September 2024

President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

I hope you all had a fantastic summer.  As a tradition, the chapter did not hold meetings during the summer months, but we will resume our monthly chapter meetings on Tuesday, September 17th at Mimi’s Café in Irvine at 7pm.  I look forward to again see your smiling faces.  Our dinner meeting speaker will be Peter Small.  Peter will be re-enacting the role of Thomas Jefferson, our Third President.  President Jefferson, the Sage of Monticello, was a scientist, farmer, inventor, architect and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

The Board would like your thoughts on adding a ninth meeting during 2025, versus the eight meetings we have historically held yearly.  To be considered for certain awards at the state level, a minimum of 9 meetings must be held by the chapter.  If we were to add an additional meeting we were thinking of something less formal, without a speaker.  Perhaps a December lunch, or something informal during the summer.  Please let us know your thoughts – feel free to send me an email.

I’m excited to announce our chapter was offered the opportunity to host the Spring 2025 CSSAR meeting in Costa Mesa.  After discussion and consideration, our Board agreed to host the event. More information will follow over time, but please consider this early notice that we will need volunteers.  This is a great opportunity to learn about what is going on in the other chapters and at the state level of SAR.  

The America 250 Program continues in full swing marching towards July 4, 2026.  If you attend a chapter meeting and listen to the America 250 Minute then you receive 3 points.  We have had numerous members qualify for the bronze medal, a few have been awarded the silver medal, and three chapter members have reached the gold medal level.

I am pleased to announce Kevin Forrest has recently been named the California Society ROTC/JROTC & NSCC/NLCC Program Chairman.  Please join me in congratulating Kevin on this honor.  This position is in addition to Kevin’s other SAR responsibilities including CASSAR Color Guard Adjunct – South, Captain – Mullan’s Marines Color Guard, and America 250 Chairman for the South Coast Chapter.  

Speaking of our Color Guard, we can use some more members. This is the SAR South Coast chapter’s primary face in the community.  The Color Guard presents the colors at local patriotic events and marches in local parades. It is a good feeling to participate in these events and our presence is always well received. Please let Kevin know of your interest in joining the guard.

As always, thank you all for your patriotism and your membership in the SAR. I look forward to seeing you all at the September chapter meeting.  

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

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