NEWSLETTER
Midway Chapter 16
P.O. Box 1774, Salina, Kansas 67402-1774
August 2023 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
MEETING LOCATION: Salina Senior Center, Board Room on Second Floor, 245 N 9th St, Salina, KS
MEETING TIME: 1:00 pm/ DATES: August 11, September 8, October 13, November 17, and December 8.
MEAL: Taco burger, winter blend vegetables, pineapple tidbits, and wheat bun.
SECRETARY'S CORNER: The chapter officers hope everyone enjoys the summer, be mindful of the heat. Two more months and fall will be here. TREA: The Enlisted Association celebrates 60 years of service as a veteran organization—our chapter for 53 years since 1970.
As is known, we are a self-funded group and receive no fund support from TREA HQ. The proceeds from our fundraisers help pay for the following: website, storage unit, charity donations, free TREA membership, memorials, expenses for fundraisers, mailing postage, gift card drawings for members that attend our meetings, and pay for members' lunch that attends our December meeting, and guest speaker lunch. We are grateful to all the members who provide monthly FREE WILL DONATION support, ensuring our chapter remains The Only TREA Chapter in Kansas.
GUEST SPEAKER: Clarence "C.J." Wise, Chief of Police, Salina Police Department.
WELLNESS: Dorothy Armster, James Jones, and Shirley Wagner. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
BIRTHDAY IN AUGUST: Leroy Rittel, Rachel Holt Fikes, and Moses Stewart. Happy Birthday You All!
MEMBERSHIP: We excitedly welcome new members: Joan Whitaker (widow of retired USAF MSgt Roy Whitaker),
William Cejka Jr. (retired E-5 Army National Guard), and Richard Kinney (Army Veteran).
LOCAL EVENT: August 26, Emergency First Responders Appreciation Day, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Central Mall. POC: Richard Kinney ( one of chapter 16 newest members). Support this worthy event and pass the word.
COFFEE WITH VETERANS (VVA, Chapter 809): Coffee on Wednesday or Friday at 9:30 am in the VVA room at the Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe, Salina. Enter on the North Side via the red door after coffee on Friday at 11:00 am —YOGA exercises.
TIDBITS OF JULY MEETING: President Gary Keil introduced theguest speaker, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Christopher A. Seematter (Active-Duty Recruiter), Sub-Station Salina, whose subjects werecareer in the Marines, middle east tour, recruiting challenges, incentives, and benefits for future soldiers, and military recruitment shortages. Secretary William Vinyard presented two financial reports for June 14 T.V. raffle ticket sales and the monthly July report that included ten deposits and six expenses. He reported that member Cynthia Brinley, Wichita, donated a $100 memorial for the late James Jones. And the chapter's current checking balance was $4658.65.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (V.A.) NEW AGENCY EQUITY TEAM: "V.A. Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. This new agency equity team will help us deliver on that promise, making sure that we provide every veteran with the world-class care and benefits they deserve --no matter their age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability or sexual Identity." Also, the team will create and implement a V.A. Equity Action Plan and report directly to the V.A. deputy secretary.
IMPORTANT DAYS IN AUGUST: August 4 - U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, August 5 - Work Like a Dog Day, National Oyster Day, August 6 - National Root Beer Float Day, Wiggle Your Toes Day, National Fresh Breath Day, August 7 - Sea Serpent Day, International Beer Day* (first Friday), National Lighthouse Day.
SAFETY TIP: Safety is a choice. The decision to put safety first is in everyone's power. Take precautions for the hot weather and prepare for being in the heat------drink plenty of fluids.
UNITED WE STAND
