The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 13 February 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 Chaplain Gary Smith giving the Invocation, followed by the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were twenty-one compatriots: President Ward White, Vice President Bob Taylor, Registrar George Horne, Treasurer Bill Bays, Past Presidents Bill Henry, Steve Hurst, Ron Risley, Dick Hawley, and Hale Hamilton, Chaplain Gary Smith, Richard Caldwell, Burt Jacobs, Bill Hurley, Ken Lynch, David Bosworth, Bob Colbern, Lou Kreuzer, Eric Stassforth, Travis King, Rick Manzer, and Garland Middleton. The eleven guests included potential member Warren Nelson and his wife, Maria (guests of compatriot Hale Hamilton), Robert Dempster, Ms. Vickie Schmaeman (compatriot Joel Schmaeman’s mother), compatriots’ wives Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Shirley Hamilton, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Darian Taylor, Mrs. Bernie Smith, Mrs. Elaine Colbern, Mrs. Karen Bosworth.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Past Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 9 January chapter meeting, which were approved as corrected.

Treasurer Bill Bays presented the financial report, which was approved as read, following discussion on CDs.

George Horne presented the registrar’s report. Garland Middleton’s application is awaiting approval by NSSAR. The applications for Eric Stassforth, Travis King, and Rick Manzer have been submitted and are pending. The supplemental certificates for Gil Anema and David Bosworth have been approved by NSSAR. The active registrar records were transferred by Ron Risley to George Horne today, but Ron as Chapter Historian will retain the inactive records.

President White presented David Bosworth with his supplemental ancestor certificate (Daniel Driggs), and associate member certificates to compatriots Eric Stassforth, Travis King, and Richard Manzer.

Old Business:
The annual Massing of the Colors, scheduled for 22 February 2009 at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn, was discussed. Bob Taylor will organize, and Steve Hurst, Hale Hamilton, Gary Smith and Bob Taylor will form the color guard. Bill Hurley will attend.
Bill Henry announced the Knight’s Essay winner was Joseph Roberts of Camarillo, who will be presented with a certificate and bronze citizenship medal.

New Business:
Dick Hawley announced the upcoming CASSAR annual meetings are scheduled for 16-19 April and will be held in Costa Mesa, CA, at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel ($99 rate). He also recommended that the opening protocol of shaking hands be discontinued due to the current epidemic of MSRA and flu.
Ron Risley proposed a special tribute for Frank Budroe for his many years of SAR service to this Chapter. The motion was made and the Executive Committee will act on the proposal.

Other Reports:
Bill Hurley reported on the Law Enforcement Committee, requesting nominations for awards. Judges and anyone associated with law enforcement are eligible.

Ward White stated a book prepared by the Society of Cincinnati regarding the Revolutionary War is available from NSSAR, and suggested it be available for possible distribution as an award. The membership can order the book.

Bill Hurley reminded members of the upcoming Conejo Valley Genealogical Society meeting with Barb Rennick. Cost is $30 now, and $35 at the meeting.

Program: President White presented a well-researched program on the plight of the American military personnel as Prisoners-of-War (POW) of the British. The American POWs were considered by the British to be terrorists, and were largely treated as such by their captors. The various prisons, both land and ship, were described, as were the actions of the British provost marshal, Capt. William Cunningham.

Next Meeting: Friday, 13 March 2009. Speaker will be Susan Turner, Ventura County Museum, who will speak on the topic of 100 years of Ventura County history.

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

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert Taylor for Gil Anema, Chapter Secretary.