Robert Schlafke, Jr., D-8729L, 112 June Drive, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-3215 Tel: (954) 8731412, E-mail: [email protected];
December 2016MERRY CHRISTMAS
If you missed the meeting in Lakeland, you missed a really good time. If my count is correct, we had 66 members and guests. Brian & Natalie Vines, Don & Judy Rice, Jo & Janet Johansen, Richard & Sheila Whitman, Robert & Sandy Lara, John & Ceil Ferreira, Jack & Mariette Carey, Speedy & Suzie Gaspard, Jim Summerhill, Tom & Sieglinde Parker, Mike & MaryAnn Stover, Joe & Lyndsay Hastings, Tom & Ann Tomlin, Chris & Ginny Billingsley, John & Anna Fryer, Al & Patty Farnum, Frank Fowler, Ralph Bailey & Helen, Bob & Marianne Cherry, Ken & Angie Kilmer W/ Princess Bella, Ed Britt, Jimmy & Cretia Braddock, Don & Diana Augustin, Hal & Kay Slusher, Robert & Kathy Schflake, JD & Shirley Bath, William Haskell, Ray & Judy Drewry, Dave, Sue & Barbara Soucie, Pat Calafell & Guest, Russ & Emi Cummings, Larry Redmond, Ralph & Barbara Ormes, Pete Buscetto. We had some folks make an appearance but they could not stay for one reason or another: Cuc Foshee, Shirley Steele, Billy Waugh and Jim Day. Noel Hike was available on Friday. He spoke with a number of folks regarding their issues with the VA. We were missing a number of folks who signed up but could not attend. It was reported at the meeting the Phil & Joette Devon lost their daughter a few days prior to the meeting. Also, Chuck & Susie Clayton had a medical emergency with one of their parents and had to fly back to Iowa. They remain in our prayers.
JD & Shirley Bath put on a really good meeting. There was so much food and drink and cookies and brownies, etc. Then, for dinner Saturday night, there was: pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and cole slaw and potato salad and desserts. If you didn’t gain a pound or two, shame on you. Great chow.
Our guest for the evening was Pat Calafell. Pat is the President of Tampa Chapter 113 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Pat presented certificates of service to those members of Chapter XXI who served during the Vietnam War. This is in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the war. I have a number of certificates for members who did not attend the meeting and will make sure you get it.
Ed Britt was presented a couple of plaques honoring his service during the Son Tay raid. The plaques were made by our carpenter extraordinaire, Ken Kilmer. Ken was presented a plaque by the chapter for all he has contributed to the chapter. Thank you Ken. Additionally, Pat Calafell was presented a plaque from SFA in honor of her husband, Ray.
One thing I forgot to mention at the meeting is, next year is an election year. Your current slate of officers will have served out their two year commitment. We really need for you to step up and serve the chapter.
The winner of the SF art work was Bill Billings. He lives in Ropesville, TX.
A discussion has held as to the dates for the June meeting. It was decided to hold the meeting after the SFA convention. See upcoming events for the dates. I also put out a call for a volunteer for March. Russ Cummings and his wife Emi stepped forward. Russ told me they were going to try for the Clarion Hotel in Tampa, a place we have been to many times before.
UPCOMING EVENTSChristmas Day December 25New Years Day January 1Chapter XXI meeting March 10 11, 12 - Russ Cummings hostSFA Convention, Fayetteville June 12 – 17Chapter XXI meeting June 30, 1 & 2 July - Ken Kilmer hostChapter XXI meeting September 15, 16, 17 Cocoa Beach - Whitman & Stover Co-hostsChapter XXI meeting December 2017, Avon Park - Phil & Joette Devon hosts
Richard Whitman, President
Ken Kilmer & Ed Britt
Ken Kilmer & Richard Whitman
Sandy Lara & Mary Fagan
Richard & Pat Calafell
Health and Welfare ReportPer Tom Tomlin
1. Al Boman reports that Toni is responding fairly well with a new therapist. Al said she is walking stronger, although still having difficulty turning around. They both send a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. Hang in there Toni, you will do well.
2. Inge Caliandro (widow of Joe) We finally made contact with her son, Joseph. He had evacuated Inge to the Jacksonville area prior to the hurricane hitting St. Augustine. Inge's home and car were both extremely damaged. The home has to be gutted for total rebuilding. Joseph said the insurance company is working fairly well with them. Inge is doing well at this time and has relocated to an apartment in Jacksonville. New address: 3900 Old Field Drive, Apt 1202, Jacksonville, FL 32223. Inge sends a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to all. She would like to hear from friends, 904-719-9617.
A sad NOTE to add, Inge's sister, Ellie, whom many of us met when she attended meetings with Inge and Joe, passed away shortly after returning to Germany. Inge, Our Most Sincere Condolences.
3. Richard Wallace reports he is doing well. The last medical procedure on his spine has, so far, (2 months) worked very good relieving him of much pain. Richard, we all hope it works well for you. Richard apologized for missing the December meeting. He had a conflict of obligations.
************************************************************************ANNUAL DUES MEMBERS - 2017 DUES are now DUE
Although there is an grace period of 1 - 31 January, 2017, I advise not waiting this year to pay dues during the grace period. Due to the heavy storm damage to SFA HQ's and their relocation to temporary facilities, they are just now beginning to be able to start processing dues payments for 2017 (October forward). Cliff stated they have just processed a number of payments and will start getting the 2017 membership cards out soonest. NOTE: There will be an increase in annual dues premium starting next year. Annual dues will increase to $40.00. If you become delinquent, the reinstatement cost will be based on this increase.
Our Secretary/Assistant Secretary team, Speedy and Suzi Gaspard compiled and had printed the current Chapter roster. They have donated this cost of $318.47 to the Chapter. Thank you Suzi and Speedy for the generous Christmas gift.
DONATIONS DIRECT TO CHAPTER (MEETING)
Daniels, Bob 20.00 Fryer, John 20.00 Slusher, Hal 10.00
Waugh, Billy 100.00 Whitman, Richard 50.00
TOTAL 200.00
QUARTERMASTER’S CORNERWE HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR SALE IN OUR INVENTORY:
WALL PLAQUES SF Crest - $66.00
Three Tier SF Patch - $42.00 Two Tier SF Patch - $35.00
CAR MAGNETS - $7.00
PATCHES: CHAPTER XXI - $7.00
WETSU - $7.00
APPLIQUE: BERET w/ DAGGER - $5.00
CHAPTER XXI COIN - $15.00
USA FLAG - $10.00
REGIMENTAL FLAG - $35.00
WINDSHIELD SUN SHADE - $14.00 – only 1 left
LICENSE PLATE FRAMES - $15.00 - $7.00
SFA PINS: GOLD OR SILVER - $6.00
SFA LIFE MEMBER - $8.50
TIE TAC - $6.00
BOOKS:HE DIDN’T SAY GOODBYE - $20.00
STRANGER BROTHER - $20.00WAR STORIES OF THE GREEN BERET - $15.00
FIGHTING TODAYS WAR - $15.00
DECALS:SF PATCH - $2.50
CROSSED ARROWS - $2.50II CORP MF DECALS - $3.00
SM SF STRIP - $3.00CREST W/BERET & DAGGER - $3.00
SUPPORT SF - $3.00 NOT ALL HEROS WEAR TIGHTS AND CAPE - $3.00
SF SPECIAL BREED - $3.50LARGE SF STRIP - $4.00
POCKET INSERT WITH SFA FLASH AND 2 LINES TEXT FOR NAME AND CHAPTER - $25.00
