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Chapter Meeting Minutes
22 February 2026
Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grill
515 SE Carolina Street
Portland, OR 97239
Call to Order: 1230
Attendance (22): Steve Walker, Geno Williams, Tony Tycer, Joe Smith, Jerry Powell, Steve Cornacchia, Joe Vering, Alan Johnson, Greg Meiling, Bill Gritzbaugh, Cliff Canucci, Sid Macken, Brian Boggess, Danny Deitz, Weldon Burton, Dennis Klein, Lee Reese, Gene Rappe, Andrew Klein, John Steinbaugh, Matt Abbott, LTC John Scott
Ladies Attendance: Sarah Yacapin, Maurine Klein, Barbara Walker, Jean Tycer, Carolyn Vering, Aleta Macken
Honors: Geno Williams, Sgt. at Arms, led the Pledge of Allegiance, Tony Tycer, Chaplain, presented the Special Forces Prayer and a shorty homily on the value of salt, money tender, antiseptic, food preservation and medical need.
Introductions: Steve Walker introduced Matt Abbott as a new member. Matt was an 18D and was serving as the 5th Group PA/Deputy Surgeon when he retired. Matt is currently working at OHSU as a PA in the ER.
Sick Call: Roger Cherry is at home and in good spirits. John Boyce is staying closer to home. Reach out and check in on our Brothers!
Minutes: A motion to accept the January 2026 minutes: Accepted.
Financial Report: Weldon Burton, Treasurer, reported a bank balance of $12,046.92, and a Benevolent account balance of $1,100.00.
Danny Dietz reported that the bottle fund has a balance of $997.81. A motion to approve the financial report. Accepted.
Guest Speaker: LTC John Scott reported that he will be leaving his command at the Portland Recruiting Battalion as he has been selected to attend the US Army War College. The War College is located in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and provides graduate-level instruction for senior military officers to prepare for senior leadership roles and responsibilities. He will send out information on his change of command ceremony.
President’s Comments: Our scheduled guest speaker and chapter member, Tad Davies was going to discuss a conflict with our proposed by-laws and Oregon state law. After a discussion prior to the start of the meeting, he decided to cancel, indicating he had nothing to contribute.
Old Business: Scholarship applications are due by May 31, 2026. If you need any additional information, please contact Sid Macken.
Dennis Klein gave an update on the ROTC and JROTC programs. He is looking for award presenters.
John Steinbaugh reported that the Oregon Military Hall of Fame is set to honor its 2026 inductees. Chapter Brother Riley Lott is one of the inductees. The induction ceremony will take place at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, on April 18, 2026.
The chapter has reserved two tables. For those members wanting to attend, please forward a check for $50.00 per seat to Weldon.
New Business: Potential dates for the annual Chapter 47 picnic are July 15, August 19 or September 19, 2026
50/50 Drawing: Dennis Klein won the drawing and donated his share of the $145.00 back to the chapter.
Joe Vering won the metal SF silhouette that was donated by Greg Meiling
Chapter 47 Events for 2026
March 21 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
March 25 – National Medal of Honor Day – Various Locations
April 18 – Oregon Military Hall of Fame
April 25 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
May 16 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
June 20 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
July 18 – Chapter 47 Meeting , Salem
Adjournment: 1400
Mike Ward
Secretary
SFA Chapter 47