06/26/2026
The DC chapter of the US Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Association was held on June 25 at Anthony’s Restaurant, Falls Church, VA. We were very happy to see all folks who were present. Donna Weddle gave greetings and information on events, and prayed for all, including the family and friends of Ch (LTC, Ret) Ben (Chuck) Manning, who died this week after a valiant two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Ben and Carolyn were devoted members of the group for years and drove from West Virginia to attend our gatherings. A faithful Disciples of Christ minister, he conducted services a week before his death. We also prayed for Lois Lehrer's recent shoulder surgery and family concerns of members.
After the meal, Gary Dahl gave a report on the upcoming Biennial Gathering and Reunion of USACCRA, at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, from October 27-30, 2026. And Dennis Madtes informed us of the USACCRA Family Educational Scholarship Chaplain Golf Tournament in Columbia, SC on July 29th. The scholarship fund is now looking for applications for future awardees. Donna Weddle will check on any planned Chaplain Anniversary gatherings in the Military District of Washington, and at Arlington National Cemetery, for those unable to travel to the golf tournament.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3rd, at 1145, at Anthony’s Restaurant.
Please see Chris's note, Connie's note, and picture below.
God’s peace,
Donna
Note that the USACCRA 1st Vice President, Chris Patterson sent on the Biennial Gathering (that was read to the group):
VIPs so far:
Guest Speaker for our opening formal dinner on Tuesday night (Oct 27, 2026) is retired Medal of Honor recipient, Major General Brady
Bishop Buckon will attend and celebrate Catholic Mass each morning.
With the "shifting tides" at the Office of the Chief of Chaplains, we have not gotten confirmation on representation from the CCH or the RGSM - they have it as tentative pending funding (Dennis might be able to go a little more in-depth). (Note from Dennis: DoD is restricting use of funds for TDY travel. That places uncertainty when trying to firm up plans for the Chief / RSGM to commit to being a part of the 2026 Gathering in an official capacity.)
Currently, we have 31 registered attendees - sign up as soon as you can on the AFRI website and don't forget to make your hotel reservations separately.
One tour on Wednesday afternoon is confirmed - The San Antonio Missions Tour - register for this on the AFRI website - limited capacity so sign up early.
Thursday evening informal dinner is Mexican themed with a Mexican food buffet and Conjunto Music by Juan Tejeda. You can hear samples of his music at: juantejeda.net
We are researching locations (It's never too early for this part) for the 13th Biennial Gathering in 2028 - please forward all ideas to the board.
I think those are the big moving pieces. Register now/Register early and don't forget that the hotel reservations are separate. All of the links are on our USACCRA website at https://chaplainregiment.org
Note from Connie Bezanson on CSM (Ret) James Schonefeld ANC Burial October 20
We wanted to let you know that dad will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on October 20 at 10:45 am. Service will be held at the old post chapel followed by burial. Appreciate your help in sharing the information.
Attendees will need to have a real id and if they don’t have a military id will need to register for base access. Access can be requested 10 days in advance but must be done no later than three days in advance.
Pictured above L>R: Susan Dahl; Bob Richter; Susan Caswell; Bill Jokela; Gary Dahl; Randall Bowen; Zenny Castro; Elmer Castro; Donna Weddle; Liz Pedrick; Wayne Ice, Jr.; Paul Weddle; Wayne Ice; Dennis Madtes
