It was another bright, blue-sky day in San Diego, CA, even though the early morning was cloudy and overcast. No matter, the members of Chapter 0049 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was intent upon having a good time come rain or shine. So arriving at the park by 08:30 for set-up was a little disconcerting when our chosen area was taken by a group associated with the Heart association.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we needed to move to another area (unfamiliar to our chapter) approximately 100 yards across the park. Working hard, however, the set-up crew still had everything complete and ready to go by 10:00.

The crew had purple table clothes cut-to-measure, a table-setting for each picnic table and the food-serving areas were set up for the 11:00 a.m. arrival of members and their guest. This effort was headed by Patriot Nick Pylypowycz (Nick) who, for the second year in a row, has performed admirably in preparing the “great spread” but also in organizing the total effort.

Patriot “Bo” Boyd performed exceptionally as Chef in manning the grill and helping with culinary duties. Additionally, a hearty thanks to Mrs. Charlotte Miller of the Ladies Auxiliary and Patriot Robert Quimby for showing up early to stake-out the area and tables. These members were the “crew” that deserve an extra pat on the back for a job well done.

Chapter Guests R-L: Ranicka Stone; Racari Stone; Mrs. Dorene LeCault; and Summer Stone.

Combining pleasure with business, Sr. Vice Commander Jack Harkins and Dept. Commander Gary Rutledge convene an abbreviate business meeting during the picnic.

So, in conclusion, I think everyone at the picnic had a wonderful time- just look at the photos! The weather was cooperative and, in fact, could not have been better. The children were well behaved and the adults… well, they were adults.

Chapter 0049 will look forward to seeing you again at the next Annual Sunny Jones Picnic. Bring along a few more friends. The more — the merrier!