General Meeting called to order at: 17:50 (5:50pm) by Pres. Richard C. We led off with the bottle auction. A quick 25 minutes sold all the bottles, netting the chapter $380.

Pledge of Allegiance by: VP Donna T

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                A                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 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: Dr. Park introduced Mr./Mrs. Lee, Carol Orona.

New members present: Curt Wolters, Air Force F-100 pilot

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: 390 VVA, 109 AVVA

Old Business:

1. Bertella Hanson gave a short presentation on Quilts of Valor, an organization she is member of. They create quilts for veterans as a thank you for their service. A question about the time needed to create a quilt. Thinking that they would be particularly appropriate for hospice patients. Answer – probably a month. Call 360 739 6308 for more information.
2. Malcolm O delivered an update to the NW Annex project. Still progressing w/ minimum bureaucratic help. There is a group of 12 physicians fully behind the effort to bring more veterans’ assistance to the county. He also noted that Whatcom Co. veterans of color is looking for ways to become helpful (driving?)
3. John F. gave an update on the Memorial Day Parade
4. Doc H reported on the status of the car show.

New Business:

1. A Board of Directors meeting will be held 9 May at 15:00 at the VFW. Final plans for the Memorial Day picnic is the subject.
2. Steve reported on the book Final arrangements 101. It deals with getting your s__t together before you die, so your family has less to deal with.
3. In that same vein, the AVVA has put out a booklet The Paper Safe a handy booklet to list the information your family will need to receive the benefits you’ve earned.
4. State Council President Francisco Ivarra gave a short talk explaining the National Convention in Orlando this year and the Leadership Conference in Reno next year. Because of our large membership this chapter is allowed 8 delegates to the convention. Pres Ivarra also related that this state has the best Veterans’ Service Officer branch in the nation. It by far brings in the most assistance per capita.
5. The national convention will entertain 12 proposals dealing with the strategic plan for the future of the VVA. It behooves us to send our 8 delegates this year to help decide how to eventually end the organization.

50/50 Raffle: Won by Glenda who donated back to the chapter – setting a good example for us.

Good of the Order: Flag Day parade 17 June at Ocean Shores.

          The Travelling Wall will be on display at Ocean Shores 15-18 June.Motion to Adjourn: at 19:20 7:20pm

General Meeting called to order at: 18:15 (6:15pm) by President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                A                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle                                             P                 2025

New members present: David Ronan, Army Infantry; Otis Noe, Army Engineers; Young S Park, White Horse Brigade ROK

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved. Gene G remarked that we still do not have accounting of $6,000 disbursed for proposed Vets’ Center at NW & Smith Roads. Malcolm O said he will provide documentation next meeting. Ray R made a similar remark concerning the conex box placed on his property. We need a bill of sale.

Membership Update: VVA members: 338, AVVA 106

Old Business:     

          1.      Chapter elections were noted.

2.      National Vietnam Veterans’ Day celebrated at VFW 1585

New Business:

1. Brief report on the WA State Council meeting at Yakima was given by VP Donna T. She noted that our previous chapter president was removed from the VVA.     
2. John F moved support for the Memorial Day Parade in the amount of $1,000. Seconded and approved

          3.      Steve J swore in AVVA officers: Pete Kremen, President; Malcolm Oliver, VP; LeLonni Muggy, Treasurer

          4.      Moved, seconded and approved $500 expenditure to VFW in lieu of rent.

5.      Doc H gave a short report on the Car Show meeting of 3 April. Flyers are printed, ready for distribution. Tee shirts are on the way. We still need volunteers to do set-up, take-down, parking, judging, and other tasks.

6.      Veterans’ Benefits Fair at the Veterans Resource Center, South Whidbey Community Center, 723 Camano Avenue, Building C. Call 360=331-8081 for more info.

7.      Our Chapter Dinner and Bottle Auction happens this month, April 21 at 5:pm VFW main hall NOT the basement. The dinner is potluck, so bring a dish to share.

8.      Gene G reported on the War on Terror Memorial to be placed in Greenacres. An eagle scout, Janon Gill, is heading the effort. M/S/A to give $2,000 to the Whatcom Allied Veterans’ Council to help fund this memorial.

9.      Mike McCafferty from Regenesis Biomedical gave a short presentation on the Provant Infinity therapy system, using electrical stimulation to relieve pain. This is VA approved, and he is willing to help applying for this therapy. An information packet was supplied to all.

          50/50 Raffle Won by: Mary $33

Good of the Order: Board of Directors meeting will be held at 15:00 (3:00pm) May 2^nd.

Motion to adjourn:  M/S/A adjourned at 19:25 (7:25pm)

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by Interim President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: David Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers: Richard Carpenter, Donna Trecker, Tom Grinstad, David Loomis, Sam Houston, Ray Radke, Chuck Muggy, Doc Holliday                                                             

Guests: No guests introduced

New members present: Larry Shrerrer – helicopter pilot, John Rafter -Army I did not get MOS

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: Loomis stated 385 VVA and 104 AVVA members

Old Business:     

          1.      1 March 2023 the chapter held a special meeting to elect Interim President Richard Carpenter and Interim Vice President Donna Trecker. They will preside over this meeting and the election.  

New Business:

          1.      Officer nominations: Richard Carpenter – President, Donna Trecker – Vice President, Tom Grinstad – Secretary/treasurer. Elected unanimously for a two-year term.

          2.      Board of Director nominations: David Loomis, Lonnie Rose, Doc Holliday, Sam Houston, Dan Norvell. All elected unanimously for a two-year term.

          3.      Glinda Sinclair gave a short presentation on the PACT Act. She urged all veterans to apply for services. The act expands the veterans’ benefits. There is now a presumption of conditions. To apply the only documents you need is a doctor’s diagnosis and your DD214. There is nothing to lose. Glinda repeatedly urged us all to apply.

          4.      VVA State Council President Francisco Ivarra spoke next. He corrected the agenda listing of the Council meeting which actually starts at 8:30 in the morning at the Yakima Warriors Association Building in Toppenish, WA. After the meeting is an opportunity to attend the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” at Sarge Hubbard Park in Yakima. This event is sponsored by the Yakima Warriors Association. More info will be distributed at the Council meeting.

Lodging is available at the Legends Casino Hotel. Reservations 1-877-726-6311, VVA code 4054. Nightly rate: $95.23. Chapter presidents and delegates will be reimbursed for Friday night only.

National VVA President Jack McManus will attend. The keynote speaker is Connie Evans, nurse from the Vietnam War.

Francisco commented on the temporary suspension of our former president, Robert Aspiras. President Ivarra went through a short chronology of events that led up to Asprias’ removal. These minutes will not go into any detail. Francisco Ivarra consulted with national counsel Patricia Harris and constitutionalist Leslie Delong to ensure the steps to take. The Washington State VVA Disciplinary Committee indicated that there was misconduct and that sanctions on Mr. Aspiras will include immediate suspension of this office and membership.

          50/50 Raffle Won by: Doc Holliday $31.00

Good of the Order:

1. rsvp@pnwnam.org or to 360-240-9500. Please provide name and number in party. Cost is $20, pay at door.

Motion to adjourn:  by acclamation at 19:35 (7:35pm)

Minutes of 1 March 2023 Meeting

Call to order by Secy/treas. Tom Grinstad @ 13:00 (1:00pm)

Attending 17 VVA members quorum assured

Tom noted he was the only chapter officer left standing, and so must run the meeting. He stated for accuracy and for the record, he will record the meeting, if there are no objections. No objections raised.

The reason for the special meeting:

1. President Bob Aspiras is suspended by Washington State Council.
2. Vice President Ron Wilson transferred his membership to the Sedro Wooley Chapter, leaving Grinstad as sole officer.
3. Need for someone to run next regular chapter meeting, which is the elections meeting.
4. Have a volunteer for interim president position Richard Carpenter member number 1382491
5. Volunteer for interim vice president position Donna Trecker no. 1398377.

Motion to elect interim president Carpenter and vice president Trecker by David Loomis, second by Ray Radke, carried unanimously.

Ben Brown asked that the membership be apprised of the reason(s) for the suspension and departure. Tom assured all that as soon as we have official notice of the reasons they will be forwarded to the membership.

State delegates selected are Charles Muggy and Lonnie Rose. They will attend the next state council meeting in April in Toppenish.

Ray offered a draft contract for the placement of the chapter’s conex storage container on his property. Discussion followed; he will present a final version for signature at the March chapter meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 13:16 (1:16pm)

General Meeting called to order at: 18:00 by President Bob Aspiras

Pledge of Allegiance by: Malcolm Oliver

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Robert Aspiras, Pres                                 P                 2023

          Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2023

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2023

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2023

          Randy Turnbull, B of D                             A                 2023

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2023

          Raymond Radke, B of D                           P                 2023

          Larry Montgomery, B of D                      P                 2023

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2023

          Duane Holliday, B of D                            P                 2023

Guests: Chuck Anderson

New members present: Wayne Land, Chu Choi

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: None given this month VVA 377, AVVA 98

Old Business:     

          1.      Malcolm Oliver gave a short report on NW Annex meeting of 04 January. David Fuentes of WA State Veterans’ Affairs is due here on 27 February for meeting.

2.      Purchased storage unit will be placed at Harbor Lands property Portal Way Ferndale

3.      Darlene updated progress on WA Historical Society Plaque. If the Society gets funding and plaque, then the local DAR will support.

New Business:

1. Nominations and election for officers and directors occurs at March meeting. In the running:

President             Bob Aspiras

Vice President     Donna Trecker

Secy/Treas.         Tom Grinstad

Board of Directors:

Chuck Muggy               Dan Norvell

 Doc Holliday                Sam Houston

Ray Radke

• State Delegate Nominees:

Larry Montgomery      Richard

George

          3.      27 February meeting with David Puente, DAR, gold star here in Bellingham.

          4.      Discussion and vote to change general meeting time and day. Vote taken and the result is that we stay the same (1^st Tuesday at 18:30 – dinner at 5:30 pm) 20 votes remain the same 9 votes to change.

          5.      21 February PACT ACT speaker Elizabeth Witowski provides the latest info. VFW Post in Lynden at noon.

          50/50 Raffle Won by: did not see who $30

Good of the Order:    

Motion to adjourn:     19:10 (7:10pm)