Deborah Goodacre

On Saturday, April 2, the Gila Butte Chapter of the DAR had our last monthly meeting, which we always call Spring Fling. We set aside our usual officer and chairman reports during that meeting and have special guests and a silent auction as part of our yearly fundraising efforts.

This year, we met in the Palo Verde Country Club dining room, which always serves a fantastic luncheon. Lunch began with salad followed by chicken cordon bleu or prime rib, with scalloped potatoes and asparagus. Our chapter provided two cakes that topped off the delicious, well-prepared menu.

We were happy to have Suzanne Medley, Regent of Cactus Wren Chapter and State Treasurer, and Barbara Schultz, Regent of Casa Grande Chapter, attend Spring Fling.

Special guests included Joe Abrutz and his wife, DAR member Beverly Abrutz. Mr. Abrutz is the only survivor of a PT boat torpedoed off the Philippines in World War II. Joe is now in his mid-90s (we dared not ask him for his age!), and he was delighted to be invited and recognized as a World War II survivor.

Other guests included two gentlemen who have been friends for over 50 years and served in the Vietnam War together, Mr. Dan Jones and Mr. Arlan Allen. Both men retired as Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Arlan Allen was our guest speaker and told about his service to our country. Now retired, he is involved in numerous military organizations and supports our veterans. His biography is extensive and cannot fit into this tiny article, but take it from me, it is awe-inspiring. Today, he was honored by the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, receiving the DAR Medal of Honor for his service to our country. It is a high honor to receive this medal from our national society. Arlan is also an inductee into the Arizona Hall of Fame 2019. Arlan was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and as many of you know who fought in that war, the life expectancy of a helicopter pilot is a matter of minutes, maybe just days. Arlan is a humble man and recognized his fellow veterans when he was honored with the medal. His story was indeed moving.

Honorary State and Honorary Chapter Regent Gillian Morse had the duty of swearing in the new officers for the next two years. Suzanne Young is the new chapter regent, and Jean Milberger is the new vice regent. They will collaborate over the summer months and make plans for the new year, which begins in September.

For those who leave Arizona for parts unknown over the summer, have a wonderful time, and remember to talk to your children and grandchildren about your ancestors. Write those stories down, please! And speaking of writing, our Writer’s Group will continue to meet on the first Monday of each month in Room A-2 behind the Cottonwood community library. Our group is growing, and everyone is progressing in their writing skills. For more information about DAR, contact Lesley Baran at [email protected].