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Chapter Meeting Minutes
16 May, 2026
Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
1151 Lancaster Drive, NE
Salem, OR. 97301
Call to Order: 1228
Attendance (15): Steve Walker, Mike Ward, Danny Deitz, Geno Williams, Tony Tycer, Joe Vering, Jerry Powell, Steve Cornacchia, Sid Macken, Joe Smith, Steve Summers, Janis Zuments, Greg Meiling, Mike Davis, Brian Boggess.
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 “The Full Amour of God”.
Introductions: Steve Walker introduced Mike Davis. Mike is a retire Colonel living with his family in Redmond, OR. He served with 10th Group and spent most of his career in Europe along with multiple tours in Iraq. He left 10th Group and became a Foreign Area Officer working in Africa and Europe.
Sick Call: Paul Henderson continues taking his radiation treatments. Steve Summers will be getting a pacemaker in the coming months. Mike Peck is fighting Kidney Stones and Kieth Evey is not feeling well.
Minutes: A motion to accept the April 2026 minutes: Accepted.
Financial Report: Steve Walker reported a Checking Account balance of $13,487.43 and the Benevolent Account balance of $1,100.00. A discussion was had on the flower cost for the Roger Cherry funeral. A motion to cap the cost at $250.00. Accepted.
Danny Deitz reported that the bottle drop has a balance of $543.82. Motion to accept the financial report: Accepted.
President’s Comments: Steve Walker distributed 5 donated SFA Crests and 2 Regimental Ties to those who were interested. If you would like to obtain a SFA Crest and or a SFA Regimental tie, contact Jamie David at SFA National at 910.485.5755 for assistance
On June 26, 2026, there will be a Change of Command for LTC John Scott, Commander of the Portland Recruiting Battalion. More information to follow.
Today there is an Armed Forces Day event at the Salem’s McNary Field where you can tour the B-17 Bombers restoration.
The 12th Annual Fort Kennedy Fundraiser will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm at the Stadiums Sports Bar in Milwaukie, OR.
Sarah Yacapin will be attending the 2026 In Memory ceremony in Washington D.C. that honors Vietnam Veterans who died after returning home. Twelve Oregon veterans including Hono will be inducted on June 20, 2026.
The JROTC Program at Gresham High School has been discontinued by the school board due to funding issues.
Old Business: The scholarship application, along with her academic and personal background was presented by Scholarship Committee member Sid Macken for Kaetlyn Stradley, Granddaughter of Kieth Evey. A motion to award a $1,500 scholarship to Kaetlyn. Accepted.
The funeral service for Roger Cherry will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 1060 Chandler Road, Lake Oswego, OR. The service will begin at 11:00 am. A lunch will be served after the service followed by internment at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 17201 Stafford Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
50/50 Drawing: Joe Smith won the drawing and donated his share of the $130.00 back to the chapter.
New Business: The Lebanon High School JROTC ceremony will take place 5/21/2026 from 1800 to 2000. Steve Walker and John Boyce are planning to attend. All members are welcome to attend.
Good of the Order: Brian Boggess reflected on his attendance at a SFA Chapter 80 meeting, the Chili Chapter in New Mexico where his father-in-law was a member. Their attendance at chapter meetings is minimal and when informed of attendance at our chapter meetings, they were very envious. Brother member’s, continue to support and attend the chapter meetings!
Adjournment: 1335.
Chapter 47 Events for 2026
May 21 – Lebanon HS JROTC Award Ceremony
May 22 – Roger Cherry Funeral , Lake Oswego
May 28 – U of O and OSU ROTC Award Ceremonies
June 7 – 12 – SFA National Convention, Fort Walton Beach (Eglin AFB), Florida
June 14 – Flag Day / U.S. Army Birthday
June 20 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
July 4 – Independence Day and the USA’s 250th Anniversary
July 18 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
August 15 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
September 19 – Chapter Annual Picnic
October 17 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
Mike Ward
Secretary
SFA Chapter 47