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                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                                  P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer            P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                               P                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                                      P                 2020

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: Ken & Darlene Carlson, Curtis & Carolyn Hull, Virginia Crawford, Patrice Rozinski – AVVA, Phil Carroll Marine Corps League

New members present: Paul Olson, 173^rd Airborne ’68 soon to be a member.

Secretary’s report: Short and sweet as usual. Moved, seconded and approved.

Treasurer’s report:      Balance sheet & Income statement moved & approved

Old Business:     

1. Bottle Auction proceeds amounted to $1,410.00
2. Discussion regarding the Memorial Day Parade, who will ride in Ron Wilson’s modified deuce-and-a-half. Who will march with the chapter banner, what clothing is appropriate, (jungle fatigues – if they still fit are ok). Phil Carroll asked for volunteers to be parade marshals who walk along to keep things moving and also for folks to help stage and start the parade. Call john Ferdon 360-318-7521 or Randy Turnbull 360-647-9361.
3. On Memorial Day, 27 May, Greenacres will hold the Festival of Flags. The dedication of the Vietnam memorial will be held about 2:00 p.m. (14:00). Any and all Vietnam vets, that means you, are encouraged to march behind the banner in full regalia (if you have it). The unveiling of the VN Memorial will be done by Gene and Yvonne Goldsmith.

Food will be available beginning at noon.

Volunteers are needed to put up the flags in the morning, and to take them down at the end of the day, Memorial Day. To volunteer call Jody Johnson at 360-318-6918. An incentive breakfast is offered to the volunteers.

4. There was a short presentation from the Car Show committee. We are looking for trophy sponsors, just plain sponsors raffle prize donations, and just plain cash (or check) donations. The publicity should get going after Memorial Day. We need folks to distribute flyers and posters. Talk up the show to friends, neighbors, associates, and any other clubs you belong to…

Prexy Dave Loomis appointed Ken Carlson to the car show committee. Congrats (?)

5. The Vietnam Veterans of America national convention is happening in Spokane on 16 July to 20 July. Our chapter has six delegates attending, based on the membership numbers. Jim Pace will be attending not as a delegate but as a past chapter president. The delegate checks were distributed during the meeting.

New Business:

1. On 11 May a veterans horse ride and potluck will occur at 3545 Birch Bay – Lynden Road from 17:00 (5:00 p.m.) to 20:00 (8:00 p.m.) this event is free for all veterans. There will be a special speaker. It is the last scheduled ride this spring.
2. Something new – a 2-hour Bellingham Bay cruise on the Victory Star to honor those we have lost. Hors d’oeuvres served and drinks available for purchase. The cruise tickets cost $59 / person. There is a limited number of tickets. Call Joan Wyatt 360-739-1540 or 360-671-3316. Register at https://alzsociety.org/event/3rd annual cruise-for-a-cause. Boarding time is 18:15 (6:15 p.m.) at the ferry terminal 355 Harris Ave.
3. The commemorative silver dollar coin donated by either SAL or the riders from the Legion was auctioned off after frenetic bidding to Curtis Hull for $200.
4. Melvin Brewing has adopted the chapter and will donate proceeds from their $3 pints purchased 30 June to 13 July. It is unclear if these special pints are available on the weekend only. We will have the facts by the next chapter meeting.

Good of the Order:

1. VFW 9301 breakfast on 18 May 8:00 to 11:00
2. VFW 1585 breakfast on 26 May 8:00 to 10:00
3. Emergency button information available at the counter, or talk to Gene G. The VA will pay or reimburse no monthly fee.
4. there are four seats left on the bus to the Museum of Flight for the honoring of Stan Zemont. Call Gene G if you’re interested.
5. Randy E started a rather spirited (if I may use that term) discussion regarding the invocations and benedictions. It was soon decided that it was not an appropriate forum for such a discussion. Referred to the board. Prexy Dave has instructed the chaplain to stick to what is approved in the chaplain’s handbook.

The Chaplain read the benediction.

Meeting was adjourned at 19:28 (7:28).

Unofficial count of 47 attendees

General Meeting called to order at: 18:35

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                          P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer     P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                        P                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                               A                 2020

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: Darlene Carlson DAR, Charlotte Bovencamp,

New members present: Woodie Cornelson- Marines, Fred Hopper-Army, Don Montgomery army, Virginia Cranford AVVA

Secretary’s report: Short and sweet as usual. Moved, seconded and approved. A short discussion re: using names for motions and 2^nd resolved that just “moved, seconded and approved” is sufficient

Treasurer’s report: moved seconded and approved. Modification to show $500 earmark for Jim Pace to attend National convention.

Membership Update: Pres. Dave enlisted three members – names from DL

Old Business:     

1. Veteran’s Day Parade 25 May at noon. Motion, 2^nd and approved to send $1,000.00 to Whatcom Memorial Day Parade to help sponsor the event.
2. Chapter will attend dedication of the Vietnam Memorial at Greenacres. We need to get PR out on the event and our part. Next meeting will look for person to send out press releases to the paper(s), radio and any other media.
3. State Council meeting at Legends Casino, 580 Fort Road, Toppenish. Phone 509-865-8800 for room rates if you plan to attend. Any problems call Odis 360-903-2699.
4. VVA national convention in Spokane 15-21 July at Davenport Grand Hotel, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Phone 509-458-3333. The chapter will have 6 delegates attending, plus Jim Pace.
5. VFW Auxiliary dinner 13 April at 18:00 (6:00 pm). The cost is $10.00 our bottle auction follows on the main floor at 19:00 (7:00pm). This is a money-maker for the chapter, so attend and bring your wallets.
6. Car show update by Tom Modica. Sign-up sheets circulated for jobs to be filled. Doc reported that the flyers and posters are ready, but will not be circulated or posted this early. For trophy sponsorship see Tom M. Trophies to be pistons again – if we can find enough.

New Business:

3. Received from the Rickenbacker family $2,400 (again) and from Steve Desoer $883. Both gratefully acknowledged.
4. Veterans pot Luck and horse ride on 6 April 17:00 – 20:00 at 3545 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.
5. Gene G. brought up the fact that the DAV van needs replacement. He asked for $1000.00 from the chapter for signage on the van. Moved, seconded, approved.
6. Randy T requested 8 volunteers for the Memorial Day Parade, to function as judges/gator drivers/vendor police etc. Contact Mac M. or randy.
7. Historian Lana H. read a short biography of Ron Davenport, for whom the chapter is named. Interesting report.
8. Jim Pace requested donation from the chapter to help offset the cost of a new flat screen TV for the Vets Center. Motion to contribute $500.00, seconded and approved. Jim also asked that the chapter be used as a “funnel” for contributions for the TV. The Vets Center cannot accept contributions. The chapter can help fund the Vets Center. After some discussion this was approved by membership.

Good of the Order:

20 April VFW 9301 Breakfast 8:00 – 11:00

28 April VFW 1585 Breakfast 8:00 – 10:00

Gene G. announced that on 25 May the Museum of Flight will dedicate a B – 52

Randy E asked all to be considerate in their parking, it’s tight around here.

Randy T thanked all for the fine turnout

The proceeds from the meal came to $227.

50/50 raffle proceeds were $41.

Hat sales $50

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:45. Dismissed

Historian Lana Haddox gave a short talk about the length of our involvement in Vietnam and what it meant for those who served.

The meeting was called to order at 18:28 (6:28 p.m.) by President Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance recited by the membership.

Invocation given by Chaplain Lonnie Rose, followed by a moment of silence for POW/MIA.

Guests:            Ann Brooks, Estrella Hurier, Benita Lipayon and Marcia Moon all of the VVAW(?), Virginia (whose last name I failed to catch),  Darlene Carlson (DAR), Judy Johnson (Festival of Flags), Bob Garrison and Ande Mitchelle of chapter 1109 (Sedro-Wooley) as well as state council head Francisco Ivarra attended.

Secretary’s report:    Moved to accept by Ken R., 2^nd by somone, approved

Treasurer’s report:    Abbreviated yearly income statement reported, balance sheet and income statement for February motion to approved by Ray R. 2^nd by Randy E, passed

Old Business:  1. Car show update by Tom M, Randy T and Sam H.  We hope for good weather and possibly 400 + vehicles. Committee is trying to nail down another food vendor, working with the county health department. Discussion about new category – Low Rider…

2. You can still purchase a brick for the Vietnam Memorial from Gene G. or Dave L.
3. The rescheduled Bottle Auction occurs April 13^th at VFW 1585. Dinner by the auxiliary at 18:00, auction at 19:00. (Learn your 24-hour clocks).
4. Jim and Marjorie Rickenbacker donated $2,400.00 to the chapter in February. A grateful and gracious letter of thanks will be sent.
5. Lonnie R reminded all that the Vietnam Veteran’s Day is 29 March. The Lynden Museum will honor veterans and families from 10:00 to 16:00. A Light lunch will be served around 13:00 (no charge). Address is 217 Front Street Lynden. For more information contact Lonnie R at 360 220 5676.

New Business:

1. Mac McMaster announced the Veteran’s Day Parade 25 May, beginning at noon in Bellingham. The chapter has only a couple of months to figure out who will walk…is it you?
2. Ande Mitchelle invited all to a Vietnam Vets Welcome Home picnic on 3 August 11:00 to 15:00 flyers and cards were handed out.
3. Francisco Ivarra talked about several things.
4. One being the work of the national.
5. Secondly, the direction of the national organization; financial and future. The membership is aging and in perhaps 10 – 20 years it may disband (last man standing).
6. The national conference is in Spokane this year, July 15 – 21. The state has several responsibilities as host state: supplying flags, colors, marshals etc. It’s proposed that the five marshals come one per chapter. The colors will be supplied by Fairchild AFB.
7. State council meeting is 20 April in Toppenish.
8. On 25 May at the Museum of Flight in Seattle a reconditioned B-52 will be dedicated to veterans of Vietnam.
9. If any individual, group or chapter is worthy of recognition, nominate them for a Washington State VVA Certificate of Recognition.
10. Tom M. noted that Melvin Brewing on Meridian shares proceeds from sales of their special tap (?) every Sunday. This Sunday 10 March our chapter will be the recipient.
11. John Moles briefly discussed the Festival of Flags this year which coincides with the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial on May 27^th. They try to arrange a fly over or chopper landing or some such. This year the Vietnam Veterans will march behind the pipe band. There will be over 1,900 flags on display, every one of which covered one coffin. If you want to help, set up starts at 8:00 (breakfast by the American Legion). Take down happens on Sunday about 16:00. There is more opportunity to help on the take-down shift.

Ken R moved that our chapter combine our picnic with the Festival of Flags this year, to ease the problem of being in two places at once. 2^nd by someone,passed.

6. Ken R. moved to fund VFW 1585 $500.00 in lieu of rent. 2^nd by Ray R., passed.
7. Motion to fund Jim Pace $500 to attend the national convention by Ken R 2^nd by again someone I failed to identify, passed
8. Lana H. suggested that any person who gets his/her name in the paper pay a fine. No decision.
9. Elected officers sworn in by Francisco Ivarra.

Good of the Order:

VFW 9301 serves breakfast on 16 March 8:00 to 11:00.

VFW 1585 will have breakfast on 31 March 8:00 to 10:00.

50/50 raffle won by Ken R. donated back to chapter total $95.

Meal collection total $211.

Motion to adjourn at 19:29

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                     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: Rosie Loomis, Fred Hoffer, Dorothy Rood and Malcolm Oliver

New members present:   Edger Deschaux, William Hurier, Kim Fletcher, Ian Moore, Billy Wise and A.V.V.A,  members are Lana Haddox and Rosemarie  Loomis

Secretary’s report: Short and sweet as usual. No one read the minutes on line. Moved seconded and passed as written (but unread).

Treasurer’s report:      Motion to approve by Ed S, 2^nd by Ken R, passed

Membership Update: Pres. Dave enlisted a few more. The chapter now has 281 members and 9 AVVA. Several were recruited at the meeting and with luck be full-fledged members or associates by next meeting.

Old Business:     

1. Richard Brummett read a letter of apology into the record for the Dragoon Scholarship fund which he found out was filling the pockets of a local bureaucrat.
2. Tom Modica presented a budget for the car show in July. After discussion about  need for more porta-potties, Health Dept. certificate and possible problems with selling compact discs, the budget was approved
3. The Whatcom Allied Veteran’s Council will install the Vietnam Memorial this Memorial Day at Green Acres. Memorial bricks can be purchase from Gene G. They will be installed by Veteran’s Day this year.

New Business:

9. New business, after the fact, Pres. Loomis got four volunteers from the C.G. and Ben Brown to move veteran Michael Harrington 16 Jan. 2019. The coast Guards personnel were: PO3 Alexander Harpe, FN Keith Carlson, FN Jordan-EmenySmith and SN Jacob Lieghton.
10. Liz Harmon contacted Pres. Dave to help out the U.S.C.G. folks with gift cards from Fred Meyer during the government shutdown. (25) $20 gift cards were bought and presented on 24 Jan. 2019.
11. This chapter’s Bottle Auction will occur on 23 Feb. 2019 at the VFW Dinner by the VFW Auxiliary is at 18:00 (6:00 pm). Prepare your bottles. We should expect at least 40 folks to attend. The dinner is an auxiliary fund raiser, the bottle auction, a chapter fund raiser. Please RSVP to the post
12. Randy Turnbull appointed as liaison with the Marine Corps League, (for the Memorial Day parade).
13. Elections were held. Motion to retain existing slate of officers, 2^nd no real discussion, approved unanimously. The two Board of Director slots that came open were extended for another year.
14. The chapter has Directors on a rotating schedule with two elected every year. We now will have four slots coming open next year. Is this what the membership wants? The alternative is the election of every board member every year…
15. Lana Haddox is appointed as Chapter Historian.

Good of the Order:

VFW 9301 breakfast on 16 Feb 2019, 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

VFW 1585 breakfast on 24 Feb 2019, 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Don’t forget the Bottle Auction 23 Feb 2019 5:30 to ??

The proceeds from the meal came to $185.

The 50/50 raffle was donated back to the chapter for $72.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:40. Dismissed

Since the first tuesday of January was also the first day of the New Year, and everyone watches football, there was no meeting. In lieu of the meeting minutes here are a couple of “thank yous” we received recently.

“Thank you to the members of Chapter #165 for their generous gift to help with expenses fro care as I battle cancer. It is both heartwarming and encouraging to experience the bond of Vietnam Veterans helping one another. Your gift has allowed us to have Visiting Angels come to the house and assist me with personal needs.

Thank you again.

Yours in Christ

Semper Fi

Alan and Janet Stanchi”

And from Nancy F. Letteri, Executive Director, Children of Vietnam comes this note:

“Sending you and all of the VVA 165 Members wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. During this time of new beginnings and looking to the future, I want to thank you for your on-going support of children in Vietnam whose families have limited resources to support their children’s education. Your gifts do make a difference to lighten the financial burden and encourage pursuit of good grades. Education creates most certainly multiple paths out of poverty for these children.

Attached please find a group photo of VVA 165 sponsored children and a group photo of all of the children.  These photos were taken when I visited the children this past fall. I return to Danang in March and I am hoping my schedule will allow another visit. It is always great fun to see how each child grows.” Editor’s note only “our ” kids photo is shown.