Minutes of 4 October 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 19:05
Pledge of Allegiance by: State Council Pres. Francisco Ivarra
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie R
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Loomis, Pres P 2022
Ron Wilson, VP A 2022
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2022
Ken Richardson, B of D A 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: Joe Kriegl (scholarship recipient) and young son, Betty McMaster – AVVA, Andy Sauers – new VSO,
New members present: Jim Carr, Simon Media, Joyce Maua AVVA, Charles Chasteen, Bobbie Bell, Mike Hockett
Secretary’s report: glossed over no action
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: Chapter now has 338 members, AVVA has 72
Old Business:
1. A short synopsis of the regional conference was given by Francisco Ivarra. Rosemarie Loomis was appointed president of the state AVVA. Anyone attending national convention in November must have proof of vaccination, mask up and observe social distancing.
2. State Council meeting will be 23 October at 10:00 at the pancake house on Snoqualmie Pass. All are welcome.
3. VVA remains the most active of the veterans groups. We have managed to get more legislation enacted. (With not the largest membership.) Washington leads the nation in action.
New Business:
1. Certificates were presented to Betty McMaster, Alex Thompson and Charles Chasteen.
2. Ken C. proposed purchasing tools for Ron W. to use in w/c ramp building. 2nd and approved. Ken will research tools and cost.
3. Doc H moved we send $1000 to Louisiana State Council for Hurricaine Ida relief. 2nd and approved.
4. Ray R. proposed allotting $1000 per national convention attendee – to a maximum of three attendees. 2nd and approved.
5. Doc H. had questions about webmaster and why website is not updated promptly. He noted the car show application for July’s event is still on the site.
6. George Beckley complimented cooks for meal. Suggested that those who want and can tolerate spicy food bring their own condiments.
7. Gene G nominated Betty McMaster and Andy Sauer for life membership. 2nd approved.
50/50 Raffle Won by: someone for over $40
Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 hosts a breakfast on 31 Oct. 8:00-10:00. 625 N. State, Bellingham. Cost is $10 (children 12 and under $5).
Motion to adjourn: adjourned at 19:55
Minutes of 7 September 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 18:40 (6:40pm) by Pres. Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose, Chaplain
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 P 2022
George Douglas, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D A 2022
Guests: Nikki Loehmer, Nancy Ghall, Jill Church, scholarship recipient Aubrey San Nicolas
New members present: Jim McCoy, Ron Kautzman,
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved, note Covid relief money
Membership Update: VVA – 318, AVVA – 68
Old Business:
1. Car show was a great success. Net income may exceed $15,000. Note that not all bills have been received yet.
2. Welcome Home Picnic in Sedro Wooley was attended by many members. A fine time for all.
3. Aubrey San Nicolas discussed her goals and the assist the scholarship has given to her education.
4. Ron Wilson built three wheelchair ramps, one solo, one with Larry Montgomery and the third with Ken Carlson as well.
New Business:
1. Nikki Loehmer presented the Honor Flight program, which has a Washington state chapter. The Flight takes veterans to the other Washington to tour and be honored for their efforts in war. There is no cost to the veteran, and he/she may be accompanied by a child or other relative.
2. A Celebration of Life for David McMaster will be held 11 Sept. from 5 to 9 pm at the Squalicum Yacht Club 2633 S. Harbor Loop drive.
3. VVA Region 8 conference is held at Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, NV 14-16 Sept. This chapter is sending five delegates.
4. Marine Corps League celebrates the 245th Anniversary of the USMC at the Skagit Valley Casino, 5984 Dark Lane, Bow, WA. The date is 6 Nov. from 5 to 9 pm. (17:00-21:00). Cost is $45/person. Please respond to Sharon.reese928@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
5. The Chapter now has a new service officer – Andy Sauier – at the Veterans Center (3800 Byron Street, suite 124). Phone 360 733 0226. For the moment he is working out of the VFW hall in Lynden.
6. VFW Post 1585 requests volunteers to meet with them to support efforts to help recent veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
7. DAR requests a veteran to attend their meeting on 13 Nov to discuss service experience and what it means to be a veteran. Contact Darlene Carlson.
8. A” Free Legal Answers” website is available to answer questions about veterans’ federal legal questions. This is a part of the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP).
9. Nancy Ghall of St. Brendan’s Anglican Church is attending to see how the church may support our efforts – mainly in education.
- 10. Moved, second, approved Donate $30,000 to foundation endowment at Bellingham Technical College.
50/50 Raffle Won by: Chuck Muggy
Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 breakfast 26 Sept 8 – 11 am.
Motion to adjourn: adjournment at 19:45 (7:45)
Minutes of 6 July 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 6:39 pm (18:39) by Pres. Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Ron Wilson
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie R
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 P 2022
Sam Houston, B of D P 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D P 2022
George Douglas, B of D A 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2022
Guests: none
New members present: Bob Asparo, Jim Carr, Pete Kremen, Mike Self
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved as written
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved as presented
Membership Update: As of today VVA -310 AVVA – 66
Old Business:
1. Pres. Dave thanked those present for the memorial service for his brother-in-law Jose Sonora.
2. 18 June Car show committee meeting assigned people to sub-committees. Still need people to volunteer for jobs on 18 July car show.
New Business:
- Doc Holliday wnet over much of the planning for the car show. The show begins at 10:00 and lasts til 3:00 pm (15:00). Registration will officially start at 8:00. Pete Kremen will be the announcer. Raffle times will be 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, and 1:30 pm.
- Need set up / take down support. Porta Potties will be delivered on Sat. Dan F. will have locks, furniture and supplies will be secured in toilets for use in the morning. The Victory Lane banner is missing. Who has that sucker?
- Coffee urn(s) will be on site. Coffee awaits being made. Donation cans provided by Randy T and others. Signs will be provided to i.d. said cans. Cash boxes are provided, awnings are ready. Remember mic batteries, garbage/recycling cans, raffle prizes.
- Ray R. described the car raffle ($5 tickets). Good odds of coming away with the prize, a Mercury Cavelier.
- Washington Council President Francisco Ivarra reviewed dates and issues of the national convention to be held 1-7 November in North Carolina. All positions at national will be open for election.
Regions 8&9 will hold their convention 14-16 September at Sparks Nev. Any member is welcome to attend.
The state council is doing well, numbers are increasing, it obtained a grant of $58,000 for losses incurred by Covid. All chapters can share by submitting documentation of loss.
The state VSO program has gotten funding for four new positions, Bellingham, Walla Walla, Clark Co., and Skagit. This is one of the best Veterans’ Service Officer programs in the nation.
Francisco was presented with a certificate of appreciation by V.P. Ron W.
6. Pete Kremen reminded all to write up their announcements in advance, so they sound professional when he reads them.
7. Ben Brown noted that he is nearly done with the plans for the memorial arch at Greenacres.
50/50 Raffle Won by: Mary Boice ($53).
Motion to adjourn: Adjourned at 7:53 p.m. (19:53).
Minutes of 1 June 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 18:45 by President Dave Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave L
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie R
Member David (Mac) McMaster passed away 28 May
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 P 2022
Sam Houston, B of D P 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D A 2022
George Douglas, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2022
Guests: Several members of the local detachment of the U.S. Coast Guard; Vincent , Matthew Edge, Sarah Nickolls, Jarred Worsen, Gabriel Hernandez and family members, including the youngest attendee in anyone’s memory. Kate Boyd from Whatcom Co. Parks
New members present: Paul Arstad, AVVA Leah Rosetti
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: the count stands at 307VVA, 59 AVVA
Old Business:
1. On 10 May Ken Carlson, Ron Brown, Larry Montgomery, Darlene Carlson and Jesse Enriques prepared the foundation for the memorial arch at Greenacres.
2. On 12 May, Lonnie and Elizabeth Rose along with 7 other members of VFW Post 9301 worked the entire day cleaning the Greenacres Veterans Memorial
3. The bottle auction proceeds were $862.00, donated to VFW Post 1585.
4. the Memorial Day picnic at Hovander Park was well attended. Chuck Muggy, Ron Brown, Larry M and all who cooked, served, set-up, and did take down deserve recognition.
New Business:
1. 4 June at 1:00 pm is a memorial service for Jose Sonora. Please attend and give support to Rosemarie Loomis.
2. Leah Rosetti gave a short presentation on Brigadoon service dog program. Doc H moved to provide Brigadoon $500.00. Seconded and approved by voice vote.
3. On 7 August, Chapter 1109 of Sedro Wooley hosts a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans picnic at 6254 Fruitdale North, Sedro Wooley 98248. All inclusive. Further info call Ande Mitchelle 360 708 3268.
4. 8 August Enumclaw VFW Post 1949 hosts the Vietnam Moving Wall. They will honor Enumclaw vets who lost their life in Vietnam with a special ceremony. City of Enumclaw will remember and recognize vets who received the Purple Heart and proclaim the city to be a Purple Heart City. The VFW post invites all to be a part of this healing and welcome home…
50/50 Raffle Won by: Dan Norvelle who donated back to the chapter. Total take $86. Donations totaled $121.13
Good of the Order:
Doc H. announced that the car show needs donations and volunteers. This is our chief money-maker. Lets all get behind this effort.
Motion to adjourn: 19:23 (7:23pm)
Minutes of 4 May 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 18:29 by President Dave Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: VP Ron Wilson
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 A 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: Mike Self – possible new member, Dorothy Rood, Ruth Ashe, Malcolm Oliver, Bob Garrison, Ande Mitchelle and Francisco Ivarra
New members present: Vicky Wise (AVVA), Rita Welters (VVA)
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Old Business:
1. Doc Holliday briefed membership on progress of planning for the upcoming car show. As the pandemic is still a concern, everything is tenuous. But the aim is to hold it on 18 July 2021 at the Barkley Village parking lot (off Woburn)
New Business:
- State Council President Francisco Ivarra talked about the recent council meeting. All the present officers were re-elected. He reiterated the idea that VVA is in the business of caring and doing the best it can for vets. No matter which conflict. The state has the best record of service grants in the nation. Our VSOs are #1 in the nation at processing claims. Ivarra also restated the idea o fighting a proposed change to the VVA, making it not a “last member standing” organization. He stated that the upcoming November national convention will be a fight with national leadership.
President Ivarra said to lobby members of Congress to support veterans’ affairs. The proposed budget is in the range of $9.6 billion an increase of approx. 7.6%
- V.P. Ron W noted the donation can for the meal. He also discussed the former NorBell building at Smith and Northwest Roads. Several people did a walk through and around. Consensus was that the building is worth saving. Lobbying efforts to acquire the property for veterans will commence.
- The chapter has received a Mercury van as a donation. Discussion ensued regarding a raffle to dispose of it and raise money at the same time.
- There is a need for volunteers to dig foundation holes for the DAR Gold Star Mothers memorial at Greenacres. Ken Carlson stepped up. (Or should I say, sat up?)
- Veterans’ appreciation picnic in Sedro Wooley was announced. Motion, second and approved expenditure of $1,000.00. in support.
- May 14, bottle auction and pot luck dinner at VFW 1585. Starts at 6:00pm (18:00). Proceeds to VFW 1585.
- 22May at 14:00 a memorial service for Mike Boice, member of the board of directors will be held at River of Life Church in VanZandt.
- 22 May VFW 1585 has a dinner with silent auction. Doors open at 4:00pm, dinner at 5:00 (or take out). Cost is $10.00 all proceeds to VFW.
- 29 May, VFW 1585 will hold Flo Simon BBQ. Band is Ever Leaf, come enjoy the food and music. By donation.
- 31 May 10:30 am VFW 9301 HOLDS A Memorial Day ceremony at the Lynden Cemetery. Guest speaker is sheriff Bill Elfo.
- Also, on 31 May at 1:00pm (13:00) the chapter hosts our annual Vietnam Veterans Picnic at Hovander Park. Brins a favorite dish to share. The chapter provides drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers and condiments. Need a few volunteers to set up / take down. Talk to Pres. Dave.
- 4 June at 13:00 (1pm) our chapter conducts a memorial service for Jose Sonora, Rosemarie Loomis’ brother. It will be at Greenacres. All members are encouraged to attend.
Good of the Order:
Rosemarie requests pictures of your service in Vietnam.
Please save soda & beer tabs to support breast cancer research. Bring exhausted toner cartridges and the tabs to the next meeting.
50/50 Raffle Won by: Rosie Loomis – she’s a real winner.
Meal donations collected $ 150.00.
Motion to adjourn: adjourned at 19:24 (7:24pm)