Chapter Officers
President - Jerry Jochum
Sr VP - Bill Adair
VP Dallas - Phil Stone
VP FT. Worth - Mike Plante
Secretary - Georgene Moon
Treasurer & VP Associate Membership - Linda Weston
Webmaster - Jim Webb
Latest Chapter Meeting Minutes
Special Forces Association Chapter XXXI
Billy M. Smith Chapter
Our Chapter held its annual business meeting at Piccolo Mondo, 829 Lamar Blvd. E, Arlington, Texas on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
At 1800 hours Chapter President Jerry Jochum opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the prayer by Luke Frazier. Jerry then introduced representatives Keith David and Ben Bethke from Task Force Dagger and presented them with a check for $250 dollars for their organization and received a plaque from them for their appreciation. He also introduced Rebecca Clark, a sculptor and artist commissioned by SFA National and SF Command for Special Forces sculptures. She is new to the DFW area and interested in working with the chapter.
Phil Stone, Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee, gave an overview of the Chapter XXXI fundraiser this spring at a gun range in Whitewright, Texas. It would involve a group of chapter members meeting with select donors who wanted to spend time on the range with Special Forces personnel. Further details are forthcoming as they develop. He also discussed the possibility of the chapter working with 12th Group on their 50th anniversary as they would like to hold it in the DFW area since Dallas is a hub for a number of the 12th SFG(A) groups. Jerry then tabled the meeting, while dinner was served.
Meeting was reconvened at 1925 hours. Jerry announced that the two-year term for new officers was beginning and that there were no other members interested in holding office. He then announced that due to conflicts with his work schedule, Gene Pugh was resigning as Chapter Secretary and announced that Bob Jones would serve in his place. Ron Fory called for nominations from the floor and nominated Georgene Moon and his nomination was seconded by Ben Lyons. Bob Jones withdrew his name from election and the slate of officers was accepted by acclamation.
Linda Weston then reported on the budget. She reported that she was continuing to work on consolidation of our accounts. She reported that she was currently taking payment for annual memberships. Budget was accepted for review. Linda also reported that she felt that separate Christmas parties for the Yards and for the chapter had been very successful this year and encouraged participation in next year’s parties.
Jerry then announced the dates of future chapter events:
March 17th - St. Patrick party at Travis and Bobbi Mills
April 28th - Annual Dallas Military Ball, Intercontinental Hotel in Addison
May 12th - Ladies Night, Location TBA
May 26th - Memorial Day, at DFW Nat’l Cemetery and Ben Lyons residence
July 4th – Parade, Plano VFW September
TBD - Oktoberfest TBA
November - Veterans’ Day Parade TBA
December - Christmas party TBA
Monthly Vet-2-Vet at the VA Hospital
Suggested Events: Texoma with Oklahoma Chapters 32 & 50 and Canyon Lake with San Antonio Chapter 15 Local events in Dallas or Ft. Worth Mini-convention
New Business: Jerry reported that scholarship information was being distributed and there was discussion by Ron Fory and Linda Weston about forming a committee to review the process of awarding scholarships. Sam Wiley announced that he would update the newsletter with scholarship information as it became available.
Jerry asked for volunteers to call potential chapter members from the SFA roster.
Mike O’Shea spoke about the importance of attendance from Chapter members at the Military Ball in April. He also suggested renaming the Chapter to The George Petrie Chapter. Charlie Barksdale and Ben Lyons asked for clarification and more information. Jerry suggested three options to consider 1) No Change, 2) George Petrie Chapter, or 3) adding George Petrie to Billy M. Smith. Fred Sebren suggested using Survey Monkey to poll the members. Additional discussion followed and the topic was tabled for further research to determine the process for changing the names and polling Chapter Members for their name choice. Mike also asked about honorary members and Jerry will research this and put the information on the website.
Jerry encouraged all in attendance to vote in the National Election. He announced that he had ballots available.
Jerry called for other new business, but there was none at this time.
Awards were given to:
Gene Pugh - Distinguished Service to the Chapter
Mike O’Shea - Distinguished Service to the Chapter
Antonio Capaccioli- Distinguished Service to the Chapter (owner Piccolo Mondo)
Dennis Sheridan- Member of the Year
The meeting adjourned promptly at 2030 hours. Signed, Georgene Moon, Secretary Chapter XXXl