Minutes of 3 January 2023
General Meeting called to order at: 18:15 by President Robert Aspiras. Bob remarked that he is trying to take us to a “better place” where we can leave disagreements at the door.
Pledge of Allegiance by: Prexy Bob
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Prexy Bob
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: Doug & Arlene Hudson, Jesse McCully, Merlyn Mitchell, Ande Mitchelle, Bob Ferguson, Bob “The Animal” Garrison
New members present: Joe Macari
Secretary’s report: no action
Treasurer’s report: no action
Membership Update: VVA = 369, AVVA = 95
Old Business:
1. The chapter has purchased a conex box for storage to be based at Ron Wilson’s property. The purchase was made from Joe Macari (Refrigerator Conssultant) of MJS Industries in Ferndale.. We now will relinquish the rented conex and return it to Everson Mini-storage. To occur this month.
2. President Bob noted that he had been interviewed by a Senior Editor, Ian Murphy of the YGS Group in Chicago for a publication regarding, Chapter 165’s recruiting, renovation of the NW Annex, the fund-raising of the Annual Car Show and assistance to local veterans in need, including homelessness, free bus passes upon request and recovery from natural disasters. Also our chapter is involved in helping veterans acquire marketable job skills by maintaining a scholarship endowment of more than $105,000 at the Bellingham Technical College.
3. Ray Radke was in the spotlight this meeting. He recounted his early life and how he came to be in the army. It was a long and interesting tale. He retired after 30 years with the rank of sergeant major (command?).
New Business:
1. Ron Wilson presented checks of $1,000 & $500 to treasurer.
2. Francisco Ivarra, state council president, spoke on the VVA’s VSO work. Washington still leads the nation in the work of our VSOs. The state awarded the council a $240,000 grant to continue the work.
3. Pres. Ivarra presented certificates of appreciation to: Dave and Rosie Loomis, Chuck and Lelonni Muggy, Doc Holliday and Bob Aspiras. Additionally, special awards and recognition to Larry Montgomery and Ron Wilson.
4. Motion by Dave Loomis to move the meeting time and day to the first Wednesday of the month at 12:30PM. After much discussion, the proposal was tabled until next month.
5. Motion by Larry Montgomery to support this year’s Welcome Home Picnic to the amount of $1000. Seconded and approved by voice vote.
6. Motion by Doc Holliday to provide flowers to the Goldsmiths for the funeral of their son. Seconded and approved.
7. Next car show meeting is February 6th at 3PM. Next VVA meeting is Tuesday, February 7th with dinner at 5:30PM and meeting at 6:30PM.
50/50 Raffle Won by: Virginia Crawford $32
Good of the Order: Next month nominations for officers and directors. Be thinking who you would like to serve you in these capacities. Motion to adjourn: made at 19:35 (7:35 pm)