January 17, 2006 Annual Banquet

State President George Thurmond installed the 2006 officers at the Annual Awards Banquet that was held on January 17th at the Cheatham Community Center.  Jim Castle took the reins from former President Curtis McWaters. Former Secretary David Thompson stepped up to Vice President.  Larry Guzy will be Secretary and Paul Griggs will take over as Treasurer.  All of the chapter officers are listed here.

The following presentations were made by Presidents McWaters and Castle:

Certificates of Appreciation were earned by:
Chuck Smith, for continued service to our Chapter as Registrar.
Bill Teasley, as keeper of our History.
John Jones, for a song and a prayer as our Chaplain.
Rodney Pritchett, for bearing our Colors as Sergeant-At-Arms again.

Bronze Good Citizenship Medal:
Curtis McWaters, who single handedly forced us to recognize over 43 individuals,
businesses and locations where the flag is properly displayed.
Rodney Pritchett, who provided us with our flags for three years as Sergeant-At-Arms.

SAR Medal of Appreciation:
Cindy Abbott, for many activities related to the chapter, assistance in cemetery work,
applications, and Patriotism Week.

Meritorious Service Medal:
David Thompson, for long and dedicated service as Secretary and cemetery clean-up
since the beginning of our care.
Jim Castle, for long and dedicated service as Treasurer and Vice President at the same
time.
Kendall Abbott, for long service in cemetery work, and Patriotism Week, an Oak Leaf
Cluster.
Chuck Smith, for 5 years as Registrar.

Martha Washington Medal:
Karin Guzy, for assistance in design and publication of 28 issues of The Collins Dispatch,
applications, table decorations, and as interim webmaster.

Curtis McWaters was awarded the Past
President Certificate, pin, neck ribbon, and
member medal.

A surprise award was made to Kendall Abbott for his continued devotion to the Old Allatoona Cemetery. A bright green wheelbarrow with the chapter insignia on it was presented during the awards portion of the banquet.

The speaker for the evening was Army Staff Sergeant Tony Lovett, who spoke about Patriotism and also showed some World War II battle gear that drew sounds of recognition from many in the audience.