Excalibur Chapter 176
May 5, 2007
It’s hard to believe the kids will be getting out for the summer soon. I’m sure they’re almost as excited as the teachers! At least this spring has brought some rain to the area but the hailstones and tornados are definitely not welcome.
I know I feel like I’m burning the candle at both ends. I am currently assigned to the Sterling City Post Office and drive about 140 miles each day. I have to leave the house at 6 AM so if you call our house, do it before 8 PM; otherwise I’m asleep! I did see some awesome bluebonnets this year. Coke County has had a program to spread bluebonnet seeds along Highway 158 and they were in full force with the rain we had. It was a little unsettling though when we had the snow the beginning of April. It seems bluebonnets will take moisture any way they can get it because they were still just as beautiful the next week.
On to business. The Annual TET Reunion was a huge success again and so many people put in some long hours to make this event as great as it is. It’s amazing to me when I see how far some people come for this event. Some military organizations have planned their reunions to coincide with it so attendees come from California, Florida, and even Alaska! If you haven’t ever been to one, mark your calendar now. It’s always the first Saturday in February at the Taylor County Fairgrounds.
In the last newsletter, I mentioned that we were still working on placement of the drop box for unserviceable flags. Well, things have really progressed due to the hard work of some Chapter members. KRBC and KTAB TV studios on South 14th street (near the Hobby Lobby Plaza across from Albertsons) have decided to build a monument in front of their building called “Liberty Plaza”. It will have landscaping and a 5 pointed star built into the concrete foundation. Each point represents a branch of our Armed Forces and the drop box will be located nearby. There will also be a large flagpole. The studios did a groundbreaking ceremony and televised it on their news that evening. Former Chairman Carl Johnson has been a driving force behind getting this going and he was interviewed. The studios are accepting donations to help defray construction costs and the plaza will be in honor of all Big Country residents who are currently serving on active duty; have retired or are honorably discharged veterans. To see a model of the plaza, stop by their studios and feel free to make a donation!
GOLF ANYONE?
Mark you calendars, golfers! The 19th Military Retiree, Veterans & Active Duty Golf Tournament will be held on May 19th and 20th at Dyess AFB in Abilene. I realize it’s short notice if you’re just getting the word about this but if you’re interested in bringing a team, call Bill Harner at (325) 698-4929. Also, if you are interested in sponsoring a hole or donating prizes, I’m sure Bill will be grateful for your help. Entry fees include an ice breaker at VFW Post 6873 across from Dyess on Friday evening. It’s a great way for businesses to promote their products and services and show their support for our military community.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES
Each year on Memorial Day, many of us gather to pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for our American freedoms. Services will be held on Monday, May 28th, at Elmwood Cemetery off 14th Street in Abilene. They will start at 9:30 AM and the guest speaker for this year’s service will be Major General Mike McMann, USAF(ret.), who is currently president of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. This is one of the ways we can pay tribute to our military, especially those who are currently in harm’s way in the war on terrorism.
NCOA CONVENTION/ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
All of you should have received your Spring NCOA Journal by now. In it, there is information concerning this year’s Annual Business Meeting. For those of you who didn’t catch the details, we will be in San Antonio August 17th through the 19th at the same hotel we’ve been at the past 2 years (We understand the construction is finished!!!). Make your reservations as soon as possible. It is located near the River Walk and just off the interstate. Abilene NCOA Chapters always make a great showing at the event so let’s plan to have the largest NCOA contingent again this year. Remember, your proxy ballot was also included in the Journal. If you are not planning to attend, remove the appropriate ballot, fill in the name of a member who is attending (all of our Board members plan to attend) and mail it to NCOA Headquarters. We will also have blank ballots at the next few membership meetings. Because of the dates of this event, there will not be a local Chapter meeting in August. The next newsletter will be published after our trip to San Antonio to better fill you in on what happened.
BINGO ANYONE?
The Excalibur Chapter is the #1 Chapter within the NCOA because the proceeds we receive from bingo helps us help others. And we have great news!!! You can play any evening at Ambler Bingo located on Ambler Drive and we will receive funds. You no longer have to worry about what night or what session benefits our Chapter. Bingo sessions start at 7 PM & 8:30 PM on Monday thru Thursday and 6 PM and 7:30 PM on Friday thru Sunday. It’s always fun and if you’re not sure about something, there’s always someone nearby to help. You never know, it may be your lucky evening!
SAVE THOSE CANS!
We have always had a policy of saving aluminum cans and turning them in for recycling. All proceeds goes to the NCOA Disaster Relief Fund. If you have a bunch of cans on hand and want to help out, just call a board member and we’ll come get them. You can also bring them to a meeting. They don’t have to be crushed but we do ask that they are in plastic garbage bags. We are normally able to donate about $1000 at the Annual Business Meeting through our efforts.
CONTACT US!
This newsletter is published every February, May, August, and November. With all the events for veterans in Abilene, it’s difficult to keep abreast of what’s going on. Please feel free to contact me, Vicky Hensley, at 325-743-2195 (not long distance from Abilene) if you know of something that needs to be added to our newsletter. You can also e-mail me at TroyandVicky@aol.com but be sure to put NCOA in the subject line. You can also check out our chapter website at
CERTIFIED MERCHANTS
The Abilene Chapters of the NCOA have the #1 Local Certified Merchant Program within the entire NCOA! This is due to the hard work of Committee Chairpersons Patricia Gursky and Donna Carmichael. All our businesses are willing to offer you a discount on their product or services just because you’re a member of NCOA! Pat and Donna are adding new ones every month! These are all in addition to the national certified merchants such as Lens Crafters. You can get your car repaired, buy tires and get it washed; you can go out for a quick snack or have a fancy dinner and stop for ice cream afterwards; you can get repairs to your home done while you attend driving school; the list goes on and on! Let’s show our appreciation to these fine merchants by patronizing their businesses. All you have to do to get your discount is SHOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD! A list of these merchants is always included with this newsletter. Keep it handy.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 13th (Sun.): MOTHER’S DAY. Don’t say you weren’t warned, guys!
May 15th (Tues.): PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY. All flags should be at half staff.
May 18th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N 3rd St, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!
May 19th (Sat.): ARMED FORCES DAY
May 28th (Mon.): MEMORIAL DAY! Have a safe holiday weekend. Remember to honor those who served their country and have made the ultimate sacrifice. Flags should be at half staff.
June 14th (Thurs.): FLAG DAY. Fly your colors proudly!
June 15th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N 3rd St, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!
June 17th (Sun.) FATHER’S DAY. Ladies, it’s your turn to pamper them!
June 21st (Thurs.): FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!
July 4th (Wed.): HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
July 20th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N 3rd St, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member!
Aug. 17th through 19th (Fri. – Sun.): NCOA ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING IN SAN ANTONIO! Don’t miss all the fun! Come and see other’s from all over the United States who share our goals and pride in our American Military!