Minutes of 4 May 2021
General Meeting called to order at: 18:29 by President Dave Loomis
Pledge of Allegiance by: VP Ron Wilson
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
George Douglas, B of D P 2022
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2022
Guests: Mike Self – possible new member, Dorothy Rood, Ruth Ashe, Malcolm Oliver, Bob Garrison, Ande Mitchelle and Francisco Ivarra
New members present: Vicky Wise (AVVA), Rita Welters (VVA)
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Old Business:
1. Doc Holliday briefed membership on progress of planning for the upcoming car show. As the pandemic is still a concern, everything is tenuous. But the aim is to hold it on 18 July 2021 at the Barkley Village parking lot (off Woburn)
New Business:
- State Council President Francisco Ivarra talked about the recent council meeting. All the present officers were re-elected. He reiterated the idea that VVA is in the business of caring and doing the best it can for vets. No matter which conflict. The state has the best record of service grants in the nation. Our VSOs are #1 in the nation at processing claims. Ivarra also restated the idea o fighting a proposed change to the VVA, making it not a “last member standing” organization. He stated that the upcoming November national convention will be a fight with national leadership.
President Ivarra said to lobby members of Congress to support veterans’ affairs. The proposed budget is in the range of $9.6 billion an increase of approx. 7.6%
- V.P. Ron W noted the donation can for the meal. He also discussed the former NorBell building at Smith and Northwest Roads. Several people did a walk through and around. Consensus was that the building is worth saving. Lobbying efforts to acquire the property for veterans will commence.
- The chapter has received a Mercury van as a donation. Discussion ensued regarding a raffle to dispose of it and raise money at the same time.
- There is a need for volunteers to dig foundation holes for the DAR Gold Star Mothers memorial at Greenacres. Ken Carlson stepped up. (Or should I say, sat up?)
- Veterans’ appreciation picnic in Sedro Wooley was announced. Motion, second and approved expenditure of $1,000.00. in support.
- May 14, bottle auction and pot luck dinner at VFW 1585. Starts at 6:00pm (18:00). Proceeds to VFW 1585.
- 22May at 14:00 a memorial service for Mike Boice, member of the board of directors will be held at River of Life Church in VanZandt.
- 22 May VFW 1585 has a dinner with silent auction. Doors open at 4:00pm, dinner at 5:00 (or take out). Cost is $10.00 all proceeds to VFW.
- 29 May, VFW 1585 will hold Flo Simon BBQ. Band is Ever Leaf, come enjoy the food and music. By donation.
- 31 May 10:30 am VFW 9301 HOLDS A Memorial Day ceremony at the Lynden Cemetery. Guest speaker is sheriff Bill Elfo.
- Also, on 31 May at 1:00pm (13:00) the chapter hosts our annual Vietnam Veterans Picnic at Hovander Park. Brins a favorite dish to share. The chapter provides drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers and condiments. Need a few volunteers to set up / take down. Talk to Pres. Dave.
- 4 June at 13:00 (1pm) our chapter conducts a memorial service for Jose Sonora, Rosemarie Loomis’ brother. It will be at Greenacres. All members are encouraged to attend.
Good of the Order:
Rosemarie requests pictures of your service in Vietnam.
Please save soda & beer tabs to support breast cancer research. Bring exhausted toner cartridges and the tabs to the next meeting.
50/50 Raffle Won by: Rosie Loomis – she’s a real winner.
Meal donations collected $ 150.00.
Motion to adjourn: adjourned at 19:24 (7:24pm)