DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION LEAGUE

BLUEBONNET BULLETIN  FEBRUARY 2006

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Has it already been a year since I took office? My how time flies! The Texas Department has many exciting days ahead of us in the upcoming weeks. Rosemary Nagel, Past Department and Past National President, will be attending the Mid-Winter Convention later this month and will report back to us at the State Convention in Midland on 28-30 April 2006. We will have a silent auction, so come prepared to shop and bid! You may also contribute items to our silent auction. The monies raised will go toward our Texas ROAL Dept sponsoring the National Convention in San Antonio.

Since I am still fairly new in ROAL, I look forward to meeting many of you for the first time at Midland AND San Antonio.

The Texas Departments of ROA/ROAL will host the National Convention in San Antonio, Texas 19-22 July 2006. See Lori Ivy-Marx’s article in this newsletter regarding Convention activities. We need VOLUNTEERS to work and sponsors to provide help. Let’s show Texas hospitality at its best. Please complete the form on the back page and mail it to Lori Ivy-Marx by 25 April or email her your information at . WE NEED YOUR HELP!

NATIONAL ROAL CONVENTION  SAN ANTONIO

What a treat is in store for the ROAL members who attend the 19-22 July 2006 ROA/ROAL National Convention in San Antonio, Texas! Along with an event filled convention, you’ll lunch at the Alamo. Not a local restaurant but the actual ALAMO! The Alamo is one of the San Antonio Missions and it is just 2 blocks from the MarriottRiverCenter. Walk or ride to the Alamo to enjoy a gourmet meal by a leading San Antonio caterer followed by a Brighton Fashion Show and a presentation by the Alamo Curator. Seating is limited, so make your reservations early!

The afternoon is yours to explore the San Antonio Riverwalk, local shops, restaurants and museums – all within walking distance, or a trolley ride away. Take a guided river barge ride down the San AntonioRiver learning about the fabulous architecture and history of San Antonio. Visit the new Shops at La Cantera– Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany’s and many more. Botanical Gardens are just a short car ride away. For history buffs visit the nearby Institute of Texan Cultures.

Come early or stay after the convention to enjoy the surrounding hill country towns of Fredericksburg, Boerne, New Braunfels, or Gruene. Each town has its

ownspecial charm. Walk the historic streets of Fredericksburg and stop bythe NimitzMuseum.

Enjoy antique shopping and some German food along with a wine sample from the Becker Vineyards, or a beer sampler from the local brewery after stopping at the Wild Seed Farm. Make your way to San Antonio along the IH-10 corridor and stop in Boerne and catch your breath relaxing by the river to watch the ducks or paddle a boat. Boerne has summer concerts in the TownPark by the longest playing German band. From Boerne head to New Braunfels on a beautiful scenic drive and then to a Texas size outlet mall in San Marcosto take a ride on the gondola in the Italian designed canal. Gruene (pronounced “Green”) is one of the most charming towns that is known for Gruene Hall, where a number of local country musicians practice before taking on the world – such as GeorgeStrait (who lives in the hill country).

Visit one of the many military bases and post in Military CityUSA such as Randolph AFB, Ft. Sam Houston and Lackland AFB. They all have special displays of history.

Your golf cart waits at the Palmer Course at La Cantera, the Quarry, The Republic, Ft. Sam Houston or Lackland AFB courses, or one of the many other public and private courses surrounding San Antonio.

Afternoons will be warm in San Antonio, so be sure to bring your sunblock. Bring your children! San Antonio is a family city with many venues to enjoy with your children–Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld, Schlitter-bahn, Splashtown, The Texas Ski Ranch, the WitteMuseum, The Children’s Museum.... The Marriott is connected to the Rivercenter Mall where parents and children alike can visit the IMAX, local theaters to catch the latest movies, or visit the arcade.

Now if that’s too much, simply enjoy lounging around the pool of the beautiful Marriott Rivercenter, or enjoy a cup of Starbucks and listen to music at the Rivercenter Mall lagoon.

YOU WILL NOT BE BORED IN SAN ANTONIO!

DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS ROAL

TREASURER’S REPORT

April 05 Balance$2,929.95

Income$1,608.00 *

Expenses$1,366.51 **

February 06 Balance$3,171.44

  • Includes Raffle Income of $300 – 4/04 and
  • $378 - 4/05 Raffles

** Expenses include:

  • $100 donated USO
  • $100 to the Defense Education Fund
  • $175 Presidential Allowance
  • $200.81 Newsletter Postage/Copies/Supplies for 2004 and 2005

DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Dallas 18 *1 New

Houston 27 *1 New

PermianBasin 10*2 New

2006TOTAL 55

2005TOTAL58

2004TOTAL66

2003TOTAL68

2002TOTAL64

2001TOTAL93

We welcome 4 New ROAL Members:

Mary Fairbairn – Dallas Club

Sherri Hill – PermianBasin

Jackie I Meissner _ PermianBasin

Ann Paré – Houston Club

THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAPLAIN

Please notify JoAnn Sutherland, (Houston Club) ROAL Department Chaplain of any illness, death or life celebration. (713)782-2934

Wemourn the passing of Raye White’s husband (Houston Club),CMDR Edward Whitelast August and Pauline Schachtmeister (Houston Club).

We send thoughtsand prayers to Leon Russell (husband of Jean Russell)who has been very ill for several months. We also wish speedy healing to Ed Mouritsen (husband of Beth Mouritsen) both in Dallas area.

Congratulations To Martin Meissner (PermianBasin) & His New Bride, Jackie (A New ROAL Member)!

Chaplain Jo Ann Sutherland represented ROAL Dept of Texas & the ROAL Houston Club at the Houston ISD JROTC awards ceremony in May 2005.

ROA/ROAL CONVENTION-

MIDLAND-TEXAS28- 29 APRIL 2006

Convention will be at the Clarion Hotel (formally Holiday Inn) 4300 W Hwy 80 [IH 20] for reservations Call 432-697-3181. Rooms are $55/per night. You MUST specify that you are with the ROA Convention. Deadline for reservations at the $55 rate is 21 April 2006.

ROA/ROAL Convention Registration isin this Bulletin. Hotel Reservations are separate. Everyone is welcome and all ROAL meetings are open.

Committees for the Department Convention:

Audit – HoustonBudget – Dallas

Nominating – 1 member from Board, 1each Club

Silent Auctionat Convention: We are asking for donations from Department Stores or various other donated (nice) items. Proceeds will be used for the 2006 National Convention in Texas. HELP!

SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING-WACO TEXAS22 October 2005

The Executive Committee of the Department of Texas ROAL met October 22, 2005, at the Clarion Hotel in Waco, Texas. President Cheryl Carathers called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. Present were Cheryl Carathers, Bementa Ingalls, Lori Marx, Beth Mouritsen and Ann Paré.

Cheryl gave the Treasurer’s report. She reported that we have a balance of $3,153.44. She also read the report from the chaplain, Joann Sutherland.

There was a short discussion as to whether the Department should pursue one of the national awards or whether we should concentrate on the national convention to be held in San Antonio in July, 2006. It was decided that the Department of Texas ROAL should focus on the national convention.

Martin Meissner will work on the Department Convention to be held April 28-30 in Midland. We decided that we should have a fund-raiser at the Department Convention.

Lori Ivy-Marx presented a plan for the ROAL luncheon to be held in San Antonio.

Site: Alamo Hall, part of the Alamo complex.

Seating up to 130 people

Lunch: Lori Marx has selected a caterer whom she feels is competent and the menus are good. The only drawback is that no alcohol is allowed by the Alamo.

Expenses: Rental of Hall - $1250.00

Lunch (incl’s gratuity) is $28.00

Rentals—tables, chairs,etc. – Cost?

Lori presentedthe table decorations of round bowls with flowers. Beth Mouritsen will look for a source of inexpensive glass confetti eggs for the favors.

Questions to be addressed:

1. Who signs the caterer and Alamo contracts?

2. Who provides transportation?

3. How do we pay for the lunch? Do we have to get sponsors for the lunch? We assume that we must have some sponsors. If we get sponsors we must recognize them in the program.

4. Who gets the money? We would prefer that it go to our treasurer, Carolyn Glover Hockley than to National or anywhere else.

Lori Ivy-Marx said she would send letters to sponsors for ROAL in January. ROA Goal is set at $50,000 under the direction of Ron Paré.

Other responsibilities at the convention include:

1. Volunteers at registration, elsewhere as needed.

2. Help with table decorations at the luncheon.

3. Someone to prepare program for luncheon.

(Need to check with the national president about this.)

4. Door prizes at the luncheon.

5. Someone to collect and wrap door prizes.

Begin collecting Prizes at Department convention.

6. REMEMBER THIS IS BIG FOR TEXAS!!

LET’S MAKE IT A SUCCESS!

The meeting adjourned for lunch with the ROA. After lunch, we met with the ROA EXCOM to discuss the National Convention. It was agreed that Lori and Grady Fairbairn will collect information for side trips. Chaplain Ingalls will be liaison between Ft.Sam and National for the Memorial Service.

With no further business, the ROAL adjourned.

Respectively submitted,

Elizabeth P. Mouritsen, Secretary

OTHER NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST

?? DO YOU HAVE EMAIL ??

We need your email address! In order to further communication between ROAL members, ROAL, National Officers and National Headquarters, we are asking you to email Carolyn Hockley, Department Treasurer, at for our Department’s information. She will then forward it to Washington ROAL Headquarters Secretary, Tracey Coleman Ware at .

SUMMARY OF ROAL NATIONAL BYLAW CHANGES Bylaw Changes – The Department of Texas ROAL Bylaws were amended to reflect all of the changes through the years of the ROAL National Bylaws. The amended Bylaws were presented and approved by both the Executive Board and also by our members at the April 2005 Department Convention. These have been forwarded to National for approval and signature.

NOTES FROM MIDWINTER IN D.C.

Rosemary Nagle, past Department & National President, attended Mid-Winter in WashingtonDC. President Mary Ann Severs presided. ROAL attendees were treated to a great tour of the newly opened NationalMuseum of the American Indian. Representatives from Military Kids spoke to the Conference.

We are encouraged to assist our troops and their families. Check out the program administered by the Air Force Aid Society, the USO and the Fisher House to purchase commissary gift certificates to donate or give as gifts-See A phone card from the BX can keep hearts and families connected.

Katrina & Rita victims also need our help – see to learn about purchasing the cards & certificates. You will also learn about ROA/ROAL.

Clip and Mail with Your Check or Money Order

2006 DEPARTMENT OF TEXASSTATE CONVENTION RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATESSTATECONVENTION REGISTRATION*

Midland. Texas 28 -29 April 2006

(Name)______(Rank)______(Branch)______

(MemberNumber) ______(Chapter)______

(Address) ______

(City)______(State)______

(Zip+4) ______

(Telephone Number) ______

(Email or fax number) ______

______

(Name of Spouse or Guest Attending)

1. Convention Registration Fee: Member - $30.00

Spouse - $30.00

(If reservation is mailed after 12 April 2002, please add for each person registered- $5.00)

2. Friday Night Barbecue at the Commemorative Air Force High Sky Wing Hanger. The hanger has an exhibitionof World II Vintage Air Planes. We plan a short presentation on the operations of the air show.

Friday Night BBQ & USO Show $ 25.00 x ______= $ ______

Continental Breakfast Saturday Morning prior to the opening session

3. Saturday Luncheon $30.00 x______= $ ______

4. Saturday Evening Banquet $32.00 x ______= $ ______

GRAND TOTAL FOR CHECK$______

FRIDAY NIGHT BBQ DINNER:

I have my own transportation ______

I need transportation ______

I have extra seats and can accommodate

One ______Two ______Three ______

*HOTEL RESERVATIONS ARE SEPARATE –See Pg 2

MAIL THIS FORM TO:

LTC MARTIN C. MEISSNER, AUS (Ret)

Reserve Officers Association of the United States

724 West Louisiana Ave.,

Midland, TX79701-3299

E-mail

Phone 432-682-0706 FAX 432-682-0706

Questions?

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  

SIGN-UP FORM FOR VOLUNTEERS AT THE

19-22 JULY 2006 ROA/ROAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN SAN ANTONIOTEXAS

NAME: ______
ADDRESS______
PHONE: ______
CHECK HERE
(Specify Day & Time as indicated) / I WILL VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST WITH THE FOLLOWING
Work Registration Table at Marriott
Wednesday – 19 July
Thursday – 20 July
Friday – 21 July
Prize & Table Favors (4)
Luncheon Guides @ Marriott
Luncheon Greeters (2) @ Alamo Hall
Luncheon Registration (4)
Prize distribution (4)
Speaker Greeter (1)
Style Show Coordinator (2)
I AM NOT ABLE TO ATTEND BUT I WILL CONTRIBUTE THE FOLLOWING
$ / Financial support (100% tax deduction)
I can provide a Door Prize
PLEASE MAIL THIS FORM TO:
Lori Ivy Marx – 205 Majestic Oaks Drive
BoerneTX78006
Email:

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