Minutes of 2 May 2023

General Meeting called to order at: 17:50 (5:50pm) by Pres. Richard C. We led off with the bottle auction. A quick 25 minutes sold all the bottles, netting the chapter $380.

Pledge of Allegiance by: VP Donna T

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                A                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2025

Guests: Dr. Park introduced Mr./Mrs. Lee, Carol Orona.

New members present: Curt Wolters, Air Force F-100 pilot

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: 390 VVA, 109 AVVA

Old Business:

1. Bertella Hanson gave a short presentation on Quilts of Valor, an organization she is member of. They create quilts for veterans as a thank you for their service. A question about the time needed to create a quilt. Thinking that they would be particularly appropriate for hospice patients. Answer – probably a month. Call 360 739 6308 for more information.
2. Malcolm O delivered an update to the NW Annex project. Still progressing w/ minimum bureaucratic help. There is a group of 12 physicians fully behind the effort to bring more veterans’ assistance to the county. He also noted that Whatcom Co. veterans of color is looking for ways to become helpful (driving?)
3. John F. gave an update on the Memorial Day Parade
4. Doc H reported on the status of the car show.

New Business:

1. A Board of Directors meeting will be held 9 May at 15:00 at the VFW. Final plans for the Memorial Day picnic is the subject.
2. Steve reported on the book Final arrangements 101. It deals with getting your s__t together before you die, so your family has less to deal with.
3. In that same vein, the AVVA has put out a booklet The Paper Safe a handy booklet to list the information your family will need to receive the benefits you’ve earned.
4. State Council President Francisco Ivarra gave a short talk explaining the National Convention in Orlando this year and the Leadership Conference in Reno next year. Because of our large membership this chapter is allowed 8 delegates to the convention. Pres Ivarra also related that this state has the best Veterans’ Service Officer branch in the nation. It by far brings in the most assistance per capita.
5. The national convention will entertain 12 proposals dealing with the strategic plan for the future of the VVA. It behooves us to send our 8 delegates this year to help decide how to eventually end the organization.

50/50 Raffle: Won by Glenda who donated back to the chapter – setting a good example for us.

Good of the Order: Flag Day parade 17 June at Ocean Shores.

          The Travelling Wall will be on display at Ocean Shores 15-18 June.Motion to Adjourn: at 19:20 7:20pm