Minutes of 6 May 2025

General Meeting called to order at: 18:23 (6:23pm) by Pres. David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                     P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                A                 2027

Guests: Joan Van Easkin, Margaret McVay, Chuck Anderson, Bonnie Parten, Rowan Meadows

New members present:

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 412, AVVA 143

Old Business:

1. Reminded membership that National Convention is August 6-9 in New Orleans. We have two more slots that can be partially funded. The opening is there – go.

2. Memorial Day Parade happens 24 May starting at noon. I encourage all to come and participate. You can walk a mile and wave at the crowds. But no candy throwing.

New Business:

1. The VVA Veterans Service Officer for the region, Rowan Meadows, talked to us about the assistance she can give to us regarding VA benefits. She has access to the VA data base and can mightily help in your claims. She passed out cards and a sheet of information with contacts for all manner of problem solutions. Her office is different than Liz Witowski’s (which is under the county). Rowan’s  contact info: cell 360 381 6393, vvameadows@gmail.com.
2. 17 May is Armed Forces Day, strut in your finest.
3. 26 May Whatcom Allied Veterans Council conducts the Avenue of Flags Ceremony at Greenacres Cemetery. The ceremony starts at noon. Lunch is provided by American Legion Post 7.
4. That same day May 26, we hold our Memorial Day Picnic at Hovander Park in Ferndale. The chapter provides the hot dogs, and hamburgers. Please bring a side dish or dessert. Rosemarie says to bring your happy face, and your family.
5. The next car show meeting is on 29 May at 15:00 (3:00pm). At the VFW in our normal meeting place in the basement.
6. Steve reiterated that the AVVA region 8 Director will be at the meeting to give the chapter its official charter which makes them a real AVVA chapter, with all the bells and whistles that entails. So show up to the meeting and give them your support……

Donations: meal $93.

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 breakfast is 25 May 8:00-10:00. Cost is $11/adults $5/kids

Motion to Adjourn: I failed to get the exact time and who made the motion. But we adjourned anyway.