This is a bittersweet article for me to write as it will be my last as your Chapter Director of F2.  It is a little on the long side, but hey, I figure I earned it.

    First, let's start with the traditional stuff - we had a great time at the Michigan Rally in Midland (Please see Picture on page 6) .  The State Staff worked hard for the benefit of all of us and it showed.  At opening ceremonies Chris and Sally Bobek received the honor of becoming Senior District Directors.  Congratulations, you deserve it.  Also we have three new Senior Chapter Directors, Chapter A, B2, and another (not sure).  Congratulations go out to Henry and Margie Nivelt, Bob and Cathy Vannoy for your accomplishments.  Becoming a Senior CD is not taken lightly and it is considered a great honor.  Also at opening ceremonies there was a hole or void, it you will, for Chapter F2.  Mike and Patty Bowen were not there to carry the POW Flag.  Mike recently underwent an operation to remove cancer and was not able to attend the Rally.  We have been in close contact with Mike and Patty and the report is that they were able to get it all and after some treatment, they expect a full recovery.  Mike and Patty have enjoyed all the cards from their GW family.  Please keep them in your prayers.

    At the closing ceremony we got a chance to see Danielle, one of the children we sponsored.  As a check for $20,500.00 was presented to the Rainbow Connection, we all got a lump in our throats - knowing that all that work selling so many tickets will make this little girls wish to go to Disney come true.  After drawing the winning ticket for the new Gold Wing, Danielle went for a ride in a sidecar in the light parade.  Carol and I want to thank Ed and Lawanda, Larry and Wanda and Juke for coming out, camping with us and working at our chapter responsibilities.  John and Jean stayed at a hotel and came out to work at Rider Ed and First Aid as well.  We had many other members that came to visit Saturday, thank you all for supporting your chapter and the rally.

    I would like to take this space to thank some special people in our chapter (actually, you all are special!!!), for without their help and guidance, my job would have been impossible.  Chapter F2 has been recognized as a  riding chapter, as a great place to visit with fun times for all - and it's because of your efforts.

    First I want to thank Carol, my wife and best friend,  your other half of Chapter Director of F2.  I am so thankful for all you have done, both for the chapter and for me

while I was CD.  As is the case with many CD spouses, only one of us will get the recognition when in fact, nothing would get accomplished without you being there by my side.  You have been the silent partner that takes care of so many things in the back ground and bails me out when I over-volunteer our time - stretching us to the limit.  As a chapter, we owe you such gratitude for all you have done for so many of our members, caring for three of our members as they moved on to a better life, as well as other members with their medical concerns.  Many will never know the hours spent on the phone with members as they worked through problems in regards to their family concerns.  Thanks honey for everything!

  Ed and Lawanda Ford have worn many different hats for this chapter, and at the present time are representing F2 as Couple of the Year.  By the way, we were VERY proud of you at closing ceremony - looking sharp.  Another job you have taken on is our ride coordinator.  You never wanted to "officially" take on the position, but lets face it, you have been the Ride Coordinator for Chapter F2 for the past three years and have done an excellent job at it.  There have been so many times that I have thrown a ride at you and asked you to lead it - I can't count them.  You always accept the challenge and have taken your chapter members on some super rides. We have also gotten to see where some of your distant relatives live - LOL.  Thank you for all your help and support.