The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 13 June 2008, in the Garden Room of the 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 fifteen compatriots: President Bill Henry, Vice President Ward White, Registrar Ron Risley, Treasurer Richard Caldwell, Past Presidents Steve Hurst, Dick Hawley and Hale Hamilton, Bill Bays, Dick McMullen, Burt Jacobs, Bill Hurley, Garland Middleton, Gary Smith, Bob Taylor and associate member Dave Bosworth. The twelve guests included our honored guest speaker Karl Jacobs, past president CASSAR, award honoree Nancy Kilbourn, and guests Mary Hurley, Gordon Dahl, Sunny McMullen, Lawana Godwin, Nancy Jacobs, Rosemarie Risley, Shirley Hamilton, Karen Bosworth, Rosalee Middleton, and Bernie Smith.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

• The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 9 May chapter meeting, which were approved as read. The Secretary also asked for e-mail address updates.
• The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer’s report, which was approved as submitted.
• The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. Louis Kreuzer of Ventura has asked to join SAR, and Ron was able to provide a break-through in the 1850 census for his ancestor research. Dr. Robert Jordan’s application was resent to CASSAR 23 May. Kenneth Lynch’s application was resent to NSSAR 8 May. Nathan Nguyen’s application was resent to NSSAR 28 May, while Garrett Colbern’s Youth application was submitted to CASSAR 25 May. Bill Bays’ application was received by NSSAR 23 May, and a supplemental application for Gary Smith has been submitted. Applications for George Horne and Dave Bosworth are pending. Ron reported on the 2 June passing of long-time member Edward G. Holt, in whose honor the chapter’s flag was flown at half-staff. He was a WW II veteran who landed at Normandy on D Day. President Henry commended Ron for his report and thoroughness as Registrar. The Chaplain Gary Smith reported he had sent a get-well card to Willette Budroe, due to her recent surgery.

Standing committee reports:

• Garland Middleton reported on the Memorial Day event at Ivy Lawn, who thanked Bill Henry for the laying of the wreath and Ron Risley for his keynote address. 1500 or more were estimated to have attended, and the Star carried an article. On 31 May there was an award ceremony at the VFW for people who folded the flags after the services. Bill Henry thanked Garland for his dedicated service in this endeavor. Garland is currently working on restoring the flags, and has a replacement list. Garland stated $3000 is required, and has received some donations. The chapter approved a donation of $100 for the restoration of the flags.
• Recognition: Ward announced the award ceremony today, and thanked Ron for his efforts in arranging the event. The Spirit of America awards were presented to the middle schools of Camarillo. Ward White reported on his presentations at Santa Rosa School, Gary Smith on Las Colinas, Ron Risley on Monte Vista, and Bob Taylor on Las Primeros.
• Development: Ron Risley reported there are 24 awards to be presented at the annual awards presentation. There are 6 Eagle Scout awards for June. The Color Guard participated in the Memorial Day ceremony at Ivy Lawn. The Conejo Valley DAR has 5 prospective new members from our chapter. Our chapter continues to grow through word of mouth and the website. Ward White is doing a good job with Publicity, and Lawana Godwin was commended for her efforts in publicizing our chapter events.

Bylaws: Nothing to report.

Nominating: Steve Hurst reported the slate is complete for next year, except for missing a nominee for Treasurer.

Additional reports: None

Old Business: Nian-Sheng Huang, Professor at CSUCI, has provided a 35-page summary regarding Benjamin Franklin to the chapter.

New Business: None

Annual Award Ceremony: The award ceremony was conducted, with Karl Jacobs, past CASSAR president, and chapter president Henry presenting the awards, and Ron Risley acting as adjutant. The following Chapter awards were presented: Lawana Godwin (certificate of appreciation); Bernie Smith (Martha Washington Medal); Nancy Kilbourn (Medal of Appreciation); Rosemarie Risley (Daughters of Liberty Medal); Richard Hawley for Messrs Harris and Bernt (Flag Certificates); Bob Colbern (Certificate of Meritorious Service); Harry Brown & Richard McMullen (Outstanding Citizenship Award); Alan Buckley, Steve Hurst, Gary Smith, Hale Hamilton, Bob Taylor (bronze Color Guard Medals); Alan Buckley, Richard Caldwell, Ron Risley (Bronze Good Citizenship Medals), Ward White (Compatriot of Year); Dick Hawley, Bob Taylor, Steve Hurst (Meritorious Service Medals); Bob Taylor (Military Service Medal); Bill Henry (Silver Good Citizenship Medal).

Program: President Henry introduced the guest speaker, CASSAR Past President Karl Jacobs, who presented a program regarding the Sister City program, its origins, and specifically the efforts of El Segundo towards its Sister City, Guaymas, Mexico. The program was well-presented and well received. The next program will be held 11 July, and will feature Tom Morganfeld, Chief Test Pilot for the F-35 Strike Fighter.

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

Respectfully submitted
Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary