President’s Remarks

Col George Stakias, USA (Ret.)           OCtober 2026

President’s Message

It is with great sadness that we lost two beloved members of our chapter this year. May their memories be eternal and God grant their families many years of health and blessings to remember their loved ones.

Captain Derald N. Jendersee, USAF (Former), Age 86, passed on May 23, 2026

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/timonium-md/derald-jendersee-12898639

Captain Jendersee graduated from Parkston High School in 1957, and from Augustana College. He served in the USAF for 16 years, a portion of which was working with the Nuclear Weapons Systems at Hill AFB, UT. He was an active member of the Star Spangled Banner Chapter since 2023, a Lifetime member of MOAA, and a very generous supporter of the paws4vets. He attended several dinner meetings of the Chapter until his strength was compromised by cancer treatments. He was a dedicated family man with 6 children, 8 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He was an avid Orioles & Ravens fan.

Captain Charles "Bud" R. Wanner, USPHS (Ret) , Age 83, passed on Sep 3, 2026

https://www.mccullyfuneral.com/obituaries/charles-bud-wanner

Captain Wanner was born in Hamilton, Maryland, a nearby suburb in the northeast of Baltimore City. He attended Loyola High School and Loyola College. After graduating from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in June 1969, he received a commission in the US Public Health Service to serve as a dentist with the US Coast Guard. Captain Wanner was an active Board Member of the Star Spangled Banner Chapter (MOAA). He gave staunch support to the rejuvenation of the Chapter in the early 2010s and remained as the Coast Guard representative on the Chapter Board until his health limited his service. He was the most engaging and enthusiastic attendee at every chapter program.

We have our 62nd Annual Dinner Meeting on Veteran’s Day, November 11th 2026. We honor all the Veterans that served on the 11th day of the 11th month and 11th hour. Moreover, Veterans Day serves as a reminder that the contributions of veterans do not end when they leave active duty. Many veterans continue to serve in their communities, bringing leadership, resilience, and commitment to a variety of fields. Veterans are teachers, healthcare providers, business owners, first responders, and community leaders. Honoring their service on Veterans Day helps highlight this continued dedication to our nation, reinforcing that their value extends far beyond their military careers.

This will be our last dinner of the 2026 calendar year and we encourage a robust attendance and participation. We will conduct our annual business meeting, vote on officer positions, and collectively decide on our fundraising advocacies for 2027. All members’ input is essential to continue this 62 year old institution! We will have the Fallen Soldier table to pay respects for those that paid the ultimate sacrifice along with the annual sword-cutting tribute of our anniversary cake. We will also have Color Guard presenting the flags.

I would like to thank the board members for their collaboration and the members who make up this historical chapter and their continuous contributions to our wonderful community.

Thank you so much for allowing me to serve you!