Jun 5, 2023
Following breakfast the meeting was opened at 9:30 AM, and the pledge of Allegiance was led by President Goody Morrison. There were 47 in attendance including family members.
The Secretary’s Report was given and it was noted that Mike Heiserman had provided the contact for the previous meetings speakers. Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sacks and her colleague, Andrew Reese, the Director of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs presented a program explaining various veterans benefits and were able to answer questions from the members.
The Treasurer’s Report followed and it was noted that there was a balance of $6,051 in the treasury after a donation of $4000 to the Wounded Veterans relief Fund.
Goody then indicated that, at the last BOD meeting, it was decided to have dinner and dance at the next Veterans Day celebration. This would include Italian food and dessert.
The 50/50 raffle followed.
At this point the meeting was adjourned for the presentation by Evelyn Tichon, a friend of Mike Heiserman. The meeting at this point was opened to the Valencia Reserve Community at large.
Mrs. Tichon was a relative of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who served during WWI, and was awarded the medal posthumously by Pres. Barack Obama. S/SGT William Shemin was originally denied the medal because he was Jewish, and it wasn’t until the efforts of his daughter, who pressured the authorities over the course of many years, and overcame issues of racism and bigotry, that he was finally recognized over a half a century later for his bravery during extremely dangerous combat conditions.
It was a very stirring presentation and was very warmly received by the audience.
Respectfully submitted,
Cal Hunter, Secretary