Chapter Meeting Notes - 19 January 2013

Members in Distress: With several Chapter members in the hospital or recovering from sicknesses, surgeries or injuries, the Chapter needs 100% accountability to make sure we are in the loop and not let a brother get sick or pass without our knowledge.

SOG EXPO 2013: The Chapter will support the Border Patrol Special Operations Group Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Expo, 30 April - 1 May 2013, with 10 volunteers, all day for the event. There will also be a Golf Tournament at Butterfield 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 are paying the insurance for the hole in one. We will need the same sort of golf bag give away items as in the past for 100 participants, and raffle prizes. Prizes for winners will be the same as in the past.

“Isaac Camacho, an American Hero” written by Billy Waugh’s, is still available. Website http://www.isaaccamachoamericanhero.com.

Relaxation (R&R) Center FT Bliss: 1st Armor Division Soldiers started a new class and still meet on Monday’s from 1100 hrs to 1600 hrs in Bldg. 48 at FT Bliss. Chapter donates $200 each month for arts & crafts.

SFA National Convention 2013 in San Antonio: In June our close friends in SFA 15 are hosting the convention and we need to support them. We are sponsoring a hole for their Golf Tournament and will assist them where needed with manpower. 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. This is a military friendly hotel. 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.

3rd SF Group Party: The Chapter hosted a party at VFW 812 for elements of the 3rd SFG(A) including one, ODA A-2012, from 20th SFG Group who were at Fort Bliss conducting pre-mission training.

TAPS: Adolfo Fernandez Jr. PHD (M-5915) and COL(RET) Sigurd Bue (non member) passed away in El Paso in December and January respectively. TAPS notices were sent out by the Secretary and will be in the upcoming DROP.

VFW Membership: Reinstatement and new applications to the VFW is half price for the month of February so if you are not a member of a VFW now’s the time to do it. Cost is $11.50 for an annual membership.