VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

                     Motorcycle Group of Texas                             

Address: 3801 S.C.R. 1185   City: Midland   State: Texas   Zip: 79706

          Telephone: 432-281-6707   E-Mail: odessadink@cox.net

 

VFWMG UNIT 4 - MIDLANDTEXAS POST 4149 Activity Report Jan – July 2006

 

The first application for membership was submitted on approximately 01-15-06.  The group applied for it’s charter on or about 01-25-06.  As of today the group now has forty-five (45) active and excited members.  As a result of the group being formed an additional eight (8) members to the post, fourteen (14) new auxiliary members, and four (4) support group members for a total of twenty-six (26) new members have been added to the our VFW post. 

 

We have been conducting the appropriate monthly meetings and have enjoyed good turn-out and participation.  Our members have many good ideas for the good of our post and there are endeavors underway currently to accomplish same.

 

On April 29, 2006 the VFWMG co-sponsored a cook-off to benefit the Run for the Wall motorcyclist.   We had a great turn-out and as a result donated a total of $500.00 to the ride.  We made good use of the opportunity and recruited members to both the VFW, the auxiliary and motorcycle group.

 

We as a group took safety precaution to prepare our members for the Ride to the Wall and had practice group runs on a regular basis to instill the necessity of unison riding with safety.

 

After the loss of one of our comrades the VFWMG Unit 4 was honored, at the request of the members of his family, to escort our fallen brother on his last ride to his interment in San Angelo, Texas, on May 7, 2006.   We made every effort to have a supportive turn out for both the funeral and the trip to San Angelo.   Our efforts were indeed rewarded by approximately sixty (60) motorcycle riders attending the funeral and approximately ½ of that number was our post’s presentation.  We were blessed to have been a part of the honor and have received much recognition in our community, which has sparked tremendous interest in our group. 

 

On May 20, 2006 the Ride for the Wall made a stop on their day four (4) in Midland.   Our group met the riders and furnished water and co-sponsored their evening meal, as well as breakfast the next morning, when 20 of VFWMG Unit 4 members joined in on the mission.  Three (3) of our group members rode all the way to Alabama, before returning to Midland to participate in the Memorial Day ride, locally.

 

On May 29, 2006, Memorial Day, our group participated in the Ride to Remember as a part of the Viet Nam Memorial.  After the ceremonies in Midland we joined the ride with approximately 640 other rides to the Viet Nam Memorial in Big Spring, Texas.   After the completion of the ride our group hosted a meal for all riders, friends and family, as well as the community, at Post 4149.   Once again, we were very pleased with the success of our efforts, as the turn out was one of the most attending that our Post has hosted.   There were more members recruited to the Post, the Men and Ladies Auxiliaries and the motorcycle group.    We are growing strong!!

 

As mentioned, there are future plans to further our growth and positive exposure to our community.   On July 25, 2006 we plan a memorial service for our fallen brother, Gary Gill, with the ceremonial planting of a tree in his memory on the post property.  Our members will participate in both the preparation of the grounds, building of a brick surround with adequate watering system and the planting of a Braford Pear tree.  One of our members has donated a bronze plaque to be displayed.

 

Additionally, on September 2, 2006 we will be sponsoring a Chili cook-off in coordination with Desert Storm/Desert Shield Association to develop a foundation for an annual bicycle/motorcycle safety course available to all adults and children that choose to participate. 

 

Submitted on the accompanying page are photos taken at the events mentioned above.

 

The formation of our VFWMG has been a very positive move for both our local post, as well as our community.   There is great enthusiasm within our post over our growth and contributions. We look forward to many more successful ventures.