The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 14 March 2008, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Bill Henry with Compatriot Gary Smith giving the Invocation, followed by the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were eighteen compatriots: President Bill Henry, Vice President Ward White, Registrar Ron Risley, Treasurer Richard Caldwell, Past Presidents Steve Hurst and Hale Hamilton, Frank Budroe, Bob Taylor, Gary Smith, Chuck Bennett, Burt Jacobs, Gilbert Anema, Bob Colbern, Bill Hurley, Bill Bays, and associate members Garland Middleton, George Horne, and Ken Lynch. The seven guests included Mrs. Bernie Smith, Mrs. Willette Budroe, Mrs. Shirley Hamilton, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Jo Ann Bennett, Mrs. Elaine Colbern and grandson Garrett Colbern.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 8 February chapter meeting, which were approved as presented. The secretary then gave a short report on the Sea Cadet Good Citizenship award ceremony 9 Mar at Ventura County Navy Base Point Mugu.

The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer‘s report, which was approved as submitted.

The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. Membership applications for Gil Anema, Bill Bays and William Hurley have been approved by National SAR. The membership application for George Horne has been submitted to State SAR and is pending, while the membership applications for Leonard DeWitt, Edward Gafford, Garland Middleton and Kenneth Lynch (ancestor Pvt. William Gatton, Montgomery County, Maryland, militia) require additional information and are pending. The Associate Member application for Mark Collins is pending. The supplemental ancestor applications for Ward White (ancestor Pvt. Elkanah Doane of CT) and James Williams (ancestor Joseph D. Ray of MD) have been received at National SAR and are pending, while those for Gary Smith (ancestors Capt. Matthew Cole and Capt. Charles Baskins) have been submitted to CASSAR and are pending. The supplemental ancestor application for Bill Bays (ancestor Col. James Robertson of TN) will be submitted due to approval by National SAR of his initial membership application.

Other reports presented included:

Eagle Scout: Ron Risley reported two awards were provided for awarding to Jeffrey Briggs, Simi (12 Apr) and Jason Flahie, Oak Park (9 Jun).

Law Enforcement: Ron Risley reported the Law Enforcement Commendation medal is ready for presentation to Sheriff Bob Brooks when ceremony is scheduled by Dick Hawley and Bill Hurley.

JROTC: Ron Risley reported a certificate has been prepared for the USAF JROTC at the Oxnard High School award ceremony in May.

Bylaws: Ron Risley reported no recommended changes to the Bylaws have been received.

The three new members (Gil Anema, William Hurley and William Bays) and one associate member (Ken Lynch) were then presented to the chapter and sworn in.

Additional reports presented:

Chaplain’s report by Gary Smith: he has nothing to report, and again asked for information from the chapter membership when a need is known.

Recognition by Ward White: Ward was in the hospital sick and missed the Massing of the Colors ceremony 17 Feb. The Chapter was represented by compatriots Ron Risley, Gary Smith, and Steve Hurst. Steve Hurst gave a report of the event, and noted the public acknowledgement of the Chapter’s 25th consecutive appearance as a participant.

Management and Budget: Ward White had nothing to report.

Nominating: Steve Hurst had nothing to report.

Development: A volunteer for a chapter newsletter was again requested.

Old Business: None

New Business: None

Upcoming events were announced.

Next meeting (11 April): Nancy Kilburn will present “The Influence of the Indians on American Culture and Government”.

Memorial Day Observances: Ron Risley is the invited speaker for the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park services at 1100, at which the Chapter color guard will participate.

The meeting of 13 June will have the CASSAR president Karl Jacobs as guest speaker.

July 4th Independence Day events: none are currently known.

July 5-9: The NSSAR Congress will be held in Sacramento, CA.

The meeting of 11 July will feature Lockheed’s chief test pilot Tom Morgenfeld, who will present a briefing on the F-35 Joint Strikefighter.

The meeting of 8 Aug will feature member Dick McMullin, who will relate Spain’s role in the Revolutionary War.

Program: Bill Henry introduced the guest speaker, the Chapter’s own Steve Hurst, who presented an interesting and historical travelogue on his visits to India and the British Virgin Islands, titled “Revisiting the East and West of the Old British Empire”. Many interesting and relevant facts were presented, both local and as they impacted England during the Revolutionary War. Steve was presented with a certificate of thanks at the conclusion of his presentation, which was well received.

Closing: The meeting was adjourned following the SAR recessional and the benediction by Chaplain Smith.

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary.