Excalibur Chapter 176
January 26, 2007
Hello everyone! Well, we made it through another holiday season. And we’re starting off 2007 with some unusual weather for this area. Although we’ve had to put up with some slick roads, the moisture is definitely welcome! If nothing else, we should have some beautiful wild flowers this spring!
The Veterans’ Day parade had a great turnout of both participants and spectators. It was truly an honor for Troy to be Grand Marshall and he appreciates everyone who paid tribute to our area veterans.
Our Chapter helped man the table at the Hendrix Hospice Tree at the Mall of Abilene during the holidays. It’s an awesome way to remember those who have died from cancer and been helped by this special organization. Thanks to those who worked and those who made a donation.
We also made a donation to the Abilene Marine Reserves for their Toys for Tots drive. During November and December, it was rare not to see them standing outside Walmart and other stores taking donations for area children. Thanks to all who worked so hard and devoted so many hours of their free time for Abilene area children.
Our Chapter lost a valuable member in November. Bob Wessels, Assistant Certified Merchant Chairman, passed away after a short hospital stay. Bob was a regular fixture at our meetings and helped Pat Gursky establish the largest local Certified Merchant Program within the NCOA. Our sympathies go out to his family. Bob will be sorely missed within the NCOA family also.
We had our annual Christmas & Awards Banquet in December. It’s always amazing to see how many of our members receive the Super Saxon Award for their hard work during the past year. Keep in mind, this award is the first step towards advancement within the NCOA. At this meeting, we also held elections for a new Chapter Board of Directors. The elected members to this board then choose board officers. Congratulations to Chuck Griffin, Chapter Chairman; Vicky Hensley, Vice Chairman; Ken Gavin, Treasurer; and trustees Bobby Gallimore and Bill Toornburg. Past Chairman Carl Johnson will serve as an advisor to our Board. Carl has served as Chapter Chairman for 3 years and had a major part in making NCOA a vital part of Abilene’s veterans’ community.
In the last newsletter, I mentioned that we would be putting a drop box in front of KRBC & KTAB TV Studios for unserviceable American flags. There will be a delay in the installation of this box because the studios have decided to put a memorial and flag pole to help highlight the box. Plans are still in the developmental stages so if anyone has any input, please contact Chairman Chuck or myself. We will be soliciting community participation and assistance in the construction of this monument and all ideas will be welcome.
Although the moisture during January was definitely welcome, the cold, ice and snow came as a shock after last year’s mild winter. We can be thankful that it wasn’t as bad as predicted and nothing like what other parts of our nation received. The potential for bad weather did cause us to cancel our General Membership Meeting in January so make sure you come to the February meeting to catch up on all that’s going on. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed but the best way is to make sure you attend the meetings. There wouldn’t be an NCOA without its members and our members are what make us great! Always keep an application in your wallet or purse so that you can sign up a new member without delay!
TET REUNION
The first Saturday of February is always a special day in Abilene. The Abilene Grunts Association will be having its 21st TET Reunion on the 3rd of February at the Taylor County Fairgrounds. This event is open to all veterans and their families. Doors open at noon and the program starts about 1 PM. There will be their version of Bob Hope’s USO Show along with numerous vendors and representatives from area veterans’ organizations. There will be a meal served later that day. Admission is free although a donation is requested to cover the cost of the meal. There will also be a raffle of numerous donated items that also helps defray the costs of next year’s reunion. If you have something you would like to donate, bring it to the reunion or call us to come pick it up. Make sure you use the Fairgrounds gate across from Shotwell Stadium for access to the reunion. We have also just received word from one of our local NCOA Certified Merchants that they will be offering reduced rates to anyone wishing to spend Friday or Saturday night in Abilene. WHITTEN INN located at 840 E Highway 80 or 1625 Highway 351 will be offering rooms at $49.00 + tax. Call 1-800-880-7666 for reservations. Thanks to Whitten Inn for their support of our veterans!
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.
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 Bob Wessels. We currently have 64 businesses that are willing to offer you a discount on their product or services just because you’re a member of NCOA! Pat and Bob 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 MEMBER-SHIP 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
Feb. 3rd (Sat.): TET REUNION, Taylor County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, noon.
Feb. 14th (Wed.): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Don’t forget that special someone!
Feb. 16th (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!
Feb. 19th (Mon.): PRESIDENTS’ DAY! Have a safe holiday weekend.
Mar. 11th (Sun.): DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS. Remember to move your clocks forward.
Mar. 16th (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!
Mar. 17th (Sat.): HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Wear your green so you don’t get pinched!
April 1st (Sun.): PALM SUNDAY
April 8th (Sun.): EASTER SUNDAY
April 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!