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Minutes of 3 February 2026
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, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA 430, AVVA 163
Old Business:
- Review of VFW basement floor problem. Encourage buying raffle tickets.
New Business:
- 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, 2nd & approved.
- 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 2nd & approved. The money will be disbursed when construction begins.
- The board also recommended that the AVVA be allowed to have a non-voting presence (two persons) on the board. Moved 2nd & approved.
- Also, at the BoD meeting it was recommended to change the meeting day to the first Wednesday. Moved 2nd & approved. This will require amending the Bylaws. The membership will vote on the bylaw change in the March meeting. This is your official announcement.
- State Council meeting 4 April in Toppenish. National leadership conference will be held in Jacksonville, Florida 11-115 August at Hyatt Regency Riverfront.
- VSO Arthur Ebert will be working in Bellingham Mondays and Tuesday s 7:00-noon.
- Steve called for AVVA officer nominations for the coming two years. Election will be in May.
- 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…
Minutes of date 2 December 2025
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, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA – 429, AVVA – 158
Old Business:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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
Minutes of 4 November 2025
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, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA 432 (13th largest chapter nationally), AVVA 154
Old Business:
- Jamie Arnett, Director of Animals as Natural Therapy
- Antique Auto Restorers Club donated $1,000 to us
- 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:
- 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.
- 11 Nov. free breakfast to vets at Solstice 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy. 08:00 – 09:30. RSVP 360 671 6060.
- 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.
- For other Veterans Day events see the newspaper, or neighborhood busybody. The largest statewide parade is in Auburn on Vets Day.
- Whatcom Co. Cruisers Car Club donated $500.
- Pete Kremen showed off the AVVA Charter all framed and presentable. This is the largest chapter in Region 8.
- Malcolm questioned the AVVA could have a member sit on the board of this chapter. Officers will research.
- 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)
Minutes of 7 October 2025
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, 2nd & 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 41st 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:
- 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.
- Steve gave a short report on the AVVA. He has completed the required annual reports, to keep them in the clear.
- 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.
- 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)
2 September 2025
General Meeting called to order at: 18:03 (6:03pm) 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 P 2027
Guests: Ann Giarde, Sue Richardson, Yvonne Goldsmith, Ernesto Puenes, Jennifer Ellis, Ruth Feliciano, Clay Haskell, Meghan Lippert, Lyle Sorenson
New members present: Johnson 52nd Aviation Battalion, Lou Coister
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA – 425, AVVA – 154
Old Business:
- Doc Holliday gave a short report on the Car Show. Financially it was a success. There were 338 cars registered with 12 no-shows. The Car Show is our funding. Without it we have no operating money.
The Welcome Home Picnic in Sedro Woolley, hosted by Ande Mitchele had a large turnout. A very successful event.
New Business:
- Meghan Lippert gave a short talk about the Vets’ Center at Bellingham Technical College. It is a study space for veterans. It functions like a counseling center as well. It is stocked with coffee and snacks. The entry is restricted to vets and is self-policed on an honor system. Meghan fielded questions about the space and its uses.
- A short ceremony with Pete Kremen as emcee, presented the charter to the AVVA Chapter 1165. Jennifer Ellis and Ruth Feliciano did the honors. They showed a slide show of Chapter 805, exemplifying the work they do.
- VVA State President gave a short recap of the events at the VVA National Convention. The big news is that the proposed legacy society was defeated. Officers were elected. Jeannie was elected as National VSO officer. State council meeting 11 October. September is national suicide prevention month.
- Moved, 2nd and approved to fund BTC Vets Lounge to $2,500.
- Moved 2nd and approved to donate $10,000 to BTC scholarship endowment.
- Moved 2nd and approved $500 to VFW to assist with janitorial costs.
Doug talked about the Canadian Walk for Veterans. Occurs in Abbotsford walking about 1 ½ mile around Mill Lake 20 September, all invited.
50/50 Raffle: Shannon Loomis won $29 after being dragged back into the hall.
Donations: $290
Good of the Order: Eileen asked for yarn donations to make blankets for new moms and elderly.
Darlene 13 September classic car show in Lynden
VFW 1585 breakfast 28 September 8 to 10 am. Cost $11/adult $5/kids under the age of 12.
Ken Richardson VFW burgers & brats night 12 September.
Salmon for Soldiers down in Skagit September 13&14.
Motion to Adjourn: 19:27 (7:27pm)