Excalibur Chapter 176
May 3, 2006
Dear Members:
Is it just my imagination, or has this year started off way too fast? At least we’re not having the super high temperatures already and are enjoying a pleasant spring. Just keep praying for some needed rain.
The Chapter lost a member since the last newsletter. Alex Ortega passed away from a long battle against cancer. Our sympathies go out to Juanita and her family. Alex was always there when we needed a helping hand. He is sorely missed.
Before I get into the chapter activities, I want to warn everyone that there seems to be an over-population of rattlesnakes in west Texas this year. Some of you know that my husband, SgtMaj. Troy Hensley was recently bit and was hospitalized over Easter weekend. It was a blessing in (a very weird) disguise because they found he needed a pacemaker. He’s still recuperating but wants me to pass on our heartfelt thanks for all the visits, prayers and phone calls he received over the past 2 weeks. We are truly blessed within the NCOA family!
Back to the Chapter! The Annual TET Reunion was a great success again this year. Well over 500 people came (including one from Alaska – I forgot to ask how he got the word!) and the guest speaker was the Dyess Base Commander. Everyone was very impressed with him and the USO show that followed was great. The cast gets better every year. It’s amazing how many volunteers turn out to help put on the largest TET reunion in the United States! It’s always the first Saturday in February so mark you calendars now!
C
Excalibur Chapter Officers
Chairman: Carl Johnson Vice Chairman: Don Holland
Secretary: Vicky Hensley Treasurer: Sharon Gavin
Trustees: Jerrid Caverly, Bill Toornburg, Bob Rohr
Special Advisor: Troy Hensley, Past Grand Knight
Lady Guinevere Auxiliary Chairman: Gloria Martinez
ongratulations go out to one of our members! Downing Bolls, broadcaster with KRBC-TV, Channel 9, in Abilene was recently honored by Abilene City Council and the Mayor’s Office with a proclamation stating that April 25th was “Downing Bolls Day”. He was recognized for his 30 years of providing news to the citizens of Abilene and the surrounding areas. Way to go, Downing! I believe it’s a first for one of our members!
ongratulations go out to one of our members! Downing Bolls, broadcaster with KRBC-TV, Channel 9, in Abilene was recently honored by Abilene City Council and the Mayor’s Office with a proclamation stating that April 25 was “Downing Bolls Day”. He was recognized for his 30 years of providing news to the citizens of Abilene and the surrounding areas. Way to go, Downing! I believe it’s a first for one of our members!
ongratulations go out to one of our members! Downing Bolls, broadcaster with KRBC-TV, Channel 9, in Abilene was recently honored by Abilene City Council and the Mayor’s Office with a proclamation stating that April 25 was “Downing Bolls Day”. He was recognized for his 30 years of providing news to the citizens of Abilene and the surrounding areas. Way to go, Downing! I believe it’s a first for one of our members!
There really hasn’t been much aside from our normal meetings and the monthly projects that some of our members regularly participate with. We have made some more presentations to deserving WWII veterans of the NCOA WWII Remembrance Medallion. If you know of anyone who hasn’t received theirs, contact a board member. On to upcoming events.
Our April meeting was delayed by a week and we hope everyone who regularly attends got the word in time. As of the writing of this, there are no anticipated changes in the meeting dates for May, June or July. In May, in addition to Mothers’ Day (DON’T FORGET!), we have the annual Memorial Day services at Elmwood Cemetery on US Highway 277 South. These are normally held at 9:00 AM and don’t last too long but we need to take the time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
In June, we have Flag Day on June 14th. It’s a time for those of you who don’t regularly fly a flag to show it off. Also, certain organizations have a flag burning ceremony to dispose of unserviceable flags. Usually these are the American Legion and the Boy Scouts. Flags are not to be disposed of by an individual. To help collect unserviceable flags, we have received a collection box that will be repainted and used to collect flags from the general public. The location of this box is yet to be determined but it will be in a prominent place where everyone has access to it. Just drop the flag off and we’ll handle turning it over to a group who will take care of the disposal. We’ll have more in the next newsletter.
The annual NCOA business meeting will be held in San Antonio at the same hotel we were at last year. The dates are August 11th & 12th. There will be a rat pack initiation so don’t forget to sign up as many members as you can! If you are a member of the Knights of the Square Table, and you will not be able to attend, you must write a letter to the Grand Knight explaining why you will not be able to attend. This must be into Headquarters prior to the meeting. It’s a great way to meet other NCOA members from all over the world and see how each member has a say in our future.
SAVE THOSE CANS!!!
Remember to save your aluminum cans. Proceeds from their sale will be donated to the NCOA Disaster Relief Fund at the next convention. Just bring them to a meeting in a plastic bag (crushed or uncrushed) and someone will take it from there. The Disaster Fund is used to help members in need due to a natural disaster like the hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast.
CONTACT US!
We are making every effort to include all the news about the Excalibur Chapter and about our activities in Abilene. To help you keep me informed of any special event or news, please contact me at TroyandVicky@aol.com (make sure you put NCOA or Excalibur Chapter in the subject line) or call me at (325) 743-2195 (not long distance from Abilene).
BINGO ANYONE?
For those of you who like to play bingo, remember to play so that it benefits our Chapter. We sponsor bingo games at the Ambler Bingo on Sunday evening at 6:00 P.M. (1st session), Wednesday evening at 8:30 P.M. (2nd session), and Friday evening at 6:00 P.M. (1st session). This is the primary source of funds for our chapter and attendance is way down. As long as you’re going to play, why not help the NCOA? If you haven’t come out yet but would like to try your luck, there’s always experienced players who are willing to guide you. And you never know, it may be your lucky evening!!!
CERTIFIED MERCHANTS
Most of you are aware of the National Certified Merchants Program sponsored by the NCOA. Some of these merchants include Lens Crafters and FedEx. We also have many local merchants willing to give all NCOA members a discount for their services. They are listed in each newsletter along with the discount you will receive. We encourage all members to take advantage of this program. You must show your NCOA membership card to receive your discount. The Certified Merchant Coordinator is Pat Gursky and she is assisted by Bob Wessels. If you know of any business that would like to be included, please call her at 692-7223. And make sure you express your thanks to any certified merchants you utilize! Let them know we appreciate their support. WE HAVE THE #1 CERTIFIED MERCHANT PROGRAM WITHIN NCOA! LATELY, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW CERTIFIED MERCHANTS EVERY MONTH!
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Don’t forget to keep track of your volunteer hours. They don’t have to be at an NCOA sponsored event. Such things as delivering Meals on Wheels, helping at a nursing home or anything you do that helps others can count. We record these hours and submit them to headquarters on a regular basis. Because of our Federal Charter, they are also recorded in the Congressional Record. This is one case where we need everyone to blow his or her own horn. A sign up sheet is available at all general membership meetings. If you are unable to attend any meeting, use the form below and send it to the address on the newsletter envelope.
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Name: ____________________________________ Member #: _______________
Activity: Hours:
_________________________________________________ _______
_________________________________________________ _______
_________________________________________________ _______
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 8th (Mon.): Excalibur Chapter Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 (across from Dyess), all members welcome.
May 14th (Sun.): HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!
May 19th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N. 3rd Street, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!
May 20th (Sat.): ARMED FORCES DAY
May 29th (Mon.): MEMORIAL DAY! Have a safe holiday weekend. Remember to attend the Annual Memorial Day Services at Elmwood Cemetery that morning.
June 1st (Thurs.): Deadline for Bettsy Ross Scholarship applications. They must be into NCOA Headquarters by this date.
June 12th (Mon.): Excalibur Chapter Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 (across from Dyess), all members welcome.
June 14th (Wed.): FLAG DAY! Fly your flag proudly!
U. S. Army established on this date in 1775!
June 16th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N. 3rd Street, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!
June 18th (Sun.): HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY!!!
June 21st (Wed.): Start of Summer!
July 4th (Tues.): 4TH OF JULY!!!
July 10th (Mon.): Excalibur Chapter Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 (across from Dyess), all members welcome.
July 21st (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N. 3rd Street, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!
Aug. 4th (Fri.): U. S. Coast Guard established in 1790!
Aug. 11th & 12th (Fri. & Sat.): NCOA Annual Business Meeting in San Antonio!
Aug. 14th (Mon.): Excalibur Chapter Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 (across from Dyess), all members welcome.
Aug. 18th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N. 3rd Street, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!