The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 11 April 2008, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Bill Henry with Compatriot Frank Budroe giving the Invocation, followed by the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were fifteen compatriots: President Bill Henry, Vice President Ward White, Registrar Ron Risley, Treasurer Richard Caldwell, Past Presidents Steve Hurst and Richard Hawley, Frank Budroe, Bob Taylor, Harry Brown, Richard McMullen, Bob Colbern, Bill Hurley, Bill Bays, and associate members Garland Middleton and George Horne. The seven guests included our guest speaker, Nancy Kilburn, Mrs. Willette Budroe, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Marion Brown, Mrs. Sunny McMullen, Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, and Mrs. Betsy Horne.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the amended minutes of the 14 March chapter meeting, which were approved as presented.

The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer‘s report, which was approved as submitted.

The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. Membership applications for David Bosworth (ancestor Daniel Bosworth, CT Line) and George Horne (ancestor Col. George Stewart, PA) were forwarded to CASSAR 9 Apr and 11 Jan respectively. Membership applications for David Armstrong and David Hardwick are awaiting documentation and are pending, as are the membership applications for Associate Members Leonard DeWitt, Edward Gafford, and Garland Middleton. Membership applications for Dr. Robert Jordan (ancestor Mark Snow, MA Militia) and Kenneth Lynch (ancestor Pvt. William Gatton, MD Militia) are pending. The Youth Registration for Garrett Colburn (ancestor Daniel Hallock, NY Line) is also pending. The Associate Member application for Mark Collins is pending. The supplemental ancestor applications for Ward White (ancestor Pvt. Elkanah Doane of CT) and James Williams (ancestor Joseph D. Ray of MD) have been received at National SAR and are pending, while those for Gary Smith (ancestors Capt. Matthew Cole and Capt. Charles Baskins) have been submitted to CASSAR and are pending. The supplemental ancestor application for Bill Bays (ancestor Col. James Robertson of TN) is also pending. It was noted the recent illness of the CASSAR Registrar, Floyd Shadwick, has created a backlog of applications.

Other reports presented included:

• Law Enforcement: Bill Hurley reported he and Dick Hawley presented the Law Enforcement Commendation medal to Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks.
• Memorial Day preparations: Garland Middleton reported on plans for the Memorial Day Ceremony at Ivy Lawn, and requested assistance in setting up flags. Ron Risley will be the main speaker for the 26 May service. A complimentary buffet will follow at the VFW Post 1679.
• JROTC: Bob Colburn reported he has received the SAR medals for the ceremonies at Oxnard and Port Hueneme High Schools.
• Chaplain’s report was not presented due to the absence of the Chaplain.
• Eagle Scout: Ron Risley reported he has five awards to present, four in Simi and one in Oak Park.
• Recognition: Ron Risley reported on the various SAR medals available for presentation and their importance
• Development: Ron Risley discussed the possibilities for a Chapter newsletter, and the requirement for a volunteer. He described the process for forming new SAR Chapters, suggesting the possibility of forming a new Chapter in the Conejo Valley to serve the large number of new members from that area, and the issue of Santa Barbara.
• Management and Budget: Ward White had nothing to report.
• Nominating: Steve Hurst reported that, while elections are not eminent, he would like to determine volunteers willing to replace current officers. This would allow current officers the opportunity to pursue other offices, and provide those holding multiple offices some relief.
• President’s Day Massing of the Colors Ceremony: Steve Hurst brought his computer to show the photos taken during the ceremony.

Old Business: None

New Business: None

Program: Bill Henry introduced the guest speaker, Nancy Kilburn, President of the Thousand Oaks chapter of the Colonial Dames, and a member of the Thousand Oaks Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Her presentation of “The Influence of the Indians on American Culture and Government” was very well received. At the conclusion, President Henry presented her with a certificate of appreciation.

Closing: The meeting was adjourned following the SAR recessional and the benediction by Frank Budroe.

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary.