President Rich Underwood convened the meeting and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Chaplain Greg Williamson followed with the invocation.

President Underwood welcomed everyone and wished them a Happy 63rd Anniversary and read a short narrative of the founding. He then introduced new chapter member LtCol (Ret) Joe Tichich.

Following the introduction, President Underwood announced that the buffet line was open and invited everyone to file through and enjoy their lunch. At coffee time, President Underwood cut a ceremonial slice of the “birthday cake” and it was served to all for dessert.

Following lunch President Underwood presented the 2023 Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award to COL (Ret) Addison “Tad” Davis for sustained outstanding service to the chapter.

Other chapter members were awarded chapter coffee mugs for the following:

Bruce Brown – For his consistent service as a MOAA Leadership Medal Presenter as well as a loyal business (Brown & Associates Investments Services) sponsor of the chapter.

Tad and Diane Davis – For handling the chapter’s “Evening at the Ballpark” event at Segra Stadium last year.

Don Gersh – For serving on the chapter’s ROTC Scholarships Review Committee for several years.

John Hazlett – For exemplary attendance at chapter events.

Art Macaltao – For his consistent service as a MOAA Leadership Medal Presenter. (Not present to accept award.)

Steve Mannell – For his loyal support as a business (AAFMAA) sponsor of the chapter.

Charles Pimble – For his staunch and generous support of the chapter’s ROTC Scholarship Fund. (Not present to accept award.)

Art & Argie Rodriguez – For serving in the Programs Committee responsible for table decorations for several years until 2023. Art is also recognized for conducting the annual reconciliation of the chapter’s financial books for several years through 2023.

Teresa Vaughn – For serving as the chapter’s check-in receptionist at all chapter events last year.

David Vroom – For exemplary attendance at chapter events in 2023.

Ira Watkins – For serving as the chapter’s photographer at chapter events in 2023.

Following the awards and recognition portion of the meeting, President Underwood asked Marty Williams to introduce the guest speaker, Dr. George Hendricks of Methodist University. Following Dr. Hendricks’ excellent presentation, Rich presented him with a chapter coin and coffee mug as tokens of appreciation.

The winner of the 50/50 raffle was John Dunigan, who generously donated his winnings of $70 to the Methodist University Student Scholarship Fund in the name of Dr. George Henricks, a MU faculty member and the guest speaker for the event.

Chaplain Atkinson delivered the benediction and the meeting adjourned.

Photographs courtesy of Ira Watkins.