The
President and the Board enjoin you to provide suggestions and comments
that we may use to formulate the Chapter’s direction and activities in
the coming year.
The annual Chapter picnic was celebrated in town again
this year. Previously we had gone to the Morgan’s cabin in Vallecitos,
CO. Admiral Black and Marge had offered the Kokopelli Cave for the event
this summer. However, the picnic committee met with Bruce at the site and
decided that the area would preclude a too many of the members from
attending since the cave is difficult to access. Instead of the cave, the
picnic was held at Al & Heidi Garcia’s one-acre mini-camp site
within the city limits.
The planning committee, composed of Peggy Morgan, Helen
Mealer, Heidi Garcia, Eileen White, Bruce Black, Earl Mealer, and Al
Garcia, are hereby applauded for a “job well done.”
Of the 51 individuals who responded that they would
attend, 49 were present. There are 42 members and 33 spouses on the
chapter roster, meaning that 65% of the membership and their spouses
attended. We consider that a hugely successful turn out. We missed those
of you who were not able to attend, and understood that summers are
intended for vacations, cruises, family reunions, etc.
The picnic is a social event and everyone had a good
time. The food was provided through potluck contributions, couples
attending shared a favorite dish. The main course, barbecue beef, was
catered by the Spare Rib Restaurant. We enjoyed the food, drinks, and just
plain ol’ visitin’. The military social spirit and camaraderie was
evident. Even the weatherman decided to provide a breeze, cooling day that
had been 90 degrees plus. The evening was very pleasant.
We heartily thank Earl and Helen Mealer who provided
the drinks. And, lastly, we appreciate Heidi’s efforts for accommodating
our group in her home and Al for fixing up the picnic area in the
backyard.
We look forward with great anticipation toward next
year’s SUMMER PICNIC!
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I went into my Congressman's office to see if he would
hear, He cleared his throat and mumbled that; "We don't help veterans
here." His staff they seemed embarrassed, some seemed fit to die, So
I left still seeking help, and as I went, said I:
Oh its veteran this, and veteran
that, and "veteran go away",
But its "Thank you, my brave
soldier", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my
friends, the band begins to play,
But we only hear it once a
year, just on Memorial Day.
So I went to see my Senator with hopes that he could
see, But he was far too busy, to see the veteran likes of me. Instead he
sent me packing, as if I were a bore, But when it's time to fight again,
he'll send me off to war!
For it's veteran this and veteran
that, and "veteran step aside";
But it's special thanks for
veterans, when we're trying to save their hide.
When they have to send you over,
and away from your new bride,
Then we're something really
special, when we have to save your hide.
Sure, it's easy to mock the soldier, who guards you
when you sleep, You don't have to pay them much, and there's no promises
you must keep; So send them off and wish them well, or maybe hope they
will die, For it's easier to pay the benefits then, than if they linger by
and by.
Then it's veteran this, and veteran
that, and "veteran, how are you?"
But then it's "the budget just
won't stand it", and "I can't remember you,"
It's "I'm busy, and the
country can't afford to keep its promise true,
Yes, it's "Sorry but I'm busy
and broke, and can't keep my word to you."
We aren't all war time heroes, nor are we lesser
citizens too, We're just simple folks, who did our duty, as fully expected
by you; And if we aren't men of influence, who wear the fancy pants, Maybe
it was a cost of service that we never got the chance.
Now it's veteran this, and veteran
that, and "veteran step aside",
But it was " Do your duty,
serve and suffer" when we had to save your hide,
There's trouble in the wind, my
friends, there's trouble in the wind,
We're all tired of broken promises;
yes there's trouble in the wind.
You talked of better care for us, and jobs and doctors,
and all; We've waited for what you promised, and we've been rational.
Don't play politics and make excuses, or throw it in our face. Your many
broken promises are your country's great disgrace.
It's still veteran this, and
veteran that, and "Forget about the Brute!"
But it's still "Savior of our
country" when the guns begin to shoot;
And it's veteran this, and veteran
that, and anything you please;
But the veteran's not a total fool
- Please know the veteran sees
and Colonel Dan has a thousand eyes and a thousand
hands, they will respond when you are blind.
Top
Top
The summer break from meetings and activities is coming
to an end this month. Your Board of Directors will be meeting on August 16
to develop a blueprint for the coming year’s activities.
Most of you understand the goals and objectives of TROA
and you have an idea of how we fit into the scheme of things. We are doing
the right things to continue to grow and create a good Chapter. But we
need help from all members; we need feedback from you.
You know how to get hold of each of the Chapter
Officers and Board of Directors. We need to hear from you before our next
meeting. For example, what are your ideas for:
