The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 9 May 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, Hale Hamilton, and Richard Hawley, Frank Budroe, Bob Taylor, Gary Smith, Burt Jacobs, Bob Colbern, Bill Hurley, Bill Bays, and associate members Garland Middleton, Ken Lynch, David Bosworth, and George Horne. The seventeen guests included our guest speaker, Dr. Nian-Sheng Huang, Dennis and Natalie Derr, Walt and Marlene Wait, Mrs. Karen Bosworth, Ted and Janet Dibble, Garold, Joyce and Ben Faber, Mrs. Nancy Jacobs, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Shirley Hamilton, Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Elaine Colbern, and Mrs. Bernie Smith.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

• The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 11 April chapter meeting, which were approved as presented.
• The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer‘s report, which was approved as submitted.
• Ron Risley and Dick Hawley presented a report on the California SAR (CASSAR) spring meeting in Concord. Both Dick Hawley and Mrs. Bernis Smith were winners in the raffles, which netted $1000. Our chapter was presented with an award for the most supplemental and associate members.
• The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. Membership applications for David Bosworth and George Horne were forwarded to NSSAR. Membership application for Dr. Robert Jordan (ancestor Mark Snow, MA Militia) was submitted to CASSAR and is pending.
• President Henry presented associate memberships to Dr. Jordan (in absentia) and Dave Bosworth, followed by a supplemental ancestor certificate to Ward White (ancestor Pvt. Elkanah Doane of CT). Ward White was also presented with the Military Service Medal for his service in the armed forces.
• Memorial Day plans were discussed. Garland Middleton discussed the plans for the ceremonies at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, where Maj. Ron Risley, USAF Ret., will be the keynote speaker. The ceremony will be conducted 26 May, starting at 1045. This is Garland’s 37th year at the park. Col. Robert Colbern will be laying a wreath, as will Bill Henry for the chapter. The chapter color guard of Hale Hamilton, Steve Hurst and Bob Taylor will be participating. Gary Smith will participate at the Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, and will also lay a wreath for the chapter.

Other reports presented included:

• Chaplain Gary Smith, recently returned from South America, presented the Chaplain’s report. Noted was Richard Caldwell’s recent hospitalization for health issues (clot).
• Recognition: Ward requested nominations for medal awards.
• Development: Ron Risley had nothing new to report.
• Eagle Scout: Ron Risley reported he has presented one award, and received an additional nomination to bring the pending awards back to five.
• Spirit of America: Ron Risley reported he had been contacted by the Pleasant Valley School District for presentations at their four middle schools in early June. All school districts are eligible for these awards. Bob Taylor is to coordinate.
• Newsletter: needs again noted.
• Ron Risley was pleased to report the Santa Barbara chapter has been revitalized and is again active. Ron is sending the applications received to them.
• Management and Budget: Ward White requested a volunteer to serve as the chapter liaison with the Children of the American Revolution.
• Nominating: Steve Hurst reported on status for next year’s slate.

Old Business: None

New Business: Dick Hawley nominated two neighbors, both Korean War veterans, for the flag certificate, based on their faithful and correct display of the American flag.

Program: Bill Henry introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Nian-Sheng Huang, professor at CSUCI, who presented his dissertation on the impact of Benjamin Franklin on the Chinese nation and people, even during the Cultural Revolution. At the conclusion, President Henry presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

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

Respectfully submitted by,
Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary.