Combined Action Veterans Association
Letter From the
Chairman
Phil
Ovelman, 299 Country Club Rd. Coatesville, Pa. 19320
We have recently returned from our 2007 reunion in Louisville, Kentucky where we stayed at the Holiday Inn within the city limits and enjoyed accommodations rarely experienced by our group. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our point man Bud Apple we were afforded a free meeting room that was more than sufficient for our seventy-six members and wives. I would like to thank Bud again for his help this year. Bud has proven himself to be a true asset and team player in our organization and I only wish we had someone like Bud at each reunion site. I should also point out at this time the much appreciated efforts of Maggie and Ken Jones who managed to contact such organizations as Wall-mart, Sam's Club and KFC which culminated in our group receiving enough free food to allow those who wanted to eliminate restaurants or eateries to do so. We even got some free beer but, never enough for our hard charging members. One more shout out goes to Dennis Johnson who worked tirelessly at the bar so the rest of us could stay well hydrated. There are those who always help out but these folks stood out this year as going above and beyond. On behalf of all the members and myself, Thank You. [And Thank You Too Lynn Pugliese.]
Our tours included a visit to the Church Hill Downs where we were all treated to an upscale buffet and invited to loose as much money as we wanted. And this on the heels of the previous days visit to a horse breeding farm where we were treated to view studs of champion quality horses. Not the actual breeding of course. We had to return to the hotel for that. And finally a visit to the Wooden Reserve Distillery where CAP members were treated to the fine art of distilling Bourbon Whisky, my personal favorite. My advice, always go for the 'Barrel Proof'.
Our general meeting was held on Friday, Nov. 02nd and following the general announcements, the only old business was the issue of the stone slab at either Arlington Cemetery or the Marine Corp Museum.
New business included a vote for the 2009 reunion to be held in Washington DC. The dates will be announced at a later date. We have always had great reunion in DC with good turn out of members. We usually visit The Wall, Marine Corp Base Quantico, Arlington and of-course one of the many Marine Corps Balls held in the DC area.
Alan Walden has graciously stepped down as a board member to allow others to serve. Fred Calaffie was nominated and voted in at the general meeting. We all wish to thank Alan for his many years of service and I know that Alan will step forward again if his services are needed in the future. And to Fred, best of luck, you'll need it.
Finally, the group voted in favor of a 'brick' to be engraved and placed at the new Marine Corps Museum. Pete Brian is taking care of the details of purchase while the Board of Directors has determined the engraving style and content. Reminder, the reunion for 2008 is scheduled to be held in San Diego from November 6th to the 11th, at the Best Western Hacienda Hotel Old Town San Diego, 4041 Harney St, San Diego Ca. 92110. Phone # 619-298-4707. Rates are $131 per night. Please make your reservations early. Look for the specifics in the newsletter and on the CAP Web pages.
It was a thrill as usual to see everyone at the Louisville Reunion and as always I look forward to Reunion ’08 in San Diego.
Semper Fi
Phil Ovelman, Chairman