The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 10 April 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 thirteen compatriots: President Ward White, Vice President Bob Taylor, Registrar George Horne, Treasurer Bill Bays, Past Presidents Bill Henry, Steve Hurst, and Ron Risley, Chaplain Gary Smith, Richard Caldwell, Bill Hurley, Bob Colbern, Lou Kreuzer, and Garland Middleton. The six guests included Ms. Vickie Schmaeman (compatriot Joel Schmaeman’s mother), Mr. & Mrs. Steve Stocks (Ginger), and compatriots’ wives Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, and Mrs. Bernie Smith.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

Vice President Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 13 February and 13 March chapter meetings, which were approved as read.

Treasurer Bill Bays presented the financial report. It was recommended the name of the report preparer be placed on the report, which was made a motion and approved.

George Horne presented the registrar’s report. Garland Middleton’s application was approved and certificate has been received. An additional two supplemental applications for Garland have been submitted, in addition to a DAR application for his wife, Rosalee, which is at DAR National. The applications for Eric Stassforth, Travis King, and Rick Manzer have been submitted and are pending, with Eric’s being at NSSAR.

Old Business:

Bill Henry announced the Knight’s Essay winner, Joseph Roberts of Camarillo, who was presented with a certificate and bronze citizenship medal, secured 3rd place in the State competition, and has obtained a 4-year scholarship to UCLA.

Color Guard participation at the Reagan Library is awaiting their input of possible dates.

Garland Middleton reminded the chapter of upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. Several US flags have been “rendered” (destroyed), and 10 additional flags ordered, thanks to chapter financial support. The US flags will be on display 23-30 May, with setup 23 May. Assistance requested for setup and take down of flags. A buffet will be provided by the BPO Elks lodge 1430 after the services 25 May, and after the flag removal 30 May. An awards ceremony is planned for 30 May.

Steve & Ginger Stocks were introduced. Steve served in the USCG during WW II in the New Guinea area, and was at the luncheon to hear Dick McMullen speak on that subject. Unfortunately, Dick is sick, following his return from Mexico, and is recuperating at home. The Stocks will be notified when Dick is recovered enough to present his program.

Garland Middleton was presented with his membership certificate and sworn into the SAR by President White. Prior to the ceremony, Ron Risley was asked to report on the task of obtaining the necessary documentation for Garland, which, being located in the southern US, were difficult to obtain. During his search, Ron located two additional qualifying ancestors, and supplemental applications have been submitted. Garland was presented by a gold good citizenship medal from the chapter prior to NSSAR restrictions.

Bob Colbern reported he has obtained the names for ROTC awards from Oxnard High School, and will obtain the names from Port Hueneme High School.

Bill Hurley reminded members of the upcoming 9 May Conejo Valley Genealogical Society meeting with Barb Rennick.

President White reminded the chapter of the CASSAR meeting next week, and requested possible attendees. Dick Hawley has a motion for the meetings and will be attending.

Ron Risley announced the new Distinguished Service Award, which will be bestowed on Frank Budroe for his many years of SAR service to this Chapter.

During lunch, Rosemarie Risley continued her welcome practice of conducting a raffle to award chocolate eggs and bunnies for Easter. Winners were Richard Caldwell, Bill Bays and the Stocks.

Program: Ron Risley presented a program titled “On the Road to Tomorrow”, pertaining to the future of SAR and the reasons for its existence. His program was interrupted by an acknowledgment of his 72nd birthday.

Next Meeting: Friday, 8 May 2009. Speaker will be Rosemarie Risley, who will speak regarding her childhood memories of WW II in Germany.

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.