Quite a number of activities and events has taken place in the member areas since the publication of the last newsletter in March, many on which information was released as they occured.  All those who were mentioned to depart the Fort Hood and Killeen area left as scheduled; Delsie Cacho-Rodriguez, husband; Luis, and family are now in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, Rachel Bonilla-Wilson,  husband; Hopeton "Doc", and family reported to West Point, New York, Nazry Aranda, wife; Yolanda "Candi", and family said goodbye to the army and moved on to South Carolina. Shannon "Sean" Barner also called it quits from the military, and went home to Chicago.  John Usher and our very own illustrious drummer; Alan "Saraba" Partis, are now on their respective short tours in South Korea.  The former's spouse Yvette, and family remains here with us, while the latter's Ardeth and family has moved to the Washington D.C. area.  Two other members of the community has also left us unexpectly; Phillip "Greg" Mejia moved to New York city, and Shelmadine Bulwer-Rhaburn has been sent on a short tour to South Korea as well.

One of the people who recently departed needs special mention, and that is Glenda Castillo-Robinson.  Glenda and her husband, Tommy has been in Texas since atleast 1993 and, with their son; Khaleed, came from San Antonio to Killeen for assignment in Fort Hood in 1997.   Since then, both have been in the forefront of organizing the Garifuna/Belizean community in the area, with our first get-together here, in September of 1997, hosted not by my wife; Alethia, and I, but by Glenda and myself.   Glenda and Tommy were ardent in their Community efforts and its activities, with her the closet confidante throughtout.

Glenda; who is also in the army and was promoted to the rank sergeant just prior to her departure has moved on with Khaleed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Tommy will be (on the trail) a drill sergeant for the next 3 to four years.   The Robinson's are right next door, so we may see them again, yet they and all those who've gone will be surely missed and are wished the best in all their future endeavors.

Now to welcome the newly arrivals to Killeen, and others who've recently been added to the community directory:  In the military and stationed here in Fort Hood are Brian Martinez, Nikki Lambey, Stanley Blanco and wife, Shantel.   Also added to the directory are Frankie Garcia, Doreen Augustine, and (Guess what???)  Sharlette *Star* Dunn and  baby Imani (are back!!).  Welcome to the community ya'll

The First meeting in preparation for this years' 19th November Garifuna Settlement-Day Celebration has been scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 24, at 4pm, at the home of Joe and Lee Flores; 1011 Bonner Drive, Killeen.   All Garifuna and non-Garifuna, including from the other metropolitan areas (Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston), are invited to attend and to come with ideas and suggestions for the event.

Word has also been received that a Belize Independence Celebration will be held in Dallas.   No other information is available, but any received will be passed along.

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