November  2009

 It has been awhile since our Chapters website has been updated and I encourage you to visit it often as we add new sections and photographs of past Chapter events. Our next update will include photographs from this year’s Winter Ball.  My thanks to Phil King for his assistance in getting us back on the web.

Our last General Monthly Meeting was held in October.  If you have the time please join us for dinner on the second Wednesday of each month at the Rose Garden Cafe in Elk Grove.

We held our annual golf outing on June 17^th at the Bloomingdale Golf Club and it was a rousing success thanks to the outstanding efforts of Committee Chairpersons Barb Christie and Mike Wiedmaier. Barb joined the Chapter earlier this year and immediately stepped up to help organize the event.  Also thanks to Andy Andersen for providing the accompanying photographs.  In addition to Andy and his wife Sandy, other members who helped manage the proceedings and set up the dining room for the event included Toby and Kathy Patterson, Tom Carter, Paul Jenista, Rick Novack and Rich Bleharski.  Over sixty golfers attended the outing on what was an overcast but rainless day.  Following a tour of the course, participants enjoyed a fine meal and awards ceremony, a silent auction and access to our Golf Benefit Raffle Prize Footlocker.  This event is our major fundraiser and supports contributions to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) and a college scholarship fund for airborne qualified ROTC cadets attending universities in the area.

Toby and Kathy Patterson also represented the Chapter at the National Convention in Las Vegas. Many of us are already counting the days until next years’ convention in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  For some of us it will be our first trip back to Fort Bragg in many years.

Several members attended the Operation Support Our Troops - Illinois (OSOTIL) concert held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, on July 18^th, which featured Chicagoan Gary Senise and his “Lt. Dan Band.”  To date, OSOTIL has sent over 25,000 packages to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, raised money for local VA hospitals, and helped develop programs to support deployed and returning veterans and their families.

This year’s Christmas Party will be held on December 9th at the Rose Garden Café in Elk Grove Village.  If you would like to join the fun please call for further details.

  Planning for our sixteenth Annual Winter Ball is proceeding very well thanks to the efforts of Chairperson Marsha Krzvzak.   Festivities will be held on February 20^th,

2010, and the Fountain Blue Banquets and Conference Center, located in Des Plaines, has once again been selected to host the event.  In order to accommodate out-of-towners or those who may not wish to travel after the ball, Marsha has made arrangements with the Radisson Hotel  located directly across the street to provide rooms for attendees.

  A special thanks to two chapter members for their efforts in support of our troops returning from overseas assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Our Vice President Bob Smith is also a Regional Coordinator for Warriors’ Watch Riders.  Come rain or shine they jump on their bikes, join forces with members of local Police and Fire Departments and escort returning vets home from nearby airports.

Andy Andersen, who is also a member of the 82^nd Airborne Division Association (John Steele Chapter), attended their Convention in Indianapolis recently. Forty wounded vets were guests of the attending chapters.  Great work guys!

  Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a Happy New Year.

  God bless you and God bless America

**************************

What a great Winter Ball we had even though the weather was terrible. We had 176 brave souls that ventured out to attend our 2007 Winter Ball. It was a real treat for us to have the Honorable Rudi Gresham as our guest speaker. Rudi has really done a lot for our Special Forces Association as well as for our veterans. 
     I want to thank all that made this such a success this year. To those that made donations: Dave O'Malley, John Condich and Paul Jenista. To Kathy Patterson for chairing the silent auction portion of the event. To Joe Meinike for being the President of the scholarship board this year and for the members of the board: Tom Carter, Frank Krus and Bill Shanklin. To Joe also for coordinating for the color guard and for the printing of the programs. To Bob Smith and Joe Meinike for really promoting the event. Between those two they had 7 and a half tables (some 76 people, almost half of those that attended). As usual Andy Andersen did a great job getting our gifts and coordinating for our DJ. And speaking of Marko, he did a great job as usual. The staff at the Fountain Blue were top notch and the meal and facilities were great. I have to thank Al Krenz for turning us on to them, I think we may have found a new home for our Winter Ball. To Tom Carter for providing the flags for the background for the photos.
      To Donna Novack on another nice presentation of the Remembrance Table and a big thank you to Toby Patterson for setting it up. To those that worked the front registration table you did a fantastic job in getting everyone signed in and gifts given out" Sandy Andersen, Donna Novack, Frank Krus and Dave O'Malley. To Ted and Betty Drier for agreeing to be at the head table to help me entertain our guest. And to everyone (just in case I missed someone) a great big thank you for your support and attendance. And last but not least (to keep me out of the dog house) a big, huge, gigantic thank you to my wife Kathy for all that she did this year to make this a great event from the invitations, to the registration form, to the program design.
     Well we'll take a few weeks breather, but then our focus turns to our golf outing. Mike Wiedmaier is already moving things forward preparing for that event. This year it will be important to raise as much as we can because after the Ball and our scholarship presentations our money purse is getting pretty empty. But that's how it has been over the past few years, our big money event has always been our golf outing. That's why I've been happy to see Rick Novack head it up and now Mike Wiedmaier take it over this year. It is in very capable hands. We just need to help and support Mike in whatever he needs.        

     I'll see you at the March meeting where I'll give a full report on the Winter Ball. 

Until then God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

**************************

January 2007

Happy New Year! Well 2007 is going to be a great year. The "Bears" are going to the Super Bowl and we are about to have our Winter Ball. I think it may turn into a post-Super Bowl celebration because "Da Bears" are going to win. 

As far as the Winter Ball is concerned, if you are planning on attending you need to get your reservations in by 10 February or you can pay the $5 procrastination fee after that. This will be a great Winter Ball at our new location in Des Plaines at the Fountain Blue. Our special guest speaker for the evening is the Honorable Rudi H. Gresham who has been the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1 October 2001. He was also LTG Bill Yarborough's Aide so we should hear some good stories that night. We need everyone's support this year especially in attending as well as supporting Kathy Patterson for the silent auction with donated items. With no real chairperson this has been a group effort and that is why it is imperative that we get a good turn out this year. 

I believe this is a great way to start the New Year off and from here we roll into the planning for the golf outing. Also another project that has been long over due but has begun is developing a solid working relationship with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). A number of us attended their welcome home ceremony and special recognition and retirement ceremony on Saturday, 20 January of this year. It is only right that the local Special Forces Association Chapter support and become the strategic reserve for the local Special Forces unit. If you have ideas on how to help make that happen then come on out to our monthly meetings and share your ideas with us. 

Once again I wish you and yours the very best this year. I look forward to seeing you all at the Winter Ball and our monthly meetings. Come on out and support "your" chapter because it is you the individual member that either makes or breaks "our" chapter. 

Until next time. God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

**************************

October 2006

     Well when this Southern boy sees the first of the white stuff falling I know it'll be soon for me to go into hibernation. For all you studley Northerners I know I'm just a wimp, but just give me a warm sandy beach any day. As we transition into fall I want to thank Andy and Sandy Andersen for last month's successful Labor Day week end picnic. As I mentioned in September's Pete, the Andersen's always do such a great job. However Andy has said that this was it for him, time for someone else to step up and take the chairperson role for next years event. If we don't have someone step up we may have to pass on the picnic.
     This seems to be the year that we are transitioning to new chairpersons for our events. I want to thank Mike Wiedmaier for volunteering for the golf outing in June of 2007. He'll be working with Rick Novack to transition as the new chairperson for that event. However, we still need a chairperson for the Winter Ball. I want to thank Kathy Patterson for volunteering to head up the silent auction committee for the Winter Ball.
     Those of you that were at the September monthly meeting saw first hand the potential problem we have with our By Laws when we don't have a quorum. Those at the October meeting I want to thank you for your comments, I felt we had a very good discussion and for now the issue is resolved. The meeting obviously went longer then I wanted, but it was a key issue that I felt had to be discussed and everyone given the opportunity to voice their opinion. Of course the answer is that you need to be at the monthly meetings so we ensure we have a quorum. The number needed for a quorum is only 15 and for the past few months we have missed it by only one or two. However, as we have seen that one or two can cause issues to be delayed, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as we discussed.
It was good to have our Sneaky Pete editor with us at the October meeting, good to have you home Keith. Keith said he's catching up with the back issues and by the time you read this he should be caught up.
     Regarding the Save the Montagnard People project I want to thank Rich Bleharski for taking over our latest shipment in September. Rich went over for their Dega Days and delivered a truck full of supplies plus a $1,000 donation from the chapter for their Education Fund.
       As we shift our focus to our Winter Ball, this year more then any other it will be important to have everyone's support. As I mentioned we still need a chairperson. Mark the date on your calendar for Saturday, 24 February 2007 at the Fountain Blue in Des Plaines, new date and new location. We need everyone to talk it up and make plans to attend.
      Just in case the November Pete doesn't come out the first of the month, I want to wish you all a happy Veteran's Day. It's so appropriate that the November elections are the Tuesday before that Saturday that Veteran's day falls on. In this time of political maneuvering and bickering it's easy to get discouraged or complacent. We too often are forced to vote for who we think is the "lesser of two evils". But then we have Veteran's day. A day that should remind us that "all gave some and some gave all" in preserving our freedom. Yes we have problems in our political arena where it becomes party loyalty and politician's job security that seems to take priority over what's best for the country and the American people.
      Veteran's Day is like the calm after the storm. A day to reflect on our men and women of the Armed Forces who have served and continue to serve, protecting our freedom and our way of life. Though we may get jaded over our political season, let us never forget that our political system and process is the envy the world over. We still have the light that shines on top of the hill that is a beacon to free men and women everywhere. So make sure you vote on Tuesday, 7 November. In doing so you say thank you to all of our comrades that paid the ultimate price for freedom and are no longer with us. And on that Saturday, 11 November stand tall, be proud and know that we remain free today because of your service. I thank you for your service to our great nation and I'm proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.
      God Bless you and God Bless America

Ed Lacey Chapter President

**************************

July 2006

      The Army just celebrated its 231st birthday and the nation celebrates its 230th this July. As a fighting force always on the tip of the spear Special Forces celebrates its 54th. Though a young branch we trace our lineage to the early days of our fight for Independence. We are proud, we are well trained and we make a difference in the world. With a motto like "Free the Oppressed" how could we not. 

      Having just returned from our national convention in Fayetteville I have much to share, but I'll not do it here for fear of making this into a mini novel. So I'll share my impressions and observations at the August meeting. However here are a few items we all can be proud of. There was a tour and briefing at Camp McKall and my impressions are the branch is better trained and equipped then in any time in our history.

      The school has over 60 courses now and approximately 6,000 students that go through these annually. The average age for the student is 26 and the average age on an ODA is 30. Two years ago that age was 32. Those on the ODA have an average GT score of 115, they are married, have two children and have at least two years of college. There is about a 40% graduation rate for the active duty enlisted from the course. Team leaders are staying on the teams for a minimum of two years and the average is usually three years. Here are some statistics from a recent course about the officers: of the 180 officers selected for selection came from 400 applications from which 200 were selected. Of these 50% were West Point officers and 90% were combat veterans. 

       As Americans we can be proud of all that our Special Forces soldiers are doing and as "Green Berets" ourselves we can be proud knowing that each new generation of "Green Berets" are built upon the shoulders, experience and lessons learned from the previous generation. We've all had a part in these new warriors. 

      As a national organization we are doing well. We have a total of 8, 611 voting members and a total membership of 8,739 (which also includes our widows and honorary members). As far as the financials, there will be a copy of the audit conducted on the Association in the Fall "Drop". The convention for 2007 will be in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 1-7 July 2007 at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel. I'll have brochures at the August meeting. The 2008 convention will be in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania tentatively in the middle part of June. The member of the year was Fred Smith (chapter 36) and the runner up was Steve Schofield (chapter 73). Those of us from the 12th SFG may remember Steve. 

       So hopefully you can get a sense that you missed a good convention. The chapter didn't have as many as we usually do but we were well represented. I want to thank Bob Smith for standing in for me while I was gone and unfortunately I'll be gone again for the July meeting. But don't worry I'll be back for the August meeting and in rare form. So come on out and join us for both meetings. Until then God Bless you and God Bless America

Ed Lacey Chapter President

**************************

May 2006

Well here it is May. That means here in Chicago it may or may not feel like spring. We had a great Winter Ball this past February and I want to once again say a big thank you to Kathy and Toby Patterson and the rest of the Winter Ball committee for the great job they did. We had a record attendance this year and our guest speaker, Roy Dolgos, gave us a great up date on Illinois Veterans' Affairs.
At our last monthly meeting in April we were fortunate to have Allen Lynch as our guest speaker. Al brought up a number of key issues for all veterans to think about and we thank him for being there with us and for all that he has done for our country and our veterans.
Our next big event is our annual golf outing. Many of you received my email I sent out and for those that didn't get it just let me encourage everyone to do whatever they can to support the golf outing this year and help Rick Novack in any way you can. We had a great turn out last year. I believe that if we get the same level of support that we received last year then this event will make that one pale in comparison. It will be Monday, June 5th at White Pines Golf Course so I encourage you to come out and join us, either all-day or just for the dinner. It will be a lot of fun, it always is and I expect this one will be just as great as last year.
Well it's that time again elections. We have chapter and national elections to focus on. I encourage everyone to vote for the national leadership team that you want leading our association. Every vote counts so please, when you get your ballot in the mail take a moment and vote and mail it back in. All ballots must be received by 31 May.
Regarding our own chapter 37 elections, I have asked Al Krenz to head up the nominating committee and Dave O'Malley to head up the tellers committee. I want to thank both men for being willing to take on this project. If there is anyone you want to nominate for any of the leadership positions or if there is a position you are interested in volunteering for then please contact Al and he'll get the name on the ballot. Please don't take either the national or chapter elections lightly. These will be the leadership teams that will lead our association and chapter for the next two years.
Our monthly meetings are at the Rose Garden Café and I invite you and encourage you to come on out and join us the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We start at 1915 hours (7:15 PM), but many of us get there early to eat dinner. If you don't know the address it's at the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road (111 E. Higgins Rd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007).
As always thank you for all that you do for our chapter and for your service to our country. We'll celebrate Armed Forces Day Saturday, 20 May this year and your service to our country has been recorded in its pages of a free Republic. We are free today because of the part you played, big or small. As an American I thank you for your service, as a veteran I salute you and tell you I'm proud to be counted among your ranks, and as a Green Beret soldier I tip the beret to you as a Quiet Professional who still serves our country as a citizen, a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a business man or employee and most importantly as a patriot. 

God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***********************************************************

January 2006

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***********************************************************

December 2005

President's Holiday Message:

Before I begin my message let me take care of some administrative issues first. In my last President's message I had put down the wrong date for the Winter Ball, it is Saturday, 11 February 2006. And speaking of that Kathy and Toby Patterson have indicated this will be their last year to chair the Winter Ball. We need a new chairperson for 2007 and it would be good if we get a volunteer now so they can be Kathy's apprentice this year. Don't worry she won't say, "You're fired." I want to thank Tom Carter for volunteering to conduct our annual internal audit. I would like to have another person to assist him so I'm asking for another volunteer that has some accounting back ground to step up and help Tom. If I don't get any volunteers then I'll give Tom an execute order. We will start putting more information on the web site to help Keith out with the Sneaky Pete, so every now and then or if you have a question check out the web site at http://www.geocities.com/sfaxxxvii . And now for the President's holiday message.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays! When you get the winter edition of The Drop you'll see were I reflected on this past year's accomplishments of the chapter. It's been another great year for the chapter and as we begin the holiday season it is a time to be with family and reflect on how much we have to be thankful for. It's great that we end the year with the holidays because it gives us a chance to reflect on what is really important, our relationship with our God, our families and our country.
Though it's not Veteran's Day, Armed Forces Day or Memorial Day it still is a time to reflect on our freedom. As part of that unique fraternity of patriots that has preserved our Republic, I honor you and count it a privilege to be counted among your ranks. For all our brave men and women that are defending freedom's front lines may we think of them and say a prayer for them and their loved ones this holiday season. For many of us, though the memories are a little faded, we know what it's like to be away from home on the holidays. The make shift decorations, singing Christmas carols in the mess hall and missing our families, but still focused and committed to the mission at hand.
When I was stationed in Korea on the DMZ it was always a special time because the North Koreans would play Christmas music instead of the normal propaganda. Of course it was meant to make our soldiers home sick, and in some cases it succeeded. But it's all about where you place your focus and how you interpret that event. For many others and me it was a great way to hear Christmas music all day long.
I thank you all for all your efforts and hard work this past year. As we look to the new year and set new goals for the chapter let us take a moment and reflect on this past year's accomplishments and be mindful of all that you did and all the lives that you impacted with your contributions.
Kathy and I wish the very best for you and your family this holiday season. May the holidays be filled with fun, laughter and thankfulness. May you be inspired to dream and set new goals for you and your family. Or maybe dust off the old goals and rekindle the flame of desire to see those dreams accomplished. May the New Year greet you and yours with health and may you prosper in 2006. God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***********************************************

September 2005

What a great Labor Day weekend and once again what a great job that Andy and Sandy Andersen did for the "Airborne Andy" picnic. I want to thank everyone that helped make that a very enjoyable day. All those that helped set up and tear down, to all those that cooked and to everyone that showed up and supported the event. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that Andy and Sandy do every year to make this event what it is and I want to thank them on behalf of all of us that enjoyed ourselves that day.
We have a completed Chapter By Laws thanks to Al Krenz and the members of his committee. I want to thank all of the committee members for their work on this project. It is now up to the membership of the Chapter to vote and ratify the By Laws. You will see a copy of the By Laws in this Sneaky Pete so you need to vote. If we don't hear from you then we will assume that you are in agreement with the By Laws as presented. Our next challenge will be to create some SOPs. We will vote on the ratification of the By Laws at the November meeting so you have until then to make any comments. After that we are moving on to the SOPs.
I don't know how many get or read U.S. News and World Report, but in the 1 August 2005 issue there was an entire article about the War on Terrorism.
Most of us know Special Forces and Special Operation Forces have been in this fight long before the attack on September the 11th, 2001. It should give us all a sense of pride knowing that the current generation of Green Berets are living up to the challenge, completing the mission and freeing the oppressed. They have been involved in all aspects of SF doctrine and have really shown what they are made of. They have made us proud. If you get the chance let them know how proud we are of them.
We just passed a real milestone for our Chapter. On 16 September 2005 we turned 20 years old. We decided to postpone the celebration until the Winter Ball, so get ready to party and celebrate big time when that rolls around 5 February 2006.
I would encourage everyone that can make it to come and join us for our next monthly meeting at the Rose Garden at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 12 October 2005, so if you are around come join us. So until thenŠ.God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

**********************************************

July 2005

Those that were able to attend the national convention in Nashville had a great time and we missed those of you that were unable to attend. Chapters 38 and 27 did a good job of putting on a good convention. The accommodations at the Sheraton were outstanding and there were some 600 plus that attended. Next years convention will be at Fayetteville, NC, 12-17 June 2006 and the HQ hotel will be the Clarion. The convention for 2007 will be held in Oklahoma City, OK, 2-7 July 2007.
The Association has 8,693 members so you can see we are growing. There is a concerted effort to get more of the active duty to join the Association. And speaking of our active duty SF here are some interesting facts that were briefed at the convention. These are comparing the 18 series to the rest of the Army:
                                           18 series            Army
Average Age                             21                 26
Avg. GT                                  121                113
Time in Service                          <2 years        < 5 years
Some College experience         42%                15%

Most of 3rd, 5th, and 10th have 3 combat tours and most of the rotations are 7 months in and then back out and then back in.

We had MG Parker, the CG, from JFK Special Warfare Center brief us on what is happening at the "school house". Currently it takes 63 weeks to produce a Special Forces soldier. They are changing things around so that the time can be cut to 48 weeks (without sacrificing the high standards that SF has always had). MG Parker also extended an invitation to anyone that can be at Ft. Bragg on 21 Nov 2005 for the dedication of the new academic training facility to Col. Aaron Bank.
There was also a briefing on the status of the Montagnard Project. Those involved with the project indicated that they would like to burn the $130,000 mortgage at next year's convention in Fayetteville. This would give the Montagnard's a free title to the land. Jake Jakoveko issued a challenge to everyone that cares about this project or owes their lives to these special allies Special Forces had in Vietnam. I'm including his email in this month's Pete.
Now that I have pretty well covered the convention it's time to turn our attention to the "Airborne Andy" Labor Day picnic. I would encourage everyone to be there if you are in town. It is Saturday, 3 September 2005 at the 85th Division area. Andy and Sandy always do such a great job and everyone has such a good time, so make your plans now to join us that day. Andy has told me he can use some help so let him know if you are available to help out that day.
I would encourage everyone that can make it to come and join us for our next monthly meeting at the Rose Garden at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 10 August 2005. I'm going to try to have the power point briefing that we got from MG Parker, so if you are around come join us. So until then.God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***************************

June 2005

     We had the best turn out ever for our golf outing this year with some 144 golfers participating and then about 155 for the dinner. Rick Novack and all on the golf committee did an outstanding job this year and once Rick has a chance to review the numbers he'll provide us with the final report, but early indications look great. So my personal thanks to everyone that made all this possible. Also a special thanks goes to our ladies and our friends from Webber H.S. for all that they did to help.
      This will be our last call for participation at the National convention this year in Nashville. Everyone that can join us come on out and we'll see you in Nashville. A reminder for everyone about the ticket stubs for the annual SFA Memorial Building Raffle. All stubs must be received at National NLT 24 June 2005. There is a benefit to the Chapter in that we get 50% of the monies raised by the Chapter members. In order for us to get credit our Chapter number must be on each stub that is submitted by any of our members.
So if you haven't done so, mail your donations and stubs into National.
     After the convention all focus will once again be on our Labor Day Weekend Event hosted by "Airborne" Andy, a.k.a. the 1SG. Make plans now to join us. There is rumor that we will have someone there that hasn't been there in years. Who could it be? Can you feel the suspense? Be there to find out who.
     Summer is here and I wish everyone the best summer yet. Have fun, but be safe. We have a few more events left for the year, but I want to thank everyone for a great job so far,  we are on track to once again have a great year for the Chapter. Keep our men and women of our Armed Forces in your thoughts and prayers. Missions still are continuing and there are many more deployments for them before they complete those missions. We are all very proud of them and they deserve only the best.
Speaking of the best, our members that participated in the River Forest Memorial Day Parade brought home the Best Unit Trophy. Way to go and many thanks to Tom Zimmerman and crew.
I would encourage everyone that can make it to come and join us for our next monthly meeting at the Rose Garden at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road. So until then. God Bless you and God Bless America

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***************************

May 2005

We had a good turn out for the April meeting and Jerry Duncan did a great job relating stories about MG Healy and giving us a better understanding of our chapter's namesake. So thank you Jerry. We passed some important motions and as a result our chapter will be donating some $5,685 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation this year. Since the majority of those funds came from the annual golf outing, this is a great time to once again remind you that we need you to support the chapter again this year and come on out and join us for this years golf outing Monday, 6 June 2005, at White Pines Golf Course. Rick Novack has once again put together a great day of golf and fun, so mark your calendars and join us that day.
Another event that will be here before you know it is the National Convention in Nashville. If you haven't made your reservations yet I would encourage you to do it today. Come and join us in Nashville for a great event that's always fun and with our group we make it even better. It doesn't get much closer then this so take advantage of it and come and join us.
As the war on terrorism continues we have had some of our members deploy and I want to take this time to tell you we are proud of you and we are here for you. I need you to let us know if you get deployed and if there is anything at all we can do for you or your family while you are in harms way. Please understand the strength of our association is that we are family and share a common bond. If there is anything that could make your deployment a little easier, please let us know and we will do what we can to provide that for you. Also as you are gone let us now what we can do to support your family.
Being family we take care of our own and we want to honor that trust so please let us know if there is anything we can do for your family.
I would encourage everyone that can make it to come and join us for our next monthly meeting at the Rose Garden at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road. So until then. God Bless you and God Bless America.
 

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***************************

April 2005

As I write this I realize that the first day of spring is tomorrow of course here in Chicago that means it might snow. I don't know about you but I am ready for warmer weather. I want to thank Bob Smith for standing in for me at the last meeting, I heard everything went very well. We are getting closer to the June Golf Outing and Rick has everything well in hand. We are once again getting help from several of the Weber Alumni and we really appreciate their help. This year's golf outing will be a huge success, so be sure that you have it on your calendar Monday, 6 June 2005, at White Pines Golf Course. 
Kathy and I, along with the Zimmerman's were the representatives this year for the chapter at the 82nd Airborne Association's Dinner and Installation of Officers. Al had planned on attending put got called away on business at the last minute. Isn't that how it works work just seems to interfere with us having fun. Anyway this is a nice function every year and since members of the Association always support us at our Winter Ball this is our way of saying thanks. Of course we missed Andy and Sandy tearing up the dance floor this year since Andy is recovering from knee surgery, so by next year he'll be in rare form so come out and watch.
There's not much new to report this month other than to encourage everyone to make reservations for our golf outing and for the National Convention in Nashville, which are both in June. Also I would encourage everyone that can make it to come and join us for our next monthly meeting at the Rose Garden. So until then. God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***************************

March 2005

WOW! What a great Winter Ball this year. We had 162 attend and our guest speaker this year was Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Allen J. Lynch who gave a well-received talk. I would encourage you to see my comments in the Drop that will be coming out shortly, that way I don't have to repeat myself here. I just want to reiterate what a great job I think Toby and Kathy Patterson did, as well as the rest of the committee.
Well here we are in March and I'm looking for warmer weather. Of course those that know me know that I'm always thinking of warmer weather. Kathy says I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather and I admit it, she is right. As we shift our focus to our golf outing in June I would encourage everyone to make plans now to attend. Rick Novack always does such a great job with this event and I expect this year will be even bigger and better.
Another event in June to put on your schedule now is our Special Forces Association National Convention. This year it will be held in Nashville, 29 June to 3 July, at the Sheraton Music City Hotel. I've stayed there before and I can tell you it is a great hotel and you'll enjoy your stay there. You can't get much closer then that so I would encourage as many members to attend this year as possible. We always have a great time and we would love for you and yours to join us.
I would like to remind you about something that Al Lynch mentioned in his talk. He spoke of veteran's issues and the need to stay in contact with our elected officials. We need to let them know where we stand on the issues that affect our fellow veterans and us. We need to inform them and then stay vigilant that these issues are not forgotten so that the brave men and women who have served our great republic are not forgotten. Issues involving the VA system, veteran's health care, education, rehabilitation and others must not be allowed to die in committee or be ignored on the floor of Congress. Let's all do our part not just for ourselves, but for all our fellow veterans now and those to come. If we are not watchful, then those in today's War on Terrorism will find themselves without the benefits they will need when they return and leave service.
I would encourage everyone that can make it to come and join us for our next monthly meeting at the Rose Garden. So until then. God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***************************

February 2005

As I write this it is only a few days before our annual Winter Ball. Kathy and Toby informed me the other day that we had about 144 reservations so far, so I believe we will have a tremendous turn out again this year. Bob Smith told me he had 37 guests that were planning on attending, so that's four tables right there.

As always Al Krenz did a great job of running the scholarship board this year. We met and conducted the board on Tuesday, the 25th of January. The board this year is Al, Frank Krus, Joe Meinike, Bill Shanklin and Ed Lacey. I want to thank each member of the board for taking time out of their schedule to be there. Joe and Bill were first timers on the board and did a great job with their questions. We had six cadets come before the board and they were all fantastic. These six cadets presented themselves so well that the board decided to present each of them with a $500 scholarship. The winners were Timothy Boucher (UIC); Jeffrey Goines (DePaul); Christian Groenendal (DePaul); Todd Gross (NIU); Andreas Lucido (NIU); and Peter Syverson (NIU). I have been so impressed with the quality of the ROTC cadets that we have seen over the past several years. They will carry on the finest traditions of the US Army and will be a real asset to any unit that they are assigned.

This Years Ba Da Bing Photos

In the last Drop the editor could not open the pictures I sent in and I was notified too late to mail them in by snail mail. So I'm sending them this time to the Sneaky Pete. Hopefully Keith can open them and put them in this issue. If not I guess I'll save them for a future issue of the Drop or the Pete. So until next time. God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President

***************************

January 2005

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Kathy and I want to wish each of you a very healthy and prosperous 2005. I am so excited about this next year. I really believe it will be a great one for the chapter. We are already seeing some groundwork laid that will produce some great results for the chapter.
Once again I want to thank Bryan Krause for being the editor for the Sneaky Pete these past several years. I am pleased to report and want to commend Keith Clark for stepping forward and volunteering to be our new Sneaky Pete editor. Keith could use an assistant because there is a very good chance he will be deployed in the near future. If that happens he will continue with the Pete but there may be some delays.
Things are progressing nicely for our Winter ball and I want to encourage everyone to make plans now for Saturday, 5 February to attend. Look for your invitation soon and please respond quickly if you are planning on attending. Those of you that procrastinate will pay more and certainly cause us some problems on this end for logistics and final planning. So start your New Year's resolution and don't procrastinate. You know you want to be there, so just write out the check, address the envelope, put on the stamp and put that reply in the mail and we will see you in February.
Once again I am excited about 2005. My predictions are that during this next year we will see a new web address for the chapter, the chapter insured, a new format for the Pete, a new chapter by-laws and standing rules, some well deserving scholarship winners, the "Mother" of all Winter Balls, a very successful silent auction, an extremely successful and profitable golf outing, note worthy summer meetings, a Labor day picnic with a surprise guest, and topping off the year in style in the fall with a 20 year old birthday party for the chapter, she's almost all grown up and legal to drink.
So I look forward to seeing you at our January meeting and at our Winter Ball in February. From my family to yours.  God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

November 2004

Hopefully everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for, especially living in this great country. I hope everyone paused to give thanks and to appreciate all that we have. As we enter the holiday season I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
We have lost one of our own. Paul Maurer passed away in October and services were held on 29 October. Al Krenz and 6 others from the chapter were able to attend the service to pay last respects to our fallen comrade. Our condolences go out to Paul's family.
At our last monthly meeting in November we had a pleasant surprise by having our very own Sneaky Pete editor, Bryan Krause, attend the meeting all the way from South Dakota. Bryan has been the editor for the past 6 years and we wanted to express our appreciation for all that he has done, so we presented him a plaque in recognition of that. He brought with him some of his woodcarvings and we found that he has talents far beyond the pages of the Sneaky Pete. We wish him and his family all the best and to Bryan a tip of the beret for a job well done. Thank you so much for all that you have done to support the chapter.
Speaking of the chapter, I have asked Al Krenz to chair the committee for developing our chapter By-Laws. He has graciously accepted and the committee has already met twice, so the process has begun. I believe the committee will create a document that we can be proud of and will serve the chapter for years to come. Once the final document is finished it will be presented to the entire membership for ratification.
Since Bryan is stepping down as editor for the Sneaky Pete and since we have no one stepping up yet we will be using the web site as our main way to communicate to the membership. We will also use email and for those without email we'll use the good old, tried and true, postal service. The web site is http://www.geocities.com/sfaxxxvii . I would like to propose we get a domain name that is more personalized for us, so please send me any suggestions between now and the January meeting and we'll vote on it then.
Here are some administrative notes that may be of some interest to everyone:
(1) There is a SF online messaging service that you can register for. This is not an official site nor is it endorsed by SFA but it is a way for you to stay in touch with what is going on with the Association. To register yourself just request an application from Paul Campbell, Net Controller at asfbacsi@aol.com.
(2) If you are interested in buying a Special Forces Regimental flag to fly outdoors contact Larry McMillin. The total cost for the flag and shipping is $28. His web site is http://teamhouse.tni.net/regflag/regcolors.htm.
(3) The SFA National Convention, hosted by chapter 38, is up and running at http://convention05.sfa.org. I would encourage everyone to make plans now to attend. It will be in Nashville, Tennessee 27 June to 3 July 2005 at the Sheraton Music Cite Hotel. For those of us in Chicago it is only about an 8 hour drive. If you want to get there faster just get with any of our "speed demons" and catch a ride. Ted still has his Corvette, Andy will probably rent a Viper and Al and Dave will probably rent a Lamborghini.
I know this is a longer letter than I usually post but since this is our last Sneaky Pete for a while I thought I would take advantage and use up some ink. As we close out our year let me give you a summary of where I see our chapter this is my State of the Chapter Address. We are solid. At this writing we have approximately 149 current members. We are financially solvent with a balance of approximately $12,298.20 in our account. We are working on our By-Laws, Standing Rules, and our Policies and Procedures. We are investigating an umbrella insurance policy to protect from litigation the chapter, it's officers and it's members. We are investigating filing for incorporation in the state of Illinois as a non profit organization. We have dedicated and committed chapter officers that are leading us. And we have a membership that is proud, dedicated, committed and is carrying on the heritage and legacy of our founding father Aaron Bank. I am proud of each and every one of you and it is my honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. I continue to be humbled by your trust and confidence that you have placed in me as your president. Together we have done much.
As we look to 2005 I only see great things for the chapter. I see a very successful scholarship board headed by Al Krenz that will once again select some outstanding and deserving ROTC cadets. I see a wonderful, successful and enjoyable Winter Ball headed by Toby and Kathy Patterson. I see a fantastic and very profitable golf outing headed by Rick Novack. And I see another fun filled and enjoyable Labor Day week end picnic headed by Andy "Airborne" Andersen.
So come on out and join us at all our events. And we'd love to also see you at our monthly meetings. Once again I, along with my wife Kathy, wish each and every one of you and your families a joyous holiday season. God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

November 2004

By the time you read this the election will be over and in the history books. As in sporting events there will be a winner and a loser. But I like to view it a little differently. There are no losers here for the country. We had two men that were willing to put it all on the line and step up to the challenge of being President of the United States. If your man won great and if not then it's time to set aside the election because it's over. It's now time to stand with our next President.

Once again we have validated our founding father's dream, vision and commitment that a free people can have free elections and the transfer of power can be conducted in an orderly fashion. Our Constitution and our Republic have once again proved that the United States of America is "the land of the free and home of the brave". May God Bless America!

This past meeting Kathy and Toby Patterson, as our Winter Ball chairpersons, began our planning for our 11th Winter Ball on 5 February 2005. As usual they have gotten us off to a great start. In the months ahead we'll bring more information and up dates, but for now put it on your calendar. We would love to see you there because everyone has a great time. Along that same train of thought since that is when we award our scholarships, I have asked Al Krenz to once again be our President of the Scholarship Board and he has graciously accepted. So if Al asks you to help out and be a member of the board I would like to encourage you to step up and accept.

This is an exciting time for the chapter with new ideas being discussed and new proposals being batted around. Some have been discussed at the monthly meetings and some have been discussed at our officers meeting and will be presented at a future date. This is our chapter, not just mine nor a handful of officers, but ours collectively. I encourage all members to become involved and participate with their attendance, their ideas and their help. Together we will make a stronger chapter that all of Special Forces can be proud of. So come on out and join us at our next meeting at the Rose Garden on Wednesday, 10 November 2004. Until then, may God bless you.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

October 2004

Here we are in October and the temperatures are dropping and the trees are changing colors here in lovely Chicagoland. Before we know it we'll be looking at ghosts and goblins at our front door. Have a great month and start stocking up on those woodpiles for the winter.

On a more serious note I would encourage everyone to register to vote and then go and vote your conscience on Election Day 2 November. Every four years we get to look at the incredible work our founding fathers established and we get to see the legacy of freedom that we have all been a part of and contributed to.

My wife and I recently returned from the 5th SFG reunion where it was my privilege to be at the head table representing Chapter 37. On Thursday of the reunion we received a Command briefing on the activities of 5th Group in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The current Group commander and I went through the SF course back in 1987 and now he is the Group commander. It does my soul good when I see the good ones making good, I would have told him he was getting old, but he was still deployed, ha. After hearing that briefing those of us wearing the "Green Beret" and all Americans can be proud of these brave men that are carrying on our long and distinguished heritage. I wish you could have been there yourself and heard all the great work they are doing. I am proud to be an American and a "Green Beret" soldier.

Our next meeting at the Rose Garden will be Wednesday, 13 October, so I would encourage everyone that can to come and join your fellow SFers at our monthly meeting. Until then, God Bless you and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

September  2004

When you start seeing the kids go back to school you know the end of summer is near. Hopefully everyone had a great summer. By the time you read this Airborne Andy's Labor Day picnic will be in the history books and hopefully not on the Arlington Heights blotter report. Andy always does such a great job and everyone has such a great time. So thanks again Andy for a job well done.

We continue to have some good discussions at the meetings and everyone has some good ideas, so I would encourage everyone to get your ideas to me or to any one of the other officers. We're lucky to have such an active Past President as Al to help keep us on track and to provide some good input on issues. We will be working on our own Chapter 37 Constitution and By Laws soon so if you have any recommendations now is the time to let us know. Once again I can be reached at edlaceyjr@myexcel.com or (630) 372-2393. Also we need to find another editor for the Sneaky Pete because Bryan needs to take a break. He's done such a fantastic job but we need to give him a break. I mean come on, he's been doing this since they sculpted Bronze Bruce.

So in closing let me encourage everyone that can make our local chapter meetings to come on out and join us. Until next time. God Bless You and God Bless America.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

August 2004

We had a good meeting in July with a lot of good feed back and ideas on where we want to go with the chapter. For those that don't make the monthly meetings because you live out of town or have other reasons, I would really like to hear your ideas on how to improve the chapter and also ideas on where you would like to see the chapter head. You can either email me at edlaceyjr@myexcel.com or give me a call (630) 372-2393.

Well as we start on the downward side of summer "Airborne Andy" is once again putting together another fabulous Labor Day weekend picnic. At our August meeting Andy will give the final details for the picnic and any help that he might need. I would encourage everyone to be there if you are in town. It's always a great event and a nice end to summer. Speaking of that event I want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Our next monthly meeting is August the 11th and I would encourage everyone to be there if you are able. We will continue our discussions on the direction of the chapter and take volunteers to start working on our Chapter's Constitution.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

July 2004

Since this is my first President's letter let me start out by introducing your new leadership team for this next term: President: Ed Lacey; Vice President: Bob Smith; Secretary: Joe Meinike; Treasurer: Andy Andersen. I can tell you we are all honored and consider it a privilege to serve as your leadership board. We just returned from Las Vegas for the National convention and can honestly say it was fun and interesting. We want to extend our congratulations to Ken and Judy Maynard on their marriage at the convention. I can honestly say of all the team parties I've been to I have never seen a wedding, but it was great and we wish them much love and happiness in the years to come. Also since we're talking weddings, we extend our best wishes to Toby and Kathy Patterson on renewing their wedding vows. After almost 18 years of marriage this will be one they both will remember. Since they say what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas just let me say "The King" is alive and well and with all the "lip locks" that were given him from the ladies of the chapter he should be fine for years to come. Needless to say we all had a great time and the chapter was well represented with three full tables at the banquet. Make plans to attend next years convention which will be in Nashville, Tennessee June 27 to July 3, 2005 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel. We brought back hotel applications and will have them at the next meeting.

Shifting focus I would like to thank personally and on behalf of the chapter all of our out going leadership board: President: Al Krenz; Vice President: Tom Nicholson; Secretary: Frank Krus; and Treasurer: Andy Andersen. Also I would be remiss if I didn't also thank our Sergeant-at-arms: Toby Patterson and our Sneaky Pete Editor: Bryant Krause. Also a big thanks to all our committee chairs for this past year: Andy Andersen for the picnic; Al Krenz for the scholarship committee; Toby and Kathy for the winter ball; and for a very successful golf outing this year Rick Novack. What a great job everyone did and as we start our new year we can look forward to bigger and better things.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and take pride in the fact that as we just celebrated the 4th of July you are a part of that legacy that has preserved freedom for this great country of ours. So raise your glasses to our brave men and women who have taken up the guideon from us and now carry on that legacy and stand firmly on the front lines of freedom. God bless you, God bless them and God bless American.

Ed Lacey Chapter President: 

**************************

June 2004

I was quite surprised, as I'm sure you were, to see two slates of officers in the May Sneaky Pete and I feel an explanation is in order.  As you may know, I've made overtures the past few months that I would prefer not to run for chapter office again having held the position of president for almost six years.  While I wasn't "burned out," I thought it might be time to have some new ideas and direction for the chapter with a change of leadership.  That being said, I approached several members to see if they might be interested in the office of chapter president.  One member declined and the other, Ed Lacey, said "maybe."  At the April meeting, I asked for volunteers to form a nominating committee (as required in the SFA Constitution) and had only two responses, Tom Zimmerman and Toby Patterson.  By the May chapter meeting, the nominating committee had not come up with any candidates.  After the meeting, Tom Zimmerman asked me if I would consider holding the office for two more years with Ed Lacey as vice president.  I quickly asked Joe Meinike if he would consider the office of secretary and he agreed.  Andy Andersen had previously agreed to run for another term as treasurer.  Thus, the slate you saw in my May president's state.

Since I was leaving the country two weeks after the April meeting and not returning until the day of the May meeting, I needed to get a "president's message" off to Bryant Kraus so he could get it into the May issue.  Prior to finalizing the article, I received a telephone call from Ed Lacey indicating that he would not be able to run for the office of chapter president this year.  I then contacted Tom Zimmerman and told him to go with the candidate slate he suggested to me after the April meeting.  I also implored him, as a nominating committee member, to forward the "nominating committee" slate ASAP to Bryant Kraus.  He agreed to do that.  I then finalized my May president's message and forwarded to both Bryant Kraus and our webmaster and left for my trip.

On by arrival home from my trip on May 12th, I had a telephone message from Thom Nicholson to call him ASAP.  I did this and was informed by Thom that there was two candidate slates in the May "Pete."  To say I was dumbfounded would be an understatement.  I immediately called Tom Zimmerman to find out what happened.  He claimed ignorance and said that he would check with Toby Patterson.   Evidently, Toby took it upon himself to create another slate of candidates without consulting the other member of his committee or using the SFA constitution for guidance.

The bottom line is that we have what is essentially an illegal slate of officers for this years election according to the SFA Constitution.  However, at this point, I no longer care and it seems no one else does either.  I'm just happy to have some members willing to serve.  I have, however, removed my name from the slate as I no longer need this kind of aggravation for two more years.  I do hope that our membership will support the new board and, maybe, even volunteer for a committee if asked.

That being said, I want to state that, for the most part, I've enjoyed holding the office of chapter 37 president and feel that I've made some positive contributions to the growth and success of the chapter.  As you can tell from the first part of this message, the responsibility can be very frustrating at times but so can life itself.  I enjoy the camaraderie of our members and look forward to attending our meetings and future events.  Good luck to the new board.

Our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, June 9th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. with members showing up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner.  Remember that we need 20 members present to constitute a quorum for the election.

**************************

May 2004

In my May message a year ago, I mentioned that the war in the Middle East was winding down.  I guess I should stick to my day job and not prophesies about current events!  While the major fighting has ended, we're now involved in full-blown urban warfare which, as we know all too well, is very difficult to make any headway with.  Please keep our armed forces in your thoughts during these very difficult times for them. 

Shifting gears for a moment, plans are moving ahead for this years benefit golf outing.  Rick Novack and the golf committee have been working hard to guarantee another successful event.  The date for this year's outing is Monday, June 7, 2004 and it will be again be held at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, Illinois.  As always, the golf event is run as a "scrambles" with each foursome playing the best ball.  This serves to speed up the game somewhat and also levels the playing field to some degree.  It also tends to allow virtually everyone a chance to win a prize.  If you have not already signed up for this event (and most of you haven't), please fill out the application which (should be!) is elsewhere in this newsletter and mail to Rick ASAP.  Applications are currently running way behind last year and this doesn't bode well for a successful event.  Rick is also looking for more hole, cart and raffle prize sponsors for the event.  The camaraderie at our outing is always worth the price of admission plus our profits are used for ROTC scholarships and other charitable causes like the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF).  Given my comments at the top of this message, the SOWF is playing an ever-increasing role providing educational funds to children of special operations personnel killed in the Middle East and other conflicts.  Please try to attend - or contribute to - this (always) fun event, even if golf is not one of your favorite sports.  I guarantee that you will enjoy it and feel good about your contribution.

Chapter elections will be held during the June meeting.  So far, we have the following members nominated (and willing to serve if elected) for office: President - Al Krenz (incumbent), Vice-president - Ed Lacey, Secretary - Joe Meinike, Treasurer - Andy Andersen (incumbent).  While I hadn't planned to run for another term as your president, the nominating committee failed to come up with any members that were willing to run for the office.  A sad situation.  I do, however, feel the Ed Lacey and Joe Meinike will bring some real talent and strategies to the board and would welcome working with them for the next two years.  It is important that those of you not able to attend the June meeting vote via an absentee ballot (elsewhere in this newsletter).  Absentee ballots should be mailed (address on the ballot) to our current secretary, Frank Krus.  You may also E-mail (FKD3434@JUNO.COM) him with your vote.

Our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, March 12th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. with members showing up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner. I hope to see you there.

**************************

April 2004

On a sad note, chapter member Kenneth Attaway passed away on March 5th.  Ken served with the 5th Special Forces in Vietnam and with the old 12th Group.  He was also very active with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and served as the vice-commander for the state of Illinois.  Also, our vice president Thom Nicholson was in the hospital for gall bladder surgery.  I went to visit him on 3/29 only to find out that he was released on 3/27.  No good deed goes unpunished!  I finally talked with him at home and he seems well on the road to recovery.  He's even lost about 25 lbs. and hopes to keep it off.

Now that spring is here once again and the winter ball behind us, we need to start focusing on golf!  The date for this year's outing is Monday, June 7, 2004 and it will again be held at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, Illinois; the same venue as last year.  Remember that your support of this event allows the profit made by the chapter to fund various scholarship programs including the ongoing one for airborne qualified cadets attending local colleges and universities.  This year, five scholarships were awarded to the cadets with an additional monetary gift presented to the SFA National scholarship fund.  The balance of the golf outing profit has been donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for their scholarship program.  This year, our annual benefit golf outing is being chaired by Rick Novack.  Not only am I asking that you participate in the outing itself but please try to lend a hand to Rick to support his goal of making this year's outing our most successful to date.  With any luck, details for the outing may even appear elsewhere in this newsletter.

As you know from last month's president's message, this year's winter ball might very well be the most successful (in terms of attendance) to date.  We don't know for sure as the final numbers have yet to be reported along with an after action report from Chairpersons Toby and Kathy Patterson.  Toby promised a full report at the April chapter meeting.

In other news, 2004 is an election year for the chapter.  While all board positions need to be voted on, only one current board member (treasurer, Andy Andersen) is willing to continue in his position for another two-year term.  At the last chapter meeting, I asked for volunteers for a nominating committee and received only two responses; Toby Patterson and Tom Zimmerman.  According to the SFA Constitution, we're supposed to have either a three or five-man committee.  Speaking with Toby at the 82nd Airborne Association installation dinner/dance on 327, the committee has yet to come up with any candidates although I have come up with one (Ed Lacey).  Let's show a little chapter support and give Toby or Tom a call and put your name in the running for chapter office. 

That being said, our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, April14th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. with members showing up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner. Hope you can make it.

**************************

March 2004

Chapter 37's tenth annual winter ball was held on February 7, 2004, a week prior to Valentine's Day and was a resounding success.  Attendance this year was right at 160 even though some of our "normal" chapter attendees didn't show.  For the eighth year in a row, the event at the Chateau Rand in Des Plaines. We had reserved a larger room for this year's ball hoping to draw some additional attendees but when the reservations began to flow in, we wound up in the largest ballroom in the facility.  This year's honored guest was Gary Betterton, vice president of the Special Forces Association. Gary was accompanied by his daughter, Laura, who lives in the Chicago area.  Gary brought everyone up to date on the status of SFA National as well as events that influenced his military career.  We thank him for taking time from his busy schedule to be with us.  On a side note, Gary will become the next president of SFA National as he is running unopposed for the office.

The winter ball is also the venue where the chapter awards scholarships to several airborne qualified ROTC cadets.  This year, five scholarships were awarded.  The winners were: Timothy Botcher - University of Illinois - Chicago, Billy Crossbow - Northern Illinois University, Terrence Owns - Chicago State University, Jeffery Goons - depot University and Joe Stuck - Northern Illinois University.  Our congratulations to these fine cadets for a job well done.  Our annual benefit golf outing (chaired by Thom Nicholson) generated funding for the scholarship awards.  

The winter ball chairpersons were Toby and Kathy Patterson.  However, the event could not have taken place without lots of help from a number of chapter members including Bob and Christine Smith, Rich and Donna Novack, Andy and Sandy Andersen, Ed and Kathy Lacey, Tom and Mary Alice Zimmerman, Ed Paré, Joe Meinike and probably a few others that I've missed.  The event committee must have done something right given that the attendance up about 50% over previous winter balls.  Thanks to all of you.  As always, the Military Science Department of the University of Illinois at Chicago continues to support the event by providing the color guard which added a further element of military professionalism.  Special thanks also go out to Dr. Bob Woodham, the William E. Sarb VFW Post 2202 of Schaumburg, Meinke American Legion Post 1983 of Schaumburg, Bob Smith, Joe Meinike and Dave O'Malley for their donations and/or help to defray some of the costs of the event.  Marco (the DJ) again provided a great mix of music.

Now it's time to start thinking about golf! This year's outing will be held at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, Illinois on Monday, June 7, 2004. Our annual benefit golf outing (chaired by Rick Novack) will again generate funding for various scholarship awards. One is the ongoing chapter scholarship program for airborne qualified cadets attending local colleges and universities. This year, five scholarships were awarded at the winter ball. An additional monetary gift was given to the SFA National scholarship fund. The balance of the golf outing profit will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for their scholarship program. Let's get involved; tell Rick that you want to help out this year.

On a final note, 2004 is an election year for the chapter.  While I haven't made a final decision whether or not to run for office again, two current chapter officers, Thom Nicholson (VP) and Frank Krus (secretary) have decided not to.  To date, Ed Lacey has agreed to run for office but hasn't decided which one.  It would be ideal if we could choose a nominating committee at the March meeting to facilitate candidates for the ballot.    

Our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, March 10th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. with members showing up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner. I hope to see you there.

**************************

February 2004

By the time you read this missive, the chapter's 2004 winter ball will be history.  Unfortunately, due to article submission deadlines for the newsletter, I need to complete this article and get it off to our editor, Bryant Kraus prior to the date of the ball.  I'm sure that Toby and Kathy Patterson, the events' chairpersons, will have an after-action report ready for the next "Pete."  I can say that this year's event promises to be the largest attended (by far) if not the best ever.  By the end of January, we already had approximately 160 people registered and paid!  There were another ten or so committing to attend (but not yet paid) the following week.  After last year's event, the winter ball committee thought we might be able to attract a few more attendees than our average (105-110) and contracted for a larger room at the Chateau Rand.  We have since reserved an even larger room!  A tip of the beret to everyone on the winter ball committee for a job well done. 

On a more solemn note, another chapter member has departed our ranks.  Walter Hess passed away on January 28, 2004.  A wake was held on February 1st with a Mass and burial on February 2nd.  Thanks to Tom Zimmerman for arranging for the flag-folding team at the cemetery and to those chapter members who were able to attend the wake, mass and funeral.  Mrs. Hess told me that she really appreciated the fact that so many of Walter's military comrades attended and showed their support for her and the family.

With the winter ball behind us, we need to start thinking golf!  This year's outing will be held at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, Illinois on Monday, June 7, 2004.  Our annual benefit golf outing (chaired by Rick Novack) will generate funding for various scholarship awards.  One is the ongoing chapter scholarship program for airborne qualified cadets attending local colleges and universities.  This year, five scholarships will be awarded at the winter ball.  An additional monetary gift is earmarked to the SFA National scholarship fund.  The balance of the golf outing profit will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for their scholarship program.  Let's get involved; tell Rick that you want to help out this year.

Our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, March 10th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village.  As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. with members showing up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner.  I hope to see you there.

**************************

January 2004

A very happy New Year to all Chapter 37 members - as well as your family and friends.  I hope everyone's holiday season celebrations were filled with joy, happiness and optimism for the new year.  It seems both of my New Years resolutions for 2003 came to pass (more or less).  I did manage to lose a little weight but it took a bout with the flu over Christmas to accomplish that objective!  The Chapter has also seen our membership grow somewhat this past year and we have seen a few additional members - and guests - attend our events.  This is encouraging.  I have always maintained that we have a really good chapter but we should strive to make it a great one!

On a sad note to end the year, chapter (and SFA life member) Ken Brenneman died just after Christmas.  While Ken's schedule did not permit him to attend monthly meetings, he was usually at the annual golf outing and the winter ball.  I first met Ken in 1966 when we were both attached to Signal Company of the old 12th SFGA in Oak Park.  We remained friends over the years and even wound up taking several exotic scuba diving trips together in the past few years.  I'll certainly miss him.  Condolences to his wife Julie and the children.

The December business meeting was short and to the point which maximized the available time for a small holiday party organized by Toby and Kathy Patterson.  A nice family style was enjoyed by all followed by a gift raffle and the group singing Christmas carols.  Thanks also to Rich Bleharski for providing gifts for everyone.  Very thoughtful and appreciated by all. 

As I mentioned in previous articles, if you are an "annual" member, it's time to renew your membership.  Elsewhere in this newsletter, there should be a membership renewal form.  There's also a form on the chapter web site.  To avoid the $5.00 penalty for late submission, you need to send your renewal in before January 31, 2004.  If you haven't already done so, please fill the form out completely and legibly - especially if you have updated addresses, E-mail, telephone, etc. information.  Your chapter staff uses this opportunity to update our records.  Check the appropriate box on the form and send it, along with a check in the proper amount, to Andy Andersen at the address at the top of the form.  Regarding E-mail information, I just sent a "group" message to chapter members (who's E-mail address is on record) regarding the passing of Ken Brenneman and received 8 -10 notifications of bad addresses.  Please take the time to inform either Andy or myself throughout the year if/when your E-mail address changes so you may receive critical information in a timely manner.  

The next chapter event is the Winter Ball on Saturday, February 7, 2004.  For the eight  year in a row, the event will be held at the Chateau Rand in Des Plaines.  This fact continues to say something for the facility, food, service and the good time all attendees have had at past events there.  We will again have an entree of a chicken and steak combo as the main course.  We will also honor the ROTC scholarship winners at this event as done at previous winter balls.  Dancing follows the dinner and formalities.  Toby and Kathy Patterson are the event chairpersons and plan to make it better than ever.  If you haven't yet signed up, please fill out the enclosed winter ball form and send it, along with your check for the appropriate amount, to Toby.

Finally, the first chapter meeting of the new year will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at the Rose Garden Café located at 111 East Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village.  The meeting and festivities will start at 6:30 PM with family and friends welcome.  Happy New Year to all!

**************************

December 2003

A happy holiday season to all of you.  Hopefully, everyone was able to experience an enjoyable Thanksgiving with your family or friends.  As always, please try not to forget those less fortunate than we may be.  Think about supporting your favorite charity (SOWF?) or perhaps doing some work at a community service event.  The holiday season is always a good time to remember those that are less fortunate or perhaps in harms way in support of our country.

Toby and Kathy Patterson are hard at work planning of our next major event, the winter ball.  We will again hold the ball at the Chateau Rand in Des Plaines Saturday, February 16, 2002.  This year's event could be our biggest ever since we've reserved the larger, downstairs ballroom at the Chateau.  Our attendance over the past few years has been around 100 - 110 however, 2/3 to 3/4 of the attendees are non chapter members.  Why not commit to the event, keep that date open and make it a point to attend?  It is planned to have Gary Betterton, the Vice-president of the Special Forces Association as our guest.  We will also honor the ROTC scholarship winners at this event as done at previous winter balls.  Dancing follows the dinner and formalities.  In an effort to hold down the cost of the Winter Ball to a reasonable level so more members can attend, I am appealing to members to consider sponsorships on amounts of $100.00 to help offset some of the fixed costs of the event such as the disc jockey, hotel for Mr. Betterton, etc.

As mentioned last month, membership renewal time is upon us again.  Elsewhere in this newsletter, there should be a renewal form.  Please fill it out completely and legibly - especially if you have updated addresses, E-mail, telephone, etc. information.  Your chapter staff uses this opportunity to update our records.  Mark the appropriate box on the form and send it - along with a check in the proper amount - to Andy Andersen at the address at the top of the form.  Try not to wait until the last minute to get your renewals in.  Another option would to become a life member.  For a one-time cost of $300.00, you would never again have to worry about renewals.

Finally, the next chapter meeting (and holiday party) will be Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the Rose Garden Café located at 111 East Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village.  The meeting and festivities will start at 6:30 PM with family and friends welcome.  Happy holidays!

**************************

November 2003

We're in the home stretch of the year as daylight-saving time has gone away until Spring, the Cubs didn't make the world series again and the Bears are off to another awful season.  As mentioned last month, let's not forget those in the armed forces and members of our chapter that have been called to active duty.  If you see an update in the "Pete" from one of our people currently on active duty, be proactive and drop them a line or send an E-mail letting them know that you (we) care about them and hope they will be able to get home safely and soon.  While I'm not sure news of the Cubs and Bears will cheer them up, I am sure they would be glad to hear from chapter members.

Tom Zimmerman again surprised us at last months chapter meeting with another unannounced guest speaker.  This time it was Bernie Rogers, president of the military vehicle Bernie talked about his association and what it does to preserve and perpetuate the heritage of military vehicles.  You may want to consider attending our November chapter (if you don't normally) just to see whom Tom has scheduled to speak this month. 

Planning for the next Winter Ball (February 7, 2004) is moving along nicely. We'll be in a larger room at the Chateau Rand this time so let's make an effort to ensure that the event is the biggest and best ever.  If you don't normally attend, please try to this time.  You won't be disappointed.  Speaking of balls, remember that the VVA Chapter 242 dinner dance will be held Friday, November 7th at the Lido Café in Chicago.  A number of our chapter members have supported this event over the past few years.  If you're not one of them, think about attending.  It's a great event.  Call or E-mail me for details.

A membership renewal form (and maybe a new member form) should be included with this month's newsletter.  If you are an "annual" member, please take the time to complete the renewal form and send it - with the appropriate check - to Andy Andersen.  Andy is our membership chairman and his address is at the top of both forms.  I would like to emphasize the importance of completing the forms in a legible manner with an E-mail address if you have one (and would like to be contacted by E-mail).  We also want you to keep receiving the monthly newsletter (by snail mail or E-mail) and would like to be able to quickly contact you in the event of a member's illness or death.  You "life" members should also send a renewal form in if any information (address, phone number, zip code, E-mail, etc.) has changed.  If you know of some ex-SF types who are not members of the association, please pass the membership form on and encourage their participation.

That being said, I hope to see you at our next chapter meeting which will be Wednesday, November 12th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village.  As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. and many members show up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner and camaraderie.

**************************

October 2003

Now that the summer (and our picnic) is over, we all can look forward to the upcoming holiday season and all that goes with it.  On that note, let's not forget those in the armed forces and members of our chapter that have been called to active duty.  If you see an update in the "Pete" from one of our people currently on active duty, be pro-active and drop them a line or send an E-mail letting them know that you (we) care about them and hope they will be able to get home safely and soon.

At last months chapter meeting, we again welcomed a quest speaker.  This time it was Father Jim Burnett, a chaplain from Hines VA Hospital.  Father Burnett gave an insightful talk about his (and other chaplains) duties at the hospital and to the patients there.  He held everyone's attention with his comments and we thank him, not only for his support to our less fortunate veterans, but also for taking the time from his busy schedule to visit with us.  Thanks also to Tom Zimmerman for again lining up a speaker for our meeting.

As chapter president, I receive courtesy copies of some of the other chapter's newsletters.  I read them and then forward to Bryant Krause, the editor of our newsletter, The Sneaky Pete so he may see what other chapters are doing.  That being said, I'd like to share a poem that was published in the October 2003 newsletter (received in the mail 9/29/03!) of Chapter XXI in Florida.

Remember, the VVA Chapter 242 dinner dance will be held Friday, November 7th at the Lido Café in Chicago.  A number of our chapter members have supported this event over the past few years.  If you're not one of them, think about attending.  It's a great event.  Call or E-mail me for details. 

Our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, October 8th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village.  As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. and many members show up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner and camaraderie.  I hope to see you there.

**************************

September 2003

I'm writing this month's message on Labor Day; two days after one of our more successful chapter picnics.  Not only was the event a huge success but the weather was perfect for an outdoor event; scattered clouds (to keep the sun of you), temperature in the mid-70's and no rain!  Although the event is called "Operation Airborne Andy's Veterans Picnic" it has been an official chapter 37 end of summer event for many years.  Andy Andersen is the perennial event chairman and once again did an outstanding job of organizing and managing the picnic.  Things do not happen by themselves and I also want to thank chapter members (that I remember seeing) Rich Novack, Ed Meinike, Frank Krus and Rich Bleharski for arriving several hours early to help with the setup.  Thanks also to members of the Chicago chapter of the 173rd Airborne Division Association and chapters 242 and 311 of the Vietnam Veterans Association for their assistance in the picnic set up.  Many of those who helped with the set up Saturday morning also showed up early Sunday morning to assist in the tear-down and facility cleanup.  Thanks also to Sandy Andersen, Donna Novack, Margit Mikkelsen and the ladies from VFW that also helped with the cleanup on Sunday.  I remember past picnics where there were all of two people that would show up on Sunday so both Andy and I really appreciate the assistance provided by everyone that helped out.

We used the same disc-jockey that was at this year's winter ball and he was again, outstanding.  He could really work the crowd, played wonderful music and was great with the children that attended.  We will be using him again for next year's winter ball (February 14, 2004 - Chateau Rand).  That being said, our next chapter meeting will be on September 10, 2003 at the:

Rose Garden
Higgins & Arlington Heights Road
Elk Grove Village

As usual, our meetings will start promptly at 1915 hrs or 7:15 P.M. for you civilians so try to get there earlier if you don't want your meal interrupted by our meeting.  The restaurant management promises additional wait-staff for the September so food service should be faster.  As always, guests are most welcome.  I hope to see you there. 

**************************

August 2003

As I write this missive, the summer is about half over. Hopefully, it has gone well for everyone up to now. At the last chapter meeting, Thom Nicholson gave a positive report on the June golf outing. It appears that the chapter will be able to continue our annual charitable contributions at this year's level. Again, thanks to Thom, the golf committee, sponsors, raffle prize contributors and attendees that helped make the event a success. Let's do it again next year. That being said, Rick Novack has volunteered to be the chairman of the 2004 golf outing.

At last months meeting, we also welcomed a quest speaker that delivered a talk on the unconventional aspects of the American civil war. He also demonstrated - on the three female guests in attendance - the physical examination given to females of the era. It became clear why Donna Novack chose not to attend this particular meeting! 

Our annual Labor Day weekend picnic will be held the Arlington Army Reserve Center Arlington Heights, Illinois on Saturday, August 30th. As always, Andy Andersen chairs this event which can be held indoors in case of rain. We will again be joined by several other associations, namely VVA chapter 242, the Chicago chapter of the 173rd Airborne Association, the Chicago chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association and hopefully, a member from the FSSF. While the festivities get rolling around noon, it's always helpful to have volunteers show up between 9:00 - 10:00 AM to help with the set-up. Hamburgers/cheeseburgers, Italian sausage sandwiches, beer and soft drinks will be provided. We ask that you bring a dish to pass. Don't forget a chair to sit on, sun protection and an appetite. 

Our next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, September 10th at the Rose Garden restaurant which is located at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. As always, the business meeting starts at 7:15 P.M. with members showing up anytime after 6:00 P.M. or so for dinner. I hope too see you there.

**************************

July 2003

Our June chapter meeting was held at the new venue, the Rose Garden Restaurant.  The move didn't seem to hurt attendance as nineteen members and guests showed up for role call.  This is about normal attendance for this time of the year.  The food was good and the wait service, excellent.  My only concern is that we are in a small alcove of the main restaurant with little room for additional attendees.  I'm sure many of us (myself included) thought our meetings at the Rose Garden would take place in the downstairs banquet room but evidently that would entail a monthly charge.  I just received a 2004 convention packet from Chapter 51, SFA which included a promotional video to show our chapter.  Unfortunately, there's no good way to do that at the room we're now in.  I didn't even see a place to hang up a coat when the weather turns foul.  Oh well, a chapter quorum has spoken and I'll certainly support the wishes of the members.

Last month I mentioned that we would defer a golf outing after-action report until the July newsletter.  Unfortunately, I have not heard from our golf committee chairman, Thom Nicholson since the event so I can provide little additional information at this time.  We evidently had a total of 134 attendees, 112 golfers and 22 for dinner only.  Thanks again to Thom and everyone on the committee who worked so hard to make this year's event so (apparently) successful.  Rick Novack has agreed to chair the golf outing next year and there were already some preliminary discussions on how we can make the event even better in 2004.

Tom Zimmerman has again lined up another speaker for the next chapter meeting.  His name is Rich Sowens and he will be talking on the unconventional warfare aspect of the Civil War.  Should be interesting; don't miss it.

Our next major chapter event should be the picnic held on Labor Day weekend.  The date should be Saturday, August 30, 2003.  I say "should" because we have yet to secure a commitment from the authorities at the Arlington Army Reserve Center however this has not been a problem in the past and I don't anticipate one this year.  Andy Andersen and I will keep you posted.

That being said, our next chapter meeting will be on July 9, 2003 at the:

Rose Garden
Higgins & Arlington Heights Road
Elk Grove Village

As usual, our meetings will start promptly at 1915 hrs or 7:15 P.M. for you civilians so try to get there earlier if you don't want your meal interrupted by our meeting.  As always, guests are most welcome.  I hope to see you there.

June 2003

By the time you read this, our annual golf outing will be history, or at least it will be too late for an entry in the June Sneaky Pete.  We'll defer the after action report until next months newsletter.  As of the May meeting, we did have 72 golfers registered for the event.  Hopefully, there will be a flurry of last minute sign-ups and some additional raffle donations.  Thom Nicholson and the golf committee have put in countless hours to assure another successful event and I hope that turns out to be the case again this year.  Since our last chapter meeting, I joined the 82nd Airborne Division Association and attended my first Chicago chapter meeting, ironically held about a block away from Giuseppe's.  At that meeting I promoted our golf outing and handed out invitations.  I was also pleased to see that our invitation made it into the Chicago chapter's newsletter.  Thanks, guys!   

Commander Joe Trioni, USNR joined us at our May chapter meeting and gave an eye-opening presentation (with hand outs) on terrorism.  Although Comdr. Trioni could only present non-classified information, it still boggles the mind to learn what we are up against in our war against terrorism.  We appreciated him taking the time to be with us and I personally invited him to join us whenever his schedule permits.  For those of you that attend our annual winter ball, Cmd. Trioni has also been in attendance at that event for a number of years.  He's the only one in a naval dress uniform!

As mentioned last month, the Rose Garden in Elk Grove Village received the most votes on a ballot to select a new chapter meeting venue.  The Rose garden is not new to the chapter as we held our December 2001 meeting (and holiday party) there.  Like Giuseppe's and the Silver Stallion before, we are able to use this facility at no cost to the chapter with the understanding that many of our attendees would be ordering something to eat.  Hopefully the change in venue will serve to increase attendance at our monthly meetings.

That being said, our next meeting will be on July 9, 2003 at the:

Rose Garden
Higgins & Arlington Heights Road
Elk Grove Village

As usual, our meetings will start promptly at 1915 hrs or 7:15 P.M. for you civilians so try to get there earlier if you don't want your meal interrupted by our meeting.  As always, guests are most welcome.  I hope to see you there.

**************************

May 2003

This month's message should find most of in a better mood with the war in the Middle East winding down. I'm sure we all hope for peace in the region and a speedy return of our troops. From what I digested from the media, our forces performed magnificently, especially those assigned to various Special Operation elements. We can all be proud of the job all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines did in this conflict. Hopefully, Iraq will stabilize and most of our people there will be relieved of combat duty. I also hope we don't have to back to Korea in the near future!

On a lighter note, plans are continuing to move ahead for this years benefit golf outing. Thom Nicholson and the golf committee have been hard at work planning this year's event. The date for this year's outing is Monday, June 2, 2003 and it will be held at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, Illinois. This date is earlier than in the past so as to give more time between it and the annual Labor Day (weekend) picnic, otherwise known as "Operation Airborne Andy." As always, the golf event is run as a "scrambles" with each foursome playing the best ball. This serves to speed up the game somewhat and also levels the playing field to some degree. It also tends to allow virtually everyone a chance to win a prize. If you have not already signed up for this event (and a lot of you haven't), please fill out the application which (should be!) elsewhere in this issue and mail to Thom ASAP. Applications are currently running behind last year and this doesn't bode well for a successful event. Please try to attend this (always) fun event, even if golf is not one of your favorite sports. I guarantee that you will enjoy it. The camaraderie is always worth the price of admission and our event profits are used for ROTC scholarships and other charitable causes.

At our April meeting, we finally had a quorum of members present and were able to conduct a valid vote for a (possible) new meeting venue. Of the six restaurants in the running, the Rose Garden in Elk Grove Village received the most votes. The Rose garden is not new to the chapter as we held our December 2001 meeting (and holiday party) there. Like Giuseppe's and the Silver Stallion before, we are able to use this facility at no cost to the chapter with the understanding that many of our attendees would be ordering something to eat. Hopefully the change in venue will serve to increase attendance at our monthly meetings. 

That being said, starting with our June 2003 meeting, we will be at the:

Rose Garden
Higgins & Arlington Heights Road
Elk Grove Village

As usual, our meetings will start promptly at 1915 hrs or 7:15 P.M. for you civilians so try to get there earlier if you don't want your meal interrupted by our meeting. As always, guests are most welcome. I hope to see you there. 

********************************

April 2003
Two years ago, I wrote my April president's message during a flight from Frankfurt, Germany to Chicago. Last year, I composed the message from home but traveled to Germany days later. This year, I writing after just returning from a scuba-diving trip to Yap and Truk Lagoon in Micronesia. Had a great time but unfortunately during my travels, war has started in the Middle-east and our troops are again in harm's way so my trip enjoyment is somewhat tempered. So far, three members of our chapter (that I know of) have been called to active duty; Rick McCoy, Paul Hettich and Mitch Janik. Please keep these guys - and all members of our armed forces in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

With the start of spring and the winter ball behind us, I suggest we start thinking golf! Although we are only three plus months into the new year, the area links will soon open providing you ample opportunity to fine-tune your game in time for the annual chapter benefit golf outing. The date for this year's outing is Monday, June 2, 2003 and it will be held at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, Illinois. As you know, the profit made by the chapter funds a yearly scholarship program for airborne qualified cadets attending local colleges and universities. This year, three scholarships were awarded. Our annual benefit golf outing (chaired by Thom Nicholson) generated funding for the scholarship awards. An additional monetary gift was presented to the SFA National scholarship fund. The balance of the golf outing profit has been donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for their scholarship program. Details for the outing should appear elsewhere in this newsletter.

At last month's meeting, a vote was to be taken for a possible change in monthly chapter meeting venues. However, since a quorum was not present, I deferred the vote to this months meeting. So, if you want to have a say in where the chapter meets each month, get your vote in. A ballot was E-mailed to members and also appeared in the March Sneaky Pete.

Since we didn't reach a decision on the meeting venue, the next chapter meetings will be Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at:

Giuseppe's
1062 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL

Giuseppe's is located approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. The business meeting will start at 7:15 P.M. I hope to see you there. 

***************************************

March 2003

     Chapter 37's ninth annual winter ball was held on February 15, 2003, the day after Valentine's Day with a record attendance. In addition to our "regular" chapter attendees and their guests, we had participation from the Chicago chapters of the VVA (#242), the 173rd Airborne Association and the 82nd Airborne Association. This year's honored guest was Jack Bonner, national treasurer of the Special Forces Association. Jack and his wife seemed to really enjoy our chapter's hospitality and the event. During his comments, Jack brought everyone up to date on the status of SFA National as well as events that influenced his military career. He also showed some great moves on the dance floor and was a hit with the female attendees! We thank him for taking time from his busy schedule to be with us. 

     The winter ball is also the venue where the chapter awards scholarships to several airborne qualified ROTC cadets. This year, three scholarships were awarded. The winners were: Patrick R. Rice and Jennifer L. Best from the University of Illinois at Chicago and April Hantzis from Northern Illinois University. Our congratulations to these fine cadets for a job well done. Our annual benefit golf outing (chaired by Thom Nicholson) generated funding for the scholarship awards. An additional monetary gift was presented to Jack Bonner for the SFA National scholarship fund. The balance of the golf outing profit will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for their scholarship program. 

     The event could not have taken place without lots of help from a number of chapter members. Winter ball chairpersons were Toby and Kathy Patterson. Additional committee members consisted of Bob and Christine Smith, Rich and Donna Novack, Andy and Sandy Andersen, Ed and Kathy Lacey, Tom and Mary Alice Zimmerman, Ed Paré, Frank Krus, Dave O'Malley and probably a few others that I've missed. The Military Science Department of the University of Illinois at Chicago provided the color guard which added a further element of military professionalism to the event. 

     Special thanks also go out to Dr. Bob Woodham, the William E. Sarb VFW Post 2202 of Schaumburg, James Heffernan and Dave O'Malley for their event sponsorships that helped defray some of the costs of the event. This year, a silent auction was again conducted to generate some additional funds to defray ongoing chapter expenses. This goal was met thanks to the efforts of Mary Alice Zimmerman, Donna Novack, Sandy Nicholson, Kathy Patterson, Sandy Andersen and others. Donations for the silent auction came from Publications International, Hemingway's Restaurant, L'Oreal Cosmetics, Marion Street Grill, Dick Thomas and the Firehouse Restaurant among many others. Thank-you all very much for your contributions. 

     At the conclusion of the formalities and dinner, most attendees danced until the end - or until their feet gave out. Based on the very positive feedback of the attendees during the event, the chapter elected to reserve the Chateau Rand again next year for an even bigger and better Winter Ball X. 

     There was again some discussion at the February chapter meeting about the possibility of changing our meeting venue. The Silver Stallion and Giuseppe's are both willing to host us as are several other restaurants in the greater Chicago area. No ballot for a chapter vote was presented at the meeting so until that happens, the next chapter meetings will be Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at:

Giuseppe's
1062 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL


Giuseppe's is located approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. The business meeting will start at 7:15 P.M.

***************************************

February 2003

     I hope all you guys remember that Valentine's Day (February 14th) is fast approaching as is our next major chapter event, Winter Ball IX. The ball will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2003 which is about as close to Valentine's Day as you can get. This is a perfect way to treat your significant other to a wonderful function and get credit for Valentine's Day and make her feel special. For the seventh year in a row, our winter ball will be held at the Chateau Rand in Des Plaines. Hors d'oeuvres will be served prior to dinner. The main entree will be a chicken and steak combo followed by desert. Drinks - including table wine - are included. The ROTC scholarship winners will be honored at this event as has been done at previous winter balls. Our special guest this year will be Jack Bonner, treasurer of the Special Forces Association. Dancing follows the dinner and formalities. Toby and Kathy Patterson are the event chairpersons and with their committee, plan to make it better than ever. The cost is $45.00 at the door. Call Toby Patterson for additional details.

     If you are an "annual" member and haven't sent your membership renewal in, you're late! You should have sent your renewal in before January 31, 2003 to avoid the $5.00 "late" penalty. If you haven't already done so, please fill the form out completely and legibly - especially if you have updated addresses, E-mail, telephone, etc. information. Your chapter staff uses this opportunity to update our records. Check the appropriate box on the form and send it - along with a check in the proper amount - to Andy Andersen at the address at the top of the form. 

     There was some discussion at the January meeting about the possibility of changing our meeting venue. The Silver Stallion is again open and willing to host us as are several other restaurants, including Giuseppe's. Thom Nicholson offered to create a ballot for a chapter vote. Until the vote is taken, however, the next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, February 12, 2003, again at:

Giuseppe's
1062 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL

    Giuseppe's is located approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the west side the street. The business meeting will start at 7:15 P.M. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting and at Winter Ball IX.

***************************************

January 2003

     I want to wish all Chapter 37 members - as well as your family and friends - a very Happy New Year. I hope everyone's holiday season celebrations were filled with joy, happiness and optimism for the new year. I've again thought of a couple of personal resolutions for 2003, one of which is to lose the extra ten (last year five) pounds I'm carrying around my waist! I'd also like to see the chapter membership grow and have more members - and guests - attend our events. We have a really good chapter; let's strive to make it an excellent one!

     That being said, the next chapter "core" event is the Winter Ball on Saturday, February 15, 2003. For the seventh year in a row, the event will again be held at the Chateau Rand in Des Plaines. I think this fact continues to say something for the facility, food, service and the good time all attendees have had at past events there. We will again have an entree of a chicken and steak combo as the main course. We will also honor the ROTC scholarship winners at this event as done at previous winter balls. Dancing follows the dinner and formalities. Toby and Kathy Patterson are the event chairpersons and plan to make it better than ever. If you haven't yet signed up, please fill out the enclosed winter ball form and send it, along with your check for the appropriate amount, to Toby. 

     As I mentioned in previous articles, it is time to renew your membership. Elsewhere in this newsletter, there should be a renewal form. There's also a form on the chapter web site. To avoid the $5.00 penalty for late submission, you need to send your renewal in before January 31, 2003. If you haven't already done so, please fill the form out completely and legibly - especially if you have updated addresses, E-mail, telephone, etc. information. Your chapter staff uses this opportunity to update our records. Check the appropriate box on the form and send it - along with a check in the proper amount - to Andy Andersen at the address at the top of the form. 

     Finally, the next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, January 8, 2003, again at:

Giuseppe's
1062 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL

     Giuseppe's is located approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. The business meeting will start at 7:15 P.M. I look forward to seeing you at the first chapter meeting of the new year.

*****************************

December 2002


     Short message this month. I hope Thanksgiving was enjoyable for you and your family and friends. Please remember that the upcoming holiday season is a good time to remember your favorite charity, work at some community service event, etc.

     Our annual Winter Ball will again be held at the Chateau Rand in Des Plaines. The date is Saturday, February 15, 2003. Toby and Kathy Patterson remain the event chairpersons - probably because they to such a great job. Although it may be a bit early, please make note of the date in your 2003 calendars make it a point to attend. At the ball, we will again honor the ROTC scholarship winners as we have done at previous winter balls. Dancing follows the dinner and formalities. Further details should appear elsewhere in this newsletter. In an effort to hold down the cost of the Winter Ball to a reasonable level (so more members can attend), I am again appealing our membership to consider sponsorships (or soliciting sponsorships) in amounts of $100.00 to help offset some of the fixed costs of the event. Your continued support will again ensure the success of the ball. 

     Membership renewal time is upon us again. Elsewhere in this newsletter, there should be a renewal form (it's also on the chapter web site). Please fill it out completely and legibly - especially if you have updated addresses, E-mail, telephone, etc., information.  Your chapter staff uses this opportunity to update our records. Mark the appropriate box on the form and send it - along with a check in the proper amount - to Andy Andersen at the address at the top of the form. Try not to wait until the last minute to get your renewals in. Another option would to become a life member. For a one-time cost of $300.00, you would never again have to worry about renewals.

     Finally, the next chapter meeting (and holiday party) will be Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at the Giuseppe's La Cantina located at 1062 Lee Street in Des Plaines, IL. Cost is $22.00 for a wonderful Italian buffet. Mail your check to Toby Patterson prior to the event so the food amount can be planned and the chapter doesn't get stuck paying for people that commit to come but don't pay.  Giuseppe's is situated approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. If you drive north from the Silver Stallion, Lee Street becomes one-way and curves slightly to the East (right) before again heading north. Giuseppe's is at this curve in the street on the left. Ample parking is available on the East side of Lee Street, directly across from the restaurant. The meeting and festivities will start at 6:30 PM with family and friends welcome. Remember to bring a $5.00 grab bag gift. Our January chapter meeting will again be at the Silver Stallion restaurant at 1275 Lee Street in Des Plaines. Happy holidays! Also, please try not to forget those less fortunate than we may be.

*****************************

November 2002


I had a couple of discouraging chapter experiences this past month. The first was about a response to a paragraph in my president's message for October 2002. It was about disbursing the profits from the August golf outing. I received not one comment back from anyone, officers or regular members. The second was my October 11th group E-mail to the chapter about the same subject. For this one, I did better. One member agreed with my proposal and offered to be on the scholarship selection board. Another member offered to serve on the board but made no comment on my proposal. The third only confirmed that he had received my E-mail! Now before you say that you never received my 10/11/02 E-mail, let me say that I only had E-mail addresses for about 30 or so members. More on that shortly. However, this lack of response makes me wonder if anyone really gives a hoot about all the hard work a few members put in to make a profit on the golf outing or even what the chapter attempts to do. Really quite sad.

That being said, I'd like to bring you up to date on my new pet project, namely an up-to-date chapter roster. It seems that SFA National has one, our membership chairman created one and our newsletter editor assembled one as well. As far as I'm concerned, the one at SFA National has to be the official chapter roster because that's where the membership renewals are forwarded to. If people are not on nationals' list for chapter 37, then they either haven't renewed (assuming they're an annual member), they sent their renewal to the chapter but, for some reason the chapter didn't forward to national or are listed with another chapter. I was informed some days ago that Ed Paré, our membership chairman, would be moving to Florida by year's end. Andy Andersen has agreed to assume the duties of membership chairman along with his duties as Treasurer. This should improve the flow of membership renewals to SFA National since there's one less person to handle the paperwork and monies. I've already asked for and received the latest C37 roster from SFA National. I've compared it with the one Ed created and added all E-mail exceptions to the "national" list and returned it to SFA National. I've also managed to almost double the chapter E-mail addresses I had on my computer so I'll be able to get the "word" out better. Bryant Kraus is sending me "his" listing so I can further cull information and update the "official" roster. With the association getting into "renewal" season, we should be able to further update our official roster as the forms start to trickle in. 

You may have noticed that a membership renewal form and a new member form are included with this month's newsletter. If you are an "annual" member, please take the time to complete the renewal form and send it - with the appropriate check - to Andy Andersen. Andy is now our membership chairman and his address is at the top of both forms. I would like to emphasize the importance of completing the forms in a legible manner with an E-mail address if you have one. We also want you to keep receiving the monthly newsletter (by snail mail or E-mail) and would like to be able to quickly contact you in the event of a member's illness or death. You "life" members should also send a renewal form in if any information (address, phone number, zip code, E-mail, etc.) has changed. If you know of some ex-SF types who are not members of the association, please pass the membership form on and encourage their participation. 


Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, November 13th with the business meeting starting promptly at 7:15 P.M. at Giuseppe's La Cantina located at 1062 Lee Street in Des Plaines, IL. Giuseppe's is situated approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. If you drive north from the Silver Stallion, Lee Street becomes one-way and curves slightly to the East (right) before again heading north. Giuseppe's is at this curve in the street on the left. Ample parking is available on the East side of Lee Street, directly across from the restaurant.

*****************************

October 2002

Having managed to miss the both picnic and the September meeting, I'm not able to provide commentary on either event. I hope to be able to do that in my November message-if I receive any response. I haven't even received any feedback (or minutes) from the September chapter meeting. Can't say how the membership liked (or disliked) the temporary meeting venue. Sorry.

With summer officially over, the next major chapter event isn't until our winter ball scheduled for next February. We do have several "administrative" tasks that need to be initiated in the next month or so. The first is to decide how to disperse the profits from the August golf outing. If we want to donate to one or more charitable foundations, we need to decide which ones and the appropriate amounts. If we want to provide scholarship monies to worthy ROTC cadets, we need to think about assembling a review board to meet with yet to be nominated cadets at a site yet to be determined. I would like to discuss this issue at the October meeting and finalize our plans. Timing is especially critical if we again want to present scholarships as coordination is needed with the school(s), lining up a location for the review board and finally, actually holding the board. If we decide to donate to a charity like the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, we simply have to write the check and mail. I'd like your input on this issue.

The second "task" is that membership renewal time is on the horizon. The past couple of years has seen a decrease in membership for the chapter. I'm at a loss to explain why. We will be adding renewal and membership forms to the newsletter starting next month. For those of you that choose to renew on an annual basis, I ask that you not wait until January 2003 to extend your membership. Also, if you know others in the SF community that aren't yet members, why not encourage them to join? New members might bring fresh ideas to the chapter and a willingness to serve in some capacity.

Another thing to think about is the "Sneaky Pete." Bryant Kraus has done a really outstanding in putting our newsletter together for the past several years. He is now able to send it out as a PDF file attachment to an E-mail. This means that those of us whose E-mail address he has can now see the "Pete" several days before the monthly meeting. Sent as a PDF means a much higher quality document with clear, sharp color pictures. While I realize not all chapter members may have access to a computer, those of you that do would really benefit by E-mail delivery of the "Pete." An added plus is that the chapter would save on postage, paper and fulfillment costs. If sounds good to you, please E-mail Bryant and ask to be put on the electronic distribution list. 

Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11th with the business meeting starting promptly at 7:15 P.M. at Giuseppe's La Cantina located at 1062 Lee Street in Des Plaines, IL. Giuseppe's is situated approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. If you drive north from the Silver Stallion, Lee Street becomes one-way and curves slightly to the East (right) before again heading north. Giuseppe's is at this curve in the street on the left. Ample parking is available on the East side of Lee Street, directly across from the restaurant.

Regards,

Al Krenz
President & POC
Chapter 37, SFA

**************************

September 2002

It is again the "I can't believe it's already September" time of the year. Probably a sign of my aging that time passes so quickly now. I hope all of you have had a wonderful summer this year. The bad news for me is that for the first time since I joined Chapter 37, I managed to miss two of our three "core" events, the golf outing and the picnic. I had a scheduling conflict for the golf outing and was out of the country on vacation for the picnic. I'll do my best to prioritize my schedule in favor of our chapter events next year.

From the reports I received regarding the golf outing, it was financial success. In other words, we met our monetary goals for the event which will allow the chapter to again provide charitable gifts/donations as we have in the past. Attendance was down over past years, however. A big "thank-you" and a tip of the beret to Thom Nicholson for chairing the golf committee and making it all happen. Other committee members (that I know of) were Ed Paré, Rich & Donna Novack, Toby & Kathy Patterson, Andy Andersen as well as all other (too numerous to list) chapter members that contributed to another successful event. Thank you to all of you for your contributions.

I talked to Andy Andersen at the picnic while in between flights home. He indicated that all was running well. People were enjoying themselves (as usual) but we could have had more attendees (also as usual). Part of the dilemma might be that we have two events (of our three) within two to three weeks of each other. Regardless, thanks to Andy for again chairing the event and to all that contributed to its success. Not only did our chapter members help out but members of the other attending organizations did as well. There's a lot of work required to set up the picnic and do the clean up the following morning. All costs for the event were donated by Bob Smith's employer, Cook County School Bus. A tip of the beret to Bob and his company for their generosity!

As mentioned last month, the Silver Stallion Restaurant will be undergoing a renovation starting in August which is expected to take three months to complete. During this three-month period, we will be unable to hold our monthly chapter meetings there. I have made arrangements to hold our monthly chapter meeting at an alternative restaurant nearby. Effective with the September meeting, we will be meeting at:

Giuseppe's La Cantina
1062 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL


Giuseppe's is located approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the west side the street. If you drive north from the Silver Stallion, Lee Street becomes one-way and curves slightly to the east (right) before again heading north. Giuseppe's is at this curve in the street on the left. Ample parking is available on the east side of Lee Street, directly across from the restaurant.

Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11th with the business meeting starting promptly at 7:15 P.M.

**************************

August 2002

Plans are moving ahead for this years benefit golf outing. Thom Nicholson and the golf committee have been hard at work in the planning and execution of this year's event. The outing will take place on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Brae Loch Golf Course. Brae Loch is located in Grayslake, Illinois, approximately four miles west of I-94 off of route 120. The event is run as a "scrambles" with each foursome playing the best ball. This serves to speed up the game somewhat and also levels the playing field to some degree. It also tends to allow virtually everyone a chance to win a prize. If you have not already signed up for this event, please fill out the application which (should be!) elsewhere in this issue (and on the chapter web site) and mail to Thom ASAP. Please plan to attend this (always) fun event, even if golf is not one of your favorite sports. I guarantee that you will enjoy it. The camaraderie is always worth the price of admission and our event profits are used for ROTC scholarships and other charitable causes. 

If you are marking dates in your calendars, don't forget to circle Saturday, August 31, 2002. The annual Labor Day picnic will be held at the Arlington Army Reserve Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois. This year we will again be joined by three other local associations; Chapters 242 and 311 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Chicago Chapter if the 173rd Airborne Association. This year's event should be bigger than ever and potentially, even more fun. Grilled hamburgers and Italian sausage will be provided but bring a dish to pass. All costs for the event will be donated by Bob Smith's employer, Cook County School Bus. A tip of the beret to Bob! 

Beginning late August 2002, the Silver Stallion Restaurant will be undergoing a renovation which is expected to take three months to complete. During this three-month period, we will be unable to hold our monthly chapter meetings there. I have made arrangements to hold our monthly chapter meeting at an alternative restaurant nearby. Effective with the September meeting, we will be meeting (same start time) at:

Giuseppe's
1062 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL

Giuseppe's is located approximately ½ mile north of the Silver Stallion on the West side the street. If you drive north from the Silver Stallion, Lee Street becomes one-way and curves slightly to the East (right) before again heading north. Giuseppe's is located right at this curve in the street on the left. Ample parking is available on the East side of Lee Street, directly across from the restaurant.

I was able to use this facility free of charge with the understanding that many of our attendees would be ordering something to eat. Be advised, however, that all meals are prepared fresh and can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to serve after the order is placed. 

Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, August 14th at the Silver Stallion restaurant which is located at 1275 Lee Street in Des Plaines. The business meeting will start promptly at 7:15 P.M.

********************************************

July 2002

Welcome to summer! Can you believe the year is half over? I hope all of you will be able to enjoy the season and have a safe and healthy time completing whatever activities you fancy. Hopefully, one of these activities is participating in the chapter's annual golf outing. The event will take place on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Brae Loch Golf Course. Brae Loch is located in Grayslake, Illinois, approximately four miles west of I-94 off of route 120. Thom Nicholson is our event chairman and has been working hard with his committee organizing this perennial excellent event. The event is a "scrambles" format which means that you play the best ball so virtually everyone has a chance to win something. The camaraderie is always worth the price of admission. Please plan to attend this (always) fun event, even if golf is not one of your favorite sports. 

At the June meeting, elections were held for chapter officers. The election results are: president, Al Krenz, vice-president, Thom Nicholson, treasurer, Andy Andersen and secretary, Frank Krus. Thom, Andy and I bring prior chapter officer experience to their positions and Frank has recorded chapter minutes on many occasions in past years in the absence of the chapter secretaries. This is a solid team for the next two years. There was an intense debate as to the eligibility of associate members to hold chapter office although the SFA constitution (dated 1993) indicates they can. This fact was verified by SFA National but became a mute point as your elected officers all hold at least general, if not decader, membership status.

The SFA convention was held June 18 - 22 in Fayetteville, NC and was attended by a number of chapter members. Although we did not have an "official" list of chapter attendees, I saw Andy Andersen, Ken Brenneman, Angelo Di Liberti, Ted Drier, George Ferguson, Curt Jones, Bryant Kraus, Frank Krucek, Frank Krus, Jim Matykiewicz, Ken Maynard, Dennis McAdoo, Chuck Mount, Thom Nicholson, Rich Novack, Dave O'Malley, Hubert Pries, Earl Smith and John Townsend at the convention. Many chapter attendees had spouses or significant others along to enjoy this once in a lifetime event. The host chapter (1-18) expected 1800 - 2000 attendees but the final count was more than 4000 with many walk-ons that were not planned for. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Special Forces and was a tribute to Col. (R) Aaron Bank, the "father of Special Forces" (and 99 years old) who was in attendance. There were many planned events including the open! ing reception, JFKSWCS museum tour and MOD demo, golf outing, vendor displays, new equipment displays, memorial stone dedication ceremonies, picnic & HALO demos, visit to the Airborne & Special Operations museum and an outstanding banquet to close the event. A hospitality room was open daily from 0930 - 2400 hrs with free drinks for all (tipping the bartenders encouraged). Several of us also visited the 82nd Airborne Division museum at Ft. Bragg, the "Iron Mike" and Dick Meadows memorial and, of course, Ranger Joe's! What a great experience for all attendees. I'll be posting pictures to our web site in the next weeks so those of you who attended can reminisce and those of you who couldn't attend will see what they missed.

Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, July 10th at the Silver Stallion restaurant which is located at 1275 Lee Street in Des Plaines. Mannheim becomes Lee Street for a short stretch in Des Plaines and the restaurant is just north of Oakton on the right side of the street. The business meeting starts promptly at 7:15 P.M. However, many members show up around 6:00 - 6:45 P.M. to have dinner and conversation with their buddies.

*************************

June 2002

At last month's chapter meeting, we were honored to have MAJ. George Guderley, USAF [Ret] as our guest. Major Guderley related his WWII experiences bailing out of his shot-up plane, evading the enemy for six days before finally being captured. He endured prison life under the most extreme conditions and survived a 600 mile winter march. Maj. Guderley escaped and was free for nine days, almost making it to Switzerland before being recaptured. He was finally freed by British Forces and returned home. He later served in the Navy before reentering the USAF and receiving a direct commission in time for Korean war! He was also activated for the Cuban Missile crisis before retiring from the Air Force. Maj. Guderley is a true American hero and we were proud to have him at our meeting. Thanks also to Frank Krus, who arranged for the Major to attend.

As mentioned last month, chapter elections will be held during our June meeting. The following members have been nominated (and willing to serve if elected) for office: President - Al Krenz (incumbent), Vice-president - Thom Nicholson and Bob Smith, Secretary - Frank Krus, Treasurer - Andy Andersen (incumbent). Hopefully, those of you that were unable to attend the June chapter meeting sent your absentee ballot in to our current secretary, Thom Nicholson. With two chapter members in the running for vice-president and the fact that we rarely have a quorum at our meetings, it was important to have your vote. 

We will hold the annual chapter benefit golf outing on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Brae Loch Golf course. Brae Loch is located in Grayslake, Illinois, approximately four miles west of I-94 off of route 120. Our event chairmen, Thom Nicholson has been hard at work planning another excellent event. Please plan to attend this (always) fun event, even if golf is not one of your favorite sports. The event is a "scrambles" format which means that you play the best ball so virtually everyone has a chance to win something. The camaraderie is worth the price of admission. If you have not already signed up for this event, please fill out the application which (should be!) is elsewhere in this issue and mail to Thom Nicholson ASAP. 

Most of you have, by now, received raffle tickets (20 Ea.) from SFA National for the memorial building fund. I ask that you make an effort to sell as many as you can. After you sell the first twenty, call SFA National for more! Why? Because individual chapters get to keep 50% of the monies raised by them. Not a bad deal. There are other bonuses for chapters and individuals that sell the most tickets. The drawing will be on June 22, 2002 at the close of the national convention so get your monies in ASAP.

Speaking of the convention, our chapter will have a number of members attending this year, including your truly. A report will be in next months "Pete."

Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, June 12th at the Silver Stallion restaurant which is located at 1275 Lee Street in Des Plaines. Mannheim becomes Lee Street for a short stretch in Des Plaines and the restaurant is just north of Oakton on the right side of the street. The business meeting generally starts at 7:15 P.M. with many members showing up around 6:00 - 6:45 P.M. to have dinner with their buddies and harass the latest new help.

*****************************************