Events

Lt Col Stuart T. Meyers is a Senior Developmental Education Student at the United States  Army  War  College,  Carlisle  Barracks,  Penn.  In  this  capacity,  he  studies  a rigorous  graduate-level  program  of  study  focused  on  strategic  landpower.  Additionally, as one of the  nation’s Senior  Service Colleges, the Army War College expands  students’  critical  thinking  and  leadership  skills  to  prepare  for  challenging senior and strategic leadership roles. 

Lt Col Meyers was born in Sanford, Fla.  He entered the Air Force in December 2006 as a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s ROTC program.  Prior to his current  assignment,  he  served  as  Commander,  350th  Air  Refueling  Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan and deployed as Commander, 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid AB, Qatar.  Additionally, Lt Col Meyers served several years as a Financial Management officer and commanded a Comptroller Squadron.

Lt Col Meyers is a command pilot with more than 2,300 flying hours in the KC-135R/T aircraft  and  has  deployed  multiple  times  in  support  of  Operations  ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and INHERENT RESOLVE. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal, reflecting his exceptional service and leadership.

Alan Howarter’s journey with Riverfest began 45 years ago when he volunteered as a purple shirt in the festival’s food court, initially intending to give back for just nine days of fun. Decades later, his commitment to the festival remains unwavering. A passionate participant, Howarter has competed in over fifteen 10K River Runs and was part of a “poorman’s team” that raced in four years of the festival’s bathtub races, even securing a third-place finish. His team proudly claims to have built the first propeller-driven bathtub boat in Riverfest history.

A proud native of Dodge City, Kansas, Howarter graduated from Dodge City High School in 1974 before attending St. Mary’s of the Plains College and later transferring to Wichita State University, where he earned his degree in business administration in 1978 with an emphasis in accounting and awarded Magna Cum Laude honors.Howarter launched his career in public accounting with the Wichita office of Elmer Fox, Westheimer & Company, joining their audit department. He earned his CPA license in Kansas in 1980 and later in Arizona. As the firm evolved into Grant Thornton, Howarter’s leadership flourished. He served as lead campus recruiter, an instructor for the firm’s National Training Programs, and eventually Partner and Audit Department Head of the Wichita office.

After a distinguished career, he retired from Grant Thornton in 2004. In 2006, Howarter took on a new challenge, joining Vess Oil Corporation as Vice President of Financial Reporting. In this role, he oversees accounting for more than 60 related entities, including SEC reporting for two publicly sponsored royalty trusts—a position he continues to hold today.

Beyond his professional career, Howarter has been a pillar of the Wichita community. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards, often as treasurer, including the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Heartspring, St. Vincent de Paul Endowment Association, Wichita Public Library Foundation, Great Plains USBC Bowling Association, Petroleum Accountants Society of Kansas, and the Kansas Society of CPAs.

Special All-Club Meeting Today at the Westlink Branch Library!

Instead of our regular club meeting today, we’ll be gathering for a special all-club meeting at the newly renovated Westlink Branch Library, located at 8515 Bekemeyer. A box lunch will be provided for those who signed up in advance.

The Westlink Branch recently reopened after an extensive remodel that doubled its size and added modern community spaces and cutting-edge technology for the community to enjoy.

As part of our club’s support for the library, we’ve donated a collection of Wonderbooks. During our visit, we’ll have the opportunity to see them and take a guided tour of the updated facility.

Hal will look back on the history of Wichita through his extensive collection of postcards.