April 11th through April 14th – dates that will live in infamy…for some. The unnamed HR218 shooter clearing his weapon while aiming down the shooting line, then adjusting his ear protection with gun in hand…the commemorative .45 cal auto raffle drawing, wherein one needed not only a ticket, but body armor…Bob Havercroft proving golf is a contact sport (contacting the ground counts, right??). We’re not sure if the sling he was wearing was to protect an injured shoulder or was to distract us from his actual injury. Word in the clubhouse was that the two best balls he hit all day was when he stepped on a rake…then, there was Ike Sabean showing up at the new Bowling Tournament because he thought it was a good opportunity to score some new shoes for 75 cents.
You’d think we had enough war-stories from active service to keep us going, but with a total Roundup attendance of 857, what a wonderful collection of characters and dear souls we have to keep our Roundups memorable. I don’t think we can ever thank or repay Moon and Robyn Mullen enough for giving us this annual gift of friendship, memories, and laughter. I’m in awe of their dedication and generosity.
Moon and Robyn are always quick to recognize the efforts of our extended Roundup family. Charlie and Linda Engelbart (Registration Desk Chairpersons) do a fantastic job coordinating desk-volunteers, with Linda overseeing the Registration Desk and Charlie handling the Briefing Room where we all meet and greet. They are on-site from opening till closing every day, ensuring a smooth operation and making Moon and Robyn’s job that much easier. It is a genuine pleasure and so reassuring to find Charlie, Linda, Moon & Robyn at the end of that escalator ride to the Starview Room. Which reminds me of the year there was a minor power failure that stopped the escalator while Charlie was on board. He was stranded for 35 minutes until repairs were made…but I digress….
Jacque Franco is our 50/50 Raffle Coordinator investing countless hours selling raffle tickets at the Registration Desk to raise funds to support next year’s Roundup. She would also get a better write-up if I won something – anything…one year. Jacque’s lucky winners were as follows: Commemorative 45 cal – Trudy Wilson; Custom Swiss Watch – John Concialdi; Maui Vacation – Jack Smith; Diamond Resort Vacation – Wayne and Loyce Hilliard; Smith Valley Vacation – William and Donna Lopez. $3700 in cash prizes were also given away with Don Shaw winning the big prize of $800.
Many of our own members generously donated 50/50 raffle prizes and door prizes: Ollie Taylor, Chuck and Corky Jackson, Galen “Ike” Sabean and Jacque Franco, Gary and Cathryn Kotler, Toby Heldreth, 10-8 Designs, Christine Ramsay, Mickey Reedy, Wayne and Kathy Powell, Kathryn Willett, Sunny Callen, Bob Briley and Etta Litch, Charlie Marshall, Sheriff’s Relief Association, PPOA, Billy and Donna Marquardt, Greg Morgon, Dan and Judi Patz, RELAC, Marv Love, Mark Thompson, and Surefire. Thanks to all!
Ike Sabean, the official Roundup photographer, generally spends most of his time at the taking photos, and has very little time to visit. But, this year, Ike found some willing and generous assistants: The talented Chuck and Corky Jackson & Buck and Sue Hendricks, the gifted George Carroll, Jim Harris, Sherry Miller, Chuck Wood, Wayne Stip, Nick
Abbinanti, and Frank Mulkern, and the lovely Bob Wachsmuth.
Walt Bouman is our HR 218 Chairman and just downright cool. Walt, Nick Scinocca, Denny Carroll, Jim Catlett and Bob Woolner assisted LASD Range Deputies Ed Corrette and Janice Hansen in processing a record number 288 shooters who qualified for the National CCW. And, this in wind and rain the first morning, and with very little blood spilled – terrific job! Our success in the Roundup HR 218 is due in large part to Steve Remige and the Board of Directors of ALADS, who have fully funded the costs associated with HR218 qualification for the past four years. And of course, our sincere gratitude to Sheriff Lee Baca for providing the Department’s Range Staff. Without his support, HR 218 qualification just would not exist (and Bouman would have to learn how to bowl…).
There are so many to thank for such a successful Roundup. The Chairpersons of the unit luncheons & dinners, Henry Reed ‘s handling of the Arts and Crafts Fair, Norm Copping and Denny Flick for coordinating our two golf tournaments, Tony Hollins our slot tournament chairman and Robyn Mullen was again in charge of the Texas Hold-em poker tournament (Dave Collin was one of the big winners and bought all his friends dinner….that’s right – both of them…). For people who enjoy hanging out in alleys, Peggy Kisella organized our first ever bowling tournament, There were a total of 17 bowlers, with 10 finishing in the money.
Our two oldest members who were present at the Roundup were Richard Robles who topped the charts at 89 years of age and on the women’s side, Lillian Faralla. We promised Lil that we would not mention her age (she did brag about having traveled to all 13 states, though…) – and there were threats about pummeling me with a barrage of softballs. For the uninformed, Lil is an original member of the “All American Girls Professional Baseball League” on which the movie “A League of Their Own” was based.
Each of the following organizations deserves our thanks and appreciation for all of
the financial and moral support provided our Roundup. Their thoughtful consideration
helps us keep our costs down and our enjoyment up:
Sheriff’s Relief Association
ALADS
PPOA
POPA Federal Credit Union
American Veterans
And a special thank you to LACERA for sending their “Out Reach” Team to the Roundup. Your availability in the Briefing Room is recognized as a most valuable and meaningful asset to your retirees. Please feel free to express your personal gratitude to any or all of our supporters. I’m sure it would be genuinely appreciated.
Again, our thanks to all who attended, all who volunteered, and to our dear, dear team of Moon & Robyn Mullen who take our comfort and happiness to heart and make our LASD memories all the richer.
And remember…what happens in Laughlin….ends up in the Star News!