Minutes of the
President Tetrick called the meeting to order at
Members present: Dwight Tetrick, Jack Bolen, Marty Miller, Jim Washburn, Joe Hill,
Barry Rich, Ed Neuguard,
Welcome guests: June Bolen, Janett Tetrick, Luke Loyd- soon to be reinstated as an SAR member, his wife Jeanne,
and Rod Stebbins - potential member. Ed Sitton
The president introduced the
guests.
The SAR membership approved
the minutes of the March meeting as published in the newsletter.
The secretary reported on
the plans for the April meeting where in we award the JROTC medals to the
outstanding high school cadets. Fifteen units were contacted and another found
us via the website. The membership agreed to pay for the cadets’ meals. As
discussed last month we will present the medals at the local high schools as we
are able. Jack Bolen will be going to East Bay High, Bob Yarnell will be
attending the ceremony at Ridgewood High, and President Tetrick
will be attending the King High ceremony.
The treasurer reported a
current balance of $2,144.19.
President Tetrick reported on the senior ROTC presentations. He also
explained the chapter challenge program. This is a contest run by the state
society to encourage the local chapters to participate in state and local
programs. To this end, the president appointed Jack Bolen as the Flag Chairman.
The idea is to present certificates of appreciation to those that display the
flag for non-commercial purposes. Some discussion of this program followed.
The president reported that
Fred Patton had to resign his position as Sergant at
Arms due to his health. Ed Neuguard was appointed as
the new Sargent at Arms. Jack Bolen reported that
Fred’s recovery is progressing nicely and he hopes to be at the next meeting.
There being no other
business the meeting recessed for lunch.
President Tetrick introduced Vice Ed Sitton
of the Military Order of the Purple Heart our speaker.
Ed spoke to the membership
about the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The medal was first given by
General George Washington on
The award was not given
again until 1932 when it was reinstituted by a Congressional Act on the 200th
anniversary of George Washington’s birthday. At that time it took on its
current use that being awarded to those wounded in battle as well as for
military merit. The speaker passed his own Purple Heart medal around the room
and briefly described the markings on it. The medal itself requires 19
different processes to manufacture and is, as a result, one of the more
expensive medals given.
Ed then spoke on the
founding of the organization, its development, and challenges. He also
commented on their organization’s ROTC program and other activities.
He offered some personal
remarks regarding the circumstances of his wounds suffered in
The speaker concluded by
explaining a program sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Certificates of appreciation from the Korean people have been presented to
Korean War veterans through this program. Ed presented this certificate to Joe
Hill and Rod Stebbins.
A brief question and answer
session followed.
President Tetrick expressed the thanks of the chapter to Ed Sitton and presented him a certificate of appreciation from
the SAR.
June Bolen won the 50/50
drawing. She graciously donated her share to the chapter. Thus the treasury was
enriched by $11.00.
Jim Washburn offered some
concerns about the flag certificates being awarded to those that display it
improperly. Ed Sitton suggested that we present with
the certificate with a copy of the rules of flag etiquette. This suggestion was
well received by all.
President Tetrick led the recessional and Chaplain Washburn
benediction. The meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Yarnell
Chapter Secretary