General Meeting called to order at: 18:03 by V.P. Mike Slocum

Pledge of Allegiance by: again Mike Slocum

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                    A                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2027

Guests: Lynn and ? (did not get the name)

New members present: Frank Parker, Doug Bestle

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA-433, AVVA-164

Old Business:

1. Membership approved having 2 AVVA persons on the Board of Directors. Discussion concerning voting rights of those persons. With information from State Council President Ivarra, we decided to have this determined at a future Board meeting.

Steve Jordan announced the slate of AVVA officers to stand for election in April. Pete Kremen – President, Vicki Hartshorn – Vice President, Lelonnie Muggy – Secretary / Treasurer.

New Business:

1. Tom explained the change to the Bylaws so the general meeting occurs on the first Wednesday of each month. This occurs with the encouragement of the VFW.
2. Doc Holliday solicited Car Show trophy sponsors. Next Car Show meeting is Thursday 26 March at 15:00 in the VFW basement.
3. Lonnie asked for a donation to support Lynden High School Food Drive. A motion to have the Chapter match the night’s collection was made. The collection netted $326.
4. National Vietnam War Veterans’ Day is 29 March, Sunday.

5. State Council Francisco Ivarra reported: a) Yakima Nation Warriors Association Welcome Home Program will be held on 28 March. At Sarge Hubbard Park. b) 4 April is the state council meeting at the Legends Casino in Toppenish. Chapter Pres. And V.P. and two delegates are eligible to attend. c) National Board of Directors meet. d) Financial rebate to chapters will resume. (This year I assume). e) National leadership conference 11-15 August will discuss the future of the VVA. This continues to be brought forward at each convention and continues to be defeated by the membership. The members apparently want this to be a “last man standing” organization. What will be our legacy???

50/50 Raffle: $81 won by Dee VanBeek who donated back to the chapter. Total $162

Donations: $100

Good of the Order: VFW breakfast on 29 March 8:00-10:00 in the basement where we meet. Cost: $11 adults/ $5 kids under 12 years old. Motion to Adjourn: 18:50

General Meeting called to order at: approx. 18:15 by Pres. David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                     P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                A                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2027

Guests: Cori Bryant, Ann Clark, Katherine Baer

New members present: Rick Baer

Secretary’s report: After giving the membership a hard time about not saying the secret word it was moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 430, AVVA 163

Old Business:

1. Review of VFW basement floor problem. Encourage buying raffle tickets.

New Business:

1. Prior to the official start of the meeting, Cori Bryant and Ann Clark of the Opportunity Council gave a short presentation to the members hoping to solicit a grant of $500 to support their veterans’ services. Specifically, their Veterans’ Standdown which will occur on 5 June at the Salvation Army here in Bellingham. The money will be used to pay operating expenses. Moved, 2^nd & approved.
2. At the Board of Directors meeting in January, a grant to VFW for basement floor repair in the amount of $2,500 was recommended approval for a vote by the membership. Moved 2^nd & approved. The money will be disbursed when construction begins.
3. The board also recommended that the AVVA be allowed to have a non-voting presence (two persons) on the board. Moved 2^nd & approved.
4. Also, at the BoD meeting it was recommended to change the meeting day to the first Wednesday. Moved 2^nd & approved. This will require amending the Bylaws. The membership will vote on the bylaw change in the March meeting. This is your official announcement.
5. State Council meeting 4 April in Toppenish. National leadership conference will be held in Jacksonville, Florida 11-115 August  at Hyatt Regency Riverfront.
6. VSO Arthur Ebert will be working in Bellingham Mondays and Tuesday s 7:00-noon.
7. Steve called for AVVA officer nominations for the coming two years. Election will be in May.
8. Steve discussed the flood relief efforts from the VVA and AVVA. Sumas is nearly a ghost town right now. And he discussed problems with FEMA and relief.

Donations: $130.00 A directed donation to BTC for $219.86 is a pass-thru.

Good of the Order: VFW breakfast is on 22 February from 8:00 to 10:00. Cost is $11/adult, $5/kid under 12 years old.

Motion to Adjourn:  18:55 Be the best you can be…

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by V.P. Mike Slocum

Pledge of Allegiance by: Mike Slocum

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                    A                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  A                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2027

Guests: None

New members present: None

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 429, AVVA – 158

Old Business:

1. Barron Heating (John) presented a substantial check to the Chapter to aid in our efforts to veterans’ relief. Courtney’s birthday today…A group photo was taken.

Darlene gave update on the America 250 bench in Ferndale

New Business:

1. Darlene talked about being part of the White House decorating committee. A unique honor for her, and us. 12,010 applicants and 150 were selected – she was the only one from WA state. Two days of preparation and then decoration began.
2. 13 December is the birthday of the National Guard/Wreaths Across America.

50/50 Raffle: None this month

Donations: $125

Good of the Order: Motion to Adjourn: 18:43

General Meeting called to order at: 18:15 (6:15pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                     P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                A                 2027

Guests: Yvonne Goldsmith, Chyna Luna

New members present: Sorry, but I didn’t get his name

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 432 (13^th largest chapter nationally), AVVA 154

Old Business:

1. Jamie Arnett, Director of Animals as Natural Therapy
2. Antique Auto Restorers Club donated $1,000 to us
3. Darlene spoke about the America 250 bench to be placed in Ferndale, looking for our participation. Moved, second, approved $ 209.13 as our portion of the cost.

New Business:

1. 10 November at 08:15 in Assumption School is a Veterans Assembly and Prayer Service after which the gym will be offered light refreshments and pastries. RSVP to 360 733 6133 by 5 Nov.
2. 11 Nov. free breakfast to vets at Solstice 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy. 08:00 – 09:30. RSVP 360 671 6060.
3. 11 Nov. free dinner for vets and spouses is offered at the Elks Lodge 710 Samish Way. Dinner is at 18:00 (6:00pm). Program is at 19:00 (7:00pn). RSVP 306 733 3333 by 7 November.
4. For other Veterans Day events see the newspaper, or neighborhood busybody. The largest statewide parade is in Auburn on Vets Day.
5. Whatcom Co. Cruisers Car Club donated $500.
6. Pete Kremen showed off the AVVA Charter all framed and presentable. This is the largest chapter in Region 8.
7. Malcolm questioned the AVVA could have a member sit on the board of this chapter. Officers will research.
8. Francisco shared that all the VSOs got training from Jeanie Ebert in October, 3 days’ worth. VVA is growing membership still. Seahawk game will be honored and recognized along with Sons & Daughters. Time is undetermined.

50/50 Raffle: none this evening

Donations: $135.

Good of the Order: Sunday 30 Nov the VFW hosts breakfast from 08:00 to 10:00. The cost is a reasonable $11 adults / $5 kids 12 and under.

Malcolm noted American Legion Post 7 has a Veterans Day event at 10:00. VFW post 1585 has an event at 15:00 (3:00pm).

Motion to Adjourn: 18:47 (6:47pm)

General Meeting called to order at: 18:25 (6:25pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                    P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             A                 2027

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                A                 2027

Guests: Jamie Arnet

New members present: Pete Sanders

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved, noted letters of appreciation from scholarship recipients. Any who want copies let the secretary know.

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 431, AVVA – 156

Old Business:

Rosemarie Loomis authored and distributed a booklet celebrating the 41^st Anniversary of the chapter. Thank you for the effort. It’s a concise history of this chapter, one of the largest on the west coast.

New Business:

1. Jamie Arnett gave a short presentation “Animals as Natural Therapy”, an organization she represents. They serve nearly 5,000 people in the county with animal assisted therapy, mental and behavioral. They are one of four PATH accredited organizations, using horses in their therapy. They also have other animals (chickens, rabbits, and even a therapy cow. They go to twelve different schools to associate with children. They offer many programs. Among them are: work with hospice, visits to the farm, mobile programs to assisted care facilities, and work with veterans. Jamie gave a short history of the program. It is now common knowledge that equine assisted therapy works. Horses are particularly sympathetic and “mirror” the patient’s stress level, even to the extent of syncing heartbeats. They can teach us to ground ourselves. ANT offers twice a year a six-week course specifically tuned to veterans – at no cost. Tours available every third Friday of the month.
2. Steve gave a short report on the AVVA. He has completed the required annual reports, to keep them in the clear.
3. Growing Veterans needs new hand tools. He suggested we donate for the purchase. The chapter’s Board of Directors will take it up at the next meeting.
4. Note that this chapter has assisted veterans to the tune of over $425 in the past month alone.

50/50 Raffle: Autumn won $38.

Donations: $192

Good of the Order: VFW 1585 Chili Cookoff occurs 24 October, tasting starts at 18:00 (6:00pm). And the monthly breakfast is 26 October 8:00 – 10:00, cost is $11 adults / $5 for kids under 12 years old.

Motion to Adjourn:  made at 18:48 (6:48pm)