September 10th 2025
Monthly Meeting Report
The 301st AFDRA meeting was called to order at 1900. Attendance was very good, and after the Pledge of Allegiance, Morris Gutierrez gave the opening prayer. We had a moment of silence for Gibby Roybal and family and Mike Fox read a letter from the Roybal family thanking AFDRA for our support of the family in these hard times.
Roll call of Officers and Advisory Board members. Secretary Eddie Abeita was absent.
President’s Report;
By Kerry Horton
Recent retiree James Parra Jr. attended his first AFDRA meeting and was introduced as the newest member of the AFDRA Honor Guard.
We reviewed the itinerary of the 9-11 ceremonies at Civic Plaza on Thursday, 9-11, and reviewed the Blue Mass ceremony on September 25th at Queen of Heaven at 5300 Claremont Ave. NE at 12 noon, and we reminded everyone that there would be a 9-11 Mass at Sacred Heart at noon and 5pm.
I have scheduled two Social Security Seminars in October, so if you are getting near the age to draw social security or just want to review whether you are getting all the benefits that you are entitled to, attend one of the seminars. I will advertise the dates as we get closer because if I told you now you will just forget!
Local 244 has made 40 more AFDRA 25th anniversary T-Shirts for those that did not get one at the picnic. If you want one, text or email me your size. Once these are gone, they are gone. Sizes are limited so first come first serve.
Vice President’s Report;
By Donny Sanchez
No report
Secretary’s Report;
By Eddie Abeita
A motion was made by Sam Trujillo to suspend the reading of the August meeting minutes, the motion was seconded by Eulogio Lucero and passed
Treasurer’s Report;
By Mike Fox
Mike gave the financial report for August, and all funds are accounted for. As always, the financial books are open for everybody to review. A motion to accept the financial report passed.
Historian’s Report;
By Herman Bishop
Herman reviewed the September newsletter and shared a brief history of the development of the AFDRA newsletter, from a one-page typed letter to a handmade 25-page monster newsletter, to the 16-page electronic version we have now
Committee Reports;
Funeral Committee, Sam commented on how well the Gilbert “Gibby” Roybal services were attended, and that the Honor Guard did a wonderful job, as usual.
Picnic Committee, the picnic was a lot of fun, and we want to thank everyone that made it a great success.
Museum Committee,
Election Committee,
Matters Good for the Association.
Donny gave a report on the IAFFNMMG trip to Oregan, as they make their way up to Portland for the IAFF motorcycle rally.
Greg Gonzales encouraged members to attend the September 25th Kitchen Table meeting, at the union hall at 630 pm, and share stories that can be shared with cadet classes in a way to pass on our knowledge and experiences to future FF’s. Greg is catering dinner at the Kitchen Table meeting on the 25th, so please attend, eat some good food, and help Greg on this worthwhile project.
Morris Gutierrez is looking for stories about the late AFD retiree David Marquez to put in future newsletters. If you worked with Dave or have stories to share, please send them to Mike Fox or contact Morris.
Keep up with events and dates by checking out our website or Facebook page.
Visit our website at afdretirees.com
The meeting was adjourned at 2025.