Minutes of 6 April 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 18:16 by President Dave Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: Pres. Loomis
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Loomis, Pres P 2022
Ron Wilson, VP P 2022
Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer P 2022
Ken Richardson, B of D A 2022
Randy Turnbull, B of D P 2022
Sam Houston, B of D P 2022
Gene Goldsmith, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2022
George Douglas, B of D A 2022
Guests: Bob Garrison, Daniel Park, Kil Soo Han, Francisco Ivarra,
New members present: Chuck Muggy VVA, LeLoris Muggy AVVA
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: 306 VVA, 58 AVVA
Old Business:
1. Car Show Committee is proceeding on the assumption that we will have one this year. The next committee meeting is 8 April.
2. National Vietnam War Veterans’ Day celebration at the Lynden Pioneer Museum was “Great”. Music, dancing, food and conversation. Member Howard Vanbeek made a generous donation.
New Business:
1. VFW 1585 will have a pre-garage sale 16 April 3-6 pm prior to general public sale 17 April 9am to 3pm.
2. 14 May the chapter will co-host a bottle auction with VFW 1585 starting at 6pm. Please bring a wrapped bottle and potluck dish to share.
3. Our chapter is now 26th in membership nationally, let’s make it into the top 25, huh?
4. Chapter annual picnic is scheduled for 31 May at Hovander Park, start time 1pm (13:00) for all you.
5. The National Records Center (NPRC) provides a website for veterans to get access to their DD-214s online. http://vetrecs.archives.gov another access might be http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records Military veterans and next of kin may use this to request documents. Others with a need for documents must complete Standard Form 180 which can be downloaded from the NPRC to process the request. This new web-based application is designed to provide better service for these requests.
6. Dr. D. Park spoke about the effort to get the ROK soldiers who fought beside us in Vietnam recognized by the DOD.
7. State council President Francisco Ivarra announced that national has postponed the convention until November 2-6, still in Greensboro, NC. This probably will be one of the final conventions, due to membership age. A decision will be made as to whether the VVA is a “last man standing” organization.
Francisco attended a chapter meeting in Yakima, which recognized the 737 Transportation Company. They delivered millions of gallons of fuel in 68-69. The state council presented a plaque to memorize this feat.
8. Moved, seconded and approved to give VFW 9301 $500 to defray costs of the Vietnam War Veterans’ Day celebration.
9. Whatcom County plans to tear down the old nursing home site of the present Planning Department. Ron W. spoke about possibly reusing the building for housing homeless veterans. Decision to propose to county council. Other options were expressed. The letter will get this matter in the door, so to speak.
10 Gene G. announced that the DAV van is nearly ready. He will pick up next Monday to get the logos applied. When the GPS is installed, it will be ready to transport vets to the VA in Seattle. New drivers needed.
11. Doc H. reiterated that car show contributions should be provided with a W9 form for tax purposes. He also noted updates to the website should be made.
12. Proposal that instead of passing the hat for dinner contributions a bucket for donations should be provided. Generally approved.
50/50 Raffle Won by: Chuck Muggy, $26
Good of the Order:
Meal donations collected $ 124, spent $147.10.
Motion to adjourn: Approved at 19:08 (7:08pm)