Welcome

                                        149thARMOR REGIMENT

                       Minutes of the Meeting of 18 MARCH 2023

Monterey County Historical Society (MCHS), Salinas, CA.

Prior to the meeting the Executive Director James Perry and volunteer Tom Spenser led us on a tour of the campus. We began in the restored Boronda Adobe then to the WWII Half-Track just inside the gate. Bronze plaques on the perimeter told the story of the 40th Tank Company/ Co C, 194th Tank Battalion and the Bataan Death March. The restored schoolhouse and Field Worker’s Bunk house were next. Finally, we entered the pavilion where a great variety of artifacts fill the main floor. This also included a library close to completion and two vaults holding printed materials.

Participants: Michael McIntosh, Connie Fields, Bill Gledhill, Ramon Sanchez guest of Ray V. Ortiz, Charles Newport, Richard Mayeda and Art Nichols. On Zoom: Paul Saguil, Gary Johnson and Clifford Pitchford.

1. Meeting was called to order at 1305 and Roll taken. Connie Fields attendance was noted and appreciated.

2. Reading of the minutes of 21 January 2023. Richard Mayeda called to note that he had not had a heart attack, just heart arrythmia; the correction was noted. Minutes approved as corrected.

3. The agenda was accepted as printed.

4. Health and Welfare: Ray Ortiz raised an issue he is having with coverage from the VA. He was advised to “Tell him (or her) you want a referral“. He was also given the phone # of TriWest. Nichols mentioned that Gary Johnson was not walking and had problems with his voice.

5. Membership Report: No change: 88 Life, 12 Annual and 8 Honorary, 108 Total.

6. Treasurer’s Report: Primary: Primary savings -$25.89, Secondary savings- $9,025.25 and Checking- $6,775.73. 

7. Discussion of the tour of MCHS facility. The commitment of preserve the history of Salinas, the valley and region were noted. Completed displays and those in progress, like the 19thcentury library, showed professional commitment to restoration. Mr. Perry pointed out that Monterey County does not have MCHS in its budget; they operate on donations and grants. He added that MCHS would not charge the Regiment to receive, protect and display our material. MCHS would seek grants to underwrite the display. Any funds donated to that end would go to an account designated to that purpose.

8. Weekend at Bruce’s Cabin. The dates on the agenda corrected to 28-30 April. Cost was set at $30 for the entire weekend. Bruce pointed out the fishing season opens that weekend. There are currently some slides on the road but they should be mitigated by the April weekend.  Phone Bruce at 831-601-4742 for late registration.

9. BBQ and Reunion: Still planned for 5 August 2023.

10. Other items. Newport mentioned the Bataan Legacy Historical Society will observe 81st anniversary of Bataan Death March in ceremony at 1000hrs, 15 April at the SF National Cemetery. More info at (510) 520-8540.

COL Nichols mentioned that on Saturday, May 6th his church will host a session on VA benefits.  Location: Bethel Community Church, 600 East Tabor Ave, Fairfield, CA., 94533, 1000hrs-1200hrs.

11.  Next meeting is 20 May 2023, 1300hrs, 340 BSB HQ. Meeting Adjourned at 1404hrs. 

                                                                                       --Newport