Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Chapter Meeting Notes - 16 March 2013

Border Patrol SOG EXPO 2013: Scheduled for 30 April (1200-1700) and 1 May (0700-1700). Need 10 volunteers, all day for the event. There will also be a Golf Tournament at Butterfield Trails on 30 April at 0800 for the expo.

8th Annual CSM(R) John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Chairman Greg Brown. Tournament will be on 7 September at the FT Bliss Underwood course. We will need the same sort of golf bag giveaway items as in the past for 100 participants, and raffle prizes. Prizes for winners will be the same as in the past. Greg handed out fliers. Committee Meetings will start in April at 1200 before the general meeting.

Rest and Relaxation (R&R) Center FT Bliss: AD Soldiers still meet on Monday’s from 1100 hrs to 1600 hrs in Bldg. 48 at Fort Bliss. Chapter donates $200 each month for arts and crafts.

SFA National 2013 in San Antonio: In June our close friends in SFA 15 are hosting the convention and we need to support them. The HQ hotel is sold out but they secured an additional 100 rooms at the El Tropicano Hotel (877-214-9768). It is located a few blocks away from the Hyatt Regency but is still on the Riverwalk. It is a great deal at the $106.00 rate plus free full breakfast, free parking, and free wi-fi. A city bus shuttle that will take you to the main hotel is available in front of the Tropicano every 15 minutes, plus a river taxi is also available. Some are staying at rooms at the O’Brien Historic Riverwalk Hotel, thru Choice Hotels (800/521-2121) and if the 100 additional rooms fill up this may be the only reasonably priced option. Their rooms are available at $85 a night with $15 parking fee for the week. It is within walking or boating distance. Send in your registration form which can be downloaded at http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/about/membership/2012-sfa-convention/

Soldier Mentors Program: Mentor program is in progress with the El Paso Courts system for Soldiers who have no violent offenses for 8-12 months.

Veterans Summit: Al reported that 38 organizations are now involved. They are building a co-op. FT Bliss is very involved.

Bataan Death March Water Point: Chapter supported the SFA 80 Bataan water point again this year on 17 March. Attending from SFA 9 were President Pete Peral and Trini, VP Steve Franzoni and Monica, Leo Enriquez, Joe “China Boy” Lopez and Tony Beltran marched the half marathon. See picture of Monica Franzoni and Leo Enriquez at the SFA Chapter Water Point, below:



Food Drive Classroom Supplies: Chapter voted to give 3 classes $100 each for their support of the annual SFA 9 Food Drive.

Boy Scouts: Gay Rights have forced the issue with the BSA to allow gays to serve as leaders. No National decision has been made but each Council sent out a survey to all sponsors asking if we would support them if the decision is made to allow gays. Discussion and Roy moved that, “Chapter 9 support Pack 58 no matter what - for as long as there is a BSA.” Passed, 2 objections. Bill filled out the survey since he is the Chartered Representative.

Message from President Pete’s Oval Office:

First, I want to remind every person who is a member in good standing with VFW Post 812 to be there Saturday, 6 April at 1000 for the voting of officers. (Fish Fry is this Sunday) Moose is continuing as the Commander and I’ll continue as the Sr. Vice. Chapter 9 has a vested interested in the post as it is our home too. We are looking for a quartermaster for the VFW also so if you would like to run let me know. It’s a full time job so be prepared.

It was brought to my attention at last month’s meeting that we as an organization voted to NOT allow politics or politicians to be brought up during our meeting. I do not remember that vote but if it is true then I apologize for my part in the discussion. This will be a topic at the next meeting. I want to thank those who attended Richard’s services. His wife Linda and his family were very thankful for the military aspect of what was brought to the table.

The SOG Expo is less than a month away and I need to start collecting a list of volunteer’s for the event. I need 5 volunteers from 1300-1600 on April 30th and 10 volunteers on May 1st from 0700 to 1700. If you can only stay for a certain time frame let me know and I’ll plug you in.

As mentioned above, the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) is hosting its first golf tournament and I’m helping get them started. The tournament is on 12 April with a tee time of 0900. Please support if you can.

De Oppresso Liber!

Pete

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