forgie about the Ring of Fire and Run for the Wall (Jerry Kirk will invite Amy to our February meeting)
- Advised that five Post positions are open for nominations/elections in April

Co-Director’s Corner:

- Greg Bauer read thank you cards from LeAnn Beavers and family of Eric Martinez

Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- Doug Lehman briefed on a proposed change to our by-laws and a motion was made to grandfather the wearing of the old one line patch with the ALR 136 rocker for those members who transferred into ALR 136 prior to January 10, 2010. All future transfers must wear the official ALR 136 back patch. Motion will be voted on at our February meeting
- Advised two certificates of deposits were purchased as voted on at last month’s meeting
- Briefed on Operation Troop Care for 2009 – 21 packages sent totaling 197 pounds

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Director updated membership on ALR 136 member, Dick Ziegler – triple by-pass surgery went well and expected to be released from Kansas Heart Hospital on January 11, 2010
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- Director briefed on ALR 401 members Lee and Vicki Martinez who lost their 30-year old son, Erik, right before Christmas. Lee is also struggling with cancer and limited income. Between meetings, officers authorized a $100.00 donation. Motion made by Pat Thacker to contribute an additional $500.00. Motion carried. $100.00 was also donated by ALR 136 member, Presley Thomas. Thanks go out to all for their generous support.
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- Director advised that Greg Bauer has revised our New Membership Package and will finalize upon adding a picture of the 2010 Officers. Based on feedback from the membership, a picture of our vest (front and back) will be included in the package so new members can see proper placement of patches. Another recommendation was to create a mentor program for new members and make sure they are aware of upcoming events, procedures, etc. Volunteers to be mentors are: Phil Giovanni, Dennis Scuffham, Asonjia Stewart, and Pat Thacker.
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- Director thanked all the officers for their outstanding support during 2009 and presented outgoing VA Coordinator, Terry Houck, an Eagle plaque with glass inscription, for his five years of service to the ALR. Outgoing Chaplain Dave Stewart was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated and loyal service as our Chaplain for the past two years. Linda Thacker was also recognized for her year-long superb job of embroidering flags.
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- The floor was opened for any additional nominations for 2010 officer positions. Ron Herndon was nominated for Chaplain. Director advised that previously nominated members, Mary Green for Secretary, Bill Logan and Richard Stitch for Chaplain, and Chuck Barshney for VA Coordinator, had withdrawn due to work and personal reasons.
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- Elections were held. The new 2010 ALR 136 Officers are:

-- Director: Doug Lehman
-- Co-Director: Greg Bauer
-- Treasurer: Monika Barshney
-- Secretary: Terri Lehman
-- Sgt at Arms: Ben Roloff
-- Assistant Sgt at Arms: Andy Webb
-- Historian: Diana Nelson
-- Chaplain: Ron Herndon
-- VA Coordinator: Ron Vangas

- Congratulations to all!

Tuesday Rides:

- January 12 – Post 10 – 115 W. 10th St - Winfield – Doug Lehman
- January 19 – Magoo’s Bar & Grill – 2304 S. Oliver - Wichita – Pat Thacker
- January 26 – Whiskey Creek Steak House – 231 N. Mosley - Wichita – Mike Huntoon
- February 2 – Buffalo Wild Wings – 1918 N. Rock Road - Derby – Art Beale
- February 9 – Post 10 – 115 W. 10th St - Winfield (Mexican Night) – Doug Lehman
- February 16 – Seneca Street Bar & Grill – 3837 S. Seneca - Wichita – JD Dunham
- February 23 – Neighbors Restaurant – 2150 N. Amidon - Wichita – Kim Heatwole


50/50: Collected $205.00. Half ($102.50) won by Karen Babinger.

Note: Pat Thacker has decals, military coins, stickers, and flags. If interested, call Pat at 648-7273 or email patathacker@cox.net

Meeting adjourned: 5:00PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, February 21, 3:00PM (slipped a week due to Valentine’s Day)


Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman

Friday, December 18, 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter - December 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:01PM: Total present: 65 (64 members and 1 guest)

Special Presentation: Pat and Linda Thacker presented Charles (Chaunce) Chauncey with a beautifully embroidered Air Force flag in honor of his 35 missions flown over Japan. The flag also included his unit and his B-29, Jessie.

New Members: Shawn Corriston, Pedro Gutierrez, Rod Heim, Barry Inman, Dave Meeth, Patrick Stanley

Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of November minutes. Motion carried.

Financial Report: Monika Barshney read the financial report. Financial report accepted as written. A motion was made by Dennis Scuffham to place a portion of ALR funds in a six and twelve-month CD. Motion passed and we’ll look into options.

Historian Report: The 2009 ALR 136 Year End Chapter Report was read. Personal thanks to every member for a very successful year in supporting our Veterans and the community.

Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck outlined 2010 Banana Run schedule (March, August, December)
- Updated membership on ALR Scholarship – one final change prior to emailing
- Briefed on Wreaths Across America ceremony at Winfield Veterans
- Recognized Ron (Buckeye) Vangas for his research into the “Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program” and advised of upcoming funeral
- Summarized the six Patriot Guard missions for 2009

Commander’s Corner:

- Rick Babinger advised the Post will begin a new 50/50
- Announced that Bill Logan donated $500 for a bugle player and $500 for SAL Christmas gifts

Co-Director’s Corner:

- Greg Bauer read thank you cards and letter from the Quilts of Valor

Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- By-laws finalized; motion made by Ben Roloff to accept as written. Motion passed.
- Special presentation to LeAnn Beavers; displayed our Riders in the Sky plaque

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Membership statistics - 218 members; 1 deployed, Charlie (Blacktop) Nguyen.
- Director briefed on McConnell’s Operation Angel Tree to provide Christmas gifts for children of Airmen at the base. $1033 donated (Greg Bauer $250, ALR $500, Brad and Judy Modlin $200, LeAnn Beavers $83). Volunteers to purchase gifts: LeAnn Beavers, Barb Giovanni, Dennis McDonough, and Judy Modlin).
- Monika Barshney spoke of a family in need in Manhattan. Bill Logan donated $100. Legion donated $150. Ben Roloff made a motion to match Legion’s donation. Motion passed.
- Director provided everyone a copy of the newly created Professional Dress/Appearance and Code of Conduct for Veteran Funerals. Special thanks to Jerry Kirk for working on this initiative and all the Officers for their input. Jerry Allen recommended we add: remove headgear upon entering Church. We’ll add that recommendation.
- Director stressed compliance with by-laws as they pertain wearing of the back vest patch.
- Director thanked Dave Stewart for his generous donation of the profits from making the ALR 136 Coin Money Clips.
- Director advised we have less than 20 ALR 136 coins and provided cost for ordering more. Phil Giovanni made a motion to purchase 100 coins. Motion passed.
- Spoke on by-law change to have 2010 Officer nominations in December/elections in January
- Nomination for 2010 Officers
o Director: Art Beale and Doug Lehman
o Co-Director: Greg Bauer
o Secretary: Terri Lehman
o Treasurer: Monika Barshney and Mary Green
o Sgt at Arms: Ben Roloff
o Assistant Sgt at Arms: Pat Thacker and Andy Webb
o Historian: Diana Nelson
o Chaplain: Bill Logan, Deb Stich, and Richard Stich
o VA Coordinator: Chuck Barshney and Ron Vangas
- Ron Nolder donated $100 to the ALR

Tuesday Rides:

- December 15 – Rocky Mountain Oyster & Catfish Chunks – Post 136 – Tom Stoy
- December 22 and 29 – cancelled due to holidays
- January 5 – Neighbors Restaurant – 2150 N. Amidon, Wichita – Phil Giovanni
- January 12 – Post 10 – 115 W. 10th St, Winfield – Doug Lehman
(Brisket, ribs, Polish sausage, beans and cole slaw - $12.95)



50/50: Collected $166.00. Half ($83.00) won by LeAnn Beavers – donated all to Operation Angel Tree

Meeting adjourned: 5:05PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, January 10, 3:00PM


Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman

Thursday, November 19, 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter - November 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:00PM: Total present: 72 (65 members and 7 guests)

Special Guests: Mulvane Mayor Jim Ford, Police Chief Dave Williams, and 5 Mulvane Police Officers/Dispatchers. ALR 136 was presented with a Community of Service Award for contributions made to the Mulvane Toys for Kids Program. Over $2,200 raised.

Dan Benson presented Tom Stoy, Post 10, Winfield, a special Legion stein for his contributions to ALR 136.

New Members: Al Larson, Bill Obermeier, Teresa Obermeier, Jay Partch, Walter Thurman, Pam Turner

Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of October minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted.

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

Historian Report: 30 activities (10 funerals, 6 homecomings, 7 Veterans Day Programs, Wichita Toys for Tots Run, twice put up flags at the VA, Derby parade, Christmas in a Box/Troop Support Ride, escort of National Commander Clarence Hill, and clean up of the Patriot Guard Highway.

Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck summarized VA Christmas Banana Run, December 6
- Displayed the patriotic hat to be given to each patient at the VA
- Briefed on meeting with Mulvane High School Counselor on ALR Scholarship
- Updated on possible timeframe for memorial service in Winfield for Tony Beavers. Pending.
- Read certificate of appreciation to ALR 136 from Sedgwick County Sheriff Robert Hinshaw
- Advised of upcoming 2010 officer nominations and thanked everyone for supporting him during the past 5 years while serving as Veterans Affairs Coordinator.
- Briefed on Alef’s Memorial Ride. Ron Herndon and Jim Finneran presented a Welcome Home flag.

Commander’s Corner:

- Rick Babinger advised Thanksgiving Dinner is Monday, November 23, 6:00PM
- Announced vacancy on the Post Board of Governors
- Looking for owner of burial flag which was mistakenly placed in the burn barrel

Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- Briefed on Wreaths Across America at Winfield Cemetery on December 12. Pending.
- By-laws finalized and copy given to every member present. Vote at December meeting.
- Thanked Diana Nelson, Ron and Jeannie Vangas, and Rick and Nancy Johnson for excellent chili and decorations for Post 4 Chili Cook Off. Diana won People’s Choice.

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Membership statistics - 215 members; 1 deployed, Charlie (Blacktop) Nguyen. Charlie is on his way home for a two-week leave from Afghanistan. Details to follow by email.
- Spoke on by-law change to have 2010 Officer nominations in December/elections in January
- Read membership expectations for professional conduct at ALR events. Bottom line: We are representative of the American Legion and need to set the standard.
- Jerry Kirk suggested we devise a Code of Conduct. Pending.

Tuesday Rides:

- November 24 – cancelled due to Post Thanksgiving dinner and holiday
- December 1 – TJ’s Burger House, 1003 W. Douglas Avenue, Wichita – Doug Lehman
- December 8 – Turkey Fry (Nut) & Catfish Chunks – Post 136 – Tom Stoy ($5 donation)
- December 15 – Walt’s – 7732 E. Central, Wichita – Greg Bauer

50/50: Collected $130.00. Half ($65.00) won by Gary Donaldson – donated all to Christmas Fund

Meeting adjourned: 4:20PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, December 13, 3:00PM


Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman



“The galleries are full of critics. They play no ball. They fight no fights.
They make no mistakes because they attempt nothing. Down in the arena are the doers.
They make mistakes because they try many things. The man who makes no mistakes lacks boldness and the spirit of adventure. He is the one who never tries anything. He is the brake on the wheel of progress.
And yet it cannot be truly said he makes no mistakes, because his biggest mistake is the very fact that he tries nothing, does nothing, except criticize those who do things.”

- David M. Shoup, General, US Marine Corps

Thursday, October 15, 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter - October 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:00PM: Total present: 68 (64 members and 4 guests).

New Members: Kevin Bell, Angela McColm, Mark McKenna, and Dan Vickers.

Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of September minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted.

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

Historian Report: 21 activities (9 funerals, 4 homecomings, 2 parades, and 6 miscellaneous which included our Veterans Appreciation and Fun Day, and the McConnell Family Mobility Line Escort.

Fundraising Committee Chairperson: Asonjia Stewart advised no fundraisers for the rest of 2009.

Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck briefed on VA Christmas Banana Run on December 6 ($500.00 worth of VA coupon books, hats, blankets, and Voices of McConnell).
- Updated on criteria for ALR Scholarship.
- ALR 136 patches unveiled. VIPs approved: Carol Houck, Barb Giovanni, and Betty Pulliam.
- Advised that Patriot Warriors Robert and Josie Delsi’s revised arrival date is May 12, 2010.
- Reviewed Patriot Guard missions for Spc Daniel Cox and Sgt Tyler Juden, and upcoming mission for Sgt Aaron Smith.
- Acknowledged Road Guards and presented Andy Webb with ride name patch “Wrong Way”

Co-Director’s Corner:

- Read thank you letter for our contribution to Legacy Scholarship Fund, attending funerals, and community events.


Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- Membership statistics - 210 members; 1 deployed, Trung (Charlie – Blacktop) Nguyen.
- Opened discussion for Christmas in a Box/Troop Support Ride itinerary - stage at our Post on Saturday, October 17, at 10:30AM, depart for Post 408 at 11:00AM.
- Had Ron Vangas update everyone on Operation Troop Care and Adopt a Highway. Christmas packages being sent to Charlie Nguyen and Eric Batman as part of Christmas in a Box. Clean-up day for Patriot Guard Highway (2 miles) will be October 31. Itinerary later.
- Reminded of Wreaths Across America at Winfield Cemetery on December 12. Itinerary later.
- Certificate of deposits or money market under consideration for some of our funds. Dennis Scuffham to discuss with Post Finance Officer, Dwane Stewart, and will advise on options.
- Summarized success of Mulvane Police Department’s Toys for Kids Poker Run. Motion made by Rick Johnson to contribute $500.00. Motion carried.
- 30th Annual Wichita Toy Run, Sunday, November 1. Itinerary later.

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Advised on special ride Saturday, November 14, to the Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion at Ft Riley to deliver items not able to be shipped to Iraq/Afghanistan. Need list of attendees.
- By-law committee to meet with ALR Officers. Any proposed changes will then be presented to the membership for approval at November or subsequent meeting.
- ALR 136 hat designs discussed. No action at this time.
- ALR 136 money clips offered by Diamond Dave Stewart. Handle directly with Dave.
- Upcoming events: ALR Post 4 Chili Cook Off, Saturday, October 24 (Ron Vangas and Diana Nelson - our entrants); Turkey Nut Fry and Catfish Chunks, Tuesday, October 27 (Tom Stoy to cook - this will be our Two-Wheel Tuesday at the Post).
- Discussed last month’s Steak Night. Motion made by Chuck Barshney to donate $180.00 profit to Post 10, Winfield for their hospitality and a thank you to Tom Stoy. Motion carried.

Tuesday Rides: (Meet at the Post at 6:00PM, depart at 6:30PM)
- October 20 - Hangar One, 5925 W. Kellogg, Wichita - Mary Green
- October 27 - Turkey Nut Fry/Catfish Chunks at Post 136, Mulvane - Doug Lehman
- November 3 - Paula’s Bar & Grill, 10510 W. Southwest Blvd, Wichita - Pat Thacker
- November 10 - Connie’s Mexico CafĂ©, 2227 N. Broadway, Wichita - Pat Thacker
- November 17 – Penalty Box, 7006 W. MacArthur Road, Wichita – Helen Lenagar

50/50: Collected $90.00. Half ($45.00) won by Patty Tafoya ($20.00 donated to Christmas Fund).

Meeting adjourned: 5:16PM

Next Meeting: Slipped one week to Sunday, November 18, 3:00PM


Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman

WORK TO RIDE & RIDE TO WORK

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter - September 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:02PM: Total present: 49 (46 members and 3 guests).

New Members: Tim Oropallo, Cole Guy, John Wise, Presley Thomas, Theodore Fowler, Judy Modlin, and Ron Holder.

Minutes: Motion to suspend reading of August minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted for review.

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

Historian Report: 25 activities (11 funerals, 3 homecomings, 2 parades, and 9 miscellaneous which included the Veterans Rally in Winter Park, Colorado, and State Rally in Stafford).

Fundraising Committee Chairperson: Asonjia Stewart advised - no fundraisers for the rest of 2009.

Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck reminded everyone that POW/MIA Day is September 18.
- Briefed on VA Christmas Banana Run on December 6 and hat design. Design has a picture of an Eagle and the word VETERAN on the front, with DUTY HONOR COUNTRY on the back. Motion made by Mike St Clair to purchase 100 hats and 3 blankets. Motion carried. Terri Lehman will place order. Also, will purchase $500 worth of coupon books.
- Updated on status of ALR Scholarship. Specifics outlined and attached to this newsletter.
- Advised of Mulvane Police Department’s Toys for Kids Poker Run-date changed-October 3.
- Briefed on ALR 136 patch, color, and design. 200 patches are on order.
- Discussed hosting Patriot Warriors Robert and Josie Delsi and up to 20 others in May 2010. Motion made and membership approved supporting. Committee (Rick Babinger, Chuck Barshney, Ron Herndon, Terry Houck, Bill Logan, and Dennis Scuffham) will work details.
- Displayed Patriot Guard plaque from the NE Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Highway 83 Association which was presented at the ALR Rally in Stafford for our continued support in standing guard for America’s Fallen Heroes of the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Advised that Post 136 members, Don and CoraBelle Ames, donated $1000 to the Patriot Guard.



Special Presentation: ALR Officers presented Andy Armstrong with an “In Memory of ALR Riders” patch and Nancy Armstrong Memory Bar in honor of Nancy.

Commander’s Corner:

- Briefed on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Friday, September 18.
- Discussed the Legion’s Scholarship and criteria. This is separate from the ALR Scholarship.
- Advised that ALVA Tour will be Friday, September 25. VA benefits briefed/discussed.
- Advised that Early Bird Dinner will be Saturday, September 26. Pay 2010 dues - eat free.

Co-Director’s Corner:

- Read thank you card and letter from Carol Brengman and Robert J. Dole VA Hospital.

Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- Membership statistics - 206 members; 1 deployed, Trung (Charlie – Blacktop) Nguyen.
- Highlighted the Veterans Appreciation and Fun Day events and winners; acknowledged the great contributions of Dan and Carol Benson with the games, Tom Stoy for cooking and donations, and those who made it a huge success. The display of quilts and ceremony by the Quilts of Valor were amazing. Having Georgianna Hansen present was an honor.
- Had Ron Vangas update everyone on Operation Troop Care and Adopt a Highway. Christmas packages will be sent to our troops as part of Christmas In A Box. Clean-up day for the Patriot Guard Highway will be October 24. More details later.
- Reminded everyone that Rider Safety Class (re-named from ALR Road Guard Training and Safety Class) is Saturday, October 10. Encouraged for all new members.

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Wreaths Across America. Motion made to sponsor one wreath. Motion did not pass. Motion made to contribute $136.00 (nine wreaths). Motion passed. Ceremony will be Saturday, December 12 at Winfield Veterans Cemetery. More details later.
- Senior Pastor Jon Shellenberger sent a letter inviting us to a special uplifting church service at the Derby Church of the Nazarene on Sunday, September 20.
- Director discussed our by-laws and recommended a committee review them to make ALR 136 specific. Committee (Jerry Allen, Rick Babinger, Jerry Kirk, and Bill Logan) will review and present ALR Officers with their recommendations. Recommended changes will then be presented to the membership for approval.
- Dennis Scuffham recommended we consider certificates of deposits or a money market for some of our funds. He’ll check on options and present at our October meeting.
- Jerry Allen recommended we change when we nominate and elect officers. Made a motion to hold nominations in December and elections in January, versus our current November/December respectively. After discussion, motion was rescinded. Chuck Barshney made a motion we hold nominations and elections in January. Motion passed.
- Jerry Allen advised he has collected donations to purchase 100 Marine flags to fly in the Wichita Toy Run on November 2. More details later.
- Upcoming events: Veteran’s Homeless Stand-Down Ceremony, Friday, September 18; Oaklawn Fall Festival Parade, Saturday, September 19; McConnell Family Mobility Line Escort, Saturday, September 19.


Tuesday Rides: (Meet at the Post at 6:00PM, depart at 6:30PM)
- September 15 – Side Pockets, 600 S. Tyler, Wichita – Pat Thacker
- September 22 – Hangar One, 5925 W. Kellogg, Wichita – Mary Green
- September 29 – Steak Night at Post 136, Mulvane – Doug Lehman
- October 6 – CaffĂ© Moderne, 300 N. Mead, Wichita – Dave Stewart
- October 13 – El Rodeo, 5730 E. Central, Wichita – Terri Lehman

50/50: Collected $70.00. Half ($35.00) won by Wild Bill Logan. Other half to Christmas Fund.

Meeting adjourned: 5:07PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, October 11, 3:00PM

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter - August 2009

Meeting called to order at 3:02PM: Total present: 55 (52 members and 3 guests).

Special Presentation: SAL Department Finance Officer, Don Culver, presented Anna Perkins with a hand-made Patriotic quilt she won while supporting the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

New Members: Flint McPeak, Brad Modlin, Matthew Schmidt, Robert Seamster, Harold Ward, & Jan Bauer.

Minutes: Motion made to suspend reading of July minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted for review.

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

Historian Report: 24 activities (12 funerals, 7 homecomings, 1 send off, and 4 miscellaneous).

Fundraising Committee Chairperson: No report given. Asonjia Stewart is on her way to Winter Park.

Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck discussed VA Christmas Banana Run and gift ideas. Final decision will be made at our September meeting. Motion made by John Wilson to obligate $500.00 of general fund monies to VA Christmas Fund. Motion carried. Also encouraged donating magazines any time.
- Outlined selection criteria for ALR Scholarship, topics for written essay, options for allocating monies, and additional committee work to be done.
- Advised of Mulvane’s “Toys for Food” drive on October 17. Date conflicts with Troop Support Ride/Christmas in a Box. Will coordinate a possible alternate date.
- Briefed on PGR patch and wearing it in Oklahoma.

Commander’s Corner:

- Presented John Wilson a certificate of appreciation for his work on Veterans Memorial Park. Also had a certificate for Linda Kirby; accepted by Dennis Scuffham. Dennis received his certificate at the Legion meeting.
- Solicited help for Old Settler’s Day and briefed on parade and Post activities.


Co-Director’s Corner:

- Read letter from Barb Kierzek concerning Big Dog’s daily routine. You can drop them a line via email at rkierzek_09@roadrunner.com .
- Presented three requests for assistance received via email. Discussed each and approved the expenditure of $500.00 for Deb (Giggles) Steele and readdress later as needs arise. The other two cases were not approved at this time.

Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- Doug Lehman gave membership statistics - 198 members; 2 deployed (Nate Mesta &Charlie Nguyen).
- Had Ron Vangas update everyone on Operation Troop Care and Adopt a Highway.
- Highlighted upcoming events: Old Settler’s Day Parade, ALR State Rally, Florence Labor Day Parade, Veterans Appreciation and Fun Day, and ALR Road Guard Training and Safety Class.
- Advised that we still needed a volunteer to be the Historian for the remainder of 2009.

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Rick Johnson advised that Jerry Allen had brought up the idea of creating an ALR 136 patch. Rick had several examples. Membership discussed artwork and approved red and black color scheme. Letter size and final artwork will be presented at our September meeting.
- Jim Finneran and six volunteers demonstrated how to fold the American Flag. Additional training will be scheduled in the future. If interested, contact Doug at dlehman4@cox.net
- Pat Thacker advised that Autozone had new twist flag pole brackets.

Tuesday Rides: (Meet at the Post at 6:00PM, depart at 6:30PM)
- August 11 – Cy’s Place, 425 N. Commercial, Sedgwick – Tony Beavers
- August 18 – Cheddar’s, 11711 E. 13th Street, Wichita – Pat Thacker
- August 25 – Larry Buds Sports Bar & Grill, 2120 N. Woodlawn, Wichita - Terri Lehman
- September 1 – Post 10, 15 W. 10th Street, Winfield – Doug Lehman
- September 8 – AJ Sports Grill, 3232 N. Rock Road, Wichita – Greg Bauer
- September 15 – Side Pockets, 600 S. Tyler, Wichita – Pat Thacker

50/50: Collected $114.00. Half ($57.00) won by Ron Vangas and donated to the VA Christmas Fund.

Meeting adjourned: 5:35PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, September 13, 3:00PM


Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman


SADDLEBAGS CAN NEVER HOLD EVERYTHING YOU WANT,
BUT THEY CAN HOLD EVERYTHING YOU NEED.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter - July 2009

ALR 136 Newsletter July 2009 www.alr136.com

Meeting called to order at 3:00PM: Total present: 65 (62 members and 3 guests).

Guests: Betty Jean Pulliam displayed a picture of a 1987 Wichita Eagle page listing the 625 Kansans who lost their lives in Vietnam. A representative from the American Diabetes Association briefed on their upcoming fundraiser on September 12th. More details at www.ripsbadride.com .

New Members: Ralph Cooper, Paula Olson, Debbie McDaniel, and Dane Nixon.

Minutes: Motion made to suspend reading of June minutes. Motion carried. Minutes posted for review.

Financial Report: Greg Bauer read the financial report. Financial report accepted as written.
NOTE: Welcomed back Monika and she thanked everyone for their prayers, gifts, phone calls, and cards.

Historian Report: In Mike St Clair’s absence, Doug Lehman outlined June’s 22 activities (9 funerals, 3 homecomings, 4 send offs, and 6 miscellaneous).

Fundraising Committee Chairperson: Asonjia Stewart advised that September 12th will be a Local ALR Fun Day (horseshoes and ladder golf). Also, Ron Vangas suggested we combine the fun day and make it a Veteran’s Appreciation Day. Committee will develop details.

Veteran’s Coordinator Corner:

- Terry Houck read a certificate presented to deployed member Charlie (Blacktop) Nguyen
- Reminded everyone of our August 2nd and December 6th Banana Run
- Advised that the Kansas Patriot Guard now has two website’s www.kspatriotguard.org and www.patriotguardks.org
- Had John Wilson and Dennis Scuffham speak on the proposed Vietnamese Memorial. Latest information at www.ksvac.info . Wichita City Council meeting Tuesday, July 14.

Commander’s Corner:

- Rick Babinger discussed Dan Cane’s medical situation and advised that the Legion purchased a scooter. The Ladies Auxiliary donated $200.00 towards the $1200.00 cost. Motion made to donate $500.00 to split the remaining cost. Motion carried.
- Briefed on flag replacement program for the Mulvane community, solicited help for Old Settler’s Day, and encouraged return of raffle tickets.

Director’s Corner and Old Business:

- Doug Lehman provided membership statistics - 193 members; 2 deployed (Nate Mesta and Charlie Nguyen).
- Discussed personal conduct at ALR and Patriot Guard events and stressed compliance
- Had Ron Vangas brief on Operation Troop Care. Next shipment of packages will be in August. Donations can be brought to next meeting. List of desired/acceptable items will be sent via email with Troop Support Ride flyer.
- Discussed Legacy Run donation and ALR Scholarship. Jerry Allen made a motion to donate $1000.00 to the Legacy Run and use the remaining $1000.00 of obligated money to create an ALR 136 Scholarship. Seconded by Dan Benson. Motion carried. Committee of Terry Houck, John Miranda, John Wilson, and Gary Schultz developed eligibility requirements: 1) Graduating child of an ALR 136 member (also applies to grand and great grand children), 2) Graduating child of a Veteran or active duty military in the Mulvane High School, 3) Graduating Mulvane High School student who is a child of a Mulvane Police Officer, Firefighter, or Emergency Services Personnel. Further details will be worked by committee.
- Ron Vangas briefed on the Adopt A Highway program and advised that our application was submitted June 23rd and is pending with the Winfield Department of Transportation. Mulvane Lions Club had previously adopted a portion of the Patriot Guard Highway but agreed to move further west to let us take care of the entire 3 ½ miles. Additional information forthcoming.

New Business/Discussion Items:

- Greg Bauer advised of planned rider safety course and had Ben Roloff and Andy Webb highlight riding guidelines and passed out general group riding instructions to new members. Training date to be announced.
- Ron (Radar) Brengman’s memory bars are available.

Tuesday Rides: (Meet at the Post at 6:00PM, depart at 6:30PM)

- July 14 – Golden Corral, East Wichita – in conjunction with homecoming
- July 21 – Bentley’s Corner Bar & Grill, 102 N. Wichita, Bentley – Doug Lehman
- July 28 – Felipe Junior’s, 9718 E. Harry, Wichita – Terri Lehman
- August 4 – Walt’s, 7732 E. Central, Wichita – Greg Bauer
- August 11 – Cy’s Place, 425 N. Commercial, Sedgwick – Tony Beavers

50/50: Collected $101.00. Half ($50.50) won by Dave Stewart. Other half goes to VA Christmas Fund.

Meeting adjourned: 4:39PM

Next Meeting: Sunday, August 9, 3:00PM


Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman


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