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Winter Chapter Meeting, January 2002

Cleveland, Tennessee
11 - 13 January 2002

Once again the Winds of War (War Stories, that is) gathered over the small metropolis of Cleveland, Tennessee. The local population (especially those fair damsels at the American Legion) awaited in eager anticipation for the arrival of those famous die-hards, those legendary snake-eaters, those Green Berets from previous years. Yes, it was time, once again, for Chapter 33's quarterly meeting and time also to relive those frightful days of yesteryear. A cousin of mine once remarked that those stories told and retold, almost word for word, never seem to change with the telling and re-telling. Could this mean we have either conjured up the truth (highly unlikely) or have our memories have defied age and we, like the elephant, never forget. I for one, believe it is the part with the elephant.

We gathered, as usual, on Friday, 11 January 2002, in the Chapter Hospitality Room on the second floor of the Château. Here we partook of the various juices and "soft" drinks that were strewn across the bar. A couple of the members did remember to bring in the good German "soft" drinks. A table laden with cold cuts, chips and dips and various cheese spreads was off to one side and, next to the bar with juices and "soft" drinks, was the most popular place in the room. Before long everyone was engaged in the things we do best---telling and retelling war stories.

As is our normal custom when we meet in Cleveland, we adjourned to the American Legion where "Le Chef de Kitchen", famous for the "Long Chicken", served up an appetizing meal of catfish and steak. I'm not sure if his famous "Long Chicken" was present, but the rest of the meal was first rate. Again, if you need clarification on the "Long Chicken" you'll have to get with Jim. We finished the meal with the usual after-dinner "soft" drinks and the Karaoke played the "Ballad of the Green Beret"---twice---in honor of all the old guys sitting at our tables. I don't know if the rest of those Legionnaires enjoyed the rendition or not, however. I didn't hear any tribute to the Navy, Army or Air Force but maybe the Karaoke didn't have the Navy, Army or Air Force songs. But all good things do come to an end and it was with heavy heart and lighter wallets that we finally bade the Legion adieu.

The schedule for Saturday was to have only a meeting and a drawing. The Hospitality Room opened early (or maybe it never closed) and people moved in and out munching the condiments from the table and sipping the juices and "soft" drinks from the bar.

Arsh Crown Bobby Burke, everyone knows Bobby Burke, resigned as El Presidente of the Arsh Loch Club. Wayne, Ken Stickney and myself nominated Jim Hash, Mitch Green and Orwin Boatwright for Bobby's replacement. We elected "Bull" Durham, President of the Arsh Loch Club.

Arafat Brothers We also had other villainous figures present for the evening and they kept our in-house photographer, Matt, busy. Usama, baby, has nothing over on this Chapter as far as notoriety is concerned. Chapter 33 is well represented by the Arafat twins , Yassar and Nossar Arafat.

The evening concluded with the lottery. I wasn't going to participate in this event, but the charming young lady selling the tickets insisted that I purchase at least a couple of tickets. Luck was with me and I held the winning number. Of course, Bobby Burke, being the benevolent, charitable soul that he is, mentioned that he would match the money if I gave it back to the Chapter. Ken Stickney (one half of the Arafat twins) readily agreed to this and Bobby, tears running down his cheeks, squeezed the matching amount from his wallet. We all know those tears were due to the charity Bobby felt in his heart don't we?

And now, once again, the part you've all been waiting for! Gaze upon our Winter Meeting art gallery, courtesy of Matt.

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The Larry Alan Thorne Special Forces
Memorial Chapter XXXIII Winter Meeting
was created 15 January 2002
and last update 3 April 2008