The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 9 January 2009, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Ward White with Compatriot Frank Budroe giving the Invocation, followed by the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were eighteen compatriots: President Ward White, Vice President Bob Taylor, Registrar George Horne, Secretary Gil Anema, Treasurer Bill Bays, Past Presidents Bill Henry and Hale Hamilton, Ron Rislry, Richard Caldwell, Robert Jordan, Frank Budroe, Harry Brown, Burt Jacobs, Bill Hurley, Bob Colbern, Ed Holt, Richard McMullen, and Garland Middleton. The eight guests included one prospective compatriot Eric Strassforth, and compatriots’ wives Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Shirley Hamilton, Mrs. Willette Budroe, Dr. Sunny McMullen, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Nancy Jacobs and Mrs. Barbara Brown.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Past Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 12 December chapter meeting, which were approved as read.

Treasurer Bill Bays presented the financial report, which was approved as read.

Chaplain Gary Smith was absent.

Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. The revised annual membership dues report was high-lighted. The Chapter currently contains 60 members, of whom 16 are life members with no dues responsibilities, 1 exempt, and 6 members were dropped from the roles due to non-payment of dues. Ron is currently working on proving patriot ancestors for Hale Hamilton’s son-in-law, Eric Strassforth, Darian Taylor (for DAR membership) and Robert Taylor (Andrew Taylor).

Other reports:

Executive Committee: President White will schedule a separate meeting.

President White passed a sign-up sheet for monthly presentations.

Absences for this meeting included past Presidents Dick Hawley, who is currently on a cruise of the Caribbean; and Steve Hurst, who is arranging for long-term home care of his mother, who is recovering from heart surgery.

Old Business: None.

New Business: The annual Massing of the Colors is scheduled for 22 February 2009, and the Chapter’s color guard will be participating. For those members interested in obtaining uniforms, Bob Taylor has order forms.

Program: President White presented the History Channel DVD “George Washington the Warrior”, which was an extremely well-done accounting of Washington’s military career in the service of England, and then the United States during the Revolutionary War. Of note was his decision to step down following victory, showing his determination to cultivate the open freedom of this nation.

Closing: The meeting was adjourned following the SAR recessional and the benediction by Frank Budroe’s wife, Willette.

Respectfully submitted by,

Gil Anema, Chapter Secretary.