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)

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 52^nd Aviation Battalion, Lou Coister

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 425, AVVA – 154

Old Business:

1. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Moved, 2^nd and approved to fund BTC Vets Lounge to $2,500.
5. Moved 2^nd and approved to donate $10,000 to BTC scholarship endowment.
6. Moved 2^nd 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)

General Meeting called to order at: 17:55 (5:55pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

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                                  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: Larry Bradley – Coast Guard ’69-’72, A. Hake, Chuck Anderson, Bonnie Parten

New members present: Mike Puckel

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 413, AVVA – 145

Old Business: This chapter is allowed three voting members to the national convention in New Orleans meeting 5 – 9 August 2025. As of now, we have no one attending. Come on guys…

New Business:

1. The 4^th of July this year is the 249^th anniversary of the birth of our country.  Next year will be a big one…
2. Car show meeting on 10 July 15:00 (3:00pm)
3. July 11^th Fund raising at VFW 11 July 15:00-18:00 (3:00-6:00pm)
4. Ande Mitchelle hosts his annual Welcome Home Picnic at 6254 Fruitdale, Sedro Wooley, WA 98284. It’s a great time.

Steve announced that the AVVA is receiving their charter at the car show on the 20^th. They are the largest chapter in Region 8. The AVVA will have a table at the car show to recruit new members. All are eligible. They do not have to be related to a Vietnam veteran. It is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

50/50 Raffle: won by George $20

Donations: $100

Good of the Order: No meeting in August. We will take the month off to recover from the car show.

VFW Post 1585 holds a breakfast on 28 July 8:00-10:00. Adults $11/ kids under 12 $5.00.

Motion to Adjourn:  18:10 (6:10pm) This has been the shortest meeting in this reporter’s memory.

General Meeting called to order at: 18:23 (6:23pm) by Pres. David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

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: Joan Van Easkin, Margaret McVay, Chuck Anderson, Bonnie Parten, Rowan Meadows

New members present:

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 412, AVVA 143

Old Business:

1. Reminded membership that National Convention is August 6-9 in New Orleans. We have two more slots that can be partially funded. The opening is there – go.

2. Memorial Day Parade happens 24 May starting at noon. I encourage all to come and participate. You can walk a mile and wave at the crowds. But no candy throwing.

New Business:

1. The VVA Veterans Service Officer for the region, Rowan Meadows, talked to us about the assistance she can give to us regarding VA benefits. She has access to the VA data base and can mightily help in your claims. She passed out cards and a sheet of information with contacts for all manner of problem solutions. Her office is different than Liz Witowski’s (which is under the county). Rowan’s  contact info: cell 360 381 6393, vvameadows@gmail.com.
2. 17 May is Armed Forces Day, strut in your finest.
3. 26 May Whatcom Allied Veterans Council conducts the Avenue of Flags Ceremony at Greenacres Cemetery. The ceremony starts at noon. Lunch is provided by American Legion Post 7.
4. That same day May 26, we hold our Memorial Day Picnic at Hovander Park in Ferndale. The chapter provides the hot dogs, and hamburgers. Please bring a side dish or dessert. Rosemarie says to bring your happy face, and your family.
5. The next car show meeting is on 29 May at 15:00 (3:00pm). At the VFW in our normal meeting place in the basement.
6. Steve reiterated that the AVVA region 8 Director will be at the meeting to give the chapter its official charter which makes them a real AVVA chapter, with all the bells and whistles that entails. So show up to the meeting and give them your support……

Donations: meal $93.

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 breakfast is 25 May 8:00-10:00. Cost is $11/adults $5/kids

Motion to Adjourn: I failed to get the exact time and who made the motion. But we adjourned anyway.

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: David Orona

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

She also gave an update on Gene & Yvonne, due in town soon.

David Loomis will be admitted to Sons of the American Revolution.

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Orona, 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: none

New members present: none

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 416, AVVA – 141

Old Business:

1. Doc gave a short update on the car show meeting. Next meeting is 17 April at the VFW 15:00

2. National convention in New Orleans 5-9 August, Lonnie Rose to represent the chapter.

New Business:

1. Newly elected officers and directors sworn in by Ray Radke: David Orona, President; Mike Slocum, V.P.; Tom Grinstad Secretary/Treasurer; David Loomis, Sam Houston, Charles Muggy, Duane Holliday and Dan Norvelle all Directors.
2. Moved, seconded and approved donation of $1,000 to POW-MIA Memorial at Greenacres Veterans’ Memorial.
3. Moved, seconded and approved a donation of $2,000 to the Memorial Day Parade. The parade occurs 24 May at noon to 14:00 (2:00)
4. Moved, second and approval of car show budget submitted ($7,600).
5. Car show meeting on 17 April at 15:00.
6. Steve announced that on 3 June the AVVA chapter will receive its charter from the Region 8 Director. The first chapter chartered in the state. This chapter holds 1/3 of membership of the region.

VFW hosts a dinner on Saturday 26 April at 15:30 (3:30 pm) to celebrate the visit of the VFW Auxiliary National President. Cost is $22/person. Registration and checks mailed to Cindy Mellema at 2845 Lyle St. Bellingham, WA 98225. Phone 360 296 6139.

50/50 Raffle: Won by Frank H., donated back to chapter $63, thanks, Frank.

Donations: $170 donated tonight

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 breakfast served 27 April 8:00 – 10:00. Cost is $11/adult, $5/kids under 12 years old.

Steve reminded members that Fort Ord, and Seaside CA are now presumptive for Agent Orange exposure. Take care of yourself.

Book auctioned off for $25 to Ray.

Motion to Adjourn:  18:43