Vietnam Veterans Of America

Memorial Chapter #165

Minutes of 5 March 2024

General Meeting called to order at: 18:10 (6:10 pm) by President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

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

Roll Call of officers and Directors:                         term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2025

Guests: Bonnie Porten, Chuck Anderson

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 402, AVVA 125

Old Business:

  1. Doc Holliday called for car show volunteers, trophy sponsors raffle donations etc. This is the chief chapter fund raiser for the year. Please participate.
  2. Darlene presented certificates to Lee Sung Jou and Kwan Ku Kim.
  3. Whatcom County stand down occurs 3 May.
  4. Skagit Co. stand down 19-20 April at Skagit Fairgrounds

New Business:

  1. Memorial Day Parade needs volunteers. Call John Ferdon 360 318 7521. Tom called for marchers to show up and walk with him.
  2. Doug Hudson queries what the 2% tax for veterans goes to. Suggests BoD give report to membership. He questions why not use the annex building for a veterans’ center.
  3. VFW considering legal action against United Veterans of Whatcom County, for unauthorized use of the VFW name on promotional materials. The VVA’s name has also been included on the flyer, without permission. Chapter 165 has not endorsed the proposed re-use of the annex building. As a chapter, we should not appear to endorse this proposal. As individuals we are all free to support and / or donate such an effort.
  4. President Richard Carpenter resigns his position as of this evening citing personal reasons. V. P. Donna Trecker will preside until a new president is elected for the term (one year).
  5. AVVA Steve asked for volunteers for leadership positions. Elections will be held next meeting.

WA State Dept. of Veterans Affairs runs four veterans’ homes in the state. New conditions for residency in the soldiers’ homes apply, so check it out. Total disability is no longer required.

50/50 Raffle: Not held this meeting

Donations: $123  

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 auxiliary hosts a fund raiser on 21 March 15:00 (3:00 pm). Spaghetti dinner will be served at 18:00 (6:00). They also host a breakfast on 31 March 8-10 am. Cost $10.00, $5.00 kids

Motion to Adjourn:  made at 18:40 must be the shortest meeting on record. Thank you, Richard Carpenter, for your efforts to herd this bunch of cats.

Minutes of 5 December 2023

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 by President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                A                 2025

Guests: Ana Clark

New members present: Melenie Flink, Dong Choi, John King, Darrell Wade

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 404, AVVA – 121

Old Business:

  1. Darlene Carlson presented DAR Certificates to the Vietnam veterans who were not present at last month’s meeting.

2. Celebration of Life for Randy Turnbull is scheduled for 7 July at American Legion Post 7. All are invited to attend.

New Business:

  1. Doc presented a $750 check from the Whatcom County Cruisers.
  2. Moved, 2nd and approved $100 donation to Seaplane Museum.
  3. Suggestion that the chapter provide a sympathy card to the surviving family members of chapter members who died.
  4. Suggestion to provide Randy Turnbull’s daughter to finish his car. It will be taken up by the Board of Directors.
  5. William Moore talked about the value of mentors for veterans who are having problems with alcohol/drug abuse that lands them in the criminal justice system. Veteran’s Treatment Court.
  6. The offer of the rifle donation by Curt Wolters for a raffle was postponed pending discussion with the VFW post to discover potential pitfalls.
  7. Malcolm gave a short update on the Annex project. Next week they are heading to Skagit to see specs for a vets’ center. Possible support from granges.
  8. Ana Clark gave a short rundown on the veterans’ programs that the Opportunity Council supports. Questions were varied and pointed.
  9. Whatcom County will have a standown in the springtime. This is where items such as hats, socks and gloves are distributed. Ande Mitchelle related his experience with the Skagit standown.
  10. Lonnie Rose is searching for a replacement for him as chaplain. He will miss many upcoming meetings due to travel etc.
  11. Steve mentioned Mending Waters program in Montana.

12. Larry moved to provide food baskets to veterans. BoD can meet electronically to discuss and vote. Tom asked if we use the Opportunity Council to identify recipients and determine amounts.

50/50 Raffle: Shay Loomis won $38

Good of the Order: National Conference is in New Orleans in 2024.

We collect used ink cartridges – bring them in.

Next meeting is 2 January 2024 same place, same time.Motion to Adjourn: 19:20

Minutes of 7 November 2023               

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2025

Guests: Travis Meginniss

New members present: Robert Johnson, Tom Boyhan (?)

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA-401, AVVA-121 per David Loomis

Old Business:

  1. Ron Wilson, Larry Montgomery and Sam Houston built a wheelchair ramp for Randy Turnbull. All materials were donated by Home Depot. Remember this when shopping for home improvements.
  2. DAR presented certificates of recognition to all members who supplied their name. A group photo was taken of the whole bunch. Welcome Home Veterans.
  3. Be aware that scammers are trying to hit members of the chapter. The secretary has several spam emails per day.

Steve Jordan reported that AVVA is registered with the state. The national application must be renewed, some signatures were out of date. He expects this to be resolved this month.

New Business:

  1. Board of Directors meeting held 31 October. Several items discussed.
  2. Moved seconded and approved to pay VFW for use of the hall. Treasurer will cut the check.
  3. Discretionary funds up to specified limit were approved with one dissenting vote. Moved second approved.
  4. Member Randy Turnbull is in poor health. A way to contact him for visitation has been emailed to membership.
  5. State President Francisco Ivarra reported:
  6. He made a presentation to the DAR last Saturday night.
  7. The VVA is a “last person standing” organization, but we aren’t going anywhere. We will still be active working for veterans.
  8. Nationally the membership is increasing, while veteran population is decreasing.
  9. The VVA has advocated for Korean (ROK) veterans to be covered by the VA, with Korea footing the bill. This is SB 2648.
  10. The next VVA national convention is to be held in New Orleans in 2024.
  11. The state of Washington is the leader in obtaining benefits for veterans. Our VSO team is tops.
  12. Locally, we now have a VSO officer, Shawn Dalgarn, in the Vets’ Center, 3800 Byron Ave, Suite 124. Phone 360 733 9229.

A motion to support the Naval Seaplane Museum in Oak Harbor was tabled to next month for a decision.

50/50 Raffle: won by someone unidentified

Good of the Order: Remember so donate used ink cartridges to the chapter.

11 November is Veterans’ Day, find a celebration and join in.

A donated Mauser rifle is going to be raffled off.

Next meeting is 5 December 2023. A big spread in honor of the wives and significant others of the membership. Please attend.

Motion to Adjourn: Came at 19:25 (7:25 pm)

General Meeting called to order at: 18:08 (6:08 pm) by President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: V. P. Donna

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  A                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2025

Guests: DAR members: Leah Rosetti, Kristin Larsen and Kelley Slater, Julia Cliford, Scott Calkins.

New members present: none raised their head

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 402, AVVA – 120

Old Business:

  1. Malcolm Oliver gave a quick update on the AVVA. They are incorporated in the state, still awaiting national approval.
  2. Veteran handyman Steve Weden is looking for extra work. Phone 360-319-1514 if you have any nagging jobs, you need done.

We have received three short notes from the scholarship awardees of this year.

New Business:

  1. Darlene Carlson gave a presentation to Gold Star Mothers and Vietnam Veterans. She gave VN pins to all who had yet to receive them. The Chapter got a new Vietnam Veterans banner and proclamations from three U.S. Presidents (Obama, Trump and Biden).
  2. Darlene related the establishment of the Gold Star Mothers’ Arbor project that was dedicated a year ago in May. This arbor has been recognized nationally by the DAR and may become a model for others in the country.
  3. A check for $2,000 was presented to Julia Cliford of Brigadoon Dogs by our president. Julia gave a short, gracious thank you to the chapter. She recounted a couple of stories of how the Brigadoon Dogs have helped as service dogs. She emphasized that Brigadoon never charges veterans for their service dog.
  4. Scott Calkins of the Gearheads Car Club presented us with a check of $1,000.

5. Board of Directors meeting 15:00 31 October, 2023 at the VFW hall. Several items to discuss.

50/50 Raffle: won by Summer $52

Good of the Order:

          13 Oct. VFW Chili Cheese Dog Night at 18:00. $10 / person

27 Oct. VFW Chili cook-off. $5 for a bowl of chili and a ballot. Come see who wins best chili award. Starts at 18:00

29 Oct. VFW breakfast from 8:00 – 10:00 cost is $10 / adult $8 / child.

Motion to Adjourn: 18:49

Minutes of 5 September 2023

General Meeting called to order at: 18:25 by Pres. Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             A                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                A                 2025

Guests:

New members present: Tom Filion, U.S. Army, Truk Tolstad (donated to chapter) AVVA

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 400, AVVA 117

Old Business:

  1. Welcome Home BBQ at Sedro Wooley was a success. Didn’t hear what the attendance was.

2. Chapter donated $400 to have veteran’s apartment cleaned so he wouldn’t be evicted

New Business:

  1. Doc Holliday moved to provide $1,000 donation to Brigadoon Service Dogs. Moved to amend motion to $2,000 by Lonnie, passed overwhelmingly.
  2. Another of our members, Roy Mattingly needs help to fix his roof. He has the roofing tar, and a fork lift to get to the roof, but cannot do it by himself. Phone 360 383 7469 if you can assist.
  3. Darlene Carlson, the DAR chief locally has arranged for a presentation to our chapter at the next meeting. Any Gold Star Mothers, family members, veterans are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be 3 October, meal at 5:30, meeting at 6:30.
  4. Pres. Richard Carpenter read a portion of a letter to the chapter received from Ron Wilson. The matter is now closed.
  1. Upcoming September events:

11 Sep. – Patriot Day

15 Sep – National POW/MIA Recognition Day

     “         VFW Post 1585 Garage sale pre-sale

16 Sep – VFW Post 1585 Garage sale begins at 9:00 – 3:00 pm

    “          Annual Kenny Payne Pig Roast dinner starts at 5:00 pm

17 Sep – Garage Sale continues until noon

18 Sep – U.S.A.F. birthday (1949) also CIA birthday

24 Sep – Gold Star Mothers’ Day       “        VFW breakfast 8:00 to 10:00 $10 adults / $8 children

11 Sep. – Patriot Day

15 Sep – National POW/MIA Recognition Day

     “         VFW Post 1585 Garage sale pre-sale

16 Sep – VFW Post 1585 Garage sale begins at 9:00 – 3:00 pm

    “          Annual Kenny Payne Pig Roast dinner starts at 5:00 pm

17 Sep – Garage Sale continues until noon

18 Sep – U.S.A.F. birthday (1949) also CIA birthday

24 Sep – Gold Star Mothers’ Day

      “        VFW breakfast 8:00 to 10:00 $10 adults / $8 children

Remember to donate used ink cartridges to the chapter.

7. Lonnie Rose announced that there is a veteran’s handy man, Steve Weden 360 319 1514. He’s apparently a good guy.

50/50 Raffle:      won by V.P. Donna Trecker who donated back $20

Good of the Order:

          A certificate of appreciation given to Tom Filion for assistance.

          Chapter Board of Directors’ meeting 26 Sept. at 3:00 pm VFW

Motion to Adjourn: made at 18:56, one of our shorter meetings.

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