Minutes of 7 March 2023
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, 2nd & 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:
- 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)