Minutes of 5 March 2024

General Meeting called to order at: 18:10 (6:10 pm) by President Richard Carpenter

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

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

Roll Call of officers and Directors:                         term expires

          Richard Carpenter, Pres                          P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 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: Bonnie Porten, Chuck Anderson

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 402, AVVA 125

Old Business:

1. Doc Holliday called for car show volunteers, trophy sponsors raffle donations etc. This is the chief chapter fund raiser for the year. Please participate.
2. Darlene presented certificates to Lee Sung Jou and Kwan Ku Kim.
3. Whatcom County stand down occurs 3 May.
4. Skagit Co. stand down 19-20 April at Skagit Fairgrounds

New Business:

1. Memorial Day Parade needs volunteers. Call John Ferdon 360 318 7521. Tom called for marchers to show up and walk with him.
2. Doug Hudson queries what the 2% tax for veterans goes to. Suggests BoD give report to membership. He questions why not use the annex building for a veterans’ center.
3. VFW considering legal action against United Veterans of Whatcom County, for unauthorized use of the VFW name on promotional materials. The VVA’s name has also been included on the flyer, without permission. Chapter 165 has not endorsed the proposed re-use of the annex building. As a chapter, we should not appear to endorse this proposal. As individuals we are all free to support and / or donate such an effort.
4. President Richard Carpenter resigns his position as of this evening citing personal reasons. V. P. Donna Trecker will preside until a new president is elected for the term (one year).
5. AVVA Steve asked for volunteers for leadership positions. Elections will be held next meeting.

WA State Dept. of Veterans Affairs runs four veterans’ homes in the state. New conditions for residency in the soldiers’ homes apply, so check it out. Total disability is no longer required.

50/50 Raffle: Not held this meeting

Donations: $123  

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 auxiliary hosts a fund raiser on 21 March 15:00 (3:00 pm). Spaghetti dinner will be served at 18:00 (6:00). They also host a breakfast on 31 March 8-10 am. Cost $10.00, $5.00 kids

Motion to Adjourn:  made at 18:40 must be the shortest meeting on record. Thank you, Richard Carpenter, for your efforts to herd this bunch of cats.