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Corpus Christi Meeting
Our last quarterly meeting was held in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 16, 2008. The meeting was hosted by Sonny Garcia and his wife Elva at the VFW Post #3827.
A great barbeque meal was served before the meeting. There was so much food that we didn't even put a dent in it. Thanks to Sonny and Elva for a great meal and
hosting the meeting along with setting us up in the hotel. Also $130 was collected for the meal to help with the cost and Sonny generously donated it to the chapter.
Thanks man, we love ya. Also thanks to the VFW Post #3827 for allowing us to use their facilities. The Post opened up that day just to accommodate us.
There were about 21 members and spouses present. During the meeting the topic of fundraising came up again as our funds are going out faster than they are coming in.
At the next meeting in October we will be asking for suggestions to help with bringing in more funds. So try to think of a way that we can generate some $$$ for our
causes.
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At this meeting we agreed by vote to send the Association Scholarship Fund $1,173 and the Gold Star Fund $500.
The idea of hosting the national reunion in 2011 is being debated. If we want to host this reunion we have to have a vote of approval this next meeting in October. The association needs to know by Jan. of 2009 so that they can put it on the agenda at the Daytona Reunion. We either have to get serious about this or drop it all together. So those who would wish to host a reunion need to show up and offer to help putting together all that goes into putting one of these on. Those of us who have worked on one before know that it takes a lot of work and time and just a few people volunteering is not enough to get it done.
There were some new faces in the crowd at the Corpus Christi meeting and we hope to see you all again. We are all about getting together, having a good time, helping where we can and supporting each other.
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National President's Report
Our own Eric Hitchcock who is the presiding Association President was on hand to give us a national perspective.
The Texas Chapter is recognized throughout the Association and the Active Brigade for our support of the wounded warriors at BMAC. This shows the Power of the Patch.
Thanks to those who actively participate in this important endeavor. Ground breaking for the 173rd Memorial near Ft. Benning, Ga. was held on July 11, 2008
About 200 Sky soldiers, with Gold Star Parents were on hand along with Big & Rich performing. The ambush in Afghanistan which took 9 of our Sky soldiers, and
wounded 15, was not reported properly in the news. They were up against approximately 500 Taliban and acted in the highest tradition of the 173rd Abn. Bde.
During this battle the Taliban lost 45 KIA. This outpost was just getting set up when attacked by a numerical superior force.
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The Brigade is back home in Italy for an overdue rest. They had 45 KIA's during their deployment. Big & Rich will be going over to Italy to perform for the returning
troops. Eric attended the reunion on the Alaskan Cruise and told of a great time by all. Many made the trip up from Australia and New Zealand for the reunion.
Fishing, dog sledding, and parking at the glacier were just a few of the events during the reunion. Thanks Eric for the updates with national and we want you to
know that you are doing a great job as Association President.
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Ride for the Troops
We raised over $7,000 for the Ride for Troops; a check was presented to the Fisher Houses at BAMC by the Ride for Troops Committee. Thanks to SA Sky soldiers, Chapter 13, 173 ABN Assoc. and all who donated and participated in the event.
We doubled the amount of money donated and the number of riders from last year. We had almost 300 riders participate.
Again, A BIG THANK YOU to all HERD members for everything.
1SG Raymond Sanders
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Reports from the Texas Chapter Regional Representatives
Wounded Warriors at BAMC
The San Antonio Area Sky Soldiers continue to monitor the status of wounded Sky Soldiers and their families at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC).
As of this report the two hospitalized wounded warriors at BAMC, both of who were assigned to the Special Troops Bn, 173d BCT at the time of their injuries are
progressing very well, all things considered. Sgt Dan Thornhill remains here, however Pvt Kammerdiener was recently transferred to the Tampa VA Hospital for
specialized follow up treatment, but is due to return to BAMC at a future date. James Bradley in the Tampa area was notified of the move and has made contact
with the family for continued support. There are another 12 additional Sky Soldiers who are undergoing medical rehabilitation therapy or administrative procedures
with regards to their injuries. Additionally the 173d continues to be highly represented every Wednesday by many of these young soldiers who join their Vietnam
Veteran brothers at the Drop Zone Cafe's Airborne Breakfast.
Killeen/Central Texas-Scott Smith
No Report
Houston
Gary Grenade / Eric Hitchcock,
They continue to meet about every 6 weeks.
Valley Area-Augustin Soto/Santiago Krummel
Augustin said that they are continuing to fight to get the VA Hospital in the valley so that people will not have to travel to the VA in San Antonio.
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Picture at BAMC with Wounded Warrior Daniel Thornhill. From Left to Right are Chris Sanchez, Susan Thornhill (mother), Frank Martinez, Russell Walter and
Manny Mermea.
Dallas/Fort Worth-Dusty Jarnigan/Bud Sourjohn
No Report
Gold Star Mothers-Susan O'Donnell Sourjohn/Bud Sourjohn
Susan and Bud took flowers to Steven Tucker's grave. They had lunch with Steven's mom and dad and his dad told them that he had recently visited Italy.
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