San Antonio Meeting

On Saturday, March 15, 2008 the famous "Drop Zone Cafe" in San Antonio, was the site of our quarterly meeting. There was a tremendous turnout with a total of 40 Sky Soldiers, family members and friends in attendance. The San Antonio Area Sky Soldiers hosted the meeting and treated everyone to a hearty meal of chicken, brisket, sausage, potato salad, home made "borracho beans" and ice tea.

We were honored to have the presence of our National President Eric Hitchcock, National Chaplain Connie Walker and his beautiful wife Ann, and the National Treasurer Gary Granade and his beautiful wife Charlie. A large number of members came from out of town for this meeting. Tim Austin drove all the way from Lawton, Oklahoma and then drove back the same day. Tim is a candidate for National Secretary and he has our full support.

Also present was Major General Gerald Bethke Ret. who is a very active member of our chapter. You gotta love rubbing elbows with a General as an equal. Since Manny Mermea was elected Chapter President we needed a new Sergeant at Arms. Robert Gonzales was elected to fill the position. Congratulations to Robert, and I will be on my best behavior. Frank Martinez and Russell Walter will be the new San Antonio Area Representatives.

DAV officer J.R. Garza who served in Viet Nam as a door gunner with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company attended the meeting and became a member of the Texas Chapter. He brought us up to date on some issues and is very willing to help any one with their VA claim or paperwork.

Vietnam Era Sky Soldiers Host

On March 8, 2008 the Vietnam Veteran San Antonio Area Sky Soldiers proudly hosted 5 current Sky Soldiers, who are undergoing rehabilitation therapy and other administrative matters at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). With the coordinated effort of SGT Marcus Bailey, the newly appointed 173d Abn Bde Liaison NCO at BAMC, plus locals, Frank Martinez and Russell "Wolfman" Walter, these wounded warriors were gathered to meet and greet for the first time other local Sky Soldiers.

Due to conflicting schedules between all concerned, this gathering was long overdue, but well worth the wait. The wounded warriors that were present and treated to breakfast were:

Sgt Marcus Bailey, SPC Randall Taylor, SPC Sterling Dunn, PFC Mathew Birnbach, PFC Jonathon Farwell, and PFC Nicholas Clark

Vietnam Era Sky Soldiers present were Frank, Wolfman, Texas Chapter President, Manny Mermea, Chaplain "Connie" Walker, Tom Coats and his wife, Leo Martinez, Bill Robinson and James Lazo. With sincere apologies the wives names were not documented, but an honor to have present. After a blessing was delivered by Chaplain Walker, all Sky Soldiers were asked to introduce themselves and give a brief history of their time served with the 173d. Welcome remarks were offered by Frank and Manny, to include the same extended by 173d Association President Eric Hitchcock. SA Area t-shirts and caps were presented by Frank and Wolfman to several of the newest soldiers who had not received them before.

The camaraderie between the old and new was quite evident which was expressed by several to Frank as we began to depart. We agreed to gather again and have several activities planned in the future. With enough time allowed every effort will be made to extend an invitation to all Chapter XIII Sky Soldiers.

Chapter Dues

In order to simplify the bookkeeping we are asking that members pay their dues on the first of each year.

If everyone would do this it would greatly help the chapter keep better records. It would also help the members to know exactly when their dues are to be paid. We are just trying to simplify this process for everyone. If you are like me you are never quite sure if you are paid up or not.

If you are lifetime members we are asking for a donation of $10 per year to help with our growing costs. Those who are not lifetime members, the dues are $20 per year. Dues can be mailed to:
Harold Brent
5118 Pine Arbor Dr.
Houston, Texas 77066

Also dues can be paid at the first meeting of the year. Thanks for your cooperation with this, as it will be a big help.

Donated $250 towards the fishing trip at Port O'Connor for "Warrior's Weekend" which is for our wounded warriors.

This event will be held on May 3rd. Here the troops will be able to get their minds off their rehab routines and just get away and relax. There will be fishing, relaxing, an evening meal and entertainment. The chapter is sending volunteers to help with this event. The wounded warriors are 173d guys at BAMC. The new Liaison, SGT. Marcus Bailey at BAMC that the 173d supplied to help facilitate our interaction with new troops at BAMC. Frank Martinez is our guy from our side.

Donated $500 to the "3rd Annual Ride For Troops" which will be held on May 10th.

This event starts at Caliente Harley Davidson in San Antonio and ends at Texas Pride Barbeque in Adkins, Texas. Our own current 1st Sgt. Raymond Sanders is one of the organizers of this event. He is a life member of the Texas Chapter. The charity ride is to raise money for Fort Sam Houston's Fisher House. 100% of all registration fees will be donated solely to the Fisher House. The Fisher Houses provide a place for families to stay while visiting their wounded family veterans. They have been built near medical facilities that treat our wounded veterans and we believe that this is truly a great contribution to our troops.

Donated $500 to support our fellow "Sky Soldiers" who are currently serving in Afghanistan

Donated $250 towards the Fox Tech High School/Leadership Program.

A check was presented to their teacher, Danny Sanchez, at the meeting. Danny is an associate member and his son SFC Chris Sanchez is a life member currently serving with 1st/503 in Afghanistan. The kids from Fox Tech High School are slated to help with trash pickup on 173d Memorial Highway. We will be giving plaques of appreciation to the Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Donation Committee and both Brenda Corbet and Holly Hay will receive 173rd Airborne Brigade coffee cups. This is to thank them for all their hard work and support of our project with the Roy Mass Youth Alternative Home for abused children.