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Chapter Meeting Minutes
20 June 2026
Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grill
515 SE Carolina Street
Portland, OR 97239
Call to Order: 1230
Attendance (21): Steve Walker, Mike Ward, Geno Williams, Tony Tycer, Joe Smith, Jerry Powell, Paul Foster, Joe Vering, Greg Meiling, Bill Gritzbaugh, Cliff Canucci, Sid Macken, Danny Deitz, Weldon Burton, Dennis Klein, Lee Reese, Gene Rappe, Steve Summers, Tina Kennedy, Alan Johnson, Mike Davis
Honors: Geno Williams, Sgt. at Arms, led the Pledge of Allegiance, Tony Tycer, Chaplain, presented the Special Forces Prayer and a short homily on the Lord’s Prayer.
Introductions: Steve Walker reintroduced Tina Kennedy. Tina updated the chapter members on her Fort Kennedy nonprofit that supports homeless veterans.
Sick Call: Paul Henserson has completed his radiation treatments and is recovering. John Boyce is not feeling well but is looking forward to attending future meetings.
There will be a celebration of life for LeAnn Boyce on July 11, 2026 at 10:00 am. The address is 2850 Grand Prairie Road SE, Albany , OR 97322
Cliff Canucci is starting radiation for prostate cancer this week.
Minutes: A motion to accept the May 2026 minutes: Accepted.
Financial Report: Weldon Burton, Treasurer, reported a bank balance of $11,866.99, and a Benevolent account balance of $1,100.00. Bills paid in the last month include a scholarship payment of $1,500.00 and $250.00 for flowers for Roger Cherry. There are no outstanding bills.
Danny Dietz reported that the bottle fund has a balance of $712.09. A motion to approve the financial report. Accepted.
President’s Comments: Steve reported that Ivan Davis’s son Brady, passed away on Thursday from cancer.
Steve also thanked all members that attended the funeral of Roger Cherry.
Friday June 26, 2026 at 1100 is the change of command ceremony for LTC John Scott at the Vancouver Barracks. Steve will provide additional information prior to the ceremony.
Steve thanked Paul Henderson for donating the speaker system to the chapter for use at chapter meetings and the annual picnic.
Steve reported that Bill Gritzbaugh has been published again in the on-line journal Military Experience & the Arts.
Guest Speaker: Alan Johnson discussed the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) memorial design along with the push back from various groups. He also discussed various memorials in Portland, Wilsonville and Seattle.
Alan also recommended the book Sergeant Major. The biography of Sergeant Major Maurice J. Jacques, USMC.
Gene Rappe presented his AAR on his recent joint comms training in early June with 3rd and 4th Battalion of 1st Group at JBLM. Also included in the training were Marines from Fort Indian Town Gap, PA.
Chapter Picnic: Danny Deitz is leading a committee to organize and implement the annual chapter picnic on September 19, 2026. In addition to Danny, Paul Foster, Geno Williams and Tony Tycer are on the committee. Additional volunteers are always welcome. Donations will be graciously accepted at the picnic to help offset the cost.
50/50 Drawing: Dennis Klein won the drawing and donated his share of the $136.00 back to the chapter. The chapter donated $20.00 for Dennis’s lunch.
ROTC Awards 2027: Dennis Klein is stepping down from his many duties and the chapter is looking for volunteers to take on the various awards. For 2027, the ROTC awards include OSU and University of Portland. JROTC awards include Oregon City HS and Lebanon HS. The chapter would like to have in place by March 2027 the members that would like to participate in the ceremonies.
Good of the Order: Steve Corncchia reported that the paper work has been submitted and acknowledged for John Steinbaugh’s consideration for induction as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment.
Hono Yacapin is being inducted into the 2026 In Memory Ceremony in Washington D.C. tomorrow, 6/21/2026. Sarah and other family members are attending the ceremony
Chapter 47 Events for 2026
June 26 - LTC Scott’s Change of Command Ceremony, Vancouver Barracks
July 4 – The USA’s 250th Birthday
July 18 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
August 15 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
September 19 – Annual Chapter 47 Picnic. Deitz River Front Estate in Keizer
October 17 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
November 21 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
December 19 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
Adjournment: 1356
Mike Ward
Secretary
SFA Chapter 47