Special Forces Association
Chapter 89

Allen Johnson Memorial

John Cleckner, Chapter President
3560 Dwayne Court
Redding, CA 96001-3454
530-243-2100
sfachapter89@gmail.com

2009 Veterans Day Parade and Chapter 89 Gathering, Shasta Lake CA

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On 7 November 2009, twenty Chapter members, family, and friends gathered at the Maraviov Team House in preparation for the Annual Shasta County Veteran's Day parade in Shasta City, California. In addition to having a new "Parade Ride", provided by a new Chapter supporter, the newly designed Chapter Banner was introduced. The banner, designed by Chapter member Mark King and fine-tuned by Jim Sorensen, was well received and appreciated by those Chapter members present. It was unquestionably a quantum improvement over the earlier version.

Under sunny skies and moderate temperatures, which had been guaranteed by Chapter president Cleckner, the parade commenced at 1000 hours. The official parade was again "kicked off" by the C-17 "flyover" right down Main Street. The flyover, always the crowd pleaser and favorite was once again coordinated and provided through the efforts of Chapter Treasurer, Bob Maraviov. This year' parade had 83 registered entries. This was reported to be the largest participation thus far in the Parade's history. The parade, sponsored by the Lions Club, was, as always, actively supported and influenced by Chapter members John Cleckner and Bob Maraviov.

Post parade found Chapter members, families and friends once again gathering at the Maraviov Team House in Shasta City. Great victuals, cold libations, and SF camaraderie highlighted by a very short business meeting, set the tone for the remainder of the afternoon's festivities. A big "tip of the beret" is due once again to Bob and Kathy Maraviov for all that you do for this Chapter. Home invasion is normally considered a crime, however, you two seem to take it all in stride and always provide a tremendous site and venue for the Chapter's gatherings.

After adjournment of the business meeting the long awaited and anticipated Chapter Fund Raising Raffle was conducted. This was another successful Chapter endeavor, due primarily to the organizational efforts of Bob Maraviov and very good Chapter and community support. Great prizes!!

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"TOO many chiefs and NOT enough Indians""TOO many chiefs and NOT enough Indians" Preparing the "parade ride" with the new Chapter banner.Preparing the "parade ride" with the new Chapter banner. Manuela, Doug and Max patiently awaiting the time to go.Manuela, Doug and Max patiently awaiting the time to go. Chapter Vice-President Scott Masterson and President John Cleckner pondering the parade.Chapter Vice-President Scott Masterson and President John Cleckner pondering the parade. Ready to Parade!!Ready to Parade!! Ready to parade!! (L-R: Matt, John, Doris, Bryan, and Max.)Ready to parade!! (L-R: Matt, John, Doris, Bryan, and Max.) Manuela nd Doug still ready to go.Manuela and Doug still ready to go. "Hurry up and wait!!""Hurry up and wait!!" "You want the plane to land where??""You want the plane to land where??" STILL waiting.STILL waiting. Still waiting!!Still waiting!! Will this parade ever get moving??Will this parade ever get moving?? Max and Bryan double checking their watches and the time.Max and Bryan double checking their watches and the time. Kathy, Carrie, Jenny and MattKathy, Carrie, Jenny and Matt. Becky and Kathy can have a great time ..anywhere!!!Becky and Kathy can have a great time ..anywhere!!! Right down the middle of Main Street!!!Right down the middle of Main Street!!! Another C-17 "Flyover" down Main Street, Shasta Lake, California. Always the crowd favorite.Another C-17 "Flyover" down Main Street, Shasta Lake, California. Always the crowd favorite. Post parade gathering at the Maraviov Team House. Patti, Becky, Jack, Matt, Carrie and Marlie.Post parade gathering at the Maraviov Team House. Patti, Becky, Jack, Matt, Carrie and Marlie. Mike and Patti Whitlock, the chariot drivers, "kicking back" post parade.Mike and Patti Whitlock, the chariot drivers, "kicking back" post parade. Marlie, John, Manuela and Susan enjoying lunch.Marlie, John, Manuela and Susan enjoying lunch. THE SFC Allen C. Johnson SFA Memorial Knife.THE SFC Allen C. Johnson SFA Memorial Knife. Bob presenting the SFA Memorial Knife to Jenny Johnson.Bob presenting the SFA Memorial Knife to Jenny Johnson. Jenny being presented the SFA Memorial Knife in Honor of Allen.Jenny being presented the SFA Memorial Knife in Honor of Allen.