October 3, 2022 Minutes

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20 pm) by President Bob Aspiras

Pledge of Allegiance by: Malcolm Oliver

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

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                           A                 2023

          Larry Montgomery, B of D                      P                 2023

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2023

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2023

Guests: Glenda Sinclair, Francisco Ivarra – who shows up so often he should be considered a member.

New members present:

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: 368 VVA  80 AVVA

Old Business:     

          1.      Chuck gave report on the great Honey Crisp Apple giveaway.

2.      Darlene Carlson talked about Wreaths Across America program. Here in NW at Hawthorne Cemetery, Mt. Vernon 17 December.

3.      Glenda Sinclair asked clarity on assistance (financial and otherwise) to veterans and what our Chapter’s role is. Generally first stop is Veterans’ Center and allied veterans’ council.

4.     

New Business:

1. Francisco Ivarra spoke about the 40^th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Memorial (the Wall). Region 8, that’s us guys, will send a delegation to present colors at the wall. Montana is sending 20 or more. This chapter is sending 3 (Bob Aspiras, Ron Wilson and Larry Montgomery) Motion by Dave Loomis to assist with expenses to tune of $2,000.00 per chapter delegate. 2^nd and approved. I didn’t get a copy of the schedule, but there are many official programs 7-12 November.
2. Francisco also discussed the Memo of Understanding between VVA national and Veterans Voice of America regarding the gradual assumption of VSO duties by the Voice as the VVA diminishes through attrition.
3. Ron Wilson noted that Odis Warren – state treasurer is in contact with a chainsaw carver who has created a memorial cross for the families of the 13 who lost their life in the evacuation of Kabul. He needs help in shipping the work, approximately $300 per work. Moved seconded and approved to provide $1,500 to WA State Council for such purpose.
4. Malcolm gave brief update on the struggle to get a real Vets’ Center here in Whatcom. Eight retired docs are ready to serve.
5. Tom G asked for a motion to provide $400.00 to VASH bus pass program at WTA. Moved, seconded and approved.
6. Tom G read letter from Dean Fulton BTC scholarship director and asked membership to think about further endow the scholarship fund. This will carry to next meeting.

          50/50 Raffle Won by: someone I couldn’t see. $30.

Good of the Order:     Don’t forget VFW breakfasts

Motion to adjourn:  at approximately 19:35 (7:35 pm).