THE ONLY TREA CHAPTER IN KANSAS
NEWSLETTER
Midway Chapter 16
P.O. Box 1774, Salina, Kansas 67402-1774
August 2022 Issue: 8
OFFICERS: President – Gary Keil 785-822-4131; Vice President – Jason Bathon; 785-577-1659; Secretary - Bill Vinyard 785-827-8394; Treasurer - Roger Thull 785-827-7981; Chaplain – Moses Stewart 785-827-5956; Sergeant of Arms – Bill Quinley.
LOCATION/MEETING DATES: Saline County Senior Center, Boardroom, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 18, and December 9.
MEAL: Chicken Enchilada or Chili, refried beans, Spanish rice, churro, and fresh orange.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We are blessed to have faithful members who ensure our chapter continues as the only TREA chapter in KS-. We thank member Ron Brown (Pottsboro, TX) for making chapter 16 a family affair by recruiting his wife, Betty, our newest TREA member.When they lived in Lindsborg, they always attended our meetings.Also, thanks to members Fred & Tammy Fanning, Bentonville, AR,Cynthia Brinley, Wichita, KS, and William Merkle, Farmington, NY, for their gracious donations to chapter 16. And gratitude to the chapter members that attend our monthly membership meetings and give Free Will Donations.
TOXIC EXPOSURE BILL: In July, the Senate did not pass the Toxic Exposure bill. However, this month the bill is expected to be approved. This bill would make it easier for veterans to access health care and disability benefits after exposure to burn pits and other toxins.
WELLNESS: Dorothy Armster, James Jones, and Shirley Wagner. Please keep them in your prayers, and we hope they are doing well.
GUEST SPEAKER: Karen Couch, Executive Director, Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.
BIRTHDAY IN AUGUST: Billy Booe, Leroy Rittel, Rachel Holt Fikes, and Moses Stewart. Happy Birthday You All!
TIDBITS OF JULY: Hannah Nicholas and Olivia Ayres, Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, gave an in-depth presentation on the Catholic Charities mission and the services and programs it provides to people in need in Northern Kansas. The members greatly appreciated their briefing. Roger Thull presented them with a chapter 16 Certificate of Appreciation. Treasurer R. Thull gave the July treasurer report with an ending check balance of $1931.13. The members discussed items the chapter must focus on for the VeteranDinner in November. A list of local business caterers was disturbed.
RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY (RAD): Fort Riley expects to hosta RAD on Saturday, October 22, 2022. RADs are for retirees and dependents. RADs vary from installation to installation but generally provide an opportunity to gain information on retiree benefits, listen to guest speakers, get immunized, renew ID Cards, etc. For more information, call the Retirement Service Office at 785-239-3320 or 785-239-3667.
HOMELESS VETERANS OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS: Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. If Veterans do not have access to a phone or the internet, only then are they to visit their closest VA medical center without calling in advance. VA also urges Veterans who are not homeless or at risk of homelessness to contact their VA medical center before visiting for any reason. These steps are necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to data (2019 to 2020) from the Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD), homelessness among veterans rose in Kansas by 7.4%. However, that number can’t be exact and constantly fluctuates between a few (or more) percentages. Sadly, Vets without proper access to appropriate accommodation are younger than the veteran population.
QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR AUGUST: “It’s always a good idea to keep your head up and fight for what you want. Keep working hard, and don’t give up because tomorrow is never guaranteed!”
UNITED WE STAND
