Excalibur Chapter 176
May 5, 2008 Issue Number 2-08
Dear Fellow Members:
Is it just me or is this year just flying by? Oh well, time for some more news. First of all, we have a new Treasurer for Excalibur Chapter. Rene McBride, an Army veteran, has agreed to take over the duties from Sharon Gavin. Sharon has done a remarkable job the past 5 years and we are all indebted to her for her dedicated service to the NCOA.
This seems to be the busiest time of year for our Chapter (of course I say that in November too!). Grab your calendar so you can mark any upcoming events you would like to participate in. We want all members who can help at any and all of our functions. We can’t do what we do without you.
In the past 3 months, we participated in the Annual TET Reunion sponsored by the Abilene Grunts Association. The turnout was great as always with visitors from all over this great nation. The Lady Guinevere Chapter had a raffle of a “party box” and was able to raise some money for their projects. All the contents were donations from individuals and Abilene Certified Merchants and the “party box” helped some lucky individual get ready for the Super Bowl which was the next day. We are still working on the Liberty Plaza Project and various other projects to help the Abilene community.
LET’S GO TO VEGAS!
I’m sure you’ve noticed in the past 2 NCOA Journals that our Convention will be July 15-19 in Las Vegas. For those of us who have been there for an NCOA Convention before, we can’t wait! It’s a time to see all of our fellow NCOA members from all over the U.S. that we have come to call our friends. It’s also a time to get down to business and set our goals for the upcoming year. If you’ve ever considered attending a Convention, this is the time to do it. Details are in your most recent Journal and don’t forget to get your registration in by June 1st. You can still register after that date but the cost will increase slightly. If you know for a fact that you will not be able to attend, PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR PROXY BALLOT that is in your Journal. Either mail it into Headquarters (the address is inside the cover of the magazine) or mail it to the Chapter address of P O Box 2595, Abilene TX 79604. If you know of someone attending, please put their name in as your proxy. NOTE: THERE WILL NOT BE A SCHEDULED CHAPTER MEETING IN JULY DUE TO THE CONVENTION.
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.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES
At the time of this writing, the services to honor our American veterans who are no longer with us are still being finalized. Please watch your local newspapers and/or television stations for services in the Abilene area. Make it a point to take time out of your holiday weekend to pay your respects to those veterans who helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today. The following definition of a veteran was published in the November 2007 edition of the Buffalo Gap Round Up. It is truly one of the most inspiring things I have read in some time.
FLAG BURNING CEREMONIES
The flags collected in our box at KRBC/KTAB studios and during our flag drive were to be turned over to the American Legion for proper disposal. Because they already have a large volume of flags, we will be having a joint ceremony. Everyone is invited to attend. This will take place in Wingate, Texas due to the current burn ban in Taylor County. It will take place on Sunday, June 8th starting at noon at The Shed Restaurant. There will be a BBQ meal provided at a cost of $10 per person. If you plan to attend, please call me at (325) 743-2195 so we can have an accurate count of how many to prepare for. We ask that you dress casual and bring your own lawn chair. To get there, follow US Highway 277 south. Go approximately 7 miles beyond the last wind turbine and turn right onto the access road for State Highway 153. At the stop sign, turn left and proceed approximately 2 ½ miles. After the bridge, turn right onto County Road 226. The Shed is about 1 mile down on the left.
FLEA MARKET
VFW Post 6873 is sponsoring a Flea Market and any organization wanting to sell anything is welcome to participate. Tables will be $25 each and your NCOA Chapters will be there. It is on May 24th starting at 8 AM at the pavilion next to the VFW and across from the entrance to Dyess AFB. Our organization is asking everyone to go through their closets, garages, and attics for items we can sell. You can bring your items to the pavilion on Saturday, May 10th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Any money raised will be used to help our members attend our NCOA Convention. If you need help getting your items to us, call and we’ll make arrangements for help.
LIBERTY PLAZA UPDATE
We have not been able to start construction yet on our park dedicated to all Big Country veterans. We are trying to find someone who can do the excavating and concrete form work. We have received the Military Seals and are in the process of ordering the flag poles. Donations for this project are still being accepted at the KRBC/KTAB Studios on South 14th street. The unserviceable flag box that will be permanently mounted on the Plaza is located in the lobby. If you want to drop off your unserviceable flags, the lobby is open Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM.
CERTIFIED MERCHANT PROGRAM
Each newsletter, we have included a complete list of all your local certified merchants who have agreed to provide a discount on their products or services if you show your membership card. In this newsletter, please notice that it is a separate enclosure and we ask that you keep it for the rest of the year. We are trying to cut down on printing costs and will list any additions or changes in the remaining newsletters for this year. In January, we will reprint the list and include it in the mailing. We have the largest program within the NCOA and we all need to take advantage of this program. Speaking from experience, I know I have saved approximately $500 this year alone using our local merchants and also the national merchants in the Affinity Program. Just remember to show your membership card when you make your purchase.
WE’RE STILL SAVING CANS!
Yes, we’re still saving cans! Just bring your cans to one of our meetings or contact one of the board members and we’ll make arrangements to get them from you. Every little bit helps us help others.
STILL PLAYING BINGO!
Don’t forget to try your luck playing bingo at 5 Star Bingo located at 2540 Barrow Street. This is how we are able to support our numerous community activities and make donations to such things as MDA and Toys 4 Tots. It may just be your lucky night!
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 10th (Sat.): Bring your garage sale items to the VFW Post 6873 across from Dyess AFB for our big sale. Someone will be there from 10 AM to 2 PM.
May 11th (Sun.): MOTHERS DAY!!!
May 12th (Mon.): POSTAGE RATES GO UP 1¢.
May 16th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 located across from Dyess AFB Main Gate. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member
May 17th (Sat.): ARMED FORCES DAY!
May 24th (Sat.): FLEA MARKET & GARAGE SALE! Located at the pavilion on the east side of VFW Post 6873 across from Dyess AFB. Lots of stuff for sale. You can still bring your donations to be sold that morning. See you there!
May 26th (Mon): MEMORIAL DAY. Have a safe holiday weekend. Don’t forget to attend services to pay your respects to our deceased veterans.
June 8th (Sun.): NCOA/American Legion Flag Burning Ceremony at The Shed in Wingate. Starts at noon, bring your lawn chair. Meal will be available for $10. Reservations needed for meal. Call (325) 743-2195 with # attending.
June 14th (Sat.): FLAG DAY!! Fly your flag with pride. Please make sure it is in good condition and doesn’t need replaced.
June 20th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 located across from Dyess AFB Main Gate. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member
July 4th (Fri.): HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!! Have a safe holiday weekend!
July 15th – 18th: NCOA ANNUAL CONVENTION in Las Vegas!! Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Come see what happens!
NOTE: THERE WILL NOT BE A SCHEDULED CHAPTER MEETING IN JULY DUE TO THE CONVENTION.