Minutes of 3 September 2024
General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by President David Orona
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
David Orona, 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 A 2025
Roll call of officers AVVA:
Pete Kremen A 2025
Steve P 2025
Malcolm Oliver A 2025
Lelonni Muggy P 2025
Summer P 2025
Guests: Steve Peterson, Lamar McKay, Frank ,
New members present:
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA-404, AVVA-132
Old Business:
- Doc Holliday gave a short report and thanks to volunteers to the car show of 21 July. Tom G gave totals for the expenses and income gained. 350 cars registered, 10 no-shows.
- New car show meeting will be in January 2025. Doc needs to know who will be available (volunteers) for the new show.
New Business:
- Gene Goldsmith gave a short history of the scholarship fund. He recounted the way that the chapter decided to endow the Bellingham Technical College. He then read a short thank-you letter from one of the recipients. Gene moved to take $20k from the savings account and add to the endowment. Seconded and approved. The endowment basis remains – the scholarships are funded from the interest on the total.
- Gene noted that this chapter needs to have delegates to the next national convention, occurring in New Orleans next summer. He moved that the chapter provide $ 4,500 to assist delegates to attend. Seconded and approved.
- Gene also made a pitch for drivers for the DAV van, which provides transport for veterans down to VA.
- Check your VA cards for expiration date. Gene noted that his card was near expiration. He got it renewed and he can go to the Navy Exchange. You can do it online. Steve got his in 12 days.
- Muggy moved to buy a case of toilet paper for the VFW. Seconded and approved.
- Board of Directors meeting synopsis by Tom G: Website masters are retiring and need to find some support. VASH bus passes have been funded to the amount of $1,500 so far this year, with likely one more $500 before year’s end.
- Steve had a meeting with state AVVA, CVOC in Mt. Vernon are to move and build their own building with an unrealistic date in 2025. He described the location, south of College Way and east of 18th street. He has CVOC info. He also described the fishing trip provided for gratis.
- Steve also noted that the port of Sumas and Lynden are expanding. Funded by the Infrastructure Act a couple of years ago. The project will provide jobs for a couple of years, with good wages. So, anyone with family or friends looking for work, Info meeting at Bellingham Library Wed. 4 Sept. or in Sumas on Thurs. 5 Sept. Jobs will be paid per diem at prevailing wage.
50/50 Raffle: Steve returned his winnings. $97 total, thanks Steve!
Donations: $187
Good of the Order: VFW garage sale 13-15 Sept. at the post.
Kenny Payne memorial pig roast is 28 Sept. 17:00 (5:00pm)
VFW breakfast 29 Sept 8:00 – 10:00
Motion to Adjourn: 19:00