The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 13 March 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 fifteen compatriots: President Ward White, Registrar George Horne, Secretary Gil Anema, Treasurer Bill Bays, Past Presidents Bill Henry, Steve Hurst, and Hale Hamilton, Chaplain Gary Smith, Richard Caldwell, Eric Stassforth, Ken Lynch, Harry Brown, Richard McMullen, Ed Holt, and Garland Middleton. The eleven guests included guest Navy Captain/Chaplain Bob Young and compatriots’ wives Mrs. Shirley Hamilton, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Bernie Smith, Dr. Sunny McMullen, and Mrs. Marion Brown.

Guest Navy Captain/Chaplain Bob Young: Provided reflections on Service in Iraq and Afghanistan. An enlightening review of the actions and expectations; including the bravery of the American allies. Iraq has been pacified; the purpose now is to allow the people to run their own democracy. The focus is now returning to Afghanistan and Kandahar, the birthplace of the Talaban.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Secretary Gil Anema postponed reading the minutes of the 13 February chapter meeting until the next meeting.

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

George Horne presented the registrar’s report. Eleven potential members and supplemental applications pending – the largest in one month to date.

President White presented Gil Anema with his supplemental ancestor certificate (Alexander Tucker).

Old Business:
The annual Massing of the Colors, 22 February 2009 at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn, was well represented. However, the mortar did not fire.

New Business:
Ronald Reagan library is interested in the chapter Color Guard supporting various events. Ward White will investigate further.

Program: Suzanne Lawrence, Ventura County Museum, provided an interesting account of “100 years of Ventura County History” in period clothing through the eyes of her early ancestors; arrival and experiences.

Next Meeting: Friday, 10 April 2009. Speaker will be Compatriot Richard McMullen “Papua New Guinea & Other World War II Pacific Theater Sites”.

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

Respectfully submitted by,

Gil Anema, Chapter Secretary.