2 September 2025

General Meeting called to order at: 18:03 (6:03pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

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

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                                P                 2027

Guests: Ann Giarde, Sue Richardson, Yvonne Goldsmith, Ernesto Puenes, Jennifer Ellis, Ruth Feliciano, Clay Haskell, Meghan Lippert, Lyle Sorenson

New members present: Johnson 52^nd Aviation Battalion, Lou Coister

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 425, AVVA – 154

Old Business:

1. Doc Holliday gave a short report on the Car Show. Financially it was a success. There were 338 cars registered with 12 no-shows. The Car Show is our funding. Without it we have no operating money.

The Welcome Home Picnic in Sedro Woolley, hosted by Ande Mitchele had a large turnout. A very successful event.

New Business:

1. Meghan Lippert gave a short talk about the Vets’ Center at Bellingham Technical College. It is a study space for veterans. It functions like a counseling center as well. It is stocked with coffee and snacks. The entry is restricted to vets and is self-policed on an honor system. Meghan fielded questions about the space and its uses.
2. A short ceremony with Pete Kremen as emcee, presented the charter to the AVVA Chapter 1165. Jennifer Ellis and Ruth Feliciano did the honors. They showed a slide show of Chapter 805, exemplifying the work they do.
3. VVA State President gave a short recap of the events at the VVA National Convention. The big news is that the proposed legacy society was defeated. Officers were elected. Jeannie was elected as National VSO officer. State council meeting 11 October. September is national suicide prevention month.
4. Moved, 2^nd and approved to fund BTC Vets Lounge to $2,500.
5. Moved 2^nd and approved to donate $10,000 to BTC scholarship endowment.
6. Moved 2^nd and approved $500 to VFW to assist with janitorial costs.

Doug talked about the Canadian Walk for Veterans. Occurs in Abbotsford walking about 1 ½ mile around Mill Lake 20 September, all invited.

50/50 Raffle: Shannon Loomis won $29 after being dragged back into the hall.

Donations: $290

Good of the Order: Eileen asked for yarn donations to make blankets for new moms and elderly.

Darlene 13 September classic car show in Lynden

VFW 1585 breakfast 28 September 8 to 10 am. Cost $11/adult $5/kids under the age of 12.

Ken Richardson VFW burgers & brats night 12 September.

Salmon for Soldiers down in Skagit September 13&14.

Motion to Adjourn:  19:27 (7:27pm)