Minutes of 5 November 2019

General Meeting called to order at: 18:35

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                                          A                 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                                       A                 2021

Guests: No new guests

New members present: Steve Crooks, USMC

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 292, AVVA 38

Old Business:     

1. VP Ron Wilson gave a short summary of the State Council meeting held 26 Oct. 2019. The major issues were: determining the fate of the VVA, whether it is a “last man standing” organization or be folded into another veterans’ group. The second major item was to encourage all members of the VVA to register on the Agent Orange Registry. Any member who served in Vietnam (or on ship w/in 12 miles of the shore) is deemed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. The effects of AO can show in descendants – kids and grandkids etc. they would be eligible for benefits. So do it. You can call Dr. Steve Hunt 206-764-2181 for an appointment.
2. The Growing Veterans dinner and auction fund raiser will be held at Semiahmoo Golf Club from 17:00 to 21:00 on 16 Nov 2019. For more information call 360 445 2399.
3. A Veteran’s Identification Card is available as of 2015. To obtain this id card go to vets.gov click on “Apply for Printed Veteran IDCard” on the bottom left of the page.

New Business:

1. Certificates of appreciation from the chapter were presented to Ginny and Jim Pace by Gene Goldsmith, for their longstanding work for veterans at the Vet Center.
2. Studio UFO Gallery has a show with the theme “What the word veteran means”. On Sat. 9 Nov from 3pm to 5pm (15:00-17:00) any and all veterans will be honored.
3. On Sun. 10 Nov. is a dinner and dance celebrating the Marine Corps and the American Legion Post 7, beginning at 6:30 (18:30). The cost is $25/person. For info and tickets call Perry Mendenhall 360-739-4519.
4. Veterans’ Day 11 Nov. is a BBQ dinner and football game (Seahawks) the cost is 0 for veterans – got that? – nothing!! Donations will be gladly accepted.
5. Lonnie announced that VFW post 9301 will have a short program and lunch at the post on 11 Nov starting at 11:00. All are welcome.
6. December 6, 2019 – a day that will not live in infamy – the VVA in cahoots with the DAV and the VFW Auxiliary will put on a roast sirloin dinner. Seating is limited to 125, so call Cindy Mellema 360-371-3597 to ensure your place at the table.
7. The car show committee will meet on 6 Jan 2020 at 10:00 at Denny’s restaurant in the bar. Yes it is time to begin in earnest the planning for the next show, which happens on 19 July 2020. Any suitable donations for the raffle table can be dropped off at Dave Loomis’ house 619 Darby Drive.
8. Rich Martinez is looking for military stories that he can incorporate in his next book. If you have a story or two (and who doesn’t) contact him. His email is: rcmartinez69@outlook.com

50/50 Raffle Won by Steve Crooks $25 to the kitty.

Good of the Order:

16 Nov 8:00-11:00 breakfast at VFW Post 9301 7011 Hannegan Road.

16 Nov 8:00-10:00 breakfast at VFW Post 1585, 625 N. State Street put on by the Boy Scouts

Ed Simmers thanked everyone for “no politics” in a meeting which fell on Election Day

Ray Radke commended Rosemarie Loomis on the name tags supplied.

Meal donations collected $211.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:15. Dismissed

General Meeting called to order at: 18:50

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

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

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                                            A                 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                                 A                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                       A                 2021

Guests: Dee Stahl, Anne Cantrell, Deb & Bill Royal

New members present: Dick Danson

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

Tom G read thank you notes from scholarship recipients Allie Mosac and Alex Ambrose.

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 291, AVVA 35

Old Business:     

1. State Council President Francisco Ivarra gave a quick account of the national convention held in Spokane last July. He noted the problem that the VVA will shortly face – whether or not it will exist. Vietnam veterans are dying at a faster rate than either WWII or Korea vets. The probable cause is Agent Orange. While the VVA is more effective in producing change in legislation than other vets organizations, because of its rate of decimation it will have to be absorbed by another entity or it’s “the last man standing”.
2. Saturday October 12 the annual Women’s Professional Network will honor Homegrown Heroes and Growing Veterans programs. The event is at Northwood Hall (3240 Northwest Ave. Bellingham from 11:00 to 14:00.
3. 26 October the state council of the VVA holds a meeting at the pancake house on Snoqualmie pass from 10:00 to 13:00. Anyone is welcome.
4. The Growing Veterans dinner and auction fund raiser will be held at Semiahmoo Resort from 17:00 to 21:00. For more information call 360 445 2399.

New Business:

1. V.P. Ron Wilson presented certificates of thanks to Dee and Bill Royal, who for 40 years have been unofficial grave keepers for USMC Pvt. Roger Dale Bragg who is buried in Bayview Cemetery.

Doc Holliday presented a thank you to the Boices for their support of the car show. Also a certificate to Ken Richardson, who slipped out of the meeting.

2. Pres. D. Loomis expressed gratitude to the Gearheads car club who supported our car show with a donation of $500.
3. Veteran’s ride & potluck at Faith Equestrian Center, 3534 Birch Bay-Lynden Road this Sat. 5 October from 17:00-20:00 (5pm – 8pm). This can have remarkable results for those suffering from PTSD. Call 360 318 6375 for more info.
4. Oktoberfest happens at the AL Post 7 on 11 October from 17:00 to 19:00.
5. VFW Post 1585 will have annual Alice & Elaine Chili Cook-off on 25 October starting at 18:00. Cost is $5 per person, or a pot of chili. Halloween costumes are optional but encouraged. Bring the family.
6. The next official car show committee is 6 January 2020 at Denny’s on Telegraph Road. Meeting starts at 10:00. Donations for the car show raffle can be brought to the meeting or dropped off at Dave Loomis’ house.
7. Gene G. tried to recruit volunteers to sell Veteran’s Day poppies at the three Haggen stores. Four hour shifts. Proceeds to the DAV for the van fund.
8. Gene G. announced the DAV van now has 12 drivers, but can use more, as Sedro Wooley, Oak Harbor and Stanwood have no drivers.

50/50 Raffle Won by Ruth Ashe $33 to the kitty.

Good of the Order:

19 Oct 8:00-11:00 breakfast at VFW Post 9301 7011 Hannegan Road.

27 Oct. 8:00-10:00 breakfast at VFW Post 1585, 625 N. State Street.

Meal donations collected $215.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:30. Dismissed

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                                         A                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer    P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       A                 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                                  A                 2021

Guests: Dorothy Rood

New members present: Dan Nouvelle

Secretary’s report: Motion to approve by Gene G, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report:      First Car Show Income Statement presented

July Income Statement & Balance Sheet motion by Ken R. 2^nd approved

August Income St. & Bal. Sheet motion by Ken R. 2^nd & approved

Membership Update: 286 members & 31 AVVA

Old Business:     

1. Review of national convention held in Spokane in July this year by Gene G. Pres. Rowan re-elected again. No one challenged. So the status is stasis. McManus will be new treasurer. In quiet discussion will try to reinstate Jim Pace. Jim will be reinstated as Legion VSO.
2. Review (quick) of Car Show. Doc H gave breakdown of car entries. He said there are three more donations to come. Sam H. presented Bill Cook with a certificate acknowledging his contributions. A Car Show committee meeting will be held on 16 Sep. at 10:00. (unless it changes again). Date for the next Car Show is 19 July 2020. It will be the 10^th. We sure would appreciate any and all help we can get.
3. Gene G spoke about the fund-raising for the Vietnam Memorial; contact him for information to buy bricks.
4. President Dave reviewed quickly the attendance at the Chapter 1109 picnic in Sedro Wooley and the veteran’s lunch at Lairmont Manor on 20 August.

New Business:

1. Member Dan Cantrell spoke about a memorial service of the 50^th anniversary of the death of Roger Bragg in service to the country in Vietnam. The service will be at the Veteran’s Memorial at Bayview Cemetery, Sat. Sept. 7^th at 10:00. Let’s have a good showing of the membership. I apologize for the tardiness of posting. I’ll try to do better n the future…
2. Gene G. reviewed the fiscal position of the scholarship fund at BTC. Basically we have nearly $65,000.00 in funds there. He then presented three motions:

First that the chapter contributes $5,000.00 more to the fund. 2^nd & approved.

Second that the chapter directs BTC to fund four $1,000.00 scholarships for this year. 2^nd & approved.

Third that the chapter contributes $3,000.00 to the DAV van fund. 2^nd & approved.

3. Veteran’s ride & potluck at Faith Equestrian Center, 3534 Birch Bay-Lynden Road this Sat. Sept. 7 from 17:00-20:00 (5pm – 8pm).
4. VFW Post 1585 hosts the 3^rd annual Kenny Paine memorial pig roast at the post on 28 Sept. 18:00 (6 pm).
5. Women’s Professional Network fund raiser honors Homegrown Heroes and Growing Veterans Program  on 12 Oct. 11:00-14:00 (11am-2pm) at the Northwood Hall Casino. Questions call Krista Marie Jones 360 770 4266.
6. State Council VVA meeting on 12 Oct. from 10:00-13:00 (10 am-1pm).
7. 16 Nov. 17:00-21:00 (5-9 pm) Growing Veterans fund raiser dinner and auction. It’s a really good cause. For info call 360 445 2399.
8. I forgot to mention another memoir of Vietnam by veterans. The website is here:  longbinhdaze.com

50/50 Raffle Won by Rosie (again). $21 to the kitty.

Good of the Order:

21 Sept 8:00-11:00 breakfast at VFW Post 9301 7011 Hannegan Road.

29 Sept. 8:00-10:00 breakfast at VFW Post 1585, 625 N. State Street.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:30. Dismissed

On 21 July, 2019 nearly 400 machines reflected the bright sun at our chapter’s ninth annual car show. People were waiting at 7:00 in the morning to register, demonstrating the popularity of the event. This show is a little different than the “normal” car show. The vehicles are classified by decades manufactured and whether the car, truck or motorcycle was built in the Vietnam War years. There are sub-categories (truck, foreign, etc.) the vehicles are placed in. Of course, there are first, second and third place for each category. There is also a people’s choice award selected by the public by ballot. A few of the entries are shown.

Minutes of 2 July 2019

General Meeting called to order at: 18:55 (6:55 pm) by President Dave

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                                           A                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                                  A                 2020

Randy Turnbull, B of D                                P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                             A                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                                 P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                       P                 2021

Guests: Mike Fleming, David Brink, Paul & Barbara Ingram

New members present: Malcolm Oliver AVVA new member,

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

Treasurer’s report:      Moved, seconded and approved

Membership Update: Now have 286 members and 31 AVVA members

Old Business:     

1. National convention is July 16 – 20. We have six delegates attending along with Jim Pace.
2. 2. Car Show update. We still need volunteers to man the registration tables, to help direct traffic, to flog raffle tickets, and other jobs too humorous to mention.  We have only 18 volunteers from the membership.

If you know of some business that could make a donation of a product or service, or just a cash donation, don’t be afraid to hit them up. They will receive a 501 C19 certificate for tax purposes and perhaps increased customer traffic (and income) to their business.

New Business:

1. Blaine has its small town cool parade on July 4^th. The parade starts at noon at Peace Portal and H Street. There is a street fair, live music, a car show and later – fireworks over the bay.
2.  There is no meeting in August. The next meeting will be 3 September at the usual time and place. Got that? No meeting in August.
3.  The Skagit chapter hosts a VVA picnic on 3 August 11:00 to 15:00 at 6254 Fruitdale Road, Sedro Wooley. For further information contact Andy Mitchelle 360 770 0545.
4.  VFW Post 1585 puts on the third Kenny Payne Pig Roast at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on September 28. Be there or be square.
5. On 12 October the Annual Women’s Professional Network honors the Homegrown Heroes and Growing Veterans programs. The event starts at 11:00 and lasts until about 14:00 (2:00). These two programs really help vets. Go support this.
6. National reminds us to not wear any POLITICAL hats, pins, tee shirts etc. to the chapter meetings.

Remember that Melvin Brewing is donating a portion of their $3 pints to the chapter. Go out there and support the chapter by drinking a few. The donation lasts from 30 June to 13 July.

Ron Wilson, veep, won the raffle at $25.

Malcolm led us in a rendition of God Bless America.

Benediction by Chaplain Lonnie Rose

Good of the Order:

Ferndale on the 4^th will have a flag display on the main streets, put up by the Kiwanis. On the four corners of intersections will be POW/MIA flags.

VFW Post 9301 hosts breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 on 20 July.

VFW Post 1585 has their breakfast on 28 July 8:00 to 10:00.

Dinner donations resulted in $171.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:40. Dismissed