On Friday, August 15th Debra LaVergne and myself (Debbie Shuler) departed from San Francisco Airport to Chicago O’Hare Airport where we met up with fellow traveler Mel Astrahan. We all then proceeded to the Airport of Charleston West Virginia after a 5 hour layover. Luckily Debra and I had United Club passes available.
Upon arriving in Charleston on Saturday, we picked up both rental car and baggage and proceeded to the headquarters of the SGL which was held in the Embassy Suites Hotel this year. We registered for sessions with no problems and spent some time greeting and meeting friends (old and new). We proceeded to go grocery shopping and then took Mel to his hotel and dropped him off and proceeded to our hotel for the week, The Hampton Inn.
We had time to unpack, get a little comfortable and then proceed to the welcome banquet where we had an enjoyable meal.
The next morning (Sunday) after a good breakfast which included Blueberry Waffles, we headed out for a 10:00 orientation meeting. This was held for the benefit of the representatives, which I was not, but Debra and I attended anyway. We were lucky to find out about the elevator issues, showing a need to get to the Odd Fellows Lodge early (This is where the GMC met). After this we did some retail shopping therapy.
That evening we went to the Formal Opening Ceremonies, which was proceeded by a trip to the Outback Restaurant.
Monday morning breakfast included S’more flavored waffles and Oatmeal. The breakfast of champions. Sessions started at 8:00. There was not a lot of legislation this year. My job as Aide De Camp had me collecting monies for commissions and cords along with one of the other aides.
Monday night was the Officer’s banquet. This is when the Ladies in Red (Debra and I) made our first formal appearance.
Tuesday sessions were mild again. I escorted General Laswell over to visit the other sessions along with collecting funds. Debra and I also shuttled others back and forth from the Lodge the hotel due to the high temp and humidity. That afternoon, Debra and I attended the United Past Grand Matriarchs meeting. That night we went to the Change of Command Ceremony where an encore performance was requested of the Lady in Red to be the Outgoing General’s escort for the evening.
Wednesday started with Breakfast of Lemon flavored waffles (always with Oatmeal). We then went to the lodge hall for our sessions. While I watched sword drills, Debra did shuttling of guests back and forth.
Two pieces of legislation were discussed:
1. Use of berets – failed
2. Use of garrison caps – passed.
I and two others received the Commanding General’s Award. Only 3 of these are issued each year. That night was the SGL and IARA Installation. The ladies in Red made their final appearance that night.
Thursday started with French Toast and eggs. But as we were forming the honor guard for the outgoing General, I was offered a sword to use. I will be practicing this year for next year. As we got ready to close, the color bearers retired to march in and retire the flags. In the process of entering, Tony Pruitt took a fall and the last of the closing was forgotten.
Tony was taken to the hospital where it was determined that he had broken his neck and at least 4 facial bones. Debra and I assisted Sherry in transporting her and their luggage to Morgan Town, and then after settling Sherry at the hospital proceeded to drive their rental car to Columbus, Ohio to return their car as Enterprise was going to charge $5,000.00 dollars to return it in another state other than Ohio. Not knowing how long Tony will be in the hospital and Sherry’s inability to return it later, Debra and I decided to return it for her. After dropping the car we then drove back to Charleston, Debra and I both did 6 hours of driving that afternoon.
Tony has since had surgery on his neck and facial surgery on Thursday. We all need to keep them in our prayers.
I contact them on a daily basis and report back to others.
Friday, Debra and I returned home with no issues.
— by Debbie Schuler