The President

It’s been a busy year. I’ve met with a dozen or more Congresspersons, attended a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) opening, the ground breaking for our new VA Hospital, the opening of the Deltona Veteran’s Museum and even a couple of poker parties. One of those parties was here at our chapter; the other was a fund raiser for Student Veterans of UCF. Those young men and women gave me quite an education. While representing the chapter I’ve enjoyed myself immensely.

I attended National Mid Winter Boards here at the Renaissance and worked in a short visit to the National Convention in Miami, where I was happy to reconnect with some very nice people.
Here at our chapter, we met with Bill Lawson, then our Liaison Vice President, now Senior Vice President, who assured us we were meeting all the chapter’s obligations. Also, Joan Winkler, then Membership Director, now our neighbor as Executive Director at Florida Gulf Coast, was here to help with our files. As you can see there have been a lot of changes and things continue to change.

Patrick McCallister and I are trying to do something about the rampant abuse of handicapped parking. Patrick met with Officer Thigpen in Jacksonville and they have a great solution, they use volunteers to write the tickets and the funds go to help the disabled. However, after going to the Seminole mayors meeting, Volusia County mayors, and numerous other venues we have yet to have anyone come forth to help us with the problem. We had Lieutenant Pete Kelting from Seminole County come to the chapter and speak to our members about this issue. We haven’t given up yet, we continue the pursuit of a solution.
On a more positive note, I did manage to land a big one at our 23rd Annual Bass Tournament. It was a great time, thanks to Brian Terwilliger, Neal Lazarus and their team. The chapter also did a couple of shooting events sponsored by Gander Mountain and hosted by Jim Trago with help from a few members and lots of great volunteers. I learned how to shoot an air rifle with a ‘sip and puff’ trigger. Arabian Nights was enjoyed by most all who attended. The horsemanship impressed me.

Wayne Webber came by for a Tri-chapter meeting and Ken, Mary Ann and I returned the favor by visiting their new, very nice, offices in Tampa. I was also in Tampa for three other functions.
I helped with PVA Awareness Week by manning a booth for a short time. We had a small but vibrant group that marched in the Sanford Memorial Day Parade while our own Patrick McCallister did an excellent job as the Master of Ceremonies.

Speaking of Patrick McCallister, he and I traveled to Weirsdale recently to meet the friendly folks who operate the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort. They wanted our input on becoming a horse therapy center. They have a very pretty, well appointed farm and they could become a valuable resource. In an attempt to save our resources, I met with Sammy Wiggins of the Deland Beacon to see if they could help produce our newsletter through advertising. We’re waiting for a reply. In the meantime I’m taking a deep breath and getting ready for next year.

Steve Kirk

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