Midway USA, Chapter 16 - Salina, Kansas

PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS: Hope this newsletter finds all members in Great Spirits for the upcoming Labor Day, as I am looking forward to when National meets and passes all the By-Laws and Standing Rules as presented in the latest Voice Magazine.  This will bring about some of the proposed changes that our chapter already included in our 2016/2017 By-Laws.  I am really looking forward to this.  RECRUITING…RECRUITING!  Recruiting active members all can have equal standing in TREA Chapters. I find this move very refreshing and look forward to increasing our numbers. We are at present time working on the Veterans Tribute Parade being run by Mary Landis formerly of the Salina Journal. And Dr. Kempton and his staff are getting it rolling with the input from the Military Organizations, who are providing assistance in contacting a variety of people who can provide valuable assistance. Soon we will be contacting the Businesses to notify them of the up-coming parade on 07-Oct-2017 at 3:00 pm Beginning and ending at 4:00 pm at the Masonic Center. Remembering the first parade the music played was fitting of the time period of WWII, second parade had the music that went along the Korea time frame, as 2017 will be aimed at the Vietnam time frame as a salute to Veterans of this time era. And I do believe you all will be very pleasantly surprised to see the show that is being set up. We have exciting happenings coming up. Take Care. Your President, Richard (Dick) Trow

SPECIAL GUEST: Sylvia Rice, Director of Visit Salina, Salina Chamber of Commerce.   She will talk about events, activities, attractions, and points of interest in Salina. Projected guest speaker for October meeting is Salina KS VA Veteran Service Representatives.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Donald Fleming; Daniel Renard; and Taft Yates Sr. BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Rachel Fikes in August. 

REST HOME/RECOVERY:   Virginia Whitman, Taft Yates Sr, and William Long are in rest home. Shirley Wagner is recuperating. So let’s keep them in our thoughts and prays.

REJOINED:  We wholeheartedly welcome back Ronald Gallant, USAF Retiree E-6, who joined again our chapter.

CONGRATULATIONS: On September 2nd, Johnny and Bonnie Hull celebrate their 50th marriage anniversary and renew their wedding vows at 5:30 pm, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 119 N. 9th St Salina. KS. Also they will rejoice at the Carver Center, 315 N 2nd St 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

UPCOMING CHANGES TO TRICARE: The Military Health System (MHS) is modernizing TRICARE to better serve and respond to changes in law and policy. Most provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2018, with full implementation occurring on January 1, 2019. You will be automatically enrolled on Jan. 1, 2018 if you already have a plan or are eligible for TRICARE on Dec. 31, 2017. Hence, costs won’t change for TRICARE For Life (TFL). Also, there are no changes in TFL eligibility, benefits, or the requirement to have Medicare Part A and B.  A more in-depth briefing on this subject will occur at the Fort Riley Retiree Appreciation Day event on Oct 20, 2017

PATRIOT BUSINESS PROGRAM: There are businesses in Salina that gives a military discount (10% to 20% off).    Some of the Restaurants are: Little Caesars Pizza, Martinelli’s, Mokas, Papa Murphy’s, Pizza Hut, Schlotzsky’s, Speakeasy,  Taco Bell, Tucson’s, Wendy’s, Ad Astra, Big Cheese, Blue Skye Brewery, Burger King, Chili Pepper, Coop’s Pizzeria, Daimaru, Freddy’s , Gutierrez, Hickory Hut,  Jim’s Country Chicken, LA hacienda,  Bayard’s, Longhorn, Olive Garden, Carlos O’Kelly’s, Cozy Inn, Buffalo Wild Wings, Rib Crib, MacDonald’s on Crawford St,  and Heart of Dixie.   

VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY: On Saturday, October 7th, Salina will have its 3rd annual Veterans Appreciation Day (VAD). Following the parade will be a charity AUCTION, DINNER, USO SHOW; AND DANCE after expenses are paid the remaining money will be donated to the local veterans group. Donations are being solicited for an auction. Items needed are: gift certificates/cards, electronics, collectibles, and crafts in working and excellent condition are a few examples. The items can be dropped off at Dr. Kempton office on S. Ohio. All Veterans are encouraged to take part in the VAD parade event. Tickets will be on sale for the dinner and dance. You can contact President R. Trow or Secretary B. Vinyard for tickets (at their above phone numbers).

HIGHLIGHTS OF AUGUST MEETING:  Moses Stewart won the attendance drawing a $20 gift card. Issues discussed, voted on, and approved were donations of $250 to the Vet Appreciation Day and $50 to the Fort Riley Retiree Council Retiree Appreciation Day. Guest Speaker Tom Martin, Executive Director of the Salina Regional Health Center Foundation gave an edify briefing about the Foundation and received a Chapter Certificate of Appreciation. TREASURER REPORT:  From July 14 to August 11 Chapter ending checking balance of $1623.33.

LAST CALL: Members who paid the $14  Newsletter fee  receive it by US mail and who requested to receive the Newsletter by E-Mail receives the Newsletter for 12 months for free. Members who HAVE NOT paid the Newsletter fee will only receive it quarterly (December, March, June, and September). As you know, the chapter does not receive any funds from TREA Headquarter. Please mail your check to the above address.

MONTHLY QUOTE: "If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend." ­–Doug Larson