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)

On a picture-perfect Sunday morning, some participants arrived earlier than 7:00 a.m. for the Chapter’s big fund raiser, the 8^th Annual Car Show. More than 350 vehicles registered and were shown at the large parking lot in Barkley Village. The vehicles ran the gamut from early vintage to late model. Some of my favorites were a white early model Ford, a late model Corvette, a late ‘60’s Camaro and a Willys Jeepster.

First, second and third place awards were given by decades, with pre-1920 to the present. A special award was given to the Vietnam Era as well as People’s Choice. The awards were presented on Victory Lane, under the car show banner.

Attendance was good, with many exhibitors remarking on the number of folks coming to view the cars. You should have been there…

For a look at all the photos, go to:   https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u2heqba6mf9s2j6/AAAcG9PQyIq3y5LyjZ4bJjt4a?dl=0

General Meeting called to order at: 18:50 by President Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by:

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

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                               A                 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: Rose Loomis, Lana Haddox, Dick Stark, Agnes Kenney, Ann Beck

New members present:

Secretary’s report: Supposedly reviewed on line by all the membership (that’s why it is posted), approved unanimously

Treasurer’s report: Balance sheet & Income Statement presented, approved

Membership Update: no update this month

Old Business:     

1. Solicit raffle prizes for WWII & Korean War picnic 21 August at Lairmont Manor.
2. Car Show update – July 22^nd is approaching fast. Tom M reported a dearth of volunteers. We need people for many positions from registration to raffle sales to car judging. Let’s get to it people. Discussion that the Coast Guard detachment will provide several, and possibly get some from Marine Corps League. Are there any other ideas?

There will be a pre-show meeting at Barkley Center – the car show location on 17 July (Tuesday) at 18:00 (6:00 pm) to lay out locations and duties. We also need people with pickups to meet at the VFW on 21 July at 17:00 to load up tables, chairs, garbage cans, banners etc to take to the venue on Sunday morning.

Safety cones are being provided by Safety Signs Inc. Tape may be purchased. Pres. Loomis will issue an e-mail blast every week to recruit volunteers and alert members of the upcoming event.

4. The VFW Post 1585 will celebrate its 90^th birthday with an open house honoring all veterans and their families. Refreshments provided. A raffle for 104.2 troy ounce silver bar is one of the highlights.

New Business:

1. A request received from Liz Harmon at Whatcom County Health Department to assist a Navy veteran in need of vehicle repair. Pres. Loomis advanced a check for $300.00, reimbursed by the Chapter at the meeting.
2. Ann Beck, Assistant Director of Veterans Services at Western Washington University spoke about the work her office does. She presented many statistics and trends. All in all, there are about 220 active veteran students enrolled and nearly that number of dependants. Since 2013 the number of women vets has risen 168% (54% for guys). Kids of 100% disabled vets has seen a 98% growth. Generally speaking veteran/students have a quicker rate to graduation. And they tend to be oriented to the studies that will result in faster employment.

Ms. Beck also spoke to establishing a scholarship endowment for veterans. One individual has pledged $10,000 and her office has a matching pledge bringing the total to $20,000. But WWU has a threshold of $25,000 to establish an endowed scholarship. So they are looking for another $5,000. The chapter will discuss at the next meeting the possibility of assisting in this endeavor.

1. the City of Blaine holds a 4^th of July celebration (with parade, car show, etc. on Wednesday be there or be square.
2. Discussion on item introduced by Ron Wilson for some accounting for the meal resulted in agreement that itemization in the minutes will suffice.
3. Collection for dinner totaled $118.00. Cost $95.00 which means that we came out $23 to the good.

Good of the Order:

For all who hunger:

Legion Post 7 hosts a breakfast 15 July 9:00 to noon.

VFW 9301 will have its breakfast 8:00 to 11:00 on 21 July.

VFW 1585 has a breakfast 8:00 to 10:00 29 July.

Motion to adjourn: made seconded and approved at 19:45