Since the first tuesday of January was also the first day of the New Year, and everyone watches football, there was no meeting. In lieu of the meeting minutes here are a couple of “thank yous” we received recently.

“Thank you to the members of Chapter #165 for their generous gift to help with expenses fro care as I battle cancer. It is both heartwarming and encouraging to experience the bond of Vietnam Veterans helping one another. Your gift has allowed us to have Visiting Angels come to the house and assist me with personal needs.

Thank you again.

Yours in Christ

Semper Fi

Alan and Janet Stanchi”

And from Nancy F. Letteri, Executive Director, Children of Vietnam comes this note:

“Sending you and all of the VVA 165 Members wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. During this time of new beginnings and looking to the future, I want to thank you for your on-going support of children in Vietnam whose families have limited resources to support their children’s education. Your gifts do make a difference to lighten the financial burden and encourage pursuit of good grades. Education creates most certainly multiple paths out of poverty for these children.

Attached please find a group photo of VVA 165 sponsored children and a group photo of all of the children.  These photos were taken when I visited the children this past fall. I return to Danang in March and I am hoping my schedule will allow another visit. It is always great fun to see how each child grows.” Editor’s note only “our ” kids photo is shown.

Social Meeting 4 December 2018

The formal meeting was called to order at 18:30 (6:30pm)

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President David Loomis

The Invocation and moment of silence fro POW/MIA was given by Lonnie Rose

Gene G gave a short spiel for the Vietnam War Memorial and memorial bricks.

In new business Tom G moved that the chapter support member Alan Stanchi, who is battling cancer and having some problem in keeping ahead of medical bills, by donating $1000.00 to him. Seconded by Ken R. motion carried unanimously.

Jim P read a letter by Prexy Dave in support of Young Soo Kim and the Korean soldiers who fought alongside U.S. forces in Vietnam.

The formal meeting ended at 18:44 (6:44 pm) or thereabouts.

Everyone piled into a line for salad and the dinner began. Wojo, Gene and Frank, along with able kitchen help put on a feast. I believe the entrée was Baron of Beef and Baron of Ham (?). Or should that be Earl of Ham. Great mashed potatoes, vegetables gravy and atsa hot horseradish accompanied. I spoke to no one who was disappointed. The kitchen crew received deserved accolades.

This Spousal (?) Dinner is greatly anticipated. It is a true highlight of the Chapter’s year. Well done by all who put it on. For those of you who were not there – you missed a good time.

Don’t forget breakfast is served at VFW Post 9301 15 Dec. 8:00 – 11:00

And at Legion Post 7 16 Dec 9:00 – 11:00

The 50/50 raffle netted $67.00

Minutes of 6 November 2018

General Meeting called to order at: 18:45

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                      P                 2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                             P                 2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                          P                 2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                                 P                 2019

Randy Turnbull, B of D                               P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                            P                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                               P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                    P                 2021

Guests: Elizabeth-Harmon Craig,   Rosie Loomis, Don & Benita Lipayon, Agnes Kenney, Dee Stahl, Yvonne Goldsmith, Billy & Becky Wise and Malcolm Oliver

New members present: Rob Bloch

Secretary’s report: Short and sweet as usual. Did not get a chance to mention the thank-you letter from Children of Vietnam. Moved, seconded and approved.

Treasurer’s report:      Motion to approve by Gene G, 2^nd by Ken R, passed

Membership Update: Pres. Dave enlisted three lapsed members – Rick Lett, James Jones and David Stamps. He brought in two new members Rob Bloch and Ivan Moore.

Old Business:     

1. Gene G spoke about the fund-raising for the Vietnam Memorial, contact him for information to buy bricks.
2. The big dinner for spouses is coming on Dec. 4^th. Social hour at 5:30, dinner at 18:30 (6:30). Donations at the door. Wojo is promising top sirloin, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad and dessert.
3. Tom M and Doc H spoke for a few minutes about the car show and how we need all hands on deck.
4. Pres. Dave gave a short report on the state council meeting at Snoqualmie Pass on 13 Oct.
5. Liz Harmon-Craig gave an overview of the county veteran’s office. She is now an accredited Veteran’s Service Officer, so she can get claims processed faster etc. Liz talked about financial and pension assistance, burial assistance for low income veterans, VA health care enrollment and other topics.
6. Kirk L reported on the thank you letter from BTC for our donation.

New Business:

1. Mac M spoke about the Marine Corps birthday celebrations happening 10 November. One at Boundary Bay Brewery at 18:00, the other at the VFW.
2. Liz talked again about a program to get presents for kids of service persons on a limited budget this holiday season. This is a program by the Combat Veterans International.
3. The DAV is taking donations at three of the Haggen stores on 11 Nov. Contact Gene G if you are able to assist.
4. Circle K Ranch has breakfast on the last Friday of each month from 9 – 11 am. It was unclear if you eat in the barn with the horses or not. The address is 5659 Lawrence Road (Nugents Corner). Registration required. Email nwheartunitedefs@gmail.com or RSVP on line.
5. Lonnie R discussed the break-in and robbery at VFW Post 9301. Loss and damage is estimated at between $2,000 and 2,500. Doc H moved to donate $500 to the post. 2^nd by I forget. Approved
6. Ken R moved that the chapter support VFW Post 1585 in the amount of $1,000 to help with the cost of the accessible ramp installed this fall. 2^nd by Gene G, approved.
7. Sam H brought up the concern of attendance at Memorial Day activities at Greenacres and then travelling to Hovander. After some discussion, it was decided that folks can leave Greenacres early to make it to the festivities at Hovander.

Good of the Order:

John F did his book report on From Enemy to Partners, which discusses the lingering problems associated with dioxin and agent orange which affect not only those who fought there, but hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese. He encouraged all (who can read) to pick up this book. It is important.

The proceeds from the meal came to $219.

John R won the 50/50 raffle for $35.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:40. Dismissed

General Meeting called to order at: 18:45 by President Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by:  Dave Loomis

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Gene Goldsmith

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                          A                 2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer     P                 2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       A                 2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                                A                 2019

Randy Turnbull, B of D                              A                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                           A                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                            P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                  A                 2021

Guests:  Jeff Gray from Superfeet, Rosie Loomis, Agnes Kenney, Yvonne Goldsmith, Jyl Peterson

New members present: Rob Brock army helicopter pilot,  Mike Peterson Huey mechanic & data analyst,  Steve DeSoer army infantry & adj. gen. office

Secretary’s report: Posted on line, motion by Gene G, 2^nd by Ken R- approved. Reported three letters from scholarship  recipients received and placed in notebook. Also received letter from BTC foundation thanking the chapter for its donation.

Treasurer’s report: Distributed motion by Ken R 23nd by Gene G approved, but noted that the funds earmarked for the national convention must be amended.

Membership Update: With the three new members we are getting close to 300 members – another delegate to national.

Old Business:     

1. Received a letter from Ann Beck (WWU) detailing money for veteran’s use.
2. Tom Modica, Randy Turnbull, Dale Boe, Sam Houston & Dave Loomis delivered a new ping pong table we donated to the Coast Guard Station.

New Business:

5. $725.00 donated to Children of Vietnam, Dragoon fund to support (5) kids in school. Richard Brummett gave a short report on the status. The fund has a net gain of 2 kids. It now supports 57 (from a start of 6). The cost averages $146 / year.
6. Joel Douglas is investigating obtaining a military vehicle for the Memorial Day parade and possibly the car show.
7. The car show will happen 21 July 2019. Mark your calendars, we need a lot of folks to assist in putting it on. This is our major fund-raiser…
8. Our annual spousal dinner will be held at the VFW on 4 December 2018. Social hour begins at 17:30 (5:30 pm) The dinner will be covered by donation to defray the cost. A discussion about possibly using Lairmont Manor for the venue was held. Decision to stay at the VFW.
9. A wheelchair ramp to the basement of VFW Post 1585 is now operational. Members who are limited in mobility can now join us. Please come and check it out.
10. For God Bless Our Veterans bumper stickers, memorial bricks and donations to the Vietnam Memorial contact Gene Goldsmith.
11. The state Council meeting will be held 13 Oct. 2018 from 10:00 to 13:00 at the pancake house on Snoqualmie Pass. Dave L, Gene G and Ron W will attend.
12. The national convention will be held in Spokane 16-20 July 2019. Our Chapter gets six delegates. Dave L, Ken R, Gene G, Wojo, D. Martinson will attend. Anyone else? We have earmarked funds for our delegates.
13. Dinner returned $167.00

Good of the Order:

          DAV selling poppies on Veterans Day. Gene needs folks for 4-hour shifts. Please contact him.

VFW Post 9301 Breakfast 20 October 8:00 to 11:00

Legion Post 7 Breakfast 21 October 9:00 to 11:00

VFW Post 1585 Breakfast  28 October 8:00 to 10:00

50/50 raffle netted $32.00 for chapter

$11.00 made from bumper stickers

Motion to adjourn:  moved by Ed S, passed by acclamation at 19:25

General Meeting called to order at: 18:55 (6:55 pm) by Pres. Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                     P                 2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                            P                 2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                          P                 2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                                 P                 2019

Randy Turnbull, B of D                               P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                            P                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                               P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                     P                 2021

Guests: Ann Beck, Kim Yong Sun, Belinda Rafferty, Lana Haddox, Dorothy Rood, Dee Stahl, Agnes Kenney, Cherrie Rothenbuhler, Pat Mains

New members present: Dennis M. Rafferty, Pete Selvig, Steven Deseor, Young Kim

Secretary’s report: Recap of Car Show, motion by Ken R, 2^nd, approved

Treasurer’s report:  Balance Sheet 31 July, 31 August; Income Statement 31 July, 31 August presented. Motion by Ken R, 2^nd Ray R to approve, passed

Membership Update: none

Old Business:     

1. Request from Ann Beck, WWU, for $5,000 to help fund endowment at WWU for veteran students. Many questions asked, much discussion ensued. Motion by Ron W., but no 2^nd motion failed.
2. Joel D. recapped the veterans’ picnic at Lairmont Manor, with an album of photos passed around.
3. Car Show recap, applause awarded to the guilty parties (Tom M., Sam H., Randy T., Bill B., Dale B., Wojo, Richard M, Rosie L. and others who I am forgetting). Jim Rothenbuhler and Jim Mains presented a $500 check from the Gear Heads car club to be credited to the car show. Doc H. presented a $750 check from Superfeet also to be credited to the car show.

New Business:

1. Ken R. moved to give a further $5000 to the Bellingham Technical College endowment, 2^nd by Ray R. After some discussion, the motion was approved unanimously
2. Ken R. moved that $2000 be allocated to fund convention delegates to the national convention in Spokane in 2019. 2^nd by Lonnie R. discussion followed, motion approved.
3. Ken R. moved to give $3000 to the Whatcom Allied Veteran’s Council for the purpose of assisting the creation of the Vietnam War memorial in Greenacres Memorial Park. 2^nd by Tom G, question if in the spirit of the mission statement, decided that it is. Approved overwhelmingly.
4. Tom M. moved that the chapter buy a ping-pong table for the local Coast Guard Detachment not to exceed $600. 2^nd by Ken R. discussion if this is in spirit of our mission statement. Decided that those presently serving are veterans and thus deserving. John F. questioned why the C.G. does not supply. Question called approved with one dissenting vote.
5. Frank W. announced he will not be available to cook next meeting. No decision on substitute…but ideas abound.
6. Meal collection $263.
7. 50 / 50 raffle take $36.
8. $10 donation (anonymous)
9. CD sale generated $30
10. VFW Post 1585 garage sale Sat. 15 Sept. 9am to 3pm (15:00). A pre-sale occurs Fri. 14 Sep. 5 pm – 6 pm (17:00-18:00)

Good of the Order:

          Post 7 breakfast 9 – 11 am 16 September

The VFW Post 1585 pig roast happens on 15 September, it is a fund raiser to help pay for the new accessible ramp to the basement.

VFW 9301 breakfast 8:00 – 11:00 15 Sept.

VFW 1585 breakfast 8:00 – 10:00 30 Sept.

Motion to adjourn: 20:05 (8:05 pm)