Minutes
1st Marine Division Association | Central Florida Chapter
Winter Park, Florida | December 6, 2008
Our December meeting started with each member dropping a toy for “Toys for Tots” into large boxes set at the entrance for pick up by the local Marine Reserve unit. Jim Peringer previously sold raffle tickets. Our president Mike Galyean opened this meeting at 10:35 A.M. and welcomed the 30 members and 15 guests attending. Elmer Hawkins led our chapter in the Pledge of Alle- giance, and the opening prayer was presented by Ray McWilliams.
A special Pearl Harbor Day Recognition for our guests for this day for the following men that survived a’ Day in Infamy’ on December 7, 1941: Jack Colby, L. Alex Coomer, Chuck Day, Harold Gerry, Donald Kaup, and Eric Noeldechen were all presented with a proclamation from the Governor of Florida, and a certificate of appreciation from the 1st Marine Division Association. Our membership gave these heros out of the past a standing ovation for their service that began WWII.
President Galyean passed out the financial report. Current assets are at $1,700.78. The Secretary’s Report by Rick Kennedy was printed in October/November “Ooo Rah” newsletter and was approved as printed.
Featured Speaker:
John L. Estrada USMC 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (2003-2007). John had a very extensive background in all phases of the Marine Corps and served in numerous Marine Corps Divisions. He had major assignments in recruit training and participated in combat in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was awarded the Bronze Star. John told us about his exciting job in Washington reporting to the Commandant General Conway, and he confirmed the high quality of our young Marines that are skilled in guerilla warfare and are experts in fighting terrorism in Iraq, and now more extensively, in Afghanistan. He also praised our membership for setting such high standards during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam that has inspired the new Marine Corps to carry on from our glorious past.
He made us feel like were still a very important part of the Marine Corps, and he kept us advised on the future of the Marines, as if we were still an active part of the big picture. It was indeed an honor to have the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps as our speaker. We never had that privilege from our fox holes on Guadalcanal, Korea or Vietnam.
Old Business:
John Adamson made the recommendation for the election of officers for 2009-9010 and the following men were elected by acclamation: President-Mike Galyean, Vice President-Phil Ray, Secretary-Rick Kennedy, Treasurer-Art Dreves, Sgt.Arms-Elmer Hawkins, Chaplain-Don Schyberg, and Chapter Representative-Elmer Hawkins. Art Dreves will immediately replace Nelson Coll who has resigned from the Treasurer’s position.
Bill Tate advised our president that the Central Florida Monument Committee has selected a 5 sided pyramid design with globe and anchor heading for the military park at Lake Baldwin that we can all take great pride upon completion. Harry Clark gave us a membership report, and he suggested that we continue to put Central Florida Chapter flyers on automobiles carrying Marine license plates. We had a full house at our last VA Nursing Home project for trivia and bingo with 15 volunteers to assist the 35 disabled veterans attending.
Our two “Toys for Tots” boxes were filled at this Christmas meeting including two very expensive looking bicycles that will make two children extremely happy.
New Business:
Harvey Newton Presented the Central Florida chapter a very elegant heavy metal plaque honoring the 1st Marine Division Association for our successful participation in World War II, China, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We are expected to organize a formal presentation at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park.
We need to select a venue for our annual 2009 Valentine” Sweethearts” dinner since Steak and Ale is no longer in business in Maitland.
We received a thank you letter from Lt. General Ron Christmas for our $300 donation for the Marine Corps Foundation, and another form the 1st Marine Division Association for our $600 donation to the General Fund and for the $100 donation to the scholarship fund.
Announcements:
The next VA Nursing Home “Happy Hour Trivia and Bingo” session will take place Thursday, January 8, 1:30-3:00pm, and our next meeting will take place Saturday, February 7, at VFW Post 2093.
Raffle drawings were held, and four members were drawn to receive various USMC items.
Our Central Florida website is back and running thanks to Rick Dreves, the son of our newly elected Treasurer Art Dreves. The site is online at http://CFC1stMarDiv.com
Ray McWilliams closed the meeting by leading the recitation of verse 4 & 5 of the Navy Hymn. The meeting was adjourned. Twenty members remained for comradeship and lunch.
Semper Fi,
Rick Kennedy - Secretary
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