Here it is November and all of us are starting to prepare for the Holidays. It’s important not to forget all the other events that are coming up as 2004 comes to an end. Keep your calendar handy so that as you read, you can make notations of the activities you want to participate with.
Here it is November and all of us are starting to prepare for the Holidays. It’s important not to forget all the other events that are coming up as 2004 comes to an end. Keep your calendar handy so that as you read, you can make notations of the activities you want to participate with.
Before we cover the upcoming events, we want to cover the past few months. Excalibur Chapter has been very fortunate over the years to have members who are very supportive of the goals and ideals of the NCOA. They have shown their support in many ways and always done what they were physically and financially able to do. But we have suffered some losses recently within our NCOA family. Earlier this year, Jessie James died and his face was a welcome site at all our meetings. Members Alex & Juanita Ortega lost their granddaughter due to family violence. Then in September, our web site designer, Dan Wollam passed away while on vacation in Cancun. Dan not only was proficient in computers but was a coordinator for Dyess AFB Retiree Golf Tournaments. Then in October, we lost Robert Rubio after a long illness. Although he wasn’t able to attend many meetings because of his band, he was a strong supporter of NCOA in Abilene. Robert also coordinated the annual TET reunion in February. Our sympathies go out to the families of these individuals. They will be missed.
The Annual Labor Day Telethon got to an early start for Excalibur members. We had to be at the studio at “zero-dark-thirty” but our help was greatly appreciated. Record donations were recorded in Abilene and throughout the US. One positive note is that we finally were able to sign up KRBC Announcer Downing Bolls as an NCOA member after years of trying!
The Dyess AFB Retiree Golf Tournament coincided with the USO/NCOA Tournament in San Antonio. Excalibur Chapter was represented at both tournaments. I have it from a reliable source that the Excalibur teams did exceptionally well in San Antonio but other team’s “handicaps” helped them more! Oh well, guys, it was for a good cause, you had a good time, and better luck next year!
Our Ladies Auxiliary, the Lady Guinevere Chapter, held elections in September. The following individuals will be guiding the chapter through 2005: Chairman – Gloria Martinez, Vice Chairman – Veronika Martin, Secretary – Sally Carrillo, Treasurer – Juanita Ortega, and Membership Chairman – Diane Gurksy. Good luck ladies and may we again see you in the spotlight as #1 Chapter for 2004!
UPCOMING EVENTS!
The annual Veterans’ Day Parade in Abilene will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 11th (it’s usually on a Saturday – note the change). In addition to volunteers needed to coordinate the parade activities, American State Bank is asking for volunteers to help “Carry a Flag”. They will have 500 flags to be carried in the parade and the parade route is approximately 1 mile long. The flags will then be transported to Nelson Park and ALL 500 WILL BE FLOWN! So if you can’t help with the coordination of the parade but want to help, show up to carry a flag.
We will also be helping to serve the annual Veterans’ Thanksgiving Day dinner at the Abilene Civic Center on Thursday, November 25th. As of this date, it was not definite what time the NCOA crew will be helping. We will know definitely by the November meeting. If you can only help at a specific time, help when you can. It’s definitely appreciated by all, especially those for whom it helps.
The Abilene Marine Corps Reserve Unit is again sponsoring their annual Toys 4 Tots Campaign. Because of recent deployments of many of their members, they can use all the assistance they can. Please make sure you bring a new, unwrapped toy to a local collection point or you can also make a cash donation. They always do an awesome job of helping provide a Christmas for so many needy children. Please help any way you can.
Every year, Excalibur Chapter helps Hendrix Hospice Care during the Hospice Angel Tree Fund Raising drive at the Mall of Abilene. We have not yet received confirmation of what day we will be manning the table yet, but details will be available at the November meeting. If you can spare 2 hours of your busy Christmas season, it’s a worthwhile cause and a way to give something back. This organization is well known for helping terminally ill patients and their families during a very difficult time.
Our Annual Excalibur Chapter Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, December 17th at the usual time of 6:30 p.m. NCOA President Gene Overstreet, 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (retired) has been invited to be the guest speaker but we have not received confirmation as of yet. If you are planning to attend, make sure you sign in at the November meeting. We need an approximate count for dinner. If you will not be at that meeting, make sure you call someone on the Executive Board to let them know of your plans to attend the banquet.
SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER!
We are always harping on it but now is a great time to sign up a new member. Explain all the benefits they receive (including someone on Capital Hill fighting for ALL veterans’ issues) but let them know there is also the Scholarship Fund available to all members’ families. There is the Medical Trust Fund to help out with expenses not covered by insurance (travel, lodging and meals for families). There is also the Disaster Relief Fund which has helped so many people since its inception. A member can receive some much needed help in the case of fire, tornado, or (as some of our members know) flooding. During 2003 and 2004, it has helped numerous families travel to the funeral of a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terrorism and it has helped families who needed assistance traveling to a military hospital where there loved one was being treated. Tell these potential members that there is NO administrative costs for these Funds. For every dollar donated, one dollar goes to help. (Try asking a caller who is trying to get you to donate to their worthy cause what their percentage of donation is. Make sure you’re sitting down because you’ll be shocked to find out that it is many times only 20%!!!!!) Let’s all make that extra effort to sign up a new member before the end of the year!
NEW EXCALIBUR CHAPTER WEBSITE!!!
Yes, we’re moved into the electronic age! We now have our own website. Make sure you check it out. The site address is It looks great so far with more to come. Keep involved in our chapter events and maybe your picture will be on the internet!
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 (already crushed please) and someone will take it from there. The Disaster Fund is used to help members in need due to a natural disaster (like our recent flooding). Keep in mind that at this past convention, $1000 was donated to the fund from can recycling, our 50/50 drawings, and raffles.
BINGO ANYONE?
For those of you who like to play bingo, remember to play so that it benefits our Chapter. This is the Chapter’s main source of funds and the economy has hurt even the bingo halls. Please note new times! We sponsor bingo games at the Ambler Bingo on Sunday evening at 7:30 P.M. (2nd session), Wednesday evening at 7:00 P.M. (1st session), and Friday evening at 7:00 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!!!
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).
CERTIFIED MERCHANTS
Most of you are aware of the National Certified Merchants Program sponsored by the NCOA. Some of these merchants include Lens Crafters, FedEx and Remax. We also have some 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 were recently informed by NCOA Headquarters Staff that we have the best local Certified Merchant Program within all of NCOA! Congratulations Pat & Bob for your hard work!
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
Nov. 10th (Wed.): HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U. S. MARINE CORPS!
Nov. 11th (Thurs.): VETERANS’ DAY. Parade in downtown Abilene at 10:30 AM
Nov. 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!
Nov. 25th (Thurs.): HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Have a safe holiday weekend.
Annual Veterans’ Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Civic Center. All help greatly appreciated!
Dec. 1st (Wed.): DEADLINE FOR BETSY ROSS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS. Applications must be received at NCOA Headquarters by this date.
Dec. 7th (Tues.): PEARL HARBOR DAY
Dec. 17th (Fri.): Excalibur Chapter Annual Awards Banquet. 6:30 PM, VFW Post 2012 located at 2225 N. 3rd Street, Abilene. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member! Guest speaker to be announced. NOTE: If you plan to attend this meeting, please sign up at the November meeting or call an Executive Board member.
Dec. 25th (Sat.): MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have a wonderful holiday
Jan. 1st (Sat.): HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jan. 17th (Mon.): MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY Have a great holiday weekend.
Jan. 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!
Feb. 5th (Sat.): Annual TET Reunion, Abilene Fairgrounds. Noon - ??? Lots of vendors, veterans’ organizations and friends with a meal to boot! Plans are pending but mark your calendar to attend.