Minutes of 4 March 2025

General Meeting called to order at: 18:12 by Pres. David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Ken Rood

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                                  A                 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: David & Yvette Cassel, Bob & Bonnie Parker, John & Tracey York

New members present: Mark & Nancy West

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 415, AVVA – 139

Old Business:

1. National Convention – the chapter is allowed 3. Happening 5 – 9 August in New Orleans.
2. National Vietnam War Veterans Day 29 March. WA state 30 March.
3. State Council meeting is 19 April in Toppenish, Yakima Warriors Veterans Building.

Doc Holliday and Dave Loomis got certificates for Memorial Day Parade. Mark West got certificate for exceptional recruiting to the chapter. John York is recognized for construction of two more wheelchair ramps.

New Business:

1. A slate of officers and directors presented to membership and approved by acclimation. President – David Orona, V.P. – Mike Slocum, Secretary/Treasurer – Tom Grinstad, Membership chair – David Loomis. Directors: Lonnie Rose, Sam Houston, Charles Muggy, Doc Holliday Dan Norvelle, Donna Trecker
2. AVVA officers are in mid-term. Election will be next year.
3. VFW 1585 will have Soup Cook-Off. A fund raiser. Be there.
4. Car Show meeting 11 March at 15:00 (3:00 pm) at VFW basement
5. 13 March National K-9 Veterans’ Day
6. VFW 1585 annual Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner. I didn’t get the time.
7. Authorize $850 to VFW 1585 for increase in insurance.
8. State Council President Francisco Ivarra addressed the crowd.
9. A new chapter is forming in Bremerton, a sign of increasing membership state wide.
10. Nationally the VVA is:
11. Pressuring Congress to continue funding for POW/MIA searches. Approximately 1,170 still unaccounted for.
12. Urging Congress to continue toxic exposure research act.
13. Promoting blue water Navy exposure to past the 12-mile limit existing today.
14. Push for claim review within 48 hours of receipt.
15. Emphasize the problem of suicide prevention of veterans. Not only young persons’ problem. Vets 75+ have a 5% increase in suicides…
16. National has homeless program. The vets’ hospital in L.A. is unused – working to get changed for residences. Guesstimate of homeless vets is 100k – 150k…
17. VVA will push for a Congressional Medal of Freedom for the Donut Dollies who served in the Red Cross in Vietnam.

24 April is wreath laying at the call in the other Washington. Francisco will be there representing the real Washington.

Steve mentioned that hazardous exposure in Fort Ord and Seaside CA. Donations:  $145 collected this evening