May 3rd minutes
General Meeting called to order at: 18:15 (6:15pm) by President Bob Aspiras
Pledge of Allegiance by: Malcolm O
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie R
Roll Call of officers: term expires
Robert Aspiras, Pres P 2023
Ron Wilson, VP P 2023
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2023
Randy Turnbull, B of D A 2023
Sam Houston, B of D P 2023
David Loomis, B of D P 2023
Ray Radke, B of D P 2023
Larry Montgomery B of D P 2023
Charles Muggy P 2023
Guests: Glenda Sinclair, Jeri Hawk, Jesse Enriquez, Tim Sodden, Shane Sodden,
New members present:
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved as amended
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: 355 VVA, 80 AVVA
Old Business:
- Pres. Aspiras briefly went over the Roberts Rules of Order.
- Glenda and Jeri gave a ten-minute presentation on a little-known VA benefit regarding home care. They assert that the vet pays nothing. Contact information was shared.
- A bunch of certificates of appreciation were given out to: Jesse Enriquez, Tim Sodden, Shane Sodden, Sean Dalgarn, Jared Bocek. If I missed anyone, I’m sorry.
- Pres. Aspiras gave a short report on the state council meeting in Toppenish.
New Business:
1. Moved and seconded that the chapter provide Pres. Aspiras a travel stipend of 44 cents/mile. After discussion, the motion was amended to $25 per meeting. The motion was tabled for more discussion at the next meeting.
2. Malcolm O announced that a meeting will be held on 10 May at the American Legion Post 7 at 1:30 pm (13:30) to discuss the fate of the NW Annex, which the county seems to intend to tear down. Some want the facility to be repurposed for a veterans’ facility. There is a fairly large veteran population in the county and to gain many services they have to travel to Mt Vernon, Everett or Seattle.
3. Saturday May 28th is the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade. We will have a presence in the parade, all are invited to walk or ride with us.
4. Sunday May 29th will be the dedication of the Gold Star Mothers’ Memorial Arch at Greenacres. The Legion will supply refreshments. A speech by Col. Wes Weston and entertainment will follow.
5. Monday May 30th our chapter will hold its annual picnic at Hovander Park at 4 pm (16:00). We need volunteers to setup and take down, serve, cleanup etc. Everybody come please.
6. Doc H called for volunteers for the car show in July. He announced the committee will have a meeting 8 June at 15:00 (3:0pm) at the VFW.
Announcements:
- 4 July Post 1585 raffle for Golden Boy rifle. Open to folks 21 or older. Tickets are $20/each. 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes are silver…
50/50 Raffle Won by: Glenda S. who donated back to chapter $ 65 total.
Donations tonight totaled $167.
Motion to adjourn: made at 20:05 (8:05pm) adjourned.
Minutes of 5 April 2022
General Meeting called to order at: 18:50 (6:50pm) by President Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: Pres. Loomis
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Loomis, Pres P 2022
Ron Wilson, VP P 2022
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2022
Ken Richardson, B of D P 2022
Randy Turnbull, B of D P 2022
Sam Houston, B of D P 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D P 2022
George Douglas, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2022
Guests: Greg Hawley, Mike & Martha Welch, Francisco Ivarra
New members present: George Mills
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved as amended
Membership Update: 350 VVA, 80 AVVA
Old Business:
1. New slate of officers, delegates and directors elected
New Business:
1. New officers, directors and delegates sworn in by State Council President Ivarra.
2. New President Robert Aspiras introduced himself (gave a little background) and assumed role as president.
3. Liz Witowski was called upon to explain the role of the Whatcom County Veterans Program. She explained that among the duties of the program is to help low-income veterans get and maintain permanent housing. It also carries out a volunteer drive program, driving folks to medical appointments etc. The 114 fund services indigent veterans (those with an income lower than $2,900/mo. for a couple). This fund can help with burial services, rent, utility payments etc. Liz reported that the office assisted 648 veterans last year. She can be reached by calling 360 778 6050.
Liz also noted that all Vietnam vets qualify for VA benefit claims. She encouraged us all to enroll, for our spouse’s benefit if not our own. She also encouraged all to attend the board meetings (on Zoom) and to apply for any open position on the board.
4. Francisco Ivarra remarked that 29 March is Vietnam Veterans’ Day, a day we should all commemorate. It is our day. He also noted that the Washington State Council VSOs are first in the nation in bringing dollars to the state. There is a council meeting in Toppenish this Sat. April 9th from 13:00-16:00 (1:00-4:00pm) at the Yakima Warriors Building. The National VVA board meeting is 20-23 April in Washington, DC. He will be attending.
Francisco ended with a presentation to outgoing president Dave Loomis for his excellent leadership over the past few years. Good job, Dave.
5. Randy T moved the chapter donate $500.00 to VFW 1585, seconded and approved.
6. Ken R moved the chapter support the Memorial Day parade to the tune of $1,000, seconded and approved.
7. Ron W moved the chapter support the Welcome Home picnic this year with $1,000, seconded and approved.
8. Doc H called for volunteers for the car show in July. He announced the committee will have a meeting 13 April at 15:00 (3:0pm) at the VFW.
9. John F. noted that the parade registration is now open and urged the chapter to register.
Announcements:
50/50 Raffle Won by: Ken R. donated back to chapter $ 85.
Donations tonight totaled $165.
Motion to adjourn: made at 20:10 (8:10pm) adjourned.
Minutes of 1 March 2022
General Meeting called to order at: 6:45 (18:30) by Pres. Dave Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: Malcolm Oliver
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Loomis, Pres P 2022
Ron Wilson, VP P 2022
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2022
Ken Richardson, B of D P 2022
Randy Turnbull, B of D P 2022
Sam Houston, B of D P 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D P 2022
George Douglas, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D A 2022
Guests: Sue Richardson, Dorothy Rood, Diane Caragio Leah Rosetti
New members present: Pete Chorney, Dan Campbell, Donna Treoker
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA members – 348, AVVA members – 80
Old Business:
1. Steve Jordan new State AVVA representative reported he met with region 8 to finalize requirements for this AVVA chapter to incorporate. The chapter will need a founding membership of 15, and select officers to be accountable to the membership.
2. Leah R. reported that fundraising for Brigadoon rescue dogs has raised about $13,700.
3. Darlene C noted that the Gold Star Mothers arbor for Greenacres is nearing completion. Ben Brown reported that the arch has been rolled by Reinke and that fabrication begins this week.
4. There was a discussion regarding the Whatcom County Veterans’ Advisory Board and the Allied Veterans of Whatcom County, their respective duties and responsibilities. A suggestion that Liz Harmon come talk to the membership again was recommended.
5. No news to report regarding the NW Annex property.
New Business:
1. WA State Council of VVA meets 9 April at the Yakima Warriors Building, Toppenish, WA. Legends Casino has rooms available at special rate.
2. Sunday 13 March is National K-9 Veterans Day
3. Tuesday 29 March is Vietnam Veterans Day
4. John Ferdon reported on planning for the Memorial Day Parade to be held on Memorial Day this year.
5. Election by voice vote the slate was approved:
President: Robert Aspiris Election Committee:
Vice President: Ron Wilson Randy Turnbull
Secy / Treas: Tom Grinstad John Forgette
Chaplain: Lonnie Rose Larry Murray
Membership: David Loomis
Board Members State Delegate
David Loomis Larry Montgomery
James Houston Raymond Radke
Raymond Radke Michael Hackett
Larry Montgomery Tom Grinstad
Charles Muggy David Loomis
Randy Turnbull George Douglas
50/50 Raffle Won by: Ruthe Ashe
Good of the Order: Reminder VFW Post 1585 has breakfast 8:00 – 10:00 27 March. $10 / $5 children…
Motion to adjourn: adjourned at 7:30 (19:30)
Minutes of 4 January 2022
General Meeting called to order at: 18:50 by Pres. David Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: David Loomis
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: VP Ron Wilson
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Loomis, Pres P 2022
Ron Wilson, VP P 2022
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2022
Ken Richardson, B of D A 2022
Randy Turnbull, B of D A 2022
Sam Houston, B of D P 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D A 2022
George Douglas, B of D A 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D A 2022
Guests: Jesse Barsness who introduced his wife and children, whose names I didn’t get.
New members present: none
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: we now have 351 on books, 79 AVVA members
Old Business:
1. President Loomis announced he will not run for re-election. He thanked the membership for the opportunity to serve.
2. Names were floated to fill the various officer positions; nominations will occur next month (February) and elections will be held in the March meeting.
3. Dave Loomis will stay on in a membership position – chief recruiter – at which he is great.
New Business:
1. The attending members made a donation to assist Jesse Barsness’ family. They were flooded out in the storms of November. Dave moved that the chapter contribute an additional $500 in recovery. Motion was seconded and approved.
2. District President Francisco Ivarra gave a short review of the proceedings at the national convention held in November. The main points were:
The VVA is established as a “last person standing” organization.
ROK veterans are allowed to be VVA members if they are citizens of the USA.
The number of persons needed to organize and establish a new chapter of VVA is reduced from 25 to 15.
John Rowan lost his re-election bid; Jack McManus is the new national president.
McManus established a financial and investigative committee and appointed Francisco to it.
3. The Moving Vietnam Wall is coming to Ocean Shores this coming June. Sam H. moved we donate $1,000.00 to support this cause. Seconded and approved
Good of the Order: Be careful of the pandemic, be smart.
Motion to adjourn: Adjourned at 19:25
7 December 2021
The banquet started with a prayer by Ken Rood. At 18:00 all the ladies were invited to join the chow line and get their grub. And what a spread it was – ham, escalloped potatoes, green beans, corn, salad, bread and butter. Of course, no meal is a meal without dessert. There were too many to mention. No really, I didn’t count the number. During the meal raffle tickets were sold for a beautiful quilt made and donated by Sachiko Haynes. Lots of conversation and consumption ensued. From the official sign-in sheet there were 51 attendees. However, it appears that not all signed in. So, the true number could be closer to 60.
General Meeting called to order at: 18:58 by Vice President Ron Wilson
Pledge of Allegiance by: VP Wilson
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Loomis, Pres A 2022
Ron Wilson, VP P 2022
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2022
Ken Richardson, B of D P 2022
Randy Turnbull, B of D A 2022
Sam Houston, B of D A 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D A 2022
George Douglas, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2022
Guests: Steve Jordan American Legion Post 212
New members present: Steve Tatham and Mike Lane
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved.
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: now at 350 members, 80 AVVA members
Old Business:
1. Brief mention of national convention by Ron W. perhaps next month a more detailed report by the delegation.
2. Doc H. presented a check for $500 from the Whatcom County Cruisers.
3. Summation of members’ efforts at flood relief in Sumas and environs. The Chapter donated $1,000.00 to the AL Post 212 for flood relief.
New Business:
50/50 Raffle Won by: someone who I didn’t see. Total take to the Chapter $35.
Donation bucket proceeds $100
Quilt raffle won by Ray Radke. Proceeds to the Chapter $100.
Motion to adjourn: at approx. 19:20 (7:20 pm) our shortest business meeting. Congrats Ron!!